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An Interesting Herb Fact
First Aid Remedies with the Yarrow Plant
The Yarrow plant, Latin name Achillea millefolium, is one of the most highly valued plants for treating the common cold and influenza. The plant's Latin name is derived from the famous Greek hero Achilles. It is believed that the plant was used during the Trojan wars, where it was used to treat war wounds. Yarrow also has a curious folk name: "nosebleed." This folk nickname is a testimony to its traditional use as a first aid herb. Yarrow has been used in the past as an emergency styptic to...
Lemon Balm and Rejuvenating Herbal Remedies
Lemon balm is one of
the most beloved of the healing herbs. The scientific name of this
herb-Melissa officinalis-reveals much of its history. It is thought
that bees and lemon balm have been inextricably linked since ancient
times. The name scientific name Melissa is derived from the Greek term
for "honey bee." Moreover, many herbalists agree that lemon balm has
much of the same healing and tonic properties that royal jelly and
honey has. Lemon balm has traditionally been honored as an herb with
the ability to lend rejuvenation. During the Middle Ages, lemon balm
was a key ingredient in all medieval elixirs of youth. Even as late as
the 18th century, lemon balm continued to maintain its reputation as an
elixir of youth.
Herbalists describe the character of lemon balm as sour, dry, cold, and
slightly bitter. Lemon balm is known to contain volatile oils
(including citronellal), polyphenols, bitter principle, tannins,
rosmarinic acid, and flavonoids. The actions of the plant have
alternately been described as sedative, anti-depressant, a relaxant and
restorer, a digestive stimulant, antibacterial and antispasmodic. It
has also known for its ability to promote sweating, relax the
peripheral blood vessels, and for its antiviral properties. The leaves
of the lemon balm plant are believed to help relieve the symptoms of
depression and tension. The leaves are known as carminative, so are
thought of as ideal for those individuals who may suffer from digestive
upsets when they become anxious or worried. Because of its cooling
properties, lemon balm is also good for people who may suffer from
feverish colds. The leaves of the lemon balm plant may be used both
internally and externally to treat the eruption of cold sores. The herb
can be used externally to treat sores or any other kind of painful
swelling. The best time to harvest lemon balm is just before flowering.
In the summer, the leaves of the lemon balm plant can make a
delightfully cooling and refreshing tea.
The essential oil of the lemon balm plant is also popular with
herbalists. The concentrated oils from the lemon balm leaves are much
more potent than the leaves themselves. Just a few drops of lemon balm
essential oil can affect an individual. A few drops of lemon balm
essential oil are recommended as an antidote to depression. The potency
of lemon balm essential oil is thought to be able to "shock" the
depressed patient out of their state. Diluted lemon balm essential oil
can also be applied topically to help heal cold sores.
Other popular methods for consuming lemon balm in herbal remedies
include as an infusion for hot tea, an ointment, tincture, infused oil,
and in a compress. Hot lemon balm tea is used to treat depression,
nausea, indigestions, and nervous exhaustion. A lemon balm compress can
be applied to any area of suffering from painful swellings, or
conditions such as gout. Lemon balm can also be used to create a
soothing massage oil. Simply dilute 5-10 drops of essential oil by
combining with either almond oil or olive oil, and then rub to relieve
chest complaints or other areas of tension. |
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