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ECHINACEA |
| Having both an antibacterial and antiviral action, Echinacea is one of the best remedies
for helping the body rid itself of microbial infections. It may be used in the
treatment of boils, abscesses, carbuncles, septicaemia and other such infections
and, combined with other appropriate herbs, may be used for any
infection anywhere in the body. It has been shown to improve the body's
resistance to infections such as colds and influenza; it
stimulates the lymphatic vascular system and the fibroblasts.It is of
particular value in laryngitis, tonsillitis, and catarrhal conditions of the nose and
sinus. The
tincture or decoction may be used as a mouthwash in the treatment of pyorrhoea
and gingivitis. Echinacea may also be applied as a lotion to infected sores and
wounds, and it promotes the healing of old wounds and ulcers. A wash of Echinacea can
help relieve the itching of urticaria and this treatment is also useful for
stings and bites.
Research has demonstrated that Echinacea stimulates the production of white blood
cells to fight infection. The polysaccharide component has an anti-viral action, reducing the
ability of pathogens to penetrate tissues. Echinacea is of value in the treatment of glandular fever and post-viral fatigue
syndrome (myalgic encephalomyelitis), and has most recently been employed in AIDS
therapy. There is evidence to show that whole plant preparations are
helpful in allergies.
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GARLIC |
The main
constituent of garlic is a volatile oil containing alliin, which is
converted by the enzyme alliinase into diallyl disulphide. This
has been shown to be an effective antibiotic even when diluted.
The same ingredient creates an unfavourable environment in the gut for
internal parasites, thus acting as a vermifuge. Garlic
simultaneously encourages the presence of normal symbiotic gut flora
and enables a more efficient uptake of nutrients. The excretion
of the volatile oil via the lungs sterilises the alveoli and bronchial
tree making it an effective treatment of bronchitic infections.
Garlic also contains germanium, which acts as a vasodilator to reduce
high blood pressure; and glucokinins, that appear to lower blood sugar
levels and improve pancreatic performance, thus benefiting the diabetes
or hyperglycaemia sufferer.
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PEPPERMINT |
Mint
contains a volatile oil, the most important constituent of which is
menthol. Menthol is a monocyclic monohydric alcohol occurring as
solid crystals in its isolated form. It is a powerful antiseptic
and anti-parasitic and can be used to treat ringworm and other fungal
infections of the skin. It also has a slight local anaesthetic
action.
Whole mint appears to be more beneficial than menthol alone, when it is
ingested, suggesting that the other constituents also have a role to
play. These include pulegone, menthalone piperitone, cineole,
menthodone and limonene as well as tannins and flavonoids. Mint
has an anti-spasmodic effect on the gut and a settling effect on
gastric mucosa, especially in the colon. This has a carminative
effect and can relieve biliary colic.
Mint is also a cholagogue, promoting the flow of bile into the
intestine, with the effect of cleansing the liver and treating
infections or inflammation of the gall bladder. Its overall
relaxant effect can also help with nervous tension. |
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CINNAMON |
| The main
constituent of Cinnamon is an essential oil containing cinnamaldehyde,
forming cinnamic acid, eugenol, methyleugenol, phellandrene and
cinnamyl acetate. Cinnamaledehyde has been found to have
sedative, anti-fungal and antibacterial actions and can reduce
fever. The essential oil in its whole form also has anti-viral
properties, acts as a vermifuge and stimulates the digestive and
circulatory systems. Cinnamon also contains coumarins and condensed
tannins and these contribute to the anti-spasmodic and carminative
actions as well as relieving the stomach cramps caused by diarrhoea. |
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CAYENNE |
The main
constituents of Cayenne are alkaloids, including capsaicin; carotenoid
pigments; flavinoids; ascorbic acid and volatile oil. Capsaicin
is known to mimic some prostaglandins, chemically related fatty acids
that stimulate smooth muscle and have the ability to lower blood
pressure, regulate acid secretion of the stomach, regulate body
temperature, and control inflammation and vascular permeability.
It has also been shown to be an effective analgesic.
