Comfrey Leaf is an Effective Healer

Comfrey has a long history of effectiveness as a healer plant. It has the reputation of being able to knit bones together thus accounting for many of the common names (boneset, nipbone, knitbone, and healing herb).

Comfrey leaves are similar to Foxglove leaves, though they have smaller veins not extending into the wings of the leaf-stalk. The leafy stem, 2 to 3 feet high, is stout, angular and hollow, broadly winged at the top and covered with bristly hairs. The lower, radical leaves are very large, up to 10 inches long and covered with rough hairs which make people itch when they touch them. The flowers are either creamy yellow or purple, growing on short stalks. They appear in April or early May.

Comfrey is a contact healer and is best known for tissue healing. In fact, until the early 1800's, it was only used externally as treatment of cuts, burns, skin ulcers, varicose veins, bronchitis, and rheumatism. The leaf has been tea that is gargled or used as a mouthwash to relieve throat infections, hoarseness, and bleeding gums. One reason for its effectiveness is its abundance of calcium and vitamin C and contains carotene (vitamin A), B12, and chlorophyll.

Internally and externally comfrey is used in the treatment of colitis, varicose veins, assorted pulmonary complaints (pleurisy, bronchitis, bronchopneumonia), rheumatism, metritis, diarrhea, and periostitis. It is utilized as a diuretic and bulk laxative and is credited with scar healing. It is also used as a sedative.

Comfrey is effective as a healer because it contains Allantoin. This is able to help grow new flesh and bone cells and accelerate the healing process. It also reduces the inflammation of pulled tendons. An extract can be used for acne and athletes foot. It is also used for certain female problems. Comfrey tea and extract has been used as a douche for yeast infections. Poultices applied to sore and caked breasts, helps the tenderness leave very quickly.

Comfrey leaves and shoots are also used as a vegetable and are often ground up in a blender or some other type of mechanical device to form the basis of "green drinks" which have become increasingly popular among health conscious individuals.

A modern medicinal tincture, employed by homoeopaths, is made from the root with spirits of wine, and 10 drops in a tablespoonful of water are administered several times a day. Internally, the leaves are taken in the form of an infusion, 1 oz. of the leaves to 1 pint of boiling water.

Many claim that comfrey is so safe that anyone can use as much as they want any time. However, a few precautions are in order. Care should be taken when using Comfrey with very deep wounds as its rapid healing power can lead to tissue forming over the wound before it is healed deeper down, possibly leading to abscesses. Make sure that wounds are thoroughly cleaned and protected from infection.

 

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Growing herbs

Many gardeners grow herbs for cooking, but there is another aspect to herbs that can enhance your life as you will find in this herb guide, the medicinal properties of herbs. Rare herbs are beautiful and useful and it is worth getting to know what herbs can be used medicinally. This herb guide offers a few of the many herbs that are beneficial medicinally.
A great herb for the sugar conscious is called Stevia. This plant is a substitute for sugar that tastes somewhat like Equal, without the aftertaste of chemicals. The human body cannot metabolize the glucose in Stevia. Stevia becomes a sweetener that is beneficial to those who must be glucose conscious. Stevia extracts are said to have 300 times the sweetness of sugar. What a great way to incorporate sweetness into your diet and not gain weight from it or raise your blood sugar levels! Stevia can be grown in a pot indoors because it thrives in hot, humid environments. We add this to the herb guide in order to help you find a healthy alternative to sugar.

Lavender, a member of the mint family, is not usually thought of as an herb. Many dishes such as salad dressing, coffee, teas, and chocolate use lavender. The oil of lavender can be used to lessen stings and burns due to its anti-inflammatory properties. Lavender can also be used in relaxation therapy. The scent soothes frazzled nerves and is quite good for the skin due to the antiseptic properties of the oils. Lavender can be used as a bug repellent by rubbing the flowers on the skin. It smells heavenly to humans, but bugs hate it. Lavender grows well in northern climates and is quite hearty. Lavender has long been known for the soothing properties in the oils of the lavender. This herb guide includes lavender to enhance your relaxation and your mood.

Garlic chives are delightful in that the herb combines two well known flavors, garlic and chives. The garlic is complemented by the oniony chive flavor that is present. This herb can be used as a super substitute for garlic, especially in a salad. Garlic chives have an added feature as well; it is a deterrent to garden pests. The herb guide highly recommends this for an organic alternative to pesticides!

