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An Interesting Herb Fact
The Elder Plant: A Healing Herb for All Seasons
The Elder plant is so highly regarded by traditional herbalists and naturopaths that it has gained a reputation as a sort of 'complete medical chest' because of its countless attributes and therapeutic qualities. There is a long history of folklore that has been attached to this very popular herb. For instance, Galen described the herb as both hot and dry, and in the 17th century the plant was a popular choice for treating problems of excessive phlegm. The herb was used alternately as a...
Wash Sickness Away with Lavender
Lavender has been one of the most popular medicinal herbs since time immemorial. Lavender's name is derived from the Latin word lavarre, which means to wash. In ancient Arab medicine, lavender was widely used as an expectorant. In the folk medicine of Europe, lavender has held a reputation as a useful wound herb. The most common types of healing lavenders are L. angustifolia and L. spica. French lavender, L. stoechas, is perhaps one of the most commonly used varieties of lavender.
The flowers of the lavender plant are used to create an array of herbal remedies. Herbalists as bitter describe the character of the lavender flowers, cooling and mainly dry. The flowers are known to contain tannins, volatile oils, coumarins, triterpernoids, and flavonoids. Lavender is well regarded for its ability to promote bile flow, and it is well known as a relaxant, antispasmodic, circulatory stimulant, antiseptic, a tonic for the nervous system, an analgesic, and a carminative.
Lavender essential oil is one of the most popular of all aromatic essential oils. Lavender essential oil can be used to treat a large variety of problems and ailments. Many herbalists recommend that lavender essential oil become an integral part of any household first aid kit. Lavender essential oils can be used to create a variety of herbal remedies. The essential oil of lavender can be used to make a healing cream. Simply add a few drops of lavender essential oil to a chamomile-based cream to treat skin problems such as eczema. You can also add a few drops of lavender essential oil with a few drops of water to treat scalds, burns, or sunburn. Lavender essential oil can also be used to create a potent chest rub. Simply add 1 ml of oil to 5 drops of chamomile oil and rub into chest to treat bronchitis spasms or symptoms of asthma.
Lavender can also be used as a hair rinse. Simply dilute 5-10 drops of essential lavender oil in water to treat lice problems. Lavender essential oil hair rinses can also be used on a fine comb to treat the hair for nits. Lavender essential oil can also be used to make an effective massage oil. Combine 1 ml of lavender essential oil into 25 ml carrier oil, and use as a massage oil. This massage oil is effective in treating painful muscles. Herbalists also recommend rubbing this oil into the temples and the nape of the neck to treat tension headaches and migraines. Lavender essential oil can also help protect against insect bites and stings. Simply smelling lavender can prove healing. Lavender is one of the most important herbs of aromatherapy. It is highly regarded for helping to ease feelings of stress, anxiety, and it can help relieve the symptoms of insomnia.
There are some cautions that accompany the use of lavender. It is particularly recommended that women who are pregnant avoid high doses of lavender. High doses of lavender in any form have been shown to be a strong uterine stimulant. |
12/31/1969
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