Fwd: Summer Herbal Medicine Chest

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Misty L. Trepke

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Summer Herbal Medicine Chest

 

Basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) - The Leaves; frequently, the entire herb

(all aerial parts) are harvested. Best harvesting season is before

flowering. Basil leaves should always be used fresh, as they lose

most of their flavor within a few weeks after drying or as an

essential oil. The essential oil (less than 1%) is of complex and

variable composition. Within the species, several different chemical

races exist, and furthermore climate, soil and time of harvest

influence not only the amount but also the composition of the

essential oil. The most important aroma components are 1,8 cineol,

linalool, citral, methyl chavicol (estragole), eugenol and methyl

cinnamate, although not necessarily in this order; in fact, hardly

any basil contains all of these compounds in significant amounts.

 

Chamomile - German (Matricaria recutita), Roman (Chamaemelum nobile) - an herb

of the sun, Chamomile's bright yellow flowers bring power and light to your

space and rituals. Chamomile's medicinal properties range from skin

inflammations to lightening hair to treating

digestive problems. As a mild sedative, anti-inflammatory, and

antibacterial, it improves digestion by relaxing the muscles

throughout the gastrointestinal system and it can induce an overall

sense of calm and well-being.

 

Citronella (Cymbopogon nardus rendle)- for stomach complaints this

essential oil is rubbed topically for great comfort. As an insect

repellant the dried or injured leaves are used to ward off insects.

After childbirth wash a decoction of the citronella leaves with

Gendarussa and betel-pepper. The crop is normally cut about 5 cm

above the leaf sheath (pseudostem). The leaves are left to wilt in

the sun until the water level is reduced by 30 -50 % before it is

sent for oil extraction. Subsequent harvest is carried out after a

period of 1.5 months.

 

 

Dandelion - (Taraxacum officinale) - 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.

Other ingredients include taraxol, taraxerol, and taraxasterol, along

with stigmasterol, beta-sitosterol, caffeic acid, and p-

hydroxyphenylacetic acid.

 

Dill- (Peucedanum graveolens) - The summer herb of the season, Dill like the

other umbelliferous fruits and volatile oils, both Dill fruit and

oil of Dill possess stimulant, aromatic, carminative and stomachic

properties, making them of considerable medicinal value. Oil of Dill

is used in mixtures, or administered in doses of 5 drops on sugar,

but its most common use is in the preparation of Dill Water, which is

a common domestic remedy for the flatulence of infants, and is a

useful vehicle for children's medicine generally.

 

Elderflower - Elder flowers are highly effective in managing upper

respiratory congestion and infections. Picked from the elder tree in

mid to late summer, they seem to capture the dry warmth of this time

of year, perfect for drying up that runny or blocked nose. These tiny

pale white flowers have a delicate floral taste and contain

flavonoids and small amounts of mucilage and tannins, a perfect

combination for soothing healing and protecting mucous membranes. An old

tradition was to make fresh Elderflower wine in summer ready to

drink in winter…Food as medicine?!?

 

Fennel - (Foeniculum vulgare) - " Carry Fennel when you speak

truthfully and others will trust your words. " Fennel, a hardy,

perennial, umbelliferous herb, with yellow flowers and feathery

leaves, grows wild in most parts of temperate Europe, but is

generally considered indigenous to the shores of the Mediterranean,

whence it spreads eastwards to India. It has followed civilization,

especially where Italians have colonized, and may be found growing

wild in many parts of the world upon dry soils near the sea-coast and

upon river-banks.On account of its aromatic and carminative

properties, Fennel fruit is chiefly used medicinally with purgatives

to allay their tendency to griping and for this purpose forms one of

the ingredients of the well-known compound Liquorice Powder. Fennel

water has properties similar to those of anise and dill water: mixed

with sodium bicarbonate and syrup, these waters constitute the

domestic 'Gripe Water,' used to correct the flatulence of infants.

