Health Help

sage-leaves-help-those-with-coughs

Medicinal herbs are quite a common trend in today’s era. While some have faith in manufactured medicines, others remain loyal to nature’s products. Almost all of these medicinal bulk herbs have the ability to cure as well as enhance something necessary. Some have been widely used as culinary components as well as part of a concoction creating helpful and effective solutions.

Sage leaf is one common natural medicinal herb. These are small shrubs located in Mediterranean regions. The leaves are green and have a strong aroma of citrus. Sage leaves are usually an addition to many dishes and drinks. It can add flavor to most poultry and meat dishes, cheeses and even wines. Some even opt to combine the leaves with bread and butter.

Aside from its ability to become a good element in creating sumptuous drinks and dishes, sage leaves have powerful properties of meat cure and preservation such as labiatic acid and carsonic acid. Moreover, it suppress fish odor. However, these sage leave do not stop its use for culinary purpose only. A sage leaf can also take away some pain and sickness in a person when taken in. It is widely use for pains, fevers, coughs and digestive problems.

Medical professionals would say that sage leaf is a great help in relaxing stomach cramps and indigestion. Preferably, these sage leaves are made into tea and are taken in to take effect inside the body. The Chinese greatly believe in natural healing and powers of natural medicine such as sage leaves in curing their problems with digestions. The oil of sage leaves can also cure stomach ulcers instigated by bacteria.

Sage leaf is a good remedy for treating excessive sweating. The oil of the sage leaves can regulate the temperature of our body, thus lessen the cause of sweating. People living in deserts may want to try these natural herbs to minimize too much sweating under hot temperatures. This distinctive property makes sage leaf a good element in creating deodorants.

Sage leaves are also great elements in making powerful mouthwash and gargles. It is capable of making teeth and gums clean and strong. These herbs also improve our memory as well as quickening our senses.

These valuable properties of a sage leaf are evidence of effective healing. Natural medicinal herbs can have similar goals in curing sickness and improving health.

The sage leaf provides a wonderful means of nature helping people. Find out more about sage leaf’s benefits today.

How many of us can recall times of walking through an open field, only to be annoyed by the burrs we collected on our socks or pant legs? Those burrs might well be the only unwanted part of the burdock plant. It grows wild in Asia, Europe, and North America. If you eat the root, it tastes sweet and feels gummy. The stalks taste like celery, and the leaves are bitter like dandelion.

Burdock contains chlorogenic acid, flavonoids,arcigen, calcium, essential oil, inulin, lactone, mucilage, polyacetylenes, resin, tannin, potassium, and taraxosterol. Burdock is rich in vitamin B3 (niacin), vitamin C and others. It provides significant amounts of chromium, iron, copper, and magnesium. The root also contains trace amounts of organic mercury, meaning it can be used in mercury detox formulas.

Not just the roots of Burdock herb contain medicinal substances. In fact, historically, the seeds of the burdock plants were crushed to make an oil to relieve pain from arthritis, and for treating rheumatism, eczema, ulcers, acne, gout, and psoriasis. The burdock seeds contain healthful fatty acids. The oil from the seeds can be used to increase perspiration. This cleanses the body for influenza, liver disorders, or gallbladder, and to activate the kidneys. The leaves or leaf tea has been used in treating poison ivy or poison oak. Some just like to eat the leaves like lettuce and the root as a vegetable.

The Burdock root is best known as a blood purifier. This may be related to its diuretic properties. Many of the ingredients in the seeds are also in the roots, like beneficial oils, iron, and inulin. The root serves as a gentle laxative and will help rid the body of uric acid. Polyacetylenes are also present in the root, substances known to fight both fungus and bacteria.

The Chinese used the root as an aphrodisiac, and believed it was effective in treating barrenness and impotence. Burdock root has traditionally been used as a remedy for throat pain, tonsillitis, measles, arthritis, viruses like colds, and as a diuretic.