Valerian, a hardy perennial has sweetly scented pink flowers. This flowering herb blooms in the northern hemisphere from June to September. Valerian stimulates phosphorus around growing plants. Tea made of Valerian leaves can be used as a spray to help promote disease resistant plants and attract earthworms to aerate the soil. Valerian is used as a mild sedative to promote calming effects. The herb guide recommends that a doctor be sought to evaluate the effect Valerian might have interacting if an individual is taking other medications.

The tall herb Lovage is used in salads at fancy restaurants because of the delightful taste is a 'must add' to the herb guide. Lovage tastes like sweet celery and enhances a salad greatly. This plant is a perennial and survives the winter to return in the spring. Lovage grows to a height of six feet and is very hardy. Lovage is often found in aphrodisiacs, or love potions, hence the name. The herb guide would not be complete without Lovage.

As a medicinal plant, it is hard to beat St.John's Wort as a treatment for depression. This hardy plant comes back every year. Though this plant is invasive to other plants, it is easily contained by potting it. St. John's Wort is often dried to be used as a tea. The traditional harvest day for St. John's Wort is June 24, St. John's Day. In large doses St. John's Wort has been known to cause adverse reactions in farm animals. The herb guide cautions against using this medicinal plant without the advice of a doctor or a holistic practitioner.

Next to come in the herb guide, Comfrey. Comfrey is propagated by root cuttings due to the sterility of the plant. Strong growing plants have offsets that can be separated from the parent plant and planted individually. It should be cautioned that comfrey can cause liver ailments if over used or used improperly. Known as knit bone, comfrey speeds up the natural production of body cells. The organic gardener values comfrey as a fertilizer.

The Japanese root, Gobo is also known as Burdock and not often mentioned in herbal guides. The root and leaves are edible and is somewhat like spinach in the leaves. The older roots are cooked while the younger roots can be eaten uncooked. Gobo is best known to provide herbal healing in the assistance with indigestion, arthritis, rheumatism, some skin and nervous disorders. Gobo is also said to remove toxins that have built up in the system. The herb guide recommends that Gobo be used in recommended dosages that can be found in most herbal healing guides.

Leopard's Bane is found wild in several areas of Europe. This protected species in the wild can be grown at home in your herbal garden. The topical application of this herb to areas on the skin has been said to be quite beneficial. Individuals that have acne skin disorders, burns, or discomfort in joints find Leopard's Bane to be helpful. The herb guide cautions the user to be sparing with the tincture until it is determined if the user has an allergy or other adverse reaction to this tincture.

The selections of herbs that one can grow are many and the uncommon herb guide lists just a few that can add beauty, practical medicinal application and culinary treasures to your life.Herb gardens are started with the old stand-bys that are used in cooking to make your foods taste better such as basil, parsley and sage.

Making Herbal Remedies - What is a Decoction?

Making herbal remedies isn't difficult or complicated, its just made to seem that way. If you can boil water, you can make your own tinctures, infusions or decoctions. In this article we will discuss decoctions, what are they, how are they prepared, and examples of common decoctions.

Simply put, a decoction is your basic infusion juiced up to induce stubborn roots, barks and resins to release their medicinal properties. While most plants will yield their properties to cold or boiling hot water in a matter of minutes, some require a much longer period of time, say 30 minutes or more.

While occasionally a whole plant with stem, twig, flower, leaf and bud is used for special preventive effects, usually only one part of a plant is used at one time. Examples of herbs that work best in a decoction would include:

Elm Bark, used for herpes, scurf, itch and other skin problems

Comfrey Root, the decoction makes for a good gargle and mouthwash for throat inflammations, hoarseness and bleeding gums*

Flaxseed, this decoction can be used for cough, chest and lung problems. Remember to use only ripe seeds as the immature seedpods can cause poisoning.

English Oak Bark, a decoction of the bark can be used internally or externally for hemorrhoids and other rectal problems, menstrual problems and blood in the urine.

Preparing A Decoction:

Fresh herbs should be sliced; dry herbs should be powered or well bruised. A decoction should always be strained when it is hot so that the matter, which separates upon cooling, can be mixed again with the fluid by shaking when the remedy is used.

When preparing your decoction use glass, ceramic or earthenware pots. Do not use plain cast iron with astringent plants. Use 1 ounce (30 g) of dried root or bark to just over a pint of water. Allow this to boil for at least ten minutes or longer. The mixture then steeps with a cover on the pot for an additional 3 to 4 minutes. Strain out the plant parts before drinking.

Warning: The FDA has determined that Comfrey can lead to Pyrrolizidine alkaloid poisoning which causes a liver disorder in humans called hepatic veno-occlusive disease. The small and medium veins in the liver become obstructed, eventually leading to liver disfunction, cirrhosis and death. While only 2 deaths attributed to Comfrey have been documented, due caution is indicated.

