Plant of the Day: January 15

Alchemilla vulgaris, or Lady’s Mantle, can help treat/relieve menopausal symptoms, menstrual problems, muscle spasms, swelling and inflammation, digestive problems, water retention, mild diarrhea, and diabetes. Its benefits mostly target women.

Lady’s Mantle contains astringents and tannins known to reduce and regulate heavy menstrual flow when taken in large amounts. It also contains emmenagogue properties that stimulate blood flow to the pelvis and uterus, stimulating menstrual flow. It can be used by women who are not pregnant, but have missed their periods. If pregnant, you shouldn’t use lady’s mantle because it can trigger vaginal bleeding, which may lead to a premature delivery or a miscarriage.

Lady’s Mantle is available to buy as tea, liquid extract, and oil. It’s considered safe, but shouldn’t be used by children, pregnant women, or breastfeeding mothers. People with cancer or heart disease should check with their doctors before they use lady’s mantle.

Researchers warn about Lady’s Mantle use by people with blood problems such as thrombosis, high blood pressure, or anemia because it could cause the condition to worsen. People scheduled for surgery should avoid Lady’s Mantle at least 2 weeks before surgery.


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Plant of the Day: January 14

Ocimum basilicum, or basil, contains vitamin K, manganese, copper, vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, folate, iron, omega-3 fats, and magnesium. Orientin and Vicenin, also found in basil, protect cells and chromosomes from radiation or oxygen based damage.

The natural oils in basil also have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Beta-carotene, found in the leaves, is a very powerful anti-oxidant, and can help prevent or slow heart attacks, asthma, osteoarthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis. Basil essential oil can kill off bacteria resistant to man-made antibiotics.

In fevers, boiling leaves with some cardamom in about two quarts of water, then mixed with sugar and milk, brings down temperature. An extract of basil leaves in fresh water should be given every 2 to 3 hours; between doses you can give sips of cold water. Chewing basil can relieve colds and flu symptoms. Water boiled with basil leaves can be taken as a tonic or used as a gargle when you have a sore throat. Pediatric complaints like colds, coughs, fever, diarrhea, and vomiting have been know to respond to treatment with the juice of basil leaves. Also if the rash associated with chickenpox is delayed, basil leaves with saffron will bring them to the surface more quickly.

Basil leaves can be used as an anti-stress agent. Chewing 12 basil leaves twice a day can prevent stress. It will purify the blood and help prevent many other common ailments. On insect bites, basil can be used preventatively and as a curative. A teaspoonful of the basil leaf juice taken every few hours is preventative. Rubbing the bites with juice can relieve the itching and swelling. Also a paste of the root is effective for treating the bites of insects and leeches. 

For tooth problems, dry basil leaves in the sun and grind them into powder for a tooth cleansing powder. You can also mix with mustard oil to make herbal toothpaste. Both of these methods will counter bad breath and can be used to massage the gums, and help treat pyorrhea, and other dental health problems.

Basil is also a good headache remedy. Boil leaves in half a quart of water, cooking until half the liquid remains. Take a couple of teaspoons an hour with water to relieve your pain and swelling. You can also make a paste of basil leaves pounded with sandalwood to apply to your forehead to relieve headache and provide coolness in general.

Off the Grid News and World's Healthiest Foods

Plant of the Day: January 13

Lavandula angustifolia, or Lavender, is a 60cm or 2ft tall shrub with blue-violet flowers. It is popular as a scent- it’s used in shampoos, soaps, and clothing wash.

The essential oil is good for a variety of uses, including: insomnia, alopecia (hair loss), anxiety, stress, and postoperative pain. It’s also used for meditation, chiropractic, and acupuncture purposes.

Lavender slows the activity of the nervous system, improves sleep quality, promotes relaxation, and lifts mood in people suffering from sleep disorders. A massage with lavender essential oil may result in improved sleep quality, more stable mood, better concentration, and reduced anxiety.

In aromatherapy, lavender is used to treat headaches, nervous disorders, and exhaustion. Herbalists use lavender to treat skin ailments, fungal infections, wounds, eczema, and acne.

