A Gathering of Herbs

2008-08-14T06:00:00.000-07:00

"F" is for Flax

Flax is a lovely blue flowered crop that grows rampant in the prairies and is often mistaken as a wildflower. This delicate plant produces tiny seeds that offer a wide variety of terrific health benefits. These health benefits include:

Soluble fibers, which reduce cholesterol levels and lower the risk of heart disease.
Alpha linolenic acid and omega-3 fatty acid to help reduce blood thickness diminishing the chances of blood clots.
Phytoestrogens, which are similar to human estrogen and can be helpful for women.
Flax seed has reduced both the number and size of cancerous tumors in women.

Flax seed can easily be added into a normal diet. It can be added to cereals, breads, muffins, pancakes, and cookies. Additionally, it can be mixed well into fluids like juices, smoothies and applesauce, as well as meat dishes and as a salad or sandwich topper like mayonnaise or mustard.

Flax seed can be used whole, ground, or in oil forms. Flax seed can be ground in a coffee grinder, pepper grinders, or a flax seed grinder, which can easily be bought online. Whole flax seed offers fiber, which is great for the digestive system and for reducing cholesterol. Grinding flax seed allows the digestive tract to absorb the other available nutrients like omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids and lignans. It is suggested that a combination of both whole and ground flax seed be incorporated into the normal daily diet to get the best health benefits available from flax seed.

Flax seed must be stored properly in all forms. It is extremely sensitive to heat and sunlight. Exposure to either will cause the flax seed to quickly spoil. Store all flax seed in an airtight container in a cool place.

2008-07-28T12:25:00.000-07:00

"E" is for Elderberry

Taken at first sign of cold or flu, Elderberry is said to reduce the course of the infection; and symptoms of influenza should generally pass within seventy-two hours. Elderberry has long been used to treat coughs, common colds, and runny nose. As an expectorant, it reduces excessive mucus and expels phlegm. Taking Elderberry will also usually promote heavy perspiration and sweating; and—following a soothing sleep—fever will be lowered. Elderberry is antiviral, antibiotic, and antibacterial. It’s been used for centuries to soothe upper respiratory infections. It’s an excellent remedy for asthma, bronchial infections, and sinusitis.

Since Elderberry is a diuretic, and promotes all fluid secretions, helping to cleanse the system. By promoting heavy sweating, Elderberry also opens the pores, and in that manner it aids the further elimination of toxic material and impurities from the body through the skin. Elderberry is powerful laxative and has been used as a natural intestinal cleanser for centuries.

Elderberry enhances the immune system function by focusing on the nutritional needs of the immune system. This natural anti-inflammatory stimulates the immune system to combat the free radicals that attack healthy cells. Elderberry's flavonoids include anthocyanins that are powerful antioxidants, which protect cells against damage from invasive infection. As a revitalizing stimulant and rejuvenating tonic, Elderberry promotes circulation, kidney function and good lymphatic system health.

Topically, Elderberry has long been used for burns, bruises, wound healing, eczema, psoriasis, rash and other skin problems. Elderberry water is said to be good for the eyes and the complexion and generally improve skin health. It has also been used to remove freckles, as well as whiten and soften the skin.

2008-06-17T07:34:00.000-07:00

“D” is for Dandelion

You’ll be happy to learn that the yellow-flowered weeds on your lawn aren't weeds at all, but one of the world's most nutritious and health-promoting vegetables. Dandelion is an excellent blood purifier and detoxifier for the liver. It helps with weight loss, is loaded with trace minerals, and is rich in potassium, iron, and calcium. A prominent herbalist, said, "Dandelion is one of the most complete plant foods on earth. All the vital nutrients are conveniently contained in a single source, in quantities that the body can easily process and fully absorb." In fact, the Latin name for dandelion is Taraxacum officinale, which translates to “official remedy for disorders.”

2008-05-14T10:56:00.000-07:00

"C" is for Chamomile

Benefits of Chamomile
Peter Rabbit's mother gave him chamomile tea when he was feeling ill, and maybe your mother brewed you a cup of this soothing herbal remedy to help ease your tummy troubles too. Chamomile is, indeed, an excellent choice for stomachaches. Chamomile is a calming herbal remedy for upset stomach, cramps, and the stomach flu.

