HERBAL KNOWLEDGE
HERBAL KNOWLEDGE
Butterfly pea
Botanical name: Clitoria ternatea
Other names: Aprajita, Cordofan pea, and the Asian pigeonwing
Also known as Asian Pigeon Wings, Blue Bell Vine, Blue Pea, Cordofan Pea and Darwin pea, ‘Butterfly Pea’ (Clitoria ternatea) is an amazing brain boosting herb native to tropical equatorial Asia. A traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine, Clitoria Ternatea has been consumed for centuries as a memory enhancer, brain booster, anti-stress and calmative agent. Butterfly Pea has been ascribed many health benefits in both Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine, many of which have been supported with contemporary clinical research.
The herb shows promise in studies for its brain boosting effects and its wide spectrum of neurological benefits including helping with depression, anxiety and reducing fever. In studies to date, Butterfly Pea has shown to act on several key systems of the body: The Nervous System – Butterfly Pea has a calming effect on the brain The Digestive System – Butterfly Pea is an antiemetic (anti-nausea), antidypsetic (anti-indigestion), mild-laxative and cholagogue (stimulates flow of bile from liver) The Circulatory System – Butterfly Pea is a haemostatic (helps stop bleeding) and a blood purifier The Respiratory System – Butterfly Pea acts as an expectorant and has shown to reduce the irritation of respiratory organs, useful in treating colds, coughs and even asthma. The Urinary System – Butterfly Pea is a diuretic, helping promote normal urination and can be used for dysuria (difficulty urinating) The Reproductive System: Butterfly Pea is reported to be spermatogenic, aiding in normal sperm production The Integumentary System – Pre-maturing ageing is often a problem of the skin. Flavonoids present in Butterfly Pea have been found to boost collagen production, increasing the skin elasticity.
Butterfly pea is one of the few plants on earth that contain cyclotides, peptides that have shown to possess anti-HIV and anti-tumor properties, while certain cyclotides have been shown to be toxic to cancer cells. In fact, while more studies are needed recent Chinese research suggests butterfly pea is very effective against certain lung cancer cells. Researchers have also found that a powder made from the ground-up butterfly pea leaves can enhance cognitive ability, improving memory and brainpower. Other studies in India found that butterfly pea improves the body’s levels of acetylcholine – an important neurotransmitter – vital for communication within your brain. Acetylcholine decreases significantly as we age and Butterfly Pea has been found to stimulate its production.
Cornflower
Botanical name: Centaurea Cyanus (LINN.)
Centaurea Cyanus, the Cornflower, with its star-like blossoms of brilliant blue, is one of our most striking wild-flowers, though it is always looked on as an unwelcome weed by the farmer, for not only does it by its presence withdraw nourishment from the ground that is needed for the corn, 'but its tough stems in former days of hand-reaping were wont to blunt the reaper's sickle, earning it the name of 'Hurt Sickle': Thou blunt'st the very reaper's sickle and soIn life and death becom'st the farmer's foe.' The Latin name, Cyanus, was given the Cornflower after a youthful devotee of the goddess Flora (Cyanus), whose favourite flower it was, and the name of the genus is derived from the Centaur, Chiron, who taught mankind the healing virtue of herbs.It has long been cultivated as a garden plant, in several colours as well as white. C. montana, a perennial form, is frequent in gardens.The flowers are the part used in modern herbal medicine and are considered to have tonic, stimulant and emmenagogue properties, with action similar to that of Blessed Thistle.
A water distilled from Cornflower petals was formerly in repute as a remedy for weak eyes. The famous French eyewash, 'Eau de Casselunettes,' used to be made from them. Culpepper tells us that the powder or dried leaves of the Bluebottle is given with good success to those that are bruised by a fall or have broken a vein inwardly. He also informs us that, with Plantain, Horsetail, or Comfrey,
'it is a remedy against the poison of the scorpion and resisteth all venoms and poisons. The seeds or leaves (or the distilled water of the herb) taken in wine is very good against the plague and all infectious diseases, and is very good in pestilential fevers: the juice put into fresh or green wounds doth quickly solder up the lips of them together, and is very effectual to heal all ulcers and sores in the mouth.'
