The Lost Book of Herbal Remedies Lemon Verbena Tincture: Take fresh Lemon Verbena leaves and flowers, chopped, 80 proof vodka or other drinking alcohol and a jar with a tight-fitting lid. Add the lemon verbena to the jar, packing it about three quarters full.
Pour the vodka over the leaves and fill the jar, making sure all the leaves are covered. Cap the jar tightly and place it in a cool, dark place, such as a cupboard. Let the tincture steep for 6 to 8 weeks, shaking the jar daily. Pour the alcohol through a fine mesh sieve or a coffee filter to remove all the herb. Store the tincture in a cool, dark cupboard for up to 7 years. compounds are antibacterial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and include natural steroid compounds.
Licorice Root, Glycyrrhiza glabra Licorice root is an adaptogenic herb that thrives in USDA growing zones 6 through 11. It is well known for its strong candy flavor but is a valuable medicinal herb for treating many illnesses.
Glycyrrhizin, one of the components of licorice root, can cause side-effects if overused or taken in large doses. Be aware of all side-effects and interactions before using licorice root. You can also get deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL), which has the glycyrrhizin removed, thus preventing its side effects.
Leaky Gut Syndrome and Inflammation: Leaky gut, or intestinal permeability, is an inflammatory disease of the intestinal tract. Licorice root soothes the intestines and reduces inflammation in the gut and throughout the body.
Peptic Ulcers: Licorice root is effective against the Helicobacter pylori bacteria that cause peptic ulcers. The root kills the bacteria and helps heal the ulcers in most people.
Heartburn, Stomach Problems, and Acid Reflux: Licorice root has shown to be effective against indigestion heartburn, acid reflux, indigestion, stomach pain, and nausea.
Photo By Gardenology.org, CC by SA 3.0
Glycyrrhiza glabra and Glycyrrhiza uralensis are medicinally similar, but here we are referring to Glycyrrhiza glabra. It is a member of the legume/pea family (Fabaceae).
Identification: Glycyrrhiza glabra grows to approximately 3 feet tall (0.9m). Its pinnate leaves are 3 to 6 inches long (7.5 – 15cm) with 9 to 17 leaflets each. The purple to pale blue flowers are about 1/2 inch long (1.25cm), growing in a loose inflorescence. In the fall the plant produces fruit in the form of an oblong pod, each of which contains several seeds. The root produces runners growing close to the surface.
Medicinal Use: The roots and leaves contain many types of compounds that are medically active: coumarins, triterpenoids, glabrene, and polyphenols. These 102
Fertility Problems, PMS, and Menopause Symptoms: Licorice root has an estrogen-like effect in women, due to the compound glabrene, which is a phytoestrogen. It has been shown to help menstrual and fertility problems. When used as a hormone replacement therapy, it reduces hot flashes and other symptoms of menopause due to the compounds liquiritigenin and glabrene.
Cancer: Licorice root may aid in the treatment of prostate and breast cancers. Research is still in progress on the use of licorice in cancer treatment, but the early results are promising.
Hepatitis C: Glycyrrhizin is an anti-viral and antiinflammatory. It may act against the virus causing hepatitis C and helps reduce long-term liver damage from the disease. Herbalists use glycyrrhizin to treat chronic
