VALERIAN

Scientific name: Valeriana officinalis

Common names: garden valerian, all-heal, common valerian
and garden heliotrope

Description:

Valerian is a hardy perennial flowering plant native to
Europe and parts of Asia. It grows up to 2 feet tall
with small pink or white flowers. The leaves of the
valerian are dark green, pointed at the tip and hairy
underneath.

Part/s used:

Roots, rhizomes and stolons

Dried roots are prepared as teas or tinctures

Medicinal Properties and Uses:

Valerian may cause sedation by increasing the amount of
a chemical called gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the
brain. GABA is an inhibitory neurotransmitter.

Valerian is used as a medicinal herb and is best known
as a herbal remedy for insomnia. It is also used as a
pain reliever and a muscle relaxant.

Valerian is also used to ease headaches, heart
palpitations, stimulate the appetite as well as in lower
the blood pressure.

It is a popular alternative to prescription medications
used for sleeping disorders, restlessness and anxiety.

Valerian is usually taken an hour before bedtime and
shouldn't be taken for more than three months at a time.


Side effects: Pruritus, headache, palpitations,
dizziness and gastrointestinal discomfort.

Precautions:

Women who are pregnant or nursing should not take
valerian without medical advice.

Valerian shouldn't be taken with other medications,
especially those that depress the central nervous system
e.g. sedatives and antihistamines.

Don' t use valerian while driving or when doing things
that require you to be alert.

THOUGH THE CONTENT OF THIS BLOG HAD BEEN TRIED/TESTED
AND HAD BEEN USED AS FOLK/HERBAL MEDICINE IT IS STILL
BEST TO CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR BEFORE TRYING THIS.

Mugwort

 
Scientific name: Artemisia vulgaris

(Also know as Felon Herb, St. John's Plant, Artemisa, Carline   Thistle and closely related to common wormwood)

Description:

It is a perennial herb native to Africa and abounds on hedge banks and waysides in most parts of England. This tall-growing shrubby plant, has angular stems, often of a purplish hue, rising 3 feet or more in height. The
leaves are smooth and of a dark green tint on the upper surface, and covered with a dense cottony down beneath. They are alternate, pinnately lobed, and the segments being lance-shaped and pointed. The small oval flowers are greenish yellow and are arranged in long, terminal panicles with a cottony appearance.

This shrub has been known since the ancient times and used for centuries as an alternative medicine for its antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antispasmodic, hemostatic,  purgative, stimulant, and cleansing
properties. It is also slightly tonic and is of value as a nervine and emmenagogue. Mugwort also has diuretic and diaphoretic action.


Parts Used: Leaves, Stem, roots


The leaves and stems are usually gathered in August and let dry for later herb use. The roots are dug in autumn, cleansed and dried.

Medicinal Properties and Uses:

Constituents: A volatile oil, a sesquiterpene lactone, flavonoids, coumarin derivatives, and triterpenes, an acrid resin and tannin.

* An infusion of the leaves and flowering tops (1 ounce of the herb to 1 pint of boiling water prepared in a covered vessel and given in 1/2 teaspoonful doses, while warm. It is used in the treatment of all conditions
related to the digestive system like bloating, hyperacidity...  and is good for the liver and jaundice.

In similar dose (1/2 teaspoonful), the infusion may be taken cold as a tonic, three times daily.

* As a gargle for sore throat, a wash for sores.

* As a poultice for infections, tumors and to stop bleeding of the uterus.

As a decoction, Mugwort can be used to ease menstrual pain and is also use to reduce and to stop excessive and heavy menstrual bleeding.

* Expel intestinal worms. The leaves have an antibacterial action that inhibits the growth of Staphococcus aureus, Bacillus typhi, pseudomonas, B. dysenteriae, streptococci, B. subtilis, and E. coli.

* The juice and an infusion of the herb were given for intermittent fevers and are good against agues (alternating periods of chills, fever, and sweating associated with malaria).

* As a nervine, it is a popular folklore remedy for epilepsy, palsy and hysterical fits.


THOUGH THE CONTENT OF THIS BLOG HAD BEEN TRIED/TESTED AND HAD BEEN USED
AS FOLK/HERBAL MEDICINE IT IS STILL BEST TO CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR BEFORE
TRYING THIS.

