MEDICINAL HERBS

Caper

2011-09-24T00:16:00.000-07:00

Medicinal Herb : Caper
Plant Description

Caper is highly variable in nature in its natural habitat.

This shrubby plant has many branch with alternate leaves, thick and shiny round in shape The flowers are sweetly fragrant, showy with four sepals and four white-pinkish petals.

Capers are harvested regularly from May to July.

It prefers full sunlight and warm climate and much treated like cactus, requires frequent watering in summer and very little in winter.

Parts Used

Flower bud and root bark.
Culinary uses

* Capers can be used as sauces and salads in meat and other dishes.
* It gives a pepper taste when garnish on salad and other dish.
* It is a common ingredient in Mediterranean cuisines and the mature fruit of this plant is salted, prepared and marketed as capper berries.
* Capers are also a special ingredient in Italian cuisines It is added to pizza, pasta salads, chicken dishes and pasta sauces

Medicinal uses

* The root bark of caper has been considered and used as astringent, expectorant, diuretic and stimulating tonic.
* It is also considered healthy in gastro-intestinal infections, diarrhea, gout and rheumatism.
* The flower buds of caper are affective in cough and for eye infection.
* Its roots and bud makes a soothing herbal tea.
Medicinal Herbs

Capsicum

2011-09-18T00:15:00.000-07:00

Medicinal Herb : Capsicum
Plant Description

Cayenne is a bush like dark-green annual plant, obtaining a height between 10 to 20 inches. The stems are furrowed, branching, and angular.

The simple leaves are on medium to long petioles and are usually wrinkled, entire, and ovate to oval. The pendulous flowers are white to violet, solitary, arising from the axillary nodes.

The fruits are long, cylindrical, and mostly ovoid, and when ripe are either scarlet or yellow, with a smooth shiny surface. The many seeds are yellow, smooth and round, with a spiny protuberance on the edge.

The plants grow at altitudes from sea level to 1,800 m above MSL in the tropics. Their pungency is influenced by several factors, such as high night temperatures and drought or over-watering.

Parts Used

The parts used are berry fruits. Removal of seeds and veins results in a less pungent and more brightly coloured product.
Main Constituents

The pungent constituents found in Cayenne are the capsaicinoids, present only in the fruit of the plant in small amounts, as low as 0.001 to 0.005% in "mild" and 0.1% in "hot" cultivars. Capsaicin is a phenolic compound, the vanillyl amide of isodecenoic acid

Apart from capsaicin, the taste of paprika is mostly due to essential oil; paprika scent is mostly do to a range of alkylmethoxypyrazines. Paprika also contains sizable amounts (0.1%) of vitamin C. Paprikas derive their colour in the ripe state mainly from carotenoid pigments, which range from bright red (capsanthrine, capsorubin and more) to yellow.

Capsicum or Cayenne (Capsicum Frutescens) is rich in vitamins A, C, iron and calcium. It contains vitamin G, magnesium, phosphorus, and sulphur; it also has some B-complex, and is rich in potassium.

Aroma and flavour

The pungency for the red peppers and the colour value for the paprikas are the most important parameters. The hot flavour of chilies is caused by the substance capsicin which is concentrated mainly in the placenta (i.e. the connective tissue between the fruit and the seeds) and the seeds.

Hot peppers, used as relishes, pickled or ground into a fine powder for use as spices, derive their pungency from the compound capsaicin (8-methyl-N-vanillyl-6-enamide), a substance characterized by acrid and burning taste, that is located in the internal partitions of the fruit. The capsaicin stimulates gastric secretions and, if used in excess, causes inflammation. It is a tasteless, odorless white crystalline substance. Its level varies widely in capsicum peppers, from less than 0.05% in the mildly pungent types to as high as 1.3% in the hottest chilies. Most of the capsaicin in a pepper is found in the interior ribs that divide the chambers of the fruit, and to which the seeds are attached.
Medicinal Herbs

