Posts tagged ‘Herb’

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April 19, 2013

Greater Celandine Herb

herba 006Greater Celandine is a very hardy perennial that likes moist woodlands and transition areas. It is a native to subarctic Eurasia and became established throughout Eastern North America.

I grew Celandine from seed and transplanted in the garden not knowing what an aggressive invasive it was, but it is pretty and definitely shade tolerant.

I have lots of celandine medicine now after “weeding” a little. The stems ooze a yellow latex that stains. The latex is used to get rid of warts, and any skin condtions, injuries or infections.  Harvest the top 50% just before or when it flowers in May or June, or use the leaves anytime. It is a potentizing herb that is best used in an herbal formulation mixed with demulcents and soothing herbs to counter any skin, mucus membrane irritations. Caution is strongly advised.

Common Name  Celandine (Greater) herb/ flowers/ root
Latin Name  Chelidonium majus
Family Papaveraceae (Poppy)
Parts Used Perennial – herb/ flower- May- June root-fall
Target Organs Digestion, liver/gallbladder, spleen,
Common Uses Liver/ gallbladder: infections, gallstones, spasms, jaundice, hepatitis,  Digestive conditions : IBS, constipation, digestive disturbances,Spleen conditions: dysfunction digestion

 Skin/Immune: infections, skin conditions, spasms, warts, rhematic conditions, cancer (especially skin, stomach, colon, liver)

Secondary use for soft tissue injuries and coughs
Properties antineoplastic, anodyne, analgesic, antibacterial, antifungal, antihepatotoxic, hepatic, bronchodilator, stimulating cardiac, diaphoretic, hypotensive, immune stimulant, narcotic, pancreatic, sedative, spleenic, uterine stimulant, vulnerary,  diuretic, antispasmodic, purgative, anti-inflammatory, depurative, appetite stimulant, laxative, cholagogue, purgative, 
Constituents Isoquinoline alkaloids: chelidonine, sanuinarine, berberine,  allocryptopine, sparteine, stylopine, chelamine, magnoflorine, crytopine, chelerythine, protopine, coptisine; organic acids: chelidonic, malic, citric acid, flavonoids, essential oil, saponins, proteolytic acid, carotenoids, latex,
Cautions Do not use in pregnancy, lactation or for infants. Fresh herb may cause irritations to mucus membranes. Large doses may cause vomiting and diarrhea. Berberine can cause depressed heart function and chronic low pressure with long term use. Dried herb has less caution, but fresh is best used in a formulation up to 25% with combined demulcents. Do not exceed 2-3 month use.
Dosage Formulation Tincture: 2-4ml              Dried  Tea: 2 tsp 10 min

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January 23, 2013

Marshmallow root

Marshmallow root is one of my favourites during cough and cold season. It is one of the best treatments for a dry, sore, irritated throat. The root has so much mucilage it makes it demulcent which soothes, coats and moisturizes a sore throat and inflamed tissues. Teas are the best way to treat a sore throat because it creates the most contact to heal inflamed and infected tissues. I add herbal tinctures to the tea for maximum effectiveness in healing coughs and colds. Marshmallow root is good for healing any ulcers and inflammation in the respiratory and digestive tract and has some immune boosting properties to help heal infections. To treat ulcers grind up the fresh root into a gruel and eat it as food. It is good to eat with other demulcent bulk laxative foods like chia and flax seed.

herb book 018

Common Name  Marsh mallow root/ leaves
Latin Name  Althea officinalis
Family Malvaceae (Mallow Family)
Parts Used Perennial- leaves picked in summer , root picked in Fall
Target Organs Digestion, stomach,  respiratory, kidney/ bladder      
Common Uses bulk laxative, inflammation, dry conditions, ulcers, colds, sore throat, dry coughs, catarrh, bronchitis, Urinary Tract Infections (UTI)
Properties anti-inflammatory, stomachic, cool demulcent/ emollient, diuretic, relaxing expectorant, immune stimulant, bulk laxative
Constituents Root: 35% mucilage, polysaccharides, pectin, tannins, asparagine         Leaf: mucilage, trace Essential oil
Cautions mild remedy
Dosage Tincture: 2-4ml                Tea: 2 tsp. steep 10 min

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January 7, 2013

Basil Herb

Basil is an annual herb that likes full sun.  It is best known for being used in Italian cooking and making pesto

basil docBasil is easy to grow in the summertime either from seed or seedlings. Do not store basil in the fridge it does not like the cold and will turn an off colour. Trim the stalks and store in a pint glass with water on the counter which makes it easier to use in cuisine.

