Healing Herbs
Healing properties of hibiscus
Throughout history hibiscus was known by many peoples. Hibiscus tea was a favourite drink of the pharaohs from the ancient valley of the Nile.
Hibiscus belongs to the family of Malvaceae, originally from the tropical areas of the Central Africa, Southern Asia and the Central America.
There are more than 130 species of hibiscus, all of them being popularly known simply as hibiscus. A less frequent name is rose mallow.
They may be wild or cultivated, annual or biennial, having flowers ranging from bright yellow to dark red.
Hibiscus always looks neat, and its flowers are among the most beautiful and exotic in the world.
It is consumed throughout the world becaues of its favourable effect on the blood pressure, and its cooling and relaxing action.
The healthiest honey that kills even the most resistant bacteria
Manuka honey comes from the opposite side of the globe and could be the most healing honey in the world.
This extremely healing nectar has been known for thousands of years by the indigenous people of New Zealand, who still use it for making potions and tonics.
It is a unifloral honey that bees produce from flowers of manuka tree (Latin name Leptospermum scoparium).
A research group from University Waikato in 1981 discovered on New Zealand that this honey has a stable, powerful and unique antibacterial properties, which are not present in any other type of honey.
Dragon's blood - miraculous resin that inhibits infections and heals wounds
Nowadays, when we are exposed to stress, contaminated food and environmental pollution, we need something strong that will protect us against these dangers.
Dragon's blood is one of such remedies.
This resin is a miracle of nature from Amazonian rainforest that ensures wellbeing to all mankind.
Sangre de drago or dragon's blood is bright reddish resin produced by South American tree Croton Lechler that grows in the Amazon jungles.
This is the most useful vegetable product in the world for fighting infections and healing wounds.
The healing properties of these substances have led the authors of medieval encyclopedia to describe it as "dragon's blood".
Because of its extremely valuable ingredients, it is an essential part of home pharmacies in many Latin American families and is becoming more popular throughout the world today.
Verbena – Purple Reservoir of Health
Verbena (lat. Verbena officinalis) is a plant that has pink-purple flowers.
There are many types of verbena, from woody to climbing plants.
It is also commonly known as common vervain, European vervain, enchanter’s plant, herb-of-the-cross, herb of grace, Holy herb or pigeon’s grass.
Verbena has an exotic citrus smell and it is extremely healing.
It is used in various products such as tea, cream and lotions.
If you are suffering from menstrual problems, anxiety or long-term effects of trauma it is time for you to learn about the properties of this plant.
For centuries verbena has been connected with divine or supernatural properties.
In ancient Egypt it has been known as Juno’s tears. In the early Christian era, folk legend stated that verbena was used to staunch Jesus’ wounds after his removal from the cross.
How to Make Tinctures in Two Easy Steps
Plants can be used for preparing various healing preparations.
Tinctures are considered as the most effective herbal preparations.
They are made of concentrated plant extract. They are easy to make and easy to take.
Tincture extracts and concentrates plant’s ingredients and that makes it an effective and durable medicine.
Tinctures are especially practical for medical treatment because they are taken in small dosages.
Adaptogens - super plants for fast physical recovery and stress prevention
If you ask an ordinary doctor what adaptogens are, many will recognize the meaning of the word, but probably not the mechanisms and the true nature of these plants.
It is not surprising, because the term "adaptogen" appeared only in the middle of the 20th century, while it has been actively used just for the past 15 years.
The first person who used that term was famous scientist N. V. Lazarev, when he was astonished by the effects of a new natural compound, which increased the body's resistance to stressors.
The definition of the word "adaptogen" implies several things...
The most healing plants in the world - horsetail
It all applies to a seemingly ordinary and easily available plant which many wrongly consider a harmful weed.
Horsetail (Latin name Equisetum arvense) may be better known as snake grass or puzzlegrass.
Centuries-old tradition has discovered its many medicinal applications, which vary from nation to nation, depending on the area in which it grows.
It is not only a natural remedy, but it is also used for washing dishes, sanding and polishing, and is used also for cleaning archaeological exhibits.
This property is due to its little needles coated with silicates.
Horsetail is one of those fabulous plants that cure almost any disease.
It can be used from head to toe, inside and out, for both beauty and health.
Diseases against which houseleek protects you
The resilience of houseleek is best described by its Latin name Sempervivum, which means "always living".