Chilies have a chemical effect on our bodies as they stimulate the appetite and cool the body. The chili flavour revolutionized the cooking of tropical countries. Red pepper is used in a large variety of products, often in the meat and pickling industry in the form of crushed red pepper or ground red pepper. It is used either in the ground form or as oleoresin in any product that has some heat or pungency. A fine powder made from especially mild varieties of pepper, C.annum, is known as paprika. Paprika is used more extensively whenever a red to orange colour is desired such as in processed meats, snack, foods, sauces, gravies, salad dressings etc.
Medicinal Uses

* Cayenne is stomachic, carminative, stimulant, antispasmodic, analgesic, alterative, astringent, hemostatic, and antiseptic in nature.
* Cayenne is widely considered to be the most potent and safest stimulant known.
* Cayenne has a strong effect upon the circulation, initially acting upon the heart and the large arteries, followed by a stimulant activity upon the arterioles and then the capillaries.
* It exhibits a protective effect on the respiratory system.
* The capsaicin has substantial antigenotoxic and anticarcinogenic effects, and is an important dietary phytochemical with potential chemopreventive activity (Surh et al 1998).
* The powder is used in any catarrhal affliction as in colds, cough, asthma and urinary catarrh.
* Capsaicin is used primarily as a topical cream for pain caused by conditions such as arthritis and general muscle soreness.
* In cases of dyspepsia, flatulence and constipation, Cayenne promotes the digestive secretions and stimulates peristalsis.
* Cayenne is also indicated in tired, painful muscles, joint stiffness, and coldness in the extremities.
* Cayenne is applied topically as a powder on wounds to arrest bleeding, working rapidly to form a clot and seal off the wound.
* Cayenne is of great use in the treatment of indolent ulcers, abscesses, and sores.
* Cayenne is also an important among remedy to stop the process of mortification and gangrene, arresting decomposition and decay through its antiseptic properties.
* It is also helpful in menstrual cramps.

Bistort

2011-08-25T00:09:00.000-07:00

Medicinal Herb : Bistort
Plant Description

A number of tuberous roots are produced from the S- shaped root stock from the upper side where there are large oval leaves with heart shaped bases of bluish green color on the upper side and ash grey tinged purple, underneath both leaf stalks and blades which is about 6 inches long.

The flower stalk is 12 to 18 inches high and is very erect, slender, unbranched and bears leaves smaller than the root leaves. The flowers are produced in May and June and again in September and October.

The fruit is three seeded; the ripe fruit is small brown and shinning.

Parts Used

Root stock and rhizome

Constituents

Bistort is said to contain tannin, and lot of starch. It also contains some gallic acid and gum.
Culinary uses

* American bistort (polygonum bistortoides) is an important source of food used by American Indians living in the mountain west. Its roots are edible either raw or fire roasted. Its flavor is similar to chestnuts.
* Seeds of bistort herb are dried and used in ground flour to make bread. They are also roasted and eaten as cracked grain.

Medicinal uses

This herb is used in various bodily ailments.

* Its powder is used to apply on cuts and wounds to stop bleeding.
* Effective in jaundice.
* Expel the venom of the plague.
* Helpful in measles and smallpox, and in other infections.
Bistort root is one of the strongest astringent medicines in whole of the vegetable kingdom and highly styptic. It is an old remedy to treat internal and external bleeding including.

* Excessive menstrual flow.
* Hemorrhaging from the lungs and stomach.

Its high astringent helps to treat diarrhea, hemorrhoids, bedwetting, spongy gums and vomiting.
Its can be used internally in diarrhea, dysentery, peptic ulcers and irritable bowl syndrome.
Externally it can be used to treat wounds, fissures and burns.
Medicinal Herbs

Africa Pepper

2011-08-09T06:03:00.000-07:00

Medicinal herbs : Africa Pepper

Family Name: Solanaceae
Botanical Name(s): Capsicum frutescens L.
Popular Name(s): African red pepper, American pepper, Chili pepper, Chilies, Garden pepper, Red pepper

Parts Used: Fruits
Habitat: Africa pepper is found in Africa, Asia and South America. It is available in other parts of the world also.
Description: Africa pepper grows to a height of 3 feet or more. The plant possesses a stem which is woody at the lower areas but is branched at the upper parts. The leaves are ovate and petioled. The flowers are white to yellow in colour. The plant bears fruits which are in the form of pods having many seeds. The ripen fruit is red or yellow in colour.

