I was reading Rosemary Gladstar’s great book, Family Herbal when I first “met” Hawthorn. She thinks every woman should feed Hawthorn jam to their husbands over 40 to keep their hearts healthy. This is a significant claim to make, and I appreciate Rosemary’s teachings so I started my research and dug deep in the books and other resources.
Hawthorn Berries for cardiac health
A little history
Hawthorn berries have been used to treat heart disease as far back as the 1st century. By the early 1800s, doctors used it to treat circulatory disorders and respiratory illnesses. Traditionally, the berries were used to treat heart problems ranging from irregular heartbeat, high blood pressure, chest pain, hardening of the arteries, and heart failure. Today, besides the berries the leaves and flowers are used medicinally, and there is some research that suggests that hawthorn might be effective when used in the treatment of mild to moderate heart failure.
It has been regarded as the most important cardiac tonic in both Chinese and Western herbalism. A syrup of Hawthorn berries was used as a heart tonic by the private physician of King Henry IV of France.
The characteristics of the berries are similar to those of the leaf and flower. Upon administering orally an increase in myocardial contractility may be observed due to procyanids as well as an increased coronary blood flow.
Dosage
Hydroalcoholic Extracts: 2-2.5ml daily
Powdered Hawthorn Berries: 0.3-1g 3 times daily or as an infusion
Liquid extract (1:1 in 25% ethanol) 0.5-1 ml three times daily
Tincture (1:5 in 45% ethanol) 1-2 ml three times daily
Decoction: Simmer two teaspoons of dried berries in a cup of water for 15 mins and drink three times daily or see these decoction ideas
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Tags: blood pressure, circulative disorders, collagen, congestive heart failure, flavonoids, heart disorders, palpitations, Rosemary Gladstar, rutin, tonic, vitamin C
A small group of international magnesium researchers proved the importance of magnesium not only as a nutrient for thousands of body processes but also as a medicine to treat magnesium-depleted health conditions. Drs. Bella and Burton Altura have performed laboratory research and clinical research to the tune of about 1,000 studies over the past 40 years. The Alturas personally confirmed 22 magnesium-related conditions.
SYMPTOMS OF MAGNESIUM DEFICIENCY
The first symptoms of magnesium deficiency can be subtle. Most magnesium is stored in the tissues, so leg cramps, foot pain or muscle ‘twitches’ are usually the first signs. Insomnia, migraine headaches are also very common magnesium deficiency symptoms. And if ignored, some of the other more serious symptoms of Magnesium deficiency (low energy, fatigue, weakness, hormonal imbalances, inability to sleep, weakening of the bones, muscle tension, spasms and cramps, abnormal heart rhythm, headaches, anxiousness, nervousness, irritability, kidney stones) can develop.
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Tags: abnormal heart rhythm, anxiousness, fatigue, food, headaches, hormonal imbalances, inability to sleep, irritability, kidney stones, muscle tension, nervousness, ow energy, spasms and cramps, tea, weakening of the bones, weakness
Over a century ago, American farmers noted that when their livestock munched on pumpkin seeds, they seemed to urinate more often. They weren’t the first to notice the seeds’ effects. The Iroquois had long used pumpkin seed as a diuretic, and the Cherokee gave it to children to control bed-wetting, since it seemed to help empty the bladder before falling asleep.
The many uses of Pumpkin Seed (Cucurbita Pepo): from Arthritis to Prostate Health
More recently, Europeans began using the bright green oil from crushed pumpkin seeds for prostate health, and in Germany today, the oil is an approved over-the-counter treatment for enlarged prostate glands. In the U.S. too, the oil is one of the top ingredients in herbal blends for prostate health, says Mark Blumenthal, executive director of the American Botanical Council, a nonprofit group based in Austin, Texas, and backed by herbal supplement makers.
Subtly sweet and nutty with a malleable, chewy texture, the roasted seeds from inside your Halloween pumpkin are one of the most nutritious and flavorful seeds around. While pumpkin seeds are available year round, they are the freshest in the fall when pumpkins are in season.
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Tags: arthritis, bedwetting, Benign prostate enlargement, Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia, BPH, depression, Depression Treatment, expel intestinal worms, infections, prostate health, puminary ailments
Motherwort, as its name implies, is a woman’s herb. It has been used in Asia to prevent pregnancy and regulate menstrual cycles. It is used by midwives to help expell the afterbirth, to help get the uterus back into shape after childbirth, to prevent uterine infections and to ease symptoms of postpartum stress and depression. Traditional herbals suggest motherwort for “hysterical” conditions and “meloncholy”. As a relaxing nervine, motherwort helps to reduce anxiety and tension and bring one back to a place of calm centeredness. Motherwort is also a digestive bitter and as such encourages bile production, healthy digestion and reduces gas pains.
Motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca) is used for menstrual and uterine conditions, as well as in heart and circulation treatments
Tags: calming tonic, depression, digestive bitter, Medicinal Uses, menopause, nervine, postpartum depression, regulate menstrual cycles, uterine infections, UTI
Slippery elm has been used as an herbal remedy in North America for centuries. Native Americans used slippery elm in healing salves for wounds, boils, ulcers, burns, and skin inflammation. It was also taken orally to relieve coughs, sore throats, diarrhea, and stomach problems.
Slippery Elm Bark Powder is a soothing nutritive demulcent which is perfectly suited for the sensitive and inflamed mucous membrane linings in the digestive system. It will stay down even if all else comes out.