The information provided by UsingHerbs.Com is intended to heighten awareness of potential health care alternatives and should not be considered medical advice. Always check with your qualified health-care professional for medical attention, advice, diagnosis, and treatment.

 

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Plantain for insect bite relief

In the spring and summer your kids - and you too- are more likely to be outside barefoot or rolling and playing in the grass. Getting an insect bite or sting can put an end to these happy go lucky times. This quick and easy bug bite and sting natural remedy never fails to work and to get the kids back on track for more outdoor adventures.

To squelch a bug bite or sting:

Quickly find a broad leaf plantain leaf - these are easily found as they are common weeds in almost all grassy areas. (This is one plant I would choose not to eradicate from my lawn because of these medicinal benefits.) It is low growing, dark green and broad, with "ribs" on the leaf - please look it up in a plant identification book if you are not sure.

Chew up the leaf - the saliva activates its sting stopping powers. (If you are afraid to chew it up then bite on it to break the skin and mix it with some of your saliva.)

Place the chewed up plantain leaf on the bug bite or sting. Almost immediately the pain will stop. You or your child can hold the plantain mass in place while you go inside and get the rest of the remedy.

Find your comfrey tincture (you do have a good herbal first aid kit, right?), a big Band-Aid (my kids always went for a gauze pad and first aid tape - so much more dramatic).

Leaving the plantain mass in place, secure it with the Band-Aid or gauze and first aid tape. Secured the bandage then dribble some comfrey tincture under the dressing and on the sting. The comfrey is soothing and cool and takes away any lingering pain, stinging or discomfort.

Leave on until it falls off later that day or the next morning. If it is a bad bite or sting, you may need to put a fresh plantain/comfrey dressing on the next day.

Helping a gluten allergy

Gluten allergy is a malabsorption syndrome which is caused by the ingestion of the gluten protein found in the wheat products. If the patient's sticks on to the gluten free diet then there is a drastic improvement in his condition.

Ayurveda suggests the following modified diet and lifestyle:

Wheat, rye, barley, oats and other related grains contain gluten and it better to avoid it totally. Avoid taking beer, cereal beverages, cakes, biscuits, ice-cream, processed soups, crackers, processed cheese/meats, candy bars.

Instead one may substitute rice, potato, corn, tapioca, chickpea, soya beans, arrowroot, carob, buckwheat, millet, amaranth and quinoa and gluten free flour. Few of the gluten-free foods and beverages are tea, coffee, rum, wine, jelly babies, chocolate, fresh fruits/ vegetables/fish/meat/poultry/eggs, popcorn, jam, honey and sugar. Take a lot of leafy green vegetables by cooking them in an appropriate manner and it has a lot of minerals which improves metabolism.

One may start with eating his favorite naturally gluten-free foods and then later add his unfavourite ones.

To mention a few : Wines and brandies without any preservatives and dyes in it. Gluten-free breads which has an easily digestible base ingredients like rice flours etc., All hard cheeses like cheddar, swiss, edam, and parmesan. Fresh brewed coffee, chocolate made with cocoa, fruit juices etc., Regarding snacks one may take rice wafers, potato or corn starch based chips, popcorn etc. In Sweets one may include sugar, honey, maple syrup, jellies, jams etc.,

One has to take care while buying bakery products and packed/processed food by inspecting the labels and avoid the products if it has gluten as its ingredient. Sometimes alternative names such as cereal products or emulsifiers, stabilizers, are also used in labels.

Always try to eat home made preparations where you will know the ingredients of your intake. Also note that if you have to avoid all the foods with gluten, it is definitely going to be so stressful which can be managed by yoga which comprises of postures, meditation and breathing techniques.

What Is A Tincture?

Throughout the world people are turning to herbal remedies, but many are intimidated by the complex jargon that masks the simplicity of homemade herbal cures. Using herbs to ease common ailments has been around since the beginning of time and the only thing that prevents individuals from utilizing these common home remedies is the medical jargon that disguises simple preparations as something far too complex for the layman to tackle.

Well, that's a lie. If our ancestors could mix up a tincture or infusion, so can you. So I've decided to put together a series of articles on simple herbal preparations that anyone, yes anyone, can make.

What is a Tincture?

A tincture is a solution of herbs in alcohol. Apple cider vinegar may be used in some special preparations. The alcohol dissolves all of the chemical principals of the plant and acts as a preservative for future use.

How is a tincture prepared?

