What you Need to Know
About Herbs Part 2 ©
By Arlene Wright-Correll
Apple Pectin,
in the diets of humans and lab animals, has been shown to increase the
excretion of lipids, cholesterol and bile acids, and reduce serum cholesterol
levels. Pectin operates by binding with bile acids, thereby decreasing
cholesterol and fat absorption.
Official Latin Name: Malus
sylvestris
Apple Pectin is a source of
water soluble fiber which has a gel-forming effect when mixed with water. As a
dietary fiber, Apple Pectin is helpful in maintaining good digestive health. Pectin is defined as any of a group of white, amorphous,
complex carbohydrates that occurs in ripe fruits and certain vegetables. Fruits
rich in Pectin are the peach, apple, currant, and plum. Protopectin, present in
unripe fruits, is converted to Pectin as the fruit ripens.
Pectin forms a colloidal
solution in water and gels on cooling. When fruits are cooked with the correct
amount of sugar, and when the acidity is optimum and the amount of Pectin
present is sufficient, jams and jellies can be made. In overripe fruits, the
Pectin becomes pectic acid, which does not form jelly with sugar solutions. An
indigestible, soluble fiber, Pectin is a general intestinal regulator that is
used in many medicinal preparations, especially as an anti-diarrhea agent.
Our ancestors believed that
old proverb "An apple a day keeps the doctor away". Today,
nutritional scientists research for evidences that verify how Apples are good
for our health. Apples are rich in pectin, a soluble fiber, which is effective
in lowering cholesterol levels. Apples work in any form (raw fruit or powder
or juice) to maintain good cardiovascular health. Researchers at the University of California, Davis, found that Apple Pectin acts as an antioxidant
against the damaging portion of cholesterol in the blood stream.
Many researchers suggest that
people who eat fatty foods should, if possible, wash down this food with apple
juice rather than the usual drink. Researchers have found that raw Apples are
the richest of fruits in pectin, with the Jonagold variety of Apple leading
other varieties. A diet of low fiber, high fat, and animal protein appears to
be the leading cause of death in many people. It has been established that a
diet rich in Apple Pectin can protect against these diseases.
Research in Japan has found that Apple Pectin can also decrease the
chances of colon cancer. Apple Pectin helps maintain intestinal balance by
cleansing the intestinal tract with its soluble and insoluble fibers.
Apple Pectin tends to
increase acidity in the large intestines, and is advocated for those suffering
from ulcer or colitis, and for regulating blood pressure. Pectin is also
effective in causing regressions in, and preventing, gallstones. There is also
evidence that the regular use of Apple Pectin may lessen the severity of
diabetes. Along these lines, it has been suggested that fiber-depleted diets
actually help cause diabetes mellitus. Other studies have shown that the
regular consumption of Apple Pectin could lead to permanent reductions in
insulin requirements (to prevent the possibility of insulin overdose, diabetics
should make their physician aware of the dietary change).
Arctic Root
is native to Siberia and Europe, and has been used there for the treatment of a
multitude of ailments, including anemia, depression, fatigue, impotence, and
infections. Arctic Root has been shown to improve cognitive function, athletic
performance, and sexual function.
Official Latin Name: Rhodiola rosea
Arctic Root, also known as
Golden Root, Rhodiola Root, Rose root, and Crenulin, is native to the
mountainous regions of Asia, Europe, and the Arctic, and is most
abundant in Siberia. Its species name, rosea, comes from the fact
that the cut root of Arctic has a rose-like odor. Arctic Root has been used in
traditional medicine to combat fatigue, depression, anemia, impotence,
infections, and many other ailments.
In Central Asia, Arctic
Root was prescribed for tuberculosis, cancer, and influenza. In Siberia, Arctic Root was given to married couples to increase fertility and
provide healthy children. The Vikings used Arctic Root to improve endurance and
enhance physical strength. In Germany, Arctic Root has been used for pain, headache,
hemorrhoids, and as an anti-inflammatory.
In recent times, Arctic Root
has been the subject of numerous studies in Scandinavia and the former Soviet
Union, where it has been
favorably compared to Siberian Ginseng. Those studies show that Arctic Root is
effective in improving cognitive function, improving the immune system,
enhancing athletic performance, promoting weight loss, and relieving stress.
