Leaves of this herb can become up to thirty centimeters or twelve inches in size. The flavor of Hoja Santa and hence is hard to describe. It can compared to eucalyptus, sassafras, licorice, anise, mint, nutmeg, black pepper, and tarragon. This flavor is stronger in young veins and stems.

Hoja Santa is often used in the Mexican cuisine for tamales, the meat or fish which are wrapped fragrant leaves for cooking. It is also an important element in Mole Verde, a green sauce which originated in Oaxaca region at Mexico. It is chopped for flavoring eggs and soups. In the Central Mexico region, it is used for flavoring the chocolate drinks. Southeastern Mexico has a green liquor beverage called Verdin which is made using Hoja Santa. It is used typically as fresh herb but is also used occasionally in its dried form. However, drying it removes a lot of flavor and this makes the leaf look too brittle for using as a wrapper.

Essential oils inside the leaf are rich in the safrole content which is found in sassafras. This substance has been carcinogenic in animals. In the year 1960, U.S. Food and Drug Administration banned the use of sassafras bark along with the safrole and sassafras oil as agents for flavoring due to the carcinogenic properties. The European council too imposed this ban in the year 1974. Hence, Hoja Santa is seldom used as a flavoring substance.

Blue flag is known to treat the following medical conditions:

1. 

   Constipation

2. Bruises and sores
3. Inflammation
4. Fluid retention
5. Liver disease

This herb is available in the following forms:

1. Tincture
2. Fluid extract
3. Powdered root
4. Solid extract

For treatment of constipation, majority of the medical experts suggest consuming powdered extracts having 10-20 grains or 0.5-3 fluidrams filled with either tincture of the herb or fluid extracts.

If taken according to the dosages prescribed by the doctor, blue flag is unlikely to cause any side effect. Overdose of the herb is known to cause side effects like: irritation in the mucous membrane and headaches; the symptoms of poisoning include vomiting, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea.

Consuming blue flag might reduce effects of some medicinal drugs and may also produce adverse effects after reacting with some medicines. So, if your doctor has asked you to take blue flag inform him about the prescription and non-prescription medication you are already taking. You must be aware of a few points while using blue flag for medicinal purposes; for instance:

• Nursing mothers and pregnant women must not consume blue flag.
• This herb is not meant for treating children; every part of the herb should be kept beyond the reach of children.
• Never take the herb internally.

For preparing sage leaf tea, first brew dried or fresh leaves of sage into hot (boiled) water for ten minutes; then strain the tea and drink. If you are using dried leaves the quantity will be less than the fresh ones as the dried leaves of sage have higher concentration. If the taste is appearing to be unbearable, you can add a teaspoon of honey to the tea.

Sage leaf tea has been used for treating varied ailments in countries of Europe and North America for over thousand years. The most common uses of this herbal infusion are for treating stomach ailments, perspiration, sore throat and dental problems. The infusion other than being used as medicinal drinks is also used for topical applications and as mouth rinsing and throat gargling solution.

Safe leaf tea is known for being safe both for children and adults. However, children should not consume more than ½ cup of this tea. If the tea is given to children below the age of 2 years, honey should not be added to it.

If you are using the tea for gargling to eliminate problems like colds, coughs and sore throat, you should cool it down partially before using it. Sage leaf tea is an excellent tooth whitener. Drinking the tea regularly prevent almost all gum and dental disorders. People who have sensitive skin that are susceptible towards developing rashes are benefited immensely by topical application of sage leaf tea.

The 11 secret spice herbs of KFC

It is the end result of reverse engineering process applied on the recipes of KFC to discover the secret ingredient herbs. These herbal spices are mentioned along with their average quantity used in a usual chicken delicacy.

• Ground Oregano – A mint family member herb. Of the marjoram species. About 1 teaspoon used.
• Chili powder – Powdered dried chili, or pepper, like the red, black, green or bell pepper. About 1 teaspoon used.
• Ground sage – Dried sage, rubbed or ground out of full one. About 1 teaspoon used.
• Dried basil – Dried leaves of the holy basil shrub, herbal in effects. Used up to 1 teaspoon.
• Dried marjoram – A perennial herb, having sweet pine and citrus flavors. About 1 teaspoon used.
• Pepper – Powdered form of dried pepper fruits like red, black, bell and green peppers. About 1 teaspoon used.
• Salt – The basic food ingredient. 2 teaspoons of salt are used.
• Paprika – A spice obtained from grinding dried Capsicum annum fruits. Used up to 2 teaspoons.
• Onion salt – Herbal seasoning used by mixing powder from dried onion and salt. About 1 teaspoon used.
• Garlic powder – Powder obtained from grinding dried garlic cloves. Used up to 1 teaspoon.
• Accent (MSG based) – A herbal spice, an Msg based ingredient, used as a seasoning. Used up to 1 teaspoon.

These were the 11 secret herbs and spices traced down by reverse engineering mechanisms as the probable ingredients used by KFC foods. It’s really finger lickin’ good!