Volatile oil of Fennel has these properties in concentration. Fennel

tea, formerly also employed as a carminative, is made by pouring half

a pint of boiling water on a teaspoonful of bruised Fennel seeds.

 

Lavender - (Lavandula officinalis) Lavender is laid on the fires of

the Summer Solstice as an offering to the union of the Goddess and

God, both in equal power at this time. Good for stress and depression

as reflected in the skin. These flowers pressed into essential oil

form can relieve stress and depression. Good for headaches, burns,

and skin problems. It is analgesic, anti-coagulant, anti-convulsive,

anti-depressant, anti-fungal, anti-infectious, anti-inflammatory,

antiseptic, anti-spasmodic, anti-toxic, cardiotonic, and is a

sedative. It has a very balancingeffect on the body, emotions, mind

and spirit.

 

Pine - Pine Needle was used by the ancient Romans and Greeks to treat

respiratory problems and muscular aches. A holiday staple, this

fantastic scent is often used to accent potpourri and diffused into

the air. It promotes a healthy immune and musculoskeletal system.

Distilled in Austria from the finest pines, Pine Needle can be

diffused to help strengthen the respiratory tract and maintain sinus

passages. When massaged into the skin, Pine Needle supports healthy

circulation and soothes the discomfort of sore joints and muscles. A

true disinfectant, a strong germ killer, excellent for viral

infections and for muscular aches, rheumatism and arthritis. In this

aspect, Pine is used for its properties of purification. It

represents the Male aspects of the Divine at this time. Consider

burning Pine with Meadowsweet for an incense of energetic balance.

 

Rose - The Mother of All Flowers, the Rose has amazing powers oflove,

trust and self acceptance. Roses are representative offaith, hope and

love and has the qualities to restore the verycenter of one's being.

A gentle tonic of the heart, Rose oil's psychological properties lie

mainly in its effect on the mind,the center of our emotional being.

Rose oil calms and supports the heart and helps to nourish the soul!

Also symbolizing the feminine, red is the color of choice for Roses

used or gathered at Midsummer. Long associated with the eternity of

true love, at Midsummer this flower also blesses the Sacred Union.

 

St. John's Wort - (Hypericum perforatum) - Aromatic, astringent,

resolvent, and expectorant. Used in all pulmonary complaints, bladder

troubles, in suppression of urine, dysentery, worms, diarrhea,

hysteria and nervous depression, and other hemorrhages and jaundice.

The flowers, leaves, and stems are all utilized and may help to

inhibit viral infections, including herpes. Good for depression and

nerve pain. The Welsh called this plant the " leaf of the blessed " ,

believing it to be the ideal combination of water with fire, and thus

between light and dark, night and day, making it a perfect

celebratory herb at Midsummer. In Brittany the herb is still gathered

with ritual reverence and a prayer and question of permission is

given before harvesting, as picking the plant represents the

dismemberment of the God as Summer Lord, and the Great Sacrifice.

Harvest time is Midsummer for drying over the Solstice Fires, or for

soaking in an olive or almond oil for a beautiful ritual oil.

 

Thyme- (Thymus Vulgaris)- The pungent oils found in Thyme are an

effective antimicrobial in the treatment of respiratory infections.

When taking Thyme, people often note tasting it on their breath as

the oils permeate through the respiratory system to reduce the

proliferation of viruses during infections. It also warms the

digestion and reduces metabolic congestion, aiding to clear the body

of conditions for infection.

 

Tea Tree- (Melaleuca alternifolia) - This germicide and antibacterial

oil is great for cleaning infected wounds or as a gargle for a sore

throat -- use a 10-percent solution but use pure 100-percent tea tree

oil. This essential oil is a disinfectant and good in healing all

skin conditions including acne, athlete's foot, nail fungus, herpes

outbreaks, insect bites, warts, cuts and scrapes, scabies, vaginitis.

 

 

Andrew Pacholyk, LMT, MT-BC, CA

Peacefulmind.com

Therapies for healing

mind, body & spirit!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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