Uses: Africa pepper has antiseptic, antibacterial and carminative properties. It has beneficial antioxidant and cardiovascular effects and it benefits gastrointestinal functions. It is used in bursitis, diabetic neuropathy, osteoarthritis, psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis and in a number of other diseases.
Medicinal herbs
medicinal-herbs: aconite.

Medicinal Herbs: Aconite

2011-08-02T05:57:00.000-07:00

Medicinal herbs: Aconite
Family Name: N.O. Ranunculaciae
Botanical Name(s): Aconitum napellus (LINN.)
Popular Name(s): Monkshood, Blue Rocket, Friar's Cap, Auld Wife's Huid

Parts Used: The complete herb
Habitat: Aconite is native to western and central Europe.
Description: Aconite is an herbaceous perennial plant with fleshy root which grows to a height of 1 m. Its leaves are round, 5-10 cm in diameter and are palmately divided into five to seven lobed
segments. The flowers are purple to bluish-purple in colour and are 1-2 cm in length. Aconite is extremely poisonous.

Uses: Aconite has anodyne, diuretic and diaphoretic properties. Its tincture and liniment are used in general purposes. Its preparations are used for outward application to the skin in neuralgia, lumbago and rheumatism. It is extremely poisonous.
Medicinal herbs..

Medicinal herbs : Big Labrador Tea

2011-01-09T00:11:00.000-08:00

Medicinal Herb : Big Labrador Tea
Plant Description

This plant is prostrate form and erect, and generally circular in outline. Its leaves are 1-3 m long and edges are curled down followed by brown hair underside.

Roots of this herb are organic in layer and rhizome could reach with a depth of 6-20 meters.

White tiny flowers clusters are found on slender stalk at the end of the branch. It flowers in late may or early june.

This plant produces a dry capsule like fruit which contains lot of seeds. The fruit is collected late august, when ripen.
Parts Used

Leaves are used. .
Culinary uses

* The strong aromatic leaves of this plant can be used to make delectable herbal tea.
* The leaves are also a good source of vitamin C.

Medicinal uses

* The leaves of this herb are used as s folk medicine to relieve skin disorders.
* Taken internally, the tea was used to stimulate nerves and stomach.
* Syrup made from the leaves of this plant can useful to treat cold, cough and hoarseness.
Medicinal Herbs
medicinal-herbs: basil.

Basil

2010-02-11T00:07:00.000-08:00

Medicinal Herb : Basil
Plant Description of Medicinal Herbs

It is a tender low-growing herb. It grows to between 20 - 60 cm tall, with opposite, light green, silky leaves one and a half to five centimetres long and one to three centimetres broad.

It is a hairy, labiate plant with the stem obtusely quadrangular.

The flowers are labiate which are white in colour, are present in whorls in the axils of the leaves, the calyx with the upper lobe rounded and spreading.

The leaves, grayish-green beneath and dotted with dark oil cells, are opposite, 1 inch long and 1/3 inch broad, stalked and peculiarly smooth, soft and cool to the touch, and if slightly bruised, it exhales a delightful scent of cloves.

There are several varieties, differing in the size, shape, odour and colour of the leaves. The Common Basil has very dark green leaves, the curled-leaved has short spikes of flowers, the narrow-leaved smells like Fennel, another has a scent of citron and another a tarragon scent, one species has leaves of three colours, and another 'studded' leaves.

