Monthly Archives: December 2012

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Alfalfa

Name:  Alfalfa

Latin:  Medicago Sativa

Other Common Names:

Family:

Parts Used:

Vitamins/Minerals:

Used for:  Alfalfa is a fairly deep rooted plant, and thus picks up trace minerals from the soil.  Because of this action, it can be used as a cover crop, and then some of it plowed under to doubly enrich the soil.  It contains essential digestive enzymes and amino acids.  It is quite rich in vitamins, and can be used as a tonic infusion for regular use, although the taste may be a little “green” for many.  It can be used as a blood thinner, and a detox herb.  Some athletes use it for increasing endurance and energy.  As alfalfa is one of the vitamin rich tonic herbs, it can be used to assist in a variety of conditions, as malnutrition or lacking in specific nutrients can make just about any condition worse.  Alfalfa is also a galactagogue, which means that it assists in increasing the production of milk while nursing.  It can also be used as a gentle substitute for estrogen after menopause.  There are also signs that it helps to maintain normal cholesterol levels.

Use in tandem with:

Uses for Pets:  Arthritis, blood disorders

Directions & Warnings:  None known

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Horseradish (Cochlearea armoracia)

Name:  Horseradish

Latin:  Cochlearea armoracia)

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Used for:  Horseradish can be used to promote healthy digestion and increase the appetite.  It can be applied to wounds, sores, swelling, and tumors as a poultice.  Excellent for us during colds and flus, especially if preparing the root is part of the treatment.

Use in tandem with:

Directions & Warnings:

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Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum graecum)

Name:  Fenugreek

Latin:  Trigonella foenum graecum

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Used for:  Good for healing ulcers and sores in the stomach, and also acts as a digestive ease.  Can be used as a poultice for inflammation.  Can assist with migraines caused by sinus infections by helping to expel the mucous.

Use in tandem with:

Directions & Warnings:

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Propolis

Name:  Propolis

Latin:

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Used for:  Strengthens the thymus.  Effective against bacteria, viruses, and fungi.  Blood-cleansing and revitalizing.  Triggers the immune system to work harder and more effectively.  Propolis ointment has been shown to increase the production of epithelial cells, increase circulation, and decrease scar tissue.  It also acts as a topical analgesic, and doesn’t stick to wounds.

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Directions & Warnings:

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Vinegar

Name:  Vinegar

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Used for:  Vinegar can lower cholesterol, improve skin tone, moderate high blood pressure, combat osteoporosis, and improve metabolism.

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Other Uses:  To clean countertops and get rid of mildew, mix a 1 to 1 vinegar and water solution and use in a spray bottle for cleaning.  To use as a fabric softener, add 1/2 c to the rinse cycle.  Clean your toilet with straight vinegar to get rid of rings and other nastiness.  For a window cleaner, mix a 1 to 4 vinegar to water solution, and stick in a spray bottle for cleaning.

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Hawthorn (Cratageus Oxacantha)

Name:  Hawthorn

Latin:  Cratageus oxacantha

Other Common Names:  Whitethorn, Ladies’ Meat, Quickthorn, Maytree, Mayblossom

Family:  Rosaceae

Parts Used:  Leaves, flowers, and fruit

Vitamins/Minerals:  Antioxidants

Used for:  Due to the antioxidants found in this herb, the medicinal uses for it are fairly expansive.  It is anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, supports the immune system and the liver.  However, hawthorn’s particular strength is in what it does for the heart.  It has both a strengthening and a regulatory action, making it useful for a wide variety of heart conditions:  aging, weakened, damaged, angina, hypertension, arrhythmia, heart valve disease, arterial spasms, etc…  It can also be used to regulate blood pressure, aiding with both high and low.  It can help to prevent miscarriage.  It can also lessen the chance of strokes.  If used as a poultice, it has good drawing out properties.  The broad range of benefits and the fact that there is no overdose of it for practical use, when combined with the tasty flavour, makes this one of my favorite ingredients for teas.  Historically, hawthorn is an herb thought to increase longevity, and that is quite understandable, given the conditions it fights and the systems it supports.

Use in tandem with:  Oatstraw, Rose

Directions & Warnings:

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Apple (Malus Communis)

Name:  Apple

Latin:  Malus communis

Other Common Names:

Family:  Roaaceae

Parts Used:

Vitamins/Minerals:  Quercetin

Used for:  The old statement “an apple a day keeps the doctor away” was no joke.  Apples contain special fruit acids that assist in keeping cancer at bay, both before and after western treatments.  Apple juice is also a potent diuretic, and useful in assisting with cleansing (especially when combined with milk thistle), as long as you keep your water levels up as well.  Apples are also a source of quercetin, which pairs with bromelain to assist in healthy histamine response.

Use in tandem with:  Milk Thistle

Directions & Warnings: