Cabbage juice is a great drink because itâs not only nutritious but cabbage is usually one of the cheaper vegetables and readily available. There are a couple of ways that you can make cabbage juice: by fermenting it or preparing a fresh juice.
Iâll share the recipes after, but first, letâs look at why itâs good for you.
Medicinal Benefits Of Cabbage Juice
Cabbages are packed full of nutrients. Thought to have been used in Europe somewhere before 1000 BC, today they are grown in more than 90 countries across five continents. The most famous health condition theyâre scientifically known for treating is ulcers. Human studies have even proved that cabbage juice can be a more effective remedy than conventional treatments.
Here are how they help ulcers and some of the other medical conditions they can prevent and/or treat:
Digestive Ulcers â the amino acid called glutamine helps prevent and heal ulcers, as well as Vitamin C which can prevent and treat infections.
Cholesterol â the phytosterols can reduce bad cholesterol by blocking its absorption.
Neurodegenerative Disorders â thanks to anthocyanins and Vitamin K, they improve brain function and improve concentration as well as helping to ward off neurodegenerative disorders.
Cancer â the polyphenols prevent oxidative stress, fighting free radicals. The glucosinolates also help by altering the way some compounds are broken down by the body making them less likely to cause cancer.
Blood Pressure â due to the potassium found in cabbage, it helps relax blood vessel walls, having the positive effect of reducing blood pressure.
Bone Strength â thanks to the Vitamin K that it contains, cabbage can improve bone health and reduce the risk of developing osteoporosis.
Consuming cabbage also has overarching positive effects by boosting immunity, keeping us healthier and less prone to illness. The glucosinolates help to detox the body too.
When choosing whether to make your cabbage juice fermented or fresh, it will probably come down to taste. Some people just donât enjoy the tartness when itâs fermented. For this reason, itâs fine to make it fresh and add other fruit and veg (I add carrot and apple) if you want to mask or dilute the flavor. You will still enjoy the health benefits that cabbages deliver, plus additional nutrients from whatever you choose to add. However, fermented cabbage juice is loaded full of probiotics and promotes healthy gut flora (as do all probiotics).
Potential Side Effects Of Cabbage Juice
While cabbage has many medicinal benefits, there are certain groups of people who should avoid it. The first group is people taking blood-thinning medications, due to the Vitamin K content in cabbage. If you have hypothyroidism or an underactive thyroid gland, it should also be avoided or limited.
Other potential side effects that can occur from eating cabbage or drinking its juice include flatulence and diarrhea.
Unless you are experiencing a lot of physical discomfort, many experts say that experiencing flatulence is perfectly normal when we consume certain foods and may even be necessary and beneficial by reducing the volume of air.
As with all foods, moderation is key and Iâll talk about quantity shortly.
How To Make Cabbage Juice: 2 Ways
As I mentioned, Iâm going to show you two different ways to make cabbage juice. The first is using just cabbage and water (fermented juice) and the second is fresh cabbage juice with apple and carrot.
1. How To Make Fermented Cabbage Juice
Each glass will contain approximately 45 calories but will help you feel full so can be useful for weight management on top of the nutritional value it brings. The great thing about this recipe is you can make large batches if you plan on drinking it every day and always have some on the go. Whereas, fresh juice is best to make at the time of drinking.
Ingredients
10 oz white cabbage (285 grams)
1 cup of filtered water
Utensils
Blender
Glass/mason jar + lid (airlock lid if you have one)
Fine mesh strainer
Knife
Cutting board
Kitchen scales
Container
Method
Peel off the top couple of layers of leaves from the cabbage and discard those. Wash the rest of the cabbage well under running water.
Chop your cabbage into small chunks so it makes it easier to blend and place these in your blender.
Add 1 cup of filtered water.
Blend until you have just a few small pieces of cabbage leaves floating around.
Pour the mixture into your jar and top up with an extra splash or two of water so it just covers the cabbage. Close your lid and store it in a dark place at room temperature for 3 days. If itâs cold where you are you may need to leave it for up to 5 days for maximum benefit. If youâre not using an airlock lid, slightly undo your lid once a day without removing it then seal it tight again. This is to âburpâ the mixture so too much pressure doesnât build up.
When itâs finished fermenting, strain the mixture through a fine-mesh strainer into a container and you can drink a glass straight away. Store the rest in an airtight container in the fridge.
You can reserve the pulp and use this in food dishes as a condiment. It will last up to 1 week in the fridge.