Common Name  Basil herb
Latin Name  Ocimum basilicum
Family Lamiaceae (Mint)
Parts Used annual herb picked all through summer
Target Organs digestion, nerves, respiratory, urinary, reproductive system
Common Uses Digestive conditions: digestive upset, gas, bloating, inflammation, liver congestioninfections, digestive, IBS, mucus colitis, nausea, pain,

Nervous system: tension, stress, nervousness,   fever, headache, exhaustion, depression,  fatigue(mental, physical)

Respiratory: flu, congestion, coughs, colds,  sinusitis, asthma

Reproductive system: infertility, Nutritive

Head: headaches, earache (external use only with essential oil), migraines

Used as insect repellent and for treating insect stings and bites.

Properties Anti-inflammatory, anticatarrhal, antispasmodic, antiseptic, anti-depressant, antimicrobial, antibacterial, astringent, emmenagogue, expectorant, digestive, relaxant, nervine, nutritive, hepatic, carminative, stimulant, warming, tonic,
Constituents Phenylpropanoids: eugenol, trans methyl isoeugenol,Monoterpene alcohols: linalool, geraniol,

Oxide: cineole

Phenol: methyl chavicol-40-50% Methyl ester: methyl cinnamate,

Monoterpenes: pinene, camphor, ocimene, mycrene, terpinolene,

Sesquiterpenes: caryophyllene, terpinolene;

Tannins 5%, saponins, flavones, ursolic acid
Cautions Mild remedy. Do not use during pregnancy
Dosage Tincture: 2-4ml               Tea: 2 tsp steep 10 min

 

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December 7, 2012

DIY Ginseng Tincture

“Cold fx ®TM” is the most popular over-the-counter cold remedy in Canada. If you read the ingredients on the label the active ingredient is ground up dried ginseng which is put in a gelatin pill casing. This product has come under scrutiny lately for poor quality due to an ecoli-related bacteria that contaminated some batches. It is  also very expensive costing $70.00!  

Watch the Marketplace episode about the Coldfx scandal  and become consumer aware. http://www.cbc.ca/marketplace/2012/whatfx/

220px-Panax_quinquefoliusIt is better to make your own Ginseng tincture, it is better quality than pills and more cost-effective. It is all around cheaper and better for you to make your own or buy a ginseng tincture. There are different types of ginseng, the popular types are American ginseng -Panax quinquefolius and Asian ginseng -Panax ginseng that belong to the Genus Panax.  American ginseng is more expensive than Asian ginseng, but both are used in similar ways. The research is there to support the amazing actions of Ginseng. The Ginsengs are long-term immune tonics and are adaptogens that help your body adapt to any kind of stress. They are not short-term immune stimulants like Echinacea. It is good to take ginseng to strengthen your immune system, but may not do well in the acute phase in the middle of a cold. It is good to take Ginsengs after a cold or illness to help the body recuperate or as a preventative to help the body adapt to any kind of stress.

See my blog -how to make your own herbal tincture for easy detailed instructions:

http://earthelixir.ca/2012/01/10/make-your-own-herbal-tinctures/

 Other herbs referred to as ginseng

Codonopsis pilosula (poor man’s ginseng)

Schisandra chinensis (five-flavoured berry)

Gynostemma pentaphyllum (southern ginseng, jiaogulan)

Eleutherococcus senticosus (Siberian ginseng)

Pseudostellaria heterophylla (prince ginseng)

Withania somnifera (Indian ginseng, ashwagandha)

Pfaffia paniculata (Brazilian ginseng, suma)

Lepidium meyenii (Peruvian ginseng, maca)

Oplopanax horridus (Alaskan ginseng)

Angelica sinensis (female ginseng, dong quai)

Panax notoginseng (known as san qi, tian qi or tien chi; hemostatic ingredient in yunnan bai yao)

 Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ginseng

 

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November 25, 2012

DIY Calendula Infused Oil

I always use dried herbs for making herbal infused oils. Using fresh herbs may ruin the oil because of the water-soluble content, especially in demulcent herbs like plantain. Oil and water don’t mix and may result in slimy spoiled oil. Use good quality carrier oil of your choice along with good quality herbs. Many people use olive oil but I prefer peach kernel and apricot kernel oil. Make sure the oil covers all the herbs to avoid spoilage.