Externally, the burdock root extract has been used in Europe to treat dandruff and encourage healthy hair growth. Patients simply massaged burdock root oil into their scalp. Also, arctigenin, a substance in burdock, may be effective in slowing cancerous tumor growth. The root contains Essiac and Hoxsey, both ingredients of cancer treatment medications.

Burdock is available in teas, pills, ointments, or as Bur oil. It is very safe whether taken internally or externally, but be sure the burdock you have is pure. Because of its likeness in appearance to belladonna, a lethal plant, some have claimed burdock is not safe when it was really mixed with this look alike.

If you have abnormal blood sugar levels, use it cautiously. It may work too good. Should pregnant women use burdock? Some say no, because may cause uterine contractions. Others disagree. Because it is such a powerful cleanser, it is best when used in combination with other herbs. If you want to use it by itself, start with small amounts. Also, it may not work immediately as a blood cleaner. Give it three months to do its work.

Comfrey has also been called boneset, nipbone, knitbone, and healing herb and for good reason. It has a long history of effectiveness as a healer plant, especially for being able to knit bones.

The leafy stem of comfrey is 2 to 3 feet high, stout, and covered with bristly hairs. The lower, leaves are as long as10 inches long and are also covered with rough itch producing hairs. Comfrey leaf looks a lot like the Foxglove leaf. However, they have smaller veins that don’t extend into the wings of the leaf-stalk. The flowers appear in April or early May and grow on short stalks. They are creamy yellow or purple.

Comfrey is best known as the herb that heals tissue on contact. Until 200 years ago, the Comfrey leaf was only used externally to heal cuts, burns, skin ulcers, varicose veins, bronchitis, and rheumatism. Then the leaf started to be used as a tea and gargled or used as a mouthwash to relieve throat infections, hoarseness, and bleeding gums. It is rich in calcium and vitamin C and contains carotene (vitamin A), B12, and chlorophyll.

Externally and internally Comfrey is also used in the treatment of varicose veins, colitis, rheumatism, diarrhea, assorted pulmonary complaints (bronchitis, pleurisy, bronchopneumonia), metritis, and periostitis. It is used as a diuretic and laxative and is even used as a sedative.

Comfrey is effective as a healer because it contains Allantoin. This is able to help grow new flesh and bone cells and accelerate the healing process. It also reduces the inflammation of pulled tendons. An extract can be used for acne and athletes foot. It is also used for certain female problems. Comfrey tea and extract has been used as a douche for yeast infections. Poultices applied to sore and caked breasts, helps the tenderness leave very quickly.

Comfrey leaves and shoots are treated by some as a vegetable. The leaves are either ground up or juiced and mixed with other greens to make a healthy drink. Health conscious people are increasingly drinking these “green drinks.”

A modern medicinal tincture, employed by homoeopaths, is made from the root with spirits of wine, and 10 drops in a tablespoonful of water are administered several times a day. Internally, the leaves are taken in the form of an infusion, 1 oz. of the leaves to 1 pint of boiling water.

Many claim that comfrey is so safe that anyone can use as much as they want any time. However, a few precautions are in order. Care should be taken when using Comfrey with very deep wounds as its rapid healing power can lead to tissue forming over the wound before it is healed deeper down, possibly leading to abscesses. Make sure that wounds are thoroughly cleaned and protected from infection.

Jasmine Green Tea, unlike most teas, is made from both green leaves and the jasmine blossoms. These plants, over 200 species in number, are widely cultivated for their beautiful fragrant white, yellow or red flowers.

The jasmine plant was brought to China by Persia in the third century AD. However, it did not become popular there until about 1000 years ago. Yin Hao is considered the finest of all jasmine teas. Other popular blends are Dragon Phoenix Pearl, Xiang Pian, and Mo Li Hua Cha, the latter being one of the most popular scented tea in the world.

Jasmine green tea is made by starting with a Chinese green tea for a base. Some will use pouchong/oolong or black tea but green is more common. The tea leaves are plucked and processed in April and May and then kept dry until the jasmine flowers bloom in August and September.

