In my other blog, Thru' Lace Covered Window, I wrote that my friend, Agnes and I were delighted that several types of herbs were sold in the store that sold roasted turkey.
That was several days before Christmas when Agnes and I went and collect her cooked patin fish. When we saw the list of herbs they sell, Parsley, Sage, Rosemary, Thyme amongst others, it prompted us to break into the Simon & Garfunkel "Scarborough Fair" song...hahaha..
Out of curiosity too, I tried to read more about these herbs and found out that besides their culinary usage, they can be used as natural medicine as they contain several health benefits.
Some of the health benefits from herbs or plants familiar to me are:-
Aloe Vera – is used as an antibacterial, anti-fungal, antiviral, wound and burn healer, natural laxative, soothes stomach and helps skin disorders. It is also a popular natural remedy that has proven effective in treating bleeding hemorrhoids.
Aloe Vera
Basil
Cinnamon
Cinnamon – It has been proven that 99.9% of viruses and bacteria can not live in the presence of cinnamon. So it makes a great antibacterial and antiviral weapon.
Dandelion
Dandelion – Helpful for PMS, good for menopause, increases ovarian hormones, for loss of appetite, upset stomach, intestinal gas, gallstones, joint pain, muscle aches, eczema, and bruises. Dandelion is also used to increase urine production and as a laxative to increase bowel movements. It is also used as skin toner, blood tonic, and digestive tonic. Some people use dandelion to treat infection, especially viral infections, and cancer. In foods, dandelion is used as salad greens, and in soups, wine, and teas. The roasted root is used as a coffee substitute. Source: http://www.mehdiakhavansales.com/dandelion/
Coneflower
Echinacea (coneflower) – Boosts white blood cell production, immune system support, anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties, good for colds, flu and infection. Note: Use no more than two weeks at a time. Do not use if you are allergic to sunflowers or related species.
Eucalyptus – Anti-infectious, antibacterial and antiviral.
Garlic – Helps fight infection, detoxifies the body, enhances immunity, lowers blood fats, assists yeast infections, helps asthma, cancer, sinusitis, circulatory problems and heart conditions.
Geranium – Dilates bile ducts for liver detoxification, antispasmodic, stops bleeding, anti-infectious, antibacterial.
Ginger – Helps nausea, motion sickness and vomiting, useful for circulatory problems, good for indigestion, and is also an effective antioxidant.
Lemon – Is known for its antiseptic properties, Essential Science Publishing says that: According to Jean Valnet, M.D. the vaporized essence of lemon can kill meningococcal bacteria in 15 minutes, typhoid bacilli in one hour, Staphylococcus aureus in two hours and Pneumococcus bacteria within three hours. Lemon also improves micro-circulation, promotes white blood cell formation, and improves immune function.
Oregano
dried Oregano
Oregano – is a powerful antibiotic and has been proven to be more effective in neutralizing germs than some chemical antibiotics. It has been effective against germs like Staphylococcus aureas, Escherichia coli, Yersinia enterocolitica and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
Pine – Antidiabetic, cortisone-like, severe infections, hypertensive, remedy for bladder, kidney and rheumatic affections and diseases of mucous membrane and respiratory complaints, externally in the form of liniment plasters and inhalants.
Rosemary – Antiseptic, Antibacterial, Cleansing and detoxes the body. Supports the liver and combats cirrhosis.
Sage – Used in anxiety, nervous disorders, as astringent, in abdominal disorders, anti inflammatory. For more on sage, read this : http://weloveincense.com/tag/uses-of-sage/
Spearmint – To calm the Nervous System, aide with Nerve Agents.
Tea Tree – Disinfectant, antibacterial, anti-fungal, burns, good for all skin conditions.
Thyme – Effective against Anthrax and Tuberculosis.
Note: Not all the herbs I mentioned above are found at the store. I just wanted to include them as I feel it is good to share information.
Caution: It is always better to consult your doctor before using any of these herbs to treat any illnesses.
All pictures above are courtesy of the Net.
All pictures above are courtesy of the Net.
