Currently the posts are filtered by: Herbal
Reset this filter to see all posts.
USES & REMEDIES OF DANDELION
Dandelion can be used liberally as it's non-poisonous. Each of the parts of the plant are edible: the roots, leaves and blooms. Healthy kidney, urinary tract and liver function are helped by Dandelion. Select plants to collect that haven't been around chemicals or toxins. For more information, click here.
Regarded historically as a hepatic herb, Dandelion supports healthful liver function. Dandelion is abundant in vitamin C and it is beneficial in the treatment and also prevention of scurvy. Additionally it is beneficial in treating skin eruptions and warts. The white liquid that exudes from the bruised stem can be applied directly to treat blemishes on the skin.
Dandelion helps to relieve water retention in soft tissues. As it replenishes the vitamins and minerals shed as water exits your body, there isn't the mineral depletion associated with pharmaceutical diuretics. Lung ailments that cause wasting of the body are treated with Dandelion.
Classified as a bitter herb, Dandelion is useful in treating heartburn or acid stomach due to a lack of muscle tone. It works as a moderate laxative in chronic constipation. A decoction or extract of Dandelion used three or four times daily can calm an irritated stomach. It has a very good effect in improving the appetite and promoting digestion.
INFUSION/TEA
Pour 1 pint of boiling water over one ounce of Dandelion and permit it to steep for ten minutes.
Strain and sweeten by using honey. During the day, drink several cups of this. This tea is useful in treating edema and nausea.
DECOCTIONS
A decoction is produced by putting an herb into gently simmering water and allowing the amount to reduce a specified amount.
1st Version
Simmer 2 cups of sliced Dandelion root in twenty parts of water for fifteen minutes. When cooled off, strain the liquid and sweeten with honey. Have a small teacup full one or two times daily.
2nd Version
Simmer a couple of ounces of the herb or root in 1 quart of water until the amount is diminished to 2 cups.
Use 6 ounces every 3 hours as a therapy for a number of maladies that include scurvy (disease resulting from vitamin C deficiency), scrofula (tuberculosis of the lymph glands most usually within the neck), eczema and all sorts of eruptions on the skin.
3rd Version
Decoction for jaundice in small children:
one oz of Dandelion root
A half ounce of each: Cinnamon bark, Caraway seed, & Ginger root
A quarter ounce measure of Senna leaves
Bring all to boil gently in six cups of water until it is reduced to 3 cups (1 1/2 pint). Strain. Pour 3/4 cup of honey into the hot liquid and re-heat to a simmer. Any foam that rises to the surface should be skimmed away as these are impurities. Allow to cool. Give frequently in teaspoonful doses.
Version 4
Decoction for Gall Stones
One oz each of: Dandelion root, Balm herb and Parsley root
One half ounce each of Ginger root and Liquorice root
Place in two quarts of water and gently simmer down to one quart Strain. Take in 6 ounces every couple of hours.
TINCTURE OF DANDELION
Find a place free of herbicides and pesticides to collect Dandelion plants, including roots and their tops.
Good quality dried Dandelion may be used also. Collect several more plants than you believe necessary because the plants wilt somewhat in the course of processing. Use the directions here to wash the plants.
Thinly slice the roots. Place enough plant material inside a canning jar in order to fill it 2/3's full. Pour just enough boiling water over the herbs to cover. Fill the rest of the space in the jar with vodka, 100 proof. Tightly seal the jar and shake it in order to combine the contents completely.
Put the jar within a warm spot with good sun exposure. Sunshine isn't detrimental to the tincture. Shake the jar twice daily. In two weeks, the tincture will be ready. Make use of a nice, clean cloth or coffee filter to filter the liquid. Press the solid matter to express all of the fluid. Fill up a glass bottle which is tinted dark amber with your freshly made tincture. Leave almost no space at the top to expose the fluid to air in the course of storage. Cap tightly. Store in a cool, dark cupboard till needed.
Take a spoonful of the tincture every day to aid with health issues.
Several herbalists utilize dandelion leaf in addition to the root to make tinctures. Dandelion leaf tinctures are usually taken by placing ten to fifteen drops into a spoon filled with water, taken 3 times daily.
This information is not meant to be taken for medical advice. This post is for the benefit of the person who reads, not in place of the care of a medical professional. Readers applying this information will need to proceed with discernment, common sense and take on all liability.
DANDELIONS: A GOOD FRIEND TIME OF IN NEED
Dandelions are best-known because of their dazzling yellow blooms that are later replaced by a globular downy orb, dispatching seeds in the wind. Other people view this vegetation as being a persistent weed that may invade even an immaculate turf.
A healthy food item and a prized pick-me-up, Dandelions happen to be edible from the root, to the leaves as well as the blooms. Gather Dandelion in an area you are sure is free from pesticides & toxic chemical contaminants -- steer clear of areas near a road.
DANDELION LEAVES
The shape of the leaves inspired the name of this vegetable. The French phrase 'dent du lion' references the toothy shape of the leaves.
It is best to harvest leaves in the spring just before the plant blossoms because the plant's vitality is targeted in the brand new growth during that time. These are delightful additions to soups, salads, teas or tonics. Whether tried fresh or dehydrated for later use, Dandelion leaves are delectable.
Submerge the leaves in a container of water and swirl them gently. Allow the leaves to soak while the dirt settles to bottom. Carefully remove the leaves from the water in order that the dirt isn't stirred up into the water. Run the soaked leaves beneath running water. Put in a strainer bowl to dry.
BLOOMS
To collect the blooms, pull on the sepals (green leaves at foundation of flower) and the blooms will pop off the stem, saving you the trouble of removing stems afterwards. Soak and rinse these using the same technique as for the leaves.
