Cinnamon

Scientific Name: Cinnamomum Zeylanicum

Description:

Cinnamon is the bark and twigs of a number of related plants that have cinnamon oil in it. They are usually small trees with deep green leaves and white blossoms and are grown South Asia and the Middle East region.  When the trees are 6 or 7 years old, the bark is peeled off, dried and rolled into cinnamon sticks and then ground into powder.  Cinnamon has a characteristic flavor and aroma called cinnamonaldehyde that comes from a compound in the essential oil of the bark.

Parts used: Bark

Health Benefits:

Besides using it in cooking, cinnamon is also thought to have health benefits. It contains compounds like tannins, essential oils, and saponins that helps improve general health.

Cinnamon is a great source of manganese, iron, calcium as well as fiber.

Cinnamon is also a favorite in aromatherapy.


Medicinal Properties and Uses:

Herbal cinnamon tea: Boil water, add a cinnamon stick and let it boil for 2 minutes. Remove the cinnamon stick.

In traditional Chinese medicine, cinnamon is used as a pain killer and it relieves fever, colds, arthritis, flatulence, nausea, diarrhea, and dysmenorrhea. It's also believed to improve energy, vitality, promotes good
digestion and circulation.  It is used as a remedy for diabetes and is particularly helpful for people who feel hot in their upper body but have cold extremities.

Cinnamon oil has high anti-oxidant, anti-bacterial, larvicidal and anti-fungal properties and the cinnamaldehyde content is a proven tranquilizer.

Cinnamon is one of the oldest tonic and uterine stimulant.  It is used as a treatment for PMS and promotes regular, pain-free menstruation.

Precaution:

Because cinnamon is a uterine stimulant, it should not be used in medicinal amounts during pregnancy.

Coriander

Scientific name: Coriandrum sativum

Other name: Cilantro

Description:

Coriander aka cilantro is an annual, umbelliferous plant native to Southeastern Europe.  It is a herbaceous plant that grows up to 3 feet in height, slender and branched.  The leaves are trilobed, green and hairless
and the lowest leaves being stalked and pinnate while the leaflets are roundish and slightly lobed.

The mature plant bears a shortly-stalked umbels (5 to 10 rays) light pink color flowers.  The seed clusters are symmetrical and the seeds are oval about 4-6 mm in diameter, light green and have a disagreeable taste and odor.  When the plants turn brown and becomes pleasantly aromatic, the seeds are ready for harvest.

Since both the leaves and seeds are used as seasoning condiment, the cilantro or coriander is considered both an herb and a spice.

It is also medicinally used as flavouring for purgatives and an ingredient in tincture of senna.


Parts used: Fruits/seeds and fresh leaves


Health Benefits:


    The coriander seeds are excellent source of minerals like calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, potassium, and zinc. It also has Vitamin C and is rich in B-complex vitamins like thiamin, riboflavin, and niacin.


Medicinal properties and uses:

Coriander aka Cilantro has been traditionally been referred to as anti-diabetic plant as it controls blood sugar levels.  It has also been used for its anti-inflammatory properties and antimicrobial properties.

The volatile oil in coriander is high in phytonutrient content such as borneol, camphor, elemol, geraniol, linalool, limonene.  It is rich in flavonoids and contains active phenolic acid compounds.  The coriander
seeds contain many chemical compounds that are known to have anti-oxidant properties and increases the immune system.

Coriander is traditionally used as a stimulant, aromatic and carminative. It is also used for stomach pains and the seeds are known to have  anti-flatulent properties.


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.

Green Tea

Scientific name: Camellia sinesis

Other common names: Green tea extract, Chinese tea

Description:

Green tea has been consumed for many centuries and made from the steamed and dried leaves of the Camellia sinesis. Camellia sinesis is a shrub native to Asia.

Today, there are different types of green tea - some are more useful and beneficial than others. Many varieties of green tea created in countries where they are grown differ substantially on many factors like harvesting time, horticulture and production processing. The best sources of green tea are those that are from the dried leaves of Camellia sinesis and cultivated with use of 100% organic processes.

Benefits of Green Tea:

The key component is epigallocatechin gallete (EGCG) a major antioxidant that is abundant in Camelia Sinensis plant. It is also rich in other antioxidants like flavonoids, catechins and their derivatives. Aside from those, green tea contains tocopherols, carotenoids, , ascorbic acid, manganese, chromium, selenium or zinc, and some phytochemical compounds.


* Green tea has been shown to induce thermogenesis and increase a person’s metabolism

* helps decrease blood sugar

* effectively lower risk of atherosclerosis

* lower the risk of developing heart disease and certain types of cancer

* improves the ratio of LDL (bad) to HDL (good) cholesterol. Green tea has been shown to lower LDL cholesterol, triglycerides and lipid peroxides (free radicals).

Precautions:

Take herbs with care as they can trigger side effects and may interact with other herbs, medications or supplements,and




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.

