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ear Reader, Welcome to My Herbs, a bookazine about herbs for your health and happiness, one you should not miss. It is published by a small independent team of enthusiasts, uniquely with no advertising by any pharmaceutical corporations nor any other client pages inside, unlike other big magazines. We believe that our grandparents’ knowledge of nature has been forgotten too easily and changed into so-called modern industrialized health care needs, as if pure common sense somehow vanished. We focus on home growing, home healing and the correct use of herbs in your kitchen, while also sharing the latest scientific discoveries. In My Herbs bookazine you can find the best advice of respectable herbalists, doctors and people whose thoughts, opinions, and recommendations are worth reading. Please enjoy your time with this introductory issue. If you find it useful in your everyday life, we would be delighted, and wouldn’t mind if you supported us by subscription. (On the contrary, that may boost our efforts.) Thank you very much, John Bowersmith & The whole My Herbs family.
CONTENTS
6 Herbal Body Cleansing Thanks to herbal cleansing, your body will gain new energy and you will feel fresh throughout the spring.
12 Young Barley, the Healer This exceptional cereal is gaining in popularity.
16 Herbs from A-Z Borage helps in healing superficial wounds and is excellent in the kitchen, too.
20 Comfrey It works wonders against cough and digestion afflictions; and there is a bonus for you in this article – a recipe for a cream made from comfrey.
24 Cannabis in the USA Yesterday and today, read about hemp history in America.
28 New Series: Herbs in Nature We will be searching for natural, healthy treatments; get to know your herbs.
34 The Beautiful Daisy It heals eczema, allergies and respiratory inflammations.
36 First-Hand Experience Thanks to one of our readers, you can familiarize yourself with herbal cachet massages.
40 Chervil Perfect for body cleansing, it has many uses as an herb in the kitchen and looks beautiful in your garden, too.
44 Healing Treatments Chinese medicine can help ease many of your problems.
46 Get Rid of Coughs You can use thyme, plantain or elderberry to make your own herbal remedies.
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``` CONTENTS 48 Necessary Iron How to get some, and why exactly your body needs it. We will also show you where to find it.
50 Herbs and Diabetes Reap the benefits from clover, mistletoe and strawberries.
54 Cooking with Herbs This time our head chef has prepared many delicacies for you.
62 Herbs To Help You Lose Weight How to lose weight with alliaria (hedge garlic) and brambles.
66 Milk for Beauty Almond or soy milk? Take your pick, both of them are good for you.
68 Spring Herbal Cocktails Lemon balm, nettle or basil will make your body feel fresh, cleansed and strong.
72 Candling Make your own scented and herbal candles.
74 Focused on Women Herbs and flowers that make your hair and nails look even more beautiful.
78 Focused on Men Do you know about the herbal Peruvian Viagra?
80 Boost Your Immune System Sure-fire tips that will strengthen your immune system – sea buckthorn, echinacea (coneflowers) and ginger.
81 Kashmir Tea Our special recipe will help you get back on your feet.
82 Cleansing regime with cherries Recommended in cleansing the body, especially for removing toxic waste fluids.
``` 84 Ten Foods We Should Avoid If we select them occasionally in the shop, no harm done. But if we consume them often, it may result in problems with obesity or other serious diseases.
86 Wine as Medicine How wine treats constipation, flu and headaches.
89 Indian Runner Duck This duck will protect your garden from pests.
92 Horoscopes Spring cleansing according to your zodiac sign.
Herbal cleansing should be done twice a year – in autumn and again in spring.
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Herbal Body Cleansing The spring months are beckoning us to carry out complex cleansing of our bodies to refresh our souls. This time you can try it differently – using just what nature gives you. Trust the herbs and let them to do their job.
erbal body cleansing is the most effective treatment you could possibly try. However, do not expect to see miracles in one week. Ideally, cleansing treatments should only last for 40 days. After that you should benefit from results (and congratulate yourself on completion!).
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a spoonful of apple cider vinegar, which increases the body’s metabolism. If you are going to take the cleansing therapy really seriously, you should try to give up coffee, cigarettes, alcohol, fatty and sugary foods and sugar-saturated drinks (sodas). If you think that you cannot live without coffee, try to replace it during the cleansing with something else like cereal ersatz coffee or spelt coffee. Or try an energizing tea like green tea, yerba mate or certain ayurvedic teas.
Why Choose Spring? Body cleansing should be practiced twice a year—in autumn and spring. An essential component of such therapy is the use of herbs, particularly those supporting increased liver and kidney (the most important cleansing organs) function. Then there are herbs containing saponins (known for their cleansing effects), which remove impurities from inner tissues like subcutaneous and muscle tissues.
How to Begin First buy a few good lemons and drink one glass of warm mineral or ordinary water with fresh-squeezed lemon juice every morning. Instead of lemon you can use, from time to time,
Something to Drink Liquids play a key role in the cleansing process, and by that we don't just mean drinking gallons of herbal teas. It's best to drink a lot of pure water. Diluted fruit or vegetable juices can work wonders as well.
Cleansing Your Body by Diet It is of course advisable to adjust your dietary regimen. Try to consume more fresh fruits and vegetables. Meals should be light and easy to digest. Fasting once a week is a very good idea too because when your body does not have to process food it is able to focus on other important activities. Fasting also supports the release of growth hor-
``` HERBAL BODY CLEANSING mones, thus stimulating the entire immune system and the body's ability to regenerate.
Most Suitable Herbs Nettle (Urtica dioica) – is probably the most famous herb for spring cleansing. However, we are not talking about the one you can buy in herb shops, but the fresh and young nettle you find in nature. It grows on grasslands, pastures and around gardens. Basically, it grows everywhere, and it is valued for its powerful cleansing effects. High in vitamin C, nettle stimulates blood circulation, production of red blood cells, lowers glucose levels and has a positive impact on the quality of your hair as well. In addition, it increases appetite, stimulates and increases elimination of digestive juices and restores bowel peristalsis. It has a positive impact on constipation and generally helps with liver problems. It also cleanses the liver and blood, treats the gall bladder and helps diabetic patients. Tip: Spring blockbuster – mix 3 handfuls of young nettles and 3 handfuls of dandelion leaves in 1 pt of water, let sit for 4 hours, then filter through plastic strainer and drink. Young (steamed) nettles, collected in spring, are also great in salads or as "nettle spinach" (prepared the same way as normal spinach).