DANDELION ROOTS
Dandelion roots are able to be consumed fresh or dried. The nicest quality roots mature in well-cultivated soil. They form a thin, carrot-shaped tap which is twisted and brittle, milky white in complexion and growing deeply in the earth. Broken remains of the root left in the ground when harvested will multiply and generate new plants.
Gather roots in midsummer since this is the season when they are thought to be the least bitter. These are best from free, moist dirt positioned in shady locations. Roots are not as vigorous during frosty weather and shouldn't be collected during that time. Nonetheless, it isn't a problem to harvest during rainy conditions. Lift gradually and with care utilizing a long trowel or fork. If the roots are cut or broken in the course of harvest they will bleed and you will relinquish the benefit of their valuable juice.
HABITAT ENRICHMENT
Bees, Butterflies and hoverflies are drawn to the nectar from the Dandelion flower. Finches also appreciate the seeds of this herb.
Take the time now to discover safe sources of Dandelion because it is a nourishing food resource and a helpful remedy in time of difficulty.
HOW TO MAKE A MUSTARD PLASTER
helps ease congestion. The warmth of the plaster increases blood flow and oxygenation of the area.
MAKING A MUSTARD PLASTER
In a small container, place 2 cups of flour
HOW TO USE YOUR PLASTER
To apply your plaster, wear a thin undershirt and place the plaster on your chest. The plaster should never make direct contact with the skin. If preferred, you may make two plasters and apply one to your chest and one to your back. On top of this, place a blanket or towel and relax for fifteen to twenty minutes.
CAUTIONS
Wait 4 hours between applications which can be continued until symptoms improve.
DISCLAIMER
The purpose of this article is for information only. Persons utilizing these methods assume all liability. This article is not a substitute for the care of a trained health professional.
HERBS USED FOR INCENSE
Historically, sick rooms were once cleansed using the smoke from burning sage and rosemary. A fragrant wood, Cedar is known to have expectorant, antifungal, antiviral and lymphatic cleansing properties. The needles from Pine, Spruce and Fir trees contain the main ingredient in Tamiflu (a medicine used to treat the bird flu) called shikimic acid. Respiratory ailments have been helped with the application of incense made with Frankincense. Other similarly beneficial herbs are Eucalyptus leaves and Mullein.
I know of one instance of a woman that was left struggling for air, choking and vomiting from a strong cytokine response during the flu. The man of the house closed the damper on the wood stove and placed cedar in the fire box, which produced a cleansing smoke. The cytokine storm stopped right away. Twenty minutes later, she had no more mucus and was relieved of her flu symptoms. Since that time, they have used this same remedy on other family members to good effect (of course, they air the house out afterwards).
Native Americans often used the smoke of Cedar to cleanse their homes. Smoke can be used in rustic conditions as a cleanser to rid a person, bedding, clothing or shelter of vermin, viruses and harmful bacteria. The last part of Leviticus 14 records that priests were instructed to cleanse a house of the plague using Cedar.
HOW TO USE HERBS FOR INCENSE
Carefully place a hot ember or coal from a hardwood fire (use tongs) onto a heat resistant surface. Assemble the herbs around and onto the ember and watch for smoke. Allow the smoke to waft over you and inhale. Be careful that the plant material does not burst into flames but only smokes. The smoldering is accomplished by using hot coals rather than an open fire; you can also tie your herbs or wood into tight bundles.
Herbs tightly bundled for incense are called smudge sticks. In some cases, leaves and stems can be tightly braided. If you only have dry leaves, these can be tightly wrapped in unbleached paper and tied with cotton thread. To use smudge sticks, light one of the ends. Extinguish the flame by gently blowing on it, leaving the smudge stick to smoking. These smudge sticks make it easier to direct the smoke and they tend to smoke longer than loose plant material.
WARNING
Never inhale or come near the smoke of a plant to which you are allergic. The purpose of this article is for information only. Persons utilizing these methods assume all liability and are encouraged to use safety guidelines. This article is not a substitute for the care of a trained health professional.
Frankincense is an impressive healing tool. It is an item I would choose to have in a survival kit. If you find yourself fighting an advancing infection, this gum resin is an invaluable tool.
Frankincense is retailed as a powder, little bits of hardened gum, or as an essential oil. The pebbles of gum and powder are not heavy. In my opinion, the granules are easier to carry and can be crushed to powder if this is needed.
Frankincense is regenerative, restorative, rejuvenating and quite valuable as a topical wound dressing. Its astringent properties make Frankincense infused oil a selection by some for a post-natal uterine tonic and massage oil. Frankincense is an anti-inflammatory and promotes healing when used to treat blemishes, scars, sores, skin ulcers and wounds. In some parts of the world, Frankincense is regarded as a treatment for leprosy. (See HOW TO INFUSE OILS)
In one case, a weeping leg injury had developed an odor. The infection was advancing as evidenced by the inflammation and red lines. Although good wound care was applied, this seemed to do little to make the infection retreat. Frankincense was used after other methods failed. The patient immediately felt the difference. A physician was surprised that the leg did not require amputation, but only stitches to help close the healthy tissue. His experience had been that such cases ended with the loss of the leg.
When available, Frankincense can be an effective wound care tool. If you use essential oil for medicinal purposes, take the time to insure that the product you select was steam distilled or alcohol extracted as chemical solvent methods are not safe for this application. Many manufacturers will gladly receive telephone inquiries. Methods of manufacture can change with time (even with the same brand), so re-check your information periodically.
This article is for the information of the reader. Nothing here is intended to be used as a substitute for professional medical examination and care. Utilize these processes at your own risk.
