Tag Archives: Tonic

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Alfalfa

Name:  Alfalfa

Latin:  Medicago Sativa

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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.

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Uses for Pets:  Arthritis, blood disorders

Directions & Warnings:  None known

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Stinging Nettle (Urtica Dioica)

Name:  Stinging Nettle

Latin:  Urtica Dioica

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Vitamins/Minerals:  Calcium, Magnesium, Zinc, Iron, Cobalt, Potassium, Copper, B-Vitamins

Used for:  Due to the nutritional denseness of this plant, it is one of the best tonic herbs.  Eating a bit of this a day, or drinking a cup of infusion daily, will almost insure that you are getting enough of the basics.  The nutrients contained make this herb particularly good for the kidneys, adrenals, and thyroid, which allows them to stabilize and increases energy levels.  It also contains chromium in enough quantity to help stimulate appetite, under the right circumstances.  If utilized regularly, nettle also assists with minimizing the effects of hayfever and other allergies.  The sheer amount of calcium and magnesium also strengthens bones, hair, skin, and teeth.  An additional side effect of the nutritional denseness is and increase in fertility, making nettle one of the best choice for that particular goal.  The array of nutrients also make this a supportive herb for the nervous system.

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Directions & Warnings:

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Red Clover

Name:  Red Clover

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Vitamins & Minerals:  Most, in good quantity

Used for:  This is a lovely tonic and nutritive herb, containing a long list of vitamins and minerals in good quantity.  Due to the flavour it adds to teas, it also helps to mitigate or cover that of some of the more bitter medicinals.  Mixed with mint, it makes a good cold remedy.  It ranks neat the top of herbal fertility promoters.  It is a liver and blood strengthener.  Because of the intense nutritive quality, it is also anti-cancer.  It can assist with calming nerves, and alleviating nervous disorders.  As with the products of the bees who love it so much, it can be used for a variety of skin issues.

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