CHICKWEEDS

Scientific names and their common names:

Stellaria media (Common chickweed)
Stellaria pubera (Star chickweed)
Cerastium vulgatum (Mouse-ear Chickweed)

Description:

Widespread in temperate zones, Chickweed is an herb that grows all year along roadsides, coastal cliffs, riverbanks and lawns.  It is a low-growing plant with tiny white flowers and slender delicate stems.  Chickweed has pointed oval leaves that folds every night over the tender buds and new shoots thus the term 'Sleep of Plants'. Its flowers bloom between May and July and can be used fresh or dried for later herb use.

Caution: There are similar-looking weeds called Euphorbia maculata which are poisonous. They are spotted spurge with different flowers and white, milky sap. Another weed called Polygonum arenastrum has slender stem with alternate leaves that is singly configured.

Nutrition: Chickweed is very nutritious and is an excellent source of vitamins A, D, B complex, C, and minerals like iron, calcium, potassium, phosphorus, zinc, manganese, sodium, silica, copper and selenium.

Chickweeds' stems, leaves and flowers are edible and make a tasty addition to salads or cook them like spinach.  They, by the way, resemble the taste of spinach. It can also be added in lasagna and chickweeds are in fact a component of a cream cheese spread.

For the Mouse-ear chickweed variety, one needs to cook this because it's so hairy.

Medicinal properties and indications:

The major plant constituents in Chickweed are coumarins, oleic-acid, genistein, hentriacontanol,  flavonoids, rutin and triterpenoid saponins.

The omega-6 fatty acid gamma-linolenic acid is also found in chickweed which is essential for skin and hair growth, reproductive system, bone health and helps reduce inflammation.

Chickweed is used in alternative medicine as a laxative, astringent, carminative, diuretic (but won't deplete the body of minerals), expectorant, vulnerary, galactogogue, emmenagogue and is a remedy for obesity. Because of its mucilage content, chickweed also has demulcent properties that soothe the mucous membranes.


As an Infusion:

How to prepare an Infusion:

In 1 cup boiling water
Add 1 Tablespoons dried herb or 2 Tablespoon fresh leaves
Steep for 10 min

Used to treat asthma, bronchitis, coughs and hoarseness.
Beneficial in the treatment of kidney complaints, UIT, cystitis


As a decoction:

It is used for post-partum depurative, galactogogue, emmenagogue,  and circulatory tonic. It is also used to relieve constipation.

Externally it is used to treat rheumatic pains, wounds and ulcers.


As a Poultice (finely chopped chickweed): relieves any kind of roseola, skin irritation, minor burns, rashes, eczema.  Chickweed is an effective antihistamine.



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. AVOID SELF-DIAGNOSIS AND SELF-MEDICATION.

Gotu Kola

Latin Name: Centella asiatica

Other Names: Indian Pennywort, Pennywort, Jal Brahmi, Centella


Description:

 Centella herb is a slender creeper with pinkish to red flowers.  The leaves are small and thin that are borne on pericladial petioles, kidney-shaped or heart-shaped at the base and can reach a width of 1 inch and a length of 6 inches. The Gotu Kola/Centella puts out numerous small roots and growing vertically down.

Centella/gotu kola can be eaten as a salad or vegetable dish or used in sweet pennywort drinks and other health drinks.


Parts used: whole plant


Medicinal properties and indication:

Centella has been used as a medicinal herb for centuries in India, China and Indonesia. It is used to treat wounds, improve mental clarity and  used for Alzheimer's disease and senility.

The sap of the leaves mixed with vaseline or oil can be applied over the affected area as poultice. It is used on wounds and skin sores and treat skin conditions such as leprosy, eczema and psoriasis. It is also use for anti-aging and for tired-looking skin as it is believed to be able to renew the collagen.  The saponins present in centella also prevent scar formation.

Centella is used as an antibacterial, antiviral and anti-inflammatory

Decoction of leaves is used as diuretic and is useful for gonorrhea.  It is also considered emmenagogue, stimulant and tonic.

Seeds are used for dysentery, fever and headache.

Roots are used to improve blood circulation and correct venous insufficiency.