Noni or Indian Mulberry

Noni (also called Indian Mulberry, noni fruit, noni juice, morinda, wild pine, hog apple


Scientific name: Morinda citrifolia,

Description:

The Noni plant is a small tropical evergreen tree that grows to about 10
feet tall in Tahiti and other Pacific Islands. It has straight trunk, large,
bright green and elliptical leaves, white tubular flowers and bears an ovoid
fruit about the size of a potato which starts out green and ripens into a
"grenade-like" yellow or white fruit. The seeds are reddish brown,
triangular in shape and has an air-sac attached at one end which makes the
seeds buoyant. A mature Noni fruit has a foul taste and odor. Parts of the
noni plant are used as a juice, a tonic, a poultice, and in tea. Its fruit,
bark, and leaves are used in herbal remedies and Polynesian folk medicine.


Medicinal Benefits:

* Increases the levels of antioxidant activity in the body. It also inhibits
or prevent the growth of tumors and helps the immune system.

* Prevents arteriosclerosis as it inhibits low-density-lipoprotein
oxidation. It is also used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure)
because Noni acts as a vasodilators allowing blood vessels to widen thus
increasing blood flow naturally.

* The pancreas is also affected by Noni juice lowering the blood sugar and is good for diabetics.

* The ripe noni fruit is used as a poultice for facial blemishes or as a
remedy for skin sores, boils, or infections.

* The leaves and bark are made into a liquid tonic for urinary problems and
muscle or joint pain.

* The fruit of Noni contains a natural alkaloid xeronine that helps
treat gastric ulcer, menstrual cramps, arthritis, rheumatism, diabetes,
heart disease and cancer.


THOUGH THE CONTENT OF THIS BLOG HAD BEEN TRIED/TESTED AND HAD BEEN USED
AS FOLK/HERBAL MEDICINE IT IS STILL BEST TO CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR BEFORE TRYING THIS.

Blumea Camphor / Ngai Camphor Plant/ SAMBONG

Description:
It is a strongly aromatic herb that can reach up to 3 m tall. The stems are erect, coarse and half woody. The leaves are leathery in texture, serrated at the margins and narrowly oblong-shaped with tapered
base.  The aggregated flower heads are yellow, sometimes reddish yellow that is 6 to 7 mm long.

Health Benefits:

• Alleviates rheumatism
• Diuretic agent
• Known to dissolve kidney stones
• Treatment of colds & fever
• Anti-diarrheic properties
• Relief of stomach pains and gas pains

Parts Utilized: Whole plant

Indications and Direction of Use:

1. Traumatic injuries, Abscesses, Boils - Fresh leaves that are crushed can be applied as poultice.

2. Arthritis, Rheumatism - Pound fresh leaves and mix it with coconut oil.  Rub it over affected area. To relieve rheumatic pains on the back or waist - soak affected area with warm decoction of boiled blumea camphor leaves.

3.Headache - Use the pounded fresh leaves as poultice on the forehead and hold it in place with a clean piece of cloth.  Some would mix the leaves with coconut oil before rubbing it on the forehead.

4. Cough and colds - the tea is used as an expectorant.

5. Gas pains(children)- rub the ointment consisting of crushed leaves and coconut oil.

Decoction of roots and leaves are also used for cystitis and fever.  One can use the lukewarm decoction as a sponge bath. Tea is also used to cure diarrhea.

THOUGH THE CONTENT OF THIS BLOG HAD BEEN TRIED & TESTED AND HAD BEEN USED AS FOLK/HERBAL MEDICINE IT IS STILL BEST TO CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR.

Wheatgrass (Wheat grass / wheat-grass)

Scientific name: Triticum aestivum

Description:

The wheatgrass is harvested while still green and before it develops grain kernels and turns the usual yellow color associated with wheat stalks.  It is part of the cereal grass family like rye, barley and oats.  Wheat grass is commonly prepared as a juice, and is consumed either alone, or as a mixture with other juices. It has high alkaline and is a good source of many nutrients.

Health Benefits of Wheatgrass:

Wheatgrass has more protein than chicken.   It contains chlorophyll, 17 amino acids, 10 minerals, 13 vitamins, and enzymes.  It has a higher Vitamin A content than spinach and is rich in Vitamin E and Vitamin B12.  Wheatgrass is high in magnesium, phosphorus and calcium (higher than that of broccoli).   The chlorophyll helps to remove heavy metals that cause cancer and also lower the risks of colon cancer. Wheatgrass helps strengthen the immune system and is a powerful detoxifier that may prevent cellular damage.

Wheatgrass increases red blood cell (RBC) count, restores alkalinity to the blood and lowers blood pressure.

Wheatgrass has also been found to relieve constipation, peptic ulcers, ulcerative colitis, diarrhea and other ailments of the gastrointestinal tract. What's more it has anti-inflammatory properties.

When eaten raw, wheatgrass contains beneficial enzymes.

Indications and Directions for use:

1.    Removes Dandruff - Rubbed into the scalp before shampooing, it will help alleviate itchy and scaly scalp conditions.