The expressed juice of the petals makes a good blue ink; if expressed and mixed with alum-water, it may be used in watercolor drawing. It dyes linen a beautiful blue, but the color is not permanent.
Marigold
Botanical name: Calendula arvensis, Calendula officinalis - Aster Family
common names: marigold, pot marigold, gold-bloom, marybud, pot calendula
Calendula’s name refers to its tendency to bear flowers by the calendar, once a month in warm climates, usually during the new moon. Has been called “herbal sunshine” and has been used widely in Europe topically but also as a tea. It has a long established use as an externally healing herb, with wide use in skin care. “Marigold” refers to the Virgin Mary; this herb is traditionally used during Virgin Mary celebrations in Catholici
European folk medicine considered calendula to be an immune tonic, that helps prevent sickness in winter. This can be attributed to its action of moving the lymph and eliminating cellular debris from the body. It has a special affinity to the lymphatic system and is a great herb to turn to when there is the first sign of lymph congestions in the neck, breast, or groin areas.
Fever Herb: This is a great herb to turn to for supporting the body in the presence of fever as it gently opens the pores and helps the body perspire, which breaks a fever sooner and speeds the course of illness.
CAUTIONS
Anyone allergic to members of the Aster/Compositae family (ragweed, marigold) should avoid this herb. Calendula teas should not be taken for more than two weeks due to the mild antibacterial toxins present in the herb. When taken internally, calendula can increase the sedative effect of medications for anxiety and insomnia. It may also increase the activity of blood glucose-lowering drugs or insulin and may help decrease blood lipids and triglycerides. Contraindicated during pregnancy due to emmenagogue and abortifacient effects.
Blue Mallow
BOTANICAL NAME Malva sylvestris Plant Family: Malvaceae
This is an ancient herb with a history of use around the world from Chinese Herbal tradition, as well as Egyptian, Greek, Roman, and Arabic traditions. Mallows were also used as sustainable food through times of scarcity by peoples throughout Europe. Has been used interchangeably with other mallows and with Marshmallow (Althea officinalis).
Common mallow is an old accompaniment of our culture, and is found practically exclusively on the fringe of and near human settlements. In the past it has been spread so diligently all over Europe and finally all over the world, that the borders of its original geographical range are now hazy. It is, however, supposed to be a Eurasian plant of relatively dry and open spaces.
Common mallow was traditionally a useful plant which was highly regarded as vegetable, but most of all as a versatile medicinal plant. Up to the beginning of modern times, the species had a reputation of being a universal remedy. Mallow reduced fever, relieved nearly all pains and healed insect stings and wounds. Mallow leaf was used to induce childbirth and act as an indicator for a woman’s fertility. It was believed that mallow helped people rise above their urges and passions, so it was an important antidote for love potions. And best of all, mallow pills could cure stupidity! A large part of those folk traditions connected with mallow’s medicinal uses are purely superstitious, but no smoke without fire: mallow contains compounds which activate the immune defence system as well as substances soothing infections, and its medicinal uses are still being researched.
Mallow leaf will tend to soothe irritated mucous membranes throughout the body.
CAUTIONS
Mallow should not be taken in large quantities by diabetics. Because of its notable fiber content, mallow should not be taken in high doses with some medications.
Chamomile
Botanical name - Matricaria chamomilla - Aster Family
Chamomile has been used in medicinal herbal traditions since ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome for its variety of actions, including use as an antispasmodic, carminative, mild sedative, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial. It is mild yet effective, and works particularly well for children. Chamomile has been a favorite beverage tea through the ages for its flavor of sunshine and honey.
Antispasmodic, carminative, mild sedative, mild anesthetic to mouth and stomach, stimulates lactation, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, fungicidal
Nervous System: Chamomile tea is found to be calming and soothing to restless children, nervous adults, and for babies with colic. Matthew Wood says chamomile is great for “babies of any age” as it “sweetens the soul.” Helps with anxiety, insomnia, nightmares.