It is a perennial plant from Crassulaceae family, also known under the names bullock’s beard, devil’s beard, earwort, roof houseleek, Thor's beard etc.
It is characterized by thick fleshy leaves which are full of water and star-shaped flowers.
It grows from Morocco to Iran, through the mountains of the Iberian Peninsula, the Alps, the Carpathians, the Balkans, Turkey and the Caucasus.
Immortelle – Flower of Beauty and Youthfulness
According to Homer’s Odyssey, Ulysses was once shipwrecked on an island where he met divinely beautiful Nausicaa.
The secret of her beauty was attributed to the eternal oil extracted from flowers that never fade, even once picked.
According to mythology even Greek god Apollo, whose statue stands at the gates of Delphi, wears a tiara made of special herbs to remind the world of his immortality.
Even though these are only legends, still it is well known that there is a flower that never fades, even once picked.
That flower is known as immortelle (lat. Helichrysum italicum), a domestic herb that grows on the rocky pastures of the Mediterranean coast.
It can grow 60 cm high, has tight leafs and yellow flowers.
Parsley - more than just a spice
Parsley is the most popular spice in the world and it can be found in almost every supermarket throughout the year (of course, the best one is organic parsley from the garden!).
It has a delightful and a refreshing taste and beautiful bright-green foliage, which is indispensable as a spice or decoration of many dishes.
We are so accustomed to parsley that we often do not think about the fact that parsley is not just a spice, but a plant with a high nutritional value and medicinal properties.
Parsley is more than decoration on your plate.
Parsley contains two groups of special ingredients, which are very important for our health.
Rhodiola rosea protecting from stress
Staying healthy today means to successfully cope with daily stress.
Studies indicate that Rhodiola rosea dramatically reduces stress levels, acting both calming and energizing.
Being able to simultaneously cause these two opposing effects is a unique feature in the plant world.
Rhodiola soothes our experiences and negative feelings by getting us into a particularly peaceful and calm mood.
But at the same time it excites the brain and promotes its thinking and creative abilities and raises them to a higher level.
It allows you to be more creative and have a better performance.
Discover the amazing natural healing properties of stinging nettle
Nettle (Latin Urtica dioica) is a perennial herb known as common nettle, stinging nettle, nettle worth, big string nettle, devil's leaf.
It is found throughout the world, most often growing on waste ground, in hedgerows, along roadsides, field edges and grassy places.
Nettles are easily identifiable by their green, heart-shaped leaves covered with tiny stiff hairs that release stinging chemicals when touched (hence the term stinging nettle).
All parts of the nettle plant can be used as herbal remedies - leaves, flowers, stems, roots and seeds.
Unfortunately, stinging nettle is nowadays considered to be a bothersome pest, especially by younger generations who are trying to eradicate it from their gardens and yards.
Willowherb – a natural solution for prostate diseases
Willowherb is a genus of plants mentioned since the antiquity on all continents, cultures and languages as the best remedy for prostate.
There are many species of willowherb and they all belong to the genus of Epilobium.
It is a widespread plant which from July to September and which likes fresh nutritious nitrogen-rich soils.
It is recognizable by small flowers whose colour varies from almost white to pale pink to pint and red.
It mostly grows in coniferous and deciduous forests, on forest clearings and between pines by forest paths.
The benefits of garlic
Garlic (Latin name - Allium sativum) is a plant with a very strong and pungent flavor, which is known for its excellent culinary and medicinal properties.
The main ingredient of garlic is allicin, which has amazing anti-bacterial, anti-viral, anti-fungal, anti-parasitic and anti-oxidative properties.
Originally from Central Asia, garlic is one of the oldest cultivated plants in the world; it has been grown for over 5.000 years.
It seems that the Egyptians were the first who started growing this plant, which has played an important role in their culture.
Garlic, which the Egyptians considered a sacred plant, was found in the tombs of pharaohs.
They knew the medicinal properties of garlic – they gave garlic to slaves to increase their strength and the resistance to disease.
The medicinal properties of garlic were very well known among ancient Greeks and Romans, whose athletes ate garlic before sporting events.
5 plants for a natural pharmacy: decoration in the garden - medicine in the house
If you are going to plant a garden this spring and if you are thinking which plants to grow, it’s good to know that you can plant it on your own balcony or terrace.