Parts Used

The whole herb, both fresh and dried.
Constituents

Sweet basil contains a volatile oil (about 1%), which consists principally of linalool and methyl chavicol, along with small quantities of methyl cinnamate, cineole, and other terpenes. Relatively large quantities and bisabolene, camphor, cryophyllene, geraniol, and ocimene in smaller quantities influencing taste and action in the body.
Culinary Uses

* The green aromatic leaves are used fresh and dried as flavorings or spices in sauces, stews, salad dressings, vegetables, poultry, vinegar, confectionery products, and the liqueur chartreuse.
* Basil is most commonly associated with Italian and Thai cuisine.
* Infusions of the leaves can flavor oil or vinegar, and leaves can be steeped for teas.
* The flowers and leaves are best used fresh and added only during the last few minutes of cooking.
* Basil works well in combination with tomatoes. Finely chopped basil stirred into mayonnaise makes a good sauce for fish

Medicinal Uses

* It is used as sedative.
* Basil has been used as a medicinal plant in treatment of headaches, coughs, diarrhea, constipation, warts, worms, and kidney malfunctions.
* It has the ability to draw out poison from insect bites
* It is also thought to be an antispasmodic, stomachache, carminative, stimulant and insect repellent.
* The oils of basil, especially the camphor-containing oil, have antibacterial properties.
* It helps in promoting production of breast milk in nursing mothers.

Other Uses

* Basil in the bath is refreshing.
* Leaves and flowers can be dried for potpourri.
* Burn sprigs of basil on the barbecue to deter mosquitoes.
* A bunch of basil hung over the kitchen window or a pot of basil in the windowsill will deter flies.
Medicinal Herbs:akebia

Barberry

2010-02-11T00:06:00.000-08:00

Medicinal Herb : Barberry

Medicinal Herbs Plant Description

Barberry is thorny plant with red orange fruit like berries. It is a deciduous scrubby shrub with gray yellow grooved stem and yellow roots.

It bears three pronged spines and toothed leaves with yellow flowers and oval red fruits. Its leaves are about two inches long and one-third wide.

This plant herb goes 1-5 m tall with thorny shoots. The deciduous species (b.vulgaris, berberis thunbergii) are noted for good autumn color, the leaves turn pink or red before falling. In some evergreen species in china, leaves turn white making it more attractive.

The flowers grow singly or in more numbers up to 20 on one flower head. They are red or yellow orange of about 3-6mm long.

The small fruit berry is 5-15mm long, ripening red or dark blue often with a pink or violet waxy surface bloom.

Parts Used

Root bark, stem bark, fruit- berries
Constituents

The stem, root bark and fruit of barberry contain chemicals like isoquinoline and protoberberin alkaloids including berberine, columbamine and palmatine. While ripe berries are free if alkaloids.

This herb also contains B-vitamin thiamine, vitaminC, and zinc.
Culinary uses

* Berries are rich in vitamin C, and are sour in taste, since it harvesting is someway difficult so it is not consumed in many places. They are an important source of food for birds.
* In some places, it is used as spice. In Soviet Union it is used to add flavor in candies. It is also used in making jellies and pickles.
* Berberis buxifolia and berberis darwinii are the two species found in Argentina and Chile, here berries are edible and added to jams.
* Zereshk is Persian name for berberis vulgaris given to its dried fruit which are widely cultivated in Iran. It is widely used in cooking and flavoring chicken dishes.

Medicinal uses

Berberis vulgaris is mostly used for medicinal purpose than in food. Barberries have therapeutic uses as it contains berberine alkaloids.

It relieves from infection, skin disorders and various other diseases-

* Berberry is used to ease inflammation.
* Relieves from infections of the urinary, gastrointestinal and respiratory tracts.
* Its extract improves the symptoms of various skin diseases including psoriasis.
* Diarrhea.
* Brain and nervous system conditions – promotes vigor.
* Cardiovascular conditions- affective in high blood pressure.
* Gastrointestinal conditions- constipation, dyspepsia, heartburn.
* Liver conditions.

