Tag Archives: Digestion

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Cayenne (Capsicum)

Name:  Cayenne

Latin:  Capsicum

Other Common Names:

Family:

Parts Used:

Vitamins/Minerals:

Used for:  Cayenne is one of the “miracle herbs,” falling into the same category of niftiness as garlic and turmeric.  It is good for your digestion, and quite an assist to the circulatory system as well.  It helps to regulate your heart and blood pressure.  Used in conjunction with ginger, it can help to clear your sinuses and bronchial tubes; garlic increases the effects on blood pressure.  It helps to mitigate shock, and can help with clotting (internally).  It can also be used as a liniment for headaches and muscle aches.  It is also an intensifier when used with other herbs and spices, making them more effective.  Cayenne can also stimulate salivation, which can help with dry mouth.  It also increases metabolism, making it a good thing to include in foods when working on weight loss.  And rolling on through the myriad effects of cayenne, it is a healthier stimulant than caffeine, doing so through nutrition and a systemic revitalization rather than agitation.  The way in which it acts as a stimulant can also help with the emotional responses to stress.

Use in tandem with:  Garlic, Ginger, Turmeric

Directions & Warnings:

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Blackberry (Rubus villosus)

I have  found that using the leaf in teas gives them quite a bit of the actual blackberry flavour, and generally get momentarily distracted by the lovely smell when I open the container.

Name:  Blackberry

Latin:  Rubus villosus

Other Common Names:  Bramble, Scaldhead, Fingerberry, Black Longberry

Family:  Rosaceae

Parts Used:  Roots, Leaves, Berries

Vitamins & Minerals:  C, Folate, antioxidants, phytochemicals, potassium, manganese

Used for:  Use the root for an astringent tincture.  Consistent use of this tea can help with a variety of intestinal problems.  Chewing the leaves has a long history of strengthening and healing the gums.

Use in tandem with:

Directions & Warnings:  Blackberry is a mild blood thinner.  Not dangerously so, on its own, but use caution if taking anti-coagulants.

 

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Marshmallow (Althea officinalis)

Name:  Marshmallow

Latin:  Althea officinalis

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Parts Used:  Root

Vitamins/Minerals:

Used for:  Marshmallow is one of the most effective mucilaginous herbs.  It is good for acid problems of the digestive tract (ulcers, irritation, stones, and infections.)  It is also useful for respiratory ailments, as it both calms the throat, and helps to expel mucous.  It can be used as a poultice on sprains.  It can also be used as a tea to increase the flow of milk when breastfeeding, and to enrich the milk.  The mucilage also acts as a soothing and protective agent for inflamed and damaged nerves.

Use in tandem with:

Directions & Warnings:

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Aloe

Name:  Aloe

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Used for:  This is another one of the “magic” plants that can be used for a number of things, and does them all quite well.  It can be used both internally and externally.  It is one of the best things to use as a salve on burns, including sunburns.  If mixed into juice or drunk it promotes internal healing and eases digestive issues.

Use in tandem with:

Directions and Warnings:  When using aloe preparations, make sure that there is neither alcohol nor lanolin in the mixture.  They inactivate many of its useful compounds.  Do not use aloe on a staph infection, aloe can seal the infection in and give it a better environment to multiply.