8 MULTIFUNCTIONAL MEDICINAL HERBS — Ep. 117
Flock Finger Lakes・2 minutes read
Yarrow, wood betony, goldenseal, burdock root, agrimonia, calendula, St. John's Wort, Roman chamomile, and Monarda fistulosa are multifunctional herbs with various medicinal uses, ranging from wound treatment to digestive aid, calming effects to reducing fevers, bronchial benefits to lymphatic health, and antibiotic properties to tonifying nerves. These herbs offer a diverse range of health benefits that can complement modern medicine, providing versatile options for individuals looking to incorporate herbal remedies into their wellness routine.
Insights
- Yarrow, also known as wound wart, is a versatile herb with antiviral properties, effective for staunching bleeding, deep cuts, and bruises, aiding fever recovery when ingested, and historically used for treating various ailments like typhoid and malaria.
- St. John's Wort, a shrubby perennial plant, is commonly used for depression but should not be combined with SSRIs, boasting antibacterial, antiviral, and antitumoral properties, with a complex chemistry that thrives in stressful environments, making it more potent when harvested from challenging conditions.
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Recent questions
What is yarrow used for?
Wound healing and medicinal purposes.
What are the benefits of goldenseal?
Antibiotic properties and digestive aid.
What is wood betony used for?
Headaches, migraines, and digestive issues.
How is calendula used medicinally?
Burns, sore muscles, and skin conditions.
What are the properties of St. John's Wort?
Antidepressant, antibacterial, and antiviral.
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Summary
00:00
Yarrow and Goldenseal: Medicinal Herbs Explained
- Achillea milifolium, also known as yarrow or wound wart, is a key herb for the medicine cabinet, identified by its composite flowers, feathery gray stem, and deeply dissected leaves used for wounds.
- The plant was previously thought to be non-native but has been reclassified as a subspecies of Achillea milifolium, with different ploidy levels distinguishing regional variations.
- Yarrow has a slightly sweet, piney, chrysanthemum-like scent, with leaves and flowers collected for medicinal and edible purposes, such as garnishing salads or as a pepper substitute.
- Yarrow is effective for staunching bleeding, deep cuts, blood blisters, bruises, and has antiviral properties, accelerating fever recovery when ingested as a tea or tincture.
- The herb historically treated various ailments like typhoid and malaria, aiding digestion, lowering blood pressure, and is commonly used in flu remedies.
- Botanica officinalis, also known as wood betony or purple betony, is a mint family plant with fuzzy, ruffly leaves, and reddish-purple flowers, suitable for headaches, migraines, digestive issues, and as a black tea alternative.
- Wood betony's astringency makes it cooling and relaxing, beneficial for tonifying nerves, relieving congestion, and aiding digestion when combined with other herbs like skullcap or linden.
- Goldenseal, or Hydrastis canadensis, known for its yellow roots rich in berberine, is a potent multi-purpose antibiotic used for clean wounds, eye washes, gum diseases, canker sores, and sore throats.
- Goldenseal is effective for mucus buildup, women's health issues, and as a bitter digestive aid, but its rarity necessitates considering alternative plants like dandelion or burdock root for digestive support.
16:19
"Calendula: Versatile Herb for Health and Healing"
- Burdock root is abundant and good for digestion, but better suited for wound treatment due to its rarity.
- Hydrastus canadensis has contraindications, limiting its use to two weeks and avoiding during pregnancy, as it can harm rather than help.
- Research herbs thoroughly for contraindications and start with small doses to monitor effects, especially when combining with allopathic medicine.
- Agrimonia, also known as church steeples or bur marigold, historically used for treating cataracts, liverwort, and liver tonification.
- Agrimonia is beneficial for liver, kidneys, and gallbladder, with leaves used for tinctures, infusions, eye washes, and gargles.
- Calendula officinalis, known as gold marigold, is used in salves for burns, sore muscles, rashes, and bruises, with a resinous scent.
- Calendula petals can be used as a saffron alternative in cooking, adding a zingy spice to salads and dishes.
- Calendula is effective for swollen lymph nodes when used internally as a salve, poultice, infusion, or tincture.
- Consider using calendula for swollen lymph nodes, as it can be beneficial internally and externally, aiding in lymphatic health.
- Utilize calendula for various medicinal purposes, including swollen lymph nodes, burns, sore muscles, and skin conditions, making it a versatile addition to a medicinal cabinet.
31:04
"St. John's Wort: Medicinal Benefits and Uses"
- St. John's Wort, scientifically known as Hypericum perforatum, is a common shrubby perennial plant with bright golden yellow flowers and bluish green leaves containing oil glands.
- It is commonly used for depression but should not be used alongside SSRIs, and can also be used in salves for burns, sore muscles, and other ailments.
- When extracted, St. John's Wort turns bright red, similar to chamomile and tanacetum, due to its unique chemistry.
- Apart from its use in salves, St. John's Wort is known for its antibacterial, antiviral, and antitumoral properties, with extensive medical literature supporting its benefits.
- The plant's complex chemistry allows it to thrive in stressful environments, making it more potent when harvested from challenging conditions like dry lands or meadows.
- The leaves and petals of St. John's Wort, particularly the oil glands on the leaves, are used for extracting its beneficial chemistry, resulting in a red oil.
- St. John's Wort should not be used over a long period, similar to Hydrastis canadensis, to avoid potential issues.
- Roman Chamomile, or Chamomilla matriarcha, is a sedative herb commonly used in teas for its calming effects, especially for flus, fevers, hay fever, and allergies.
- Chamomile can also be used as a poultice, infusion, or tincture, and is safe for most individuals, though allergic reactions are possible.
- Monarda fistulosa, known as wild bergamot, has a sweet leaf and can vary in taste based on its chemotype, making it a versatile herb for culinary and medicinal uses.
45:56
"Monarda: Multifunctional Herb for Health Benefits"
- Monarda plant is useful for drawing out heat from burns, sunburns, and ingesting it can remove heat from the body, making it beneficial for digestive issues and can be used as a tea.
- Monarda tea contains thymol, aiding in reducing flatulence, gas, and bloating, making it a good remedy for digestive problems.
- Monarda fistulosa can help reduce fever towards the end of the illness, distinguishing it from other herbs like achillea milifolium, and its scent is beneficial for bronchial issues.
- Focusing on multifunctional herbs like Monarda can simplify herbal medicine cabinets, empowering individuals to grow and use plants for various health benefits, complementing modern medicine.
