Natural Herbal Beauty

Basil: Sweet, spicy scent. Basil is a potent stimulant that increases circulation and eases muscle and joint aches and pains. It alleviates indigestion, and has antiseptic and expectorant properties and helps to treat congestion, coughs, and colds. Basil is excellent for relieving fatigue and nervous tension. Do not use during pregnancy.

Cypress: Spicy, balsamlike scent. The diuretic action of cypress helps to relieve water retention and cellulite. It also improves circulation and is helpful for arthritis. (more…)

Description: a robust, erect (up to 120 cm) perennial with thick, mucilaginous roots and large, ovate leaves.

The funnel-shaped flowers appear in clusters in summer and can be white to purple.

Parts used: root, collected in autumn, or leaves, collected during early flowering

Actions: astringent, demulcent, expectorant, tissue healer, cell proliferant

Although comfrey has been used for centuries as a wound healer and restorer of broken bones — its country name is “knitbone” and the botanical name is derived from the Greek sympho meaning to unite — it has had a more chequered history in recent years, veering from panacea to health hazard. (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…)

If you keep to a healthy diet you should not have too much trouble with your bowels. A diet with a good balance of fruits and vegetables helps to regulate the bowels. Some people think that having a lot of bran in their diet works well. That’s true, but, eating a lot of bran will not help you if you do not take in plenty of water to help it work.

A good exercise program also helps. Keeping the back and stomach muscles strong goes a long way to helping you feel good and keeping you and your bowels healthy. Walking is still the best way to get exercise. The whole family can get into the habit of walking and everybody benefits. (more…)