Useful For: Stamina, wound healing, fights infection, immune system, energy
Herbal Sources: Alfalfa, Burdock Root, Nettle, Yellow Dock, Oatstraw, Red Clover, Peppermint, Fenugreek
Food Sources: Whole grains, organ meats, sweet potatoes, avocados, egg yolks, fish, whey
Herbs: Licorice, Oatstraw, Scullcap (particularly good cut with warm milk)
Foods:
Vitamins and Supplements: Vitamin C, Vitamin B, Calcium, Magnesium, Omega 3’s
Actions:
Aromatherapy:
Folk Remedies:
Things to Avoid:
Name: Stinging Nettle
Latin: Urtica Dioica
Other Common Names:
Family:
Parts Used:
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.
Use in tandem with:
Directions & Warnings:
Name: Lamb’s Quarters
Latin: Chenopodium Album
Other Common Names: Fat Hen, Goosefoot, Pigweed
Vitamins & Minerals: One half cup serving contains over 300 mg of calcium and 11,000 IU of Vitamin A. Good source of riboflavin and folic acied.
Used for:
Name: Oatstraw
Latin: Avena Sativa
Other Common Names:
Parts Used:
Vitamins & Minerals: Silica, B Vitamins, Calcium
Used for: This is a nutrient rich herb that is quite good used as either a tonic infusion, or as a solid foundation for herbal teas. It is particularly high in silica, and assists in the assimilation of calcium. I have found it to have a synergistic effect with other herbs, strengthening their effects. Due to the action it has on calcium absorption and the amount of silica it contains, it helps to build stronger nails and bones, and makes hair healthier. Due to the sorts of vitamins it contains, it also has mild anti-depressant effects, and helps to calm anxiety. As it is also high in calcium, it can assist in relaxing the muscles and nerves. The combination of nutrients and effects make this herb a nerve tonic, toning and rehabilitating the nervous system over time. They also have enough mucilage that they function as a nerve cushioner, soothing and healing inflamed nerve endings. Oats are also a good basis for foods for convalescing. They are easy to digest, easy to flavor, and are gentle enough that they can usually be eaten following a high fever, a bout of food poisoning, or nasty flus. Oats are also good for the skin, and a wonderful choice for toiletries.