Chamomile

Scientific name: Maticaria Recutita

Description:

Chamomile is a flowering plant in the Asteraceae plant family (daisy family). It is an annual, herbaceous plant that originated in south-eastern Europe and Asia but has now spread to all continents.

Chamomile grows around 10-50 feet tall and it's ramified stem reaching up to 60 cm. The leaves are yellow and green, while the hermaphrodite flowers are tubular, golden yellow with bright white rays that bloom in warm regions from May up to late August or early September.

Part used:
Flowers

Medicinal Properties and Uses:

In folk medicine, chamomile has long been used ease spasm and discomfort in the digestive tract.  It is also used to treat a plethora of ailments:

AnxietyAsthma
Canker sores
Colds
Colic
Conjunctivitis, eye irritations
Crohn's disease
Diarrhea
Eczema
Enterocolitis
Fatigue
Fever
Gingivitis
Hemorrhoids
Hyperacid gastritis
Indigestion
Insomnia
Menstrual disorders
Migraine
Neuralgia   
Irritable bowel syndrome
Peptic ulcer
Rheumatism
Sinusitis
Skin irritations
Stomatitis
Ulcerative colitis
Wounds (minor)

The flowers of chamomile contain essential oils, glucides, acids, lipids (emollient), vitamins B1 and C, minerals like calcium, copper, iron, lead, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, silicon, zinc, zirconium.

Chamomile has anti-inflammatory properties, antispasmotic, analgesic, antibacterial, antiseptic and disinfecting properties.

It has cicatrizant, emollient and has a calming, sedative effect. Chamomile also contains coumarin that is has anticoagulant or blood-thinning effects. The antitoxin action of chamomile helps eliminates intestinal gasses.

Chamomile comes in tea(infusion), ointment, oil and capsule form.

Chamomile infusion

Put a teaspoon of chamomile flowers in a liter of boiled water. Wait a few  minutes before consuming. The tea is often given to women suffering from menstrual cramps.  Chamomile tea is also used for stomach upset, diarrhea, bowel pain, irritable bowel syndrome, gastroenteritis, intestinal bloating and other gastrointestinal problems.

For colds and sinusitis -Inhale vapors as you are heating the infusion.

The infusion can also be added to the bath water for skin irritations, minor wounds,  skin problems, hemorrhoids and to ease fatigue.

The infusion can also be used to wash conjunctivitis or gargled to relieve toothaches.

Chamomile oil

Fill a clean bottle with chamomile flowers.  Pour in cold-pressed olive oil. Expose it in the sun for 2 weeks.  After that keep the oil in the refrigerator.  Chamomile oil is used to treat psoriasis, eczema, inflamed
skin, infections and other skin conditions.


Chamomile is known to have a soothing and calming effect and is used for insomnia.  Chamomile tea or capsules are used to ease tense muscles, relieve migraine headaches and anxiety.


Contraindication:

People with skin allergies or those who are allergic to ragweed and chrysanthemum may also be allergic to chamomile.

Allergic reactions may be manifested as wheezing, rash, itching, hives and chest tightness.

Chamomile should not be taken during pregnancy or when breast-feeding.

As mentioned, chamomile contains coumarin (anticoagulant or blood-thinning) and should not be combined with warfarin or other medications/supplements that have the same effect and it should not be used by people with bleeding disorders.


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.

Milk Thistle

Scientific name:Silybum marianum, Carduus marianum

Other names: Silymarin, Marian Thistle, Mediterranean Thistle, Mary Thistle, Holy Thistle, Silybum Marianum, Lady's Thistle

Description:

Milk thistle is a flowering herb belonging to the genus silybum Adan., and related to the daisy (Asteraceae) and ragweed family. Members of this genus grow as annual or biennial plants. It is native to  to the Mediterranean regions of Europe, North Africa and the Middle East.  The stem is erect, branched and furrowed. At the end of the stem are solitary flower heads that consists of tubular florets. The leaves are large, alternate, toothed and thorny with splashes of white and contains a milky sap.

