Elecampane (Inula helenium) is a member of the Aster plant family. Energetically, it's a warming and drying herb that combines bitter, pungent, and sweet tastes.
If I had to use only one word to describe this herb, it would be 'loosening' or 'decongesting' -- it will get stuck, congested systems/fluids moving. Let's look at what this means. If you have a condition like bronchitis, you have a lot of mucus clogging your lungs. If your body is fighting off some kind of invader (aka pathogen), the dead cells from the fight (both pathogen and immune cells) get processed through the lymph nodes. If those nodes get clogged up, your lymph glands get swollen and painful. If your gut biome is unbalanced, your intestines may get clogged up (constipation). All of these are examples of body systems/fluids being stuck. Now, let's make an analogy. Think about a time when perhaps the drain to your kitchen sink got clogged up. At first, you might have noticed the water was draining slower than usual, and eventually, it stopped draining altogether. When that happened, you were left with a sink full of dirty water. Clogged lungs or lymph nodes or intestines are like the stopped up sink. Too much 'debris' has accumulated in the 'pipes' of your body. To unclog your sink, you might try pouring a liquid into the water to dissolve the blockage. If that doesn't work, you might call a plumber who will clear it. Once clear, the water flows easily through the drain. Similarly, to unclog your lungs or lymph or intestines, you might try drinking more water (or other liquids), you might try taking OTC medicines or go to the doctor for prescription medications. When you clear the 'debris', the affected body system starts to 'flow' normally again -- it reaches a point of balance or homeostasis. Elecampane is an herb that can help clear the 'clogged drains' in your body, then help encourage the flow of healthy fluids like mucus. (Yes, we do need mucus, but it needs to be a healthy consistency and quantity.) Elecampane is especially good at helping to clear congestion in the respiratory system (especially lungs) with its antimicrobial properties. It's effect on the lymph system is not quite as strong, but it can still help to stimulate lymphatic circulation. In the digestive system, Elecampane acts as a prebiotic and can help improve digestion and absorption of nutrients as well as reducing gas and supporting healthy elimination. Elecampane is considered to be a very safe herb. As with any herb, if you are pregnant, check with your doctor before using it. If you are allergic to plants in the Aster family, it would be best to test a small amount on the inside of your wrist or elbow before using this herb.
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Astragalus is a sweet-tasting root from the Fabaceae or Pea Family. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, it's considered a Spleen Qi and a Lung Qi, which means it can help improve appetite and digestion as well as boost the immune system to help strengthen those who are prone to colds and flu.
Energetically, it's moist and warming, but may be a little drying. This herb has cautions for those taking immunosuppressive or blood pressure medications, or Lithium or Cyclophosphamide. Can a weed really taste good, and be good for the body? In a word, yes. Burdock (Arctium lappa) is one of those weeds. Let's take a look at this nutritious weed.
Burdock has been used for thousands of years in skin care and to support various systems in the body. Considered an alterative herb ((makes changes in the body to positively affect health), Burdock supports the liver and lymph system, helps balance the oils in the skin, reduces fluid retention, and acts as a pre-biotic. It's full of nutrients and vitamins. It also has anti-inflammatory properties, is a decongestant, and expectorant. Infused into a carrier oil, it may help with strengthening and thickening hair. This herb is sweet with a hint of bitterness, and makes a great addition to tea. You'll find it in old-fashioned Root Beer recipes. It can also be cooked in stew and taken as a tincture. Resources: 1. HerbMentor.com; "Burdock Monograph"; https://herbmentor.learningherbs.com/herb/burdock/ Accessed February 28, 2019 2. NaturalHerbsGuide; "Burdock Root"; http://www.naturalherbsguide.com/burdock.html Accessed February 28, 2019 3. Staughton, John; "Burdock Root Tea - Benefits, How to Make, & Side Effects"; Organic Facts; Last updated August 29, 2018; https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/herbs-and-spices/burdock-root-tea.html Accessed February 28, 2019 Ginger is one of my staple herbs. I add fresh slices of the root to my coffee in the morning, or make an herbal tea with dried ginger as the base. It's a rare day that I don't consume ginger in one form or another.
From regulating my digestive system, to getting the benefits of its anti-inflammatory properties, to warding off colds and flu, this herb does it all - and it's so warming on a cold winter day! Fresh ginger root adds a great flavor to food, water, coffee, or other teas. For those who like to add some heat to their food and/or beverages, dried ginger is the way to go. Try putting fresh ginger and a cinnamon stick in your coffee pot in the morning. Let it steep for at least 10 minutes. MMM, delicious! Ginger may lower blood sugar or thin the blood, so if you take medications for diabetes or to thin the blood, or if you have a clotting disorder, check with your doctor before using ginger. Ginger is a warming and drying herb, so it's best for those who have a cool, damp constitution. It's cold and flu season, so Elder is a good place to start with my herb spotlights. The berries and dried flowers make great ingredients in several fun recipes.
The berries can help support the immune system, are antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant. The flowers are also antiviral and antioxidant. I love to use the berries and flowers (along with ginger root) in a tea. I sip on this tea all day long as soon as I start feeling like I'm getting sick. Tea is only one way to prepare Elder. The berries can be made into tasty syrup, wine, gummies, elixirs, etc. These are great ways to help your body fight off those nasty bugs that run rampant in the winter! |
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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