Timing is everything when gathering the flowers. They must be fully open and for this reason they are harvested at midnight, or early in the morning. Then the open flowers are placed with the tea so that the scent of the flower can be absorbed into the tea over the next four hours. After this the flowers are removed. This process is repeated from two to seven times over a month.  Then the tea is ready for sale. The grade of the tea is determined by how many scentings the tea has gotten over a month. High grade jasmine tea has had up to seven scentings over the month.  Low grade has had two to three scentings.

Most green teas with jasmine contain a significant amount of polyphenols, plant-based substances that have proven to have anticancer, antiviral, and antioxidant properties. This helps prevent certain cancers and slows aging by eliminating free radicals. Jasmine is good for diabetes prevention and reducing high blood pressure. It is believed to prevent strokes, heart attacks, thrombosis, and arterial sclerosis.

Other Jasmine Tea health benefits include the ability to reduce the risk of blood clot, prevent allergy and flu, reduce blood sugar, keep fluid balance, boost the immune system and provide oral care and fluoride that helps protect against cavities and prevent tooth decay. One of the jasmine tea health benefits is to improve intestine conditions by blocking development and growth of bad bacteria and strengthening good bacteria.

In addition, jasmine tea fights food poisoning, including cholera, dysentery, and piccoli causing gastric ulcers. Gargling with jasmine green tea is believed to be one of the most effective ways to protect oneself from influenza, as the tea performs anti-viral functions.

Today, jasmine is known in alternative health care as an effective anti-depressant, including post-natal depression, and menopause problems. Along with raspberry leaf tea, it has been used to help childbirth and milk production. It can help relieve muscle and joint pain, including chronic back pain and is considered a romantic enhancer.

Try using jasmine green tea to lose weight. In one three month study, people who consumed tea with jasmine green tea extract lost more fat than those who consumed regular oolong tea. Perhaps the catechins in the jasmine trigger weight loss by decreasing body fat and by stimulating the body to burn calories.

To prepare a cup of tea, simply steep about one half teaspoon of tea in water from 170ºF to 190ºF for two minutes. You can repeat the steeping up to two times. You should consume at least four cups a day. This tea is served with strongly flavored foods or served alone. It is good with curries, chicken and fish, and vegetarian dishes. A good quality jasmine green tea will work beautifully with fruit and flower salads, or desserts made with flowers, or soft cheeses with pressed flowers.

Lobelia’s official name is lobelia inflata but it is also known as Indian tobacco. It was a very common herb prescribed by early North American doctors. Its main use was in healing respiratory ailments such as asthma, pneumonia, bronchitis, and coughs. The plant stem, which has only a few branches, is smooth on top while the lower part is rough and hairy. The lower leaves, about two inches in length, have stalks, while the upper, smaller ones don’t. The leaves are pale green or yellow and have a sharp taste and an uninviting odor. The sparse flowers are pale violet-blue on the outside and pale yellow on the inside.

Lobelia consists of various alkaloids, a bitter glycoside (lobelacrin), a pungent volatile oil (lobelianin), resin, gum, chelidonic acid and fats. The alkaloid lobeline is its main ingredient and namesake. Others include lobelidine, lobelanine, nor-lobelaine, lobelanidine, nor-lobelanidine, and isolobenine, as well as fourteen pyridine alkaloids.

Though not addictive, lobeline works much like nicotine in its effect on the central nervous system. This is why it is a main ingredient of many treatments to help people quit smoking. Lobeline is a relaxant and is used to treat muscle and spastic colon problems.  It also dilates the bronchiole tubes and this improves respiration.

Lobelia’s target problems deal with the respiratory system, problems like bronchitis and pneumonia. It stimulates the adrenal glands to release epinephrine, causing the airways to relax. Lobelia’s strong relaxant  qualities help to clear obstructions. It relaxes the stomach, a common need in asthmatic children. In fact, many use lobelia to stop asthma attacks instead of an inhaler.