Camellia sinensis
Botanical name Camellia sinesis
Other names: Ceylon, Tea plant
Ceylon tea is from Sri Lanka, formerly known as Ceylon. The tea is produced using either black tea leaves, green tea leaves, or white tea leaves, and may be consumed hot or cold. According to fans of the drink, Ceylon tea benefits may include a boost in metabolism and decreased risk
of disease. But not all of these benefits have been proven in clinical studies. Ceylon tea is high in antioxidants and contains a small amount of caffeine and several trace minerals. Several compounds in tea have been proven to boost fat burning and decrease fat absorption. Drinking hot tea or consuming green tea extract has been linked to increased weight loss and reduced body fat.Studies show that certain varieties of Ceylon tea may reduce levels of total and LDL (bad) cholesterol, as well as triglycerides, though other research has turned up mixed results.Ceylon tea contains caffeine, which can cause adverse side effects and may be associated with health concerns.
Wormwood
Botanical name: Artemisia absinthium - (Apsithia) - Artemisia Family
Common names: absinthium, green ginger, common wormwood
One of the oldest medicinal plants known, references to it appear in the Old Testament of the Bible as the highest symbol of bitterness. The Greek word for wormwood is from Apsinthos, the star that fell from heaven and made the waters bitter. The Greeks used wormwood as valuable medicine and hung it above the doors of homes to keep away evil spirits. Wormwood was considered so beneficial that in Greek mythology, the goddess Artemis chose this plant for her own, and gave it her name. Has a long history of use throughout Europe and North America.
Wormwood can be taken as a mild infusion, not used in excess or over long periods of time. Digestive system: Wormwood is a strong bitter, good as a digestive tonic for liver and gallbladder, a stimulative tonic to the digestive system. It is a well-known remedy for intestinal worms and parasites. Expels gas from intestinal tract, and has an antiseptic effect on the entire system. Reproductive System: Has been used as a menstrual stimulator.External use: Infused in olive oil and applied to sprains, rheumatism, may relieve pains of neuralgia and arthritis.
ROSEMARY -
BOTANICAL NAME: Rosmarino - Rosmarinus Officinalis - Mint Family
Other names: Compass-weed, polar plant, Mary’s mantle
osemary has a long history of use in Mediterranean herbal tradition and also as a favored culinary herb. Its Latin name means “dew of the sea” and has been used for hundreds of years as a beloved herb. Thousands of years before refrigeration, ancient people noticed that wrapping meats in crushed rosemary leaves preserved them. Rosemary’s ability to preserve food also led to the belief that it helped preserve memory. Greek students wore rosemary garlands to assist their powers of recall. Traditional Chinese physicians mixed it with ginger as a treatment for headache, indigestion, insomnia, and malaria. Contemporary American herbalists say that rosemary stimulates the circulatory, digestive, and nervous systems. They recommend it as treatment for headache, indigestion, and depression, and as a gargle for bad breath. They also advocate its external use for muscle aches and in baths for relaxation.
HERBAL ACTIONS
Antiseptic, antimicrobial, astringent, antioxidant, stimulant, antidepressant, anti-inflammatory, diuretic, digestive, carminative, antispasmodic, bronchodilator, emmenagogue, hepatic, diaphoretic, circulatory stimulant, cardiotonic, cholagogue, analgesic, anthelmintic, rubefacient, relaxant.
Laurel
BOTANICAL NAME Laurus nobilis - Laurel Family
Other names: Bay, bay laurel, grecian laurel, sweet bay, true bay
Widely used throughout the world, bay leaf originated in Asia minor and naturalized throughout the Mediterranean region. Bay leaf was highly prized by the Greeks and Romans, and thought to provided wisdom, peace, and protection. The leaves also symbolized success. Laurel wreaths were made from Bay laurels and given to the victors in both athletic and intellectual competitions.
Although bay is used primarily as a culinary herb, it is also used medicinally as a digestive tonic. When cooked, it helps break down foods, especially meats, making digestion easier.
CAUTIONS
Remove the whole leaf before eating, since the hard leaf is hard on mucus membranes. Considered a food and safe for use. If using essential oil externally, dilute so as to avoid irritation of the skin on sensitive individuals.
These products have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and therefore we cannot claim to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. All information on our site is provided for historical background and educational purposes only.
Please consult your physician about any medical concern you may have; and educate yourself thoroughly about any herbs and their potential contraindications before any type of use.
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