Tinctures in alcohol are made by steeping herbs in rectified spirits or alcohol, by heating herbs and alcohol at various temperatures, or by filtering alcohol through herbs, (similar to the way you brew a pot of coffee, by suspending the herbs in a filter, and the alcohol drips down through the soluble plant material and the herb-saturated alcohol is then used.)

The alcohol used to make a tincture is not rubbing alcohol but a 90 proof spirit, such as vodka, gin or brandy.

Basic Tincture Technique

The easiest way to make a tincture is to steep herbs in vodka, gin, whiskey, or brandy. This way your herbs can be taken internally. Use (1) pint of ninety proof alcohol (as suggested above) with 4 ounces of cut herbs. Allow the herbs and alcohol to steep for 2 weeks. Strain out the herbs, then bottle and label your tincture.

How to use your tincture
Drops of tincture may be added to hot or cold herbal teas for drinking, or may be added to water for external use on compresses. Tinctures can also be added to oils or fats for an instant healing ointment.

Sample Tincture

Comfrey is wonderful example of a healing tincture well worth keeping on hand. Tincture of Comfrey can be added to any compress to treat injuries such as cuts and bruising. It will help to alleviate the pain and promote healing; in fact, its healing ability is nothing short of miraculous.

Herbal Medicines For Sunburn

Sunburn is a very common skin problem. You'll get it with too much exposure in the sun. It is expected with people who love sunbathing in the beach and those whose job requires them to be on the field at all times. There are many ointments and lotions available today that can heal sunburn. But do you know that most of them contain herbs as the primary ingredient? These herbs are very helpful in treating sunburns and other sun-related damages to the skin.

Aloe Vera is an herb that you can use against sunburn. It has soothing properties that allows for a speedy recovery of sunburns. There are many Aloe Vera gels and lotions available at herbal stores and pharmacies today. You can use them on your sun burnt skin. Just read the indications on the label. Take extra care when using these lotions though, as they can be harmful if applied on broken skin. Aloe Vera has effective anti-inflammatory properties that can help soothe sunburns.

Aside from Aloe Vera, comfrey is also an effective herb for sunburn. Comfrey has allantoin, a natural active ingredient that stimulates skin cell regeneration. Comfrey juices and lotions are widely available these days. You can apply them directly on the skin for best effects. If you can't find any comfrey creams in the market, you can simply get some leaves and stems from a comfrey plant and extract the juice yourself.

Green tea can also help address sunburn. However, this herbal remedy is mostly used on the eyes alone. Cool some green tea bag and then put them in your eyelids as you sleep. Its gentle soothing relief would heal sun burnt eyelids in no time.

St. John's Wort is another effective herb for sunburns. The infused oil or extract of this herb can be applied topically on the skin to help relieve the pain, redness, and inflammation brought about by the sun. Use it regularly to speed up the skin's healing process.

Calendula can be used against sun burn as well. Its anti-inflammatory properties can decrease the redness around the affected areas. Look for ointments that contain calendula. Most of the time, this herb is combined with comfrey and aloe for best effects.

Gotu Kola is another herb effective for sun burnt skin. You simply drink Gotu Kola tea on a regular basis as an internal medication for sunburn. Gotu Kola tincture is known to have the same effects. This herb helps by stimulating the formation of collagen while healing damaged tissues.

Other effective herbal remedies for Sunburn:

o Aloe Vera for Sunburn: Aloe Vera comes from leaves of an aloe plant. Its gel has a soothing effect on a sun burnt skin. It has anti-inflammatory properties to help the skin regenerate faster and helps in restoring its natural state fast. Commercially-prepared Aloe Vera gels are now available in health stores and specialty shops. Just apply it on the affected areas and you should be all set.

o Comfrey Treatment for Sunburn: Comfrey contains allantion. It is a very helpful substance for cell regeneration. To use it for sunburn, just extract the juice or lotion taken from the stems of fresh comfrey leaves. It should give you an instant relief to sunburn.

o Calendula Cure: Calendula works as an anti-inflammatory agent. For people with sun burnt skin, calendula can help decrease the instances of redness and swelling. Just like the others, the extracts of this herb is to be applied topically on the affected areas.

o St. John's Wort Remedy: St. John's Wort is another wonder herb that can ease the pain and swelling associated with sunburn.

There are many St. John's Wort oil and extract available at health stores today. Take a small portion of it and apply on the burnt skin. Your sunburn should heal it in no time.

o Gotu Kola Treatment for Sunburn: Unlike the others, Gotu Kola is best taken orally as an aid to sun burnt skin. Gotu Kola tincture or tea can speed up the healing of the tissues. It works by stimulating the synthesis of collagen in the skin.

 

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