Tag Archives: Immune System

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Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra)

Name:  Licorice

Latin:  Glycyrrhiza glabra

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Parts Used:  Root

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Used for:  Licorice acts as a stimulant for the immune system.  It also decreases inflammation.  It can be used for Laryngitis, and will help to clear the throat of mucous.  It can be used as a mild laxative.   As it is more soluble in water than milk thistle, it is sometimes more useful as a liver aid.  Due to its innate sweetness, it can be useful in combination with bitter herbs, as it lends a natural sweetness beyond that of sugar.

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Directions & Warnings:  Due to the way in which licorice effects the liver, it should be used with care, or avoided entirely, by dabetics.

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Cardamom (Eelettaria cardamomum)

Name:  Cardamom

Latin:  Eelettaria cardamomum

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Parts Used:  Seeds

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Used for:  Cardamom seeds can be used to freshen the breath, improve digestion, and improve appetite.  They are known to help tonify and condition the stomach, liver, and intestines.  They can relieve coughs, mitigate bronchitis, assist against fevers, and ease inflammation of the mouth and throat.  Cardamom also helps to strengthen the immune system.  It is a useful aid during pregnancy for nausea, as it is a pregnancy-safe digestive aid.  There is evidence that cardamom may also be an anti-viral.

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Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)

Name:  Yarrow

Latin:  Achillea millefolium

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Used for:  Taken internally it fights inflammation.  Used externally, it can slow or stop bleeding, assist with pain, and promotes healing.  Used internally or externally, it will fight or prevent infection.  A spray in the back of the throat can help a sore throat.  The same on an infected tooth can ease the pain.  Spraying it on your feet can lessen aching.  Used as an astringent, it can assist with acne.  If made into a tincture and used as a spray, yarrow is an effective insect repellant.  Studies done by the US Army indicated that it is more effective than DEET, although not as long lasting.  Yarrow is actually more effective than the (now) classic combination of echinacea/goldenseal, and avoids the issues attached to those plants.

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Other Uses for:  Folklore states that if used as a hair wash, it will promote curling.

Growing:  Yarrow is said to make a good companion plant in the garden.  Its root secretions strengthen other plants, and can actually make them more disease resistant.  Yarrow is also said to keep ants and other harmful insects away.

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Honeysuckle

Name:  Honeysuckle

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Used for:  Immune system booster.  A strong tea made from the flowers has been scientifically established to be antiseptic, anti-microbial, and anti-bacterial.  It has been shown to have a particularly strong action against staph infections, including the antibiotic resistant strains, and is used to this purpose in Germany and Japan.  Due to the broad range of things it fights, and its effects on the immune system, honeysuckle can be used to ward off colds and flus.

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