Useful For: Skin, hair, fights bacterial infections, assists in liver function, disinfects blood, helps to protect against toxins
Herbal Sources: Horsetail
Food Sources:
Tag Archives: Antibacterial
Propolis
Name: Propolis
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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.
Use in tandem with:
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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
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Nutmeg (Myristica fragrans)
Name: Nutmeg
Latin: Myristica fragrans
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Used for: Interestingly enough, this plant actually provides two spices. Nutmeg comes from the interior, mace from the exterior. Nutmeg is useful against digestive upset – particularly diarrhea, gas, and vomiting. It is a potent antimicrobial. There is evidence that it may also be anti-rheumatic. Used sparingly, as an oil, it can assist in the relief of sciatica, neuralgia, and rheumatism. When the scent is inhaled, it can also assist with respiratory infections. One of the tricks with nutmeg is that one can be reused several times before it is exhausted.
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Directions & Warnings: Nutmeg should be used sparingly, both as a spice and a medicinal. Toxic overdose levels can be achieved using 2 whole pods.
Cranberries
Name: Cranberries
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Used for: Good for gastrointestinal health, as they improve blood vessel function, inhibit kidney stones, and can be helpful for kidney and bladder infections. They also have a lot of antioxidants, making them a good addition to an anticancer or heart health diet. They also have tannins that help to keep bacteria from sticking to cells.
Use in tandem with:
Directions & Warnings: They freeze quite well, so get extra to stock up.
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Juniper (Juniper communis)
Name: Juniper
Latin: Juniper communis
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Used for: Juniper helps to dilate the bronchial tubes, it is an antiseptic, and especially useful with urinary problems. The tea can also be used to ease insect bites and stings.
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Cinnamon (Cassia)
Name: Cinnamon
Latin: Cassia
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Used for: Cinnamon works as a warming tonic. It can help to prevent colds, and warms the hands and feet of those who feel cold all the time. It has been used, over time, as an appetite enhancer, an antimicrobial, an antispasmodic, an anti-rheumatic, and an anti-fungal. Cinnamon can ease certain sort of pain – primarily joint, muscle, stomach and tooth. Cinnamon can also be used to assist with some of the effects of diabetes. It has a fairly profound effect on blood sugar levels (as I know from all too personal experience.) This is lovely if you need to drop your sugar, but use caution if you eat sparingly or have not eaten recently. Cinnamon tea can be made by steeping a stick or a scant tsp in a cup of boiling water for 10+ minutes, and is a good winter tonic.
Use in tandem with:
Directions & Warnings: As this herb effects blood sugar, if you have not eaten recently, drink the tea while eating a couple of crackers or the equivalent.
Sage (Salvia officinalis)
Name: Sage
Latin: Salvia officinalis
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Family: Mint
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Used for: Anti-bacterial, both internally and externally usable. It is also a gentle stimulant, adding energy to the system without overstressing it.
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Edibility: Lovely with poultry specifically, and a wonderful spice for a number of other concoctions. Makes a nice addition to a variety of teas. Suggested to lightly flour fry it in olive oil and serve as an appetizer. So many things to try.
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Growing: Perennial. It likes full sunlight and good drainage.
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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Lemon Balm
Name: Lemon Balm
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Other Common Names: Melissa
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Used for: Can be used for improving memory and focus. Can also help to relieve depression. It is also anti-viral and anti-bacterial, and can be used to clear infections and congestion. Good for assisting with nerves, both pain and anxiety. It also tastes lovely, which means it makes a wonderful mixer for teas involving any of it’s attributes. Classified as a nerve tonic, meaning that it rehabilitates and strengthens the nervous system over time.
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