Live Everyday like a Holiday!: herb

Showing posts with label herb. Show all posts

Stinging nettle plant. Long history of use for traditional medicine.

Hi friends! Stinging Nettle is one of those plants that ...

I pull out of my herb garden every year and every year it shows back up with its family. LOL~ I'm always brushing up against it when I'm working in my little garden and boy does it bite! That stinging sensation lasts a long time. I would rather this plant not be in my main herb garden, so I pull it out. I don't mind it in the edge of the yard but not in my kitchen garden where my hands are always among the herbs taking clippings for my cooking. Nope! I keep removing them, so I don't get stung by its needles and I keep telling them that they are not allowed to live in this flower bed. lol! But they don't listen to me, and they show back up every single year. This plant is determined to live with me. Ha!

.............................................................★☆★............................................................

Stinging nettle is a plant.

People use the root and above ground parts as medicine. Nettle is richer in protein than soy, with a good balance between the 8 essential amino acids. Its leaf is particularly rich in calcium, iron, boron, beta-carotene or pro-vitamin A, α-tocopherol (vitamin E), and vitamin C.

The plant has a long history of use as a source for traditional medicine, food, tea, and textile raw material in ancient (such as the Saxons) and modern societies.

The leaves and stems are very hairy with non-stinging hairs, and in most subspecies, also bear many stinging hairs (trichomes or spicules), whose tips come off when touched, transforming the hair into a needle that can inject several chemicals causing a painful sting or paresthesia, giving the species its common names: stinging nettle, burn-nettle, burn-weed, or burn-hazel.

Culinary Use

U. dioica has a flavor similar to spinach when cooked. Young plants were harvested by Native Americans and used as a cooked plant in spring when other food plants were scarce. Soaking stinging nettles in water or cooking removes the stinging chemicals from the plant, which allows them to be handled and eaten without injury. Nettle soup is a common use of the plant, particularly in Northern and Eastern Europe.

Benefits of Stinging Nettle

Hay fever. Starting stinging nettle at the first sign of hay fever symptoms seems to help.
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH): relieve the symptoms of prostate enlargement by boosting estrogen levels
to treat painful symptoms of arthritis, gout, rheumatism, and soft tissue conditions such as fibromyalgia and tendonitis.
as a diuretic and laxative. Various extracts of stinging nettle have shown to be effective in treating diarrhea and urinary disorders, as well as prostate diseases. Studies show benefits in benign prostatic hyperplasia when treated with stinging nettle.
Hair health: Used directly on the hair, stinging nettle is thought to add shine, and prevent oily hair and dandruff. It is also believed to be effective in treating or preventing baldness, as well as getting rid of head lice. Most male pattern baldness is caused by testosterone being converted into DHT. The Stinging Nettle has been found to have properties that stop testosterone from being converted into DHT; this is the hormone which is responsible for hair loss in many men and some women. This plant grows wild and in abundance in America. The Native Americans used it a lot which is why you don’t see too many Native Americans with hair loss problems or having to get hair transplants.
allergy: Stinging nettle leaves have been used both as an herbal treatment and a homeopathic remedy for the relief of nettle allergies such as asthma, hay fever, hives and other allergic dermatitis.This use as an herbal remedy for hayfever is successful due to the nettles ability to reduce the body’s production of histamines in relation to the allergen. Stinging nettle and butterbur are both natural alternatives to antihistamine medications.
Used as a medicinal herb to treat respiratory issues such as asthma, bronchitis, sinusitis and allergies. Stinging nettle is thought to be an effective histamine blocker as well as an inflammation reducer, and it has been used to treat allergic rhinitis without the side effects of popular allergy medications.
Taken internally, stinging nettle may be effective against ulcers, intestinal inflammation, and hemorrhoids.
effective at reducing symptoms of the digestive tract ranging from acid reflux, excess gas, nausea, colitis and Celiac disease. Additionally, it's medicinal action on mucous membranes makes it an effective herbal treatment for sore throats, swollen hemorrhoids, nose bleeds and mouth sores.
contains 3,4-divanillyltetrahydrofuran, which is used by bodybuilders to increase free testosterone.
shows promise as a possible treatment for Alzheimer’s disease and ADHD.
Cancer :
- In studies, stinging nettle has shown positive results against some types of cancer, including prostate cancer : Stinging nettles may be helpful for precancerous conditions. In one study researchers found that nettles was superior than the drug treatment finasteride for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), which is a condition in which the prostate becomes enlarged and is often a precursor to prostate cancer.
- JPC11 in stinging nettles seems to have an innate intelligence to differentiate between healthy and cancerous tissue, leaving healthy tissue unharmed. While the research on JPC11 as a potential treatment for cancer, and prostate and ovarian cancer in particular, is still in the preliminary stage, it could offer a more effective and focused cancer treatment. Researchers concluded that their findings “offer a new approach to cancer therapy.”
Because of its high vitamin K content, fresh stinging nettle can be used as a poultice to stop bleeding wounds and has also been used to stop excessive menstrual bleeding, nosebleeds, and other abnormal bleeding.
While fresh stinging nettle helps stop bleeding, dried stinging nettle has little vitamin K and is used as a blood thinner, making it useful herb against high blood pressure.
Some say Pregnant women benefit from stinging nettle as it protects against bleeding and strengthens the fetus and some say Not to eat it because it could raise the risk of miscarriage (But see Precautions!) Known as a galactagogue, it promotes milk production in nursing mothers. Stinging nettles reduces PMS symptoms, processes estrogen to relieve menopausal symptoms and curbs excess menstrual flow. It's often used in herbal tonics to remove fibroids and regulate the menstrual flow.
high in iron making it excellent for combating anemia and fatigue.
It supports the liver and the female hormonal system.

