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Archive for the ‘Herbs & Herbals’ Category

White Willow Bark

February 21st, 2010
Tags: white willow bark
Categories: Herbs & Herbals

White Willow has been used for centuries to reduce fevers and reduce pain. It is closely related to the common aspirin. It is great for fever, chills, and rheumatism or arthritis. White willow is usually found next to water, rivers, streams and ponds. The long slender leaves contain salicylic acid, which has been synthesized into acetylsalicylic acid, known as aspirin, which has been used for centuries worldwide as a pain reliever.

Willow bark contains other compounds that the body metabolizes to salicylic acid. Because of this willow
bark acts more slowly and over a longer period of time than aspirin does. The compound salicin from willow
doesn’t cause the gastric or intestinal upset or bleeding as aspirin can. This is because willow suppresses the
action of prostaglandins (hormone-like substances) in the stomach or intestines, which are produced by the
body in response to injuries.

Willow bark is an excellent aspirin substitute -has effective pain relieving and fever lowering properties.
It’s been shown effective in the treatment of gout, minor muscle strains, menstrual cramps, headache, and toothache. It reduces inflammation and is used topically for sores and burns, pain and inflammation of arthritis

The part used is the mature bark, either fresh or dried.

As a tea: Steep 1 to 2 tsp. of powdered bark in 1 cup boiling water overnight then strain. Drink a cup a day. The bitter taste can be improved by mixing with honey and lemon or another herbal tea.

Side Effects include upset stomach, nausea, and even ringing in the ears may result. Lower the dosage or stop using white willow; call your doctor if symptoms persist. Children under the age of 16 should not use
white willow if they have a cold, influenza, or other viral illness because of the association of Reye’s
syndrome, a potentially fatal condition. People with ulcers or other stomach problems should not use white willow. Do not mix white willow with aspirin.

Antiperiodic: This herb prevents the regular recurrences of a disease or symptoms such as malaria

Astringent: This herb has a constricting or binding effect, for example: one that checks hemorrhages or secretions by coagulation of proteins on a soft surface

Antiseptic: This herb combats and neutralizes pathogenic bacteria and prevents infection

Anodyne: This herb reduces pain

Diaphoretic: This herb causes perspiration and increases elimination through the skin

Diuretic: This herb increases the secretion and flow of urine

Febrifuge: This herb reduces fever

Tonic: This herb restores, nourishes, and supports the entire body; it exerts a gently strengthening effect on the body

willow

Cat’s Claw

February 15th, 2010
Tags: Cat's Claw
Categories: Herbs & Herbals

Cat’s Claw
(Uncaria tomentosa)

Cat’s Claw is sometimes called the Sacred Herb of the Rain Forest and it seems more and more an apt name. It’s common name, cat’s Claw comes from a small thorn at the base of the leaves that resembles a cat’s claw.

The plant itself is a tropical vine that grows in the rainforests and jungles in South America and Asia. The plant uses its claws to attach itself to trees and climbs up to a 100 feet into the canopies of the rainforest.

Cat’s Claw is considered a valuable medicinal resource
and is a protected species in Peru. While mainstream science has only recently began to explore cat’s claw, many South American cultures have used the herbs for hundreds of years.

Some scientific studies show the plant may have positive effects on the body’s immune system and is being featured prominently in Aids research.

Cat’s Claw active ingredients are alkaloids, tannins and several other phytochemicals. While some of the
alkaloids have been proven to boost the immune system, the primary alkaloid rhynchophylline has shown anti-hypertensive effects and may reduce the risk of
stroke and heart attack by lowering blood pressure,
increasing circulation, reducing heart rate and
controlling cholesterol.

Other aspects of the plant contribute anti-inflammatory,
antioxidant and anticancer properties. Some treatments combine cat’s claw with other plants and natural
products to increase the absorption and bioavailability.

Cat’s Claw has long been used as a homeopathic
treatment for intestinal ailments. Some of those uses include Crohn’s disease, gastric ulcers and tumors, parasites, colitis, gastritis, diverticulitis and leaky bowel syndrome.infections.