Other practical uses of lobelia include these. Swallow it to expel mucus, remove congestion from the stomach, and to encourage the flow of oxygen rich blood. Rub lobelia tincture or extract on the shoulders of a restless child to help him go to sleep or on the gums of a teething baby. A poultice of lobelia gets rid of ringworm, bruises, and insect bites. It works similar to veratrum and aconite as a seditive. Catnip and lobelia enemas are great for treating mumps, especially in males.

Ellingwood recommended lobelia for the following pathologies: “spasmodic asthma, whooping cough, spasmodic croup, membranous croup, infantile convulsions, puerperal eclampsia, epilepsy, tetanus, hysterical paraxysms, hysterical convulsions, diphtheria, tonsillitis, pneumonia,” among others. Add to the list a treatment for laryngitis in children and for treating barking coughs.

In what form is it purchased? Lobelia is available as bulk herbs, in a liquid extract form, and as tinctures for internal use. For external use it is available in ointments, lotions, suppositories, and plasters. To make the awful tasting tea, mix ¼ to ½ teaspoon of the dried herb in eight ounces of water and let it steep for 30 to 40 minutes. Drink two ounces of this four times a day. If you prefer the tincture, take .6 to 2 ml of each day. This quantity is based on a 150 pound adult. For children adjust the dosage proportionately by weight.

Lobelia is considered a potentially toxic herb. Special care is advised when using it. Signs of lobelia poisoning may include weakness, heartburn, weak pulse, difficulty breathing, and collapse. People with high blood pressure, heart disease, tobacco sensitivity, paralysis, and seizure disorder should not take lobelia. Lobelia is not recommended for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Lobelia can be an aggressive emetic, even in relatively small doses if the system is highly toxic. The resulting nausea and vomiting, though unpleasant, will be beneficial to the patient.

The horsetail herb is also known as horse willow, toadpipe, bottle brush, Corn Horsetail, Dutch rushes, Quyroughi, Atkuyrugu, and Shavegrass. It is a perennial flowerless plant whose value is found in the hollow, jointed stems. First recommended by the Roman physician Galen, several followed his advice to treat for kidney and bladder troubles, arthritis, bleeding ulcers, and tuberculosis. The Chinese still use it to cool a fever and as a remedy for eye inflammations such as conjunctivitis and corneal disorders. They also use it to treat dysentery, flu, swellings, and hemorrhoids. The fresh or dried green stems of horsetail are collected in summer.

The horsetail is one of the most diuretic species in all the plants. This means it is effective in eliminating water from the body. The secret is in the chemical ingredient equisetonin and because of it horsetail can actually increase urination up to 30%. Therefore, it is often used in products for weight loss.  Equisetonin and potassium are also beneficial for this and calcium, magnesium, ascorbic acid and caffeic acid also contribute to this diuretic ability.

Horsetail’s diuretic qualities make it effective to help knock out bacterial and inflammatory diseases of the lower urinary tract. It also helps to flush out kidney and bladder stones. The quantity of silica in horsetail makes it effective in speeding up slowly healing wounds and repairing bony tissues. Silica helps the body store more calcium and this means stronger bones or tendons. It is excellent in dealing with osteoporosis.

Because of its mineral content horsetail is recommended for anemia and general debility. It has also been used to treat lung damage such as tuberculosis or emphysema. Horsetail is an excellent herbal source of silicon, calcium, magnesium, chromium, iron, manganese, and potassium. It has been used to treat prostatitis, enuresis, urinary tract infections and muscle cramps. This herb nourishes nails, hair, skin, bones and the body’s connective tissue.

Horsetail is considered a specific remedy in cases of inflammation or benign enlargement of the prostate gland. Its toning and astringent action make it of value in the treatment of incontinence and bed-wetting in children. Recent research in Russia has apparently demonstrated that horsetail is effective in removing lead accumulations in the body.