Arctic Root has also been
shown to have aphrodisiac properties, and has been used to treat premature
ejaculation and erectile dysfunction. Arctic Root is an adaptogen, similar in
effect to Cordyceps, and boosts energy levels without the adverse effects of
other stimulants. Arctic Root is now being studied for its positive attributes
in fighting depression, Parkinson’s, ADD, and Fibromyalgia.
Arrowroot
was used by the Arawaks to withdraw the toxins from poison arrow wounds. Today,
this New World plant is used as a natural source of calcium and in
the treatment of indigestion, diarrhea, and urinary infections.
Official Latin Name: Maranta arundinacea
Arrowroot is a white powder
extracted from the root of a West Indian plant, Marantha arundinacea.
Arrowroot is also known as Obedience Plant, Bamban, Bermuda, Bermuda Arrowroot, and Maranta. Arrowroot was first discovered and
identified on the island of Dominica in the West Indies.
Arrowroot is indigenous to
the West Indies, where native people, the Arawaks, used the powder.
The Arawaks used the substance to draw out toxins from people wounded by poison
arrows. It is believed that the name Arrowroot is derived from this practice.
Native Americans in both North and South America apply
Arrowroot as a poultice for snakebites, insect bites, and sores. The common
name Arrowroot includes the species Maranta nobilis and Maranta
allouya, which are used interchangeably with Maranta arundinacea. It
looks and feels like cornstarch.
Arrowroot is most commonly
grown in Brazil and Thailand. The Arrowroot plant is an herbaceous perennial, with
a creeping rhizome with upward-curving, fleshy, cylindrical tubers covered with
large, thin scales. The flowering stem reaches a height of 6 feet, and bears
flowers at the ends of the branches that terminate the long peduncles. They
grow in pairs. The numerous, ovate, leaves are up to 10 inches in length, with
long sheaths often enveloping the stem. The starch is extracted from rhizomes
less than a year old. They are washed, pulped in wooded mortars, stirred in
clean water, the fibers wrung out by hand, and the milky liquor sieved, allowed
to settle, and then drained. Clean water is again added, mixed, and drained,
after which the starch is dried.
Arrowroot is an excellent
source of carbohydrates and digestible calcium. It is a mild laxative but also
helps relieve diarrhea caused by stress. Arrowroot also soothes irritated mucous membranes and is used in the treatment of colic, indigestion, and urinary
infections.
Artemisia is
perhaps best known because of the use of its oil to prepare certain alcoholic
beverages. Artemisia was used by traditional herbalists as a bitter to improve
digestion, fight worm infestations, and stimulate menstruation. It was also
regarded as a useful remedy for liver & gallbladder problems.
Official Latin Name: Artemisia absinthium
Artemisia is also known by
the names Green Ginger, Southernwood, Old Woman, Absinthe, and Absinthium.
Native to Europe, North
Africa, and Western Asia, this herb is now cultivated in the United States and elsewhere. The plant grows from 2-4 feet in
height. The part of this plant used medicinally is the above ground portion. An
Egyptian papyrus dated 1,600 years before Christ describes this bitter herb in
detail.
Legend has it that this plant
first sprang up on the impressions that marked the serpent's tail as he
slithered his way out of the Garden of Eden. Its alternate name Absinthium is
Latin for "without sweetness". It got its generic name Artemisia from
Artemis, the Greek name for Diana, because she discovered the plant's virtues
and gave them to mankind. Another story has it that it is named for Artemisia,
Queen of Caria, who gave her name to the plant after she had benefited from its
treatments. Wherever its name came from, it is one of the bitterest herbs
known, even today. It was used in granaries to drive away weevils &
insects, and was used as a strewing herb to drive away fleas. In traditional
folk medicine, Artemisia preparations were used internally for gastric
insufficiency, intestinal atonia, gastritis, stomach ache, liver disorders,
bloating, anemia, irregular menstruation, intermittent fever, loss of appetite,
and worm infestations. The primary chemical constituents of Artemisia include
essential oil (absinthol, azulenes, camphene, cineol, isovaleric acid,
pinene, thujone, sesquiterpene lactones, absinthin), bitters (absinthium),
flavonoids (quercetin), and polyacetylenes.
