21/12/2020
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You can be reassured however, if you are lucky enough to own a garden, you may find that you in fact have some herbal remedies right at your fingertips, that can replace those which you were buying beforehand.
Whether you intend for them to be present or not, at this time of year you will likely find 'imposters', roots and shrubs that can surprisingly provide you with some quite impressive health perks, along with flowers and plants that pack a remedial punch, perfect for this time when we need to be doing our best to boost our immune systems and stay healthy.
Here, we review some of the more common garden residents that you can use to your advantage for good health and to replace shop bought items.
Dandelion is high in potassium and vitamins A, B, C and D, which can cleanse the blood and stimulate the liver. It is said to be a powerful cure for many ailments including jaundice and kidney complaints. The dandelion's diuretic properties are very effective for helping to manage urinary tract infection symptoms, and expel fluid retention. Dandelion is in fact safer than conventional diuretics, which tend to leach potassium from the body, as its rich potassium content replaces what the body loses.
Dandelion is also a mild laxative, proving useful if your digestion is suffering due to inactivity or a change to your usual menu as less food items are available.
Lastly, dandelion sap was known to help remove warts, simply applied at regular intervals until the wart shrivelled and went away.
You can use dandelion in various ways:
Honeysuckle leaves are rich in salicylic acid, a component of aspirin, which makes them an effective treatment for headaches, flu, colds, bronchitis, and general aches and pains.
A natural immune booster, honeysuckle can provide instant relief from high fever and sore throats, as well as easing a cough.
It is also known for assisting the maintenance of blood sugar levels.
Honeysuckle is believed to host certain elements that aid elimination of infection causing germs that cause streptococcal infections, tuberculosis and salmonella infections.
It can be used to treat various digestion related disorders, and is very effectual in curbing nausea and vomiting sensations.
Some uses of Honeysuckle:
Nettles are a natural anti-inflammatory painkiller and are known to boost the immune system. They a good source of vitamin C and iron and are also great substitute for spinach, as the stings disappear after cooking, so you can add them to soups.
Nettles are an excellent remedy for anaemia, and, when applied as a lotion or drunk as a tea, nettles appear to reduce the pain of arthritis and lessen the need for painkillers such as aspirin and ibuprofen.
Some suggestions for using Nettles:
Plantain can be found in your lawn. It has an ability to treat infections, cuts, varicose ulcers, sore eyes and ears, and even broken bones. The leaves are anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory. Plantain is a natural antihistamine and helps with wound healing and insect bites and stings, especially nettle stings - in fact plantain is more effective than dock leaves. Plantain, along with dandelion and nettle is a mild diuretic and used to ease the symptoms caused by water retention.
Uses of Plantain:
Sage is common in most peoples’ gardens. It is considered a ‘cure all’. Like rosemary, Sage is a memory enhancer, diuretic, and digestive aid. It’s good for cleaning teeth, for treating colds and coughs and for loosening mucus in the respiratory tract. You can gargle with it for sore throats, tonsillitis, inflamed gums, and mouth ulcers, or use it with honey to soothe your sore throat.
Some uses for Sage:
Chive leaves are mildly antiseptic, and when sprinkled on food, they stimulate appetite and help to promote digestion. Always be sure to add them at the end of cooking otherwise they lose their flavour. Chives contain vitamins A and K, promoting increased bone health, and are also rich in antioxidants. The allicin in chives is known to help lower cholesterol and blood pressure levels, and the quercetin reduces the build-up of plaque in the arteries. Chives are also known to boost circulation.
Best used:
Parsley is extremely nutritious. It is high in protein, iron, potassium, magnesium, vitamins A, B, C, and chlorophyll. Parsley is an anti-inflammatory and a diuretic. It stimulates kidneys and has an antiseptic effect on the urinary system. Parsley also relieves spasms and wind in the digestive tract. Parsley is also good for anaemia, as it helps improve iron intake and absorption. Parsley is good as a garnish, but also great in juices, teas and tinctures.
Uses for Parsley:
Rosemary is known as the ‘herb of remembrance’. It can increase the effects of essential enzymes in the brain that’s helping to improve concentration and memory. It contains compounds that relax the muscles of the digestive tract and when drunk in small amounts it reduces flatulence and stimulates the smooth muscle of the digestive tract and gallbladder and increases the flow of bile. Rosemary can lighten mood and help overcome nervous exhaustion and anxiety and mild depression. Have as a tea, or simply smell some to cheer you up. Rosemary is also used in hair care products for thinning hair, dandruff, alopecia, and is a natural antiseptic. It can be used as an antiseptic gargle and mouthwash for bad breath. Rosemary oil is antibacterial, antifungal, and helps poor circulation if rubbed into affected joints. Rosemary oil is great for headaches if applied directly to the head.
Lavender has a soothing, sedative effect. It helps to calm nerves, relax muscles, ease anxiety and promote sleep. Lavender also aids digestion, relieving intestinal spasms and killing nervous stomach complaints. Lavender also helps throat infections, skin sores, inflammation, rheumatic aches, insomnia and depression.
Mint is antibacterial and anti-parasitic. It helps relieve nasal congestion and catarrh. Mint soothes digestive problems, relieves pain, reduces muscle spasms and flatulence, and relaxes the gullet which helps to get rid of gas in the upper digestive system through belching. Mint is as antispasmodic and anti-flatulent. It also stimulates appetite.
This is a simple introduction to the many uses of garden herbs, shrubs and flowers, there are many other remedies and of course many other ingredients that you may happen to have in your garden. So, before you make a list and mentally and physically prepare yourself for a stressful visit to the supermarket or pharmacy, consider slipping on your garden shoes instead!
Remember to keep your pendant alarm on in the garden, the range of the button you wear is 164 feet from the base unit in your home, which is ample for the majority of gardens. Peace of mind for you and your family.
References: stylecraze.com / primallyinspired.com / Grow your own Drugs by James Wong / The Hedgerow Apothecary by Christine Iverson / The complete herb book by Jekka McVicar
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