2.    Skin Allergies/ Sunburn/Rashes - Applying on the affected area can help eliminate itching almost immediately.  It acts as a disinfectant as well.


3.    Cuts/ Burns/ Scrapes/ Insect bites/ Boils/ Sores – Use as a poultice and replace every 2 to 4 hours.

4.    Athlete's foot - Add some to your bath water and settle in for a soothing, relaxing soak.


5.    Insomnia - Tuck some fresh wheatgrass inside one of your pillows or simply put it on your beside table.  It will enhance the oxygen in the air and create healthful negative ions to help you sleep soundly. Sleep pillows containing a mixture of aromatic herbs like lavender, chamomile can also be helpful in promoting sleep.

6.    Constipation, peptic ulcers, ulcerative colitis and diarrhea – take wheatgrass as juice.

7.    Gum problems – Gargle wheatgrass juice.


THOUGH THE CONTENT OF THIS BLOG HAD BEEN TRIED & TESTED AND HAD BEEN USED AS FOLK/HERBAL MEDICINE IT IS STILL BEST TO CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR.

Mulberry

Scientific name: Morus alba

                                                                                                                                                                  

Description:
Morus or Mulberry is a deciduous tree that grows to the size of about 2 to 6 meters.  The leaves are generally rounded at the base with serrated margins and pointed tips. The reddish or yellowish-brown bark exudes a milky-colored sap believed to be mildly hallucinogenic.
The fruits are oval. When immature, the fruits are white or green to pale yellow with the hint of pink. When they are ripening they turn to bright red while a fully ripened mulberry is dark purple to black.
It is grown for its fruits as well as for its leaves as this is ecologically important in the cultivation of silkworms for they are used as feeds.

Medicinal Benefits:

It is known to bring relief or even cure the ff:
Anemia, Cough, Chronic hepatitis, Constipation, High Blood Pressure, Influenza,
Neurasthenia, Rheumatism, Ringworm, Sore Eyes (Conjunctivitis), Sores

Parts used:

Fresh or sun-dried leaves
Fresh or sun-dried roots
Fresh or sun-dried tender shoots
Sun-dried fruits

Indications and directions for use:

1. Sore Eyes (Conjunctivitis)

Boil sufficient amount of the leaves in water until half of it has evaporated. Wash eyes with it while the preparation is still warm.

2. Ringworm
Apply milk sap to affected area.

3. Sores
Collect old, dried leaves and grind into powder. Sprinkle the powder over the sore.

4. Constipation

Combine the powdered dried leaves with the finely ground sesame seeds (1:1). Add honey to taste.  Take half a teaspoon 3 times a day.

5. Anemia, Cough, Chronic hepatitis, High Blood Pressure, Influenza,
Neurasthenia, Rheumatism

Cook the mulberry fruits by steaming it. Let it dry under direct sunlight. Once dry, boil 15 g of sun-dried fruits in 150 mL water until only half of the mixture is left.  Drink it 2 to 3 times a day.

Turmeric

Scientific name: Curcuma domestica Valet. Curcuma longa L

Description:

Turmeric (Curcuma longa) is a rhizomatous herbaceous plant that reaches the height of 1 to 1.5 m.  This perennial plant belongs to the ginger family and the rootstock is round to cylindrical.  When broken it is bright yellow inside and the corms are succulent and has a reddish yellow interior. 

Medicinal Benefits:

Turmeric is also known as the Indian Saffron.  Its active ingredient is curcumin which has an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-coagulant, antiviral and antifungal actions.

Its tumor suppressing properties as well as its antioxidant capacity provides a neutralizing effect againsts free radicals in the body and protects the cell membranes from damage.

Turmeric helps to prevent atherosclerosis by reducing the number of platelets sticking together and forming blood clots.  Curcumin is also proven to inhibit the growth of Helicobacter pylori, which causes gastric ulcers.
The dosage level varies according to age and illness but the recommended level is usually between 400 – 600 mg daily.

Indication and Direction:

1.    Wound antiseptic
Wash the turmeric thoroughly to remove dirt.  Crush the fresh rhizome and apply over the wound to cleanse and stimulate recovery.

2.    Irregular menstruation, stomach pains
Wash the turmeric thoroughly to remove dirt. Cut into thin slices. Put in a steamer. Once done, let it dry under the sun before storing.

Use the dried rootstock as a tea by boiling them.

Counterindication: Should not be taken by pregnant women


THOUGH THE CONTENT OF THIS BLOG HAD BEEN TRIED & TESTED AND HAD BEEN USED AS FOLK/HERBAL MEDICINE IT IS STILL BEST TO CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR.