Raises blood pressure. Can be used in the treatment of low blood pressure
CAUTION
Large doses of licorice can cause water retention and exacerbate high blood pressure. Avoid in pregnancy.
HAMAMELIS VIRGINIANA
WITCH HAZEL
Witch hazel is a common tree grown in the U.S. Its leaves or roots are used for medicinal purposes. The common name arose as a result of the remarkable medicinal properties of the alcoholic extract from the leaves and bark of the plant, which is used on bruises and inflammations, and as a rubbing lotion.
USES
Drink an infusion two or three times daily when there is inflammation (such as that of arthritis or rheumatism, sprains, or bruising) and for internal bleeding.
Apply externally (as a decoction, tincture, or cream) for the treatment of bruising, hemorrhoids, or varicose veins.
Use as a compress for sprains and strains.
Dilute one part witch hazel to 20 parts boiled, cooled water, and use as an eye wash for sore and inflamed eyes.
Add to the bath to reduce the aches and pains of rheumatic conditions.
Witch hazel ointment can be used for painful joints, bruising (applied very gently), and local pain.
PROPERTIES
Analgesic
Antiseptic—witch hazel can be used as a facial wash, and diluted to wash cuts and grazes
Helps to control diarrhea when taken internally, and can encourage the health of the digestive tract
Witch hazel soothes swellings, and reduces inflammation and bleeding, internally and externally
Will encourage healing of bruises, sprains, and bleeding hemorrhoids
HORDEUM SATIVUM VULGARE
BARLEY
Barley is rich in minerals (calcium and potassium) and B-complex vitamins, which makes it useful for convalescents or people suffering from stress. Barley has been used for its restorative qualities, in medicine and in cooking, for thousands of years. Malt is produced from barley.
BARLEY WATER
Add 2 tablespoons of pearl barley to 1 pt. (500ml) of water and boil for 10 minutes.
Strain, and add barley to a fresh pint of water.
Boil for another 10 minutes.
USES
Barley water can be used in the treatment of respiratory disorders, and eases dry, tickling coughs.
Barley water can be used for urinary tract infections and cystitis, and can ease flatulence and colic.
Cooked barley is easily digested and nutritious, and is a traditional remedy for constipation and diarrhea.
Barley water reduces acid in the spleen if drunk twice a day for a month.
Make a poultice of barley flour to reduce inflammation of the skin.
Barley may help to prevent heart disease, as it promotes the normal functioning of the heart and is able to stabilize blood pressure.
Eat in soups and stews when convalescing.
Barley poultices can be applied to soothe inflamed skin
PROPERTIES
Nutritious
Anti-inflammatory, particularly to the urinary and digestive systems
Used in the treatment of respiratory disorders
Taken daily, it may lower cholesterol levels
JUGLANS REGIA
WALNUT
Walnut is the common name for about 20 species of deciduous trees in the walnut family, Juglandaceae. The fruit has an outer leathery husk and an inner hard and furrowed stone, or nut. Walnuts are rich in protein, and high in potassium and other minerals such as zinc and iron. The bark of the walnut tree is used to treat gum disease, among other things.
USES
Eat daily while convalescing to relieve fatigue and generally strengthen the body.
Fresh walnuts and walnut oil can encourage circulation, and because they are rich in potassium, will keep the heart healthy.
to Add walnut bark to the bath for rheumatism, and sore and aching muscles and joints.
Apply walnut bark tincture, in a little carrier oil, to swellings and skin problems, in order to encourage healing.
Eat walnuts for heartburn and diarrhea.
Fresh walnuts can help to soothe colic and dispel gas in the abdomen.
Walnut oil, added to salads and vegetables, will help to ease the discomfort of irritable bowel syndrome and act as a mild laxative.
PROPERTIES
The bark of the walnut tree is astringent and cleansing
Walnut bark strengthens the gums and acts as an anti-inflammatory
The bark discourages milk flow in nursing mothers
The nuts are aphrodisiac and mildly laxative
The nuts prevent worms
The nuts are soothing and a natural digestive
LACTOBACILLUS
YOGURT
Yogurt is a fermented, slightly acidic food product made from milk. Its origins are unknown (although the name is Turkish), and it resembles the many other fermented milk foods made throughout the world, such as kefir and kumiss. Unlike many of these foods, however, yogurt is usually made from a concentrated milk and is soured by a specific bacillus, Lactobacillus bulgaricus. As a food, yogurt is a rich source of protein, and contains all of the vitamins and minerals found in milk.
USES
Live yogurt should be eaten to increase beneficial bacteria following a course of antibiotics. Eat daily for two to three weeks.
Make your own yogurt. Add 3 teaspoons of live yogurt to 1 pt. (600ml) of milk. Leave to set.
Apply live yogurt to areas affected by thrush; it can also be used internally as a douche.
Daily intake of yogurt may prevent heart disease.
Cleanse the skin with yogurt, which is a natural moisturizer.
PROPERTIES
Live yogurt is antifungal, and can be used in the treatment of thrush
Live yogurt may help to reduce cholesterol levels
Encourages the growth of healthy bacteria in the bowels, which aids absorption of nutrients and helps to prevent infection
Helps to produce vitamin B
Yogurt stimulates bowel movements
Helps to prevent and control the growth of cancerous cells
CAUTION
Live yogurt is not effective when mixed with sweeteners, for best effect