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…)

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…)

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…)

Because comfrey may cause liver damage, the FDA no longer permits it to be sold for internal use. However, this herb is used with appropriate caution by knowledgeable herbalists. If you have some dried comfrey in your store of herbs, please pay attention to the warning given under Considerations below.

Historically, comfrey was considered a healing and soothing blood purifier used for strengthening the lungs, stomach, kidneys, and bowels. It is a demulcent and expectorant, traditionally used to treat asthma, coughs, and congestion. The leaves have been used to treat cramps, diarrhea, hemorrhage, ulcers, and tuberculosis. (more…)

Parsley is a diuretic herb traditionally used to treat all cases of fluid retention, including edema and obesity. It helps get rid of the bloat that sometimes accompanies the menses and relieves certain menstrual disorders as well.

Parsley is wonderfully cleansing. It benefits the lungs, stomach, liver, and thyroid, and has repeatedly proved itself valuable against bladder infections. It helps in the removal of all stones, including gallstones, if they are not too large. In old Greece, parsley was called the “stone breaker.”

DESCRIPTION AND PARTS USED

You probably know what parsley looks like—just about everyone is familiar with its curly leaves of intense green—but you may not know that this herb produces small yellow flowers. Parsley is indigenous to Turkey, Algeria, Sardinia, and Lebanon. All parts of the plant are useful, including the fruits, berries, stems, leaves, and roots. (more…)

Sage is said to refresh and stimulate the brain, relieve mental exhaustion, improve memory and the ability to concentrate. This herb has been credited with age-retarding and life-lengthening qualities for centuries.

An old Chinese adage says, “Sage for old age.” In Chinese medicine, this herb is used to treat yin (cold) conditions such as a weakness of the stomach and digestive system. Sage is an excellent digestive aid with good carminative properties.

Because this herb helps slow excessive secretion of fluids, it is traditionally used to treat night sweats, abnormal perspiration, diarrhea, and dysentery. Sage is also a mild anti-inflammatory that is considered of value during the early stages of colds and flu, especially when nasal congestion is present. As a gargle, sage tea has been used for centuries against sore throat, canker sores, thrush, infected teeth, and gingivitis. (more…)