Fill up a mason jar 1/3- half way with dried herb and pour in the oil to cover the herbs.

Screw the lid on and place in a sunny window for about 2 weeks.

Strain the herbs out of the oil and use for skin care.

Make a salve or balm or use the oil straight for healing skin quenching action.

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November 2, 2012

Yarrow

Yarrow is one of Canada’s great wildflowers with a popular past, it needs to be used more often today. The Latin species name ‘millefolium,’  means thousand leaves named after the finely divided alternate feathery leaves. Thousand leaf and milfoil are also common names besides the name yarrow. Used externally the leaves are astringent which stops bleeding, reduces inflammation and speeds healing.

The Latin Genus name ‘Achillea’ is named after Achilles who healed his soldiers with yarrow during the Trojan War. Known as ‘herba militaria,’ yarrow helped treat wounds suffered in battle up to the 17th century.  Yarrow was popular and was picked to aid digestion, stop fevers and to use as a nose snuff.

There is a long history of metaphysical uses. The dried stalks were popular for divination for the ancient Chinese oracle the “I Ching.” In the middle ages the common name was Devil’s Nettle because of its use for divination and spells.

Pink Yarrow in British Columbia

The colour of the flowers vary from white to pinks in the wild. Hybrids are usually bigger and are available in beautiful bright colours of gold, yellow and reds. Yarrow is easy to grow because of its wildflower nature and grows in full sun with good drainage.

Country of Origin for essential oil production: Canada and France. Canadian essential oil is diploid and the colour is deep dark blue. European triploid essential oil variety is yellow-green colour. 

 

Common Name  Yarrow herb aka Milfoil, Thousandleaf
Latin Name  Achillea   millefolium
Family Asteraceae (Aster   family)
Parts Used/ Habitat Growth: Perennial   invasive wildflower grows 2-3 ft. Flowering tops picked in the summer in July
Target Organs Digestion, respiratory,   circulatory, female reproductive, skin, immune, cardiovascular
Common Uses Immune respiratory: coughs, colds, flu, fever, catarrh, infectionsVascular conditions:HBP, (Sitz bath) veins,

Skin/muscle: wounds,   bruises, sprains, strains, cuts,

Digestion:   spasms, ulcers, IBS,

Female reproductive: balancing tonic, spasms
Properties Antiallergenic,   antibacterial, anticatarrhal, anti-inflammatory(local, systemic), antimicrobial,  antispasmodic (digestive, general), antiulcerogenic,   antiviral, aperient, astringent, bitter, carminative, cholagogue, choleretic,   diaphoretic, febrifuge, haemostatic (styptic, uterine) hypoglycaemic, hypotensive,   sialagogue, stomachic, styptic, stimulating emmenagogue, vasodilator (peripheral),   vascular tonic, uterine tonic, vulnerary
Constituents Essential Oil:.05%-.08%Ketones: thujone, camphor;

 Lactones:achillin, achillicin,   hydroxyachillin, millifin, millifolide,

alcohols:Borneol;

Sesquiterpenes: Azulene 1-51%   chamazulene, dihydroazulene, sabinene caryophyllene,

Oxides: 1, 8 cineole 10%

Monoterpenes: pinene 16%;

Other: flavonoids,   tannins, bitter alkaloid minerals, trace minerals, chlorophyll,   vitamin C, fatty acids, phytosterol
Cautions Mild remedy:Caution due to thujone content-uterine stimulant, neurotoxin. Do   not use during pregnancy, and with babies.
Dosage Tincture: 1-4mlTea: 1-2 tsp. infuse 10-15 minutes

external use: infused water use as a compress, poultice or a wash for wounds

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October 12, 2012

WILD CARROT/ Queen Ann’s Lace

Queens Ann’s Lace is the ancient ancestor of carrots, and where the orange varieties of carrots evolved from. When North American early settlers planted carrots and let them go wild they would revert back to their ancestor form and spread across the country.

