USES
Taken internally, mustard encourages the circulation, eases stomach and liver problems, and is able to stimulate the heart.
Eat fresh mustard leaves when convalescing—they are nutritious and will help to encourage healing.
A mustard foot bath (1 teaspoon of mustard powder added to a bowl of hot water) is a traditional remedy for colds, circulatory problems, and headaches.
A mustard poultice on the chest relieves infection and congestion.
Mustard essential oil can be used externally for neuralgia.
PROPERTIES
Rich in calcium and iron
Mustard helps to restore bacterial balance in the intestines
Mustard greens are rich in vitamin A, iron, and zinc
White mustard relieves pain, and is a diuretic and an antibiotic
Mustard flour is an antiseptic and a deodorizer
Mustard oil can be used for pain relief of arthritic conditions and chilblains
CAUTION
Mustard seeds can burn the skin; use carefully. Avoid contact with the mucous membranes, and with sensitive skin.
SOLAN URN LUBEROSUM
POTATO
The potato plant is native to the Americas. It was supposedly endowed with powers such as the ability to cure impotence, and so long as the plant remained rare in Europe, its price often reached astronomical heights. Potatoes have been used for medicinal purposes for hundreds of years, and are extremely nutritious, supplying fiber, B vitamins, minerals, and vitamin C. The peels are high in potassium, and potato-peel tea has been traditionally used around the world for high blood pressure. The juice of raw potatoes is most useful, and can be added to soups, juices, or stews to disguise the taste.
USES
The juice of the raw potato can be used for stomach ulcers and to relieve the inflammation of arthritis.
Make a potato poultice for healing a bruise or sprain of any kind.
Raw, grated potatoes can relieve the pain of a burn.
Apply hot baked potato pulp for tennis elbow and other joint pain.
Boiled potato peel is said to be useful for inflammation of the prostate. Apply as a poultice to the affected area.
Eaten daily, potatoes can help to prevent premature aging and heart disease.
PROPERTIES
Alkaline, which helps to detoxify the body
Anti-ulcer
Helps relieve inflammation and pain
The skin contains chlorogenic acid, which can help to prevent cell mutation, causing cancer
CAUTION
Poisonous alkaloids are present in most nightshade plants, including the common potato, but it is perfectly safe to eat if cooked, and in small amounts when raw. Sprouting potatoes are poisonous and should not be eaten.
VACCINIUM OXYCOCCUS VAR. PALUSTRIS
CRANBERRY
Cranberries arc small acidic berries which are rich in vitamins C and A, and contain an excellent infection-fighting ingredient. The commercial cranberry, Vaccinium macrocarpon, is a creeping evergreen plant of the heath family, whose red, acidic fruit is used in sauces and jellies served with savory and sweet foods and in a variety of fruit juice beverages.
USES
Cranberries contain a substance which affects the acidity of the urine and acts as a bactericide. A daily glass of cranberry juice will prevent and treat cystitis, and discourage kidney stones. Fresh cranberries and cranberry juice are used in the treatment of prostate problems and urinary tract infections.
Crushed cranberries, boiled in distilled water and skinned, can be added to a cup of warm water to overcome an asthma attack. The berries contain an active ingredient similar to that in the drugs used to control asthma.
PROPERTIES
An antiseptic action on the urinary system
Used to control asthma
Improves the health of the circulatory system
Aids in the treatment of kidney stones
CAUTION
Cranberries contain large amounts of oxalic acid, and should not be eaten raw.
ZEA MAYS
CORN
Archeological evidence indicates that a type of primitive corn was used as a food in Mexico at least 7,000 years ago. The kernels of corn have a translucent, horny appearance when immature and are wrinkled when dry. The ears are eaten fresh or frozen, or are canned. Corn, or maize, is known primarily as a staple food, but it also has therapeutic properties. The corn silk (stigmas and styles of female flowers), fruit, seeds, and oil are used.
USES
Corn silk refers to the hairs covering the corn. A tea made by infusing corn silk in hot water may help in the treatment of kidney stones. Drink three times a day.
Corn silk is also a good cleanser of the urinary tract. A little of it eaten raw, with or without the corn kernels, will benefit the whole urinary system and may help to prevent cystitis.
Corn and its products may be beneficial in the treatment of bedwetting in children, disorders of the prostate and cystitis, and inflammation of the urethra.
PROPERTIES
Corn provides carbohydrates, B vitamins (thiamine and riboflavin), vitamin C, vitamin A, potassium, and zinc
Stimulating and cooling
Used in Chinese medicine for treating urinary and kidney problems
Corn silk cleanses the kidneys and the urinary tract
CAUTION
People suffering from pellagra (a niacin-deficiency disease) may be advised to eliminate corn and corn products from their diet. Some people are allergic to corn—if you suffer a rash, headaches, or any other symptoms, avoid corn and corn products.
BICARBONATE OF SODA
BAKING SODA
Baking soda is a white powder that is traditionally used as a raising agent for baking. It is used in many natural remedies, and on its own for its soothing and neutralizing properties.
USES
Salt and baking soda in the bath may reduce the effect of minor exposure to X-rays.
A paste of baking soda and water can be applied to diaper rash to reduce skin inflammation and irritation.
Drink a solution of baking soda and hot water (1 teaspoon to 1 cup [250ml]) to reduce flatulence and ease indigestion.
For bee stings, extract the sting and apply a paste of baking soda and water to neutralize it.
The juice of half a lemon mixed with 1 teaspoon of baking soda and warm water will help ease a headache. Drink every 15 minutes