Tag: health

Do Weeds have Therapeutic Properties?

 Todays post is all about therapeutics properties of Weeds. 

Yes, you read that correctly. One of the subjects that Scott is currently studying is called Materia Medica, which is Latin for medical material or substance. Basically he is learning all about the medicinal properties of many different things.

It’s amazing to find out that many of the plants that we consider to be weeds, have medicinal properties. Scott recently joked about how previously he was trying to kill these plants. Now we are trying to keep some alive and cultivate them. Here are a few plants that you might think twice about removing from your garden. 

Euphorbia hirta or Asthma weed

Asthma weed is recognised as a medicinal herb in many different parts of the world. Traditional Asian medicine has used the herb for hundreds of years.

Its primary uses include treating asthma, bronchitis and various other lung complaints, usually in combination with other anti-asthma herbs. Euphorbia hirta is also used in the treatment of cancer, diarrhoea, dysentery, fever, bowel complaints, kidney stones and abscesses.

It should not be used without expert guidance as large doses can be toxic and cause gastro-intestinal irritation, nausea and vomiting.

Stellaria media or Chickweed

Chickweeds are medicinal and edible plants. They are very nutritious, high in vitamins and minerals. The leaves are commonly used raw in salads and sandwiches. They can be cooked in soups and stews as well.

As a medicinal herb, the whole plant is used. The dried herb, as an infusion, is used to treat coughs, and in treating kidney complaints. New research indicates Stellaria’s use as an effective antihistamine. Therefore the plant is also effective when used as a compress or in a cream for itching skin conditions.

Taraxacum officinale or Dandelion

Considered a weed by most gardeners, Taraxacum officinale or Dandelion plant has several culinary uses. The flowers are used to make dandelion wine while the greens are used in salads. Besides that, Dandelion roots are also used to make a coffee substitute.

Native Americans used the plant as a food and as a medicine. Dandelion has been used as an herbal remedy in Europe, North America, and China over hundreds of years. Its different parts are used to treat infections, bile and liver problems.

Other uses for Dandelion are a laxative, as a plant bitter for digestion and as a diuretic.

Elytrigia repens or Couch grass

Elytrigia has been an official medicine in a number of countries throughout the world.

Traditional Austrian medicine treatments used the rhizomes (roots) against fever, internally as a tea, syrup, or cold maceration in water.

Its other medicinal uses include treating rheumatism and gout. It is also described as a ‘mild diuretic’.

The dried rhizomes of couch grass were broken up and used as incense in medieval northern Europe.

Who would have thought – weeds in the salad and couch grass roots as incense! (Sources – Materia Medica of Western Herbs by Carol Fisher, Wikipedia)

Interesting to find out that these are just a few of the common backyard weeds, which have medicinal properties. 

Till the next post, 

Live clean n prosper 

Using Tissue Salts for wellness

Today’s post is about Tissue Salts.

Several years ago when I was suffering from a head cold, someone suggested I try Tissue salts to ease the symptoms. Recently Scott feel victim to a head cold and decided to try the tissue salts. He found that they really made a difference.

We did some research into these little pills to better understand how they work.

It turns out that these tissue salt pills are homeopathic preparations of minerals found naturally occurring in the human body. They’re inexpensive and seem to be able to help with just about every common ailment from colds and flu to headaches and hangovers.

 What are they?

Tissue salts, also known as “cell salts” or “biochemistry salts”, are the same minerals that are found in rocks and in soil. These tissue salts exist on the border between homeopathic and nutritional medicine.

According to Biochemical therapeutics, the integrity, structure, and function of the body’s tissues and organs are dependent on necessary quantities of certain cell salts. These ‘cell salts’ are therefore integral functioning parts of each individual cell and of the body as a whole.

 The history behind them

Dr Wilhelm Heinrich Schuessler was a doctor of medicine, a physiological chemist and a physicist.