Common dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) – well-known for its roots, leaves and their healing effects. Roots need be pulled out carefully before the blooming starts in the early spring because they contain the most active substances during that period. There is a broad variety of potent healing substances in dandelions. In the spring the most important ones are vitamin C and minerals such as manganese and potassium. Tip: Dandelion salad – finely chop young leaves; add a few finely chopped onions, a couple drops of vinegar, oil, and a pinch of salt and sugar. Silver birch (Betula pendula) – it grows sticky, fresh green leaves in spring, the best for your cleansing treatment. As for healing, birch is highly diuretic and increases elimination of urine without irritating the kidneys. It also helps to cleanse your blood and improve the immune system. Tip: Tea – pour a cup of boiling water over 2 or 3 teaspoons of dried leaves then leave covered to steep for 15 minutes. Drink 2 cups a day. Alfalfa (Medicago sativa) – its leaves and other above ground parts contain a significant amount of beta-carotene, vitamins B, C, D, E, and K, and certain minerals like iron, potassium, phosphorus and calcium. The last two play a key role in the development of bones and teeth in adolescents. Alfalfa is a powerful detox agent too, and is praised in alternative medicine for its anti-aging effects. Tip: Grow your own sprouts – take a shallow
plate, place a cotton ball on it and put a few seeds in it. Spatter them with water a couple of times a day so that the cotton and the seeds are constantly moist. Sprouts will appear in 3 or 4 days and you can cut them up to use in salads, desserts, soups, sandwiches, purees and legume meals. It is best to add them after the meal is cooked – avoid heating them in order to preserve their nutritional value. Coltsfoot (Tussilago farfara) – helps with mucous secretion, induces sweating, has ant-inflammatory properties, eases clearing one’s throat and is a diuretic. Most importantly it cleanses the blood. Tip: Delicious syrup – take an empty jar and start with one layer of coltsfoot leaves, cover them with sugar, then add another layer of leaves, cover with sugar again and repeat until the jar is full. Dig a hole in your garden
and put the jar in it, cover it with wood and soil. Remove the jar after 8 weeks, press the contents and then boil off to get juice. Let this cool, fill small bottles with it, and take in teaspoons.
Strawberry, raspberry, blackcurrant – fruit tea made from the young leaves is not only a convenient supplement to your drinking regime, but also a great way to detox your body. White horehound, marigold, St. John’s wort – can all be used to cleanse the liver.
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Javanese Tea
The leaves should be collected during the short flowering period, when the flavonoid, polyphenol, essential oil and potassium content is highest. These substances ensure powerful diuretic effects by stimulating elimination of water and other fluids such as chlorides, urea and uric acid in the kidneys. This is why Javanese tea is famous for its use in the treatment of urological diseases and metabolic disorders, like gout.
(Orthosiphon stamineus) Javanese tea leaves have a positive impact on elimination, support health bile duct function, clean the liver and help with weight reduction. This herb comes from tropical Asia (Malaysia) and it is commonly called “Misai Kucing,” which means cat’s whiskers because of its striking similarity. In India and Indonesia, people have been using the purple colored flowers for centuries for the treatment of kidney and urinary (bladder) diseases.
Javanese tea lowers cholesterol levels and helps with bile excretion. It prevents recurring kidney colic and is a powerful ally in the fight against gallbladder and kidney stones, all thanks to its draining and cleansing effects. This herb is also used for balancing different slimming treatments as a natural way to support excretion and help weight loss. Javanese tea has no side effects and is suitable for long-term use.
Horsetail, willowherb, ground pine – help improve metabolism and are great for cleansing the kidneys.
``` What Is It Good For? Elimination, diuretic effects Gallbladder and kidney stones Cleansing effect
Green Tea (Camellia sinensis) Green tea leaves help burn fat and therefore are great for weight loss. The plant is a perennial evergreen shrub originally from India that was discovered by Europeans in the 17th century. Green tea contains caffeine, which has a stimulating effect on the central nervous system, increasing concentration and mental productivity. It has diuretic properties and dissolves fat inside fatty tissues in order to ease elimination.
Polyphenols are powerful antioxidants, they protect the blood vessels and prevent inflammation. They also lower cholesterol levels in the blood, as well as prevent the absorption of carbohydrates and fat from food, effectively decreasing the overall energy intake.
Tip: Blood Cleansing Tea • 12 tbsp dandelion root and leaves • 10 tbsp birch leaves • 10 tbsp nettle leaves • 7 tbsp elderberry flowers • 2 tbsp garden marigold Pour 1 cup of boiling water over 1 tablespoon of this mix and leave covered for 15 minutes. Herbs can be fresh or dried.
Detox delicacies: Spring cleansing soup Ingredients: 2 large potatoes, 2 large onions, 4 or 5 garlic cloves, 1 carrot, 1 egg, 2 or 3 handfuls of fresh young nettle tops, about 20 dock leaves, about 20 alliaria leaves, a pinch of salt, pepper, cumin, parsley, marjoram, oregano and chives, 1 teaspoon of vegetable oil. Preparation: Chop potatoes and onions into small cubes. Grate the carrot. Add spices and oil and boil until the potatoes are nearly tender. Then add chopped herbs and egg in the last 10 minutes. Right at the end add the pressed garlic. Sprinkle the soup with grated cheese before serving and also add croutons if desired.
Cleansing elixir Gather a small basket full of young nettles. First rinse the nettles in cold water, then cut them into pieces. Put them into a mixer, add some water and puree. A thick, dark green juice will form, which can be thinned with water. Strain the juice into a clean jar and store in the fridge. Take 1 tablespoon a day and it should last the entire therapy (40 days).
THIS YEAR’S CHAMP
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Young Barley Few had heard of it a couple of years ago, but now young barley is becoming more and more famous. Why? This green powder when mixed with water has helped many regain their health and hardy condition. Young barley has powerful heading effects. It isn't just used for spring cleaning, but can be used year round.
An Exceptional Cereal At first, when you examine this dark green powder, there is not much to it. The resulting dark green drink does not look too promising either, but your body will have a different opinion. Barley cleanses and detoxes the body thanks to its high level of antioxidants. It also supplies important substances to the body, slowing down cellular aging and decreasing the possibility of developing cancer. It contains chlorophyll, which increases blood-cell count, speeds healing, protects against inflammation and has disinfectant properties. It also lowers the risk of blood clots, arteriosclerosis and heart attacks. The cereal improves the immune system, helps with constipation and contains important amino acids and enzymes such as folic acid, beta-carotene, group B vitamins and many significant minerals. Compared to wheat, young barley has 25 times more potassium, 37 times
more calcium, twice the magnesium and 5 times more iron, but only half the phosphorus—which is already present in many other foods.
Pleasant Healer In some cases, this life-giving cereal can even fight diseases which current medicine has no effective cures or treatments for. It helps with anemia because it contains organically bound iron that can be immediately processed in the patient’s body. Young barley also modifies the functioning of the thyroid gland by neutralizing the acidity of bodily fluids and thus instantly improving thyroid function. In addition, it has a high level of superoxide dismutase (SOD) enzymes, which are good for longevity. This enzyme works spectacularly against the accumulation of spots like melanoma and acne. Those suffering from cardiovascular or liver problems will benefit from young barley’s high concentration of potassium. Young barley heals ulcers and inflammations of the stomach and pancreas. Research has proven that young barley slows and inhibits the growth of cancer cells, too.
Inner and Outer Help Young barley is often called a miraculous wound healer because it can heal wounds, skin diseases and even regenerate tissues. Superficial wounds, such as burns, can be covered with barley poultices. Do not drink the powder mixed
``` with water, but instead soak a small cloth in it, wring it out gently and place it on the wound. The effects are nearly miraculous. There is another advantage – young barley eliminates body odor and the need to use expensive antiperspirants.