Also, make sure to consider growing marigold, lavender, sage, thyme and mint.
Especially if you are a parent and you are thinking how good it would be to have plants in the reach of the hand, in your own home as an natural pharmacy.
These medicinal plants are very resistant, so they can easily grow in small areas, and every effort you make will multiply in return.
In your vegetable garden, some of them will serve not only as a decoration but also as an excellent protection against a variety of pests and diseases.
The selection of plants is really large, but these five plants represent a quality base from which you and your household will certainly benefit greatly.
20 applications of aloe vera that will surprise you
There are many ways to use aloe vera, and your body and mind can greatly benefit from them.
This plant was called ancient Egyptians "the plant of immortality", while the Americans referred to it as "heavenly wand".
Aloe vera has a unique composition and medicinal properties, which are increasingly surprising scientists.
The magic formula of aloe vera is a succulent and translucent gel that is located in its large green leaves.
This gel contains over 200 beneficial active substances such as anthraquinone, amino acids, enzymes, lignin, sterols, saponins, vitamins and minerals.
Some ingredients of aloe vera are not yet known to the science.
World's most powerful medicinal plants
Sorrel is a slender herbaceous perennial plant in the family Polygonaceae.
The herb is known for its sour or bitter taste due to the presence of oxalic acid.
There are several species of sorrel, two of which possess powerful medicinal properties – common or garden sorrel (Rumex acetosa) and sheep sorrel (Rumex acetosella).
As children many people used to wander lawns and meadows picking and chewing sorrel leaves. However, this plant offers so much more than a casual snack.
During the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, sorrel was considered a miraculous remedy for infections, fever, poisoning and scurvy.
The high content of oxalic acid in sorrel makes it poisonous to a small degree, so its intake should be regulated. In smaller quantities sorrel is completely harmless.
Sea buckthorn - a secret ingredient of Tibetan recipe for longevity
The secret of ancient Tibetan medicine is finally revealed.
For thousands of years, Tibetans have used the fruit that grows in the Himalayas as both food and medicine for numerous ailments.
Today science has confirmed that this fruit is the most powerful natural remedy for many ailments.
The secret recipe is sea buckthorn, whose Latin name is Hippophae rhamnoides. It is also called sandthorn, sallowthorn or seaberry.
Today it has been proven that sea buckthorn is an effective treatment for many ailments such as fatigue, infections, cardiovascular diseases, skin problems, stomach illnesses and even cancer.
Induce lactation, alleviate mastitis and enjoy breastfeeding with help of natural remedies
Even though breastfeeding seems so simple and natural, frequently it does not work so smoothly, specially in the beginning.
Sometimes there is a lack or a surplus or milk, sores on nipples, mastitis, inflammation and other difficulties. But, it pays to try.
Nature has offered numerous solutions for this issue as well in shape of teas, compresses, balms and other ways in which moms can overcome difficulties and continue breastfeeding.
Nettle – a miraculous cure
When we are looking for a solution to our health problems, we tend to forget that nature has provided us with everything needed for health and that we have natural and free medicines right within our grasp.
So I was surprised when I came across this article, which talks about ordinary nettle.
Although we have all heard something about the healing properties of nettle, I do not know how many of us are truly aware of how healing this plant really is.
The article was translated from English, but the name of the doctor is, unfortunately, unknown.
"Nettle is one of the most useful herbs. If people understood how beneficial this plant is, everyone would plant nettles only.
All parts of the nettle - stems, leaves, roots and flowers - have medicinal properties.
Sweet violet – more than a gentle decorative garden plant
In Ancient Greece sweet violet or viola was known as a symbol of love, spring and eternal life.
Due to its many healing properties, there have been many myths and legends associated with this beautiful plant and its origins.
The heavenly-scented sweet violet (Latin Viola odorata), known as the herald of spring, is easy to come across in your own garden or in a nearby park.
Sweet violet (Viola odorata) is native to western Asia, North Africa and Europe, but it is widely cultivated and naturalized.
Its delicate flowers with their intoxicating sweet scent bloom in March and April and is noted for its deep violet, tender flowers and heart-shaped leaves.
And naturally for its irresistible sweet scent.
The most healing plants of the world - marigold
The special value of these beauties are extremely beneficial ingredients of its flowers and leaves. No wonder so many experts in natural medicine have called it a magical plant.
