Nettle is not easy to harvest since it causes itching and hives upon contact with the skin, but once cooked or dried it is a valuable, nutritious healer.
Used regularly, Nettle leaf infusion is an expectorant that helps reduce mucous conditions of the lungs such as asthma, hay fever and other allergic disorders. It is useful as a pain reliever and a general body tonic.
Nettle contains vital minerals that are essential in resolving many disorders – it is rich in iron, calcium, potassium, silicon, magnesium, manganese, zinc and chromium and other vitamins and minerals.
Nettle infusion strengthens the adrenal glands, eases anxiety, increases energy, helps prevent night sweats, builds blood, protects bones and heart, and contributes to overall prostate health.
It is used to relieve any type of internal hemorrhage.
Nettle infusion is good for anemia, arthritis, kidney problems and malabsorption syndrome. It improves goiter and inflammatory conditions.
Friday, January 29, 2010
Herb Profile: Sage is fortifying
Sage leaf tea is helpful for menopausal disturbances, specifically for reducing or eliminating hot flashes, painful menstruation, anxiety and mood swings.
Mothers who want to wean their babies can drink sage tea to reduce their production of breast milk.
Sage tea is a well-known cold and flu fighter. Drink 3-4 cups for several days.
Gargle cooled tea to treat inflammations such as laryngitis and tonsillitis or use as a mouthwash or swab for infected gums and mouth sores (cankers).
Taken on an empty stomach, sage tea has been proven to lower blood sugar in diabetics.
The fragrance of sage essential oil can relieve mental grief and physical stress.
Sage is delicious in soups, stews and pasta sauces.
Mothers who want to wean their babies can drink sage tea to reduce their production of breast milk.
Sage tea is a well-known cold and flu fighter. Drink 3-4 cups for several days.
Gargle cooled tea to treat inflammations such as laryngitis and tonsillitis or use as a mouthwash or swab for infected gums and mouth sores (cankers).
Taken on an empty stomach, sage tea has been proven to lower blood sugar in diabetics.
The fragrance of sage essential oil can relieve mental grief and physical stress.
Sage is delicious in soups, stews and pasta sauces.
Herb Profile: Calendula is healing
Calendula, also known as ‘Pot Marigold’, is a healing herb made from the plant’s sunny orange or yellow flower petals.
Calendula infusion (tea) is useful in the treatment of gastro-intestinal disorders and problems such as ulcers, indigestion, stomach cramps, diarrhea, gall-bladder problems and worms.
As a blood cleanser, Calendula is a great helper in infectious hepatitis and other liver disorders, and blood in the urine.
Calendula ointment, made from oil-infused calendula petals, is excellent for healing varicose veins, phlebitis and edema, and for healing the skin including wounds, scalds and scrapes, eczema, foot fungus, and brown skin patches. Calendula is known to decrease scarring. Do not use on a wound such as an abscess that needs to drain, because it could heal over too quickly. Cooled infusion helps heal herpes.
As a poultice, Calendula is helpful in healing bruises, sprains or strains.
Calendula tea helps delayed menstruation and painful periods.
Calendula oil or ointment is ideal for babies’ skin problems such as diaper rash and cradle cap. It helps heal sore nipples in nursing mothers.
Well-strained infusion can be used to flush the eyes and treat conjunctivitis.
In the recent past, Calendula has been used to treat various cancers. Herbalist Susan Weed highly recommends infused Calendula oil for breast massage to prevent breast cancer. She found it to be excellent for treating breast ulcers. The Abbe Kneipp, among other well-known European doctors, believed Calendula to be a natural remedy for malignant growth. Dr. Bohn recommended daily drinking of Calendula tea for a prolonged period to treat inoperable cancer. Maria Treban found freshly pressed juice of Calendula to be effective at treating skin cancer and rough cancer-like brown patches. The boiled and cooled infusion heals glandular swellings.
Calendula infusion (tea) is useful in the treatment of gastro-intestinal disorders and problems such as ulcers, indigestion, stomach cramps, diarrhea, gall-bladder problems and worms.
As a blood cleanser, Calendula is a great helper in infectious hepatitis and other liver disorders, and blood in the urine.
Calendula ointment, made from oil-infused calendula petals, is excellent for healing varicose veins, phlebitis and edema, and for healing the skin including wounds, scalds and scrapes, eczema, foot fungus, and brown skin patches. Calendula is known to decrease scarring. Do not use on a wound such as an abscess that needs to drain, because it could heal over too quickly. Cooled infusion helps heal herpes.