Where is it sold? This product is available in many health food stores and Internet e-shops. The original source of our young barley is pesticide and herbicide-free grass grown in the clean and fertile lands of New Zealand’s South Island. In its unaltered form, it's considered to be a perfect food thanks to its high nutritional value. It has an especially significant content of chlorophyll, vitamins, high quality amino acids and minerals. The most important are beta-carotene, group B
vitamins, vitamin C, potassium, magnesium, calcium, iron, copper, manganese, phosphorus and zinc. Young barley grass has powerful alkalizing and detox effects and contains 11 times more calcium than cow’s milk, 7 times more vitamin C than oranges, and 5 times more iron than spinach. Scientists have also found certain substances with strong antioxidant effects that may help prevent cancer and other diseases.
Use If you decide to use young barley, it is good to take it in the morning. Mix 1 or 2 teaspoons of dried barley with 13.5 tbsp of water or juice and drink before breakfast. It is also possible to begin with lower doses (the detoxifying effect can be pretty strong) and increase slowly.
Lavender oil against migraines DIY: Sprinkle tiny cuts of lavender blossoms into 2-3 cups of olive oil while stirring constantly until a homogenous, thick, but still liquid mixture forms. Then pour it in an appropriate container and let it rest in a dark place for 6-8 weeks. Stir from time to time if desired. Drain the water out and heat the herbs a little and press the oil out of them. Then massage the oil onto sore places and around them. EFFECTS OF THE HERB: Relieves muscle pain and headaches Alleviates symptoms of migraine To relieve migraines symptoms, massage the oil into the skin on both temples and the forehead, and at the same time take 10 drops of oil orally. Repeat several times a day. Wash it down with a touch of hot tea. To relieve nerve pain, combine the oil massage of sore places with internal use of elderberry.
``` TIP: Borage Salad Cut 1 boiled potato into small cubes. Finely chop ½ cup of borage leaves and 3 tbsp of onions (or leek). Add some salt and mix with 2 tbsp of sour cream.
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Borage (Borago officinalis) Pharmaceutical companies have recently been paying more and more attention to borage, and for good reason. Borage is a great healer, especially of superficial wounds. With beautiful flowers blooming in the summer months, it's no wonder there's so much excitement surrounding the herb.
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orage originally comes from Southern Europe, although it's found almost everywhere nowadays: North America, New Zealand, Australia and Western Asia. This mighty summer flower grows up to 30 inches tall. It is a delicate and thermophilous plant that is now grown mostly in gardens. It's easily recognized by it's bright blue flowers that grow on overhanging red stems. Borage’s crown is blue or white and its fruits come in four half-long, brown, egg-shaped, coarse husks. Leaves are egg- or lanceolateshaped; the bottom ones are petioled, the upper ones are sessile. Borage smells and tastes a lot like cucumber.
What Is it Good for? The herb has laxative and anti-inflammatory effects. It calms you down and gives you strength. Borage contains mucilage, resins, saponins, asparagine, silicic acid, tannins, anthocyanins, vitamin C (in fresh leaves), minerals, allantoin, essential oils, and alkaloids. It helps treat
inflammation of various origins while also healing gastric and varicose ulcers, acne, burns, atopic eczema and wounds. It has diuretic effects too. A wine infusion with borage can be used as a kidney, liver, eye, or joint poultice. Other uses are against depression, nervous exhaustion, and stress, which means it can also help increase feelings of serenity and improve sleep. That is why borage is being added into herbal teas for calming nerves. A freshly squeezed juice containing borage can help speed up the metabolism, while also lowering blood pressure and strengthening the heart.
Usage The flowers are edible and can be eaten with little preparation, like sprinkled on a sandwich. The leaves can be used in a face pack to remedy dry skin, or in tea to make a poultice for weary eyes. Juice made from its tops will cleanse skin, or if consumed, will offer mood boosting effects. Oil made from its seeds supports creation of anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic compounds and boosts hair and nail growth.
``` A Tasty Delicacy
Growing
Borage's similar taste to cucumber makes it easy to integrate into the kitchen. In Russian cuisine, for example, the leaves serve as a cucumber substitute when preparing a soup called “okroshka”, cold borsch, or fillings for pierogies. Western cuisine uses borage leaves to make borage spinach. Sometimes young leaves are fried with onions and butter or are used in vinegar-based salads with onions, pepper and oil. It can be also used to flavour drinks. For preparation of tea, use both leaves and peeled stems. Fresh flowers can be eaten with sugar. Borage can be added to melon bowls, punches or mulled wine.
Growing this herb is not particularly demanding. It is propagated by seeds sown during spring or autumn. The plant is often propagated by self-sowing. The best is to put seeds close to strawberries or roses – these plants can benefit from the presence of borage. Young plants cannot be replanted because the main long and thin root would hardly grow again. Borage is not really fussy when it comes to soil and location and it does not require any special treatment. It does well in both sunshine and shade, but needs a lot of space as it grows horizontally. Also, be aware that borage is often targeted by aphids. It's possible to start growing the herb at any time – just remember that it is best to put the seeds in flowering pots at home or in a hotbed. Once it starts growing, use the young leaves in the kitchen as a spice or vegetable.
Storage Borage can be air-dried in the same way as most other herbs. The leaves should be harvested when the plant starts blooming. If drying them, act quickly and spread the leaves in thin layers in a dry and dark place. Borage can also be frozen, ideally in plastic bags. Flowers can be squashed lightly, soaked in water and put into ice cube trays. Borage can also be preserved in oil or vinegar. Its seeds may be used to extract oil with a high content of unsaturated fatty acids. Fresh leaves can also be candied in sugar.
Seeds or Oil? Borage seeds are becoming more and more popular nowadays. They can be used either directly – eat them less than four times a day, and always just a tiny amount – or you can prepare your own oil, or buy it at local herbalist or natural foods shop. Borage seed oil contains 25 percent of gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), which helps the body create anti-inflammatory compounds. This oil is, apart from its other benefits, great for atopic dermatitis. It can be used to treat eczema, allergies, lupus and acne. It works perfectly for both children and adults, and it also helps obese
HERBS FROM A - Z people with reducing their weight because it accelerates the burning of saturated fats. Tips for Your Health Borage Cleansing Therapy – Pour 2 cups of water over 1 tbsp of borage and boil for 2 or 3 minutes. Then steep for 10 minutes and strain. Use two small glasses between meals every day. Excessive Sweating – Start rotating borage and strawberry infusions according to the following instructions: Day 1 – infusion made of 15 tbsp of bor-
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age; Day 2 – 25 tbsp of strawberry. For each day of this therapy, pour 3 cups of boiling water over tops or leaves, cover and steep for 10 minutes. Drink during the day on an empty stomach and divide the whole amount into 4–6 doses. Face Pack for Dry Skin – Pour ½ cup of boiling water over a heaping tsp of borage leaves and let it steep until the infusion is lukewarm. Strain, mix with 1 egg yolk, 1 tsp almond oil and 3 tbsp fresh yeast. Spread the face pack over face, neck and neckline and let it work for 15 minutes.
TIP
Borage Recipes Sunday Garnished Baguettes Cut a fresh baguette in half, spread both halves with butter spread (it can be flavoured, i.e. onion) and garnish with cucumber slices, basil leaves and borage flowers. Young borage leaves are often used as a green in salads. It smells like cucumber and goes well with sauces and soups, or can be added as one of the ingredients into herb butter (finely chopped with onions and other herbs).