Hibiscus

Other names:
Hibiscus rosa sinensis, rosemallow, Jamaica Sorrel, Red Tea, Roselle, Sudanese Tea, Gumamela, shoe flower or Javakusuma, flor de Jamaica

Description:

Hibiscus are large trumpet-shaped tropical flowers that have five or more petals. The color ranges from white to pink, red, orange, purple or yellow. The leaves are alternate, ovate to lanceolate, often with a toothed or lobed margin. The species includes perennial herbaceous plants, woody shrubs and small trees that are native to warm-temperate, subtropical and tropical regions throughout the world.

The hibiscus flowers used in herbal teas are from Hibiscus sabdariffa, also called Jamaican Sorrel. The Roselle hibiscus are those used in Sudanese tea, the red tea, or the Jamaica sorrel. The flowers of the hibiscus are mostly used in the preparation of herbal teas and juices.


Medical Properties and Uses:

Heart diseases, High Blood Pressure - Hibiscus has antioxidant properties of flavonoids, polyphenolic compounds and anthocyanins that can prevent the oxidation of Low-Density Lipoproteins (LDL). These antioxidants also help control cholesterol levels and reduce heart disease.

Acne & sunburn - Hibiscus help unclog closed pores. Crushed the leaves and flowers of the hibiscus and spread a paste on your face on the acne affected area.  Keep it for 15 minutes and wash off with water. Do the same with sunburn.

Eczema/Skin allergies - Hibiscus flower extracts are used in many herbal ointments in the treatment of eczema and allergic problems.

Dandruff & Hair loss - Add coconut oil or sesame oil to a bunch of hibiscus flowers and leaves.  Heat it at low fire. Cool. After cooling, strain the oil from the mixture and store in clean containers.  Massage this oil on scalp and leave it for an hour. Care should be taken to rinse the oil out with very mild shampoo. Hair loss caused by thyroid problem can also be remedied by drinking hibiscus tea or applying the hibiscus to the scalp.

Promotes Hair Growth and Prevents Premature Hair Greying - same as the procedure above. Hibiscus also stimulates blood circulation and ensures the supply of essential nutrients to the hair follicles.

Fever and Hot flashes - Hibiscus will help cool the body temperature down.

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.

Fennel

Scientific Name: Foeniculum vulgare

Description:

Fennel are strongly aromatic herb with yellow umbrella-like inflorescence flower.  The fruit looks like the unhusked rice grain and is very aromatic.

Parts Used: Ripe fruit (dried)

Medicinal Uses:

1. Relieves Dysmenorrhea, Indigestion and Stomachache

Fennel Tea - Boil dried fruits in water.

2. Drinking Fennel Tea also prevents gout and treat jaundice

3. Fainting - Sniff the pounded fruit




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.

Lavender

Scientific Name: Lavandula angustifolia (also Lavandula spica or Lavandula vera; formerly  Lavandula officinalis

Description: Lavender grows in temperate climate especially in hilly areas. It is an evergreen shrub with thick silvery leaves.  It's flower consist of numerous small thick tubular lavender-colour flowers that yield abundant nectar.

Parts Used:
Flowers and Leaves

Uses:

1. Muscle Pain/Arthritis/Sprain/Headaches

Because of its anti-inflammatory properties, massaging lavander essential oil can ease pain caused by sprain, arthritis, joint pains, sore muscles and headaches.

Note: lavender oil can also be a powerful allergen and must be avoided during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

2. Ease Nervous Tension/Anxiety
Lavender essential oil is used to calm the nerves. The scent of lavender is known to relieve emotional stress, anxiety, depression and nervous tension due to its calming effect. Use a scent diffuser or a lavender scented candle.  Some would also put a lavender soap inside a pillow to induce sleep.

3. Psoriasis/Sunburn

Lavender is known to be a powerful antiseptic and antifungal. Use as bath oils.

Lavender Tea:

Decoction of leaves and flower are used also as herbal 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.

Avocado (Alligator pear)

Scientific Name: Persea americana

Description: This medium-sized tree is a native of tropical America.  The leaves are dark green and greyish green underneath. The flowers are small, clustered and yellowish- green.  The fruit is elongated thus the name alligator pear with a yellowish –green flesh surrounding a single large seed.

Health Benefits: Avocado provides protein and contains vitamins, minerals,fiber and antioxidants such as beta-sitosterol, glutathione and lutein.  It has no cholesterol and sodium. It is high in folate and provides more than 25 essential nutrients such as potassium, vitamin E, C, B-vitamins, iron, copper, panthothenic acid, niacin, phosphorus and magnesium. Avocado also provides calories for energy (the fat in avocado is mostly monounsaturated).

Parts used:

Leaves (fresh and sundried)

Bark (Sundried)

Seed (Sundried)

Indication and direction of use:

Rheumatism – Finely grind the sundried bark and sundried seed. Mix it with oil.  Rub on the affected area.

Wound wash – Boil leaves in a pot of water. Let it cool and use it as a wash.

Neuralgia – Mix the finely ground bark and seed (both sundried).  Add oil to the mixture.  Rub on affected area.

How to Make Avocado Tea –Take 30 g of finely chopped dried avocado leaves.  Boil in 2 glasses of water for 15 minutes or so.


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.