traditional Archives - Live Clean n Prosper

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

Todays post is about Ginger.

During the past month Scott has started growing ginger in our vegetable garden. So far it seems to be growing well. I’m looking forward to seeing what the flowers are like.

When we were holidaying in Fiji, the Ginger Lilly was a popular cultivated plant with beautiful, fragrant flowers. Hopefully the edible species has similar flowers.

It also has so many health benefits and can be used in many different ways.

So what Is Ginger?

It is also known as Zingiber officinale, is inaccurately referred to as “ginger root”, although the edible section sold in the markets and used in dishes is actually the stem or the rhizome. Ginger can be used fresh, dried, powdered, or as an oil or juice, and is sometimes added to processed foods and cosmetics.

It is loaded with nutrients and bioactive compounds that have powerful benefits for the body and brain.

Not only is ginger known as an essence and a spice, it is known to be one of the oldest remedies in herbal and aromatic traditional treatments, especially in China, India, and the Middle East. In China, it has been used for over 2,000 years for curing inflammation and diarrhea.

Gingerol is the main bioactive compound in ginger, responsible for much of its medicinal properties. It has powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.

Today, ginger is on the FDA’s list of generally safe foods and is often used to mask the taste of bitter medicines such as cough syrups.

Here are 6 health benefits of ginger that are supported by scientific research.

1. Improve Brain Function and Protect Against Alzheimer’s Disease

Oxidative stress and chronic inflammation can accelerate the aging process.

They are among the key drivers of Alzheimer’s disease and age-related cognitive decline. Some studies suggest that the antioxidants and bioactive compounds in ginger can inhibit inflammatory responses that occur in the brain.

There is also some evidence that ginger can directly enhance brain function

2. Highly effective against nausea.

Studies have concluded that 1 -1.5 grams of ginger can help prevent various types of nausea. This applies to relieving nausea and vomiting after surgery, motion and morning sickness.

Its quick absorption and rapid regulation of body functions cure nausea without the side effects of modern medications.

3. Help Fight Infections

Gingerol can help lower the risk of infections as it inhibits the growth of many different types of bacteria. Fresh ginger may also be effective against the RSV virus, a common cause of respiratory infections.

4. Treats Diarrhea

Ginger has been used since ancient times to cure diarrhea. This was recently proven by researchers that found it prevents stomach spasms and gases that contribute to and stimulate diarrhea.

5. May Reduce Muscle and joint pain.

Gingerol, is a powerful anti-inflammatory compound, which has been directly associated with improvements in knee inflammation and associated pain. Ginger does not have an immediate impact, but may be effective at reducing the day-to-day progression of muscle pain as both a preventative measure and a treatment.

6. Aids in Digestion

Ginger has been discovered to be a facilitator of the digestive process. It helps in regulating high sugar levels that may disrupt digestion and soothe the stomach. Along with that, it has a number of compounds that improve the absorption of nutrients and minerals from the food we eat. It is popular in Asian countries as an appetiser or raw menu item for precisely this reason.

There are so many more health benefits associated with Ginger. It is also quite versatile and easy to include it in our daily diet, whether it’s fresh, pickled, dried or ground.

With all of this in mind, I will definitely be trying to consume it every day.