.............................................................★☆★............................................................

My Closing Thoughts~

I pulled together the benefits of stinging nettle for you, but I suggest that you research the precautions of stinging nettle too. One of the precautions say "Pregnant women should avoid consuming stinging nettle because it may trigger uterine contractions, which can raise the risk of a miscarriage."

"Live everyday like a holiday" Pam

.............................................................★☆★............................................................

Medical Disclaimer: This information is not meant to be substituted for medical advice. Always consult a medical professional regarding any medical problems and before undertaking any treatment or dietary changes.

This article is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License. It uses some material from wikipedia / wikiwel / gone-ta-pott

.............................................................★☆★............................................................

► 🛒 ❤ Stinging Nettle / https://amzn.to/3Ib4KNQ

.............................................................★☆★............................................................

Fennel is one of the few plants that has it all

Fennel is one of the few plants that has it all — it’s a vegetable, herb and spice. That tang of licorice when you bite into a fennel seed comes from the volatile oil anethole, the same compound that gives anise its licorice-like flavor.

Fennel is a perennial, pleasant-smelling herb with yellow flowers. It is native to the Mediterranean but is now found throughout the world. Dried fennel seeds are often used in cooking as an anise-flavored spice. But don’t confuse fennel with anise; though they look and taste similar, they are not the same. Fennel’s dried ripe seeds and oil are used to make medicine. Fennel is known by many names, and I will list them at the bottom of the post.

