Lantana

Scientific Name : Lantana Camara

Common Names : coronitas, Lantana Weed, Wild Sage, Shrub Verbena, Yellow Sage, Kantutay

  
Description:
Lantana is a perennial flowering plants native to tropical regions of the Americas and Africa. It is a somewhat hairy shrub that when bruised gives a spicy pungent odor. The aromatic flowers are borne in clusters and are a mixture of red, yellow, blue, lilac, white and orange florets.  The leaves are pointed at the tip, rounded at the base and toothed in the margins.

Lantana is an introduced species in the Australian-Pacific region and it is a low-maintenance, gregarious plant that can grow up to 1.2 m high.

Despite it's nickname, lantana is not related to the Sage family instead they are in the same family and are close relatives of Verbena.  Another plant named, wild lantanas is also not related and belong to the genus Abronia.


Parts Used:
leaves, roots, flowers

CAUTION: Lantana seeds/green berries are known to be toxic.
  

Medicinal Uses and Properties:

LEAVES:

Pound leaves and place on skin or put a handful of fresh leaves in a mesh bag and dip in your water bath.
soothes insect stings, the itch of chicken pox and measles and other skin eruptions, cuts, scrapes, ulcerations and scabies.  The water bath also relieves symptoms of rheumatism

In folklore, the crushed leaves of the lantana is effective in snakebite case.  It is directly applied on the bitten area.

As a tea, lantana leaves can be used for relief from headaches, fever, flu, coughs, colds toothaches and indigestion.  It also relieves the symptoms of rheumatism and other joint pains.

Use pounded fresh leaves applied as poultice for sprains, wounds and contusions.

To use as an inhalant for respiratory problems:

Pound lantana leaves. Boil in water for 5 minutes using a tight fitting lid. Uncover and inhale the steam directly from the pot or pour into a container with a narrow mouth and inhale the steam.

The dried lantana leaves that have been burned in a glass jar is also known to be a natural mosquito repellent. On the other hand, the crushed leaves is used as a furniture polish. 

The lantana leaves are also known to be antiphlogistic, anti-dermatoses and have a cooling effect.


ROOTS:

The roots of the lantana are known to be refrigerant and antifebrile.
The decoction of dried roots are used for gonorrhea, cough, mumps, malaria and influenza.


FLOWERS:

Flowers known to be hemostatic and the decoction of dried flowers is used for hemoptysis and pulmonary tuberculosis.



THOUGH THE CONTENT HAD BEEN USED AS FOLK/HERBAL MEDICINE IT IS STILL BEST TO CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR BEFORE TRYING THIS. AVOID SELF-DIAGNOSIS AND SELF-MEDICATION.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Dandelion

Scientific name: Taraxacum officinale Weber

Description:

Dandelion is a tap-rooted biennial or perennial herb native to Europe and Asia.


The leaves are 5–25 cm long or longer and arranged in rosette fashion around the central taproot. A rosette may produce several flowering stems at a time and each ending in a single flowering head. The flower heads are yellow to orange color and when broken it gives out a milky sap (latex). Upon maturity, the flower head is replaced by a white puffball containing many single-seeded fruits called “achenes”. Each “achene” is attached to an umbrella-like tuft of hairs.

When picking dandelions it is advisable to gather the whole plant when it is about to bloom, and the taproots around the colder months.

Health Benefits:

Dandelion leaves are believed to have a diuretic effect since they increase salt and water excretion from the kidneys. They also contain abundant amounts of vitamins and minerals, especially Vitamins A, C and K, and are good sources of calcium, potassium, iron and manganese. The leaves are a significant source of beta carotene, lutein and zeaxanthin. Dandelion leaves may also normalize blood sugar.
Dandelion flowers contain an antioxidant called luteolin.

Parts Used:

Whole plant or taproots (fresh or sun-dried)

Indications and Directions for use:

1. Otitis media
Pound the fresh plant until the sap is extracted. Use this sap as eardrops. A few drops of sap a day is recommended.

2. Mastitis 

Pound the dried dandelion taproot until it becomes a fine powder. Add Vaseline or a pasty plaster (1:1 proportion) to the powder. Rub the ointment over the affected area.

To make the pasty plaster:
Gather fresh dandelion plant and pound it or put in a food processor until a paste is created.


3. Warts /Scalds

Cut the end of the dandelion for the milk sap to come out.  Apply the sap on the wart twice or thrice a day. Rub the sap over the scalded area.

4. Mumps.
Pound fresh plant and add egg white and a little amount of sugar to create a paste.

5.  Kidney, gallbladder, and liver problems.
You will need dried herbs or roots in 1 quart of water.  Boil for 30 min. Drink every 3 hours.

6. Gastric and duodenal ulcers.
After each meal take a teaspoon of the  finely powdered, dried taproot, orally.  Take it with a glassful of water.


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.

Carrots

Scientific name: Daucus carota

Description:

From the Indo-European root word “ker” meaning horn. This cylindrical taproot vegetable is the familiar kitchen carrot we know. The carrot gets its characteristic bright orange color from β-carotene, which is metabolized into vitamin A. Aside from orange, carrots can be selectively bred to produce different colors like purple, red, white and yellow.

Lack of Vitamin A can cause poor vision while eating too many carrots can cause carotenosis, a benign condition that gives the skin an orange color.

Health Benefits:

This familiar garden vegetable is an excellent source of antioxidant compounds. It is also rich in Vitamins (A,C,K and B6, B1, B3) dietary fiber and minerals (potassium, manganese, molybdenum, magnesium)

Indications and direction for use:

1. Diarrhea
Peel and grate carrot and boil it in water. Wait for it to thicken.

2. Hyperacidity

Eat freshly grated carrots for breakfast.

3. Ascariasis (intestinal parasite)

Take 2 to 3 carrots a day for several days.

4. Hypertension

Make 100 mL of fresh carrot juices everyday. Drink two servings per day for 30 days.

5. Arthritis

Chop 1 grapefruit into small cubes and prepare equal amounts of carrots and celery preferably 8 ozs for each. Put into the blender. Blend well until smooth. Drink the juice once a day in between the meal time.


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.