Absinthin is a narcotic
analgesic that affects the medullary portion of the brain concerned with pain &
anxiety, inducing a dreamy creative state. It gives people a different view of
reality. When used in small amounts, the constituent thujone works as a brain
stimulant. Artemisia is primarily used as a bitter; it has the effect of
stimulating and invigorating the whole of the digestive process. It is used for
indigestion, especially when due to a deficient quantity or quality of gastric
juice. It is also a powerful remedy in the treatment of worm infestations,
especially roundworm and pin worm.
Artemesia may also be used to
help the body deal with fever & infections. Artemisia helps increase
secretions of the liver and gallbladder. Topical uses of this herb include its
use as a liniment or compress for bruises, sore muscles, bites and pain. It is
often used as an insect repellent, and made into a spray to deter pests in
organic gardening. A sachet of Artemisia can be used to keep moths away from
clothes. The common name Artemesia includes the species Artemisia frigida
and Artemisia tilesii, which are used interchangeably with Artemisia
absinthium.
The flower head of the Globe Artichoke is used as a common food.
The Artichoke head root, and leaves contain several active components
recognized as important for digestion and for proper liver, kidney, and gall
bladder function. The phytochemicals in Artichoke have been well documented and
the leaves, rather than the flower, have been found to be higher in medicinal
value.
Official Latin Name: Cynara
scolymus
Artichoke has been used
medicinally since the beginning of the 20th century to improve digestion.
Historically, used as a tea, Artichoke is now preferred in the form of
standardized extracts for consistent, more predictable results. Traditional
uses have included support for sluggish liver, poor digestion and
atherosclerosis.
Research on standardized
Artichoke extract has focused on the constituent, caffeoylquinic acid, and its
ability to increase bile production in the liver. An increase in bile
production assists the body in blood fat metabolism, which assists the
digestion process. Artichokes also contain cynarin which has been reported
to lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Artichokes are popular in all
sorts of food dishes, where the heart of the plant is the part used. The other
parts of this herb, such as the head, roots, and leaves, each have known
nutritional benefits. Due to its diuretic activities, Artichoke works well in
the treatment of kidney diseases.
Ashwagandha is an Ayurvedic herb similar to Indian ginseng that has been
traditionally used for libido, fatigue, mental problems, concentration, memory,
general debility, nervous and sexual debility, headaches, drug burnout,
rejuvenation and recovery from prolonged illness.
Official Latin Name: Withania somnifera
Ashwagandha is also known by
the names Ashwagandha, Winter Cherry, Indian Ginseng, and Withania. Ashwagandha, which belongs to the pepper family, is found in India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Africa. The medicinal part of this herb is the root. The
shoots and seeds are also used as food, and to thicken milk. Ashwagandha is an important herb used in Ayurveda.
The name comes from the
peculiar odor of this herb, a smell similar to that of a sweaty horse. Ashwagandha in India is similar to Ginseng in other parts of the Orient. Both herbs are
touted for their longevity enhancing and sexually stimulating properties,
however Ashwagandha is considered to be milder and less stimulating than
Ginseng. Ashwagandha has been used for 4000 years in traditional Indian
medicine - it was used for tumors, inflammation (including arthritis),
and a wide range of infectious diseases. Traditional uses of Ashwagandha among
tribal peoples in Africa included fevers and inflammatory conditions. Modern
herbalists classify Ashwagandha as an adaptogen, a substance said to increase
the body's ability to withstand stress of all types.
Like other adaptogens, Ashwagandha is supposed to improve physical energy, exercise capacity, and overall
health. It also strengthens immunity (against colds, flu, and other
infections), increases sexual capacity, improves fertility, and normalizes
cholesterol levels. As its name "somnifera" suggests, it is
also sometimes said to produce mild sedation (an effect potentially useful
for those troubled by insomnia or anxiety). However, as yet the evidence
for these and other potential benefits is limited to highly preliminary studies
at best. The primary chemical constituents of this herb include alkaloids,
steroidal lactones, and iron. Studies with rats and human volunteers have shown
that Ashwaghanda is helpful in putting cancer tumors into regression (used
as an alcoholic root extract) and in reducing inflammation in rheumatoid
arthritis. The plant's high steroid content was found to be more potent than
hydrocortisone in animal and human arthritis. Compounds known as withanolides
are believed to account for the multiple medicinal applications of this herb.
Ashwaghanda has also been shown to relieve pain by lowering serotonin levels,
which contribute to the sensitivity of pain receptors in the body. It is
considered a good tonic for the mind and useful for those who have overindulged
in work, drugs, or alcohol.
