Health Alternatives

First, let me make a few disclaimer statement’s.

I am not a licensed doctor. Anything I put on here is through my own research and expiermentation. Does my family go for all my crazy ideas? Uh, No. But I think the Amish and others are on to something since they never go to the doctor. Also, some things I put on this page is not a cure for any ailment. By all means in an emergency situation, go to the doctor and get help. Discuss taking any herbal or vitamin regiments with your doctor before mixing them with prescription medicines. Some work against each other. God did give us some common sense to take care of our bodies.God put all plants here for a reason. Egyptians used and still uses herbal remedies today for health, so do alot more countries like China, Japan, and Europe. People are searching for more natural ways to take care of their bodies.

This page will be updated everytime I find out new information. Remember, this is my own research. You can find anything out on the internet. All articles were reprinted with permission and giving the original author the credit for their work in exchange for promoting each others blogs and websites. If some of the links I have provided do not work, just copy  and paste them to your browser.

This page will be dedicated to Herbal/Vitamin Alternatives to Prescription Medication. Herbal Remedies.

IMPORTANT!!! If you are taking a prescription medication for an ailment, do not quit taking it abruptly. You could send your body into shock and conditions could worsen. Herbs are not quick fixes or cure alls. Weaning is the key. Remember that herbs are “not” synthetic chemical substances. It takes herbs longer to get into the system and take affect. You have to be patient with Herbs and Vitamins, they affect people in different ways. Synthetic, chemical medications take affect immediately and shock the body too quickly. 

I was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis in 2004. I went through alot of medicines until they found one that was right for me, and steroids to get the pain and inflammation down quickly. I had gotten handicapped. Its like it came on all the sudden. First I noticed I couldnt hardly get up and down just 3 steps without hurting. Then I started noticing this tingling sensation in my hands and arms. I went through MRI’s, Nerve Conductive study tests, carpal tunnel exrays and shots, you name it they had a test for me.

If it was not for my oldest son who was 5 years old at the time, I dont know what I would have done. While dear husband worked, Dakota leaned how to change diapers, cook simple things and anything else I could teach him to do. I was wearing braces on my hands and my hands and arms felt like they were on fire 24/7. I could not touch anything. I never slept and was up all night some nights just crying. 
After being on prescription medications for so long and having periodic steroid shots (just for occasional flare ups that I could not handle) I got tired of the side effects. I think they were getting worse than the actual ailment. I believe they drew my body into aging quicker and was clouding my mind.
I have a good relation ship with my doctor and I have expressed to him I wanted to try some herbal remedies. I have tried some but Im not seeing alot of change and at the moment I have to keep doing what Im doing with my medication. I can not completely get off it. Along with my medication I try to do other things like try to get some kind of exercise everyday even if its just walking down to my barn everyday instead of riding. Trying to watch what I eat. Eat healthy, take vitamins. Maybe someday I can switch. 

For other ailments that I might have like a common cold or such, I do try herbal remedies when I get sick, but since my immune system is low anyway and my white blood cells are compromised, if it has gone on for too long and Im not getting over it in a timely manner or Im not doing something right by all means I will utilize the services of my doctor and go get help. God did give me common sense to know when to get help and take care of myself. Even Luke the disciple was a doctor in Jesus’ day.

In the mean time, I would like to share this page to everyone else that may be able to do this.

I will also have links at the bottom of my page that will come in handy for you.

Sometimes Ill put a picture on here that is self explanatory, like this one:I think you can right click on it and copy and paste to your computer and resize it to read it better. I tried to resize it through my picture host but the bigger I got the blurrier it got. Maybe you can do it better than me.Also, if you have trouble with some of these links just copy and paste them into your browser. Thanks.

This is some hand written notes of mine when I did some research on the internet of natural remedies to certain prescription meds. Sorry about my handwriting, it gets worse the older I get.

Here is a good one to start with:

Note: the thing to remember about using essential oils is know the difference between theraputic and food grade. Theraputic is topical use only, which means skin contact. Food Grade can be ingested (swallowed orally). Some people get carried away and get crazy with oils and do not pay attention to labels and directions and have harmed themselves.  Please follow directions and doseage suggestions.