Taken internally, horsetail is able to help stop bleeding from ulcers and diminish heavy menstrual bleeding. Gargle the tea to treat a sore throat, bleeding gums, or mouth ulcers. Applied externally as a compress, it will help to heal fractures, sprains, wounds, sores, and skin problems.

Externally use 10 grams of the powdered herb in 1 liter of water for compresses. Internally, use the powdered herb for infusions, taken orally in an average daily dose of 6 grams. If you take horsetail internally, drink plenty of water. To make horsetail tea, pour boiling water over 2 to 3 g of the herb, boil for 5 minutes, and then strain after 10 to 15 minutes. It can be consumed several times a day between meals.

A few warnings are in order. Too much horsetail and licorice (and especially alcohol) decrease potassium levels and risk thiamine deficiency and cardiac toxicity. Some advise the following people to stay away from horsetail: breast-feeding patients, pregnant patients, those who are taking a cardiac glycoside, those with impaired heart or kidney function, those with liver problems, and who have a history or potential of thiamine deficiency. The equisetic acid in horsetail is a heart and nerve sedative that could be poisonous in excessive quantities.

When you think of spearmint leaf, Wrigley’s gum probably comes to mind. It has been around since 1893. It is actually flavored with spearmint oil. Half of all spearmint oil is used to flavor gum and most of the rest is used in toothpastes. Did you know that 13,000 sticks of chewing gum contain one pound of mint oil? Obviously, a little goes a long way!

Officially it is Salvia sclarea, but other common names are spearmint, mint, brown mint, garden mint, Our Lady’s mint, sage of Bethlehem, menthol mint, silver mint, spiremint. There are many different kinds of mint, including catnip, peppermint, apple mint,  orange mint, lavender mint. and Scotch spearmint. We are told the US produces 70% of the world’s mint supply, and Washington and Oregon are the leading producers.

Though spearmint is not as popular as peppermint, it does have its own unique flavor. Spearmint plant has a creeping root and unequally serrated and smooth leaves. It is a herbaceous plant with branching, quadrangular, smooth stems, that grow to 2 ft. high. The leaves are the only part of the plant used.

Spearmint is native to the Mediterranean region and has a long history. Writing of spere mynte in 1568, herbalist John Gerard said it, “rejoiceth the heart…” Even before this, the Bible mentions mint in Matt. 23:23 and Luke 11:42, both speaking of religious leaders tithing the leaves. In the Middle Ages it was one of the strewing herbs. It was scattered on the floor to give health, a beautiful scent, and to get rid of rodents. Spearmint was shipped to America during the Colonial period. Because mint was untaxed by the English government, it became a popular tea substitute during the American Revolution. Spearmint then became a significant cash crop in Connecticut. Its popularity flourished during the American Civil War when imported black tea was hard to get. It was used as a cleansing tonic and to help purify drinking water. Dog bites, wasps and bee stings were treated with a mixture of salt and mint applied directly to the wound.

Spearmint contains volatile oil, the flavonoid thymonin, caffeic acid, rosmaric acid, carvone, and limonene. It also contains aromatic compounds that increase the production of digestive fluids and enzymes, relieve smooth muscle spasms, increase blood circulation, promote sweating, relieve pain and are antiseptic. Spearmint contains astringent compounds that shrink inflamed tissues. It has been used to treat indigestion, morning sickness, nausea, menstrual cramps, flatulence, muscle aches, flu, and vomiting. Ice cubes of mint tea are useful to promote healing and to soothe the pain of canker sores.

Spearmint can be inhaled to relieve tension headaches and to revive the memory. Externally the application of spearmint will heal chapped skin. Some dilute sugary juices with herbal teas such as mint.

Some women suffer from hirsutism, which is excessive hair growth in locations where hair normally does not grow. Spearmint’s anti-androgenic properties reduce the level of free testosterone in the blood, while leaving total testosterone and DHEA unaffected. Drinking two cups of spearmint tea a day for five days can reduce androgen levels in women with hirsutism. The dosage is 1 c. morning and evening during each of the 5 days of the follicular period (the five days leading up to ovulation) of each menstrual cycle.