Marigold is a hardy plant with bright orange flowers. An interesting fact is that marigold flowers are opened and in full bloom during the day, while they are closed at night and during rainy and cloudy weather.
Our grandmothers used to call this plant "herald of rain" because if marigold flowers did not open in the morning it meant there would be rain in the afternoon.
It originates from South America, but it has spread throughout Europe and Africa. There are tall marigold species, whose cultivation originated in Africa, but also short varieties grown in the French territory.
The most widely cultivated marigold plant is of average height and it was created by crossing the tall African and dwarf French varieties.
Astragalus fights flu, relieves allergies and eliminates stress
Astragalus is a perennial plant from the Fabaceae family and it originates from China.
Astragalus is being used in traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years, sometimes in combination with other herbs, for strengthening body's resistance against colds and flu.
In the West, astragalus became popular in the 80’s of the last century.
This plant is known in our parts as milk vetch, and in other parts of the world as bei qi, ogi, and huang qi.
There are more than 2,000 species of Astragalus, but only two species that are used for medicinal purposes are Astragalus membranaceus and Astragalus mongholicus.
With the growing interest in the astragalus, the number of investigations of this plant was significantly increased.
The most healing plants in the world: hawthorn
Hawthorn is among the plants with the longest tradition.
The Chinese used it for making a fermented drink, and its remains were found in 9000 years old pots.
It is believed that it was an important plant in religious services.
Legend has it that Christ's crown of thorns was made from this bush.
Many other beliefs are tied to this plant and even myths like the one about it being used to destroy vampires.
Hawthorn in those times grew all around Europe, Asia, North America and the Mediterranean, but now it has spread throughout the world.
The most healing plants of the world: Chamomile
When you think of healing herbs, chamomile us probably the first thing herb you think of.
Chamomile is a widespread plant in our region, and its tea is certainly one of the favorite drinks.
There are several types of chamomile and the most healing ones are Roman and German chamomile.
In Croatia, German chamomile is the most commonly used type, a plant that is indigenous to Europe and north-west Asia.
Chamomile was revered in ancient Egypt above all other plants for its healing properties. Egyptian noblewoman used its petals in various preparations for beauty.
Greek doctors have recommended chamomile against fever and women's diseases.
How to get rid of viruses using natural remedies
The presence of viruses in our body is a health problem even if they do not cause any symptoms, but because viruses are by nature dangerous, even if they are dormant.
In fact, they are the initiation force of many defects and abnormal biochemical processes in cells.
The fact that modern medicine does not have effective methods or medicines for fighting viruses proves how sneaky they can be.
However, as always, nature provides an efficient solution.
The World's Most Effective Healing Plants: Rose Hip
The rose hip is the fruit of the rose plant, in the genus Rosaceae.
It is considered to be one of the oldest herbs used for healing and nutrition.
Rose hips, rose leaves and rose petals have been used for medicinal purposes since Neolithic times.
The ancient Romans believed that it was even effective against rabies and they used Rosa canina (from the Latin word canis, meaning 'dog') for the bites of rabid dogs. Hence came the term Dog Rose.
Other folk names for rose hips include more than a dozen various terms, such as wild rose, wild brier, brier rose, dog berry, hep tree, hip fruit, hop fruit, hogseed, sweet brier, witche’s brier.
Back in the good old days, our grandmothers would skillfully use this valuable herb to prepare delicious and healthy foods.
Periploca of the woods - sugar killer
Periploca of the woods (lat Gymnema sylvestre) is a climbing plant which belongs to the family Asclepiadaceae.
It is widespread in tropical parts of Africa, Asia and Australia.
In the past Periploca of the woods was used for treating various conditions from malaria to snake bites.
Ayurvedic books describe it as a cure for glycosuria (presence of sugar in the urine) and other urinary problems.
For over 2000 years, this herb has been used to treat high sugar. It was dubbed "gur-mar," which means "destroyer of sugar."
Recently, its popularity elsewhere in the world increased as a means of reducing sugars and weight loss.
Guardian of your eyes
Legend says that eyebright got its Latin name of Euphrasia from the Greek grace Euphrosyne (whose name means "joy"), as it brings overall happiness through its power of healing the eyes.
Traditionally, it is also called "eyes of the Mother of God", due to its being confirmed as an ideal natural remedy for eye problems, through many-centuries long tradition.
