Health and Herbs

Photo: Deadly Nightshade flowers and berries. Thank you Shuttersparks! flickr.com/photos/shuttersparks

 

For a long time I’ve been interested in herbs and incorporate them into my daily life. They are nature’s medicine and therefore the best!

Caution though, there still stands the myth that you cannot be harmed because herbs are natural – whereas, in reality, if you overdose on many things (including herbs) it’s detrimental to your health or even fatal; and there are poisonous herbs such as the infamous Atropa belladonna, the Deadly Nightshade which shouldn’t be ingested. Herbs such as Arnica montana, Arnica, safely taken externally, rubbed into the skin for painful conditions such as arthritis, are otherwise toxic to the heart if taken internally. Respect is paramount when dealing with herbs. If you are taking prescription drugs they may also interact badly with the herbs you’re taking (or thinking of taking) – always mention which herbs you’re taking to your doctor who can properly advise.

Did you know that the humble aspirin originates from the Silver Birch? By using its methyl salicyclate, which is the oil extracted from the bark.

Aside from their medicinal properties herbs are beautiful, don’t you think? When the chives on my patio first display their ball-like purple blooms I know spring is round the corner. 😉

Important! – I am a layperson with an interest in herbs, always consult your doctor regarding using herbs.

Below I will slowly add beneficial herbs according to health complaints. I hope you will find my research helpful. 🙂

 

References:

Medicinal properties of the Silver Birch

Aspirin

The Herbal Drugstore (my herb bible) Amazon / UK ; …Amazon / USA

Dandelion seeds graphic – thanks Pixabay!

 

For Xeno 🙂 – HEART HEALTH

Vitamins –

L-Carnitine (reduces cholesterol, prevents plaque formation); Coenzyme Q10 (antioxidant aids cells make energy, improves cholesterol levels); Inositol hexaniacinate; (harmless to the liver and doesn’t cause flushing as is the case with Niacin; this vitamin B lowers cholesterol); Vitamin E, tocotrienol (lowers cholesterol, inhibits cholesterol production); Vitamin B6 (deficiency may cause major heart disease); Magnesium (lowers plaque formation and cholesterol, whilst raising good HDL cholesterol – deficiency of this also linked to heart disease); Bromelain (found in pineapple!, from the proteolytic enzymes. An anti-inflammatory, lowers and breaks down plaque formation. Brilliant for easing Angina! A wonder drug for heart problems).

Aspirin – decreases risk of heart attacks by its action of preventing the platelets from sticking together. Side effects: heartburn, stomach upsets, vomiting.

Herbs –

Garlic, Allium sativa, the wonder drug as it helps many ailments! It prevents platelet sticking; lowers cholesterol and triglycerides (a blood fat) and blood pressure; increases good cholesterol, HDL; aids the breakdown of certain blood clots. The following health benefits also apply to onions! Eat at least one garlic clove or small onion a day if you aren’t taking them in capsule form. Possible side effects: stomach upsets (adding parsley can counteract this).

Ginkgo, Ginkgo biloba. An antioxidant, increases blood flow to the extremities thereby enhancing heart efficency, and acts as a tonic to blood vessels; prevents platelet sticking; may be particularly helpful with atherosclerosis, for reducing the plaques in the arteries. Possible side effects: headaches, stomach upsets, dizziness.

Ginger, Zingiber officinale, another wonder drug as it lowers cholesterol, and prevents platelet accumulation, which aids in expelling bile to remove excess cholesterol. Other benefits include – pain relieving, anti-inflammatory, analgesic (coughing up mucus), easing nausea, and warms the body. I take 1000mg a day for my severe chronic pain, for the inflammation. Possible side effects: stomach upset.

Alfalfa, Medicago sativa. Decreases cholesterol and plaques.

Bilberry, Vaccinium myrtillus. Known for its excellent aid of eye diseases – and also has ‘significant potential benefits for cardiovascular disease’ [Ref: The Herbal Drugstore]. Because its abundant in anthocyanosides, it prevents the narrowing of the interior blood vessels – by preventing the damage that precedes that. It prevents atherosclerosis, ‘protects the heart during exertion, decreases inflammation and strengthens artery walls’ [ref: The Herbal Drugstore]. Certainly a wonder drug for those with heart problems!

Blueberries. As they have similar chemical compounds to bilberries may have similar health benefits.

Yarrow, Alchillea millefolium. Increases blood supply by dilating the coronary arteries. Improves the heart’s metabolic processes (the oxygenation and energy production); relieves pain by decreasing lactic acid; is an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and reduces cholesterol.

Motherwort, Leonurus cardiaca. A traditional heart tonic. Anti platetlet sticking, lowers cholestrol, and strengthens the heart.

Siberian Ginseng, Eleutherococcus senticosus. Acts on the adrenal glands, managing stress and preventing disease. Good anti-stressor! Lowers cholesterol and blood pressure.

Foods for heart health –

Walnuts (lowers bad cholesterol, anti-inflammatory)

Caution – Don’t just stop your ‘heart’ medications from the doctor. Having angina or a heart disease is very serious and stopping your prescribed medicine may result in death.

 

The Health Benefits of the humble Dandelion! 😉

Did you know that dandelions can treat the following?

Acne, bladder infections, eczema, endometriosis, gallstones, hangovers, haemorrhoids, high blood pressure, liver disease, warts and is a general all-round health tonic – Daisy Elizabeth agrees! It is an antioxidant, high in vitamin A (the dandelion leaves).

It can be taken in salads (the raw leaves), as a herbal diuretic, in coffee (the root roasted), used in cooking, as tinctures, in teas, as capsules, tablets and extracts.

🌻 Dandelion Recipes 🌻

Caution – Avoid picking from areas that may have been subjected to pesticides and are near to roads due to vehicle pollution (this advice applies to all wild herbs). If you have gall stones see a qualified herbalist. Avoid if you have obstructed bile ducts. Contact dermatitis may result from the milky substance in the dandelion leaves.

Herbs for pain – please click here! 🐢 🌿 🌻

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Photo: Turmeric latte by Nama in London

Turmeric latte or Golden Milk. Appears to be trending now!

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You’re welcome to share this page by linking to it. All words are my own and may not be re-produced in its entirety (it took a long time to research and write!); however, for strictly private use, you may wish to print it. 🙂

Always see your GP regarding your own health matters – and remember to mention any herbs you’re taking. I am a layperson, passionate about the health benefits of herbs.

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