Sunday, April 13th, 2008
Daily Archive
Sun 13 Apr 2008
At this writing, kombucha tea, brewed from an unusual mushroom- type fungus, is enjoying an unprecedented surge of popularity in the United States. Kombucha tea is widely used today in Germany, France, Russia, Hawaii, and Asia. Not surprisingly, its origins have been traced back to China, the birthplace of all teas. In its most recent reincarnation, kombucha tea has been popping up all over the place. Articles have appeared in such publications as USA Today and People. The brew has been featured in major newspapers, and respected television news shows have done segments on it as well.
According to many reports—primarily anecdotal—kombucha tea boosts the immune system, increases energy levels, fights cancer and AIDS, eases arthritis and rheumatism, rids the body of toxins, normalizes blood pressure, reduces cholesterol levels, inhibits the aging process, lengthens the lifespan, eliminates acne, erases wrinkles, turns gray hair back to its original color, and stimulates hair growth. (more…)
Sun 13 Apr 2008
Lobelia is traditionally used in the treatment of colds, sore throats, laryngitis, asthma, bronchitis, and even pneumonia. It takes down a fever and is a noted relaxant and cough suppressant. Lobelia also helps people break the smoking habit.
DESCRIPTION AND PARTS USED
Lobelia, also known as Indian tobacco, is an annual plant indigenous to the eastern half of the United Stales. This plant has an erect, hairy stem and grows up to three feet tall. Each stem has numerous oval-shaped leaves. From July through October, lobelia puts forth bluish flowers, which give way to seed-bearing fruits. The parts used medicinally are those appearing above ground. (more…)
Sun 13 Apr 2008
Marshmallow is a soothing, healing demulcent, considered valuable for all lung ailments, including asthma. It has been used for centuries to soothe sore throats, ease a cough, and treat ulcers and diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. It is particularly useful against irritations caused by diarrhea and dysentery. Marshmallow is also an excellent anti-inflammatory that helps relieve swollenand irritated joints.
DESCRIPTION AND PARTS USED
Many varieties of the mallow species grow well in home gardens and are a valuable addition to any herbal plot. The small-leafed mallow has long, slender stems, rounded toothed leaves, and small pale pink or lavender flowers. Its round fruits are known as “cheeses.” Country-bred children sometimes eat them when serving them to their dolls as a tea-party delicacy. (more…)