People have been using it for thousands of years. The alchemist Arnoldus Vllanovanus even dedicated a song of praise entitled "Vini Euphrasiati tantopere celebrati" to it, claiming it had restored sight to those long without it.
The scientist Hildamus believed it could improve eyesight even in those over 70 or 80 years old.
Strangely named plant cures arthritis and rheum
Devil's claw or wood spider (Harpagophytum procumbens) is a part of sesame family and originates from South Africa.
The name comes from the root that resembles a claw. And that is the part of the plant used for treatment.
African tribes are using it for thousands of years as a painkiller and for treating skin ailments and as an aid during childbirth.
When consumed as tea or powder, it can be used for treating fever.
German physician Otto Heinrich Volk is credited for its expansion into Europe; he was convinced in the extraordinary healing powers of Devil’s claws when he lived in Namibia during World War II.
A friend of digestion and a killer of parasites
Absinthe wormwood is a large branched plant, with silver leaves, a characteristic odor and an unpleasant bitter taste.
Legend says that the goddess Artemis gave absinthe wormwood to women for easing childbirth and that is how this plant got its Latin name - Artemisia absynthium.
Its use has been noted since the Roman times, and is often mentioned in the Bible.
Hippocrates prescribed it for treating pain, amnesia and rheumatism.
Preparations made of this plant are extremely healing if applied in proper proportions, while in larger doses wormwood has a narcotic effect.
Cordyceps – a miraculous healing mushroom from Tibet
Under the scientific name of Cordyceps sinensis a medicinal mushroom that grows on high mountains of southwest China and Tibet is hidden.
It was firstly recorded in Tibet under the name of yartsa gunbu in the 15th century.
In Nepali language it is known as yarsha gumba.
There is an ancient myth in the history of this mushroom that is trying to explain the first realizations of exceptional medicinal properties of this mushroom.
According to the myth, in the times when the snow started melting on high mountains, indigenous people of Tibet and Nepal, following a hundred-year old tradition, started chasing their yak herds towards the grasslands on high altitudes.
Bitter melon – hidden health in the bitterness
The active ingredients of bitter melon trigger mechanisms that starve and destroy malignant cells.
Bitter melon or bitter gourd, Latin name Momordica charantia, is a plant whose legendary popularity is confirmed by scientific research.
This plant belongs to the family of tropical and subtropical vine, and grows mostly in Asia, Africa and the Caribbean.
Originally the plant originated in India and in the 14th century it was introduced to China, from where it began to spread to other parts of the world.
It is best known for its fruit, which is considered one of the bitter fruits in the world.
Bear’s garlic - perfect for spring cleansing of the organism
All fans of garlic will be thrilled by bear’s garlic - which has a much stronger scent than its tame cousins.
This is a wild plant with a Latin name of Allium ursinum which grows in moist deciduous forests, valleys and along streams up to 1900 meters above sea level.
It is also known under the names ramsons, buckrams, broad-leaved garlic, wood garlic, bear leek or wild garlic.
It was named bear’s garlic because it is a true spring treat for bears that have just woken up from their winter slumber.
Bear’s garlic grows in height from 20 to 40 cm, and in the soil, it has an upright and thin bulb that is white or yellow in color.
Licorice- universal healing powers hidden in sweet taste
If you are looking for an universal remedy and you came across licorice? Then your search is over.
It is a perennial plant; its Latin name is Glycyrrhiza glabra, which can grow up to one meter in height.
It is characterized by elongated pale-purple flower clusters.
It has oval leaves that are 2 to 4 cm in length and are half of their length in width.
Licorice is known worldwide for its exceptionally sweet root, which is used for treating many diseases.
The healing power of herbal tea
Herbal teas are often used to help with colds and flu, but they are much more than that.
The British have been, for example, loyal to teas for hundreds of years and people in the Far East even longer.
Tea is not just a drink, like a coffee, associated with social gatherings.
Many herbal teas are known for their wide healing properties.
Health benefits of natural teas have a wide range.
Stronger and healthier than synthetic antioxidants
Surely you've heard of free radicals and oxidative stress.
Oxidative stress is a condition that occurs when the production of the free radicals overwhelm the body's ability to neutralize or eliminate them.
Oxidative stress leads to many serious diseases today such as diabetes, premature aging and heart problems.