Uses of Chamomile
Chamomile has been found to contain fairly strong antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory constituents and is particularly effective in treating stomach and intestinal cramps.
Chamomile (typically the tops gathered in the early stages of flowering), reduces cramping and spastic pain in the bowels. It is often used to relieve irritable bowel syndrome, nausea, and gastroenteritis (what we usually call stomach flu). Chamomile is also an excellent calming agent, well suited for irritable babies and restless children. Best of all, most children tolerate its taste.
Chamomile also can help a child fall asleep. Chamomile is calming to adults as well, but don't hesitate to sip it throughout the day -- its relaxing effects do not interfere with activities such as driving a car or completing difficult tasks, as is the case with prescription sedatives. Chamomile is an ideal choice for those with ulcers or other stomach problems aggravated by anxiety. Muscle pain that results from stress and worry is another indication for chamomile. Twitching and tics in muscles may respond to chamomile tea or other chamomile medications.
Chamomile is valued as an antimicrobial agent. A German study found that the herb inactivates bacterial toxins. Small quantities of chamomile oil inhibit staphylococcal and streptococcal strains of bacteria. You can drink chamomile tea combined with other antimicrobials, such as thyme, echinacea, and goldenseal, for internal infections. You can use chamomile topically, too, to treat infections and inflammations.

Chamomile Preparations and Dosage
Although the plant contains not a hint of blue, chamomile contains a potent, volatile oil that is a brilliant blue when isolated. This oil, called chamazulene (after its dark azure color), has strong anti-inflammatory actions. Apply a preparation made from its volatile oil to skin infections, or apply cloths soaked in strong chamomile tea to eczema patches and other inflamed skin surfaces.
Small children with eczema, bug bites, or diaper rash may take a bath of warm chamomile and oatmeal: Put 4 tablespoons chamomile flowers and 1/2 cup oatmeal in a "knee-high" stocking, and tie the open end of the stocking with a rubber band. Place this herb-filled stocking under the spigot as you fill the tub. Let your children play in the bath as usual; the chamomile and oats will decrease their itch significantly. Remember to remove the herb-filled stocking before letting the water down the drain.
To make a simple serving of chamomile tea, steep 1 tablespoon of chamomile flowers per cup of water for 15 minutes. Drink 1/2 cup up to five times a day for digestive problems.

To brew an all-purpose stomach tea useful for nausea, spastic colon, irritable bowel, ulcers, and colitis, use the recipe below. You'll need:

Chamomile flowers
Licorice root, shredded
Fennel seeds
Peppermint

Combine equal parts of dry herbs, and steep 1 tablespoon of the mixture in a cup of hot water for 15 minutes. Strain and drink two or more cups a day, as needed for gastrointestinal problems.
This tea is quick acting, even for long-standing problems. You should notice effects within several hours for acute ailments and within several days for chronic conditions, such as an ulcer.

Chamomile Side Effects
Most people tolerate chamomile well, although if you're allergic to ragweed, you may experience allergic symptoms after using chamomile. (That's because ragweed and chamomile are part of the same plant family.)
You don't need to use chamomile strictly for medicinal purposes. It can be drunk as a beverage, even by the young and elderly. Many herbalists advise pregnant women to avoid using any herbs they don't really need, but chamomile is safe during both pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Teething-Baby Herbal Tea
You may give chamomile to teething infants to calm them and reduce gum inflammation.
If a child will not drink chamomile tea from a bottle or take it from a spoon, soak a cloth in 1/2 cup of strong chamomile tea to which you've added two drops of clove oil. Place the cloth in the freezer for 20 minutes, then give to the baby to chomp on.

2008-04-30T19:48:00.001-07:00

“B” is for Burdock

Herbalists revere Burdock as nature's best blood purifier. It helps to rid the body of harmful toxins and clear congestion from the circulatory, lymphatic, respiratory, and urinary systems. It is said to soothe the aches and pains of arthritis, alleviate excess water weight, and help to keep the skin clear and healthy. As a matter-of-fact, Burdock is believed to help keep the entire body clear and healthy.
Burdock is also thought to help heal a damaged liver and protect it from further damage. It’s known to promote the flow and release of bile, which not only helps to cleanse the liver, but also aids the digestive process. The mucilage, "bitter" and inulin contents in Burdock also help to support good digestion, as well as soothe the digestive tract and help many stomach conditions.