The flowers are tiny white in lacy umbrella shapes that span 4-12cm wide and blooms from June to September. It is an erect biennial growing 40-100cm tall and has a stout tap-root. 

The first year roots are cooked or eaten raw. They smell and taste like carrots, but are small and white instead of big and orange. 

I am digging up some roots and putting them in oil to make wild carrot oil to nourish the skin and give some anti-aging relief! It is a powerful skin regenerator.

Young feathery leaves and flowers are edible raw or cooked. The mature seeds make an aromatic spice for tea, yogurt and fruit salad. Do not pick from young or old plants their seeds have poor flavour. One plant can produce up to 40, 000 barbed seeds.  Use the seeds medicinally in a tincture and essential oil. Enjoy the humble wild carrot!

Bibliography:

Ontario Wildflowers

Linda Kershaw

Lone Pine Publishing 2002

The Energetics of Western Herbs Vol. 1&2

Peter Holmes

Snow Lotus Press 1989

Peterson Field Guides

Eastern/Central Medicinal Plants and Herbs

Steven foster and James A. Duke

Houghton Mifflin Company 2000

Common   Name  Queen Ann’s Lace aka Wild Carrot
Latin Name  Daucus carota
Family Apiaceae(Carrot   Family)
Parts Used Biennial- Herb   blooms in June-September. Seeds and root picked in the Fall
Target Organs kidney/bladder,   digestion, liver, female reproductive,  stomach
Common Uses Urinary:kidney   bladder conditions, cystitis, UTI, kidney/bladder stones, nephritis,   inflammation, gout, arthritis, tumours, oedema, skin cell regenerator,

Skin:  Inflammation, improves skin, skin cell regenerator, repairs scar tissue,   acne, mature skin, helps elasticity

Liver   detoxifier

Digestion: gas,   bloating, pain

Reproductive: hormone   balancing, cycle regulator
Properties Seed:  analgesic, anthelmintic, anti-inflammatory, antilithic, antineoplastic,   antispasmodic, cardiac, carminative, cholagogue, depurative, diuretic,   emmenagogue, urinary relaxant, digestive

Herb:Anti-inflammatory   (general, local) antilithic, antirheumatic, carminative, diaphoretic,   diuretic, vasodilator peripheral,  urinary antiseptic, antimicrobial,

Root: more   stimulating, restoring detoxicant diuretic;
Constituents Seeds: Essential Oil Yield:  .2 -0.5%

Sesquiterpene alcohol:50-80%: caratol

Sesquiterpenes:

Monoterpenes: limonene;

Other: alkaloid-   daucine, carotene, asparagin, pectin, Vitamins C,B1, B2, B6, E,
Cautions Mild remedy
Dosage Tincture: 1-4mlTea: 1-2 tsp   infuse 10-15 minutesExternal:dried   root macerated in oil for skin or essential oil seed diluted in carrier oil   for skin.

 

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September 8, 2012

Herbal Cold Treatments e-book

Herbal Cold Treatments :

Teas, Tinctures and Essential Oils

Learn how to treat colds, coughs and flu using these step-by-step directions on how to create your own herbal preparations including teas, tinctures, and cough syrups. Discover how to increase your immunity naturally and find out which herbs  and essential oils are used to treat a variety of cold symptoms.

Buy e-book now $3.99

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September 5, 2012

Feverfew Treats Migraine Headaches

Feverfew is best known for treating and preventing migraines and headaches. Approved in Canada and England to prevent migraines research concludes it is effective in reducing the pain, intensity, duration, and number of attacks in 70% of migraine cases studied. It is important to discuss and treat root causes of headaches and migraines, and to rule out more serious reasons. Common reasons for migraines and headaches are allergies, food allergies, anxiety, stress, depression, liver congestion, constipation, and toxicity. Know what your triggers are and work from there.