Benefits of Fennel

Digestive problems including indigestion, heartburn, intestinal gas, stomach upset, bloating, loss of appetite, and colic in infants. Fennel contains plenty of fiber to help you go when things back up and you can’t move your bowels. Plus the veggie contains amino acids that can help balance your system to help you stop the go when you can’t stay out of the bathroom. And the oils in fennel help us digest food faster and more efficiently. Which means fennel is the perfect choice to slash gas, bloating and indigestion.
for upper respiratory tract infections, coughs, bronchitis, Airway swelling.
Some women use fennel for increasing the flow of breast milk, promoting menstruation, easing the birthing process, and increasing sex drive.
Calms Menstrual Cramps: Fennel seeds are teeming with anethole and dozens of other phytochemicals, including phytoestrogens, estrogen-like compounds found in plants. These can help offset menstrual cramps that affect more than 50 percent of menstruating women.
Lowers Blood Pressure: Fennel is brimming with potassium and nitrates. Both nutrients work together to help keep your blood pressure in check. Potassium has many important jobs in your body such as supporting your muscles and helping keep your heartbeat regular. But one of the essential mineral’s most important tasks is to help keep your blood vessels dilated so blood can flow freely. Plus your body converts nitrates into nitric oxide, which is a natural vasodilator as well.
Breast Cancer: anethole, the organic substance known for its antimicrobial and antifungal properties, has proven in a study to stop breast cancer cells from growing. Not only that. It also prevents these cells from surviving. In fact, the anethole can cause the breast cancer cells to kill themselves altogether in some cases. This means that at the very least it can slow the growth and spread of breast cancer.
Colon Cancer: fennel is an excellent source of fiber. Experts say fiber may be able to lower our risk for some forms of cancer. Folks who live in countries that eat a high-fiber diet have a significantly lower risk of colon cancer.
Cancer prevention: fennel contains a healthy amount of folate, which plays an important role in DNA synthesis and repair. That means fennel could help prevent cancer cells from forming in the first place and Fennel is also a good source of selenium. Selenium is a natural antioxidant, which experts say fights cancer-linked oxidation and supports a healthy immune system. Selenium plays a key role in the body’s natural detoxifications system. It works with your liver to help purge compounds linked to higher rates of cancer. And the mineral slows tumor growth and reduces chronic inflammation.
Mild spasms of the stomach and intestines.
Intestinal gas (flatulence).
Detox: Fennel is a mildly diuretic, which may help with the removal of toxic substances from the body.
Bone Health: Fennel is a good source of bone-supporting calcium. In fact, a single bulb delivers about 10 percent of your daily calcium needs. Fennel also contains phosphate and manganese to create bone structure, and vitamin K to help prevent fractures.
Brain Health: Potassium is a natural electrolyte. That means it supports healthy electrical activity throughout your entire body. This includes in your brain, the hub of your electrical system. Plus potassium’s blood-vessel dilating action can boost your brain function too. The mineral increases blood flow to your oxygen hungry brain. And a well-oxygenated brain simply performs better. Better blood flow will also reduce your risk of a blood clot heading to your brain and causing a devastating stroke.
for cholera, backache, bedwetting, and visual problems.

Other Names:

Anethum Foeniculum, Anethum piperitum, Bari-Sanuf, Bitter Fennel, Carosella, Common Fennel, Fennel Essential Oil, Fennel Oil, Fennel Seed, Fenouil, Fenouil Amer, Fenouil Bulbeux, Fenouil Commun, Fenouil de Florence, Fenouil des Vignes, Fenouil Doux, Fenouil Sauvage, Finnochio, Florence Fennel, Foeniculi Antheroleum, Foeniculum Capillaceum, Foeniculum Officinale, Foeniculum piperitum, Foeniculum Vulgare, Garden Fennel, Graine de Fenouil, Hinojo, Huile Essentielle de Fenouil, Huile de Fenouil, Large Fennel, Phytoestrogen, Phyto-œstrogène, Sanuf, Shatapuspha, Sweet Fennel, Wild Fennel, Xiao Hui Xiang

.............................................................★☆★............................................................

My Closing Thoughts~

You all know how much I love herbs and work with herbs daily so its only natural that I pass on the information about the benefits of Fennel. Now having said that with every benefit come precautions so please search the internet for precautions. One that is talked about is...

Fennel might be UNSAFE when used long-term. It contains estragole, a chemical that might increase the risk of getting liver cancer. Test were done with mice that suggested this.

I feel greens is medicine to the body and its only common sense that you take precautions to not overdose on prescribed medicine so I take precautions not to over dose on herbs too.

"Live everyday like a holiday" Pam

.............................................................★☆★............................................................

wikiwel / wikipedia / gone-ta-pott /

The Benefits and uses of Dandelion

I Worked with Dandelion today

I spent the whole day today doing yard work. I had grass to cut I had weed eating to do and weeds to pull. I didn't think I would ever get it all finished but I did. Ha! Before I started my work though I went around the yard and collected up all the dandelion blooms I could find. I couldn't stand the thought of my lawn mower munching them up when I knew how beneficial they are to our health.

So today I wanted you to see the long list of benefits and uses of Dandelion. It really is important to keep these things in the back of your mind. You never know when it would be useful. Dandelion grows wild in the yard just like a weed. And what most people don't realize is Dandelions are thought to have evolved about 30 million years ago. The benefits of dandelion have been known for a long long time.

List of Benefits and uses of Dandelion

Dandelion root and leaf is a classic bitter liver tonic herb. Along with Oregon grape root bark, gentian root, and wormwood leaves, dandelion stimulates digestion, stimulates the liver to produce more bile. This action cleanses the liver and gall bladder.

