Solidago canadensis, Solidago virgaurea, Solidago odora, Solidago lepida,
Solidago serotina . . . These are just a few of the species (out of more than 130) of Goldenrod, a plant in the Daisy family. Commonly, the leaves and flowers are used, though the roots are also beneficial. This herb is bitter and pungent, drying, and, depending on the species, may be warming or cooling. I will note here that, although it's bitter and pungent, it does have a pleasant taste that is slightly sweet. Wow! Something that tastes good AND is good for the body! Goldenrod is often used to help with allergies, colds, respiratory infections, coughs, sore throats, and congestion. It's antiseptic, astringent, and expectorant properties come into play with all of these conditions. If allergies leave your eyes irritated, washing them with a cooled Goldenrod tea may just relieve them. Goldenrod supports mucous membranes. As such, it's a fine choice when one has a UTI, incontinence, bladder infection, or frequent urgency. It's good for the kidneys and has been used historically for kidney stones and nephritis. It has diuretic and diaphoretic properties which promote detoxification. It can loosen up stuck fluid in the body -- from congestion in the lungs to improving circulation. Goldenrod does just as much for the skin as it does for the inside of the body. Saponins in the herb are effective against Candida, so the tea can be used as a mouthwash (for thrush) or in a sitz bath to reduce fungal infections. Powdered Goldenrod can be applied topically to minor wounds to stop the bleeding. A Goldenrod oil infusion added to a salve -- perhaps mixed with Plantain, Comfrey, Aloe, and/or Yarrow -- may be used on burns, skin irritations, boils, carbuncles, bites, and stings. Compresses, liniments, and oil infusions applied to arthritic joints or acute injuries may relieve pain and swelling. Scientists believe that Goldenrod may have up to seven times more antioxidants than Green Tea! The current theory is that, between the high level of antioxidants and the ability to prevent new blood vessel growth, Goldenrod may be able to play a role in preventing some types of cancer. Goldenrod has GRAS (generally regarded as safe) status.
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When we were little, we'd collect dandelion "bouquets" to give to our mothers and teachers, then we'd make a wish and blow the fluff off of those that had gone to seed. As we got older, we were sent out into the yard to dig up the dandelions -- sadly, not for food, but because they were weeds. As I look back, I think what a shame it is that we think of this valuable plant as a pest! Our ancestors knew the nutritive and medicinal value of the Dandelion plant (many around the world still know it today). Let's share that knowledge.
Almost every part of the Dandelion is edible -- the roots, the leaves, and the flowers! The roots are high in inulin (a prebiotic) which can help with digestion. They also support the liver and liver function, which, in turn, may help balance hormones for women. Scientists believe that taraxasterol in the roots is responsible for its anti-inflammatory properties. There are ongoing studies to determine if Dandelion root may help cancer patients. In vitro studies show promise, but human studies still need to be conducted. Dandelion leaves, when picked in spring (from young plants) make a great addition to salad. They contain vitamins A, B, C, D, and K1 (phylloquinone), beta-carotene, magnesium, potassium, beta-sitosterol, flavonoids, and inulin. Later in the season, the leaves turn bitter and are best dried and used in other preparations like tea. The leaves are good for digestion as prebiotics. Their diuretic property can help with ridding the body of excess fluid, thus functioning as an anti-inflammatory and promoting detoxification of the liver and tonifying the blood. The flowers are often used in making tasty wines and jams. They are high in polyphenols and antioxidants. As a result, they may play a role in preventing degenerative diseases like Alzheimer's, hardening of the arteries, arthritis, cancer, and diabetes. So, if your yard is full of dandelions and hasn't been exposed to harsh herbicides and pesticides, let the Dandelions grow! It's free food! (Note: If your yard has been exposed to harsh chemicals, find out how long it will take for the soil to be free of those chemicals. Please, do not use Dandelions (or any edible plants) that were grown in soil with a toxic chemical content. One of the few plants I've been able to successfully grow is Aloe. The plants in the picture above are mine. (I know, they're overcrowded, but I haven't figured out a way to re-pot them.) Fortunately for me, Aloe is a very hardy plant that is able to survive in all kinds of adverse conditions. If you've ever used Aloe, you know why I say 'fortunately'.
My first introduction to Aloe was back in the 1980s. I had second degree steam burns on my fingers, and a friend harvested an aloe leaf, scooped out the gel, and brought it to me. I slathered the gel on my fingers -- aaahhh, what relief! For the next three days, I continued to thickly coat the burns with the aloe gel then cover them with gauze bandages (until I could leave it off without pain). In less than a week, those burns were completely healed. This anecdote best demonstrates several of Aloe's therapeutic properties. Aloe gel is very skin healing. It can moisturize dry skin, help heal burns, cuts, and scrapes. Its emollience can help soothe conditions like eczema and psoriasis. It's cooling, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic properties can reduce swelling and take the pain out of hot conditions like hemorrhoids while its antimicrobial benefits may help prevent infection in open sores and minor burns. Aloe contains saponins - it can be used as soap to cleanse the skin! I'll admit, I haven't used Aloe internally - no desire to try it yet. However, I do know several people who buy Aloe Juice at the store. It can help with calming the stomach, moistening dry mucous membranes, and ulcers. It may get rid of worms or internal parasites and protect against certain types of tumors. And it's known to support the immune system with its content of Vitamins A, B 12, C, and E and well as several minerals. Because of its laxative properties, ingestion should be short term only. When harvesting your own Aloe gel (without using a preservative), store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days -- it'll start to spoil after that. Alternately, you can make and store Aloe ice cubes that will last for months. Infusing Aloe leaves in fixed oil is another option for longer-term storage and use. Calming, soothing, peaceful
For me, the thought of Lavender immediately evokes mental images of relaxing in a field of gently waving flowers. Lavender is perhaps one of the most popular and versatile herbs worldwide. It is best known for its ability to calm the mind and lift up the spirits, but it has many more therapeutic properties that are just as important. Lavender is analgesic and anti-inflammatory. As a tea, it can be ingested and used in a compress to help the body heal acute injuries (like sprains or mild burns). Studies have shown that inhaling the aroma after surgery can reduce the amount of pain medication needed. Its antispasmodic properties can diminish muscle spasms which accompany injury and/or surgery. Lavender is antimicrobial and may be used to treat bites, scrapes, wounds, and several types of infections like yeast and staph. During cold and flu season, try making a tea blend that includes lavender to relieve symptoms like headache and help reduce congestion. Its antiviral properties may shorten the duration of the illness. You can infuse lavender into vinegar for a disinfecting, multi-surface cleaner to use around the house. Some of the ways I've used lavender for myself and my family members: * in an herb pillow to help me fall asleep more easily; * in a post-op tea for pain reduction; * in a relaxing bath; * as part of a foot soak to heal athlete's foot and toe-nail fungus; * in facial and body soaps; * in salves for skin irritations; * in antiseptic washes for wounds; * in headache blends. I have to admit that when I first started learning about the healing properties of plants, I ignored Lavender because I was more interested in the 'exotic' sounding herbs. That was a mistake on my part. Fortunately, I know better now and Lavender is a staple in my house. To learn more about Lavender, look it up on the membership portion of this website! |
DisclaimerThe information contained in this blog is for educational purposes only and has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Archives
March 2021
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