Posts Tagged ‘Herb’

What are different health benefits of Verbena Officinalis ?

Verbena officinalis is the perennial herb belonging to the family of Verbenaceae. The plant is native to the Europe and also known as Herb of Grace. The size of the herb varies with the climate conditions but it normally grows up to a height of meters, with an upright habitus. The leaves of the plant are toothed with delicate spikes that hold mauve flowers. Verbena grows mostly in limey soils and is used as an ornamental plant. It is mainly propagated through the root cutting or seed. Basically, it is neutralized outside its native range. It is also called as Herb of Grace, Herb of the Cross, Herbe Sacree, Herba veneris, Holy Herb.
Verbena hold the importance because of the strong history related to the god Jesus as it was used to treat his wounds after he was removed from the cross. It also brings good luck, good faith, attract wealth and more.

Origin or Habitat:-
Thought to be the native of Mediterranean, this is found almost everywhere in the world and cultivated in most of the gardens. This is found growing in the abundance in the wild all over the Europe, North America, Japan and china. Plant is grown through seedling in the summer or autumn season and flourishes in soil and doesn’t allow water to stand in it as it requires lot of sunlight.

Constituents:-
- alkaloid
- bitters
- glycosides
- tannins
- volatile oil

Usage of Vervain:-
It is used in the treatment of various diseases like –
Female Conditions
- irregular or painful menstruation
- post-natal depression
- promotes the start of menstruation
- helps to increase the flow of breast milk
Gastrointestinal Conditions
- benefits the digestive system
- acute diarrhea
- eases pain in the bowels
- stimulates digestion
- stomach disorders
Brain and Nervous Conditions
- insomnia
- depression
- fits and convulsions
- migraine and headache caused by nerves
- physical and mental problems that affect the nervous system
- nervous disorders
- restorative remedy for nervous exhaustion and debility
- mistletoe and valerian are sometimes combined with Vervain for nervous conditions
- strengthens the nervous system
Genitourinary Conditions
- kidney trouble
- bladder stones
Liver Conditions
- treats liver diseases
- stimulates liver function
- gallstones
- jaundice
- biliary tract complaints
Inflammatory Conditions
- reduces inflammation
Respiratory Conditions
- coughs (combined with Horehound)
- pleurisy
- in early stages of colds (can be combined with Yarrow) to promote sweating
- whooping cough
- throat conditions
Parasitic Conditions
- worms in children
- autumn fever
- relieves pain
- intermittent fevers
- ophthalmiarelaxant in cases of muscle tension
- exhaustion and fatigue
- used to cure congestion, dysentery, malaria, coughs and colds, nerves, gout.
- externally used for treating ear neuralgia, headaches, eczema, hemorrhoids, rheumatism, rheumatic pain, skin ailments, tooth decay and gum disease, ulcers of the mouth and gums, weak, sore or inflamed eyes.

Common Vervain is also used as herbal tea. It may act as a galactagogue and possibly a sex steroid analogue and abortifacient; it is reputed to help against nervousness and insomnia. In the Modern age, it is considered a powerful “ally” of poets and writers, as it has some relaxing effects. Vervain flowers are engraved on cabaret, Italian anti-stregheria charms. Vervain is worn as a crown during Druidic initiatory rites and as protection for those who are working magic. Vervain is worn to recover stolen articles. It is also a powerful attractant to the opposite sex.

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What are different health benefits of Dandelions?

Dandelions are also known as Taraxacum Officinale. The meaning of the name is that it is the Official Remedy for Disorders. Dandelion is commonly known as a flower which is used in decorations but its medicinal values and health benefits are unknown. Although there are many varieties of dandelion present but the one which is most commonly used is the Taraxacum Officinale. Dandelions originate from Greece and since ancient times it is used as a very useful herb for curing many purposes. Dandelions contain components like beta carotene a great source of Vitamin A, iron, calcium, potassium, fiber, magnesium, Vitamin B, phosphorus, riboflavin, thiamine and proteins. Following are some useful health benefits and medicinal properties of dandelion:

- Dandelions are very nutritious and help in maintain a very good health. Dandelions contain sodium in a rich amount and therefore it is beneficial for liver problems especially the liver inflammations. There have been researches done, which indicate that the nutrition content of dandelion is excellent and is very beneficial for the human organism. The content of vitamin C and Luteolin in dandelion is good for the proper functioning of the liver and prevents liver from suffering from hemorrhage.

- Dandelions are great supplements for maintaining a healthy skin. They are used to treat many skin problems like rashes on skin, eczema, ringworms and acne. For treating these skin problems, the milk of the dandelion is used. The milk of the dandelion is alkaline in nature and has properties of an anti fungal, anti germicide and anti insecticide agent. For treating acne dandelion juice is used.

