Tag Archives: Cholesterol

by

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

by

Vinegar

Name:  Vinegar

Latin:

Other Common Names:

Family:

Parts Used:

Vitamins/Minerals:

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

Use in tandem with:

Directions & Warnings:

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.

by

Garlic (Allium sativum)

Name:  Garlic

Latin:  Allium sativum

Other Common Names:

Parts Used:  Bulb

Vitamins & Minerals:

Used for:  Garlic is one of the “magic” plants as far as its health effects and uses.  It mitigates the physical effects of stress.  It can lower high blood pressure.  A tea is good for sore throats, and can be used to lessen inflammation and infection in tonsilitis.  If used as a poultice on your chest (often in conjunction with onion), it can help with bronchitis and other chest ailments.  Along with being capable of lowering blood pressure, it can help to reduce your cholesterol, strengthen your heart, increase immune response, reduce stroke risk, and stabilize blood sugar.  Garlic and its relatives are a source of phytoestrogens, which not only reduce the risk of cancer, they can assist with the passage through menopause.  Garlic also has an antibiotic effect similar to penicillin, with the added benefit of not killing off the beneficial bacteria in the body.    Used in a cold poultice, it can help to lower swelling; as a hot poultice, can be used to help snakebites and wasp or hornet stings.  Crushed and packed in near a tooth, it can assist with toothache.  Most of the folkloric and historic beneficial effects of garlic have been proven scientifically.

Use in tandem with:  Hawthorn and Cayenne

Directions and Warnings:  As garlic is a natural blood-thinner, you should consult with a doctor before increasing the amount of garlic you consume, or using it in supplement form if you are on blood-thinning medication.