Asparagus Root is a highly regarded herb worldwide. Asparagus is
used by homeopaths in the treatment of rheumatism and edema due to heart
failure. This herb is considered a diuretic, and will clear sediment from the
bladder. It also has laxative properties. Asparagus is also high in folic acid,
which is essential for production of new red blood cells.
Official Latin Name: Asparagus officinalis
Asparagus Root is also known
by the names Sparrowgrass, Tien Men Tong, and Shatavari. Asparagus is a
perennial plant with short, horizontal rootstock having long, thick roots and
sending up the young shoots that we eat as vegetables. The parts of this plant
used medicinally are the root, shoots, and seeds.
The word Asparagus is from
the Persian "asparag", referring to tender shoots that can be
consumed. Due to its phallic shape, it has long been regarded as an
aphrodisiac. The Ayurvedic name, Shatavari, means "she who has one hundred
husbands". Asparagus Root has been used to help one develop peace of mind,
a loving nature, a good memory, and a calm spirit. Asparagus is a highly
regarded herb worldwide. Chinese pharmacists save the best roots of this plant
for their families and friends in the belief that it will increase feelings of
compassion and love.
In India, Asparagus is used to promote fertility, reduce
menstrual cramping, and increase milk production in nursing mothers. In the
Western world, it has been touted as an aphrodisiac. These customs and beliefs
are not mere superstition - the root contains compounds called steroidal
glycosides (asparagoside) that directly affect hormone production and
may very well influence emotions.
Asparagus is also high in
folic acid, which is essential for production of new red blood cells. Other
primary chemical constituents of Asparagus include essential oil, asparagine,
arginine, tyrosine, flavonoids (kaempferol, quercitin, and rutin),
resin, and tannin.
Asparagus acts to increase
cellular activity in the kidneys and thus increases the rate of urine
production. This herb also encourages evacuation of the bowels by increasing
fecal bulk with undigested fiber. The roots considered diuretic, laxative, induce
sweating, and are recommended for gout, dropsy, and rheumatism.
Chinese studies report that
the roots can also lower blood pressure. The powdered seeds have antibiotic
properties and help to relieve nausea while calming the stomach. Japanese studies
report that green Asparagus aids protein conversion into amino acids. Because
Asparagus helps to dissolve uric and oxalic acid, it benefits arthritic
conditions and kidney stones. It is also a nourishing, blood-building tonic
that enhances the health of both male and female reproductive organs.
In India, the racemosa species is used to increase
sperm count and nourish the ovum. Known topical applications have included use
as a poultice and compress for muscle spasms and stiff joints. This herb
also has culinary applications - the young shoots are eaten raw or cooked in
salads and omelets; the root & shoots are added to soups; the seeds can be
roasted and used as a coffee substitute. The common name Asparagus also
includes the species Asparagus racemosus and Asparagus
cochinchinensis, which are often used interchangeably with Asparagus
officinalis.]
Astragalus Root
is an herb that has been used for centuries as a natural way to support the
body's immunity (
defense) system. Known since ancient times as the
"superior tonic," Astragalus Root is also used as a natural aid for
healthy digestion and metabolism. Many people also believe it helps boost their
energy levels and overall stamina.
Official Latin Name: Astragalus membranaceus
Astragalus is also known by
the names Milk Vetch, Locoweed, Yellow Vetch, Poison Vetch, and Chinese Astragalus.
The common name "Astragalus" also includes the species Astragalus
mongolicus, Astragalus chinensis, and Astragalus complanatus,
which are used interchangeably with Astragalus membranaceus.
The Chinese have used
Astragalus for many thousands of years as a superior tonic that is often
combined with ginseng for replenishing a persons vital energy. The root of this
plant is said to strengthen the body's surface resistance and is supposed to
invigorate and promote tissue regeneration. It's also been seen as an immune
system stimulant as well as a protector of adrenal cortical function. Some say
that Astragalus shows promise to support cancer patients undergoing radiation
and chemotherapy therapies, and may also help fight against environmental
allergies, but more scientific evidence is needed to affirm these
considerations.
Astragalus contains numerous
constituents, including flavonoids, polysaccharides, triterpene glycosides,
amino acids, and trace minerals. Astragalus Root is considered to have a normalizing
effect on the body's functions.