Feverfew

Feverfew is a medium strength remedy and caution is strongly advised because overeating fresh leaves may cause mouth ulcers. Eat 1-4 fresh leaves a day preferably in salads, or on a sandwich to avoid this. Use in tincture formulation with demulcent herbs, and avoid long-term use and high doses. Seek guidance from a professional health practitioner.

Common Name  Feverfew herb
Latin Name  Tanacetum parthenium
Family Asteraceae
Parts Used Perennial-herb leaves picked in summer during growing season
Target Organs/Areas Head, cardiovascular, lungs, digestion, reproductive, muscles, nerves
Common Uses Head: migraines, headaches,dizziness, tinnitus, pain, inflammation, relaxes, sedate,

Cardiovascular: relaxes,dilates blood vessels, inflammation, increases circulation, arthritis, colds, cramps, neuralgia, sciatica, fibromyalgia, tension,

Digestion: digestive stimulant, digestive bitter,

Female reproductive: amenorrhea, stimulant, spasmodic dysmenorrhea, PMS,
Properties anti-migraines, analgesic, antiseptic, vasodilator, anti-inflammatory, relaxant, sedative, digestive stimulant, digestive bitter, bitter, uterine stimulant, emmenagogue, 
Constituents Essential oil:  lactones- parthenolides, camphor, borneol, terpenes, esters; bitter resin, inulin (in root) gums, tannic acid, pyrethrin
Cautions Medium strength: Caution may cause mouth ulcers, use with demulcents. Avoid continous long-term use. May cause dermatitis. Avoid high doses. Do not use in pregnancy, breastfeeding.
Dosage Tincture: Best used in formulation combined with demulcents : 2-4ml             

Tea: 8g / 1 teaspoon Infuse 5-10 min

Eat: 1-4 fresh leaves a day preferably in salads, or on a sandwich.

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June 1, 2012

Oregano herb

Oregano is a perennial herb but in colder climates it may become an annual, but it might come back every year. Oregano is native to the Mediterranean region and warm temperate western and south-western Eurasia parts so it likes it hot and sunny.

Oregano grows from 20–80 cm tall, with opposite leaves 1–4 cm long. The tiny purple or white flowers 3–4 mm long grow in erect spikes and in clusters around the stem.

Oregano about to flower surrounded by Viola flowers

Fresh or dried Oregano is used in Italian cooking and it is stronger than Marjoram.

Consider Marjoram Origanum majorana Oregano’s sister.

Common Name Oregano herb
Latin Name Origanum vulgare
Family Lamiaceae (Mint Family)
Parts Used Perennial- herb picked in spring/summer growing season
Target Organs Digestion, stomach, respiratory, nervous system, musculo-skeletal, female reproductive
Common Uses Digestion:digestive stomach upset, gas, bloating, indigestion,  inflammation, liver congestion, infections

Respiratory:sinus congestion, infections, coughs, colds, flu, sore throat, bronchitis

Nervous system: Stress, fatigue, mental, physical

Musculo-skeletal: Arthritis, aches, stiffness, pain,

Female Reproductive: balancing, spasms

Culinary medicinal
Properties Antibacterial, anticatarrhal, anticonvulsant, antidepressant, antifungal, anti-inflammatory (general, local) antioxidant, antiprotozoal, antirheumatic, antispasmodic(digestive, respiratory, uterine) antiviral, anxiolytic, appetite stimulant, astringent, warming carminative, circulatory stimulant, decongestant, diaphoretic, stimulating emmenagogue, expectorant, nervine, rubefacient, stomachic, uterine relaxing/stimulating, vasodilator,
Constituents Essential Oil Yield: .2%  Esters: linalyl/geranyl acetatePhenols:63% carvacrol, thymol,Monterpene alcohols:50% borneol

Monoterpenes:10-40%, paracymene, terpinenes, cymene, caryophyllene, pinene,

Oxides: 1, 8 cineole,

Other: coffeic/ursolic/rosmarinic acids, gum, tannins, bitter, calcium, potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, iron
Cautions Mild remedy in tincture form
Dosage Tincture: 1-4ml Tea: 1-2 tsp essential oil always dilute

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