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

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СКАЧАТЬ upsets.

       CAUTION

       Traditionally used to stimulate the uterus so should be avoided by pregnant women. Some people develop a rash when in contact with the herb or its oil. If so, discontinue use. Do not give wild sunflower to children under two years of age.

       Use of the herb may cause photosensitivity in some people.

       HYPERICUM PERFORATUM

       ST. JOHN’S WORT

      St. Johns wort is a bushy, flowering shrub found the world over. The leaves and flowers have long been used for their diuretic, emmenagogic, and antidepressant qualities. The ancient Greek scholar, Galen, describes the herb as the antidote to intestinal worms.

      PROPERTIES

       Bitter, astringent, sweet, and cooling. St. John’s wort has moisturizing, vulnerary, antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory properties. It is an expectorant, a nutritive tonic, and a nervine.

      Part of Plant Used The leaves and flowers.

      Conditions Treated Spinal problems, skin problems, joint pain, problems associated with aging, trauma, and eczema. St. John’s wort has been indicated for stomachache, colic, congestion in the lungs, insomnia, anemia, headache, jaundice, catarrh, burns, wounds, and sores. It can be used to treat carcinoma, bedwetting, melancholy, depression, uterine cramping, and menstrual problems.

      Form Taken As a massage lotion, compress, or salve; as a tea, tincture, or infusion.

      Used with Other Herbs? Angelica, chamomile, rosewood, yarrow.

      HOW TO USE

       St. Johns wort reduces pitta and kapha, and increases vátha. An oil extract of St. John’s wort can be used internally for stomachache, colic, or intestinal disorders. Externally, the oil will soothe wounds, burns, and treat skin cancer. Put the fresh leaves and flowers in a glass jar, and fill it with olive oil. Close the jar and leave it for six to seven weeks, shaking it often. The oil will turn red. Strain the oil through a cloth. If a watery layer appears when the oil has stood for a while, decant or siphon it off. Stored in a dark container, the oil will keep for up to two years.

       MEDICAGO SATIVA

       ALFALFA

      Alfalfa is grown the world over, primarily as food for livestock. The ancient Chinese, noticing their cattle preferred grazing in alfalfa, started to sprout alfalfa shoots to use as a vegetable.

      PROPERTIES

       Alfalfa is bitter and astringent, with cooling properties. It is high in chlorophyll and nutrients. It alkalizes and detoxifies the body, aids the liver, and is good for anemia, ulcers, diabetes, hemorrhaging, and arthritis. Alfalfa promotes pituitary gland function and contains antifungal agents.

      Part of Plant Used The leaves, petals, flowers, and sprouts.

      Conditions Treated Alfalfa leaves help to reduce blood cholesterol levels and clean plaque deposits from arterial walls. It has been used to treat anemia, colitis, sciatica, and rheumatism. Sip the infusion for a natural breath freshener.

      Form Taken Take as a tea, supplement, or in sprouts.

      Used with Other Herbs? Fenugreek, garlic, ginger, saffron, turmeric.

      HOW TO USE

       Alfalfa reduces both kapha and vátha, and has a neutral effect on pitta.

       It is a great detoxifier and can be used on a regular basis to cleanse the system and provide refreshing chlorophyll.

       The tea can be used to reduce cholesterol.

       CAUTION

       Never eat alfalfa seeds because they contain high levels of the toxic amino acid canavanine. Over time, eating the seeds could result in impaired functioning of the platelets and white blood cells. The alfalfa plant also contains saponins, chemicals which may affect red blood cells. In recommended doses, alfalfa is considered completely safe. Pregnant and nursing women should consult a physician before use.

       MYRISTICA FRAGRANS

       NUTMEG Jaiphala

      Nutmeg is a tropical evergreen tree native to Indonesia. The brown, wrinkled fruit contains a kernel which is covered by a bright red membrane.

      PROPERTIES

       Warming, stimulant, rejuvenating. Nutmeg improves appetite and digestion. It is highly aromatic, carminative, and has strong hallucinogenic properties when ingested in large quantities.

      Part of Plant Used The kernel of the seed.

      Conditions Treated Nutmeg is calming and sleep-inducing, making it an excellent remedy for insomnia and other sleep disorders. It has been used to treat diarrhea and vomiting. Nutmeg strengthens the heart and eases menstruation. In small quantities, it acts on the stomach, improving digestion and appetite, while dispeling flatulence or acid stomach. Nutmeg has been used to ease kidney trouble.

      Form Taken Whole or as a powder, as a tea, spice, massage oil, or an inhalation.

      Used with Other Herbs? Balsam, bay, cinnamon, cumin, lavender.

      HOW TO USE

       Licorice reduces both vátha and pitta.

       The herb, a common treatment for bronchitis and colds, may be chewed directly, taken as a tea, or made into a medicated ghee, or clarified butter, preparation.

       CAUTION

       Can be very toxic if eaten. Eating as few as two nutmeg kernals can cause death. Use only in the medicinal amount. Consult a physician before using nutmeg medicinally. Pregnant women and people in high pitta condition should avoid nutmeg. Nutmeg has hallucinogenic properties.

       OCYMUM BASILICUM

       BASIL Tulsi

      There are many different varieties of basil. The Indian variety is also known as basil krishna, because it is said that Krishna wore garlands of this herb around his neck to increase his detachment and his faith.

      PROPERTIES

       Basil acts as a diaphoretic, a febrifuge (a fever reducer), and a nervine. Basil is antibacterial, antiseptic, antifungal, and antispasmodic. Basil stimulates the immune system by increasing the production of antibodies.

      Part СКАЧАТЬ