Other uses

* Berberry is externally used as lotion or ointment for the quick relief.
* It is anti-scorbutic and prevents scurvy.
* It is used to make jelly, candy and pickles.
* The inner bark of the stems are boiled with alum will dye linen yellow.
* Roots boiled in lye will dye leather yellow.
Medicinal Herbs..
alder-buckthorn

Amalaki

2009-03-05T22:58:00.001-08:00

Medicinal herbs

Amalaki
Family Name: Euphorbiaceae
Botanical Name(s): Emblica officinalis
Popular Name(s): Indian Gooseberry, Emblic myrobalan, Amla, Amalaki
Parts Used: Fruit
Habitat: Amalaki is found in the Northern and South Western India
Description: Amalaki is a small to medium sized tree which grows toa height of 8 to 18 m. The plant bears subsessile leaves andgreenish-yellow flowers. They grow in clusters and appear in spring.
The fruits are almost spherical and light greenish yellow in colour.
Uses: Amalaki is used as an aperient, carminative, diuretic,laxative, astringent and refrigerant substance. It is used to cureanaemia, diabetes, jaundice, haemorrhage disorders, asthma,
bronchitis and insomnia. It is a rich source of vitamin C.
Medicinal herbs
agrimony.

Alfalfa

2009-03-05T22:57:00.001-08:00

Medicinal Herbs...

Alfalfa
Family Name: Papilioaceae
Botanical Name(s): Medicago Saliva
Popular Name(s): Lucerne, Chilean Clover and Buffalo Grass, Father of All Foods (Al-fal-fa), Buffalo Herb, Lucerne, Purple Medic.
Parts Used: The stems and leaves are used as well as the sprouts from the seeds.
Habitat: It is native to Asia
Description: It is a slim bushy perennial with blue-green trifoliate leaves and mauve to purple flowers with seeds in sickle-shaped pods.
Uses: Alfalfa has been used traditionally for treating infections resulting from surgical incisions, bedsores and inner ear problems.
Early Americans used alfalfa to treat arthritis, boils, cancer, scurvy, and urinary and bowel problems.
Medicinal Herbs...
amalaki.

Artichoke

2009-03-05T22:56:00.001-08:00

Medicinal Herbs..

Artichoke (Cynara scolymus)

Originating from Carthage and from the Mediterranean regions, the artichoke has been cultivated since the ancient times for its exceptional qualities. At present days this vegetable and medicine plant is being used in all regions of the planet. The artichoke is a 2 metre high, strongly ramified biannual culture plant.

Pharmacologic action: it stimulates the metabolization of the cholesterol in the liver; it is diuretic,
tonic, depurative, hypoglycaemic. Young artichokes consumed in their raw condition are indicated in chronic diarrheas.

Phytotherapy uses the artichoke leaves.
The preparations made from the artichoke (teas, powder, tincture) have got exceptional therapeutic qualities in case of the disorders of the blood circulation, of the hepatic and renal ones.
The artichoke powder, made from dried up leaves, is given to the patients in 2-4 grams a day quantities, in several steps and the recommendation is that it should be kept under the tongue for a few minutes and then swallowed with water.
Synthetically speaking, artichoke preparations may be used for treating cardio-vascular, liver, kidney disorders, eczemas, diabetes, podagra, hemorrhoids and for regenerating hepatic cells.

Natural treatments and application procedures:

1. The artichoke juice:

One small glass of artichoke juice is recommended to be drunk before breakfast and lunch. It is a treatment indicated for constipated people and for those with dramatic weight enhancement.
It is a draining treatment in case of constipation without however aggressing the liver.

2. artichoke The artichoke tea:

The infusion is made from one spoon of mashed artichoke leaves scalded in 500 ml of water. The tea should be left for 15-20 minutes in order to become an infusion. The former mug of tea should be drunk in the morning on an empty stomach. The latter mug is to be drunk in 2 stages, namely one half of mug before breakfast and then before dinner. The treatment is to be made in 21-30 days cures with 30 day breaks.