The inner bark and root are used to create capsules, teas and extracts.

Red Clover – Trifolium pratense

February 13th, 2010
Tags: Red Clover, Trifolium pratense
Categories: A-D, Herbs & Herbals

Common name: red clover

Red Clover is found all across the US. You’ll find it in yards, roadsides, fields and in other disturbed habitats.

Originally was native to the Eastern Mediterranean and Asia and was naturalized to the United States.

Red clover grows up to 16 inches, with a hairy upright stem. The leaves are made up of three (and an occasional lucky four!) oval leaflets with a prominent white “V” mark in the center, commonly referred to as a chevron. The flowers are purple to pink and are egg-shaped.

Red clover is a member of the pea family, Leguminosae. Clover is part of a group of plants that are able to take nitrogen from the atmosphere and make it biologically available to other plants. Nitrogen fixation is of critical importance in protein production in plants and makes the plants a critical player in agricultural planning.

Historically, red clover flower tea has been used as an antispasmodic, expectorant, a mild sedative, and a blood purifier; as well as for asthma, bronchitis and respiratory spasms. Red clover was also used for athlete’s foot, sores, and other skin issues. You’ll even find red clover wine!

Active compounds are flavenoids, phenolic acids (including salicylic acid), volatile oils such as methyl salicylate and benzyl alcohol, sitosterol, fatty acids, tannin and starch

Research scientists are studying the herb for combating AIDS, diabetes and menopause.

Magically speaking, the red clover was believed to bring good luck!

It was believed that whoever carried a three-leaf clover with him would be able to detect witches, sorcerers and good fairies around him.

Christianity believed the three-leaf clover to be a symbol of the Trinity, so many churches and church windows are designed around a cloverleaf.

red clover

Organization

January 7th, 2010
Tags: herbs, organization
Categories: Herbs & Herbals

Ever been to the kitchen of a very organized person?

Did you notice their herbs and spices?

Are they alphabatized?

Not everyone can be that disciplined with their herbs and spices but there are things you should do occassionally.

Check product levels. Check for aged and outdated spices and herbs. Toss old ones (or compost them) and put new spices on your shopping list.

Dried herbs and spices do get old.

You don’t have to alphabatize your ingredients, you can choose other methods. You can group baking spices together, cinnamon, ginger, cloves. And your italian herbs together, basil, oregano, parsley. Or you can place your most used herbs or mixtures towards the front.

I’ve even seen people sort by height. All the short bottles in the front, tall ones behind. They even sell little stair-step racks for just this one reason.

I keep my most used herbs, spices and blends on a big wooden lazy susan right beside my cooking area. Handy dandy!

Basil

November 8th, 2009
Categories: Herbs & Herbals

Basil (sweet basil) is sometimes used as a religious herb, associated with Solomon, Krishna and Vishnu. Many people plant basil near their front doors for protection for the home and it’s occupants.

Basil is used in medicine for digestive issues but basil is probably best know for it’s use in cooking. Basil goes great with tomato dishes and pesto, but you’ll also find basil in traditional Italian, Mediterranean as well as Thai cooking.

Basil: Herb Royale
Botanical: Ocimum Basilicum
Flowers: mid summer color varies by species
Leaves: green to deep purple – depending upon variety

basil

Comfrey

November 1st, 2009
Tags: comfrey, Symphytum officinale
Categories: A-D, Herbs & Herbals

Comfrey has many common names. You many know it as: knitbone, healing herb, boneset, slippery root or bruisewort.

Latin: Symphytum officinale

Centuries ago the Greeks used comfrey to stop bleeding and to treat bronchial issues. Dioscorides prescribed comfrey to heal wounds and mend broken bones. The latin conferta means grow together which is where comfrey is purported to have gained its name.

Comfrey is used today externally in balms and salves and as feed for livestock. Recent controversy over it’s toxicity has stopped people from using comfrey as an internal aid. Comfrey MAY be toxic when ingested.