The greatest enemies of the oxidative processes are antioxidants that strengthen the immune system and neutralize free radicals.
The most healing plants in the world: comfrey
From ancient times until today, many people have witnessed the healing power of comfrey.
Comfrey is a compelling testament to how wonderful nature is and how even the most stubborn ailments can be cured with a little patience.
Comfrey’s the Latin name is Symphytum officinale, and the people known as black boneset, knitbone, consound, and slippery-root.
It has a long and varied history of use. Because of its healing properties, the people believed that comfrey originated from the Garden of Eden.
St. John's Wort oil - red elixir
St. John's wort is obtained from the eponymous flower, St. John's wort.
It is a small plant with yellow flowers that grows along forest edges, in clearings, thickets, meadows and along the hedges.
It blooms all summer long, from May to September, but mostly during July. Upper part of the bloom is harvested.
St. John's wort (lat. Hypericum perforatum) is one of the most widely used medicinal plants.
The most healing herbs in the world – sage
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Sage is one the most healing herbs in our world.
Its Latin name - Salvia officinalis - comes from the word meaning salvare, which means to save or heal.
This was the main herb used for embalming pharaohs in Egypt.
The Greek physician Dioscorides used it to treat many diseases such as bleeding, fever, urinary stones, and irregular menstruation.
World's healthiest spices: Clove
You’ve surely already tasted it in warm winter beverages or homemade desserts, such as gingerbread.
You have certainly experienced it, at least in trace amounts, in toothpaste, body lotions or scented perfumes.
It is the clove, also known in Latin as the Syzygium Aromaticum.
In Latin it is also called clavus, which means nail, due to their similarity.
Divine Lavender
Divine? Oh yes, it is.
To begin with, let us look at its color.
Purple is the color of the crown chakra, the place where we meet with the highest form of spirituality, where the supreme cosmic wisdom unites our spiritual and physical nature.
In doing so we should bare in mind that the color purple is basically a mixture of red and blue, respectively, i.e. the color of impulses and the color of mental ability.
The most healing plants of the world - frankincense
Frankincense is an aromatic resin obtained from the Boswellia tree that grows throughout Asia and Africa.
Most of us are familiar with the ecclesiastical ritual that is performed putting a piece of white aromatic resin on hot coals.
Frankincense is one of the oldest scents.
People traded it 5000 years ago in the Arabian Peninsula and North Africa, where it was worth like gold.
Daisy - small flower with magnificent healing properties
Many of you probably have at least once picked this flower and tore its petals one by one counting "He/she loves me, he/she loves me not ..."
You can immediately guess we are talking about a daisy, Lat Bellis Perennis L, also known as common daisy, lawn daisy or English daisy. This lovely little flower grows everywhere and its season is just beginning.
But no matter how small – it has magnificent healing properties.
Castor oil –a poison or a remedy?
"Is not that oil toxic?" – you must ask yourselves when you hear about castor oil.
It is true that ricin is one of the most potent toxins in the world.
It is obtained from the Castor oil plant (L. Ricinus communis), and that plant is marked as the most poisonous plant in the world in the Guinness Book of World Records.
But castor oil is not toxic, it is actually very beneficial.
Fight off infections during pregnancy with these herbal remedies
Though unwanted, infections are fairly common during pregnancy.
During this period, a depressed activity of T-cells (T-lymphocites) weakens the immune system and makes pregnant women more prone to opportunistic infections.
Infections of the urinary tract, vaginal inflammation and fungi frequently occur due to changes in the flora of the genitourinary tract and hormonal changes.
When the infection occurs, pregnant women often wonder whether they could relieve their condition by using natural treatments instead of antibiotics and other chemical substances.
The healing properties of rhubarb
With the arrival of spring, long forgotten plant rhubarb also arrived.
Unfortunately, most of us today know almost nothing about the rhubarb, which is why we decided to write about this forgotten plant.
Rhubarb is a perennial, herbaceous plant. It has large leaves and long triangular fleshy stalks.
It has green-white and pink-red flowers.
Milk thistle - the guardian of your liver
If you have enjoyed too much alcohol or fatty foods during Easter holidays, it feels especially good to detoxify the liver.
One of the best plants to protect and detoxify the liver is milk thistle, Silybum marianum.
Milk thistle is often considered as a burdock. These are very similar, but not the same plants.