Essential Oil Of The Day: Lavenderhttp://www.herbs-info.com/essential-oils/lavender-essential-oil.html

Click the link to read our special report and learn more about the benefits of Lavender.

#lavender #essentialoil #migraine #coldsores #eczema #headache — with Tricia Brown-MacPherson.

Herbal Cough Syrup Recipe

Print

Prep time

5 mins

Cook time

30 mins

Total time

35 mins

Homemade herbal cough syrup that soothes the throat to ease coughing and promote restful sleep.

Recipe type: Remedy

Serves: 8+

Ingredients

• 1 quart of filtered water
• ¼ cup Ginger Root (fresh grated or dried)
• ¼ cup Chamomile Flowers
• ¼ cup Marshmallow Root
• 1 tablespoon Cinnamon
• ¼ cup lemon juice
• 1 cup honey

Instructions

1. Pour the water into a medium saucepan and add the dried herbs.
2. Bring to a boil and then reduce to a simmer.
3. Simmer until the volume is reduced by about half. (You will need 1 cup of liquid after herbs are strained off)
4. Pour through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth to remove herbs (compost the herbs!).
5. While liquid is still warm (not boiling) mix with lemon juice and honey and stir well.
6. Store in airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 months.

Notes

I give 1 teaspoon to children and 1 tablespoon to adults as needed for symptoms.

 

        

A note on Herbal Antibiotics:

How are herbal antibiotics different from pharmaceutical antibiotics?Many pharmaceutical antibiotics are isolated chemical constituents. They are one compound/one chemical – penicillin is penicillin, tetracycline is tetracycline and so on. This makes them easier for bacteria to adapt to and counteract. In contrast, herbs are much more complicated. Garlic has over 33 sulfur compounds, 17 amino acids and a dozen other compounds. Yarrow has over 120 identified compounds.

http://www.commonsensehome.com/herbal-antibiotics/

                

18 Metabolism Boosting Foods To Speed Up Weight Loss…
http://www.ourhomesweethome.org/18-metabolism-boosting-foods-to-speed-up-weight-loss/ — with Charlena Collins and Jocelyn Bejar Bangcaya.

25 Health Benefits of Cinnamon…
http://mylampisfull.blogspot.com/2013/11/25-wonders-of-cinnamon.html

Peppermint Oil is a great essential oil to have on hand. Here are 25 great uses for it!http://www.littlehouseliving.com/uses-for-peppermint-oil.html

Migraine Remedy: http://www.deeprootsathome.com/discover-no-side-effect-migraine-remedy/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+DeepRootsAtHome+%28Deep+Roots+at+Home%29&utm_content=Yahoo!+Mail

There is a great website by Millie Troth concerning Essential Oils and their health benefits. She has been featured in several magazines. Here is her website.  http://gentlewindsinc.younglivingworld.com/MainFrame.asp?BodyFrame=resources/OilStory_main.asp  You can find out about any kind of oil and their benefits. Just type your key word in the search box.

Tired of feeling sick? Read this article: http://www.keeperofthehome.org/2013/11/tired-of-feeling-sick-try-alternating-hot-and-cold-hydrotherapy.html