In folk medicine, Avena Sativa was used to treat nervous
exhaustion, insomnia, and “weakness of the nerves.” A tea made from it was
thought to be useful in rheumatic conditions and to treat water retention. A
tincture of the green tops of Avena Sativa was also used to help with
withdrawal from tobacco addiction. Additionally, Oats were often used in baths
to treat insomnia and anxiety, as well as a variety of skin conditions,
including burns and eczema.
Official Latin Name: Avena sativa
Oats have been eaten since
prehistoric times. The genus name, Avena, is derived from Latin and means
"nourishing". Sativa means
"cultivated". Avena Sativa is often planted to prevent soil
erosion, and is widely distributed as a cereal crop. The fruit and straw are
gathered at harvest time, typically in August. The stalks are cut and bound
together, and then left upright to dry. The straw is just the crushed dry
stalks. In the past, this plant was used in India to help opium, morphine and cigarette addicts kick
their habits.
Highly nutritive and
supportive of the nervous system, Avena Sativa helps build healthy bones, skin,
hair and nails. Avena Sativa is not a bona fide aphrodisiac, but it does
nourish the nerves, making tactile sensations more pleasurable. Avena Sativa is
one of the best remedies for "feeding" the central nervous system,
especially when under stress. It is considered a specific in cases of nervous
debility & exhaustion, especially when associated with depression. Avena
Sativa may be used with most of the other herbal nervines, both relaxant and
stimulatory, to strengthen the nervous system. It is also used in general
debility. The high levels of silicic acid in the straw explain its use as a
remedy for skin conditions, especially for external applications.
Avena Sativa is often used as
a bath herb to soften skin and help with eczema and neuralgia. The husks have
been used historically to stuff pillows and bedding, which is said to have a
sedative effect and help for those with rheumatism. Oats has also been used
extensively for culinary purposes. The Oat grain from the ripened seed is high
in protein and helps to increase stamina. Oat bran (fiber) has been
shown to lower cholesterol levels.
The primary chemical
constituents of Avena Sativa includes saponins, flavonoids, starch, alkaloids (trigonelline,
avenine), steroids, calcium, iron, B vitamins, lysine, and methionine. The
fruits (seeds) contain alkaloids, such as gramine, as well as saponins,
such as avenacosides A and B. The seeds are also rich in iron, manganese, and
zinc. The straw is high in silica. Oat alkaloids are believed to account for
oats’ relaxing action. The common name "Oat" also includes the
species Avena fatua, which is used interchangeably with Avena sativa.
Avocado is a
great natural source of potassium, vitamin E, lutein, and other essential
vitamins, minerals, and nutrients. Avocado also contains compounds that have
the ability to lower cholesterol, improve eyesight, and help prevent many types
of cancer.
Official Latin Name: Persea Americana
Avocado has been part of the New World diet for about 2,500 years. The Avocado is believed to have originated
in southern Mexico, and was cultivated there by 500 B. C. The Aztecs
considered the Avocado, which they called Ahuacatl, to be an aphrodisiac. The
Spanish conquerors of the Aztecs called the fruit ‘Aguacate’, which the English
later interpreted as Avocado. In Florida, the Avocado was sometimes called ‘Alligator Pear’
due to its shape and its deep-green, textured skin.
Avocados are now grown across
the globe, but the main producer by far is California. Avocado is a very healthful fruit, containing
numerous vitamins, minerals, and nutrients. Avocado contains even more
potassium than Banana, which is essential for balancing electrolytes and
preventing cramps. Avocado, like Spinach, is also a great source of lutein,
which is good for the eyes and helps ward off prostate cancer.
Another cancer fighting agent
in Avocado is Vitamin E. Avocado also contains monounsaturated fats, which help
reduce bad (LDL) cholesterol and increase good (HDL) cholesterol. It also contains folic acid, magnesium,
and fiber. Avocado also contains the cholesterol reducing phytochemical
betasitosterol.
Bacopa monnieri
has been used in Indian Ayurvedic medicine for centuries for everything from
snakebite to headache. It is now used most often as a brain tonic and a memory
enhancer.
Official Latin Name: Bacopa monniera
Bacopa monnieri is also known
by the common names Brahmi, Pennell, Herb-of-Grace, and Water Hyssop. Bacopa is
a small, creeping plant found in wetlands across India. Bacopa has been frequently mistaken for Gotu Kola.
