Herbal Remedies and Medical Tips

Archive for the ‘Plants and Herbal Medicines’ Category

Common names: Paicco, Payco, Paiku, Paiko, camatai, Cashiva, cashua, Amasamas, amush, Amash, anserine, Herb of Mary, Mastruco, Mastruz, Mentruz, Pozote. Wormseed (in English).

Annual or perennial herb, erect or ascending, strongly aromatic, up from 0.4 to 1 m in height. Stem simple or branched. Leaves petiolate, oblong, lanceolate, up to 3-10 cm long, gradually reduced towards the top, or sinuate-toothed subenteras. Inflorescence spike-shaped, with numerous flowers in pyramidal panicles, with or without sheets filed. 1 mm perianth something, glandular. Seed horizontal or vertical black glossy and smooth, 0.7 mm in diameter.

USES: Rich in essential oils, one of the most important is the ascaridol, which is the parasite, antimalarial, antifungal, hypotensive, muscle relaxant, respiratory stimulant, cardiac depressant, antibacterial.

FOOD:

The leaves are eaten as a vegetable in soups and broths and seeds used as seasoning in the preparation of beans.

VETERINARY USE:

- The infusion of the plant is used orally to treat gastrointestinal parasites of domestic animals.

- The infusion of the leaves and the stem is used in cases of bloating or swelling of the belly bloating.

PESTICIDE:

- The powdered leaves are used to eliminate fleas and other insects.

WARNINGS:

- The Paico is able to activate labor, but in high doses can induce abortion

Scientific name of the Elder: Sambucus nigra. Common names: Elder, bobbin.

The elder is a tree or shrub, up to 10 meters tall, gray branches, imparapinnadas deciduous, opposite and ovalolanceoladas. Numerous inflorescences, yellowish white (5 white petals and yellow stamens 5) are grouped in terminal cymes umbrella-shaped, are aromatic and easily deciduous. The fruits are drupes black and shiny. This is a very abundant species throughout Europe, especially central and southern. It also extends to Asia and North Africa. Its properties are also cultivated in gardens and orchards. It grows wild in the vicinity of populated areas, dense forests, weeds and landfills.

USES

For medicinal uses are mainly collected flowers and fruits, but also have utility leaves and bark. When the bloom occurs is the time it is necessary to cut the leaves and inflorescences, which must be performed with scissors. The cut parts are placed on hurdles, taking care in the case of flowers that are down. The drying of these must be quick, for it is to choose a well-ventilated, and thereafter, once dried, is detached and stored in airtight containers or envelopes properly sealed, always in a dry place away from moisture.

The elder is a medicinal plant used since ancient times, his references back to the Age of Metals. Among its many properties are even attributed magical powers. Contains essential oils, tannins, organic acids, animated, sugar, rich in vitamin C, and a number of glycosides such as rutin and sambunigrina.

The infusion of dried flowers is a good remedy for diseases of the upper airway and effective anti-catarrhal colds thanks to its sudorific action. It is soothing, useful in the treatment of mild nervous disorders such as insomnia, migraines, headaches and painful swellings. It is tonic, diuretic, useful in kidney (nephritis) and laxative in the composition of slimming teas. It is used externally in compresses and baths for the eyes. The water of elder is a good astringent eye. In pharmacology also used the elderberry vinegar (acetum Sambuci), as a disinfectant and febrifuge compresses preparation.

The fresh, ripe fruits are also used in jams, syrups and wines. The plant has a distinct smell and is bitter.

Scientific name of the Artichoke: Cynara scolymus.
It is a perennial plant up to 2 m. height of the composite family. Pinnately-lobed leaves over 60 cm. long, with lobes without thorns and tomentose. Noticeable large as 15 cm, with blue flowers and bracts oval. Edible floral receptacle. Plant cultivated in many parts of the world and very common in the Mediterranean, rarely naturalized.

INGREDIENTS:

* Acids: caffeoylquinic and dicaffeoylquinic, caffeic, linoleic, oleic, pantothenic.