As a poultice, Calendula is helpful in healing bruises, sprains or strains.
Calendula tea helps delayed menstruation and painful periods.
Calendula oil or ointment is ideal for babies’ skin problems such as diaper rash and cradle cap. It helps heal sore nipples in nursing mothers.
Well-strained infusion can be used to flush the eyes and treat conjunctivitis.
In the recent past, Calendula has been used to treat various cancers. Herbalist Susan Weed highly recommends infused Calendula oil for breast massage to prevent breast cancer. She found it to be excellent for treating breast ulcers. The Abbe Kneipp, among other well-known European doctors, believed Calendula to be a natural remedy for malignant growth. Dr. Bohn recommended daily drinking of Calendula tea for a prolonged period to treat inoperable cancer. Maria Treban found freshly pressed juice of Calendula to be effective at treating skin cancer and rough cancer-like brown patches. The boiled and cooled infusion heals glandular swellings.
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Herb Profile: Oatstraw is regulating
Oatstraw tea and oats are two of the best remedies for nourishing, strengthening and regulating the entire nervous system, especially when you’re under stress or exhausted, feeling sad or grieving. It’s great for insomnia too!
Oatstraw and oats are high in nerve-cell nutrients such as calcium, iron, phosphorus, B-vitamins, vitamins E, G, and K. Oats is a good source of potassium, carotenes expressed as vitamin A and vitamin C.
Oats is one of the most protein-rich grains available. It’s high in fiber, and low in fat and calories – less than 100 per cup of cooked grain.
Oatstraw’s mild taste and gentle healing properties can help children and adults of all ages with bed-wetting and skin disorders. Regular use of oatstraw can strengthen your adrenal glands, thus helping you heal allergies and menopausal problems such as night sweats.
Herbalist and author Susun Weed writes that consistent use of oats and oatstraw (Avena) in the diet 'usually brings about noticeable improvement in coordination, bone density, length of attention span, balance, memory, sensitivity to pleasant stimuli, clarity of thinking, ability to perceive connections and remedy misconnections, ease of achieving meditative and conscious dream states and overall calmness and centredness.’
Weed writes that Avena “helps clear your blood vessels of fatty deposits and eases the beat of your heart. Avena’s ability to clear cholesterol from blood vessels is much celebrated…In addition to lowering cholesterol levels, a cup or more of oatstraw infusion (tea) daily (or several oatcakes for breakfast) will support and rebuild the heart muscles and circulatory vessels and ease those with heart spasms and palpitations. Avena helps tighten and re-elasticize your veins, eliminating varicosities and hemorrhoids, when used as a bath and a food…Avena’s ability to help you improve your sexual appetite and performance has been touted, praised and sung about for centuries. Avena’s effect is not specifically aphrodisiacal. Instead, oats and oatstraw nourish the nerves, so you receive more pleasure from touching…”
Oatstraw is available at natural food stores that sell bulk herbs.
To use: Pour just-boiled water over one tsp. herb per cup of tea. Strain and enjoy!
Oatstraw and oats are high in nerve-cell nutrients such as calcium, iron, phosphorus, B-vitamins, vitamins E, G, and K. Oats is a good source of potassium, carotenes expressed as vitamin A and vitamin C.
Oats is one of the most protein-rich grains available. It’s high in fiber, and low in fat and calories – less than 100 per cup of cooked grain.
Oatstraw’s mild taste and gentle healing properties can help children and adults of all ages with bed-wetting and skin disorders. Regular use of oatstraw can strengthen your adrenal glands, thus helping you heal allergies and menopausal problems such as night sweats.
Herbalist and author Susun Weed writes that consistent use of oats and oatstraw (Avena) in the diet 'usually brings about noticeable improvement in coordination, bone density, length of attention span, balance, memory, sensitivity to pleasant stimuli, clarity of thinking, ability to perceive connections and remedy misconnections, ease of achieving meditative and conscious dream states and overall calmness and centredness.’
