Sunday, June 13, 2010

HERBS



Herbs and how they can help with your health and comfort: 


Alfalfa (Medicago sativa)  -- Rich in chlorophyl, which reduces gas.  Avoid using if you're on blood thinning medication.
                                                  
Anise (Pimpinella anisum) --  Edible seeds remedy bloating, flatulence, poor appetite, and indigestion. Member of the parsley family.
                                                
Bay (Laurus nobilis)  --  Aids digestion, relieves flatulence. This culinary herb can be used to flavor many dishes. Remove the sharp edged leaves from food or tea before serving.
                                              

Caraway (Carum carvi) --  Seeds are often used in European cuisine. Relieves belching,  flatulence and intestinal cramps and spasms. Aids in the digestion of starches. Excellent for children's digestive issues.
                                                
Cinnamon (Cinnamomum spp.) -- Stimulates digestion. Effective in treating appetite loss and
flatulence. Add spice to dairy foods to make them easier to digest.

Dill (Anethum graveolens)   --   Edible seeds to help prevent heartburn, nausea, and indigestion.  The
edible flowers and leaves are rich in vitamin C and other nutrients.

Fennel (Foeniculum spp.)    --  Edible seeds and leaves enhance digestion, ease flatulence, heartburn and stomachache. Serves as a digestive aid for fatty foods.  Member of the parsley family.

Flax (Linum spp.) --  Soothes inflammation of the GI tract. Consume 1 to 2 tablespoons of seeds with plenty of fluids to ease constipation. Seeds may be eaten RAW or cooked. French citizens were required by law to consume this healthful plant.
                                        
                                  
Gentian (Gentiana spp.) --  Helps breakdown proteins and fats. Improves absorption of iron and
vitamin B12. Take tincture 10 to 30 mins before mealtime for maximum effectiveness.

Ginger (Zingiber officinale) -- Soothes indigestion, bloating, flatulence, irritable bowel, nausea, and stomach pain. Root is most effective in dried form for digestive ailments. Safe for children. Pregnant women should take no more than 1 gram daily.

Juniper (Juniperus communus) -- Eat up to seven of these berries before a meal to stimulate stomach
acid. Helps with digestion and flatulence. Possesses antidiarrheal properties.

Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) -- Eases acid indigestion, constipation, cramps, spasms, diarrhea,
heartburn, stomachache and irritable bowel. Use deflycyrrhizinat licorice (DGL) to reduce potential side effects such as high blood pressure. Avoid in cases of nausea and vomiting.
Not recommended during pregnancy, nor for prolonged use.
                                              
Linden (Tilia spp.) --  Eases indigestion.  This herbal tea should be consumed in moderation as large doses may cause nausea.  The tea is suitable for children.

Peppermint (Mentha x piperita)  -- The plants menthol oil relaxes muscles in the stomach and small
intestine, relieving cramping.  Useful for flatulence, diarrhea, indigestion, nausea and stomachache.  Pregnant women should not drink more than two cups of peppermint tea daily.

Psyllium (Plantago spp.)  --  High in fiber, psyllium makes an excellent laxative. Because it also
provides intestinal bulk, it can combat diarrhea. Useful for acid indigestion.  Best taken without food, either before bed or immediately upon waking.

Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)  -- Aids in the digestion of fats and starches.  Excellent herb for
seniors.

Sage (Salvia officinalis)  --  This common culinary herb stimulates digestive secretions,  improves digestion of fatty foods, and can help treat diarrhea, flatulence, and indigestion.  Avoid large doses during pregnancy.
                                                        
 

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