Borage in Oil Fill up a glass jar with borage flowers – up to 1 inch below the top. Pour in some oil (canola oil is best) so that the flowers are completely immersed. Close the jar and leave it in a room for at least two weeks. After that, strain the oil into another clean jar, get rid of the plant material and put the oil in your fridge.
Borage Spinach Ingredients: borage leaves, onion, garlic, salt, pepper, a little white wine. Preparations: Steam the leaves and chop them into small pieces. Chop the onion in the same way and sauté it in a good quality oil or butter. Add crushed garlic and a little while later the borage leaves. Season with salt and pepper, then add wine and stew for a while. Boiled potatoes and eggs sunny-side up are a perfectly suitable side dish.
Beef Soup with Borage Ingredients: ½ lb cooked beef, ½ lb potatoes, 2 hard boiled eggs, ¼ lb onion shoots, ½ lb borage leaves, 1 cup sour cream, ½ cup sugar, 1 tbsp mustard, 4 cups broth. Preparations: Cut meat, boiled potatoes and hard boiled eggs into small cubes. Cut onion shoots and borage into small juliennes. Pour boiling broth over the whole mix. Add stirred sour cream and season with sugar, mustard and salt.
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Jack-of-All-Trades: Comfrey A plant with a devilish reputation, nicknamed black root or boneset, can be poisonous. But at the same time, it has the power to be an incredible healer. Become comfortable with comfrey and access its magical healing powers. Comfrey (Symphytum officinale) is a perennial, pilose herb, which can grow 35 to 55 inches tall. It grows almost everywhere and is very popular. Thanks to its modest needs, comfrey grows well in both bushes on river banks in lowlands and on colder foothills. It prefers alkaline, clayey or earthy soil rich in nutrients and partial shade locations.
Meet Comfrey The herb has no smell, but has a bitter and astringent taste. When cut in the middle, the colour should be white. Sometimes the fresh roots are used, they contain toxic and nontoxic alkaloids and allantoin. Furthermore, comfrey contains calcium, potassium, phosphorus and vitamins A, C and B12.
What Is It Good for? In terms of topical use, comfrey has a wide range of possible applications: it heals wounds, ulcers, swollen glands and veins and bruises. It also stops bleeding and reduces pain. A comfrey cream is great for scalds, burns and sunburns. When taken orally, comfrey helps with coughs, bronchitis, chest pains, gastric ulcers, stomach cramps and duodenum ulcers. It can be also used for diarrhoea, digestion issues and kidney cleansing.
Tip: Comfrey was once used as a plaster substitute. First, the root was boiled until it became a soft mass, then bandages were soaked in this mix and the broken limb was wrapped. In the end, the mass hardened and the limb was perfectly set.
What Do We Collect? In case of comfrey, we collect the roots. It is best to dig them up using pitchforks in either spring (before the vegetative phase begins), or in autumn. Once you dig the root up, wash it quickly with water, cut it in half and let it dry in the sun or indoors with temperature up to 110 °F. You can store it easily in sand – similarly to horseradish or carrots. Fresh comfrey tops are usually collected shortly before and during the flowering period. The flowers grow in clusters and bloom from June until September. One can also find a use for its long, lanceolate leaves narrowing into petiole.
Warning Comfrey might be a good servant, but it is a bad master. Apart from useful compounds, it also contains toxic alkaloids that can damage the liver. When using high doses of this herb over a long period of time, there is an increased risk of de-
``` veloping liver cancer, therefore it should not be used for more than ten days in a row. When used in the short-term however, comfrey offers many benefits. If you have a chronic illness or are in a need of long-term treatment, make sure to discuss any possible comfrey treatment with a specialist-herbalist.
Regeneration of Chapped Skin Is the skin on your hands chapped, hard or dry after the harsh winter? Nothing could help you more than a relaxing comfrey bath. How to prepare it? Mix 3 tablespoons comfrey roots or 6 spoonfuls comfrey leaves with 2 cups cold water. Boil for 5 minutes, steep for a while and wait until the water becomes lukewarm. Then immerse hands in the bath and leave them
there for 15 minutes. When taking them out, do not use a towel, but let them dry naturally. Finally, apply some softening cream or ointment; hydrating body butter is suitable as well. Afterwards, hands will feel like new.
For a Good Night’s Sleep If falling asleep sparks a flood of everyday worries, try comfrey. It is not as powerful as other time-tested herbs like lemon balm, St. John's wort or valerian, but it works well for some people. A long time ago, this herb was actually used to master telepathy. The reason is that comfrey’s effects are supposed to improve the functioning of both cerebral hemispheres.
Interesting Fact It has been known for thousands of years that comfrey is a miraculous little plant, and many of its alleged effects have been recently proven by science. Still, its oral use is prohibited in some countries; beware of possible prosecution in Australia, Canada or Great Britain.
Warning TIP: Ever get back pain or achy knees? Then there's nothing better than comfrey ointment or gel. Rub it gently into skin and massage the sore places. For an aching or stiff back, try a hot bath with added comfrey leaves. The herb has a soothing effect on the entire musculoskeletal system. It's commonly used for pulled muscles, sore tendons, joins & spine. Comfrey is also a highly effective remedy for inflammation caused by overuse.
Long-term application of comfrey is not advisable due to the content of alkaloids, which – when used over a longer period of time – might damage the liver. If applied topically, the therapy should not exceed six weeks. If taken orally, it should not last for more than two weeks, in order to give the body enough time to get rid of the toxic compounds.
Comfrey for Animals Comfrey's many uses extend beyond just human benefits. Is your dog or cat suffering from respiratory disease, diarrhoea, digestion problems, colic, painful urination or constant hunger? In any of
COMFREY
these cases, comfrey root can offer relief. Prepare an infusion and apply once or twice a day. Dogs are allowed ½-1 tsp of the root, cats only ¼-½. And do not forget – long-term application is dangerous for animals, too!
Comfrey Pharmacy Periodontitis – rinse mouth with a comfrey infusion. Chewing its roots will quench thirst. Poultice – boil 2 spoonfuls of crushed root in 2 cups of water for 15 minutes, then steep for 15 minutes, strain and make a poultice with it. Similarly, mix grated comfrey with honey and cottage cheese, which is great for stomach pain and bronchitis. Mix grated comfrey with grated raw potato for a great cure for sore throats. Cream for burns – soak 5 spoonfuls of crushed comfrey and 10 spoonfuls of St. John’s wort flowers in a bottle filledwith 2 cups of olive oil (or any other good quality seed oil), then seal it for two weeks before using.
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Tincture – insert a cleaned and chopped root into a tightly sealable jar and pour in 38–40 percent strong vodka. Seal well, leave for 10 or 14 days in direct sunshine or close to the heating at home and shake it a little from time to time. After two weeks, take the jar and pour the thick black liquid into small bottles. If left to age for two years, it will be even thicker and more effective. Bath Admixture – soak 1 lb fresh or dried leaves in 1¼ gallons cold water overnight. Boil the next day and add to bath water. Comfrey Wine – steep 2 to 5 fresh, washed, finely cut roots in 1 qt white wine for five or six weeks. Comfrey wine has many healing effects and also prevents respiratory diseases. Tea for Your Stomach – pour 1 cup water over a full teaspoon comfrey mix and steep for 3 minutes. Slowly drink three or four cups a day. It helps with gastric ulcers and cramps.
