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I haven't shared some herbal info in a little while, so here I go with an overview of Catnip:
Catnip is not just for cats! In fact it affects humans in quite the opposite way. A part of the mint family, it has a pleasant taste and is most well known for promoting restful sleep. It is an extremely safe herb, so it can be taken regularly without fear of toxicity or unpleasant side effects.
It is believed to have insect repelling constituents, so it is sometimes used as an ingredient in all natural insect repellants. The plant itself attracts butterflies and bees and is also deer resistant!
Latin Name: Nepeta cataria
Common name: Catnip
Parts of the Plant Used: Leaves and flowers.
Extraction Methods: Tea or tincture. Can also be used in cooking.
Habitat/Bioregion: Catnip grows in the United States as well as other temperate bioregions. As one can imagine, it is often cultivated for our furry feline friends.
Actions: Carminative (expels gas), lowers fever, aids digestions, promotes sleep, relieves stress, stimulates appetite, treats inflammation, pain, stress, colds & flu.
Body Systems Supported: Digestive system, nervous system, immune system.
Additional Information: Catnip is mild in nature and has no toxicity, so it is safe to give to children!
Burdock is a powerful medicinal herb, the root of the plant being used most commonly. It is revered for its blood purifying actions, but has a wide range of health benefits and it used to treat many ailments. It contains amino acids, calcium, chromium, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, selenium, silicon, zinc, vitamins B1, B2, B3, and C in addition to a wide range of medicinal compounds. 1,2
Modern research has labeled the herb as desmutagenic- meaning that it contains substances that inactivate mutagens (cancer causing agents). Mutagens include pesticides, natural plant chemicals, toxins created from cooking, and other pollutants than occur in our food, water, and air. 1
In addition to its uses internally, burdock also promotes natural hair growth and a healthy scalp when applied externally in an oil or hair rinse. This is largely due to its phytosterol and essential fatty acid content. It can be used to treat dandruff as well as hair loss. 1
Latin Name: Arctium lappa
Common name: Burdock (also called bardana, beggar's buttons, clotbur, gobo, lappa, and thorny burr)
Parts of the Plant Used: Plant, Roots, Seeds.
Extraction Methods: Decoction, tincture, oil extract. Can also be cooked or juiced.
Habitat/Bioregion: Burdock is native to Northern Asia and Europe, but grows in the United States and other temperate regions.
Actions:
Anti-oxidant, Anti-bacterial, anti-viral, and anti-fungal. Purifies the blood, supports liver and gallbladder function, and stimulates the digestive and immune systems. Believed to possess anti-cancer properties by helping to control cell mutation. Diuretic and diaphoretic. 1,2
Body Systems Supported: Circulatory System, Immune System, Digestive System, Nervous System, Integumentary System.
History/Folklore: Ancient Greeks used burdock root, greens, and seeds in their healing remedies. During the middle ages, Western herbalists consumed it as both a food and medicine. In Asia, where it is called "gobo", it is traditionally eaten as a root vegetable, particularly in Japan. 1
1. Famacy Herbs. Herbal Training and Education Coursebook, Mary Blue
2. Prescription for Nutritional Healing. Phyllis A. Balch, CNC. 2006
Astragalus is a great tonic herb that is often used to support endocrine system function. It is an adaptogen, meaning that it increases the body's resistance to stress. Because of its antioxidant properties and wide range of healing constituents, it is used to treat a wide variety of ailments.
It is the roots of the plant that are used; thus, it can be taken in powdered form, or the roots can be decocted to make a tea. It contains calcium, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, selenium, silicon, zinc, vitamin B1, B2, B3, and C 2. Astragalus has more documented research than many other herbs based on its implications in treating chemotherapy symptoms as well as AIDS.
Latin Name: Astragalus membranaceus
Common name: Astragalus
Parts of the Plant Used: Roots.
Extraction Methods: Decoction, Infusion (with powdered roots), tincture, poultice.
Habitat/Bioregion: Astragalus is native to Northern and Eastern China, Mongolia, and Korea.
Actions: Anti-bacterial, anti-viral, anti-inflammatory, and anti-oxidant. Raises metabolism, promotes sweating, combats fatigue and stress. Protects the immune system, aids adrenal gland function and digestion. Used to treat colds, flu, and immune-deficiency related diseases, including aids, cancer, and tumors. Lowers blood pressure and protects the liver. Also used to treat diabetes and chronic lung weakness 2. Sometimes used externally to heal wounds 1.
Body Systems Supported: Immune System, Endocrine System, Digestive System, Nervous System, Circulatory System, Integumentary System.
History/Folklore: A popular tonic in Chinese medicine that has been used for thousands of years. The Chinese refer to this herb as Huang Qi. In America it is sometimes called "milk vetch".
Information on astragalus by The University of Maryland Medical Center
*Because astragalus can promote sweating and raise body temperature , do not take astragalus when fever is present.
1. University of Maryland Medical Center. 2011. http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/astragalus-000223.htm
2. Prescription for Nutritional Healing. Phyllis A. Balch, CNC. 2006
Today's herb of the day: Alfalfa!
Alfalfa is a tonic nervine, meaning that it nourishes the nervous system through its high vitamin and mineral content. 1 The health benefits of nervines are most apparent when taken over long periods of time. They have a restorative, balancing effect, and are especially useful in combating stress.
Alfalfa's stunning array of vitamins and minerals provide support to all bodily systems, rather than focusing on specific organs, like certain herbs. It contains vitamin A, B1 (Thiamine), B2 (Riboflavin), B3 (Niacin), B5 (Panothenic Acid), B6 (Pyridoxine), B12 (methylcobalamin), C (ascorbic acid), D, E, and K. As far as minerals, it contains calcium, iron, magnesium, manganese, selenium, and zinc. Fresh, raw alfalfa provides the most vitamins and minerals. 2
Latin Name: Medicago sativa
Common name: Alfalfa
Parts of the Plant Used: Leaves, flowers, petals, and sprouted seeds.
Extraction Methods: Infusion (tea), Tincture, Poultice.
Habitat/Bioregion: Very widespread. Grows in the US, as well as warmer and cooler regions of the world.
Actions: Diuretic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-fungal. Lowers cholesterol, balances blood sugar and hormones, and promotes pituitary gland functioning. Useful for treating anemia, arthritis, ulcers, bleeding disorders, digestive issues, and disorders involving skin and joints. It also alkalizes and detoxifies the body. 2
Body Systems Supported: Nervous System, Circulatory System, Integumentary System, Endocrine System, Digestive System, Skeletal System
History/Folklore: In traditional Chinese medicine, alfalfa was used to treat issues related to the digestive tract and kidneys. In Ayurvedic medicine it is also used to treat digestive issues and the seeds are sometimes used in a poultice to treat boils.
Stay tuned for tomorrow's herb of the day- Astragalus!
1. Famacy Herbs. Herbal Training and Education Coursebook, Mary Blue
2. Prescription for Nutritional Healing. Phyllis A. Balch, CNC. 2006
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