Traditional uses of Bacopa include cardiac and nerve tonic, insanity,
headaches, scorpion stings, snakebites, anemia, leprosy, liver ailments, skin
conditions, and memory lapses.
In use for several thousand
years in the Ayurvedic tradition as a brain nerve tonic, Bacopa monnieri is now
being recognized for its memory enhancing and revitalizing effects. It also
assists in heightening mental acuity and supports the physiological processes
involved in relaxation. Bacopa is the source of an extract used in India for centuries. It has specific benefits for the
brain, and specialists in Ayurvedic medicine commonly use it to treat mental
illness and epilepsy. Bacopa appears to strengthen memory and improve
concentration by enhancing the conductivity of nerve tissue. It also has mild
sedative and anti-anxiety properties. Bacopa is often found in commercial
formulas used for memory symptoms.
Balsam Pear grows in tropical areas, including parts of East Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, and South
America, where it is used as
a food as well as a medicine. The leaves and fruit have both been used to
make teas and beer, or to season soups in the Western world. Balsam Pear is
being studied in the support treatment of diabetes and psoriasis.
Official Latin Name: Momordica charantia
Balsam Pear is also known by
the names Karela and Bitter Melon. Balsam Pear grows in tropical areas,
including parts of East Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, and South
America, where it is used as
a food as well as a medicine. It is a green cucumber shaped fruit with
gourd-like bumps all over it. It looks like an ugly, light green cucumber. The
fruit should be firm, like a cucumber. And it tastes very bitter. Although the
seeds, leaves, and vines of Balsam Pear have all been used, the fruit is the
safest and most prevalent part of the plant used medicinally. The leaves and
fruit have both been used occasionally to make teas and beer, or to season
soups in the Western world. Balsam Pear was traditionally used for a dazzling
array of conditions by people in tropical regions.
Numerous infections, cancer,
leukemia, and diabetes are among the most common conditions it was believed to
improve. Balsam Pear is reported to help in the treatment of diabetes and psoriasis.
It has also been thought that Balsam Pear may help in the treatment of HIV, but
the evidence thus far is too weak to even consider. The ripe fruit of Balsam
Pear has been suggested to exhibit some remarkable anti-cancer effects, but
there is absolutely no evidence that it can treat cancer. However, preliminary
studies do appear to confirm that Balsam Pear may improve blood sugar control
in people with adult-onset (type 2) diabetes. If you have type 2 diabetes, you might
consider adding Balsam Pear to your diet, but only under a doctor's supervision.
The blood lowering action of
the fresh juice of the unripe Balsam Pear has been confirmed in scientific
studies in animals and humans. At least three different groups of constituents
in Balsam Pear have been reported to have hypoglycemic (blood sugar lowering)
or other actions of potential benefit in diabetes mellitus. These include a
mixture of steroidal saponins known as charantin, insulin-like peptides, and
alkaloids. It is still unclear which of these is most effective or if all three
work together. Nonetheless, Balsam Pear preparations have been shown to
significantly improve glucose tolerance without increasing blood insulin
levels, and to improve fasting blood glucose levels. Blood and urine sugar
levels and post-prandial (after eating) blood glucose levels also fell.
An as yet unidentified constituent in Balsam Pear also seems to inhibit the
enzyme guanylate cyclase, which may benefit people with psoriasis.
Bananas
don't grow on trees; they grow on the world's largest herb. Banana is the
perfect herbal supplement for active people, as it replaces the vitamins and
nutrients most commonly lost due to strenuous activity, such as potassium,
Vitamin B-6, and Vitamin C.
Official Latin Name: Musa paradisiaca
The Banana is a large plant
that grows in the tropical parts of Central America, South America, Asia, and Africa, where the climate is warm and damps the year round.
It grows 10 to 40 feet high and has enormous, broad green leaves that are
sometimes 10 feet long.
The Banana plant has a hollow
stem that is 8 to 15 inches thick. Another stem, which grows through the hollow
stem, bears the flowers and the fruit. The flower bud is very large and shaped
like a heart.
As it grows it slowly unfolds
and shows about 100 small blossoms, which are long and narrow and grow together
in clusters or groups. Some of these clusters grow into great bunches of fruit.
