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BLUE VERVAIN
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Herbs
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burdockroothttps://herbnationlife.com/blog/
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BLADDERWRACK
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1. BLADDERWRACK
 Bladderwrack is a common type of seaweed, which is almost similar to Kelp. It is known as ‘Fucus Vesiculosus’. This herb thrives in various parts of the world’s oceans, particularly around North America’s Eastern Coast. Its thick stem, ‘thallus’, contains air filled pods that assist this seaweed float to the surface.This thallus part is the key beneficial part of bladderwrack that holds many health benefits.Though, bladderwrack has been used in alternative medicines for hundreds of years, but recently its demand is rising. General public is using it as an herbal supplement and including it in their nutritional diet. |
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It has high levels of mucilage, iodine, potassium, and other organic compounds. Especially, in iodine, it is very rich and an early source of this mineral. Let’s take a closer look at some of its health benefits. Bladderwrack |
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RHUBARB ROOT
RHUBARB ROOT
Rhubarb Root, commonly called Chinese Rhubarb, Turkish Rhubarb, or Indian Rhubarb, has a long history of herbal usage. Though, it is popular in the entire world, but it is extensively used in traditional Chinese medicines. Chinese herbalists and botanists try to cultivate it on large scale in China to treat serious health issues like cancer and digestive complaints.
This plant persists as a weed in many gardens; it can grow as much as six feet. The blade and leaves of this plant have high oxalic acid concentration. Therefore, professional herbalists avoid them, because of their poisonous nature, and only focus on its roots. They are first dried and then ground into a yellowish-orange powder.
These roots are sour and bitter in taste, but their extract can be used as antispasmodic, anticholesterolemic, antiseptic, astringent, and diuretic. Moreover, these roots contain anthraquinones. It is a natural occurring compound which is antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, and antioxidant. This compound protects from conditions likes cancer, diabetes, liver disease, kidney disease, and malaria.
However, large doses of it can cause skin irritations. If you have dealt with dermatitis reactions, it is better to speak your doctor first to ensure the Rhubarb Roots is safe for you.
Apart from this, there are lots of other health benefits of Rhubarb Roots. It treats conditions like diarrhea, constipation, stomach pain, gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding, anal fissures, liver and gall bladder complaints, menstrual problems, intestinal and autoimmune reactions. In addition, when you consume its extract before meals, it enhances appetite too.
The extract of Rhubarb Root has been studied as a possible cure for cancer as well. Since, its aloe-emodin, chrysophanol, emodic, and gallic acid are anti-cancer agents. They also eradicate tumors inside the body. That’s why scientists and physicians have great interest in it. They are trying to explore its potential as herbal treatment for cancer.
Properties: Antispasmodic, anticholesterolemic, antiseptic, astringent, antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, antioxidant and diuretic. It also treats hypertension, menstrual irregularities, elevated blood lipids, diarrhea, heartburn, constipation and stomach pain.
Elderberry / Elderflower Benefits
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Elderberry / Elderflower Benefits
Latin NameSambucus
Also Known AsBlack Elderberry, European Elderberry, European Elder
OriginEurope, North America
Parts UsedBerries, Flowers
Traditional Use and Health BenefitsAt sites in Switzerland and Italy, researchers have uncovered evidence that the elderberry may have been cultivated by prehistoric man. There are also recipes for elderberry-based medications in the records dating as far back as Ancient Egypt where some Ancient Egyptians even had the tincture buried with them. Historians, however, generally trace the tradition of the elderberry’s healing power back to Hippocrates, the ancient Greek known as the “father of medicine,” who described this plant as his “medicine chest” for the wide variety of ailments it seemed to cure.
Elderberry/Elderflower Benefits
Immune System
Elderberries are particularly rich in flavonoids, especially anthocyanins which are responsible for their deep purple (almost black) colouring. These powerful antioxidants work to keep the immune system strong and resilient. Dr Gerhard Rechkemmer is the President of Germany’s Federal Research Institute for Nutrition and Food. His research has shown that the anthocyanins in elderberries boost the production of cytokines – proteins that act as messengers within the immune system – thereby enhancing the body’s immune response. Cytokines play a crucial role in the immune system’s response to disease and work in ways very similar to hormones. They can be both inflammatory or anti-inflammatory depending on what is needed and are released by immune cells either directly into the blood stream or locally into body tissue during an immune response.
These tiny berries are also believed to contain antiviral agents– compounds so potent they are thought to deactivate viruses. Viruses are unable to multiply on their own and need to get inside a healthy cell to do so. They are cleverly coated with something called “haemagglutinin spikes” to help them pierce the cell wall. These viral spikes are also covered with enzymes which the virus uses to break down the cell wall. Elderberries have high concentrations of bioflavonoids which appear to inhibit the action of this enzyme, thus deactivating viruses and rendering them unable to pierce the cell wall and replicate.
The Elderflower is also packed with bio-flavonoids that help to boost the immune system. Research has shown that Elderflowers are also effective in killing common pathogens.
Colds/Flu
The humble elderberry is perhaps most famously used for the treatment of colds and flu. There is much evidence for its effectiveness, with a double-blind, placebo controlled trial conducted during an outbreak of influenza B in Panama in 1995. The study found that within 2 days there were significant improvements in symptoms, including fever, among 93.3% of those taking elderberry syrup. 90% of the elderberry group were completely well again within 2 – 3 days compared to 6 days in the placebo group.