Lavender is for sale as: aromatherapy oil, bath gels, extracts, infusions, lotions, soaps, teas, tinctures, and whole dried flowers.

Found at UMM

Plant of the Day: January 12

Plant of the Day: Alcea rosea

Alcea rosea, or Hollyhock, grows to 7ft (2.5m) tall. It can be used as an anti-inflammatory, astringent, demulcent, diuretic, emollient, and febrifuge.

The flowers are demulcent, diuretic and emollient, meaning they are useful in the treatment of chest complaints. A decoction is used to improve blood circulation and can help treat constipation, dysmenorrhoea, and haemorrhage.

The shoots are used to ease a difficult labor. The root is astringent and demulcent when it is crushed and applied as a poultice to ulcers.

Internally, Hollyhock is used in the treatment of dysentery. The roots and the flowers are used in Tibetan medicine, and they are said to have a sweet, acrid taste. Hollyhock is used in the treatment of inflammations of the kidneys or womb, and the roots on their own are used to treat loss of appetite. The seed is demulcent, diuretic and febrifuge.

PFAF

Plant of the Day- January 11

Plant of the Day: Achillea millefolium

Achillea millefolium, or Yarrow, has blood clotting and anti-inflammatory purposes. It can be applied to cuts to ease bleeding, taken by mouth (tea) to reduce inflammation in the digestive tract, or taken as a sedative to relieve anxiety or insomnia.

Yarrow can be used to ease menstrual cramps and pains. It also prevents formation of gallstones, and can be used as a decongestant for those with allergies or the common cold. Eczema is commonly treated with yarrow extract. It can be used in conjunction with hawthorn, linden flowers, and European mistletoe to help with high blood pressure.

Yarrow can be used to treat diarrhea, dysentery, and internal bleeding as well. As a stimulant for the circulatory system, it can be used to help with varicose veins, hemorrhoids, phlebitis, and thrombosis.

Some people get a rash while handling yarrow, and an overdose (like most things) can poison you. Extended use or excessive use can cause photosensitivity or allergic reactions.

Like all herbs, it may cause unwanted side effects if you take it with other herbs or with medicines. If you are allergic to another member of the aster family, you may be allergic to yarrow. Due to the muscle-relaxing properties, it shouldn’t be taken during pregnancy (higher risk of miscarriage).

Thanks to UMM, Piam, and Thordur. If you'd like to know more, click a link!

Plant of the Day: January 10th

Plant of the Day: Allium schoenophrasum

Allium scoenophrasum, more commonly known as chives, contain vitamins A, C, E, and K, along with Calcium, Magnesium,  and several others. They can help prevent oral and lung cancers, as well as containing antioxidants.

Chives also contain folates, so if they're eaten during pregnancy, they'll help prevent neural defects in the baby.

The members of the Allium family (some shown below) have anti- tumor effects and reduce the risk of prostate cancer.

Thanks to Nutrition and You and Piam for this info- and if you would like to know more, follow the links!

Plant of the Day: January 9

Plant of the Day: Mentha piperita

Mentha piperita, or peppermint, can be used in the treatment of headaches, skin irritation, nausea, diarrhea, menstrual cramps. peppermint kills some types of bacteria, fungi, and viruses, meaning it has some antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties. It also has antispasmodic effects.

Peppermint oil can be used on poison ivy and oak rashes, as well as hives, to soothe the itch. applying it to the forehead and temples can help to ease a headache. As a decongestant, peppermint can soothe coughs or a sore throat if oil is applied to the throat, or if you made a peppermint tea (I personally like adding honey as well).

Peppermint shouldn’t be given to young children or infants; it can cause life-threatening breathing problems. Giving a young child or infant peppermint tea can cause their throat to burn, and even with older children it has to be more diluted more than if a full-grown individual were to drink it.

Home tip: Strep can be treated by spreading peppermint oil on your neck and having a few nice cups of peppermint tea- and a stuffy nose can be fixed by placing some oil on your finger and smelling it!

This was found at UMM's site.