Milk thistle can grow up to two meters in height and is filled with spikes, but is worth the effort because of its exceptional healing potentials.
Graviola – a rainforest plant that treats cancer
You have not yet heard of graviola? This plant is a new "hit" in natural medicine, and news of it spreads with lightning speed.
Graviola (Annona muricata) is an evergreen plant native to Central and South America.
Today it is cultivated in Mexico, the Caribbean, Colombia, Peru and Venezuela.
It can be found in sub-Saharan Africa and countries in Southeast Asia.
Valerian – a peace of mind with a touch of irresistible scent
Valerian (Lat. Valeriana officinalis) is a perennial plant with sweetly scented, pink or white flowers that bloom in the summer.
It grows as a wild plant in all moist areas that are up to 2000 meters above sea.
Its name derives from the Latin word valere - to be well.
Because of the calming effect, it is used as a natural sedative since the 19th century.
World's most healing plants: elderberry
Elderberry is one of the oldest and the most healing plants in Europe.
There are about thirty types of elderberry within the family. The most important are the black and red elderberry.
We most commonly use black elderberry - Sambucus nigra.
Elderberry is at the service of humanity for millennia.
Birch – a tree that heals
Birch (Lat. Betula pendula) is a slender deciduous tree with distinctive white bark.
It grows in all parts of Europe and Asia and has an important role in herbal medicine.
It has forever been appreciated among many peoples around the world, especially among Indians, Native Americans and Siberians.
In the 12th century St. Hildegarda recommended birch flowers for treating wounds and boils that were healing slowly.
Kava kava – a herb for relaxation, joy and socializing
Kava kava (Lat. Piper methysticum) is a widespread herbal culture from Northern Pacific.
It is interesting that despite its name, it has nothing to do with coffee and is a relative of peppermint.
Peoples all across the Pacific often use it in medicinal, religious and social purposes since it alleviates tension and fears and enhances communicativeness.
The effects of this herb were discovered by Europeans in 1768, due to a testimony of a sailor and explorer James Cook who spoke of an herb used by Pacific peoples to make them relaxed, cheerful and outgoing.
Ginseng – a miraculous root from Far East
Ginseng is one of the most famous herbs in the world.
Ginseng (Lat. Panax) is the name of a family of eleven species of healing herbs.
Although Chinese ginseng is the most famous variety in Europe, this plant grows in Korea, Vietnam, Siberia and USA.
The most popular are three ginseng varieties – Asian ginseng (so-called Devil’s bush, Lat. Panax ginseng), American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius) and Siberian ginseng (Panax senticocus – eleutero).
Borage – a plant of exquisite beauty and healing
Borage (Lat. Borago officinalis) is a plant with beautiful and distinct blue star-shaped flowers and stem and leaves covered with white hairs.
Because of its beauty and appeal, it is often seen as a motive in a folk art.
For a while it has been neglected in medicine, but today, its old glory comes to life again.
It was brought to Europe by Arabs and today we can find wild borage all around the Mediterranean and southern Europe and it is cultivated all around the world.
The best healing herbs – mint
According to Greek myth, Mint was a nymph unsuccessfully chased by the voluptuous god of the underworld – Hades.
He blinded her with his shiny chariot but she was saved from him by queen Persephone who turned her into a mint.
There are over 250 types of mint; the most famous ones are spiked mint and peppermint.
It is believed that mint came from the Far East and it has been used for 10 000 years.
Lemon balm – a plant that restores the joy of life
This wonderful plant has a pleasant lemony scent and is a relative of lavender and sage.
The bees like it, which is why its name in Latin is Melissa officinalis.
Lemon balm is one the few herbs that simultaneously has healing properties, has a pleasant scent, can be used for decorations or as a spice, has aromatic properties, makes honey and has an industrial application.
Plain parasite mushroom destroys cancer cells, cures arthritis and rejuvenates the organism
Chaga (lat. Inonotus obliquus) is a parasite mushroom found on birch tree that looks like a burnt bark.
It grows in birch forests across northern and eastern Europe, Russia and China.
It is most commonly used in traditional Russian and Eastern European medicine.
For thousands of years people have been using chaga across Eurasia, where it had been known as "gift from God" and "queen of the plants" due to its healing properties.
