Natural Herbal Beauty

Of all the herbs, valerian is the champion sedative of historic fame. Recent findings have substantiated the old wisdom. Valerian not only relieves insomnia, it improves the quality of sleep, cuts down the number of times an insomniac awakens in the night, and doesn’t leave the user with a nervous headache in the morning. (Incidentally, if you have trouble falling asleep, don’t bothermaking notes.

You can even be a teetotaler and get the reputed benefits of red wine. Tea has about the same amount of catechins as red wine; catechins are antioxidants thatseem to help prevent the clogging of arteries by reducing the negative effects of LDL cholesterol.

If you must select between a manmade conglomeration of chemicals with some really nasty side effects or one of MotherNature’s nicely formulated remedies, the better way is obvious, isn’t it? (more…)

Plaster

If you think of grandmother’s famous mustard plaster, you’ll see why a plaster is a “sandwich.” Plasters are typically made with strong rubefacient materials that have the potential to redden andirritate the skin.

Prepare the herb parts as for either a steamed or pulpedpoultice, but place the warm mass of pulverized herbs between two layers of cloth before applying to the desired area. Depending on the herbs used, plasters can be left in place for an extended period of time, even overnight. (more…)

Capsicum, more familiarly known as cayenne pepper, potentiates all other herbs. This champion blood cleanser improves circulation, benefits the kidneys, lungs, spleen, pancreas, heart, and stomach. Cayenne has been used as a digestive aid and is one of the herbalist’s specifics against nausea. With its anti-inflammatory properties, it is helpful in rheumatism, arthritis, and migraines. Cayenne even quickly relieves common cold symptoms.

Externally, cayenne has been used to good effect in ointments and salves for centuries. As a rubefacient, it produces penetrating heat to bring relief to aching muscles and painful joints. (more…)

Angelica is credited with being a stimulant that has carminative (inducing expulsion of gas) and antispasmodic properties. Since ancient times, angelica tea has been given to rheumatics and those who suffer from cold hands and feet because it helps stimulate blood flow. As an antispasmodic, angelica fights PMS and menstrual cramps. Angelica is a time-honored expectorant (promoting expulsion) that fights bronchitis, loosens phlegm, and helps make seasonal allergies more bearable.

DESCRIPTION AND PARTS USED

Angelica atropurpurea is a biennial with purplish stems and large green-tinged white flowers that appear during its second year of growth. It flourishes in rich loamy soil and loves moist bottom- lands, where it can attain a height of five or six feet. The medicinal properties of this striking plant are most concentrated in the seeds and root, although the stalk and leaves are sometimes used. (more…)

Astragalus, pronounced ah-strag-ah-lus, enhances immune function, aids adrenal gland function, strengthens weak lungs, and is considered an excellent tonic tea that tones up the entire system. It increases metabolic function, promotes healing, and energizes tired glands. Because astragalus has diuretic properties, it is helpful in reducing edema, especially if the kidneys are involved. (more…)