Weed writes that Avena “helps clear your blood vessels of fatty deposits and eases the beat of your heart. Avena’s ability to clear cholesterol from blood vessels is much celebrated…In addition to lowering cholesterol levels, a cup or more of oatstraw infusion (tea) daily (or several oatcakes for breakfast) will support and rebuild the heart muscles and circulatory vessels and ease those with heart spasms and palpitations. Avena helps tighten and re-elasticize your veins, eliminating varicosities and hemorrhoids, when used as a bath and a food…Avena’s ability to help you improve your sexual appetite and performance has been touted, praised and sung about for centuries. Avena’s effect is not specifically aphrodisiacal. Instead, oats and oatstraw nourish the nerves, so you receive more pleasure from touching…”
Oatstraw is available at natural food stores that sell bulk herbs.
To use: Pour just-boiled water over one tsp. herb per cup of tea. Strain and enjoy!
Friday, January 15, 2010
Herb Profile: Raspberry is balancing
You’ve probably never thought of consuming anything more than the delicious red berries, yet red raspberry leaves have important therapeutic uses and they’re nutritious and delicious too!
They contain vitamins A, B, C, G and E and they’re rich in calcium, phosphorus, niacin and iron. They are an excellent source of manganese, a trace mineral used by the body to produce healthy connective tissue, such as bone matrix and cartilage, and an important factor in energy metabolism.
The best way to make these nutrients available for absorption in your body is by making red raspberry leaf tea. Steep 1 tsp dried leaves (1 tbsp fresh leaves) in hot water for 10 minutes. The heat breaks down organic matter and allows it to release its goodness into the water. For extra benefit, make a tea of equal parts red raspberry leaves and nettle leaves to replenish iron-poor blood and related low energy levels.
Red Raspberry leaf tea promotes healthy nails, bones, teeth and skin.
It's a lifelong herb for rebalancing female energy in conditions such as menstrual cramps, morning sickness and hot flashes. Due to the drying effect of the tannins it contains, it reduces excessive menstruation. Red raspberry tea strengthens uterine walls and relaxes uterine and intestinal spasms.
As a tea or tincture it is invaluable for treating diarrhea and dysentery.
Red raspberry tea makes a good mouthwash for sore or infected gums and canker sores.
They contain vitamins A, B, C, G and E and they’re rich in calcium, phosphorus, niacin and iron. They are an excellent source of manganese, a trace mineral used by the body to produce healthy connective tissue, such as bone matrix and cartilage, and an important factor in energy metabolism.
The best way to make these nutrients available for absorption in your body is by making red raspberry leaf tea. Steep 1 tsp dried leaves (1 tbsp fresh leaves) in hot water for 10 minutes. The heat breaks down organic matter and allows it to release its goodness into the water. For extra benefit, make a tea of equal parts red raspberry leaves and nettle leaves to replenish iron-poor blood and related low energy levels.
Red Raspberry leaf tea promotes healthy nails, bones, teeth and skin.
It's a lifelong herb for rebalancing female energy in conditions such as menstrual cramps, morning sickness and hot flashes. Due to the drying effect of the tannins it contains, it reduces excessive menstruation. Red raspberry tea strengthens uterine walls and relaxes uterine and intestinal spasms.
As a tea or tincture it is invaluable for treating diarrhea and dysentery.
Red raspberry tea makes a good mouthwash for sore or infected gums and canker sores.
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Herb Profile: Peppermint is cooling
Peppermint tea is useful to reduce gas and that bloated feeling after eating. It effectively treats heartburn, nausea, coughs, poor digestion, cramps and abdominal pains.
It's great for problems due to nerves including headache, migraine and vomiting and it eases anxiety, tension, nervousness and insomnia.
Nausea associated with sudden shock can be dispelled by inhaling a few drops of peppermint essential oil on a tissue.
Externally, a peppermint tea wash relieves itching and inflammations.
Two or three drops of peppermint essential oil blended in one teaspoon olive oil or sweet almond oil makes an effective analgesic (pain reliever)massage oil for sciatica, arthritis, aches and pains and neuralgia from shingles.
A few drops of peppermint essential oil on a tissue can be used to reduce or eliminate nausea, jetlag, travel and motion sickness, and to clear your head at the onset of a cold or flu.
Peppermint essential oil is an effective pest deterrent. Ants, cockroaches, mice, rats and other pests strongly dislike the odor. Here's an effective alternative to conventional traps and poisons: sprinkle a few drops of peppermint essential oil onto crushed dried peppermint leaves and scatter the mixture where pests hide.
It's great for problems due to nerves including headache, migraine and vomiting and it eases anxiety, tension, nervousness and insomnia.
