The Lost Book of Herbal Remedies Athlete’s Foot, Fungal Skin Infections, Yeast Overgrowth: Soak the foot or infected area
your liking. Add one teaspoon of dried leaves and flowers or one tablespoon of fresh leaves and flowers.
in a bath with a strong infusion of Anise Hyssop. Soak daily until the infection is cured.
Add them to the boiling water and cover tightly. Allow the leaves to steep for 15 minutes.
Recipes: Anise Hyssop Tea or Infusion.
Strain the tea through a fine sieve. Add raw honey to sweeten, if desired.
Ashwagandha, Withania somnifera
anxiety, anti-depressant, and anti-inflammatory properties. Roots and leaves of the ashwagandha plant are used for their medicinal properties.
You’ll need one cup of boiling water and raw honey to
Ashwagandha, Withania somnifera, is a member of the nightshade family. It is sometimes called Winter Cherry or Indian Ginseng, due to its importance in Ayurvedic medicine. Ashwagandha is considered a rejuvenating adaptogenic herb, useful for treating many debilitating conditions.
Identification: Ashwagandha is native to India but can be grown in herb gardens across the United States. It is a perennial in warm climates with no frost. Ashwagandha likes sandy or rocky soil, full or partial sunlight, and moderately dry conditions. The bush grows to a height of 2 to 3 or more feet (0.6m0.9m), with dull green leaves. Light green, bell-shaped flowers appear in midsummer and orange to red berries in the fall. Branches grow radially from a center stem.
Root extracts in powdered or capsule forms are effective as are leaf extracts and tinctures. Powders can be added to food or drinks thought they have a strong taste. Ashwagandha tea made from the leaves is also used. Adding a little honey improves the flavor. Expect it to take two weeks or more to begin to notice the benefits of ashwagandha. Long-term use has not been studied and may not be safe, but many patients do well taking the herb long-term.
“Adrenal Fatigue” (= HPA Axis Dysregulation – HPA-D): Ashwagandha supports adrenal function and overcoming “adrenal fatigue”, though this term is really a summary of stress response symptoms that are often caused by a hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis dysfunction. Essentially, HPA-D is our stress response system and a more accurate term for adrenal fatigue. Ashwagandha helps balance this.
Combats Stress, Fight or Flight, Anxiety, and Depression: Ashwagandha has long been used
Edible Use: The plant is not generally eaten, but its seeds are used in the production of vegetarian cheeses. The leaves are used to make Ashwagandha Tea. Photo By Hari Prasad Nadig, CC BY 2.0
Other Uses: The fruits are rich in saponins are can be used as a substitute for soap. The leaves repel insects.
Medicinal Uses: Ashwagandha is an adaptogenic herb that has been in use for thousands of years. It is highly valued for its ability to strengthen the immune system, balance hormone levels, and for its anti47
to relieve anxiety, improve mental health, concentration, vitality, and overall improve the quality of life. It also acts as a mood stabilizer and relieves symptoms of depression. It provides benefits similar to anti-anxiety and anti-depressant drugs without drowsiness, insomnia, or other side effects.
Reduces Cortisol Levels: Cortisol is a stress hormone implicated in controlling blood sugar levels and fat storage in the abdomen. Studies show that ashwagandha helps significantly reduce cortisol levels in chronically stressed adults.
Balances Blood Glucose Levels: Ashwagandha is particularly beneficial to diabetic patients in reducing blood glucose levels. It may help improve insulin sensitivity and reduce inflammation.