What is the recommended dosage of spearmint leaves? For a decoction: mix 2 tbsp. dried leaf in one cup water. Steep 10 min. Do not boil. Strain.  For an infusion: mix 2 tsp dried leaf in one cup water. Steep for 10 min. Do not boil. Strain. For a bath decoction: mix 3 tbsp. dried leaf in one cup water and follow the above directions. There are no known side effects to spearmint. It is safe and useful for children.  Use it for relief in colic and congestion for the gentle menthol content is warming and relaxing to the esophagus. Spearmint has a mild  anesthetic effect to the mucous membranes of the stomach and can thus ease motion sickness and help restore the appetite.

Spirulina is one of hundreds of algae species and is commonly known as blue green algae. Algae, including spirulina, are tiny organisms that usually grow on inland waters throughout the world. It looks like a blue-green scum. Algae is usually divided by color. Some of the different algae are blue-green, green, yellow-green, red, and brown. World-wide there are 8000 species of green algae. Of the three main types of algae, spirulina is the easiest to digest.

Spirulina is not a typical herb. It does not have roots, leaves, or stems. But it does create proteins and sugars just as animals do and it does contain chlorophyll and perform photosynthesis.

The Aztecs of Mexico ate spirulina as a staple food, drying it and spreading it on tortillas. Those living in the Sahara region also eat dried spirulina with grains and vegetables. Spirulina is a common source of food for both animals and humans.

Here are some of the benefits of spirulina. Spirulina contains antioxidants that enhance the immune system. It is highly nutritious and is an excellent source of protein, chlorophyll, vitamins, minerals, and amino acids. For example, it has 26 times the calcium of milk. It also contains phosphorus, B12, iron, and is easily digested. It is a safe food with no side effects and is easy to store. In fact, it has been called the “Manna of the future.” It is used to treat anemia, cataracts, diabetes, gastrointestinal disorders, glaucoma, hepatitis, and physical imbalances. It also aids weight loss.

We mentioned spirulina’s ability to enhance the immune system. It does this by producing anti-inflammatory chemicals known as interferons and interleukins. Spirulina may decrease or prevent some allergic responses and block the release of histamine from mast cells during an allergic reaction. In so doing, spirulina may prevent or at least decrease histamine’s effects. These effects would include blood vessel expansion, muscle contraction, and stomach acid production.

Spirulina appears to block the entrance of virus cells into host cells. HIV and several other viruses are apparently killed or damaged by spirulina. Spirulina’s antioxidant and immune-enhancing properties mentioned above may aid in fighting cancer. Spirulina also helps to release something called tumor necrosis factor alpha which is a chemical in the body that attacks tumor cells.

Spirulina is an exceptionally potent nutrient substance. NASA stated, “The Nutritional value of 1kg spirulina is equivalent to 1,000 kgs of assorted fruits and vegetables.” Spirulina is 85 percent protein, compared with 20 percent in beef. It contains all the essential amino acids and most of the nonessential ones. In addition, as noted above, it is extremely high in vitamins and minerals.

You can purchase spirulina in tablets, capsules, and powder form. One tablespoon of spirulina powder is about 7 grams. Doses should be from one gram to ten grams a day. That is just about two teaspoons. For serious illnesses such as hepatitis four tsp per day are recommended.  Consume as much as you want. It may be used as the primary source of protein. Some even like to make smoothies with Spirulina. Others just sprinkle it on their food like seasoning. Spirulina powder can be added to fruit or vegetable juices or to add nutrition to dishes. It is tasty in pasta, soups, salads, or mixed with yoghurt. Just remember this: spirulina is most nutritious uncooked.

Imagine paying good money to get rid of a treasure chest in your yard! If you have thought of plantain as a nuisance weed, you might very well have done just that! Plantain, or Plantago major, is a weed that commonly grows in the yard in one of 200 varieties. You will recognize it by its broad, rounded cluster of leaves and nubby green spikes rising vertically from the midst.