Part used: Seed

Medicinal Properties and Indications:

For many centuries, milk Thistle is used as a folk remedy for liver and gallbladder disorders and is known to be liver tonics.

Liver conditions known to be treated by Milk Thistle are:
Liver cirrhosis
Jaundice
Viral Hepatitis
Chronic hepatitis
Toxin-induced liver damage

Silymarin is the main active ingredient, a flavonoid found in the seeds that is both an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant.  Milk thistle seed extract contain approximately 4% to 6% silymarin.

Milk thistle can be taken as a tea or as supplements.

Known Side Effects:

When taking milk thistle supplements, mild gastrointestinal distress is the most common adverse effect that will be experienced.  Other side effects may include headache, indigestion, itching,  heartburn, diarrhea and joint pain.


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.

Black Currant/Blackcurrant

Other names: Cassis, quinsy berries

Description:

Black currant is a shrub with edible berries that can be found in Northern/Central Europe and Asia.  It has woody branches that grows to a height of 2 meters.  The leaves are deeply lobes and used to improve the
taste and color or Vodka.  The flowers are small and white.  During summer the black currant berries are formed which are small (1 cm in diameter), dark purple to black in color, glossy skin and contains several seeds.

Black currants are added to make cordial, liqueur and beer.  It is very sweet and made into jellies, jams, juice and ice cream or added to desserts, sauces, and salad dips.

Parts used:
Fruits, leaves and seeds (for oil).

Medicinal properties and uses:

Black currants are rich in antioxidants, phytonutrients and vitamins especially Vitamin C. It also contains essential fatty acids like Gamma Linoleic Acid(a very rare Omega-6 essential fatty acid), flavonoids,
proanthocyanidins, cassis polysaccharide (CAPS) and anthocyanins that inhibit the enzymes Cyclo-oxgenase 1 and 2, and reduce inflammation and gives relief to arthritis. Black currants are also rich in potassium having
twice the potassium of bananas.

The oil from the seed of the black currant has linoleic, alpha-linolenic, gamma-linolenic, which are essential fatty acids the our body cannot produce on its own.

Black currant leaves is known for its diuretic property. The leaves are dried to make a tea and used againsts:

Arthritis
Diarrhea
Urinary problems
Bleeding gums

Black currant juice are high in Vitamin C and is used to treat:

Cough
Sore Throats

Black Currant Seed Oil (BCSO) contains gamma-linolenic acid which is a powerful anti-inflammatory used to treat:

Swelling/Inflammation
Pain Relief
Arthritis

The black currant seed oil is also effective for treating a wide variety of disorders like:

Diabetes
High Blood Pressure
Gastritis/Ulcers
Allergies

Black currant may also help prevent cancer.

BURDOCK

Scientific name: Arctium lappa (Great Burdock); Arctium Minus (Lesser Burdock)

Other names: Cocklebur, Gobo root, Clot bur, Burr Seed,  Thorny Burr, Fox's
Clote, Beggar's Buttons, Cockle Buttons

Description:

Burdock is an herb with prickly seeds that grows freely by the roadside, hedgerows and wastelands.

Burdock have large about a foot long, heart-shaped or wavy leaves that lay on the ground. The upper leaves are much smaller and the stems about 3 to 4 feet long.   In the early summer, the stem sends up round heads of pink, white or purple flowers. This turns into prickly seeds that cling to clothing and animal fur.

There are various subspecies of burdock depending on its appearance like the size of the flower-heads, length of the stalks etc.


Parts used: roots, seeds and leaves


Medicinal properties:

Burdock has many medicinal properties and has been used in many herbal remedies.

Traditionally, burdock has been used as a remedy for acne, measles, arthritis, gout, rheumatism, tonsillitis, sore throat and colds. 

The root of the burdock is edible and used as a diuretic as well a blood purifier by removing toxins from the blood.

The seeds can be used as a diaphoretic which cleanses the body of toxins and treat gallbladder, liver and kidney disorders.