3. The artichoke tincture:

It is made from 20 grams of mashed artichoke leaves macerated in 100 ml of 70 degree alcohol for 15 days. 5-15 drops should be taken 3 times a day. The tincture shall be diluted with water or with tea whenever taken.
Medicinal Herbs...
alfalfa.

Arnica

2009-03-05T22:53:00.000-08:00

Medicinal Herbs

Arnica

Description
Arnica Montana is a medicinal herb which has been used from the oldest of times to cure wounds. Starting in the 16th century this herb has been used In North America, Germany and Russia due to its anti-inflammatory and calming effects. It should not be confused with Arnica Chamissonis, which is not a medicinal herb, but a decorative one.

The active compounds contained by arnica are its :

volatile oil,
carotenoids,
flavornoids, and
triterpenic alcohol.

Its roots contain volatile oil (0.5 - 1.5 %), caffeic acid, inuline, thymol, and saccharose.

Arnica has antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, decongestive and antifungal properties. It also stimulates the forming the granular tissues and thus accelerating the healing process. It eliminates micro-organisms and keeps bacteria and pathogenic funguses from multiplying.
The arnica flowers are used for treating the pale face skin complexion, wounds, bruises and burns. It should be noted however that the arnica flowers are not harmless because the arnica tincture can be an irritant when applied locally on skin or even internally in small doses can provoke gastro-enteritis or the paralysis of
central nerve system. Other uses of this medicinal herb involve the treatment of :

bruises,
dislocations,
bacterial infections,
skin cancer,
bronchitis,
tonsillitis,
pharyngitis,
flu,
lung virosis,
cystitis,
nephritis,
kidney infections,
coronary insufficiencies,
hypertension,
breastplate angina,
cerebral trauma,
headaches,
paresis,
semiparesis,
insomnia,
heart palpitations,
nightmares,
night terrors,
moral depressions,
neurosis,
hysteria etc.

The mixtures from arnica as a medicinal herb are as follows:

* Tincture - recommended in cases of trauma, sprains, and wounds by applying a dab on the affected area. Internally, the arnica tincture is administrated in 3-4 doses daily. The usual dose consists of one spoon diluted in approximately 100 ml of water. It is also recommended in treating breathing disorders by completing the antibiotic effect recommended by the physician. Many satisfactory results are obtained in cases of poor health conditions and also in treating urinary renal illnesses. In treating throat infections, gargling with arnica is recommended. One to two spoons of arnica are dissolved in half a glass of water and caution should be employed as to not swallow the mixture. The tincture can also be used by the individuals highly sensitive to cold to energetically rub their feet numb with cold or the chest. A salve of chamomile is
usually applied on the rubbed spots. Warning! Arnica tincture is toxic if more than 30 drops are administrated in the same day. Over dosage of arnica is very dangerous, leading to digestion problems,
nausea and even diarrhea. For children younger than 7 years old arnica can only be administrated under medical surveillance.

* Oil - it is prepared in the following way: one handful of arnica flowers are grinded and then put into a jar, on top of which 200 ml of pumpkin or soybean oil is poured. For two weeks the mixture is left to heat in the sun and after that it gets strained.

* Powder - is obtained from dry arnica flower by grinding them with an electrical grinder and then strained to obtain the white powder. From this a white powder giving off a strong perfumed smell is obtained from which only a really small quantity is administered four times a day.
Ointments based on arnica and black bryony - have the same usages as the other products containing arnica. Arnica creams are renowned for their ability of treating acne.
Medicinal Herbs
alder-buckthorn

Apples

2009-03-05T22:52:00.000-08:00

Medicinal Herbs
Apples

The apple, as a fruit, contains between 83 and 93 % water. Nutritional Information about the Apple: apple is also known to contain free and combined organic acids , pectin's , proteins , Ca,
Na, Fe, K, P and in small quantities Si ,Al , S, Co etc.

Apples also contain Vitamins A, B, C and PP in the exterior part of the fruit. Very important is the fact that the skin of the apple contains two times the quantity of Pentatonic acids and
vitamin C than in the pulp.