In North America, Native Americans learned to use plantain to treat bites of all kinds. In fact, plantain was formerly used to heal the bites of “mad dogs, snakes, and venomous creatures.” A colonial American slave could win his freedom by teaching his master, at an urgent time, how to use plantain to cure rattlesnake bite. In 1710 an article was published, listing the many benefits of plantain leaf. The list sounded like it could have been written by a traveling medicine doctor as a promo for his elixir!

How did they apply it? They took a few fresh leaves, crushed or chewed them, and applied them to a bleeding wound. Or they would use it to alleviate the pain and inflammation of bites and stings. Plantain can also be used this way to treat a wide range of skin disorders, including eczema, dandruff, or sunburn. Plantain is like a First Aid ointment growing right in your lawn! The leaf will also relieve the pain of a toothache by chewing on it. A cup of strong plantain tea will calm indigestion. In Europe they have confirmed that plantain is a valid treatment for sore throat, bronchitis, and cold symptoms.

In more recent times, plantain has been acclaimed for its ability to relieve bee stings, insect and spider bites, and rashes from an unfortunate encounter with Poison Ivy or Stinging Nettles. Dr. Christopher called Plantain, Jewelweed, and Hound’s Tongue “Nature’s erasers.” He said, “Stand anywhere within sight of Poison Ivy, and look about. You will always see at least one of these plants, placed by the hand of God to come to your aid, if you should need it.” Plantain will protect the body against tumors and help resist damage to the liver from chemotherapy drugs. The fiber and mucilage from the seeds of the Plantago species are the primary fiber supplement for millions of people around the world.

Plantain leaf contains an anti-inflammatory substance called allantoin. This stimulates the growth of new skin cells, kills germs, and speeds wound healing. Many commercial cosmetic creams and lotions list it as an active ingredient.

Plantain is a must in case of physical injuries because it is a contact healer. As such, along with cayenne, and comfrey, it is essential for emergency situations to stop itching and/or bleeding, kill infection, reduce inflammation, etc.

Try this: make a simple ointment with olive oil, extract of fresh plantain, and a little beeswax. Apply this to skin ailments, including diaper rash. You can rub fresh plantain leaves right onto the skin to treat bug bites, eczema, poison ivy, or other minor skin irritations. Another method is to make a soothing poultice of fresh, mashed leaves and a little cool water. This will sooth sunburn. You can purchase plantain as a liquid extract and in capsule form also. For bronchial symptoms the usual dosage is one teaspoon of liquid extract three times a day, or six grams in capsules per day.

There have been no toxic reactions reported with the use of plantain though consuming extremely large amounts could cause diarrhea, skin rash, or other allergic reaction. It is very critical to store plantain in a dark, dry, and cool place. Refrigeration or freezing is highly recommended, but not necessary. By doing this you will delay the loss of its highly valued nutritional and medicinal properties.

When you hear the word ‘licorice,’ you probably think of the black or red candy in long sticks or bite-sized pieces. The candy by that name actually contains little or no licorice. Instead, the real value of the plant is in the licorice root itself. The name licorice comes from a Greek word meaning ‘sweet root.’ The scientific name is Glycyrrhiza glabra, Liquiritia officinalis. It is also called Chinese Licorice, Gan Cao, Kan-ts’ao, Kuo-lao, Sweet Licorice, Sweet Wood, and Yasti Madhu, to name a few. Used in proper doses in moderation, licorice is one of the most powerful members of the herbal family.

The plant from which licorice is obtained is mainly found in the countries surrounding the Mediterranean Sea. The dried plants can grow to over four feet, bearing bluish purple and white flowers that resemble the blooms of the sweet pea. To extract the ingredients, the licorice roots are cleaned, ground, and then boiled. The very strong tasting extract, once curdled, is then dried again. This substance is given natural flavors, dissolved in water, and formed in moulds.

