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An Interesting Herb Fact
First Aid Remedies with the Yarrow Plant
The Yarrow plant, Latin name Achillea millefolium, is one of the most highly valued plants for treating the common cold and influenza. The plant's Latin name is derived from the famous Greek hero Achilles. It is believed that the plant was used during the Trojan wars, where it was used to treat war wounds. Yarrow also has a curious folk name: "nosebleed." This folk nickname is a testimony to its traditional use as a first aid herb. Yarrow has been used in the past as an emergency styptic to...
The Bone Healing History of Comfrey
Comfrey is an old herb that has been used for centuries to heal fractures. An old folk name for comfrey is knit bone, which is a reminder of how the plant was once thought of as a potent healer that could help heal those with broken bones. There is modern evidence that comfrey indeed has strong healing properitis. It was found that comfrey contains allantoin, a chemical that helps encourage the growth of muscle, cartilage, and bone growth. The most common way to get allantoin to the muscle is by crushing the herb into a powder that is then applied topically over an injured limb. It is believed that the allantoin is then absorbed through the skin and encourages the speedy healing of broken bones. Once upon a time, it was not uncommon to hear of comfrey baths that were popular during the Middle Ages. These comfrey baths were especially popular with women who took them before marriage in order to repair the hymen and then restore virginity.
Comfrey itself is slightly sweet, moist, and cool. Its chemical constitution includes inulin, vitamin B 12, proteins, mucilage, tannins, steroidal saponins, allantoin (this is mainly found in the plants flowering tops), tannins, and pyrrolizidine. The aerial parts and the root of the comfrey plant are most commonly used for healing purposes. The aerial plants of the comfrey plant are often used to create herbal remedies. The leaves of the comfrey plant are especially rich in allantoin. The leaves and flowering tops of the plant are mostly used for external purposes. These parts of the comfrey plant are often used to create ointments and infused oils that are used to treat arthritic pain, sprained joints, and other physical injuries. The flowering tops of the comfrey plant should be harvested in the early summer. The root of the comfrey plant is also widely used by herbalists. The root of the plant has many of the same properties as the leaves, but the root tends to be colder and nourishing in its actions. Herbal remedies created from the root of the comfrey plant are often used to treat varicose ulcers. The root should be harvested in the spring or fall because this is when the allantoin levels in the root are at its highest.
There are many common ways to prepare comfrey. The plant can be made into a poultice. Traditional herbalists will puree fresh comfrey leaves and apply the mixture to minor fractures. These are fractures that would not need to be set in plaster. These types of injuries include broken toes, ribs, or a hairline crack. Comfrey is often used in cream form. This makes it easy to spread over pained areas. Comfrey-based creams are often used to treat the symptoms of arthritis and any other form of muscle damage. The aerial parts of the comfrey plant can also be made into an infused oil that is used to treat bruises, arthritic joints and pain, sprains, inflamed bunions and any other sort of traumatic injury. |
01/30/2012
GNC Raises $2.79 million for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital® in 8th Annual St. Jude Thanks and Giving® Campaign
PITTSBURGH, Jan. 30, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- GNC Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: GNC - News), the nation's largest specialty retailer of health and wellness products, is pleased and proud to announce that its employees and ...
GNC Raises $2.79 million for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital® in 8th Annual St. Jude Thanks and Giving® Campaign
01/31/2012
Tanzania: Thousands trek to 'miracle healer' who promises HIV cure
LOLIONDO — Thousands of Tanzanians have flocked to a "miracle healer" in a remote area to be cured of virtually any chronic illness, including HIV/AIDS. read more
Tanzania: Thousands trek to 'miracle healer' who promises HIV cure
01/19/2012
Best Winter Herbal Teas
The book stores are filled with a growing number of books containing information on the healing power of herbal teas, everyday people discuss the rewards associated with herbal teas. In this article we explore herbal teas and their healthy benefits.
Best Winter Herbal Teas
01/20/2012
Mexico Enacts Tough Rules Against Ads For 'Miracle Cures'
MEXICO CITY -- Mexico enacted tough new rules Thursday to ban advertising of "miracle cures" for weight loss, sagging body parts and more serious illnesses like prostate ailments, chronic fatigue and even cancer.
Mexico Enacts Tough Rules Against Ads For 'Miracle Cures'
01/31/2012
Tanzania: Thousands trek to 'miracle healer' who promises HIV cure
LOLIONDO — Thousands of Tanzanians have flocked to a "miracle healer" in a remote area to be cured of virtually any chronic illness, including HIV/AIDS. read more
Tanzania: Thousands trek to 'miracle healer' who promises HIV cure
01/17/2012
National Alzheimer's Plan Faces Long Journey
Alzheimer's is being called the "baby boomer's disease," as growing numbers of boomers reach the ages at which many will contract this devastating illness. Alzheimer's erodes and can eventually destroy memory. It inflicts enormous financial caregiving costs on families and society. But it reserves its biggest toll for the emotions and relationships among family and loved ones. With no cure ...
National Alzheimer's Plan Faces Long Journey
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