* Vitamin B (Niacin, Ribofamina, thiamine, B6)

* Pigments: Flavonoids

* Mucilage

* Inulin

* Minerals: iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium

Medicinal properties:

Internal use

* Liver and bile: Protects the liver and helps your recovery if liver disease (cirrhosis, hepatitis, liver failure, poisoning, etc). It promotes biliary function. – Caffeic acids, linoleic and oleic acids involved in hepato-protective power and cafeolquínico acid is provided by a choleretic value, ie stimulation of bile. (Infusion of two teaspoons of dried leaves per liter of water. Take three times daily before meals.) (A preparation of green leaf juice mixed with wine can serve the same purpose.)
* Cholesterol, hypertension, arteosclerosis: His main strength is the ability to provide their acids to reduce the level of blood cholesterol, lower blood pressure, and also to prevent arteosclerosis, which prevents the risk of vascular disease or help to recover after some accident of this type, such as heart attack, angina, … etc (Any of the above preparations can be used to achieve these effects)
* Antidiabetic: Reduces the level of blood sugar and prevents or helps fight diabetes (juice of the leaves mixed with wine) (Decoction of leaves to reduce liquid by half. Drink a glass a day)
* Diuretic: It favors the elimination of fluid in the body, which is interesting not only in case of obesity, but also in that set of conditions that improve with the removal of water and the consequent elimination of toxins, especially uric acid: circulatory diseases, liver, gout, arthritis, etc.. (Decoction of 60 gr. Of dried roots per liter of water to reduce the liquid by half. Drink 2 glasses a day)
* Anti-cancer: Recent studies have demonstrated the influence of caffeic acid, pantothenic and flavonoids in the prevention or improvement of cancerous processes.

External use

Dry eyes: The decoction of artichoke helps to strengthen the eyes and can serve as natural eye drops dry eye cases. (Boil for 10 minutes a couple of tablespoons of dried leaves in a pint of water. Allow to cool and color. Apply a compress with the liquid to strengthen eye health. Apply as eye drops to increase the moisture of the eye)

Other Uses

* Artichokes are a very convenient food. It is eaten raw in salads to take advantage of all its properties. If boiled, the resulting broth to drink not to waste their values. Artichokes baked or grilled drenched in olive oil, are highly delicious and medicinal by the high content of both the artichoke and olive in oleic acid. (More information on the nutritional properties of the artichoke in the listing above)

Toxicity:

But in no case is toxic, not suitable for use in infants, since its use entails the reduction of milk production.

Collecting and conservation: Artichokes are harvested when they are tender. The leaves can be harvested throughout its production. Should be dried and stored in cloth bags in a cool and protected from dust.

Fumaria (Fumaria officinalis, the blood of Christ, rabbit grass, moth). The medicinal properties of fumitory is mainly extracted from the juice of its leaves. This plant has several properties that highlight the cleansing, tonic, emollient and diuretic.

Hypertension. The fumitory is a good medicinal remedy for the problems of hypertension and hypotension.

Liver problems. It also acts in a very positive liver problems, gallstones, cirrhosis, inflammation of the gallbladder, etc.

Depurative sangre.Otro good use is the blood purifier, which is good for rheumatism problems and kidney stones.

Dermatitis. Your property toning helps alleviate the problems of dermatitis and eczema.

Caution. The fumitory is a toxic plant so it is not recommended extended use of it.

Medicinal properties of honeysuckle (Lonicera caprifolium, lonicera):
Respiratory diseases. The medicinal properties of honeysuckle are largely antiseptic and anti-inflammatory, so they are suitable for the treatment of respiratory illnesses like the common cough, asthma, colds, bronchitis and even the flu.

This plant is rich in carvacrol, chlorogenic cácido gernaiol and giving it antiseptic properties.

The best way to take this plant is through infusions of its leaves.

Kidney problems. The bark also has medicinal properties with diuretic, sudorific and astringent. Therefore used also for kidney diseases.

Bach Flowers. Honeysuckle is an ingredient of the famous flower essence remedies developed by Dr. Edward Bach. This plant is used as an ingredient of a component that is emcionales disorders. Among its main effects is relaxing and revitalizing factor returning the patient so the courage and the will to live.

Bladderwrack is a seaweed that due to its high content of iodine has been widely used to treat problems of hypothyroidism. Iodine is known to have a tonic action on the thyroid and therefore stimulates the production of the hormone thyroxine. This hormone facilitates the combustion of ingested nutrients.

Overweight and cellulite. The medicinal properties of bladderwrack also have a positive effect on weight problems and cellulite. Great responsibility is its ability to reduce fat and absorbing action of the mucilage. Fucus therefore has laxative properties and emollients.

Gastritis. Bladderwrack reduces acidity and absorbs the gastric juice so it is quite useful for problems of gastritis, esophageal reflux or hiatal hernia.

Malnutrition. Property also has a large nutrient providing vitamins (niacin, thiamine, and vitamin c riboflabina) minerals (sodium) and protein so it seems to have good results in problems of malnutrition due to illness or for long slimming.

Hair loss. in some places use the properties of bladderwrack for hair loss.

Revitalizing sexual. In China, bladderwrack has been used as a method to increase the sexual appetite.

One of the most common ways of ingesting fucus is infused through the decoction of the leaves (20 grams per liter).