In 2016 another study by School of Pharmacy, Griffith University, Australia published in “Nutrients” , showed that supplementation with elderberry can reduce the symptoms and duration of a cold in air travellers. Travellers who used elderberry for 10 days before travel and up to 5 days after arriving overseas experienced an average 2 day shorter duration of their colds, and a noticeable reduction in their symptoms.
The Elderflower is an “anti-catarrhal” herb, meaning it is extremely effective for runny noses and congestion. Anti-catarrhal herbs prevent excess mucous formation and aid in removing mucous and reducing inflammation in the body.
Cystitis/Urinary Tract/Bladder Infections
Most commonly affecting women (although men are certainly not exempt), UTI’s, cystitis and bladder infections cause a world of misery and pain. The constant urge to urinate, accompanied by a burning sensation can leave the sufferer feeling housebound and depressed. Elderberry tea may bring significant relief from this debilitating condition – first and foremost acting as a diuretic. This is important as it causes the kidneys to continually flush out toxins whilst increasing urination. This in turn helps to flush out the bacteria that cause cystitis, reducing the likelihood of the infection spreading to the bladder and/or kidneys and may also help to reduce its duration. Its anti-inflammatory properties may help to reduce inflammation, potentially reducing the burning and pain that accompanies urination.
Allergy Relief
Elderberry’s immunostimulating and anti-inflammatory properties make it a great natural remedy for allergy symptoms. Inflammation of the sinuses, sneezing, itchy and watery eyes, swelling and a runny or stuffy nose can all benefit from this potent herb. It is thought to be particularly good for hayfever and strengthening the upper respiratory tract.
Elderflower’s anti-catarrhal action is also effective in clearing congestion and runny noses caused by seasonal allergies.
Digestive Health
The high fibre content of elderberries can help to eliminate constipation, reduce excess gas and generally increase the health of the gastrointestinal system. The dietary fibre contained in these berries can also increase nutrient uptake efficiency, especially in the gut, helping you to get more out of the food that you eat.
Typical UseDried Elderberries can be used to make a delicious tea or syrup. They can also be added to baked goods such as muffins and pancakes. They can also be used in herbal remedies.
Folklore and HistoryOver the centuries, elderberry has been used to treat colds, flu, fever, burns, cuts, and more than 70 other maladies, from toothache to the plague. In the 17th century, John Evelyn, a British researcher, declared, “If the medicinal properties of its leaves, bark, and berries were fully known, I cannot tell what our countryman could ail for which he might not fetch a remedy (from the elderberry), either for sickness or wounds.”
Elder is sacred to many goddess traditions, especially those dedicated to the goddesses Venus and Holle. Pagan tradition holds that the spirit which inhabits the Elder tree is the Elder Mother who holds the power to work her magic in this world. It was said that one who falls asleep under the branches of the Elder Tree would have vivid dreams of faery realms and be transported to Celtic faery lands.
ConstituentsElderberry: Flavonoids (rutin, quercetin), terpenes, sambunigrin, sambucine, chlorgenic acid, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin B6, Potassium.
Elderflower: Flavonols; quercetin, anthocyanins, and isoquercitrin. Chlorogenic acid, erythrodiol and oleanolic acids.
PrecautionsDo not consume raw berries, can induce vomiting and diarrhea. Can occasionally cause a mild allergic reaction – consult your healthcare professional if you think you are having a reaction. Do not take if pregnant or breastfeeding. Not recommended for children.
Consult you’re healthcare professional if you have an autoimmune condition as elderberry may stimulate the immune system.
Do not take if you have had an organ transplant. Consult your doctor if you are taking any medications before using elderberry.
Elderflowers are considered safe, however please consult with your healthcare professional if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or taking prescription medications.
LAVENDER
LAVENDER
Nearly 40 plants in the mint family are known as Lavender. But, the most common form, which is packed with immense health benefits, is Lavandula Augustifolia. This lavender is available in almost all parts of the world. And, perhaps, that’s why it is widely used in its massive range of applications. Herbalists from all walks of life use it because of its powerful effects on human body. They use its stems, leaves, and flowers to treat many ailments.
It is quite easy to identify Lavender. Its needle-like foliage has a balsam like scent. It is either in bluish green color or in gray. It has indeed the shades of these two colors. In addition, overall height of this plant is around three feet if the growing conditions are right.
Lavender has many constituents that make it an important herb in the medical field. It constituents include terpinenol, cineole, borneol, camphor, rosmarinic acid, triterpenoids, flavonoids, linabol, and etc. Furthermore, it is aromatic, insect repellent, and sedative.
Besides, medicinally, there are lots of other health benefits of Lavender too. For example, if you deal with chronic headaches or migraine, it can work as a head balm or essential oil to alleviate your pain. All you need is to just rub it on the temples at the first sign of head ache. Next, it also promotes deep sleep. Its scent is sedative. Trouble sleepers can slip into the dreamland while relishing its fragrances. It relaxes their mind and soothes muscles.
Other than that, if you have skin issues like acne or rashes, infuse it in water and then use it on your skin. You can even take bath with it. Its antiseptic properties will banish all the acne and rash problems within a few days. It also cures bruises and scrapes, but it is better to use it as a cooling remedy for them. Keep its water bottle in the refrigerator for a few minutes before applying it on bruises or fresh scars.
Properties: Promotes sleep, reduce headache, treats chronic migraine issues, assists in curing skin diseases, heals bruises and scars, lessens anxiety and stress, possesses anti-inflammatory qualities, improves the quality of your hair, and protects heart health.
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