In Ayurvedic, Centella is used for depression and anxiety.

Gotu Kola/Centella is rich in Vitamin A, B1 (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin), B3 (Niacin) and B6 (pyridoxine).  It also has zinc, magnesium, calcium and rich in volatile oils.

Alfalfa

Scientific Name: Medicago sativa Leguminosae

Other names: Lucerne, Chilean Clover, Purple Medic, Father of All Foods,

Buffalo Grass, Buffalo Herb

Description:

Alfalfa is a perennial plant belonging to the pea family that is harvested
after having grown to approximately 3 feet.  It is bushy with blue-green
leaves, bluish-purple or yellowish flowers and seeds in sickle-shaped or
spiraled pods.  The roots of the Alfalfa can go down twenty to thirty feet
into the ground and this brings up the minerals that are not available on
the surface.

Parts Used: 

Alfalfa Stems, leaves as well as the sprouts from the seeds.

Medicinal properties and uses:

Alfalfa is a good source of protein and is rich in vitamins and minerals.
It contains chlorophyll, organic acids, saponins, isoflavins, sterols,
coumarins, alkaloid and minerals like Calcium, potassium, phosphorus,

Magnesum and zinc.  It is also rich in  vitamins A, B1, B6, B12, C, D, E,

K, niacin, biotin, folic acid and pantothenic acid.

It plays a vital role in strengthening the immune system and in the
maintenance of a healthy body.

The leaves contain phytoestrogens that could be beneficial in menopausal
and breast feeding women. Saponins can help lower blood cholesterol and
slows the progress of atherosclerosis


Alfalfa can be eaten as fresh raw sprouts (washed thoroughly, of course) or
can be taken in capsules or teas, infusion or as a herb sprinkled onto food.
This is a source of good iodine.



Alfalfa is known to cure or give relief to the ff:

kidney problems
fluid retention and swelling
Arthritis
auto-immune disorder
Prevent strokes
Whooping cough.
Reduce blood sugar levels (diabetes)
Cancer
Endometriosis


Alfalfa is also known as a natural treatment for hair loss.

Combined with equal amounts of carrot and lettuce, the combination of these

juices are helpful for the growth of hair.

Contraindications:

As with all herbal products, moderation is the key to avoiding adverse

reactions. Not to be taken during pregnancy and contraindicated in

autoimmune diseases.  Not to be taken when using blood thinning or

anticoagulant medication such as warfarin.


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. AVOID SELF-DIAGNOSIS AND SELF-MEDICATION.

Yerba Maté

Scientific name: Ilex paraguayensis

other names: cimarrón, Paraguay cayi, Paraguay tea, Jesuit’s tea, South American holly and St. Bartholomew’s tea

Description:

"Yerba" means herb. Yerba leaves are dried, chopped, and ground into a powdery mixture. While "mate" refers to the gourd in which the infusion is traditionally prepared and drunk. The gourd is first filled one-half to three-quarters of the way with yerba. Then cold water is added to moisten the leaves and protect the nutrients and flavor of the herbs. Hot water (never boiling) is then added. One can pour hot water to the same herbs as many as ten times before they lose their color and taste.

Yerba belongs to holly family which are grown wild Paraguay, Uruguay, Argentina and Brazil.

Parts used:

Dry leaves

Medicinal properties:

Yerba mate is a herbal tea claimed to have many medicinal properties and health benefits.

It contains several vitamins and minerals including Beta-carotene (vitamins A), B1, B2, C and E, as well as iron, phosphorus and calcium.

Yerba mate also aid in mental alertness and stimulates the memory. It has three active xanthine alkaloids and is known as a coffee alternative but without the negative effects associated with caffeine.


This herbal tea contains significant levels of polyphenol antioxidants, as well as antioxidant chlorogenic acid and is said to have a higher antioxidant property than green tea.

Yerba mate helps boost the immune system, helps relieve allergies, improves digestion, regulates appetite and is a mild diuretic. 



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. AVOID SELF-DIAGNOSIS AND SELF-MEDICATION.