21 Health Benefits of Peppermint

Why might you want to add peppermint to your natural medicine chest? Here are 21 valuable uses for this therapeutic plant.2
1. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
Peppermint oil capsules have been described as ‘the drug of first choice’ in IBS patients,3 as it safely helps alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life. Research has shown that it is effective in children and adults alike, with one study showing a 50 percent reduction in “total irritable bowel syndrome score” among 75 percent of patients who tried it.4
2. Colonic Spasm and Gas
Peppermint oil is an effective alternative to drugs like Buscopan for reducing colonic spasms.5 It may also relax the muscles of your intestines, allowing gas to pass and easing abdominal pain. Try peppermint oil or leaves added to tea for gas relief.
3. Gastric Emptying Disorders
In people with functional gastrointestinal disorders, peppermint may be useful to enhance gastric emptying.6
4. Functional Dyspepsia (Upset Stomach and Indigestion)
Supplementing with 90 milligrams (mg) of peppermint oil, along with caraway oil, “much or very much improved” symptoms of functional dyspepsia in 67 percent of patients.7 If you have an upset stomach, try drinking a small glass of water with a few drops of peppermint essential oil added.
5. Infantile Colic
Peppermint is at least as effective as simethicone in the treatment of colic in infants.8
6. Breastfeeding-Associated Nipple Pain and Damage
Peppermint water helped to prevent nipple cracks and pain in breastfeeding mothers.9
7. Tuberculosis
Inhaled essential oil of peppermint helped to rapidly regress tuberculosis inflammation, with researchers suggesting it may help prevent recurrences and exacerbation of the disease.10
8. Allergic Rhinitis (Hay Fever)
Extracts from peppermint leaves may inhibit histamine release, which suggests it may help alleviate hay fever symptoms.11
9. Shingles-Associated Pain
A topical treatment of peppermint oil resulted in near-immediate improvement in shingles-associated pain, with the results lasting for two months of follow-up treatment.12
10. Memory Problems
The aroma of peppermint has been shown to enhance memory and increase alertness.13
11. Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea
Peppermint oil effectively reduces chemotherapy-induced nausea, and at a reduced cost compared to standard drug-based treatments.14
12. Prostate Cancer
Peppermint contains menthol, which may inhibit the growth of prostate cancer.15
13. Radiation Damage
Peppermint may protect against DNA damage and cell death caused by radiation exposure.16
14. Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1
Peppermint has been shown to help inhibit drug-resistant herpes simplex virus type 1.17
15. Dental Cavities and Bad Breath
Peppermint oil extract has been shown to be superior to the mouthwash chemical chlorhexidine in inhibiting the formation of biofilm formations linked to dental cavities.18 Powdered peppermint leaves have also been used historically to freshen breath and whiten teeth; you can even add a drop or two directly to your toothpaste.
16. Respiratory Benefits
Peppermint oil acts as an expectorant and decongestant, and may help clear your respiratory tract. Use peppermint essential oil as a cold rub on your chest or inhale it through a vaporizer to help clear nasal congestion and relieve cough and cold symptoms.
17. Headaches
Peppermint oil may help relieve tension headache pain. For headache pain, try dabbing a few drops on your wrist or sprinkling a few drops on a cloth, then inhaling the aroma. You can also massage the oil directly onto your temples and forehead.
18. Stress
Peppermint oil is cooling and energizing. Add a few drops to your bath, or dap a few drops directly on your body then get into the tub, for near-instant stress relief. You can also put the oil into a burner for a stress-relieving aroma.
19. Hair and Skin
Try blending peppermint oil into your massage oil, shampoo, bodywash or body lotion. It has antiseptic and antibacterial properties that can help cool your skin and remove dandruff (and lice) from your scalp.
20. Asthma
Peppermint contains rosmarinic acid (also found in rosemary), which may help to reduce inflammation-causing chemicals in people with asthma.
21. Muscle Pain
Peppermint may help to relieve muscle spasms and pain. Try massaging its essential oil onto sore muscles or adding it to your bath water for muscle pain relief.

Peppermint 101: A Quick History and How to Use It

Peppermint comes from the mint plant (there are about 25 different species of mint), and is actually a natural hybrid cross between water mint and spearmint. In addition to its medicinal properties, mint leaves were rubbed on tables to welcome guests in Greece, and mint tea is still customarily offered to arriving guests in the Middle East.19
When selecting peppermint for your own use, the fresh leaves will impart a superior flavor to dried leaves (such as for use in tea). Look for fresh leaves that are green in color without any dark spots or yellowing. In addition to using fresh mint leaves in tea, you can add them to soups, fruit salad or gazpacho. Peppermint essential oil is also widely available, as is peppermint extract in supplement form.
The essential oil is ideal for muscle and chest rubs, headache pain, dental care and aromatherapy. You can even add it to your homemade cleaning supplies for extra antimicrobial power and natural fragrance.
If you want to give the therapeutic properties of peppermint a try, simply add a drop or two of natural peppermint extract or a few crushed mint leaves into a glass of pure water (either iced or hot). For even more therapeutic punch, and with flu season upon us, try a tea made from a combination of elderflower, yarrow, boneset, linden, peppermint and ginger; drink it hot and often for combating a cold or flu. It causes you to sweat, which is helpful for eradicating a virus from your system.