Therapeutic recommendations:
Internal:

Because of its moderate acidity it helps the digestive system, provoking trough reflex act an important growth of saliva and gastric secretions.

* Apple eaten with its skin is a little bit laxative, absorbing the toxins and microorganisms from the intestine level.
* Apple without the skin represents an important treatment for children in acute and chronic diarrhea.
* The diuretic action is evident but more important is the massive elimination of uric acid.
* They also have a favorable action in high blood pressure which, combined with its properties to reduce cholesterol make from apple a good recommendation in atherosclerosis.
* Apples are also good in diets against obesity.

Doctors also noted favorable results in infantile diabetic treatment with apples and tomatoes diets. At the nervous system level they have a calming action, being known the fact that an apple eaten before bed helps and eases the sleep.

External:
* Traditional medicine recommends warm covering of boiled fruits in ear pains.

Cosmetic:
* Apple juice helps invigorate tissues. You can use the juice to massage cheeks and breasts for a relaxing effect.
Medicinal herbs...
arnica.

Alder Buckthorn

2009-03-05T22:50:00.001-08:00

Medicinal Herbs

Alder Buckthorn

Family Name: N.O. Rhamnaceae
Botanical Name(s): Rhamnus Frangula (LINN.)
Popular Name(s): Black Dogwood, Frangula Bark, Arrowwood, European
Buckthorn, Persian Berries
Parts Used: Bark
Habitat: Alder Buckthorn is widely found in Europe and northern Asia and England.

Description: Alder Buckthorn is a slender shrub and grows up to a height of 25 feet. The plant bears branches which are green in earlier stages of its life but turns to brownish-gray as they grow.

Its oval shaped leaves are olive-green in colour and are alternately arranged. Its fruit is a three-seeded berry.
Uses: Alder Buckthorn is used as a tonic, laxative and cathartic.
Its bark is used to cure chronic constipation.
Medicinal Herbs

Akebia

2009-03-05T22:49:00.000-08:00

Akebia

Medicinal herbs
Family Name: Lardizabalaceae
Botanical Name(s): Akebia quinata

Popular Name(s): Akebia, Chocolate Vine, Mu Tong, Clematis Stem
Parts Used: Stem

Habitat: Akebia is native to a region which extends from Central China to Korea and Japan. It is found in the United States and England also.

Description: Akebia possesses a slender, rounded stem that is green in colour in the earlier stages of its life but turns to brown in later stages. The plant has palmate alternate leaves along the stem and the leaves are divided, generally into 5 leaflets. Its flowers are chocolate-purple in colour. Fruits are purple-violet and are 2 1/4 to 4 inches in length.

Medicinal herbs

Akarakara

2009-03-05T22:48:00.001-08:00

Akarakara
Medicinal Herbs..
Family Name: N.O. Compositae
Botanical Name(s): Anacyclus pyrethrum (D.C.)
Popular Name(s): Pellitory, Pyrethrum, Akarkara, Pellitory of Spain,
Roman Pellitory, Spanish Camomile
Parts Used: Root
Habitat: Akarakara is found in North Africa, in the Mediterranean,
Himalayas, north India and Arabian countries.
Description: Akarakara is a perennial plant bearing alternate and pinnate leaves. The plant bears one large flower on the tip of a yellow disk. The root is cylindrical, slightly twisted and bears a tuft of grey hairs.
Uses: Akarakara root is used to relieve toothache. Its gargle is used in partial paralysis of tongue and lips. It is used to cure chronic catarrh of the head and nostrils.
Medicinal Herbs...

Agrimony

2009-03-05T22:46:00.000-08:00

Agrimony
Family Name: Rosaceae
Botanical Name(s): Agrimonia Eupatoria

Popular Name(s): Common Agrimony, Sticklewort, Cocklebur, Church Steeples, Odermenning

Parts Used: The whole herb

Habitat: Agrimony is found abundantly throughout in Europe, Canada and the United States.