How To Drink It
You can drink up to 1 glass per day. If you are drinking this as a remedy for ulcers, pour half a glass of cabbage juice into a glass in the morning and evening and top it up with filtered water and drink it. Drink it for up to three weeks or until your ulcer has healed.
2. How To Make Fresh Cabbage Juice
Each serving (using the portions below) will have approximately 212 calories. Since it is a fresh juice, you want to drink this as soon as possible after making it. Like I mentioned earlier, I used apple and carrot which work very well and add a lovely flavor, but you could choose to add just one of these or make the juice with just cabbage and water.
Ingredients
10 oz white cabbage (285 grams)
1 apple
1 carrot
1-2 cups of filtered water
Method
Peel off the top couple of layers of leaves from the cabbage and discard those. Wash the rest of the cabbage well under running water.
Chop your cabbage into small chunks so it makes it easier to blend and place these in your blender (or juicer).
Wash your apple then chop it up into small chunks then add them to the blender (or juicer).
Wash your carrot and chop it finely and add this to the blender too (or juicer).
Add 1 cup of water and start blending at a low speed. Once the cabbage has started mixing down, change the speed to high. You may need to add more water depending on how powerful your blender is to get a smoother result. If youâre using a juicer, you donât need to add water.
If youâre using a blender, strain your mixture through a fine-mesh strainer and catch it in a container. You may need to press it down to squeeze all of the juice out. Your juice is ready to drink.
How To Drink It
Feel free to add some ice to chill it for a refreshing drink. The recipe calls for 10 oz (285 grams) of white cabbage and you can drink this quantity up to one time per day. You can add as much water as you like to get the consistency you like. If you are drinking it to heal an ulcer, split the quantity in half and drink half in the morning and make the other half in the evening. Drink it for up to three weeks or until your ulcer has healed.
Adding cabbage to your diet is often easier by taking it as a juice because you can consume more. A little bit goes a long way with this vegetable and you will be enjoying its health benefits in no time.
JOHN LACOMBE POSTED SEPTEMBER 9, 2021 4:22 PMDo they sell cabbage juice in stores that are ready to drinkReply
BARBIE POSTED SEPTEMBER 9, 2021 11:33 PMLove Your Toys and Tricks. I just started my journey it Natural Remedies⊠still have to work on pain relief but doing good so far..Reply
LORI OSTROM POSTED SEPTEMBER 10, 2021 5:23 PMâIf you have hypothyroidism or an underactive thyroid gland, it should also be avoided or limitedâ. Can you tell my why? Your article just said to avoid or limit â but doesnât say why? Thank you.Reply
CATHY POSTED SEPTEMBER 10, 2021 7:20 PMI too would like to know why??? Can someone please explain?Reply
CHERYL ZIEMANN POSTED SEPTEMBER 12, 2021 4:16 AMI have the same question, please tell us why?Reply
THE LOST HERBS POSTED SEPTEMBER 14, 2021 12:37 PMHi,Cabbage contains goitrogens which interfere with iodine transport to the thyroid and how the thyroid utilizes iodine, essential for normal thyroid function. Goitrogen levels are even higher in raw cabbage so consuming cabbage juice, especially regularly, could be harmful to people with these conditions.Many blessings and good health!Reply
BRANDI POSTED SEPTEMBER 22, 2021 3:19 PMThere is an enzyme that lowers thyroid activity just as with lemon balm and other herbs you may want to research for avoiding with hypothyroidism.Reply
NANCY POSTED NOVEMBER 29, 2021 1:05 PMI am looking for the recipe for cabbage and garlic. I thing it cab be a salve or tincture. It cab be applied to arthritic joints. Please help. Thank you.Reply
PAT BAZLEY POSTED MARCH 30, 2022 1:12 PMI paid for 2 online books awhile back but do not know how to find them. Could you help me out there?Reply
THE LOST HERBS POSTED MARCH 31, 2022 11:27 AMHi Pat,Thank you for your interest in our work. Please check your personal email. I sent you an email with the download links.Many blessings and good health!Reply
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Catnip is an ornamental plant that bears a white, pink, or pale purple blossom. It came from the mint family that blooms from the tail-end of spring until autumn. Catnip is an aromatic herb that is notorious for attracting lacewing bees, butterflies â and cats. Exposure to its substance can cause behavioral changes in some cat species. It stimulates their senses resulting in relaxation and extreme playfulness. However, it may also cause some aggression. That is why some cats go as far as acting crazy for a period after exposure.
