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An Interesting Herb Fact
Mint: The Traditional Herbalist's Best Friend
Mint is one of the herbalist's best friends: there appears to be at least thirty species of mint, and all can be used in a number of herbal remedies that are safe and effective. Mint has become so common that some people even forget its history as an herbal remedy. Up until the 17th century, herbalists used most varieties of mint in more or less the same way. But now herbalists have expressed definite preferences toward some kinds of mint. Today it appears that peppermint has gained favor with...
Neem and Herbal Remedies that Protect from Pests
Neem is a bitter,
pungent and cooling plant that has many well-documented medicinal uses.
The neem plant is well known as an antifungal agent, an
anti-inflammatory plant, and a bitter tonic that can help expel worms,
a cleansing agent, a tonic that can help prevent vomiting, and a plant
that can help reduce fevers. The plant itself contains flavonoids,
tannins, meliacins, and triterpernoid bitters. Traditionally, the neem
plant has been thought of as a cooling remedy. In traditional Ayurvedic
medicine, the plant has been thought of as cooling remedy that
particularly effective in treating fevers. It has also been highly
prized as an insecticidal agent. The wood of the neem plant is
particularly prized for its insecticidal properties. In many parts of
the world, the neem wood is used to make worm-resistant furniture. Now,
in some parts of Africa, neem is also being introduced into hedges to
help farmers protect their crops against insect infestation. Neem is
rapidly becoming famous for its insecticidal agents. Many modern
studies have also shown that the neem plant may have spermicidal
properties. The seed oil from the neem plant has traditionally been
used as a contraceptive. Neem is also sometimes known by another name:
the bead tree. This is because the hard nuts that grow on the neem tree
were used in the past to make rosary beads.
The leaves of the neem plant have been traditionally used to make an
infusion that is used for treating malaria and parasitic worms. The
leaves of the neem plant have also been traditionally used in various
manners. The leaves are usually crushed and pulped to make ointments
and pastes that are used to treat eczema, ringworm and other skin
conditions or infections. The leaves of the neem plant are also used to
make household insecticides. The neem leaves are also used to prepare
special treatments that are sprayed on library books as a natural
deterrent and pest preventative. The seeds and the seed oil of the neem
plant have also been used to make several natural remedies. The oil
that is extracted from the neem seeds has traditionally been used to
concoct a treatment for leprosy. The seeds of the neem plant are
traditionally crushed to make a paste that is used to treat
hemorrhoids. Recent research demonstrates that the neem seeds and seed
oil indeed contains many strongly antibacterial properties that are
used today in many commercial products, including commercial hair
lotions and, naturally, in insecticide sprays that are used to deter
locusts.
There are many applications for the neem plant. It can be used a potent
hair rinse that can get rid of lice and nits. Simply mix 5-10 drops of
neem oil into a cup of water and rinse hair thoroughly. Another use is
to make a poultice from the neem leaves. Simply crush the leaves and
make them into a paste. Use this poultice to treat ringworm, eczema or
other skin infections or disorders. The neem seed oil can also be
easily added to lotion to treat ringworm or athlete's foot. |
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