Comfrey Cream Add 2 handfuls of chopped, washed roots (leaves may be used too) into 1 lb butter and fry for 10 minutes. Simmer the next day, sieve through a cloth and pour into jars.
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Cannabis in the USA Today & Yesterday Text: John A. Bowersmith
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o discussion about cannabis in the United States would be complete without first talking about the history of the plant. Before the U.S. was its own country, the first colonies in Virginia during the 1600s were ordered by the Queen of England to grow hemp. During this time Americans, who were still English colonists, were able to pay taxes with hemp rather than money. It is in fact true that two of the nation's most important people in history George Washington and Thomas Jefferson - grew hemp, or marijuana as it's called today.
J Washington signed the Constitution of the United States of America and was the country’s first president. Jefferson was the primary writer of the Declaration of Independence, and the third president of the country. It is also interesting to note that both men owned slaves. Neither slavery nor hemp were considered evil during this period in the nation’s history. Although, owning slaves was something America’s Founding Fathers wanted stopped at some point. Advocates of marijuana legalization often site the cultivating of hemp by important men as reason for changing laws. As is often the case with many political discussions in the United States, other evidence is left out. Washington and Jefferson were growing the plant because its fibers can be used to make many things. The two men even tried to sell their crops to England, but
the quality was so poor that merchants in England would not buy it. They were better suited to being politicians rather than farmers. The first two drafts of The Declaration of Independence were written on Dutch-made hemp paper. Many marijuana advocates stress that the very document outlining the principals the great nation was founded on was made using a plant that is now illegal to grow in the nation. Though the first two drafts were written on hemp paper, the final and official version was printed on parchment paper made from animal skins. The drafts were never signed by anyone and thus, were not official. Also, the hemp paper used was Dutch, not American, which means it was imported. A person would have to do exactly the same thing today if they wanted to acquire hemp paper in the U.S. For the next 170 years or so, hemp was cultivated widely in America and the quality of it improved. There were no laws prohibiting it and it was a very valuable crop in many regions of the nation. Tobacco farmers grew it often to recondition the soil in their fields. Some stopped growing tobacco completely and instead grew hemp plants, which were more valuable and better for the soil. If was known smoking the plant intoxicated people, but it remained unpopular. Cultivating hemp for smoking was more difficult than growing the plant for fibers. If farmers wanted to grow something to be smoked, tabacco was a much easier crop to work with. Complete text in the next issue.
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Herbal Sachet Massages Try this recent trend in massages – herbal sachet massages. Not many people know about them, but those who have experienced an herbal sachet massage once already want another. Our reader Iveta had the opportunity to try this special type of massage and will share her experience.
``` This specific hot massage with herbal sachets works as a powerful cleansing therapy. Not only the heat, but also the active compounds released through moist heat and absorbed by the skin have beneficial and cleansing effects – each one of the twelve herbs has its specific function.
Each of the herbs used in herbal sachets has a specific purpose and, thanks to their mutual combinations, the beneficial effects are numerous. Among the most frequently used ones are birch (blood cleansing), beans, silverweed (helps with muscle spasms), borage (improves excretion), comfrey (heals wounds and stimulates formation of new cells), coltsfoot (has anti-inflammatory and cleansing effects), raspberry (stimulates sweating and detox) and chervil (eases sinusitis).
Let’s Start Alkaline-mineral massage is a very intense form of treatment. Before the massage with the herbal sachets starts, there is a refreshing peel with alkaline salt and gemstones to rid skin of dead cells and, at the same time, to provide beneficial alkaline treatment. The peeling is applied with ginger oil, which warms the skin and prepares it for the detoxification process. The warm herbs, oil and salt enter the body through the skin’s pores, and the sachets (first hot, then warm) present one of the most intense forms of toxin removal, skin care and regeneration. They stimulate the metabolism, promote blood circulation and help the person being massaged to harmonise body and soul.
The Secret of Sachets What is the secret of this luxurious massage? Softly ground stones represent a true expression of nature—their beautiful natural shapes and colors last longer than living plants, this durability is also the biggest difference between the power of plants and gemstones. Alkaline salt contains agate, cornelian, false topaz, chrysoprase, chalcedony, sapphire, rock crystal, and onyx.
The Effects of the Massage Special peels and herbal sachets activate blood circulation and metabolism, while acids and toxins are released from the skin thanks to the warm alkaline herbal extracts. As a result, the body gets rid of residual substances. It also receives support for the circulatory, urinary and lymphatic systems, boosts regeneration, induces relaxation and helps against stress. Alkaline massages help release certain acids such as uric acid (the body accumulates from excessive intake of animal proteins), nitric acid (some cheeses and marinated meats contain it), oxalic acid (found it in rhubarb, spinach, and cocoa), acetic acid (results from consuming too many sweets), tannic acid (in coffee and black tea), acetylsalicylic acid (found in analgesics) and lactic acid (results from exerting too much physical effort). What kind of harm can these acids inflict? The human body is trying to neutralise them with minerals, which leads to the formation of sediments known as cellulite. If the acids aren't released as soon as possible, they eventually begin to damage the structure of tissues, bones and cartilage. They contaminate the body, as well as impair excretion.
``` HERBAL SACHET MASSAGE Let’s Go for a Massage If wanting to try out herbal sachets, keep in mind that a 90 minute treatment can cost $50-60. The best time for this type of massage is usually spring and autumn when the body needs detoxification. One treatment may be satisfying, but in order to achieve the best possible results, try having two sessions in one month.
Try It on Your Own This time, we looked at your letters and chose one from our reader named Iveta. We asked her to go to get an herbal sachet massage and let us know if it is really worth it. And she was delighted. Although she has massages pretty often (classic and sport types), this is going to be her first special, “luxurious” massage treatment. “To be honest, I did not really know what to expect. I did some basic reading, yet I could hardly imagine what it would be like,” Iveta told us. “A lady called Lada was looking after me for the whole hour-long treatment and
she was very nice. First she explained and showed everything to me. Then I got undressed and laid down on the massage table – first on my back. Lada applied a peel to my neckline, arms and legs, and before long I smelled a lovely ginger fragrance. Finally, she started to put warm little bags filled with steamed herbs on me. It was very pleasant,” she recollected. “The same happened when I turned on my belly – she applied a peel to my legs, arms and back followed by the warm sachets,” Iveta explained. And how did she feel after the massage? “Like a new person. I felt wonderful. I was also advised not to take a shower or bath during the next 24 hours because of the lasting effects of the peel. I have to admit, I really felt better, so I decided to cleanse my body even further – to eat more alkaline food and watch my diet. And when my cleansing therapy is over, I am going to see lady Lada again. I recommend you to do the same, it is truly an amazing experience.”
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Spring Miracle Chervil
Chervil looks a little bit like parsley, but tastes more like anise. This herb once used to be considered an exceptional delicacy, but recently it has become scarce in our gardens and in our diet. Rediscover chervil and uncover its many uses.