Description: The deep green hairy Agrimony plant has an erect cylindrical and slightly rough stem which grows to a height of 1 or 2 feet, sometimes more. The leaves are numerous and at the bases are often 7 or 8 inches long, but the upper leaves are generally only about 3 inches in length. The flowers are small, arranged closely on slender, terminal spikes.

Uses: Agrimony is believed to cure jaundice and other liver complaints. Agrimony is also considered as a very useful agent in skin eruptions and diseases of the blood, pimples, blotches, etc. The herb is effective to cure scrofulous sores when a strong decoction of its root and leaves, mixed with honey or sugar is taken two or three times a day continuously for several months.

Aghada

2009-03-05T22:40:00.000-08:00

Medicinal herbs
Aghada

Family Name: Amarantaceae
Botanical Name(s): Achyranthes aspera

Popular Name(s): Rough Chaff Tree, Prickly Chaff Flower, Apamarga, Adharajhada, Aghada, Aghata, Antisha, Chirchira

Parts Used: Leaves, seeds and root
Habitat: Aghada is found in tropical Asia, Africa, Australia and America.

Description: Aghada is a perennial herb with a woody base and it grows to a height of .5 - 2 meter. Its leaves are petiolate, opposite and occur in various sizes. Flowers are more than 50 cm in length and are greenish white in colour. The plant possesses ovoid fruits.

Uses: Aghada has diuretic, expectorant and purgative properties. The juice of its leaves is used in fever, cough, diarrhoea, dysentery, dropsy and other diseases. Decoction prepared using the herb is used in stomach ache and bowel complaints, piles, boils, skin eruptions etc.
Medicinal herbs

May Apple

2009-01-27T06:06:00.000-08:00

Medicinal herbs

May Apple is also known by these names: Mayapple, Devil's Apple, Hog-apple, Indian Apple, American Mandrake, American May Apple, Racoonberry, Wild Lemon

May Apple Description and Habitat
May Apple is a perennial native herb found growing in moist soils in rich woods, thickets and pastures Eastern N. America to Southern Maine to Florida, west to Texas and Minnesota. May Apple grows to about 18 inches high, the stem separates into two large, dark green, long stemmed, palmate, lobed, leaves. Looking almost like umbrellas to protect the large white flower on a short peduncle, growing right in-between the leaves, flowers bloom in April to May. May apple flowers turn into crab apple size edible fruits, gather in early summer when fully ripe. May Apple roots are dark brown, fibrous and jointed, gather roots after foliage dies back, dry for later herb use.

May Apple Cultivation
May apple is easy using to grow using seedling transplants or seed sown in fall. Prefers rich well drained soil and partial to deep shade.

May Apple Herb Uses and Medicinal Properties
American Mandrake, or May Apple, is medicinal and edible (fruit), used extensively by Native Americans. The fully ripe fruit is eaten raw, cooked or made into jams, jellies, marmalades, and pies. It is very aromatic, and has a sweet peculiar but agreeable flavor. May Apple seeds and rind are not edible, said to be poisonous. The root and plant contain valuable constituents Quercetin, Kaempferol, Podophyllin, Isorhamnetin, Gallic-acid, Berberine, Alpha-peltatin,
that are being studied for their healing, anticancer and other properties. The root is used as a medicinal herb, it is antibilious, cathartic, cytostatic, hydrogogue and purgative, it should only be
used by professional Herbalists. It is a most powerful and useful alternative medicine. A possible treatment for cancer is being tested as it contains podophyllin, which has an antimiotic effect
(it interferes with cell division and can thus prevent the growth of cells).

The resin of May Apple, which is obtained from the root, is used in the treatment of warts. The whole plant, apart from the ripe fruit, is highly poisonous in large doses. American Mandrake herb produces nausea and vomiting, and even inflammation of the stomach and intestines, which has been known to prove fatal. In moderate doses, it is a drastic purgative with some cholagogue action. Do not use wile pregnant, nursing or trying to conceive. Medicinal herbs....

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