2008-02-26T09:35:00.000-08:00

An Apple a Day...

I've decided to feature a "good for you" herb or food product every month. We'll go through the alphabet--everything good for you from A to Z! What could be better to begin with than the humble apple? Surely you've heard, an apple a day will keep the doctor away. While it will certainly take more than a daily apple to keep you healthy, it is a step in the right direction. Apples are delicious, easy to carry for snacking, low in calories, a natural mouth freshener, and they are still very inexpensive.

Apples are source of both soluble and insoluble fiber. Soluble fiber such as pectin actually helps to prevent cholesterol buildup in the lining of blood vessel walls, thus reducing the incident of arteriosclerosis and heart disease. The insoluble fiber provides bulk in the intestinal tract, holding water to cleanse and move food quickly through the digestive system.

It is a good idea to eat apples with their skin. Almost half of the vitamin C content is just underneath the skin. Eating the skin also increases insoluble fiber content. Most of an apple’s fragrance cells are also concentrated in the skin and as they ripen, the skin cells develop more aroma and flavor.

There are hundreds of varieties of apples on the market today, although most people have only tasted one or two of the most popular such as Red Delicious or Granny Smith. Apples can be sweet, tart; soft and smooth, or crisp and crunchy, depending on the one you choose. Have an apple today and be assured you've chosen to eat healthy!

Natural Help for a Chest Cold

2007-12-03T07:42:00.001-08:00

Recently, the weather changed from warm to chilly, and I was reminded that, even though we can do our very best to stay healthy, we may still catch a cold every now and again.

Oftentimes, a “cold” will settle in the upper respiratory system–congesting the lungs and making it difficult to breathe. This can be very distressing for a mother, especially if the child suffering with this condition is very young. (I remember when my kids were babies how I wanted to cough for them when they had a cold!)

Several years ago, a very good friend gave me a wonderful recipe for a mustard pack - a simple, non-toxic remedy for clearing the lungs of congestion. The active ingredient in this recipe is mustard—a common, but strong and stimulating herb. Mustard can be used as a plaster for lungs that have been made stiff and sore from coughing, loosening them up and helping the body to expel congestion.

Mustard Pack

• 2 heaping tablespoons white flour
• 2 level tablespoons dry mustard powder (the best and least expensive way to buy this is at your local health food store or food co-op)
• 2 extra large eggs

Beat the eggs and mix together with the other ingredients to form a sloppy paste. On top of an old dishtowel, use the paste to make a 3x3 inch square. Cover this with plastic wrap and place on the chest for 20 minutes and then check the skin beneath the mustard pack. If it has taken on a bright red color, the mustard pack has done its job and can be removed. If the skin has not changed color, it’s possible that the mustard you are using has lost its potency. When you purchase powdered mustard, make sure it is pungent! Otherwise, it will not produce the desired effect.

If you or someone in your family becomes ill with congestion, try using this remedy three times a day - once in the morning, once in the afternoon, and once in the evening. I have found it to work very well without any worrisome side effects!

*Please understand that this column is not intended to diagnose or prescribe in any way. Its purpose is to inform and to help you.

2007-11-06T11:16:00.000-08:00

Cold and flu season is coming soon or may, in fact, already be here! (I’ve already had a cold this season.) Here are a few supplements that can help cure this much-maligned “bug.”

Vitamin C is probably the most well known natural cure for the common cold and flu. Vitamin C increases macrophage activity (one of the cells of immune system), and has an anti-histamine effect which helps reduce the runny nose. Under stress most animals (except humans) make significant amounts of vitamin C from glucose. Therefore vitamin C is considered the stress vitamin.

Echinacea is the most well known herbal cure for the common cold. It supports the immune system and increases the production and activity of white blood cells, lymphocytes and macrophages (cells of the immune system). Echinacea can be taken both to prevent a cold and to treat one. Many companies make echinacea glycerites, which are suitable for children.

Garlic is another cure for the common cold that has anti-bacterial, anti-viral and anti-fungal properties. Louis Pasteur confirmed its anti-bacterial action in 1858. Many people eat a raw clove of garlic a day to help support their cardiovascular system. Due to its heavy odor, many people prefer taking garlic capsules. The active part of garlic is allicin, which unfortunately is destroyed by cooking.