The plants themselves are an upright leafy perennial. Very hardy. They die back in the winter and come right back in the spring. Comfrey has a way of taking over so plant it in a restricted bed.

Magically speaking, comfrey is used in any form of magical healing. Also used for traveling safely.

comfrey

Calendula

October 25th, 2009
Categories: A-D, Herbs & Herbals

Calundula got it’s name during Roman times. It was noticed that the flowers bloomed the same time each month, or calends and named them thus. They were grown during Roman times, not only for their color and the joy blooms brought to their lives but instead as the flowers were used to treat scorpion bites.

The Doctrine of Signatures suggests that calendula might be used for headaches, toothaches, and fevers. The Doctrine of Signatures suggests medical purposes for plants based on the physical appearance of the plant or flower resembling some portion of the human body.

Magically speaking, calendula is considered quite powerful. It’s used in potions to view fairies, love visions and more.

In the kitchen, a long time ago, you’ll sometimes find calendula in the soup or stew or mixed in with the vegetables. It was even used, at the time, in oats, puddings, and wine.

Today, you’ll sometimes see calendula used in salves, powders and ointments for external problems.

Latin: Calendula officinalis

Do not confuse the African marigold with Calendula. The African marigold is sometimes used as an insect repellent and is NOT a medicinal plant. Do not substitute one for the other.

calendula

Mountain Rose Herbs. A herbs, health and harmony c

Chamomile

October 18th, 2009
Tags: chamomile
Categories: A-D, Herbs & Herbals

Chamomile has blessed our hearts and mind for what seems like an eternity. Remember Peter Rabbit? His mom soothed his headache with a cup of chamomile tea. Today, many people will sip chamomile tea to calm their nerves, especially before bedtime.

Medieval people used chamomile as a strewing herb. Tossed about and tread upon they released their scent subtly helping to mask filthy odors. Women have used chamomile tea for ages to add highlights to their hair. Chamomile has also been touted to have been used to retard meat spoilage and as an insect repellent.

Medicinal: The essential oil derived from the pressing of the chamomile flowers is slow yielding, making this oil one of the more expensive oils. It’s said to help as an anti-inflammatory, as an antispasmodic, and as an anti-infective, the reason you see chamomile in so many ointments, lotions and salves.

Aromatic: Chamomile flower have a vague apple scent to them, making them a great addition to most any herbal preparation.

Latin: Chamaemelum nobile (low growing variety) Matricaria recutita (tall annual)
Flowers: Very similar to daisies
Leaves: alternate, divided into threadlike segments
Flowering: Late spring thru summer

chamomile

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Bay Laurel – Laurus nobilis

October 15th, 2009
Tags: bay laurel, laurus nobilis
Categories: A-D, Herbs & Herbals

In Greek mythology we find that Apollo loved Daphne. Apollo was most known as the god of light, and also attributed to prophecy, medicine, archery and as a good shepherd of herds and flocks.

Daphne was the daughter of the river god, Ladon and Apollo fiercely pursued her. She fled, he followed and as he tried to touch her, she transformed into a laurel tree. Apollo then made the bay laurel his sacred tree.

Bay laurel leaves are used for protection, hence the ancient laurel head wreaths. Over the years its attributes include aids for menstruation, snake bites, even colds.

Today, bay is typically used in cooking. You can harvest and use year round.

Bay: Bay laurel, sweet bay
Botanical: laurus nobilis
Flowers: Inconspicuous, no petals, four lobed, greenish yellow
Leaves: Alternate, shiny, dark green, thick and leathery with wavy edges
Fruit: Dark purple to black one seeded berries about a half inch long
Flowering: Spring

bay

The Herb Bin

September 24th, 2009
Tags: new blog, the herb bin, welcome
Categories: Herbs & Herbals

Welcome to The Herb Bin where you can find all the information you ever needed or wanted to know about Herbs and Herbal remedies.