People use Elderberries to help during the cold and flu season. Here is a great website that will take you through the process of gathering all the way to canning elderberries for your home remedy cabinet> http://www.oursimplefarm.com/2013/08/how-to-can-elderberry-syrup.html#.Upa40ie1Itg

Here is a way that some people use essential oils:

There are a few different ways that you can use essential oils.

• Aromatic – Most people are familiar with aromatherapy and the benefits it can offer to help manage mood. In addition to that using essential oils can also help kill germs and airborne pathogens as well as open the airways.
• Topical – This is another great way to use the oils to address muscle and joint pain as well as to help boost the immune system. You can apply them topically on location where there is pain (head, stomach, joints, muscles, etc.) or you can also apply them on the bottom of the feet. Our feet have very large pores which make it a great place for oils to be absorbed. We also have reflex points on the bottom of our feet that provided added benefits when using the oils on our feet.
• Internal – There is a large debate as to whether or not essential oils are safe to take internally. This is where I recommend you do your research. The oils that I have selected to use I feel are safe to use internally when needed. I do not use them internally everyday but know many who do. Do your research and use your better judgment. Inexpensive oils are often times low quality and are not safe to take internally. Using oils internally can help flush toxins, helps your body fight illness, and may help with issues in the mouth, throat, and stomach.

6 Common Essential Oils and What We Use Them For In Our Home

Lavender – Lavender is considered to be the “Swiss Army Knife” in our home. It is so versatile! The more common things we use it for in our home are burns, fevers, cuts, scrapes, bruising, itching, calming and relaxation. It is also great for allergies, hair (dry or fragile), inflammation, mood swings, rashes, stress, and teething pain.

Lemon – Aside from the fact that it smells amazing this oil is fabulous for so many things. We like to diffuse it to uplift the mood, use it in the washer when the clothes sat too long, use it on the feet to aid in fighting illness, and in our water to flush toxins out of the body. This is also a favorite of many when making homemade cleaners. It has antiseptic, antifungal, and antiviral properties that help to disinfect surfaces and the air.

Peppermint – Peppermint is a very powerful oil. It has a very pure smell and works amazingly fast. There was a study conducted in Germany that put peppermint essential oil up against acetaminophen. The peppermint was proven to be just as effective in treating headaches and isn’t harmful to the body like acetaminophen is. It is my go-to oil for headache relief. We also use it in our home to help clear nasal passages, reduce fevers (love it for this!), and diffuse for mood enhancement as well as to aid in respiratory illness. Peppermint is also commonly used for asthma, cramps, diarrhea, heartburn, IBS (irritable bowel syndrome), Indigestion, decreasing mother’s milk supply, muscle aches, and so much more!

Melaleuca (Tea Tree Oil) – Tea Tree oil is one of the most commonly tinkered with oils. In fact there is 300% more tea tree oil sold than is actually produced. (Source) Again, make sure you are doing research on the company you choose to buy oils from. Otherwise you could end up with a synthetic or diluted oil. We love to use melaleuca in conjunction with lavender to address pink eye, ear infections, as well as scrapes, scratches and owies. It is also great for acne, rashes, and other skin issues. We’ve also used it for fungal infections, boils, cold sores, and to aid in fighting illness. Tea Tree oil has antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antiparasitic, and antiviral properties. This doesn’t even cover half of the ways you can use this oil, which makes it easy to see why this is a very common oil for people to have in their homes.

Oregano – When we use Oregano we refer to it as “pulling out the big guns.” It is so strong! A little goes a very long way! It’s properties include antibacterial, antifungal, antiparasitic, and antiviral properties. It is also helpful to use in boosting the immune system. We usually pull out Oregano when the tingle starts in the throat. You can also use it for athlete’s foot, calluses, candida, MRSA, parasites, ringworm, warts, staph infections, and more. This is hot oil so you will want to make sure you always dilute it before applying on the skin.

Frankincense – Liquid Gold! If there were an oil that would be considered a “Super Hero” frankincense would be it. Its uses are innumerable. Aside from the fact that it contains sesquiterpenes, which enables it to go beyond the blood-brain barrier (aiding in Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s disease, seizures, and depression), it is also effective for lowering blood pressure, fighting allergic reactions, emotional healing, and reducing inflammation. People in the essential oil world usually say “When in doubt, use Frankincense” because it’s properties are so vast and varied. I would never be without frankincense in my home. In fact, we keep an extra bottle on hand just to ensure we never run out.