Each bunch is called a ‘hand’
because it looks almost like a hand with the separate Bananas like fingers. The
fruit is cut off the plant while it is still green and unripe.
When the fruit is ripe its
soft skin is yellow and resembles a small Plantain. The flesh of the fruit is
soft, sweet, and a very pale cream color.
Banana plants are cut down
after the fruit has been removed, because they bear fruit only once. A piece of
the root is planted again and in a few months the young plant grows several
feet height. It takes two years before the plant begins to flower and bear
fruit. Bananas are an excellent provider of energy and a healthy addition to
anyone’s diet. Banana is the perfect supplement for active people.
It provides large amounts of
Vitamin B-6 and Vitamin C, which are two of the vitamins most commonly lost
during strenuous exercise. Banana is most well known as a supplier of
potassium. Potassium is very important to muscle function and is the nutrient
most often associated with relieving muscle cramps. The potassium in Banana may
also help reduce the likelihood of hypertension and stroke. Banana is also high
in dietary fiber, and thus may reduce the risk of certain types of cancer, especially
colon cancer. Banana is also packed with natural energy and phytonutrients.
Barberry Root is an excellent herb for correcting
liver function and promoting bile flow. It is used in debilitating conditions
marked by poor digestive function and a history of dietary or alcohol abuse, or
excessive exposure to drugs, chemicals or industrial pollutants.
Official Latin Name:
Berberis
vulgaris
Barberry Root is also known
by the names Oregon Grape Root, Rocky Mountain Grape, Mahonia, Pepperidge,
Pepperidge Bush, Holy Thorn, Sowberry, Oregon Grape, Berberry, Jaundice Berry, and Daruharidra. The Mahonia and Berberis
species (Oregon Grape and Barberry, respectively) are very closely related, and
herbalists often treat them as one herb. The genus name Berberis is
thought to be derived from a Phoenician word "barbar", meaning
"glossy" in reference to the glossy leaves.
Barberry is a densely
branched, deciduous shrub 3-8 feet tall. Berberis is a deciduous shrub that has
smooth leaves and thorny stems. The parts of this plant used medicinally are
the root, root bark, bark of stem, and rhizome berries (some herbalists also
use the leaves). Many species of Barberry are found all over the world.
They are all used for similar medicinal purposes by the different traditions.
The Italians call this herb Holy Thorn, because it is thought to have formed part
of the Crown of Thorns. Berberis is the Arabic name for the fruit. The
berries were pickled in the past and had various culinary uses.
In the Far East, berberine-containing plants were specifically used for bacillary
dysentery and diarrhea. Barberry became unpopular with farmers when it was
discovered to be a host plant for the wheat rust fungus that decimated crops in
the 19th century. The yellow root was an important dye for baskets, buckskins,
and fabric among Native Americans.
The early Spanish-Americans
used the yellow root to make neck-crosses (crucifixes). The ripe berries
were taken for fever or diarrhea, dysentery, and typhus fever. The fresh juice
was used for mouthwash to strengthen gums or gargle. The primary chemical
constituents of Barberry include alkaloids (berberine, berbamine, and
oxyacanthine), chelidonic acid, resin, tannins. The berries are rich in
vitamin C. The root-bark contains berberine, a bitter alkaloid, that aids in
the secretion of bile and is good for liver problems, acts as a mild purgative,
and helps regulate the digestive processes.
The antibacterial properties
of the alkaloid berbamine have shown activity against Staphylococcus,
Streptococcus, Salmonella, Shigella and Eschorichia Coli. It has anti-microbial
properties that are especially beneficial for the skin and intestinal tract.
Barberry has a beneficial effect on the blood pressure by causing a dilatation
of the blood vessels.
This herb is also good for
hepatitis, colic, jaundice, diabetes, consumption. Historically, Barberry was
used as a bitter tonic to stimulate digestion, and in the treatment of
inflammatory arthritic, sciatica, and rheumatic complaints. Use of this
botanical decreases heart rate, depresses the breathing, stimulates intestinal
movement, reduces bronchial constriction, and kills bacteria on the skin.
External applications have included use for sores, burns, ulcers, acne, itch,
tetters, ringworm, cuts, and bruises. It is indicated in congestive jaundice,
and inflammation of the gall bladder & gallstones.
