| |
|
An Interesting Herb Fact
Herbal Remedies and the Ancient Tradition of Ayurveda
Ayurveda is one of the world's oldest healing traditions, and it is famous for incorporating a number of herbal traditions. The term Ayurveda is derived from two Indian words: ayur, which means life, and veda means knowledge. Thus the term Ayurveda translates as something like the 'knowledge of how to live well.' In Ayurvedic medicine, illness is often seen in terms of imbalance. This leads to the use of herbs and dietary controls to restore equilibrium to the mind and body. The earliest...
The Elder Plant: A Healing Herb for All Seasons
The Elder plant is so
highly regarded by traditional herbalists and naturopaths that it has
gained a reputation as a sort of 'complete medical chest' because of
its countless attributes and therapeutic qualities. There is a long
history of folklore that has been attached to this very popular herb.
For instance, Galen described the herb as both hot and dry, and in the
17th century the plant was a popular choice for treating problems of
excessive phlegm. The herb was used alternately as a diuretic and as a
harsh purgative. In the 18th century, Elderflower water was used as a
popular skin whitener that supposedly could remove all the freckles
from a person's face.
The Elder plant, scientific name Sambucus nigra, is comprised of
several parts that are used by herbalists to create potent remedies.
The flowers and berries of the Elder plant have been described as
drying, slightly sweet, cool and sometimes bitter. The flowers are used
to treat a variety of ailments. The flowers are mainly used to help
treat problems of excessive phlegm and to encourage sweating. Many
herbalists think of the Elder flower as the ideal herb for treating
colds or influenza. Herbal remedies made from the Elder flowers are
also used to help control the symptoms of hay fever. They can be
ingested as a prophylactic to help strengthen the upper respiratory
tract. This should be done before the pollen count rises. The Elder
flowers can also be used topically to treat chilblains and as an all
around anti-inflammatory. The Elder flowers used for most herbal
remedies are traditionally harvested in early summer.
The Elder plant contains berries that are also used to create herbal
remedies. The berries are known to be rich in vitamins A and C when
they are ripe. Traditionally the berries have been taken to prevent the
onset of winter colds. They are usually harvested in early fall. The
bark of the Elder plant is also used in some herbal remedies. The bark
is usually taken to treat chronic, stubborn constipation as well as
some arthritic conditions. Herbalists have described the bar of the
Elder plant as warm, and it is believed to be effective as a liver
stimulant. However, naturopaths rarely use the bark of the Elder plant
or herbalists in remedies prepared these days.
There are many ways to prepare the Elder plant in an herbal remedy.
Perhaps the simplest way to ingest the Elder plant is to prepare it in
an infusion. As an infusion, the Elder plant can be drank in a hot tea
to treat fevers, mucous conditions of the upper respiratory tract
system, and to control the symptoms of hay fever. Many herbalists
combine the Elder plant with other herbs, including boneset, yarrow,
and peppermint. The flowers of the Elder plant can also be used to
create a cream that can be applied to chapped skin and skin sores. For
sore or strained eyes, use an eyewash created with Elder flowers to
rinse the eyes several times a day. Elder flowers can also be used to
create a mouthwash to treat sore throats, tonsillitis, and mouth
ulcers. |
|
|
