Tag Archives: Inflammation

by

Peppermint (Mentha piperita)

Name:  Peppermint

Latin:  Mentha piperita

Other Common Names:

Family:  Mint

Parts Used:

Vitamins/Minerals:  Calcium

Used for:  Fights inflammation, is a bronchiodilator, has some effect against headaches, can be a coffee substitute, and is an effective element in cold and flu preparations.  It is also good for most digestive issues.  It can ease pain, and supports proper liver and nerve function.  One of the reasons it makes a good coffee substitute is that the stimulation it gives comes from a healthier angle.  Peppermint stimulates because of the nutritive value and by increasing circulation.  It wakes the system up, rather than agitating it.  Because it is kind of a catchall, I often use it to make medicinal teas more palatable, as it assists in mitigating unpleasant flavours.

Use in tandem with:

Uses for Pets:

Directions & Warnings:

Edibility:  So many different ways.  In water, in tea, in cocoa, in lemonade, in cookies, in cakes, in frosting, in…..  I also saw a suggestion for mixing sprigs of it in with peas, which I will have to try.

Other Uses for:  Bugs don’t like it when fresh and growing, so it can be used as a barrier along a house, or as an assist for more delicate plants.

Growing:  Mint likes shade, so if you have a darker area that you aren’t sure what to plant, mint is a good fill-in.  A bit literally, actually, because it really likes space, and will propagate itself in a number of ways all over the place.

by

Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum graecum)

Name:  Fenugreek

Latin:  Trigonella foenum graecum

Other Common Names:

Family:

Parts Used:

Vitamins/Minerals:

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:

by

Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)

Name:  Yarrow

Latin:  Achillea millefolium

Other Common Names:

Family:

Parts Used:

Vitamins/Minerals:

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.

Use in tandem with:

Directions & Warnings:

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.

by

Arnica

Name:  Arnica

Latin:

Other Common Names:  Accident Plant

Family:

Parts Used:

Vitamins & Minerals:

Used for:  A lotion containing arnica can be a fairly effective pain reliever, particularly in cases of soft tissue damage.  Used to reduce swelling from breaks and sprains, and effective at relieving muscle strain and tension.

Use in tandem with:

Directions & Warnings:  DO NOT use arnica if there is a break in the skin.  There are some internal uses, but they should not be attempted unless under the direct care of a herbal practitioner.

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.