Parsnip

Scientific name: Pastinaca sativa

Description:
Parsnip is physically similar to the carrot, but different in color and flavor. Parsnip is actually richer in vitamins than a carrot.

It is a biannual plant with a thick ramified root, grayish white or yellowish in color., and the pulp is succulent with specific flavor. The leaves are shiny on one side and puffy on the other, and are bigger than those of parsley or carrot.

Part used:

Only its roots are consumed

To preserve nutritional value, many prefer to boil or steam the washed root and then scrape off the skin.

Properties and benefits:

Parsnip is rich in vitamins B1, B2, C. It also has minerals like potassium, folic acid and is a good source of fibers. Parsnips provide the body with manganese, niacin, thiamine, magnesium, and copper. It also has antioxidant, antirrheumatic and diuretic properties.

Treatments

Parsnip is consumed as a soup or as a juice and is good for those who are having a fever.

Parsnips are good for those with kidney diseases.

It is also found to control obesity and diminish cellulite. As a rich fiber source, it helps lower cholesterol and keep blood sugar level normal.

Parsnip also stimulates growth and is beneficial for those suffering from anemia.

BANABA

Scientific name:Legerstroemia speciosa

Other names: Mitla, Bugarom, Duguam, Nabulong, Pamalauagon, , Pamarauagon,
Kauilan, Tabangau, Parasabukung, Makablos

Description:

Banaba is a deciduous flowering tree growing from 5 to 20 m in height. The
bark is smooth gray to cream-colored, and peels off in irregular flakes.
Banaba has nut-like fruits that are arranged in large clumps.

The leaves are smooth, oblong to elliptic-ovate. The flowers are purplish
lilac or mauve-pink, rarely pink with large, terminal pinnules.

Medicinal Value:

Banaba contains corosolic acid that is used for the treatment of diabetes.
The dried leaves (dried from 1 to 2 weeks) and ripe fruit of banaba contain
the greatest amount of an insulin-like principle; because it is found to
have the equivalent of 6 units of insulin in lowering blood sugar.

The mature and young leaves, and flowers have an activity that ranged from
4.4 to 5.4 units of insulin per 100 cm3 of 205 decoctions or equivalent to
around 70% of the activity of the leaves or fruits.

A decoction of the leaves of all ages is used for diabetes mellitus. It is
prepared and taken like tea.

Other uses of Banaba include the treatment for diarrhea, constipation,
inflammation of kidneys and other urinary dysfunctions.


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. AVOID SELF-DIAGNOSIS AND SELF-MEDICATION.

Hoodia

Scientific name: Hoodia gordonii

Common names: Bushman's Hat, Ghaap, bitterghaap, Hoodia cactus, South African desert cactus and Queen of the Namib.

Description:

It is cactus-like in appearance(cactiform plant) and has remarkable similarity to the cactus family although they are unrelated. Hoodia is a spiny succulent plant that can reach up to 1 m high and are cultivated in
the north and northwestern regions of the Northern Cape and southern Namibia. When it's young, only one stem is produced but as it grows the plantstarts branching and can have as many as 50 individual branches. The flowers are large and may vary in colour from pale straw to dark maroon  that looks like petunias but smells like rotten meat.

Part/s used: Succulent/fleshy stems

Several species of Hoodia are eaten fresh by cutting a small piece of the stem and removing the spines.

Nowadays, teas, extracts, powders and capsules are commercially available.

Medicinal properties and uses:

Treatment for obesity - Hoodia has been known for many years as an appetite suppressant.

Hoodia gordonii is one of the most sought after breakthrough diet aid as it contains the active compound called pregnane glycoside (patented as P57) succulents due to its medicinal properties.

The compound pregnane glycoside (similar in structure to a cardiac glycoside) works by triggering nerve cells in the hypothalamus and fooling the brain that you have already eaten.

Hoodia also contains saponins. A compound that acts on the central nervous system (CNS) to regulate the appetite.

Precautions for those taking Hoodia supplement:

Before taking hoodia supplements, discuss with your doctor if you are on any medications. Do not use hoodia if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.



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. AVOID SELF-DIAGNOSIS AND SELF-MEDICATION.