Spring Herbal Medicine Chest

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Spring Herbal Medicine Chest

Spring brings cleansing and rejuvenation. Most often the liver is the

target of a cleansing herbal regimen, since the liver is one of the

most important organs in the body. It processes our hormones,

contributes to proper digestion, cleanses the body of toxins, and many

other important duties. A good cleansing regimen, however, will also

cleanse and support other vital organs, such as heart, kidneys, blood,

and digestive system. It will also do wonderful things for your spirit!

It is vital to consume lots of water, with lemon is ideal, and get

fresh air to flush these toxins out of your system.

Dandelion Root: Dandelion Root can be made into a bitter tea (don't

sweeten it, the bitterness is how it works – you'll get use to it) as

an excellent tonic for the liver and blood purifier. Dandelion roots

are very high in vitamins and minerals. The common dandelion is an

unusually nutritious food. Its leaves contain substantial levels of

vitamins A, C, D, and B complex as well as iron, magnesium, zinc,

potassium, manganese, copper, choline, calcium, boron, and silicon.

Worldwide, the root of the dandelion has been used for the treatment of

a variety of liver and gallbladder problems. Other historical uses of

the root and leaves include the treatment of breast diseases, water

retention, digestive problems, joint pain, fever, and skin diseases.

The most active constituents in dandelion appear to be eudesmanolide

and germacranolide, substances unique to this herb.

Milk Thistle: Milk Thistle is the best in cleaning our blood and liver

and is a traditional way to get our health back on track and revitalize

and nourish our entire internal ecological system from the ravages of

winter. Milk Thistle is an excellent cleansers for the liver. Cleansing

is one of the more important roles of Milk Thistle as it helps to

prevent a host of problems our bodies can acquire from internal and

external toxic overload.

Burdock Root: Burdock root helps to purify blood and restore the liver

to aid in a restful sleep. Helps to reduce build up of toxins in the

skin resulting in boils. Helps gallbladder functions and stimulates the

immune system. Seed forms are also used.

Nettle: Nettles are invaluable as a food, rich in vitamins and

minerals. Only the young, tender tips are suitable for cooking, the

stalks and lower leaves are not edible. They can be cooked then pureed

for soup or vegetable accompaniment. Nettles make a valuable tonic

after the winter and are an excellent remedy for Anemia, their vitamin

C content ensures that the iron they contain is properly absorbed.

Nettles increase the quality of the blood helping to give a healthy

glow to the skin.

Yellow Dock: Yellow Dock is applicable to all the purposes for which

the other species are used. The root has laxative, alterative and

mildly tonic action, and can be freely used as a tonic and laxative in

rheumatism, bilious complaints and as an astringent in piles, bleedings

of the lungs, etc. It is largely prescribed for diseases of the blood,

from a spring eruption, to scurvy, scrofula and chronic skin diseases.

It is also useful in jaundice and as a tonic to the stomach and the

system generally. It has an action on the bowels very similar to that

of Rhubarb, being perhaps a little less active, but operating without

pain or uneasiness. Rumicin is the active principle of the Yellow Dock,

and from the root, containing Chrysarobin, a dried extract is prepared

officially, of which from 1 to 4 grains may be given for a dose in a

pill. This is useful for relieving a congested liver, as well as for

scrofulous skin diseases.

Echinacea : First used by the Indigenous North Americans who harvested

the plants for extensive use in the treatment of infectious wounds and

burns or eruptive skin complaints. It enhances the phagocytic activity

of white blood cells- identifying and retiring bacterial, viral and

fungal infections, in addition to the clearance of these from the

lymphatic system. Higher doses are often used for affecting acute

immune responses.

Astragalus : To be used after colds or infection to rebuild immunity,

Astragalus is a sweet tasting herb effective in restoring both

resilience to future respiratory infections, and efficiency of

metabolism to ensure optimal nutrition for immune reserves to fight off

those spring colds. This herb is the best for restoring energy to the

body very quickly.

Garlic : Garlic was worshipped by the ancient Egyptians, chewed by

Greek Olympian athletes and thought to be essential for keeping

vampires at bay! But it is also good for zapping bacteria, keeping your

heart healthy, warding off coughs and colds. Garlic is an antibiotic

that can actually kill infecting bacteria and at the same time protect

the body from the poisons that are causing the infection. It is known

that the most sensitive bacterium to garlic is the deadly Bacillus

anthracis which produces the poison anthrax. Vapor from freshly cut

garlic can kill bacteria at a distance of 20 cms!

Marshmallow : Marshmallow stimulates the immune system and the

production of white blood cells. It also soothes inflammation, slows

production of mucus, and reduces sugar levels in the body.

Pacholyk, MS, L.Ac

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