Scientific Names: Turnera aphrodisiaca, Turnera diffusa
Other names: Herba de la pastora, Mexican damiana, Old woman's broom
Description:
Damiana is a relatively small shrub which is native to Central and Southern America. It has pale green leaves with small yellow flowers and hairy ribs. Damiana has strong odor which reminds some people of chamomile and fruits that taste like figs.
Medicinal uses and Properties:
The leaves are dried and made into tea for its relaxing effect.
Damiana leaves have been used as an aphrodisiac
and to boost sexual potency.
It has also been used to relieve anxiety, nervousness, and mild depression.
Damiana has been used in traditional folk medicine for centuries for the ff:
Mild purgative
diuretic properties
improve digestion and to treat constipation
energy tonic and stimulant
an aphrodisiac for both men and 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 BEFORE TRYING THIS. AVOID
SELF-DIAGNOSIS AND SELF-MEDICATION.
This is a blog about various plants, trees, herbs, fruits, root crops, flowers... with medicinal/therapeutic properties and are beneficial to our health. You'll also find the scientific names, common names, description, medicinal properties and uses, indication and many more...
Monday, January 23, 2012
KELP
Scientific name: Phaeophyceae Laminariales
Description:
Kelp is a kind of brown seaweed that grows along coastlines around the world. Kelps grow as fast as half a meter a day in underwater kelp forests in shallow waters.The kelp has leaf-like structure or the blade, the stem-like structure also know as the stipe and the root-like structure called the holdfast that anchors the kelp to the seabed.
Medicinal properties and uses:
Kelp is a rich source of natural vitamins and minerals, as well as essential trace minerals. It is especially high in iodine and is a great natural source of iron. Kelp contains calcium, sodium, phosphorus, magnesium and potassium. This seaweed also contains vitamins A, B1,
B2, C, D and E, as well as amino acids.
Thyroid Health
Since Kelp is rich in iodine and Iodine is essential to the healthy functioning of the thyroid gland. Eating kelp regularly will help to regulate thyroid hormones. It can also protect against radiation poisoning due to its high iodine content.
Anti-Inflammatory
Kelp has anti-inflammatory properties found in the substance fucoidan.
Arthritis
Kelp alleviate arthritis pain because of its anti-inflammatory properties.
Improve liver function
Fight against heart disease. Kelp helps to lower cholesterol levels.
Estrogen-Related Cancer( ovarian, breast, and endometrial cancer) and Endometriosis
kelp has phytoestrogenic properties as well as it lowers the serum estradiol levels in women. Iodine is also important for female hormone regulation.
Kelp can help to increase energy levels and boost immunity
Weight Loss
Kelp has metabolism stimulating properties
For poor digestion, flatulence and constipation
Reduce hair loss
Kelp is consumed as a salad. Kelp also makes a popular salt substitute (granules or
powder form) that can be added to salads, soups, seafoods and sausages. Or kelp can be taken as a
nutritional supplement.
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.
Description:
Kelp is a kind of brown seaweed that grows along coastlines around the world. Kelps grow as fast as half a meter a day in underwater kelp forests in shallow waters.The kelp has leaf-like structure or the blade, the stem-like structure also know as the stipe and the root-like structure called the holdfast that anchors the kelp to the seabed.
Medicinal properties and uses:
Kelp is a rich source of natural vitamins and minerals, as well as essential trace minerals. It is especially high in iodine and is a great natural source of iron. Kelp contains calcium, sodium, phosphorus, magnesium and potassium. This seaweed also contains vitamins A, B1,
B2, C, D and E, as well as amino acids.
Thyroid Health
Since Kelp is rich in iodine and Iodine is essential to the healthy functioning of the thyroid gland. Eating kelp regularly will help to regulate thyroid hormones. It can also protect against radiation poisoning due to its high iodine content.
Anti-Inflammatory
Kelp has anti-inflammatory properties found in the substance fucoidan.
Arthritis
Kelp alleviate arthritis pain because of its anti-inflammatory properties.
Improve liver function
Fight against heart disease. Kelp helps to lower cholesterol levels.
Estrogen-Related Cancer( ovarian, breast, and endometrial cancer) and Endometriosis
kelp has phytoestrogenic properties as well as it lowers the serum estradiol levels in women. Iodine is also important for female hormone regulation.
Kelp can help to increase energy levels and boost immunity
Weight Loss
Kelp has metabolism stimulating properties
For poor digestion, flatulence and constipation
Reduce hair loss
Kelp is consumed as a salad. Kelp also makes a popular salt substitute (granules or
powder form) that can be added to salads, soups, seafoods and sausages. Or kelp can be taken as a
nutritional supplement.
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.
Friday, January 20, 2012
Alfalfa
Scientific Name: Medicago sativa Leguminosae
Other names: Lucerne, Chilean Clover, Purple Medic, Father of All Foods,
Buffalo Grass, Buffalo Herb
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.
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.
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.
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.
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
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.
Monday, December 26, 2011
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.
To preserve nutritional value, many prefer to boil or steam the washed root and then scrape off the skin.
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.
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 consumedTo 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.
Thursday, December 22, 2011
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.
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