Licorice has been used medicinally for centuries, even millennia. The ancient Hindus believed it increased sexual vigor when prepared as a beverage with milk and sugar. Licorice has been discovered in the tombs of Egyptian pharaohs, including that of Tutankhamen. In ancient Greece and Rome, licorice was employed as a tonic and also as a remedy for colds, sore throats, and coughs. As much as 3000 year ago the Chinese maintained that licorice root tea would give them strength and endurance. On this side of the ocean, in North American folk medicine, licorice was used as a cough suppressant, laxative, expectorant, and treatment for various cancers. Native Americans also used it to help with the pain in childbirth. Early pharmacists used licorice as a flavoring and sweetening agent in many of their syrups and lozenges. Today, licorice extracts are used in sugar free sweeteners for diabetics and those suffering from hypoglycemia. Recently a licorice sample dating from 756 A.D. was analyzed and found to still be potent. In Pontefract, Great Britain, local residents still celebrate a licorice harvest festival.

The value of licorice starts in its work as an antibacterial immune system stimulant. Its two fold punch comes from its intrinsic value, and its ability to cause other herbs to reach their full potential as well. One potent ingredient is glycyrrhizin, a substance that is 50 times sweeter than sugar. This substance also seems to stop the growth of many bacteria and viruses such as influenza A. Licorice is especially useful for general fatigue, a mucous membrane infection, radiation treatment, cancer, or immune suppression.

Presently, licorice extracts are used extensively as ingredients in cough drops and syrups, tonics, laxatives, antismoking lozenges, and other preparations. They are also used as flavoring agents to mask bitter, nauseous, or other undesirable tastes in certain medicines. Therefore, it is a useful addition to many children’s formulas.

Licorice is best known to some for its estrogenic effects, which make is a useful herb for menopause. Its antiulcer activity make it an herb of choice for both stomach and duodenal ulcer problems. Because it stimulates expectoration and heals mucous membrane systems, it has a long history of use for upper respiratory infections. Licorice is used in treating many ailments, including (in alphabetical order) arthritis, asthma, athlete’s foot, baldness, body odor, bursitis, canker sores, chronic fatigue, depression, colds and flu, coughs, dandruff, emphysema, fungal infections, gingivitis and tooth decay, gout, heartburn, HIV, liver problems, Lyme disease, menopause, prostate enlargement, psoriasis, shingles, sore throat, tendonitis, tuberculosis, ulcers, viral infections, and yeast infections.

Besides glycyrrhizin, hundreds of other potentially healing substances have also been identified in licorice.  These include compounds called flavonoids and various plant estrogens (phytoestrogens). Licorice is used to encourage and regulate the adrenal glands and the pancreas. Since the adrenalin helps control insulin, these work together. Licorice also acts as a natural cortisone or as a replacement hormone for cortisone. It helps voice improvement and injured voice muscles for both hoarseness or throat damage. Licorice also aids the intestinal tract, acting as a mild laxative. It strengthens the heart and circulatory system.

You can partake of licorice in several ways. It makes an excellent tea and tincture. Of course, it can be used in other forms. For instance, you can put ground licorice root in capsules. It can also make other treatments more palatable. Feel free to add it to dishes in small amounts so as to add nutritional value without changing the flavor.

Because licorice is such a powerful herb, a few warnings are in order. The best way to use licorice is in combination with other bulk herbs. Licorice can cause water retention and raised blood pressure, especially with prolonged use. It also can cause an unwanted mild adrenal stimulation. Avoid using larger amounts of licorice internally during pregnancy or nursing. Licorice interacts with many prescription drugs.  For this reason, if you are on other medication, consult your doctor before taking licorice.

Those who regularly use Licorice Root receive natural cortisone, relief from hypoglycemia, strengthened circulatory and more health boosting benefits. To find out more about this and other bulk herbs, visit More Than Alive – an online store and trusted resource for family health information.