Arnica and Surgery

Numerous researches and studies have proved suggestions for Arnica Montana being a capable herb for extracting dosages that relieve post surgical pain. Reduction of bruising and hematoma, which are the after effects of surgery, can be seen with continual use of Arnica extracts. These dosages promise a faster post- op recovery and healing.

Arnica during childbirth

The homeopathic characteristics of Arnica Montana are also popular for being used during labor or childbirth. Pains caused during this activity can be relieved with this herb. Usually, the extracts or dosages of Arnica are used prior to the childbirth, to aid the muscles for effective functioning during the labor period. It prepares the body for enduring through the tough rigors of childbirth and reduces labor pain. Homeopathic use of Arnica Montana has been proved very effective for relieving discomfort due to physical exertion; post labor hemorrhoid related issues and strained muscles.

Arnica and pregnancy

Though Arnica Montana is a suggested herb for childbirth and labor, since it relieves pain and increases endurance, yet the use of this herb during an ongoing pregnancy is not suggested to be beneficial. Pregnancy related discomforts are definitely relieved with this herb, without doubts. But the side effects of it can be very harmful for a pregnant mother. Large dosages of Arnica can be responsible for the stimulation of the uterus with spontaneous miscarriage or a premature delivery. Your homeopathic practitioner may suggest homeopathic dosages of Arnica, but those are to be taken in lesser amounts and smaller dosages. There are various other ill effects of this herb, apart from being unfit for usage during pregnancy. Stomach discomfort, vomiting, nausea, skin rashes, eczema, lesions in the mouth, etc. are some of the side effects of this herb. These potential side effects, if overlooked, can also lead to kidney and liver damage and failure of a particular organ in the body.

Ideally peppermint is considered to be a combination of water mint and spearmint; and its usage dates back to the times of the ancient Egyptians, ancient Rome as well as Greece. This plant was an important part of the ancient medicine and their medical literature.

Peppermint Benefits:

Most peppermint benefits come from the fact that the leaves and the stems comprise of an active compound that is called menthol; which is a common constituent in cough drops, foods, chest rubs and cosmetics. It is now a famous flavoring used in chewing gums, toothpastes and candy sticks. The refreshing and tingly taste coupled with the soothing sensation is what sets peppermint apart.

Another of the list of peppermint benefits would be that it makes for an extremely consoling tea. The vigorous flavor added to the health benefits are said to be a great hit among tea enthusiasts who want to take care of their health as well.

Some of the peppermint benefits known would include –

• Indigestion – It makes for a beneficial beverage to be sipped on after-dinner. It is known to ease irritations affecting the stomach muscles; and will improve the flow of bile, and this will end up speeding the process of digestion. If you grapple with GERD or acid reflux, peppermint isn’t a good option for you.
• Gas and Bloating – Peppermint is said to help in calming the symptoms that cause for bloating or the formation of gas.
• IBS – Peppermint is said to help in reducing the symptoms of IBS.
• Tension Headaches – When peppermint oil is applied to the head, it could help in treating headaches owing to tension; and can reduce stress and help to enhance the levels of alertness.
• Skin Irritations – Peppermint leaves could help in soothing irritations of the skin if it is applied topically.
• Cough and Colds – Peppermint tea might help in hindering colds and coughs as it can act as a decongestant or expectorant. This hot liquid could end up making for an extremely hydrating herbal brew.
• Bad Breath – Peppermint, with its refreshing essence, is said to help in eliminating bad breath.

This herb falls under the category of deciduous shrubs that are large; and they grow up to the height of about 6 meters; and in some rare cases, it will grow to the height of 10 meters. There is a dense cluster that consists of the stems that will grow from the base. The bark of the shrub is light brown in color; and it is scaly and smooth. If you check the inner bark of the plant, it is reddish purple in color.

The flowers of the hamamelis are pale yellow in color, and very rarely will you find reddish or orange petals; and they’ll be four-ribbon shaped petals. The length of each of them is about 10 to 20 mm; and they are known to spring in clusters. This plant is known to flower during mid-fall and will continue growing and blooming until the end of the season.

The fruit of the plant is a hard and woody capsule, which is known to split almost like an explosion. It will end up ejecting two black seeds that will look shiny. The explosion will end up ejecting the seeds at a distance of about 10 meters from the parent plant.

Uses:

Witch hazel is often used as an astringent and a tonic. Some people may pronounce it as a sedative as well. The decoction created using the bark is said to be extremely useful when it comes to treating hemorrhages, dysentery, diarrhea, and excessive discharge of mucus. It has also been used as a poultice to treat tumors and swellings that could cause for a lot of pain otherwise; and also been used to treat external inflammations. The decoction could also double up as a wash or an injection used for painful tumors, sore mouth, bowel complaints and ophthalmia.

The herb is also useful in correcting ailments that are vascular in nature. For instance, it is said to be able to overpower venous structures. This would mean that it could prove useful in the treatment and curing of varicose veins, hemorrhoids and even some hemorrhages.

Hamamelis has also been to be useful in relieving people of some of the symptoms of diabetes insipidus; and this can also be attributed to its qualities of possessing power to treat vascular conditions.

Some other names for this herbs would include wind flower, Easter flower and prairie crocus.