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C
chervil (Anthriscus cerefolium) flowers from the beginning of May until July, but it is hard to find it in nature. Fortunately, it can be grown easily in a garden.This herb can grow up to 2 feet, but its leaves can be picked once it is about 3 inches tall (eventually dig out the roots – they are great in salads). The leaves are branched and flowers white and umbel shaped.
Great for Cleansing Chervil contains glycosides and bitter substances—both improve the metabolism. It is also rich in vitamins A and C, minerals (mainly magnesium and iron) and carotenes. Tea, made from it's leaves (ideally young spring leaves) helps with digestion, works against headaches, lowers high blood pressure and makes it easier to fall asleep. If you soak a cottonwool pad in it and put it on your eyes, it will decrease pain and the swelling caused by lack of sleep or fatigue. A chervil infusion calms the digestive tract and improves respiration, and if you eat it regularly, there is a good chance of lowering your blood sugar level. It also has diuretic properties and, when crushed (ideally in a mortar), it can also be applied with a neutral face mask – it would cleanse your face and reduce wrinkles. This is one of the herbs that is extremely suitable for herbal spring cleansing.
Delicious Treat Our ancestors loved chervil in their diet. It was one of the fasting herbs traditionally consumed on Easter Friday. The young leaves are picked in spring because they are best then and have the strongest flavor and aroma. They taste like anise, a mix of sweet and bitter. But remember – pick them only before the flower comes into blossom. Leaves can be added
to salads, sauces, soups, spreads and meals with mushrooms and eggs. They go well with fish, grilled chicken, lamb and minced meat. Generally speaking, it can be used as a replacement for parsley. Contrary to parsley, chervil needs to be added to the meal shortly before serving because it loses its aroma when cooked. Do not hesitate to mix it with chives, parsley, basil and estragon, but stay away from stronger herbs (thyme, rosemary or marjoram) as they will overshadow chervil’s taste.
Garden Adornment If you want to grow the herb on your own, be aware of the fact that chervil is an annual and requires compost soil and partial shade. When grown outside, the ideal timing for planting is March. When grown inside, it can be grown yearround (fortunately, chervil is not very sensitive to the cold). A half-length plot with just one row is ideal for home growing. Make sure to prune it regularly to prevent fast vertical growth, but at the same time, allow for new leaves to appear. A good spot is the bedroom or veranda, but not the warmest places in your house. It is also necessary to water chervil regularly and to avoid direct sunlight (which would lead to a loss of colour and taste). All in all, it is pretty easy to grow this herb. If grown outside, the first leaves will need to be harvested just before Easter. It can also be grown successively in order to have fresh leaves for a long time. For outside, the only “sowing” condition is temperature – it should not be lower than 40 °F at night. Individual rows should have 4 inches space between them, and there should be 10 inches of space between individual seedlings. The soil should be light and not too dry. It is
``` CHEVRIL crucial to keep watering regularly, otherwise the leaves might turn red before they can be picked. Replanting chervil is not recommended because it would immediately start to flower. Gardening shops
offer two types: plain or curly, but they are basically the same. Seeds from the first harvest can be sown when starting the new one, but keep in mind that they are germinative for only one year.
Chervil Sauce Ingredients: One handful of fresh, finely chopped chervil, 1 pt vegetable broth, 1 cup of milk, 1 tablespoon flour, 4 egg yolks, lemon juice, and 3 oz butter. Preparation: Mix the egg yolks with a few tablespoons of broth and flour, then add the rest of the vegetable broth and the yolks while stirring. Once the sauce thickens, put it aside. Add the butter, milk, and salt with lemon juice. Add finely chopped chervil just before serving the sauce (cold or hot) with fish or cooked vegetables.
Stuffed Potatoes Ingredients: 6 potatoes, 2 onions, 3 tablespoons of oil, one garlic clove, 1 lb champignons, 1 cup cream, salt, pepper, a handful of chopped chervil, oil to grease the pan. Preparation: Boil the potatoes, take them out of the water and let them cool down before cutting off the tops and scooping the insides out, then mash the potato starch. SautĂŠ finely chopped onions with pressed garlic, add peeled and chopped champignons and let fry lightly before adding half the cream, salt and pepper. Then cook until the cream thickens, add the potato mash and the handful of finely chopped chervil, then stir and start stuffing the potatoes before putting them into the greased pan. Add the other half of the cream and bake in the oven for about 25-30 minutes. Serve with fresh vegetables.
Chervil Walleye Ingredients: 14 oz of walleye or other white fish, 1/2 lb yellow zucchini, 2 spring onions, ½ teaspoon of fennel, 3/4 cup vegetable broth, 1 bundle of fresh chervil, 6 sprigs of parsley, 4 pinches of salt, 5 1/4 oz green zucchini, 3 slices of lemon. Preparation: Wash the zucchinis and cut them in 2–3 inch-long slices, Chop the onions in 1 inch-long slices and put them both in a pot. Pour in the broth and steam for 5 minutes before placing washed walleye fillets on top of zucchini. Add salt, chervil and a pinch of fennel. Cover and steam for 15 minutes. Serve with a slice of lemon.
Herb Butter with Chervil Ingredients: 3 1/2 of butter, green parsley tops, 1 tablespoon chervil, a little bit of sour dock, 1 lemon, salt and pepper (if needed). Preparation: Steam the parsley, chervil and dock in boiling water Drain and chop finely. Whip the butter, and add chopped herbs, lemon juice, and salt. Stir well and roll up in tinfoil. This butter is great with roasted meat or as a bread spread.
Get Rid of Your Cough TIP Carrot Cough Syrup Mix 1 cup fresh carrot juice with 4 tablespoons of honey and heat slowly until it becomes thick. Then pour the syrup in bottles with removable caps and store in the fridge. Take 1 teaspoon five times a day until the cough is gone. Tea against Dry Cough Put a handful of goldenrod, coltsfoot and daisy flowers and a handful of marjoram tops (or ribwort leaf ) into any container. Shake well before taking out 2 heaping tablespoons of the mix. Pour 2 cups of boiling water over it. Leave to stand for 10-15 minutes and add 2 tablespoons of honey. Tea against Moist Cough Mix a handful of each: basswood flowers, elderberry flowers, ribwort leaves and dried rose hips in a container. Then take 2 heaping tablespoons of the mix and pour 2 cups of boiling water over it. Leave to stand for 10-15 minutes and add 2 tablespoons of honey.
``` Sometimes when we want to express discomfort or disagreement, we unwittingly cough, but we are not sick. By the same token, when we are sick, coughing can release inner tensions caused by anger or some other negative emotion. No matter what the true reason for it, coughing is a manifestation of certain issues we need to deal with. It is a primitive defense and a cautionary reflex.
C
oughs are caused by irritation of certain cells located in the mucous membrane throughout the respiratory system. Coughs have three phases: inhalation, forced exhalation (air hits impassable glottis) and intense release of air from the lungs accompanied by a loud noise.
