The Healing Remedies Sourcebook: Over 1,000 Natural Remedies to Prevent and Cure Common Ailments. C. Shealy Norman

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СКАЧАТЬ cinnamon, coriander powder can be sprinkled on cuts and scrapes to prevent infection.

       The infusion makes an excellent digestive aid.

       CAUTION

       In high doses, coriander may cause kidney irritation.

       During pregnancy, use only under recommendation from your physician.

       CROCUS SATIVUS

       SAFFRON Kesar, Nagakeshara

      Saffron is a small, perennial crocus with purple flowers cultivated in Spain, France, Sicily, Iran, and India. The young plant does not flower for the first few years. When it matures, it produces flowers with golden stigmas which are quite expensive to harvest.

      PROPERTIES

       Saffron is warming, digestive, stimulant, and rejuvenating. It has anodyne, antispasmodic properties; it is frequently used as an emmenagogue and expectorant.

      Part of Plant Used The stigmas or threads.

      Conditions Treated Aids digestion and improves appetite. Benefits menstrual pain and irregularity, menopause, impotence, infertility, anemia, enlarged liver, umbago, rheumatism, cough, asthma, gastrointestinal complaints, colic, and chronic diarrhea.

      Form Taken Whole threads as a spice, in oils, infusions, and food. The oil can be used as a massage oil, perfume, or bath.

      Used with Other Herbs? Cedarwood, champa, lavender, rosewood, sandalwood.

      HOW TO USE

       Saffron can be used to balance all three doshas.

       A saffron infusion can be helpful for irregular menstruation and menstrual pains.

       Steep 6–10 stigmas in ½ cup of boiling water. Take 1 cup a day, unsweetened.

       CAUTION

       Do not use during pregnancy, as the herb can promote miscarriage.

       Saffron can be narcotic in large doses—do not exceed the medicinal amount indicated. A dose of ½oz. (10–12g) can be fatal for humans.

       CUMINUM CYMINUM

       CUMIN Jeera

      Cumin seeds are pungent, savory brown seeds with a flavor common to Indian and Middle Eastern cooking. Heating the seeds, by cooking or infusing, aids the digestive power of the cumin. Cumin is very rich in vitamins and minerals, and is an antidote to weakness and fatigue.

      PROPERTIES

       Cumin has a pungent, bitter effect, with neutral to cooling properties. It acts as a blood cleanser, a carminative, aiding in the absorption of nutrients to the system. Cumin is a physical and sexual stimulant. It is antispasmodic, alterative, and acts as a lactagogue and immune builder.

      Part of Plant Used The seed.

      Conditions Treated Digestive disorders and gas pains, anemia, migraine, allergies, nervous conditions, low breast milk, and lack of sexual drive. Cumin builds up the immune system of people who suffer severe allergies.

      Form Taken In a compress, as a spice and infusion, in massage oil, and as an inhalation.

      Used with Other Herbs? Because of its overpowering smell, use cumin in small amounts when mixing with other herbs. Cumin is frequently used with lemon, black pepper, coriander, lavender, and rosemary.

      HOW TO USE

       Cumin reduces kapha and pitta, and increases vátha.

       To relieve abdominal pain, add the seeds to food.

       Abdominal pain can also be treated with a cumin seed poultice.

       Strain, dry, then crush the seeds with a heavy object (a clean stone, rolling pin, or hammer).

       CAUTION

       An excess of cumin may cause nausea.

       CURCUMA LONGA

       TURMERIC Haridra, Haldi

      Turmeric holds a place of honor in Ayurvedic medicine. It is a symbol of prosperity, and was believed to be a cleanser for all the systems in the body. Turmeric was prescribed as a digestive aid, a treatment for fever, infections, dysentery, arthritis, jaundice, and it has been used as a basic ingredient in curries for thousands of years.

      PROPERTIES

       Antiseptic, warming, pungent, bitter, and astringent. Turmeric acts as a stimulant, an alterative, and carminative, with vulnerary, antibacterial properties. Turmeric rhizomes are ground to make the familiar yellow powder.

      Part of Plant Used The roots.

      Conditions Treated Indigestion, poor circulation, cough, amenorrhea, pharyngitis, skin disorders, diabetes, arthritis, anemia, wounds, bruises, and all immune system deficiencies. Because of its energizing effect on the immune system, turmeric is being studied for use in the treatment of HIV and AIDS.

      Form Taken As a massage oil, in facial creams and lotions, in compresses, or as a food or spice.

      Used with Other Herbs? Ginger, musk, wild sunflower.

      HOW TO USE

       Reduces kapha and vátha, and increases pitta.

       Reduces fat, purifies blood, and aids circulation.

       It benefits digestion, and can help rid the body of intestinal parasites.

       CAUTION

       Do not use in cases of hepatitis, extremely high pitta, or pregnancy.

       Turmeric is said to reduce fertility, and would not be recommended for someone trying to conceive.

       ELETTARIA CARDAMOMUM

       CARDAMOM Elaichi

      Cardamom is a stimulating plant which eases the brain and the respiratory and digestive systems. Its sweet, warming energy brings joy and clarity to the mind, and is particularly good for opening the flow of prana, or vital energy, through the body. Added to milk, cardamom will neutralize mucus-forming properties; added to coffee, it detoxifies caffeine.

      PROPERTIES

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