Category: Herbal Medicine

Culinary and medicinal herbs, traditional uses, benefits, and conditions helped by herbal medicine.

  • Thyme: benefits and uses

    Thyme: benefits and uses

    Thyme: Thymus vulgaris Part used: leaf and stem Medicinal actions: Carminative, anti-microbial, anti-spasmodic, expectorant, astringent, anthelmintic Thyme is an aromatic herb with a bitter-sweet flavour. It has a long history of culinary and medicinal use. It is primarily used as a pot herb as it can withstand long cooking times. It also makes a delicious…

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  • Elderberry

    Elderberry

    Sambucus nigra As summer comes to an end the hanging clusters of tiny elderberries change from green, to dark purple, to black when fully ripe. Each elderberry contains one to three seeds, which contain poisonous cyanogenic glycosides that can be deactivated by cooking. If you eat too many raw berries, which taste bitter-sweet, you will…

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  • Blackberry

    Blackberry

    Rubus fruticosus, A.K.A.: Bramble If you regularly walk past blackberry bushes, when the berries are ripe, without picking any you are definitely missing out on one of Nature’s great bounties. Blackberries are an excellent source of Vitamins C and K and manganese, they are rich in bioflavonoids and contain both soluble and insoluble dietary fibre. Blackberries…

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  • Immune System Super Tonic

    Immune System Super Tonic

    This immune system super tonic is a classic based on the legendary Four Thieves Vinegar. As such you can play around with the ingredients and make it your own, For example, add some lemons, fresh turmeric root, cumin seeds, onions, fresh thyme, rosemary or other herbs and spices that appeal to you or you have…

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  • Turmeric Golden Milk

    Turmeric Golden Milk

    How to Make Turmeric Golden Milk Turmeric golden milk is a traditional Indian remedy commonly used to boost the immune system and reduce pain in muscles and joints. Turmeric is much appreciated for its anti-inflammatory properties, as well as being anti-viral and antiseptic. Turmeric has a strong affinity with the respiratory system and is a popular…

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  • Turmeric Butter

    Turmeric Butter

    How to Make Turmeric Butter Turmeric butter is an easy and delicious way to include this anti-inflammatory food in your diet. Use on sandwiches, serve on grains, or mix a teaspoon of turmeric butter with warm milk for a tasty beverage. Ingredients: ¼ cup virgin cold-pressed coconut oil, softened but not melted ¼ cup extra…

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  • 4 Common Blood Tests

    4 Common Blood Tests

    4 of the most common blood tests are for haemoglobin, white blood cell count, follicle-stimulating hormone and blood cholesterol. The following two blood tests are usually carried out as part of a Complete Blood Count (CBC). 1. Haemoglobin (Hgb) Normal ranges: Male: 13.5 to 18 gm/dL Female: 11.5 to 16.5 gm/dL (gm/dL: grams per decilitre) Values…

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  • Turmeric Golden Paste

    Turmeric Golden Paste

    How to Make Turmeric Golden Paste Make your turmeric golden paste weekly or fortnightly and store in the refrigerator to have on hand for adding to hot and cold drinks, to make turmeric butter or as a base for tasty curry dishes. Ingredients: Directions: The Benefits of Taking Turmeric as a Paste Related Posts: Turmeric…

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  • Urinary System

    Urinary System

    The urinary system is also called the genitourinary system. Genito refers to the genital organs and the reproductive system. Urinary refers to the kidneys and urinary tract. They are grouped together because of their close physical proximity. The primary function of the urinary system is to filter the blood by removing metabolic waste such as urea, uric acid…

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  • Autumn: Strengthen your immunity

    Autumn: Strengthen your immunity

    Autumn is an ideal time to do a little extra to support your immune system. If you are experiencing the first sniffles, sore throat, cough, cold sores or lowered energy levels, it can be a sign that you need to strengthen immunity —your body’s defence system. A strong immune system will help you to fight…

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  • Herbal Medicine for Cystitis

    Herbal Medicine for Cystitis

    Cystitis is inflammation of the bladder. It is more common in women than men. (See related post: Cystitis) Herbal medicine is rooted in mind/body medicine as taught by Hippocrates. As such diet and lifestyle considerations would also need to be addressed. Herb classifications for cystitis Some specific herbs for cystitis: Petroselinum crispum: Parsley Parsley is…

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  • Headache

    Headache

    There are many kinds of headache, the most common being tension headache, migraine and cluster headaches. Primary causes include muscle spasms in the head, neck or shoulders, restriction of the blood supply to the brain, stress and fatigue, menstrual symptoms, sleep disturbance, eye strain, environmental pollutants and food allergies or intolerances. Headache pain ranges from…

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  • Insomnia

    Insomnia

    Insomnia is a common complaint of the central nervous system. It is characterised by a difficulty getting to sleep, staying asleep, or feeling rested after sleep. Individual sleep requirements vary with age and levels of activity, it is generally accepted that we need an average of 8 hours sleep per 24-hours, except in infancy and…

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  • Cystitis

    Cystitis

    What is Cystitis? Cystitis is the medical term for acute or chronic inflammation and/or infection of the bladder. “This is an inflammation of the wall and lining of the urinary bladder that may be due to bacterial infection or to mechanical abrasion from microcrystals of calcium phosphate in urine.”¹ “The wall of the bladder sustains…

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  • Castor Oil Packs

    Castor Oil Packs

    Hot Castor oil packs help to stimulate deep circulation of blood and lymph, relieve discomfort and assist with the detoxification of the intestines, liver, spleen, lungs, reproductive organs and can be used on virtually any area of the body.* They can be applied over the abdomen for the treatment of constipation, or over the uterus…

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