Burdock is also used in oncology today. But the seeds of the burdock when soaked in milk has been used traditionally to cure cancer. The extract from the pounded seeds or leaves are used to soothe aching joints and also treats skin problems like acne, eczema, psoriasis and other scalp problems.

The Japanese used Burdock as a source of vitamins and other nutrients.  It contains flavonoids, arcigen, calcium, iron, chlorogenic acid, essential oil, lactone, mucilage, polyacetylenes, potassium, resin, tannin and
polyacetylenes which are known to be effective antifungal and antibacterial agents.

In many places, burdock is eaten as a vegetable for it has the same taste as the asparagus.  It is also eaten as a salad with oil and vinegar.

In China, burdock is used as an aphrodisiac and is found effective in treating impotence.





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.

Agar Agar

Scientific name: Gelidiella Acerosa, genera Gelidium and Gracilaria and Sphaerococcus euchema

Description:

Agar-agar is extracted from marine red algae. The seaweeds (Sphaerococcus Euchema and Gelidium) that grows to 15 to 25 cm high are mostly found off the Pacific coast and the coast of South Africa.  Fronds are elongated, cylindrical, soft or subcartilaginous and dichotomously branched.

The seaweeds are laid out along the shore to get bleached and dried. By boiling them in water the mucilage can be strained and filtrated.  After which it is dried again under the sun.

You'll find the Agar Agar most often in the form of white powder or as a clear bar.  It has almost no color, no taste, calorie-free and has 80% percent fiber.

One can also blanch the entire plant and eat as salad.

Parts Used: Seaweed extract and the whole plant.

Medicinal properties and Uses:

Agar agar contains gelose, protein, galactose, pentose, fructose; iodine, iron and other
trace elements and minerals

This seaweed rich in soluble fiber that is very good for dieters. Agar agar absorbs water making you feel full. So, munching on agar agar before each meal prevents you from overeating.

Constipation - as agar agar is rich in soluble fiber it is used as a bulk laxative because it
absorbs water in the intestines  resulting in increased bowel activity.

Diabetes - Agar Agar will capture the sugars, fats and toxins.

Sores and Swollen knee joints - An agar agar poultice is used for swollen knee joints and sores.

It is also use for menorrhagia, leucorrhea and other intestinal and bladder difficulties.

An agar agar decoction given for dysentery and diarrhea as a folk medicine. It is also found
to be useful for coughs and other pulmonary complaints.

High doses may cause flatulence.

Agar agar readily forms a gel and is used as a stabilizer, thickening, gelling, bulking agent and food additive.

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 AND AVOID SELF-DIAGNOSIS AND SELF-MEDICATION.

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.

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.

MACA

Scientific Name: Lepidium peruvianum; Lepidium meyenii

Common names:
Maca root, Peruvian ginseng, maka

Description:

Maca is a herbaceous biennial plan used as a root vegetable and a medicinal herb. It is shaped like a radish and is native to the Andes Mountains in South America (Peru and Bolivia).  Though it is
also called a peruvian ginseng, maca is not a member of the ginseng family. 

Maca is used as a folk remedy to increase stamina, energy, and sexual virility and fertility. This root crop is consumed as food for humans (eaten as any other vegetable food) as well as livestock. It is taken as a as powdered maca root that can also be added to smoothies, juice, and shakes and is good for raw food diet. Maca is also available as a nutritional supplement (liquid extract or pill form).

Medicinal properties and uses:

Maca root contains amino acids, sterols, alkaloids,  cardiotonic glycosidesuridine, saponins and other substance beneficial to the body and compounds that affects the central nervous system.

It is rich in minerals like potassium, calcium and iodine.

Maca maybe beneficial for the ff:

* improve sperm production, sperm motility, and semen volume
* help increase libido
* enhance fertility
*  alleviates symptoms of menopause as it eases anxiety and depression in postmenopausal women
* increase energy and stamina
* often touted as an aphrodisiac


Little is known about the side effects of maca root.

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.

Damiana

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.