The Elder tree has been used medicinally for centuries throughout Europe. The oldest claim is perhaps its use by the Romans, who, among a variety of medicinal uses, used it to dye hair black. It has been common to eat the flowers or berries; make wine or syrup from the berries; make tea from the leaves, flowers, or inner bark; rub the bruised leaves on the skin; and make tea or tincture from the inner bark.
“Balm of Gilead” is referenced in the Bible; this reference is to another plant of a different family, Commiphora gileadensis, which has similar medicinal properties. In fact, the name “Balm of Gilead” has been used to describe many different species, all having similar medicinal uses. Such plants have been used to relieve pain and treat wounds like cuts and bruises since biblical times. The Native Americans have used Populus balsamifera to treat skin and lung ailments, among other things, for hundreds of years.
Originating in Egypt, Hibiscus is now cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide, such as Sudan, Mexico, Thailand, India, and China. It is traditionally used in both food and medicine, in a variety of preparations. While the entire plant is used, from using the bast fiber in the production of burlap to using the leaves and flowers in salads, the flowers are most well-known for medicinal use.
This week, we'll be looking into the medicinal attributes of the common dandelion. The Latin name for this plant is Taraxacum officinale. Its other names include: Blowball, Cankerwort, Cochet, Common Dandelion, Couronne de Moine, Lion's Teeth, Lion's Tooth, Priest's Crown, Swine Snout, Wild Endive. Most people today look at the dandelion and see a weed, but in truth it is a wonderful medicinal herb mankind has been using for thousands of years to treat specific ailments. Native Americans have been using dandelion for centuries. In the past dandelion roots and leaves were used to treat liver problems, while the heads were used in both medicinal and culinary world. Native Americans would boil...
This week, we'll be exploring the properties of the Gotu Kola. The Latin name for this plant is Centella asiatica . It's other names include: Brahma-Manduki, Indian Pennywort, Indian Water Navelwort, Marsh Penny, Thick-Leaved Pennywort, Tsubo-kusa, Tungchian, and White Rot . In India, Gotu Kola is regarded as one of the most spiritual of all herbs and is regarded as one of the most important rejuvenating herbs in Ayurvedic Medicine.. Growing in some areas of the Himalayas, gotu kola is used by yogis to improve meditation. They use it in helping to develop the energy center at the top of the head, traditionally known as the crown chakra, and to balance the right and left hemispheres of the...