Natural Herbal Beauty

As its name suggests, eyebright is the herbalist’s treatment of choice for all eye disorders. Taken internally, it is traditionally believed capable of maintaining healthy eyes and good vision. Externally, eyebright is used as a mild eyewash with antiseptic properties. It is valuable for preventing the constant and annoying watering of weak eyes and helps relieve eyes that are particularly sensitive to light. Eyebright can quickly eliminate discomfort arising from conjunctivitis, blepharitis, eyestrain, inflammation,sties, or minor irritation. (more…)

Essiac is a combination tea consisting of four herbs: sheep’s sorrel, burdock root, slippery elm bark, and turkey rhubarb root. Anecdotal evidence supplied by those who say they have eliminated cancer by taking Essiac tea is very persuasive. True double-blind studies of the formula are lacking, but the benefits of the individual plants used in the formula have long been praised.

Sheep’s sorrel (Rumex acetosella), is a small perennial cousin of the common garden sorrel. This little plant grows abundantly in woodlands and shady places. The leaves, which hold the healing properties of the plant, are thin and delicate, brilliantly green above, faintly purple on their undersides. Sheep’s sorrel is said to brew into a cooling, thirst-quenching tea with notable blood-purifying properties. This herb helps strengthen a weak stomach, can stimulate a convalescent’s appetite, and is useful against nausea and vomiting (more…)

Feverfew is extremely helpful against headaches, even migraines, and is of great benefit to those who suffer from arthritis. This herb relieves fever and stimulates weak appetite in a convalescent. It helps ease symptoms of the common cold by increasing the fluidity of mucus caught in the lungs and bronchial tubes. Although not as powerful as dong quai, feverfew stimulates uterine contractions, relieves cramps, and brings on menstrual flow.

DESCRIPTION AND PARTS USED

This hardy herb attains a height of two to three feet. The slender trunk of each stem branches out into several stems that bear alternating toothed leaves of a golden-green hue. The noted English herbalist Gerard described what he called “Featherfew” with these words: “It be tender, diversely tome and jagged, and nickt on the edges.” Feverfew flowers are small and similar to daisies in appearance, with yellow centers and white, rayed petals. (more…)

This spicy delight is a specific for nausea, vomiting, motion sickness, gas, stomach cramps, and abdominal spasms. It is a good digestive aid, helps keep the colon clean, and fights colitis and diverticulosis. Because it helps reduce congestion and can ease a sore throat, ginger is a pleasant way to fight off colds and flu and clear the respiratory system. On the distaff side, ginger relieves morning sickness, eases menstrual cramps, and reduces hot flashes.

DESCRIPTION AND PARTS USED

Ginger is a low, spreading plant with heart-shaped leaves. It’s very much at home in moist rich soil and likes partial shade. In early spring, it bears purplish-brown flowers. The medicinal properties reside in the root. (more…)