Natural Herbal Beauty

BLOOD CLEANSER

Include the following in the diet: fresh chicory, chives, crab-apple, grapes, fresh green mustard, nettles (make a standard brew tea and add to soups and stews), sow’s thistle, parsley, pumpkin and radish.

BLOOD PRESSURE

Take care to eat fresh green salads daily.

For high blood pressure include in the diet: barley, broccoli, carrots, cauliflower, celery, chives, cucumbers, endive, garlic, guavas, onions, oranges, parsley, peaches, pears, sweet peppers, purslane, pineapple, spinach, squash, strawberries, tomatoes, yarrow and cayenne pepper. (more…)

Hawthorn Crataegus oxycantha

Description: a common deciduous shrub or small tree, often used in hedging, with deeply lobed obovate leaves and pink or white scented flowers in late spring. Dark red oval fruits form in early autumn and are usually eaten by birds.

Parts used: flowering tops, collected in spring, and berries, collected when ripe in autumn

Actions: antispasmodic, astringent, heart tonic and restorative, normalises blood pressure, peripheral vasodilator, sedative (more…)

Circulatory problems and chilblains

Poor heart function can contribute to numerous circulation problems which may include severe pain in the legs while walking (intermittent claudication) and Buerger’s disease (common among heavy smokers); this can eventually lead to gangrene and necessitate amputation.

Among more minor circulation problems are chilblains, which are generally associated not with failing hearts but with cold, as the body responds to falling temperatures by constricting blood supply to the peripheries in order to keep vital organs and deep tissues warm.

Wearing adequate clothing on cold days is the easiest way to avoid occasional chilblains, while habitual sufferers can improve their circulation with stimulating herbs like ginger, cinnamon, horseradish and chili.

Recent research suggests that ginkgo can improve the peripheral blood circulation, although it is more traditionally regarded as stimulating the blood supply to the brain. (more…)

Today, thanks to modern science, we generally regard the heart simply as a powerful muscle to pump blood around the body. Traditional medicine has a rather different view: to the Chinese the heart controls the life process, co-ordinates the activities of all the other organs and manages mental activities and consciousness. It stores Shen — a sense of appropriateness and right behaviour — so that what we term mental illness is often seen in Chinese medicine as due to disharmonies in the heart upsetting Shen.

Ayurvedic medicine puts the heart in a similar central role: it is the dwelling place of the atman — the divine self or spirit of immortal life — controlling consciousness and affected by spiritual weakness. Western Ayurvedic experts like David Frawley argue that the high level of heart disease in Western society is due to our over-preoccupation with personal achievement and material wealth — we die of “spiritual starvation”, causing a broken heart. (more…)

SHEPHERD’S PURSE (Capsella bursa-pastoris): The entire plant is used. It has a stimulating effect upon the uterine muscles. Also used in cases of diarrhea for humans and animals because of the astringent properties. It has hemostatic properties (stops bleeding), so it is useful for all kinds of hemorrhages affecting the uterine, lungs, stomach and kidneys. Shepherd’s purse also increases the flow of urine and is helpful in removing mucous matter from the urine.

SOLOMON’S SEAL (Polygonatum officinale): The root is the part used as a diuretic and it also has mucilaginous properties that help when vigorous expectoration is expected during bronchial disorders.

SPEARMINT (Mentha spicata): Leaves and flowering tops are used. Great for treating colic and disturbances of the alimentary system. Used as a diuretic, also. (more…)

LOBELIA(Lobelia inflata): Use the herb after the seed capsule has opened. Used for asthma and bronchial disorders. Caution: As little as 50 mg of the dried herb has caused poisoning symptoms.

MARSH MALLOW (Althaea officinalis): The root is used to soothe inflammations and irritations of the urinary and alimentary systems. Will help to dispel hoarseness and tickling of the throat as well as help in all bronchial disorders.

MULLEIN(Verbascum thapsus): The flowers and leaves are the parts used most of the time. Every part can be used. Used for bronchial problems as well as to inhibit the growth of certain bacteria. It is great to use during colds, as it has antibiotic properties. (more…)

CLEAVERS (Galium aparine): The entire herb is useful. A strong diuretic, it is used to dissolve deposits in the kidneys.

RED CLOVER(Trifolium pratense): The flowering tops are used. Great blood purifier and tonic. Most skin disorders are caused by impurities of the blood and this tea should be taken on a regular basis if you suffer from pimples, boils or other skin eruptions.

COLTSFOOT (Tussilago farfara): The leaves are the part used. This herb binds to toxins in the system and helps to eliminate them. Great expectorant.

COMFREY(Symphytum officinale): Roots and leaves are used. Great expectorant, demulcent, and emollient. Great tea for internal as well as external use. (more…)

I have listed a few of the herbs that would be used in making some of the recipes. I’ve also included information on which part of the herb is commonly used to prepare remedies.

ACACIA (Acacia senegal): The exudation is the part used. Removes phlegm from the throat and bronchia. Use for conditions of the respiratory and digestive organs.

BLACK ALDER(Prinos verticillatus): Bark and fruits are used. Good for treatment of liver and gallbladder problems. Cleans the system of accumulated mucoid toxins.

TAG ALDERMinus serrulata): Cones and bark are used as a diuretic. (more…)

BLOOD-STRENGTHENING SPRING TONIC: Pour 1 quart of boiling water over 1 ounce each of burdock root, dandelion root, boneset herb, and sarsaparillas and boil for 15 minutes. Strain and drink 1 wineglass full 3 times a day. Continue treatment for 2-3 days. Refrigerate and drink cold. This is a great blood strengthener and purifier. It will also thin the blood while adding the extra, needed minerals.

TONIC FOR WOMEN: Mix 1 /2 ounce each of strawberry leaves, plantain leaves, raspberry leaves and comfrey leaves. Add ginger if desired. Mix well and pour 1 cup boiling water over 1 teaspoon of the herb mixture. Strain and sweeten if desired. Drink several times daily for about a week. (more…)

What do blood disorders, wounds, and arthritis all have in common? They are all linked to the health of the blood and the circulatory system. And they are all conditions that have a history of good herbal remedies behind them.

All the body’s cells must be supplied with nutrients and oxygen constantly. The blood carries oxygen through the circulatory system. A good diet is important to keep the blood built up and to ensure that there is no deficiency of necessary minerals and vitamins.

These vitamins and minerals help keep the blood healthy, so it can do its job. One of its jobs is to clot when there’s a wound. Wounds depend on the clotting ability of the blood to stop bleeding. (more…)