4 Must-Have Essential Oil Blends and What We Use Them For

Soothing Blend (Deep Blue®) – This blend includes wintergreen, camphor, peppermint, blue tansy, German chamomile, helichrysum, and osmanthus. The combination of these oils make it a very powerful blend that may help in reducing inflammation and soothing sore muscles. For me a bottle of this sits on my desk and is in my purse. It is my go-to blend for muscle pain (which is usually my neck muscles). We’ve also used this blend for growing pains, joint pain, and know others that use it for fibromyalgia, herniated discs, carpal tunnel syndrome, and arthritis. If you have pain, this is a great oil to turn to.

Protective Blend (On Guard®) – This oil may help strengthen your immune system. The US National Library of Medicine now shows that it is effective in suppressing the H1N1 virus. It has also been shown to kill 17 different strains of MRSA. It is great for disinfecting via a diffuser and applying to your feet daily for cold prevention. You can also use it as a mouth rinse in water and as a surface cleaner. Many Moms rely on this oil blend as part of a daily preventative regimen when their kids are in school.

Respiratory Blend (Breathe) – I will never be without this amazing blend. It is the blend that really converted me to essential oils when my son was so sick. We apply directly on the chest and diffuse whenever there is respiratory illnesses or congestion in our home. Not only does it cool, soothe, and open the airways but it also helps fight infections. This blend is also commonly used for asthma, to reduce snoring, calm nerves, bronchitis, mono, sinusitis, and pneumonia.

Digestive Blend (DigestZen) – As the name implies this blend is great for all things digestive related. We use it in our home for heartburn, indigestion, stomach aches, diarrhea, and constipation. I have many young moms say that it helps with with acid reflux and colic in their little ones as well. Some other common uses for this blend are H.Pylori Bacteria, IBS, and food poisoning.

Essential oils have changed the way we feel about and address the healthcare in our home. I no longer stress when my child gets sick in the night or when something pops up that we would have, in the past, gone to the doctor for. I am empowered as a mother to be the healer in my home and I love to educate as many people as possible how they can become the healer in their home as well.

Sinus Infection Remedy from a great web site:http://thewelcominghouseblog.com/blog/2013/04/25/sinus-infections-and-upper-respiratory-yuck-getting-you-down-amazing-herbal-remedy-to-make-at-home/

Uses for Tea Tree Oil: http://www.deeprootsathome.com/20-reasons-to-use-tea-tree-oil/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+DeepRootsAtHome+%28Deep+Roots+at+Home%29&utm_content=Yahoo!+Mail

Homemade Pedialyte: http://newlifeonahomestead.com/2013/04/homemade-pedialyte/

Home Remedies for Sore Muscles: http://www.commonsensehome.com/home-remedies-for-sore-muscles/

Honey and Cinnamon to knock out colds: http://www.deeprootsathome.com/honey-and-cinnamon-powerful-duo-knocks-colds-and-more/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+DeepRootsAtHome+%28Deep+Roots+at+Home%29&utm_content=Yahoo!+Mail

Turmeric:

The active ingredient in Turmeric is curcumin; it is a deep yellow/orange color. Recent research has revealed that curcumin is a natural wonder, proving beneficial in the treatment of many different health conditions from cancer to Alzheimer’s disease:

~ May prevent and slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease by removing amyloid plaque buildup in the brain. I have used it for over 5 years as a preventative measure.

~ Promising studies are underway on the effects of turmeric on pancreatic cancer.

~ Prevented breast cancer from spreading to the lungs in mice.

~ May prevent melanoma and cause existing melanoma cells to commit suicide.

~ It is a natural antiseptic and anti-bacterial agent, useful in disinfecting cuts and burns.

~ Is a natural liver detoxifier.

~ Reduces the risk of childhood leukemia.

~ May prevent metastases from occurring in many different forms of cancer.

~ It is a potent natural anti-inflammatory that works as well as many anti-inflammatory drugs but without the side effects.

~ Has shown promise in slowing the progression of multiple sclerosis in mice.

~ Is a natural painkiller and cox-2 inhibitor.