As a bitter tonic with mild
laxative effects, Barberry is used by weak or debilitated people to strengthen
& cleanse the system. It also appears to be able to reduce an enlarged
spleen. It acts against malaria and is effective in the treatment of protozoan
infections. Berberine is highly bactericidal, amoeboidal and trypanocidal. It
is active in vitro and in animals against cholera. It makes a useful
compress for inflammatory eye conditions such as blepharitis and
conjunctivitis. The common name Barberry includes Berberis repens, Berberis
aqilfolia, Berberis nervosa, Berberis pinnata, and other
Berberis species, which are used interchangeably with Berberis vulgaris.
Barley Grass has been a food source of the majority of the world
for thousands of years. It is medicinally used as an anti-inflammatory,
anti-oxidant, and cancer preventative. Barley Grass is an amazing source of
vitamins and nutrients. If you are on a low-carb regimen, supplement your diet
with Barley Grass.
Official Latin Name: Hordeum vulgare
Barley is one of the most
important plants in human history. Barley Grass is one of the green grasses,
which is the only vegetation on earth that can be the sole source of
nutritional support for a person’s entire lifespan. Barley has served as a food
staple in most cultures.
The use of barley for food
and medicinal purposes predates civilization. Archaeologists have determined
that Barley has been cultivated for at least 9,000 years. Barley Grass contains
all of the eight essential amino acids, which our body cannot produce on its
own. Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins and are needed for cell
building, cell regeneration, and energy production. A large amount of vitamins
and minerals are found in green Barley leaves. These are easily absorbed
through the digestive tract, giving our bodies’ instant access to vital
nutrients including beta-carotene, calcium, copper, folic acid, iron,
magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, zinc, and Vitamins B1, B2, B6, and C. In
addition to being a great nutritional supplement, Barley Grass has been shown
to have strong anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties.
Barley Grass has also been
used to treat diarrhea, bronchitis, stomach problems, and throat ailments. It
is an anti-oxidant and detoxifier. Barley Grass is also believed to increase
sexual stamina. The ability of Barley Grass to aid in cellular rebuilding has
led to its use for everything from dermatitis to an anti-aging supplement.
Mustard Seed is also known by the names Black Mustard,
White Mustard, Brown Mustard, Garlic Mustard, Pepper Grass, White Top Mustard,
Tansy Mustard, and Hedge Mustard. Mustard is a widely cultivated annual found
wild in many parts of the world.
The part of this plant used
medicinally is the seed, which is collected when ripe in late summer. The word
Mustard is from the Latin "mustum ardens", meaning "burning must" because the
ground seeds have been mixed with grape must (an unfermented grape juice)
to make the condiment Mustard. In Medieval Europe, Mustard was one of the most
common spices used to flavor the bland diet of the time. By the Fourteenth
century, Dijon, France had been established as a Mustard center, supported by the Dukes of
Burgundy. Today, Düsseldorf is one of the main mustard regions of Germany.
At one time, surgeons
disinfected their hands with a paste of mustard. The primary chemical
constituents of Mustard Seed include glucosinolates (sinigrin),
sinapine, enzyme (myrosin), mucilage, protein, and sulphur. When taken
internally, the seeds are laxative, mainly because of the mucilage they
produce, but only small doses are advised as they may inflame the stomach. The
stimulating, diaphoretic action can also be utilized for fevers, colds, and
influenza. But this well known herb has its primary medicinal use as a
stimulating external application.
The rubefacient action causes
a mild irritation to the skin, stimulating the circulation in that area, and
relieving muscular & skeletal pain. An infusion or poultice of Mustard will
aid in cases of bronchitis and pleurisy. Mustard is often taken as a tea or
ground & sprinkled into a bath. There are many types of Mustard used
interchangeably with Brassica nigra, commonly known as Black Mustard.
These include: White Mustard (Sinapsis alba), Brown Mustard (Brassica
juncea), Garlic Mustard (Alliaria petiolata and Alliaria
officinalis), Pepper Grass (Lepidium sativum), White Top Mustard (Cardaria
draba), Tansy Mustard (Descurainia species), and Hedge Mustard (Sisymbrium
officinale).
Tread the earth lightly
And may your day be filled
with peace light and love.
Arlene Wright-Correll
Remember 100%
of our profits go to St Jude's Research Hospital.
Labels: . herbs, Arlene Wright-Correll, Home Farm Herbery, seeds, What you Need to Know About Herbs Part 2 ©