Nausea associated with sudden shock can be dispelled by inhaling a few drops of peppermint essential oil on a tissue.
Externally, a peppermint tea wash relieves itching and inflammations.
Two or three drops of peppermint essential oil blended in one teaspoon olive oil or sweet almond oil makes an effective analgesic (pain reliever)massage oil for sciatica, arthritis, aches and pains and neuralgia from shingles.
A few drops of peppermint essential oil on a tissue can be used to reduce or eliminate nausea, jetlag, travel and motion sickness, and to clear your head at the onset of a cold or flu.
Peppermint essential oil is an effective pest deterrent. Ants, cockroaches, mice, rats and other pests strongly dislike the odor. Here's an effective alternative to conventional traps and poisons: sprinkle a few drops of peppermint essential oil onto crushed dried peppermint leaves and scatter the mixture where pests hide.
Sunday, January 10, 2010
Herb Profile: Lemonbalm is calming
Lemon Balm is a great-tasting, easy-to-grow garden herb that can ease many conditions including insomnia, fever, viral illnesses, headaches and menstrual cramps.
It is an excellent herb to calm the digestive tract when experiencing bloating, gas pain or spasms, heartburn, upset stomach, vomiting, or burping. Lemon Balm gently calms nervous tummy upsets in children and is potent enough to help with depression, stress, anxiety, palpitations and tension headaches.
Lemon Balm has a tonic effect on the heart and circulatory system, thus lowering blood pressure.
Research has verified that it contains antiviral compounds and clinical studies show that Lemon Balm cream can speed healing of insect bites, sores, slow-healing wounds, and cold sores and genital herpes (when applied in the early stages).
To make loose leaf herbal tea
For one cup: Pour 6 to 8 ounces boiling water on 1 tsp herb. Cover and steep 5 to 10 minutes. Strain. Enjoy!
It is an excellent herb to calm the digestive tract when experiencing bloating, gas pain or spasms, heartburn, upset stomach, vomiting, or burping. Lemon Balm gently calms nervous tummy upsets in children and is potent enough to help with depression, stress, anxiety, palpitations and tension headaches.
Lemon Balm has a tonic effect on the heart and circulatory system, thus lowering blood pressure.
Research has verified that it contains antiviral compounds and clinical studies show that Lemon Balm cream can speed healing of insect bites, sores, slow-healing wounds, and cold sores and genital herpes (when applied in the early stages).
To make loose leaf herbal tea
For one cup: Pour 6 to 8 ounces boiling water on 1 tsp herb. Cover and steep 5 to 10 minutes. Strain. Enjoy!
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Herb Profile: Chamomile is soothing
Chamomile is a traditional remedy for stress, anxiety, indigestion and insomnia. As a tea, it helps reduce colitis, diverticulosis, flatulence, fever, headaches and pain. It is an excellent, gentle sedative that is safe for use with children.
Chamomile is used to heal inflammations such as gastritis; as a mouthwash for mouth inflammations, as a gargle for sore throats, and as an eye-bath for sore eyes. (Make s strong infusion and strain through a coffee filter before using).
Colds and maxillary sinusitis are improved if Chamomile steam is inhaled and then you go to bed to keep warm.
It is effective for weak stomachs and to stimulate appetite. It helps with digestion and is diuretic.
A cup of chamomile tea before bed helps you relax for a good night's sleep.
Chamomile tea is readily available in grocery stores, natural food stores and in most city restaurants.
To make loose leaf herbal tea
For one cup: Pour 6 to 8 ounces boiling water on 1 tsp herb. Cover and steep 5 to 10 minutes. Strain. Enjoy!
Chamomile is used to heal inflammations such as gastritis; as a mouthwash for mouth inflammations, as a gargle for sore throats, and as an eye-bath for sore eyes. (Make s strong infusion and strain through a coffee filter before using).
Colds and maxillary sinusitis are improved if Chamomile steam is inhaled and then you go to bed to keep warm.
It is effective for weak stomachs and to stimulate appetite. It helps with digestion and is diuretic.
A cup of chamomile tea before bed helps you relax for a good night's sleep.
Chamomile tea is readily available in grocery stores, natural food stores and in most city restaurants.
To make loose leaf herbal tea
For one cup: Pour 6 to 8 ounces boiling water on 1 tsp herb. Cover and steep 5 to 10 minutes. Strain. Enjoy!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
