Spanish Needles

Scientific name: Bidens pilosa

Description: 

A native in North America it is now considered weed as well as an edible plant in some tropical places.  The fresh or dried tender shoots and young leaves are used as a vegetable.  A fruiting Spanish needles can easily cling to clothing.  It is erect, somewhat hairy and the flowers are small, yellow or brown and usually contain 4 to 5 white petals. 

Medicinal Properties:

Spanish needles have been used in traditional medicine for infections from wounds, upper respiratory tract infections like colds and flu, urinary tract infections as well as venereal diseases. The leaves, seeds and roots of spanish needles have also been reported to possess antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antimalarial, diuretic, as well as hypotensive properties.

Parts used: Leaves, seed and roots

Description and Indication of Use:

Dysuria or Painful Urination - drink the expressed sap of a fresh Spanish needles.

Wounds - sap from crushed leaves is used  on fresh wound to speed up clotting of blood.

Gastric pain - Boil spanish needles plant in water until most of the water has evaporated.  Make a pasty mass by mashing it.  Combine it with ginger tea.

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.