Dry versus Moist Cough A dry cough is usually the first signal of the common cold, but it can be a symptom of other health problems too. Laryngitis is characterised by a “crow” cough accompanied by breathlessness. A deep cough without expectoration points to tracheal inflammation, while night coughing usually means sinusitis. A dry cough worsens in dry and warm environments and can be irksome. Cough suppressants, or “antitussives," are most frequently used as conventional treatment, however long-term use might lead to blocking infected phlegm in nasal mucosa, or developing purulent inflammation and fever. According to Dr. Gabriela Navrátilová, antitussives may help with the cough itself, but they do not treat the causes. With the common cold, a dry cough often turns into a wet “productive” cough. Do not try to inhibit this type of cough. Instead apply therapeutic products such as medicaments that dilute phlegm and ease expectoration (some
pharmaceuticals or ribwort syrup). Another effective treatment is to relax the cilia, leading to faster removal of phlegm. “Every medicament contains a whole complex of active substances, some of which should not be used at the same time as other medicines,” explains Dr. Navrátilová. She adds that cough medication is a typical example: “One pill is an antitussive, another one helps to expectorate. Their effects are obviously contradictory. Also, if you want to suppress your cough, do not use medication or herbal tea for expectoration at the same time, because you might accumulate too much phlegm in your respiratory system. The best is to use medication for expectoration during the day and antitussive medication in the night to ease your sleep.”
Natural Pharmacy Among the best and most effective herbs against coughs are dog rose, hyssop, greater celandine, poppy, marsh mallow, horseradish, mint, marjoram, fennel, oregano, anise and primrose.
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Healthy Cooking with Our Head Chef
The following delicious meals have been prepared by head chef Jan SouÄ?ek, and they are easy to make, healthy and tasty – what more could anyone want?
``` Steamed Carp with Leek Mix and Boiled Potatoes Ingredients: 2 carp fillets, 1 leek, 3 1/2 cups frozen corn, 4 garlic cloves, 2 tablespoons peeled peanuts (unsalted), 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1/2 tablespoon Worcester sauce, 3 1/2 cups butter, 1 lb potatoes Directions: Salt the fillets and put them aside. Meanwhile, slice leek (thick) and garlic (thin) and mix thoroughly with corn, peanuts, soy sauce and Worcester sauce. Put carp fillets on baking paper, cover with the leek mix and add one teaspoon butter on each fillet. Tie the edges of the paper together with string or thread, and place it, along with peeled and chopped potatoes, into a steamer for 20 minutes.
Almond Cream with Sour Cherry Sauce Ingredients: 4 egg yolks, 1 1/4 cup milk, almond essence to taste, 3 tablespoons sugar, 7 oz frozen sour cherries, mint for decoration Directions: Mix egg yolks with milk, sugar and almond essence and whip with a whisk. Pour the mix into warmed boiling bowls, cover with lids and place them into a steamer. Steam for 20 minutes. Meanwhile, prepare the sour cherry sauce: melt sugar in a frying pan until it caramelises and add sour cherries. Keep heating it until there's about 1/3 of the original volume, giving the sauce the right consistency without any thickening agent. Serve the sauce with small sour cherry pieces, or mix it until smooth. Finally, pour your sauce over the cream and decorate with a mint leaf.
``` HEALTHY COOKING WITH OUR HEAD CHEF Carlsbad Dumplings Ingredients: 2/3 cup white bread or rolls, 1 cup milk, 2 eggs, parsley, salt Directions: Dice bread or rolls, pour milk over them and let soak. Chop parsley finely, beat egg whites until soft peaks form and whip the rest of the milk with lightly salted yolks before adding everything to the diced bread. Stir lightly, but thoroughly, and use cling film to shape the dumplings into small logs about 4 centimeters thick. Wrap them up and steam for 25 minutes. Slice and serve as a side dish to sauces and meat.
Walleye Fillet with Mangetout (Snow) Peas and PotatoCauliflower PurÊe Ingredients: 4 walleye (or other white fish) fillets, 7 oz cauliflower, 7 oz potatoes, 3 tablespoons flour, 2 eggs, 1/3 lb mangetout (young peas in pods, or snow peas), 1 tablespoon butter, cumin, salt, pepper, herbs, olive oil, lemon peel Directions: Season walleye fillets with herbs, lemon peel, olive oil and light salt, and leave to stand for a while. Mash boiled potatoes and cauliflower. Add flour, cumin, butter, eggs and salt. Mix thoroughly before putting the mix into a cooking bowl, covering with a lid and inserting into a steamer. After 15 minutes, add mangetout peas and fish fillets on top. Steam for another 12–15 minutes.
```
Hot Pear Compote With Cognac and Vanilla Bean Ingredients: 4 pears, 2 oranges, 1 1/3 ounces cognac, 1 vanilla bean, 3 tablespoons raisins, 3 tablespoons sugar
Chicken Mini-Fillets Ingredients: 14 oz chicken breast, salt, 1 /4 lb extra-fine flour, 2 eggs, 3 1/3 oz milk, 7 oz breadcrumbs Directions: Slice washed chicken breasts with a thread and tenderize lightly. Salt before breading in flour, whisked eggs with milk and breadcrumbs. Add one tablespoon of oil and fry in a pan until golden on both sides. Do not forget to turn them over while frying.
Directions: Squeeze oranges and pour the juice into a cooking pot. Add sugar, cognac and halved vanilla bean. Reduce for 15 minutes and in the meantime cut pears into wedges. Add sliced pear and raisins into the pot and simmer, covered, for another 15 minutes. Compote can be served immediately while still hot, or later cold, when all the flavors have blended together.
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Spring Herbs for Slimming It’s time to pack away winter clothes and take a good look in the mirror. Those few extra pounds can't be hidden under winter coats or bulky sweaters any longer. No need to panic – there is a solution... … and that solution, surprisingly, comes again from herbs. They will not help shed 50 lbs “magically,” but with regular use, there will be results. Do not forget a balanced and healthy diet and last, but not least, physical activity. One or two brisk, halfhour walks per day will probably suffice. A little exercise and the herbs will do the rest.
From Meadows and Groves Red Sorrel (Rumex acetosa) – Its leaves are well-known for their high content of vitamin C, beta carotene, calcium and iron. It is excellent for body cleansing, mostly due to its diuretic qualities, and it also cleanses the blood and stimulates liver activity. Red sorrel is delicious in salads, spring soups, spinach and spreads. Hedge Garlic (Alliaria officinalis) – Do not be mistaken - even though it is so-named, it has almost nothing in common with garlic. It is a closer relative to mustard. Its name is taken in-
stead from its pungent essential oils; when the plant is pressed, it has an odor resembling a mix of garlic and onion. Add it to salads or soups for added vitamin C and beta carotene, while it also increases metabolism. Common Nettle (Urtica dioica) – A spring classic. It cleanses the body, the blood, and aids in a weight loss regimen. Drinking nettle tea will help you burn extra fat really fast. How much tea? Drink up to 1/2 a gallon daily for a maximum of 14 days.