The same pesky weed known for ruining lawns has a long history of being used as a healing herb in cultures around the globe. One cup of raw dandelion greens provides 535 percent of the RDA of vitamin K and 112 percent of the RDA for vitamin A. Dandelion greens are also a good source of vitamin C, calcium, iron, fiber, and potassium. Among all foods, it’s one of the richest sources of vitamin A; among all green vegetables, it’s one of the best sources of beta-carotene.
to treat hepatitis, kidney, and liver disorders such as kidney stones, jaundice, and cirrhosis. It’s routinely prescribed as a natural treatment for hepatitis C, anemia, and liver detoxification (poor liver function has been linked to numerous conditions, from indigestion and hepatitis to irritability and depression). As a natural diuretic, dandelion supports the entire digestive system and increases urine output, helping flush toxins and excess salt from the kidneys. The naturally occurring potassium in dandelions helps prevent the loss of potassium that can occur with pharmaceutical diuretics.
as a bitter tonic in atonic dyspepsia, and as a mild laxative in habitual constipation. When the stomach is irritated and where active treatment would be injurious, the decoction or extract of Dandelion administered three or four times a day, will often prove a valuable remedy. It has a good effect in increasing the appetite and promoting digestion.
combined with other active remedies has been used in cases of dropsy and for induration of the liver, and also on the Continent for phthisis and some cutaneous diseases. A decoction of 2 OZ. of the herb or root in 1 quart of water, boiled down to a pint, is taken in doses of one wineglassful every three hours for scurvy, scrofula, eczema and all eruptions on the surface of the body.
For gallbladder Inflammation (Cholecystitis): Mix 125 ml of dandelion juice and 125 ml of watercress juice. Take twice daily along with a vegetarian diet.
Diabetes: Dandelion juice can help diabetic patients by stimulating the production of insulin from the pancreas, keeping the blood sugar level low.
They are excellent liver and kidney tonics that help reduce the body’s toxic burden.
promotes digestive health by stimulating bile production, resulting in a gentle laxative effect. Inulin, a naturally occurring soluble fiber in dandelion, further aids digestion by feeding the healthy probiotic bacteria in the intestines; it also increases calcium absorption and has a beneficial effect on blood sugar levels, therefore being useful in treating diabetes. Both the dandelion leaves and root are used to treat heartburn and indigestion. The pectin in dandelion relieves constipation and, in combination with vitamin C, reduces cholesterol. Dandelion is excellent for reducing edema, bloating, and water retention; it can also help reduce high blood pressure. On top of all that, dandelion contains multiple antidiarrheal and antibacterial properties.
In Chinese medicine, dandelion is used in combination with other herbs to treat hepatitis and upper respiratory tract infections such as bronchitis and pneumonia. The sap from the stem and root is a topical remedy for warts. Imagine — all this from a lowly weed!
Leukemia: dandelion root extract is unique, and is one of the only things found to help with chronic myelomonocytic leukemia.
Cancer: Dandelion root extract target only the cancer cells, which is not true with chemotherapy pharmaceuticals that kill everything in their paths. In a 2008 study on breast and prostate cancer cells, researchers found that dandelion leaf extract slowed the growth of breast cancer cells and stopped the spread of prostate cancer cells. It can be a non-toxic therapy for leukemia, breast cancer, prostate cancer and even drug-resistant forms of cancer.
Breast Cancer: Dandelion leaf tea was shown to decrease breast cancer cells. Researchers tested dandelion leaf tea on prostate cancer cells and found similar results.
Prostate Cancer: The findings on prostate cancer were corroborated by a report published in 2011 by the International Journal of Oncology, which shows that a dietary supplement containing dandelion as one ingredient suppresses the growth of prostate cancer cells.
Pancreatic Cancer: Dandelion root extract was found to kill aggressive, treatment-resistant human pancreatic cancer cells without harming non-cancerous cells.
Melanoma: Dandelion root extract was clinically proven in 2011 to specifically induce apoptosis in chemo-resistant melanoma (a type of skin cancer)—without toxicity to healthy cells.
helps increase the amount of urine the body produces, which is believed to help dilute the components that contribute to the formation of Kidney Stones (Renal Calculi)
Source of Beta-Cryptoxanthin
Detox: Not only will it help cleanse the bowel and causes diuresis but it also has a detoxifying effect on the functions of the liver and the gall bladder. There have been several studies conducted on this particular plant and it showed that it help remove the toxins.
Source of Inulin prebiotic.
Special Precautions of Dandelion / See - Wikiwel