In 1873 he developed the Schuessler Tissue Salts using a unique system of cellular therapy,

Schüssler deducted that the tissues or cells of the body can be broken down chemically into twelve inorganic mineral salts. Disturbances in the levels of these salts cause disease. He established that restoring the accurate balance of tissue salts in the body would remove the symptoms of illness and restore health.

He also believed that the body needed only very small doses to nudge it gently back into balance. Dr Schuessler found that a homeopathically prepared micro dose was the most effective way for the body to assimilate these salts. The dose passes rapidly into the bloodstream and therefore into our cells.

Wikipedia states that biochemical cell salts are alternative remedies, based on inorganic salts that were elaborated by Scheussler. They are not classed as homeopathic remedies.

There is no evidence of medical trials in regards to Tissue salts. Nevertheless, many people swear by them.

 Who can use them?

To ease various conditions, you can take an individual tissue salt or a combination.

One of the major benefits of tissue salts is that they’re very safe. I did not find any information regarding side effects. However, as with most health matters, it’s always best to check with your health practitioner beforehand.

That said, tissue salts are generally suitable for everyone from babies to diabetics and even animals.

I hope that you found this information helpful as we did.

 Till the next post,

 Live clean n Prosper

The lesser known benefits of Oranges

Todays post is all about Oranges.

We have an orange tree in our garden and this winter we harvested several buckets of oranges. So for a while, we are able to enjoy some lovely fresh fruit or juice every day.

Most of us are aware that this fruit is an abundant source of vitamin C. The average medium orange will provide an adult with the recommended daily dose.

However, studies in both animals and humans indicate that regular consumption of oranges is associated with various health benefits.

 The other health benefits.

Oranges also contain health-promoting compounds known as flavanones. Research suggests that these flavanones help support the body, protecting it from conditions such as heart disease and cancer. These compounds also have some anti-inflammatory, antiviral and antimicrobial benefits.

One antioxidant compound found in oranges, called hesperidin, may be beneficial in helping to lower high blood pressure and cholesterol. Clinical studies have found that daily intake of orange juice actually has a blood-thinning effect.

This fruit is also a good source of fibre, B vitamins, vitamin A, calcium and potassium. The main fibres found in oranges are pectin, cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin. Studies have also found that these citrus fibres also play a part in decreased blood cholesterol levels.

Oranges, and other fruits of the citrus family, are high in citric acid and citrates, which contribute to the taste. Research indicates that citric acid and citrates from oranges may help prevent kidney stone formation. Both vitamin C and citric acid can increase the absorption of iron from the digestive tract Therefore, when eaten with foods rich in iron, oranges can help reduce the risk of anemia.

Oranges also contain choline, and carotenoids such as lutein and zeaxanthin. Choline is nutrient that helps with sleep, muscle movement, learning and memory. Choline also helps to maintain the structure of cellular membranes, aids in the transmission of nerve impulses, assists in the absorption of fat and reduces chronic inflammation.

 Oranges and the eyes

Lutein and zeaxanthin are carotenoid pigments that give the yellow or orange colour to various foods. Numerous studies have identified these carotenoids to be essential components for eye health.

They constitute the main pigments found in the yellow spot of the human retina, which protect the macula from damage by blue light, improve visual acuity and scavenge harmful reactive oxygen species. Lutein and zeaxanthin have also been linked with reduced risk of age-related macular degeneration and cataracts.

A 15yr study has shown that people who regularly eat oranges are less likely to develop macular degeneration than people who do not eat oranges. Lead Researcher Associate Professor Bamini Gopinath from the University of Sydney said the data showed that flavonoids in oranges appear to help prevent against the eye disease. “Even eating an orange once a week seems to offer significant benefits.”

 Eating oranges is generally healthier than just drinking the juice. One cup of orange juice has a similar amount of natural sugar, as two whole oranges, without the fibre.

Interestingly, the peel actually contains higher amounts of certain nutrients than the flesh, so using recipes that incorporate the zest of an orange will give your diet an extra boost.

I wonder if oranges are going to be called the next ‘super food’?

Till the next post,

Live clean n prosper