Natural Herbal Beauty

Red raspberry is one of the traditional “woman’s herbs.” It is noted for its ability to ease uterine and intestinal spasms, and can help prevent hemorrhage. Because of its relaxing action, it quickly relieves menstrual cramps and can even ease hot flashes. Red raspberry tea helps strengthen the uterine wall, relieve labor pains, and ease childbirth. But it is not for women only.

Red raspberry is considered a reliable treatment for fevers, colds, and flu, as well as stomach problems, including nausea and diarrhea. Mild enough for children, it promotes healthy skin and nails, bones and teeth, and helps heal canker sores.

There are those who claim drinking raspberry leaf tea leads to a loss of weight. This herb is even sold as a reducing tea. Unfortunately, there is not one smidgen of evidence supporting the value of red raspberry as a reducing aid. (more…)

You may already know that rose hips are very high in ascorbic acid. They are traditionally taken as an excellent natural source of vitamin C. But perhaps you don’t know that this herb is a good blood purifier considered helpful against all infections, especially those affecting the bladder and kidneys. This herb also easess tress; battles coughs, colds, and flu; and is very nourishing to the skin.

DESCRIPTION AND PARTS USED

There are more different kinds of roses than of any other plant in the herb category, and they all provide rose hips. The rose family (Rosaceae) is composed of thorny shrubs native to Europe and North America. Rose hips are the fruits of members of this family. After the rose petals fall, the hips appear. These pods can be as small as a pea or ase as most e and they come in various colors. Although some are large green, most hips are red or reddish-orange. The taste of rose hips is at once fruity and slightly spicy. (more…)

Sage is said to refresh and stimulate the brain, relieve mental exhaustion, improve memory and the ability to concentrate. This herb has been credited with age-retarding and life-lengthening qualities for centuries.

An old Chinese adage says, “Sage for old age.” In Chinese medicine, this herb is used to treat yin (cold) conditions such as a weakness of the stomach and digestive system. Sage is an excellent digestive aid with good carminative properties.

Because this herb helps slow excessive secretion of fluids, it is traditionally used to treat night sweats, abnormal perspiration, diarrhea, and dysentery. Sage is also a mild anti-inflammatory that is considered of value during the early stages of colds and flu, especially when nasal congestion is present. As a gargle, sage tea has been used for centuries against sore throat, canker sores, thrush, infected teeth, and gingivitis. (more…)

This sweet herb is an excellent overall tonic and blood purifier that fights infection and has relaxant and anti-inflammatory properties. It is, therefore, valuable in the treatment of irritated lungs, whooping cough, and many conditions where inflammation is a complication, including arthritis, gout, AIDS, and certain skin disorders. Red clover tea also works well as an appetite suppressant. It is traditionally used to help strengthen the system and restore vitality and energy. Because it is mild, red clover is even considered suitable for weak children.

DESCRIPTION AND PARTS USED

Red clover is a plant of the pastures. You’ve probably seen it when You were driving through the country. It is distinguished by its trefoil leaves and globes of small raspberry-red flowers. The whole plant has mild sedative properties, but it is the flower heads that are valued for their medicinal properties. (more…)

Sarsaparilla is a tonic and blood purifier with the ability to favorably tone up the whole system. It also successfully treats psoriasis, eczema, and other skin diseases. As a historic depurative, sarsaparilla is traditionally used against disorders arising from blood impurities, such as arthritis, rheumatism, gout, and digestive disorders, including ulcerative colitis. This herb helps fight certain venereal diseases, including syphilis and herpes, reduces stress on the liver, is an effective fever reducer, and has mild antibiotic properties.

DESCRIPTION AND PARTS USED

Smilax officinalis is at home in tropical climes, including South America. It has a long slender root with short, thick rhizomes. This plant produces a vine that both trails on the ground and climbs hospitable trees by means of tiny tendrils that emerge from its evergreen leaves. The root flavors the soft drink of the same name and is the part of the plant used for medicinal purposes. (more…)