- The juice of dandelion contains properties to act like a diuretic, anti oxidant, stimulant and also a detoxifier, therefore applying the dandelion juice or the sap on the acne affected skin can cure it very effectively and quickly.

- Dandelion can be used for the treatment of cataract. For this treatment a mixture of the leaves, flowers, roots and stalks of the dandelion plant is boiled in some water for about 20 to 25 minutes and then with this water after being cooled down, wash the area surrounding your eyes. This can be done for about 5 times in a day.

- The tonic extracted from dandelions can be of great help for health. Dandelion is also helpful in increasing your appetite as it helps to stimulate your hunger and it also acts as a good remedy for the patients suffering from dyspeptic problems.

- Dandelion is very helpful in weight loss management. Dandelion helps us to excrete the extra fats stored in our urine through urination. It stimulates the urination process and therefore makes us frequently urinate and as a result all the fats stored in our urine are thrown out of the body. When the fats are removed from the body then automatically the body will lose weight. Hence dandelion is a great source of weight loss.

- Dandelion is very rich in fibers. Fibers are very essential for maintaining the cholesterol level in your body. It helps lower the cholesterol level and also helps in treating diabetes. The juice extracted from dandelion is very good for diabetic patients and it lowers the blood sugar level in a diabetic patient by maintaining a balance in insulin production. As a diuretic agent, dandelion makes the diabetic patient urinate frequently which results in the excretion of extra sugars from the body.

- Dandelions are very good for treating many heart diseases and also different types of cancers. The high content anti oxidants in dandelion help the body reduce the free radicals which cause cancer in a person.

Coriander herb – Characteristics, Uses, Properties and Medicinal Uses

Coriander, which is basically an annual herb in the family of apiaceae is exotic to southern Europe and north America to southwestern Asia. The plant of coriander is a soft and hairless growing to 20 inches in height; with variable shape leaves loaded at the base of the plant. The coriander is a flowering stem having white or pale pink with the petals pointing away from the center. In the American usage, the seeds are generally called as coriander and the leaves as cilantro. Coriander oil used in the fruits gives them the bitter, pleasant, strong, sweetish and peculiarly aromatic color.

Early uses and Folklore:
- Hippocrates recommended use of coriander as a medicine. Later on, Late Bronze Age invaders introduced the coriander plant into Britain. They used coriander to flavor their barley gruel and mixed it with cumin and vinegar to preserve meat.
- The farmers in the Essex referred coriander by the name of Col.
- Coriander was thought to be an aphrodisiac and was added to love potions during medieval periods as, when it was consumed with wine it simulates the animal passion. The Israelites used coriander in their cooking and the Chinese believe that those who consume coriander seeds will be rewarded with immortality.
- Gerard defined coriander as a “very stinking herb” and was introduced to Mexico and Peru by the Spanish conquistadors. After then it became an integral ingredient in their chili.

Uses:
All parts of the coriander plant are edible, but the fresh leaves and the dried seeds are the parts which are most commonly used in cooking. The fresh leaves are a main ingredient in most of south Asian foods like chutneys; it is also used in Chinese dishes and Mexican dishes also particularly guacamole, garnish and salsa. Chopped leaves of the coriander are garnished on dishes such as curries and dal. In Asian and Indian recipes, leaves are used in large amount and are cooked until their flavor is gone. Fresh leaves are used as salad in many countries. The seeds of the coriander are used as a spice in garam masala and Indian curries. Coriander seeds are also used in brewing certain styles of beer, mainly in Belgian wheat beers. The seeds of coriander plant are used with orange peel to add a citrus character. In spite, of the seeds and leaves the roots of the plant are used in variety of Asian cuisines; as they have a deeper and intense flavor. They are commonly used in Thai Dishes including curry pastes and soaps.
Coriander is common in Central Asian, Middle Eastern, Indian, Mediterranean, Mexican, South Asian, Latin American, Texan, African, Chinese, Southeast Asian and Scandinavian cuisine.
There are lots of other benefits of the coriander which can be also be listed. Medicinal uses and heath effects:
- Coriander contains antioxidants in it which prevents the spoilage of food filled with the spice. A research on the coriander shows that both the leaves and seeds contain antioxidants but the leaves are having higher proportion.
- Coriander can be used as medicine for diabetes as it contains insulin-releasing and insulin like activity.
- There are some of the chemicals derived from the coriander which contains antibacterial activity against salmonella choleraesuis and this acted to be the non-ionic surfactants.
- Coriander has a significant hypolipidemic effect resulting in lowering the levels of triglycerides and cholesterol and increasing the levels of high density lipoproteins.
- Coriander juice can also be applied on the face as a type of toner to clear the acne’s.
There are some of the plants which are same like coriander like Eryngium foetidum, Persicaria Odorata called as Vietnamese coriander, Papaloquelite, macrocephalum

Precautions:
Coriander is a useful herb but, it can also cause reactions in some people; so, be careful.