Appearance:

When it comes to appearance, the pulsatilla has purple flowers that are bell shaped. They have bright orange centers that contrast the color of the petals. The flowers are said to be solitary; and are covered in extremely fine and silk hair. The fine dissection and silky hair on the leaf as well make them extremely attractive foliage.

Medicinal Purposes:

The herb has had medicinal purposes that have been propounded for quite a few centuries now; and have been in use among the people of Europe and in North America. Native Americans are said to have used this plant to induce childbirth. Traditional herbology is also said to use this herb to treat a number of reproductive problems. In today’s date and age, this plant gets a high amount of value and respect from the homeopathic community.

A homeopathic remedy made from this herb could be used to treat sinusitis, cold, and coughs with thick phlegm, indigestion, menstrual problems, heartburn, eye infections, depression and mood swings.

Homeopathy is also known to prescribe medication based on the personality of the people involved. So this herb will be used as a homeopathic remedy in the case of people who have a more feminine, meek and warm-hearted personality and are peacemakers. Another trait of pulsatilla people would be that they are easily moved to tears and have a lot of compassion for others.

Things To Remember:

The herb pasque flower is actually a highly toxic plant and should not be consumed in any form without adequate medical supervision. If and when it is used correctly, it could have positive benefits. If it is abused or misused, it could lead to vomiting, diarrhea, convulsions or in severe cases, even coma. The plant is also capable of producing toxins that could be responsible for slowing down your heart rate; and this might lead to the coma. Always consult a certified homeopathic practitioner before using herbs.

The people of ancient Greece and Rome also made poultices that could be used on wounds and herbal tea that could be ingested to take care of internal problems.

Description:

The comfrey is erect in its habit and is said to rough and hairy all over. The roots are extremely fibrous and fleshy. The shape resembles that of a spindle and is said to be lesser than an inch in diameter and around a foot long. It is black on the exterior and white on the interior and is smooth, fleshy and juicy.

Growing the Plant:

The herb is said to thrive in almost any type of situation or soil, but you’ll get the best results if it is planted underneath the shade of some trees. Given the fact that the roots are brittle, and even the smallest fragment of root could begin to grow afresh, it would be best to plant them at a distance of 2.5 feet from each other. You will not need to care for them too much beyond that. All you might have to do is clear the weeds for them.

Healing Properties:

Herbalists will tell you that poultices made from comfrey could help in healing wounds and even mending broken bones. They will also claim that this herb is useful in treating bronchial problems, gastric and varicose ulcers, arthritis, acne, severe burns and other such skin conditions. The plant is also said to be effective when it comes to teeth and bone building, and can also help in correcting a lot of female health disorders.

As A Fertilizer:

This plant can also be used as a fertilizer and is used extensively in organic farming. Given the fact that this plant is deep rooted, it has the capacity to extract a lot of nutrients from the soil. These nutrients would be stored in its leaves, and these leaves are also an important source of potassium (which is also useful in the growth of plants). The leaves are fiber-less, which would mean that they would break down faster.

While using this herb as a fertilizer, it could be cut and wilted for a couple of days before being used in deep pits before cultivation; or you could add it to compost in limited quantities. You could also use it as mulch for gooseberries, tomatoes or currants.

In Other Forms:

You can also find comfrey in the form of ointments, lotions, creams, etc in the market. These could have been made from the dried or fresh leaves or roots. Try and avoid anything that’s made from the roots of this herb

Uses of Cantharis:

The Spanish fly treatment is often used to treat severe cystitis. Infections like urinary tract infections and other such conditions that cause for burning sensations can be relieved using this insect remedy. These would include the likes of scalding diarrhea, shingles, burning foot pain, rashes on the hand, colitis, etc. This method of treatment has also been used for centuries, in order to treat blisters, burns and stings.

Digestive tract issues could also be healed with the use of the Spanish fly. This is said to be extremely effective when it comes to conditions that could cause for discomfort in the abdomen. Some of these would include loss of desire to drink, loss of appetite and difficulty with swallowing. Fluid retention could also be reversed using cantharis. Warts, inflammation and baldness may also find their cures in this insect remedy, as has been the case for years now.

Traditionally speaking, this homeopathic medicine has been known to be used as an aphrodisiac. It is said to heighten sexual desire. On the flipside, excessive sexual desire can also be controlled by using this herbal treatment. It is also said to be useful in easing out other emotional and mental states, which would include restlessness, insolence, screaming, fits of rage and severe anxiety. You could also remedy back pain and lower abdominal pain using the Spanish fly.

Cantharis is available in the market in various forms – liquid, powder or pills. The tincture made from this insect is extremely potent; and this would only be available on a doctor’s prescription. This tincture is prepared from the entire body of the beetle. This tincture can also be combined with other herbs, the likes of phosphorus, sepia, sulphur homeopathic and mercurius.

Important Tips:

Please remember that the use of Spanish fly in undiluted form is simply unacceptable. Overuse of the herbal treatment or use in undiluted form could lead to toxicity.

Cantharis Side effects:

• Diarrhea
• Vomiting blood
• Abdominal cramps
• Stomach pain
• Throat pain
• Kidney damage
• Convulsions
• Coma or death (severe cases)