|
Stinging Nettle (Urtica
dioica)* |
Stinging Nettle is considered an iron
rich herb, but it contains almost twice as much calcium as iron. It
is a valuable source of many trace elements and it has been used as
a nutritive food, non-irritating and potassium-sparing diuretic,
anti-inflammatory and styptic. Nettle leaf is specific for skin that
feels like paper and tears easily. |
|
Horsetail (Equisetum arvense)* |
Horsetail has a long history of use as
a diuretic, antifungal and nutritive tonic. It is rich in silica
which improves calcium absorption, as well as chromium, iron,
calcium and magnesium. It is a non-irritating diuretic used for
hematuria, prostatitis and cystitis. In Europe Horsetail is used for
preventing and treating atherosclerosis. |
|
Alfalfa (Medicago sativa)*
|
Alfalfa is rich in many minerals,
vitamins, enzymes and isoflavones. Due to its nutritive value it has
been used as a food for man as well as many domestic animals.
Regular consumption of Alfalfa is associated with lower LDL and VLDL
cholesterol levels and a reduction of menopausal symptoms in women.
Alfalfa has a long history of use for treating osteoarthritis and
digestive insufficiency. |
|
Oat straw (Avena sativa)*
|
Oat Straw is a mineral rich herb with
substantial amounts of silica, calcium, magnesium and chromium. It
is commonly used in teas and formulas as a mild nervine and for
strengthening bones, teeth, hair and nails. |
|
Dandelion leaf (Taraxacum
officinale)* |
Dandelion leaf is another mineral rich
herb with a long history of food use. It is a non-irritating,
potassium-sparing diuretic, a mild digestive bitter, a liver tonic
and hypoglycemic agent. |
|
Black Pepper (Piper nigrum)*
|
Black Pepper is used in Ayurvedic
medicine to increase absorption of other herbs in a formula. Its
acrid and spicy qualities improve digestion and reduce gas, nausea
and dyspepsia. |
|
Bibliography: |
Bartram, T. Encyclopedia of Herbal
Medicine, Grace Pub., 1995
Kuhn, M. & Winston, D. Herbal Therapy
and Supplements, as Scientific and Traditonal Approach, Lippincott,
2001
Pederson, M. Nutritional Herbology,
Pederson Pub., 1988 |
|
*Herbal
Therapeutics Research Library
Author: David Winston (RH) AHG
©2007
Herbal Therapeutics Research Library. All rights reserved |
Disclaimer: The information on
historical, ethnobotanical and phytotherapeutic uses of herbs and
traditional formulas contained herein is based on the experience and
research of the author. It is not intended as a substitute for
consulting with your physician or other health care provider. Any
attempt to diagnose and treat an illness should be done under the
direction of a health care professional. The publisher and author
are not responsible for any adverse effects or consequences
resulting from the use of any of the information discussed. Should
you have any questions concerning the appropriateness of any
preparation mentioned, the author strongly suggests consulting a
professional health care advisor. |