Monday, November 25, 2013

The Lovely Marshmallow


Marshmallow (Althea officinalis) is such lovely plant! Really! There is not one thing not to love about it! It is quite lovely looking much like a Hollyhock. It has been cultivated for over 2,000 years. Althea comes from the Greek word "altho" meaning cure The root was used to make marshmallows before we came up with how to make the synthetic ones. The mucilaginous properties that helped make marshmallows are what also make it a great winter herb.  It belongs to the Demulcent category of herbs, meaning it is slimy. This slimy quality soothes our bodies' mucous membranes.

Marshmallow due to its soothing qualities is excellent for sore throats. It moistens the lungs raw from dry cough. It also has ant-congestion properties making ideal for the cough and colds.  It is not only for colds and throats, it coats gastric ulcers and soothes bladders irritated from infections.

The best way to use Marshmallow is by making a cold infusion. Place some marshmallow root in a jar(1/4 of the jar). Fill the rest of the way with lukewarm water. Place in the frig for 4 hours. By doing a cold infusion, you preserve the coating properties.

Diabetics should not take marshmallow because it interferes with glucose levels. Anyone on prescription medication should not take it. Due to its coating properties it interferes with absorption


Hoping you and yours are staying healthy!

Now for the disclaimer: This is not meant to diagnose or treat any medical condition. Please seek the advice of medical professionsl


Saturday, November 23, 2013

5 Herbs You Need to Know for Winter

Over the next few weeks, I will be sharing information on five herbs that can help keep you healthy through the winter. Some are familiar, some maybe not so much! Grab a cup of steamy herb tea and enjoy!

Echinacea (E. augustifolia E. pallida E. purpurea) This an oldie, but goodie. It has been talked about in major news outlets. Did you know until the 1920's, it was the number 1 medicinal herb sold in the U.S.? Millions of Europeans take it for infections. In 1993, German physicians prescribed it 2.5 million times to their patients! WOW!!

Researchers have not been able to pin point exactly how it works. They do know that it stimulates the non-specific activity of our immune cells. Unlike antibiotics that kill all our bacteria (good and bad), Echinacea makes our own immune cells more efficient. An added benefit is that our all important gut flora does not become imbalanced or depleted.

Echinacea does not only have antibiotic qualities, but also works as an antiviral. Topically it works as an anti-inflammatory for psoriasis or eczema.  The dosage is usually 60 drops of a tincture 1x day for an adult, taken for 2 weeks.  People who are allergic to plants in the aster family, should avoid taking Echinacea. Also people with suppressed immune systems, have HIV, MS, Rheumatoid Arthritis, should not take Echinacea period!!

Stay turned for the next herb: Marshmallow root: not what you think!

Here's to abundant health!

Now for the disclaimer: this post is not meant to diagnose or treat any medical condition. Please seek the counsel of a medical professional.