``` Milk Thistle (Cardui mariae fructus) – Another strong herb for cleansing, and one of the few which also cleans the liver. Thus, milk thistle is perfect to help detox the body, while also eliminating fatigue and lethargy. Ideally, it should be consumed as a tea or the oil from its seeds used. These are the two best ways for the body to absorb it. Regular intake will banish those extra inches. Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) – Fennel helps in diets due to its laxative effects. It also contains fenchone, which supports the elimination of digestive enzymes and speeds intestinal movement. It is also used to relieve cramps and abdominal gas. It is taken best as fennel tea. Drink at least three times a day in sips to see results. Lady’s Mantle (Alchemilla vulgaris) – Thanks to its favorable effect on digestion, it is an important component in metabolic and slimming teas used in diets. It also helps remove extra water and swelling. One should drink at least two cups daily of Lady’s Mantle tea for three weeks. Afterwards, it is necessary to stop for a week and then repeat the regime. Ladies unhappy with their busts should use its cream for a firming effect. Raspberry (Rubus idaeus) – Raspberry has a mild anti-diarrheal effect, yet is effective at cleaning the digestive tract. It improves bile removal, reduces fever and aids digestion. Because of this, it is an excellent herbal aid in weight loss diets. Adding raspberry to a balanced diet and a lifestyle complete with bit of physical activity will result in optimal health.
Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) – Dandelion can help with slimming thanks to its laxative effects. It is suitable as a booster for the overall metabolism, good for poor digestion connected with constipation and beneficial for poor digestive tract functions. It reduces gas and helps remove liquids from the body. Add 2 teaspoons of finely chopped dried root to a cup and pour boiling water over it. Let it steep for 15 minutes and then strain. Drink twice a day for up to one month. Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) – Yarrow is an herb that improves digestion and eases cramps. It supports the overall metabolism. It is beneficial for stomach disorders and also helps regular bowel movements as it is considered a diuretic. But take caution - yarrow tea is certainly not suitable for longterm use. Occasional use is not harmful, in fact it is recommended. Add ½ cup boiling water to 1½ tablespoons yarrow leaves. Let steep for 15 minutes, then strain and let cool. Drink 3 times a day.
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Other Herbs
Used in Slimming
``` Guarana – This herb is best known to students and people working night shifts - they will tell you that it really works. It contains natural caffeine and thus, helps one to stay awake. It also prompts a temporary increase in body temperature and metabolic thermogenesis. This process aids in breaking up and releasing body fat, transforming fat into energy and supporting energy release. Pu-erh – Reduces cholesterol and cleanses the entire body of fat, thus it is great for weight-loss diets. For this reason it is even called the “fat burner.” Pu-erh plays a valuable role in traditional Chinese medicine.
Yerba maté – An excellent tea made from dried, slightly roasted, ground leaves of Paraguayan holly. It energises the whole body and thus, significantly helps burn fat.
Lapacho – A diuretic that eliminates retained water, cleanses the body of toxins, improves the metabolism, cleanses the body overall and improves the condition.
Schisandra chinensis – Increases the metabolism, which helps to burn fat. One of the most popular herbs in the world, Schisandra chinensis really works in weight-loss.
Chlorella – The well-known, freshwater green algae. One can buy it in shops in the form of tablets. Chlorella detoxifies and cleanses, thus it helps in weight-loss. Furthermore, it contains a vast amount of vitamins and minerals and other important substances.
Aloe vera – Scientists have discovered that it has even more positive effects on digestion than they had originally thought. It also suppresses stomach secretions, thus preventing stomach acid reflux. In addition, it helps detoxify the intestines and promotes regular bowel movements. Its use in dieting has been recorded as having up to 30 percent better results.
Psyllium – Seeds of Indian plantago have impressive capabilities. They contain mucilage, which is absorbed by the digestive tract. Psyllium really works wonders. It quenches hunger and helps in slimming. But be careful - in order for it to work as it should, it is necessary to drink plenty of fluids. Green Tea – Its main strength is that it cleanses the body. It contains a number of anti-oxidants, and is a diuretic that also detoxifies.
Tip: Slimming Herbal Mixture Take equal parts nettle, marigold and strawberry leaves. Pour boiling water over the mix, let it steep for 10 minutes and then strain. The tea can be enjoyed all day long.
HOROSCOPE—WHICH HERB IS FOR YOU?
Spring cleansing according to your zodiac sign ```
ARIES The head is the sensitive component of the mortal frame. Aries like to “bust the wall headfirst.” This is accompanied by migraines and wounds. Excessive physical activity can cause higher blood pressure and insomnia. Headaches and joint aches peppermint can be avoided by regular ginseng exercise. Watch out for lemon balm chills, which can be the willow bark cause of problems later. Herbs which will benefit your body are peppermint, ginseng, lemon balm and white willow bark.
TAURUS The typical Taurus often refuses to take care of himself or herself. The cause of health problems can be over-eating or drinking and lack of exercise. sage Sore and stiff necks can be rosemary linked to problems with one’s partner or work. Serene periods of health can be interrupted in women by ovarian problems, or in men by prostate problems. Increase your intake of Q10 coenzyme and check the level of vitamins and minerals in your body. Decoctions of sage or rosemary can give you back your energy.
``` GEMINI The typical Gemini can be psychologically weak or over sensitive. This can be linked to respiratory problems. horseradish Another sensitive area is eyebright the nervous system. gingko biloba Along with a heavy workload, you should also regularly rest and relax. You need to regenerate through sleep more than others. Horseradish can help you with fatigue. Brain function can be stimulated by gingko biloba.
CANCER The health of a Cancer is dependent on proper sleep and rest. If a Cancer is threatened by feelings of danger, they fall into a depression. A gloomy disposition can bring about serious health problems. Most often these are digestive peppermint problems. Stomach ulcers anise are very often connected fennel with problems of the emotional sort. If you are able to look at the world optimistically, you can live to a healthy old age. Peppermint, anise or fennel can bring you relief, helping to resolve problems with digestion.
LEO The typical Leo has fairly good health and strong vitality. They are rather prone to various injuries and sudden sicknesses, but they tend to be immune to long-term chronic diseases. The most sensitive areas are sight as indian well as the back and heart. ginseng In advanced years Leos are sensitive to heart disease and problems with blood circulation. Your pick-me-up
is ginseng – it cleanses the body and strengthens the blood.
VIRGO Try to read something on reflexology. Focus your attention on the pancreas, spleen and thymus for optimal prevention. In addition, reflexology increases immunity and the creation of white blood cells. The typical Virgo enjoys good health, primarily because he or she scrupulously looks after himself or herself, and dedicates considerable attention to a healthy lifestyle. The most sensitive areas peppermint are the nervous system ginger and the bowels. Teas made chamomile from peppermint, ginger or chamomile will be of great service to you, regulating your metabolism.
LIBRA The typical Libra should get enough rest. The are sensitive to physical and psychological imbalances and do not manage stress or disharmony very well. The most sensitive areas are the kidneys and lumbar area. Women should not underestimate regular gyne- yarrow cological examinations sage and watch out for bladder thyme inflammations. To strengthen your body try goji berries (wolfberry). In case of a cold try yarrow, sage or thyme.
SCORPIO Try, especially in winter, to prevent problems with haemorrhoids and large intestine inflammation. Stick to frequent exercise and a balanced diet. People born
``` xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx In the next My Herbs issue: Best Herb for Your Weight Loss, You Know It as Licorice Outwit Chronic Fatigue Syndrome with Hawthorn, Nettle or Sea Buckthorn Most Effective Alternative Psoriasis Treatment Delicious New Herbal Recipes
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