Important: The fucus is contraindicated in hyperthyroidism and hypertension, anxiety and insomnia, tachycardia and heart disease.

Plantain, or Plantago lanceolata. Plantain is a plant that has many uses. Due to its high content of mucilage this plant can be used for respiratory ailments such as colds, swollen glands, sore throat, cough, hoarseness or sore throat. The best way to take is through cooking infusions of its leaves.

This famous plant is also used for conditions such conjuntivis or earache through washings. This plant also has astringent properties so their infusions can be used to stop diarrhea and irritation of the colon disease or colitis.

Opposite the seeds are also used to treat constipation due to its high content of mucilage. In the same way the plant works as a good diuretic and the juice can be recommended for diets.

The hemostatic properties of plantain promotes coagulation of wounds thus avoiding bleeding thereof. These bleeding wounds can be both external and internal and plantain can be used for both internal as long as do not involve more than small veins or capillaries which occurs in the anal bleeding, small wounds on wounds or fistulas. For this we take a 3 times daily infusion of leaves of this plant.

Blackberry: Bramble, Rubus fruticosus, Black Thorn. The blackberry is widespread throughout Europe, on the banks of the roads, slopes and boundaries. The used parts of this plant are the leaves, young stems and fruits (blackberries).

As for their properties, we can say that the leaves and young shoots contain abundant tannins, which make astringent and hemostatic. The fruits contain tannin addition, carbohydrates (glucose and maltose), provitamin A, vitamin C, and organic acids (citric, lactic, succinic, oxalic acid).

These are his instructions:

Hemorrhoids: decoction of leaves and shoots of bramble is applied locally in sitz baths or compresses, for desinflamarlas and prevent bleeding.

Diarrhoea, gastroenteritis and colitis, with outstanding astringent. Leaves and shoots are more than the fruit, but usually consumed together to enhance its effects and take advantage of the flavor of the fruit. For children with diarrhea given the juice of berries to teaspoons, or syrup that he prepares.

Febrile illness: the juice of the fruits (berries) is refreshing and invigorating, which is very appropriate for patients with fever and weakened.

Oropharyngeal conditions: both the decoction of the leaves and buds, as the tender shoots and fruits, have a beneficial effect on ulcers (sores) mouth, gingivitis (gum inflammation), stomatitis (inflammation of the oral mucosa), pharyngitis and tonsillitis.

Wounds, skin ulcers and boils: apply compresses washed or decoction, or poultice with the leaves crushed in a mortar. Help cure and heal.

Sarsaparilla is a plant that can reach 15 meters in length. It grows in hedges, bushes and shrubs. Interestingly and in addition to their therapeutic use, is used in some countries to produce soft drinks, fruit juice and even beer.

The root powder or crushed is part of the plant used for its diuretic and laxative properties, as it helps cleanse the body and facilitates the removal of liquids. Contains an essential oil, saponins as sarsapogenina, choline and various minerals.

Also one of the properties of sarsaparilla is its ability to purify the blood of the body, facilitating the elimination of liquids and excretion of uric acid. Therefore it is indicated in cystitis, relieves rheumatism and gout and of course it is advisable if you suffer ailments or imbalances urinary retention.

To take advantage of its properties can prepare a tea or tea with a teaspoon of sarsaparilla root per cup of water and take once or twice daily before meals. To enhance the cleaning effect, may be combined with burdock root and dandelion. Remember, if you choose to take their ground or tablet should always consult a physician, since prolonged use or high doses could cause gastroenteritis.

Another property of sarsaparilla is that because it contains saponins, tannins and minerals make it suitable to combat some skin conditions such as eczema. Although it is not convenient to abuse their prolonged use and more if you are following drug treatment as this may negate the effect of the drug.

In conclusion, the key idea or benefits of sarsaparilla or whatever else is used to help cleanse the body and thus reduces body size.

In season autumn and winter, is common to have the typical colds can give us more of a headache. This virus has some characteristic symptoms: fatigue and headache. Chills, sore throat and mucus and sneezing.

One of the most effective remedies is to prepare an infusion of ginger and garlic. In a cup of boiling water, pour a tablespoon of grated ginger, a plant with antiseptic, and minced garlic. Filter after a few minutes, add the juice of half a lemon, sweetened and making snug.

The bees produce honey from the nectar of flowers of Eucalyptus helps to disinfect germs airway while helping reduce inflammation of throat and cough up mucus. If you think you’re catching a cold, sweetened with this variety of honey, balsamic properties, yogurt, tea …

If you smoke, take syrup of buckthorn and stressed people and those who follow a diet low in vegetables, should make syrup or juice of sea buckthorn. The high vitamin C content of these berries increases resistance to respiratory infections.