~ May aid in fat metabolism and help in weight management.

~ Because of its anti-inflammatory properties, it is a natural treatment for arthritis and                              rheumatoid arthritis.

~ Boosts the effects of chemo drug paclitaxel and reduces its side effects.

~ Has long been used in Chinese medicine as a treatment for depression.

~ Studies are ongoing in the positive effects of turmeric on multiple myeloma.

~ Has been shown to stop the growth of new blood vessels in tumors.

~ Speeds up wound healing and assists in remodeling of damaged skin.

~ May help in the treatment of psoriasis and other inflammatory skin conditions.

~ Help for Cystic Fibrosis Sufferers.

~ Showed immense therapeutic potential against H. pylori, herpes simplex, hepatitis B,     salmonella, and Candida infections.

For use in cooking, choose a pure Turmeric powder, rather than a curry powder. At least one study has found that curry powders tend to contain very little curcumin, compared to turmeric powder. Turmeric (Curcumin) is not easily absorbed, so Piperine [a compound found in black pepper] when taken with Curcumin help improve its absorption tremendously. You might consider adding a dash of freshly ground black pepper to your cooking.

Here’s How to Use Turmeric!

1. Spice up your food. Add this spice to anything, except for sweets, for a new flavor and a ton of health benefits. It is not a hot spice like cayenne, but you can add other spices for heat. You can use turmeric to add some zest to cooked vegetables, eggs, and meat dishes. You can also add it to boiling water you’re using to make pasta, rice, soups, and more.

2. Drink it as a tea. While powders are not normally used as teas, for ease of use, bring four cups of water to a boil. Add one teaspoon of ground turmeric and reduce to a simmer for 10 minutes. Strain the tea through a fine sieve into a cup, add honey and/or lemon to taste.

3. Use a turmeric supplement if you can’t cook with it. Make your own capsules with a capsule making machine. Turmeric can be used to benefit anyone: men, women (including before, during or after pregnancy, and nursing), children and animals.

Super Spice Secrets: Can This Miracle Spice Stop Cancer, Alzheimer’s and Arthritis?

The World’s Healthiest Foods~Turmeric

Cinnamon:

Another spice, Cinnamon (powder or sticks), is especially powerful. It affects several physiologic functions of the body. Cinnamon kills bacteria and yeasts that cause stomach ulcers and urinary-tract infections and helps the body regulate blood sugar.

But my favorite benefit is increased brainpower. A few years ago, it was discovered that just the smell of cinnamon could improve cognitive function. In that study, either tasting (technically it was chewing) or smelling cinnamon worked to improve brainpower.

Ginger:

A third spice that should be on everyone’s mind is Ginger. It was reported several years ago that ginger might indirectly lower the risk of Alzheimer’s through its anti-inflammatory properties. As it turns out, ginger decreases prostaglandins. These are the body’s chemicals that lead to inflammation and perhaps other chronic diseases. So ginger may ease minor aches and pains in much the same way as aspirin without the side effects such as upset stomach while simultaneously helping maintain brainpower.

And, Rosemary:

Technically an herb, my fourth spice for your brain is Rosemary. This spice has similar structural and chemical properties to ginger. And, historically, this spice is actually known as the spice of remembrance. Rosemary is quite complex, with more than a dozen antioxidants and a handful of anti-cholinesterases. These are all chemicals implicated in fighting Alzheimer’s disease. This is one spice/herb that should be in everyone’s backyard or kitchen windowsill.

Lamb’s Ear makes a handsome border to any walkway or flowerbed. But it’s also handy medicinally as well. Herbalists sometimes refer to it as ‘wooly woundwort’.

The whole plant is medicinal as an alterative, antibacterial, antipyretic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, astringent, carminative, diuretic, febrifuge, hypotensive, stomachic, styptic, tonic, vermifuge and vulnerary. A cold water infusion of the freshly chopped or dried and powdered leaves makes a refreshing beverage, while a weak infusion of the plant can be used as a medicinal eye wash for sties and pinkeye. It is taken internally as a medicinal tea in the treatment of fevers, diarrhea, sore mouth and throat, internal bleeding, and weaknesses of the liver and heart. –Wikipedia

For centuries, hunters and soldiers have used Lamb’s Ear leaves as a field dressing for injuries. With its antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and super absorbent properties, it makes a perfect make-shift bandage.