Slippery Elm (Ulmus fulva) for colitis, upset stomach, food poisoning, acid reflux and other gastrointestinal problems
It is often used for its nutritive values during convalescence as it is gentle and easily assimilated.
Slippery elm contains mucilage, a substance that becomes a slick gel when mixed with water. It coats and soothes the mouth, throat, stomach, and intestines; it also contains antioxidants that help relieve inflammatory bowel conditions. Slippery elm also causes reflux stimulation of nerve endings in the gastrointestinal tract leading to increased mucus secretion. The increased mucus production may protect the gastrointestinal tract against ulcers and excess acidity.
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Tags: burns, colitis, Crohn's disease, demulcent, essiac, food, Gastroesophogeal reflux disease, nutritive, soothing, stomach, ulcers
Juliette de Bairacli Levy (November 11th 1912 – May 28th, 2009)
Juliette died very peacefully in the early hours of Thursday, May 28th, 2009 in Burgdorf, Switzerland. Juliette was 96, had a remarkable life, a peaceful death and will leave an incredible legacy.
Juliette of the Herbs is a beautifully filmed lyrical portrait of the life and work of Juliette de Bairacli Levy: world renowned herbalist, author, breeder of Afghan hounds, friend of the Gypsies, traveller in search of herbal wisdom and the pioneer of holistic veterinary medicine.
For more than 60 years Juliette has lived with the Gypsies, nomads and peasants of the world, learning the healing arts from these peoples who live close to nature. Juliette’s well-loved and now classic herbals for animals and for children have been a vital inspiration for the present day herbal renaissance and holistic animal care community. Now 85 years of age, Juliette’s extraordinary life story is as colourful and as exciting as her tremendous wealth of herbal knowledge.
Filmed on location with Juliette and her Afghan hound in Greece, Spain, France, Portugal, Switzerland, England and America, and interwoven with Juliette’s vast collection of archival photographs, together with scenes of Gypsies dancing and Bedouins with their herds, Juliette of the Herbs is an inspiring portrait of a remarkable healer.
Tags: Bairacli Levy, Bairacli Levy November, England
“If you master only one herb in your life, master cayenne pepper. It is more powerful than anything else.”
Dr. Richard Shulze.
Origins
Chili is the Aztec name for cayenne pepper. It has been used by Native Americans as food and medicine for at least nine thousand years. Based on archeological evidence, its cultivation in Mexico is believed to have begun around seven thousand years ago. It was first introduced to Europe by Dr. Diego Alvarez Chanca, who accompanied explorer Cristoforo Colombo to the West Indies. From Europe, it was then transported to most tropical, subtropical, and temperate zones around the world.
Cayenne Pepper
Cayenne and Ayurvedic Medicine
Cayenne was introduced into traditional Indian Ayurvedic medicine as well as traditional Chinese, Japanese, and Korean medicines, respectively. In Ayurvedic medicine, a combination of cayenne, garlic, and liquid amber are used externally in paste or plaster form as a rubefacient (agent which reddens the skin) and local stimulant. The dried fruit and/or tincture are also used internally to treat flatulent dyspepsia and atony of digestive organs. In Chinese medicine, cayenne is considered to have digestive stimulant action and is sometimes used to cause diaphoresis. Topically, it is used in China and Japan in an ointment form to treat myalgia and frostbite.
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Tags: bleeding, cataract, digestion, Europe, herb that stops heavy bleeding, herb to prevent heart attack and cardiac failure, herbal stimulant, ulcers, William Cook
Energetics: Spicy, astringent
Meridians: Lungs, stomach
Sage (Salvia Officinalis) - Heals tonsilitis, throat disorders and helps weaning by decreasing milk supply
Introduction
Sage is well named, coming from the Latin “salvare”, to save, in reference to its curative properties. As a member of the mint family, it has many of the healing properties of its sisters. Of special note are the high levels of calcium and other bone-building minerals in all mints, including sage, and the exceptionally generous amounts of antioxidant vitamins they offer us.
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Tags: bleeding gum, blood cleansing herb, clears bronchial tubes, cold prevention, expectorant, flu, herb stimulating hair growth, herb that prevents night sweats, herb to relieve tonsilitis, herbal remedy for hot flushes during menopause, herbal remedy to mouth and throat ulceration, removes slime from stomach, Sage Essential Oils, sage honey, sage tea, sage vinegar, Susun Weed, thujon, weaning
Maria Treben is often referenced to in my posts, I will keep myself to this old tradition, because her experiences are well documented and I like her insights on the different herbs. She describes calendula as a noteworthy herb to use against several ailments.
Calendula (Calendula officinalis, Marigold)
Chemical Profile of Calendula
It contains up to 0.8% flavonoids (O-glycosides of quercetin, kaempferol and isorhamnetin) as well as bisdesmosidic and monodesmosidic saponins, hydroxylated and esterified triterpenes (taraxasterol, faradiol, helianthriol), while the essential oil contains mainly sesquiterpenoids such as cardinol, a-ionone and b-ionone.
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Tags: Analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, Antifungal, Antiscrofulous, astringent, athlete's foot, Calendula Salve, cancer, Cholagogue, cold sore, Depurative, diaphoretic, Emmenagogue, Febrifuge, herpes, infections, inflammation, skin cancer, strawberry mark, ulcers, UTI, yeast infection