Ancient Asians used it for maintaining healthy natural balance (chi), believing that this mushroom can provide them youthfulness, prolonged life and stronger immunity.
Make your own wonderful kombucha potion
Do you want to preserve and enhance your health?
You need stronger immunity, more energy and vitality?
You are trying to get rid of digestive problems?
If you suffer from such problems, kombucha is the answer for you.
Mountain germander can even raise the dead
Mountain germander, lat. Teucrium montanum, is a healing herb that grows in mountain areas across the world.
It is known under many names, such as Alpine Pennyroyal, and to an experienced finder it is more precious than gold.
It is recognized by its small bushes with pale-yellow flowers at the top of branches.
Plants are mostly erected and partially woody.
Leaves do not have stem and have hairs on the downside and are green or gray-white in color.
This plant grows in dry, warm and mountainous locations, to heights of 800 meters (2700 feet) and higher, mostly on southern slopes.
Lady's mantle – woman's best friend
This plant has various names, but it is most widely known as lady’s mantle, lat. Alchemilla vulgaris.
The name Alchemilla comes from the Arab word “alkemelych” (meaning "alchemist”) and it was given to this plant by ancient writers due to its great healing powers.
Ancient people believed that this plant has the greatest healing powers if picked at night when the Moon is in its last quarter.
Miraculous effect of aloe vera on health
There is a legend according to which aloe vera once saved the life of Alexander the Great.
In 330 BC, during the siege of Gaza, Alexander was dangerously wounded by an arrow.
The wound got infected and it hurt terribly.
During a trip through Egypt and Libya Alexander’s condition worsened.
On his way to Persia, Alexander the Great visited the oasis of Siwa.
Aloe Vera - the legendary herb of immortality
Aloe Vera is a favorite herb of many nations of the world.
Ancient physicians considered it to be a blessing to mankind.
The origins of Aloe Vera are in North Africa.
Its name derives from the Arabic word "alloeh" which means "bitter."
This name was given to aloe because of its juice, which has a bitter taste.
Aloe vera - a treasury of valuable nutrients for our health
What aloe vera contains? What makes it so powerful healer?
Aloe leaf contains over 240 nutritional and medicinal ingredients, including vitamins, minerals, enzymes, sugars, lignin, saponins, sterols, amino acids, salicylic acid, etc.
No other natural product contains so many ingredients beneficial to health.
Read the ingredients of aloe vera with the explanation of they affect human health.
Healing effects of aloe vera
Aloe vera is a wonderful plant, its health benefits are numerous.
This plant was called "miracle plant", "heavenly blessing" and "elixir of life" throughout the history for a good reason.
Throughout history, many famous individuals and doctors used aloe vera.
The leaves of aloe vera contain bitter yellow fluid - aloe vera gel, which has miraculous properties.
In the past, the healing properties of aloe vera were unknown. Today, scientific studies reveal a rich chemical composition of this plant, which explains its remarkable properties.
Plantain – skin cure and lung protector
Plantain (Latin name Plantago major) is a widespread and easily recognizable kind of meadow plants.
There are over 200 species of plantain; the most popular being broadleaf and narrow-leaved plantain.
In China it was used in 3000 BC for treating many diseases.
Sebastian Kneipp said for that the wound, if treated with plantain juice, heals like it was sewn with gold thread.
Oil that cures everything except death
Over hundreds and thousands of years mankind has searched for a panacea - miracle drug that could cure all human ailments.
Is there a natural remedy so effective against a wide range of diseases that it would deserve to be called panacea?
If we were to pick the strongest and the most effective remedy in the world, this name would undoubtedly be awarded to black cumin oil.
Black cumin is one of the most beneficial plants in the world.
Mistletoe – a universal remedy
Mistletoe, lat. Viscum album, is a plant mentioned in many Nordic and Celtic legends.
The old peoples of Europe attributed divine properties to this plant – masculinity, fertility and romance.
Since the old days it has been used as a cure among many peoples and it was known among the Gauls and Celts as a remedy for every illness.
Many famous doctors and healers held this plant in high regard, such as Hippocrates, Rudolph Steiner and Sebastian Kneipp.
Today many people consider it useless and poisonous, but this plant is a valuable remedy for many illnesses, even the most malignant.
Featuring many healing properties, this plant finds an answer to almost every illness affecting the mankind so it was made a part of tea mixes in folk medicine.