Cayenne in its whole form is a strong circulatory stimulant and
diaphoretic, it stimulates gastric secretions and it is carminative and
antiseptic. Added to a remedy cayenne acts as a tonic, ensuring
that the other ingredients are propelled into all tissues even in cases
of poor circulation. |
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FENNEL |
Fennel
consists of a volatile oil, of which the most important constituent is
anethole; tannins; fixed oil; stigmasterol and coumarins. These
agents work to harmonise digestive functions and act as a powerful
carminative. Fennel can stimulate the appetite and speed up the
digestion of fatty foods.
Fennel also has anti-inflammatory qualities, and can be used to dilate
the bronchial tract to relieve congestion in the lungs. It is an
effective diuretic treatment for bladder and kidney infections and has
been shown to stimulate lactation.
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THYME |
Thyme contains
a volatile oil that consists of thymol, carvacrol, borneol, cymol and
linalol. Thymol is a strong antiseptic agent that works without
irritating mucosa or skin. Carvacrol stimulates the mucous
membranes while borneol stimulates the circulatory, respiratory and
nervous systems.
Thyme in its whole form also includes tannins, flavinoids and
saponins. It is anti-fungal and antihelmintic, being particularly
effective against Ascarids. Thyme’s antispasmodic action
has a carminative effect on the gut and can relax bronchial spasms in
asthmatic conditions. Its antiseptic action is effective against
urinary and bronchial infections and it is noted for its ability to
purge phlegm. |
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SLIPPERY ELM |
The
main constituents of slippery elm are mucilage, starch and tannins. The
mucilage contained in slippery elm can help to alleviate the pain of
colic or stomach ulcers, and relieve inflammatory bowel conditions.
Additionally, slippery elm promotes the production of gastro-intestinal
mucus, further protecting the linings of the stomach and intestines,
particularly from excessive acid. Research suggests that slippery elm
contains antioxidants that can reduce intestinal inflammation.
Slippery elm also has a mild laxative effect since the body cannot
digest mucilage, so the soft mass that it forms moves easily through
the intestines. In addition, it may prompt muscles in the intestines to
contract, relieving constipation. |
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CLEAVERS |
The
important constituents of cleavers are coumarin glycosides, red dye
containing an anthraquinone, galiosin, citric and other acids and
tannins. Galiosin is known to have specific anti-inflammatory and
spasmolytic effects on the urinary tract and may prevent the
development of stones in the urinary system.
Cleavers has a dual effect on the urinary and lymphatic systems by
reducing fluid congestion and improving flow. This diuretic
quality can prevent the build-up of toxins in the body. |
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NETTLE |
The
active constituents of nettle are flavinoids, amines, glucoquinone and
tannins. It also contains large quantities of minerals: calcium,
potassium, silica and iron; as well as vitamin C. The amount of
iron in nettle is considerable and it can be used effectively to treat
anaemia. Nettle is also a very effective diuretic and has
astringent qualities. It has a reputation for having a beneficial
effect on arthritis, which is connected to its ability to help remove
uric acid and other acid metabolites from the body.
Nettle has also been shown to have a beneficial effect on the heart and
improves circulation to the tissues. In addition, it has been
established that nettle can stimulate milk production and lower
blood-sugar levels in hyperglycaemics. |
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QUASSIA |
Quassia comes from a tree found in South America. Its active constituents are alkaloids and quassinoids.
Its traditional uses are to treat nematode infestation and as an appetite stimulant and tonic. |
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THE POWER OF HERBS
Most people these days think of herbs in terms
of something they add to food to enhance its flavour during
cooking. However, for thousands of years herbs and other plants
have had an essential role in the medical treatment of all kinds of
ailments. Perhaps the most well known medicine of all –
aspirin – was originally derived from the bark of willow.
It is only in the twentieth century that, in the West at least, we have
favoured mass produced man-made medicines over a more natural
alternative.
Analysis of
the plants used in herbal remedies has shown that they contain complex
active constituents that can deliver the same benefits as the best
medicines. Their added benefit is that they can be absorbed more
easily by the body and are far less likely to cause unwanted symptoms
than synthesized chemicals produced in a laboratory. In addition
herbal remedies provide the user with vitamins, minerals and trace
elements that contribute to overall health and well-being.
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