Lamb’s ear is loosely related to Betony (both are Stachys), and is sometimes called woolly betony. Besides the sopping up of blood and use as a dressing, lamb’s ear has also been used as a poultice and has analgesic properties.

It was used either alone, or to help hold in other herbs like comfrey. It was often used in the aftermath of bee or wasp stings, and reduces the swelling from both.

It was used for centuries as a “women’s comfort” for hemorrhoids, menstrual flow, birthing, for nervous tension, and as a skin aid. It’s easy to see that with the invention of Tylenol, gauze, feminine hygiene products, cotton packing, and make up removal pads, the knowledge and use of lamb’s ear for this purpose kind of went out the window. However, now you know you have a natural substitute if everything goes wrong and supplies are not available.

Lamb’s ear has been used as a natural dye for wool. Boiling the leaves in hot water and then adding a mordant, brings out a fabulous, creamy, yellowish beige. Using the bracts (flower spike) instead of the leaves, a light mauve can be attained.

Alfalfa  ~ is a powerful healing herb with a growing reputation as a cancer preventative.

Alfalfa is loaded with vitamins A, B, C, D, E, K, chlorophyll, beta carotene & calcium and is a frugal way to improve health.

Vitamin K is beneficial when blood clotting properties are required.

People who have been on antibiotics such as amoxicillin, gentamycin, tetracycline, and streptomycin can benefit from this since it can restore the levels of Vitamin K which is depleted when using these antibiotics, as well as cholesterol-lowering drugs, steroids, and anti-seizure medication.

Note: Not to be taken in pregnancy, but wonderful afterwards to build the blood. Also contraindicated in auto-immune disease or when using blood-thinners. 

Among Alfalfa’s Many Uses:

• promotes healthy skin
• beneficial to combat ulcers
• used in bone & joint disorders
• tones kidneys
• used as a blood cleaner
• used for urinary tract infections
• menopausal symptoms
• breast feeding to increase milk
• endometriosis relief
• used for bladder, kidney & prostate disorders
• helps reduce allergies
• improves the appetite
• improves assimilation of protein, calcium & nutrients
• detoxification properties
• antiseptic effects
• improves liver function
• aids digestion
• builds iron in the blood without constipation

Alfalfa makes an excellent tea by itself or blended with other herbs, it can also be taken in capsule form, herbal tincture, or added to food to build up your family’s reserves.

Health Benefits of Tomatoes:

When tomatoes are grown organically in nutrient rich soil the following applies:

~They are excellent sources of antioxidants, dietary fiber, minerals, and vitamins.
The antioxidants present in tomatoes are scientifically found to be protective of cancers, including colon, prostate, breast, endometrial, oral, lung, and pancreatic tumors. Total ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity) in this vegetable is 367.

~Lycopene, a flavonoid antioxidant, is the unique phytochemical present in tomatoes. Red varieties are especially concentrated. Together with carotenoids, it can protect cells from harmful oxygen-free radicals. Studies have shown that lycopene prevents skin damage from ultra-violet (UV) rays and offers protection from skin cancer.

~Zea-xanthin is another flavonoid compound abundantly present. It helps protect eyes from “age-related macular disease” (ARMD) by filtering harmful ultra-violet rays.

~The vegetable contains very good levels of vitamin A, and flavonoid anti-oxidants such as α and ß-carotenes, xanthins, and lutein. Altogether, these pigment compounds are found to have antioxidant properties and take part in vision, maintain healthy mucus membranes and skin, and bone health.

~Additionally, they are also good source of antioxidant vitamin-C and very rich in potassium. Potassium is an important component of cell and body fluids that helps controlling heart rate and blood pressure caused by sodium.

~Further, they contain moderate levels of vital B-complex vitamins such as folates, thiamin, niacin, riboflavin as well some essential minerals like iron, calcium, and manganese.

Purslane Facts

• Rich in fiber, minerals, and vitamins
• five times more omega-3 fatty acids than spinach
• high in vitamins A, B, and C
• rich in anti-depressant and anxiety combative substances
• high in iron and calcium
• also a source of protein

For additional nutrition information, visit Mother Earth News Power-Packed Purslane.