The catnip is a perennial herbaceous plant from the genus Nepeta. It is a tropical aromatic herb that thrives abundantly in Asia, Europe, North America, and the tropical mountains of Africa. Gardeners usually grow catnip in gardens to ward off aphids and squash bugs. Cat recreational issues aside, they are also a popular ingredient in some herbal teas and essential oils. Catnip is potent herbal medicine for treating cough and gastrointestinal problems. It is also a seasoning in making soups and sauces using either fresh or dried leaves.
Presently, these weedy herbaceous plants are beneficial for use as insect repellants. Cat-friendly gardens often include these plant stimulants in their plots. The relaxation and extreme happiness it can induce to felines ward off their pain and anxiety.
The History Of Catnip
The catnip plant from the mint family has a long way of history. It has been popular not just for felines but also for human use. Today, they are widely popular for cat-loving people since it gives felines a boost of euphoria and energy. Before they became the plant for giving cats the kind of âhigh,â humans were already using them for the same purpose.
Catnip was endemic in the tropical mountains. The name Nepeta came from the City of Nepeta (now Nepi) in Italy, where the plant first thrived abundantly. Before Chinese teas became popular, catnip was already a tea for the French. The Romans also use the herb for most of their recipes and for treating various ailments. It is a carminative, antispasmodic drug, tonic, and stimulant in ancient medicine.
Sometime in the 18th century, the plant arrived in America when some settlers brought some cuttings and propagated them. By then, catnip is a common herb for cooking and medicinal use. They were given to sick people to induce perspiration but without increasing their body heat. Native American women also use it for menstrual pain relief. It also became an effective sedative plant for children.
There is no evidence to support the claim, but accordingly, Egyptians were the first to use catnip on cats. Thatâs probably because of their adoration for the felines. Although today the plant is not widely used in medicine and food anymore, they are still grown for the benefit of cats. The aromatic weed, however, does not cause the same stimulating effect on humans as it does on the felines.
Where This Plant Is Found
Catnip can thrive everywhere and is almost invasive to have around. They grow on roadsides, fields, or even in disturbed areas. However, they mostly flourish in the tropical mountains. Catnips are considered tropical aromatic herbs that are native to Europe and Asia. They are also cultivated in some parts of North America and Africa.
Some catnip varieties are used as subtle garden borders since they make a fine addition in rows and garden edges.
There are about 250 varieties of catnip worldwide, each country with their own variety of the plant. Thus, it can get confusing to identify one but, it is mostly their flowers or sizes that differentiate them from the others. Their flowers bloom in a spike-like cluster in showy colors at the branch end of the plant. These perennial herbs are weedy in appearance and spread easily.
One of the distinct characteristics of the catnip is its square stem which is common to the mint family. The catnipâs stem is mostly light green with fine hair covers. Their foliage may also range from green to a gray-green color. A catnipâs leaf appears triangular to ovate with scallop-shaped edges and fine hairs like its stem.
Here are a few easily identifiable varieties of catnip:
Common Catnip (Nepeta cataria)
The common catnip is the variety that attracts most species of cats because of its distinctive aroma. It has a triangular leaf with scalloped edges covered in tiny hairs. Common catnip has white flowers and can grow up to 3 feet tall.
Lemon Catnip (Nepeta citriodora)
The lemon catnip may also reach up to 3 feet high. It has a white and purple bloom that looks similar to the common catnip. As the name implies, the lemon variety has a bright and lemony scent. They are the ideal species for teas and garnishes. They are not very popular in cats owing to their distinct lemon smell.
Greek Catnip (Nepeta parnassica)
It is a smaller variety that can grow only at 1.5 feet. Greek catnips have pale pink flowers and off-green foliage and stems. Sometimes it looks almost white as it is green. These are the types that also make a good ornamental plant.
Camphor Catnip (Nepeta camphorata)
Although they still belong to the mint family, the camphor catnip exudes a camphor scent more than mint. They also grow as small as the Greek catnip at 1.5 feet. A camphor catnipâs flower is similar to the common catnip, but it grows purple dots at the base of its petals.
Catnips are resilient and easy to grow, although, at times, they can become quite invasive. These plants can grow from stem cuttings, division, or seeds. Commercial catnips are mostly from seeds grown in a greenhouse.
The end of fall or early spring is the best season to plant catnips as they need a lot of sunshine to flourish. They will also grow best in well-drained soil. But catnips can still thrive even in partial shade, poor soil condition, or mostly disturbed areas.
The easiest way of growing catnip is from root division if you have an existing plant. You can dig up the plant, divide its root into sections, and replant it in loam soil.
If growing it from seeds, you can sow it indoors before the last frost. It will help if you soak them overnight before sowing them. Sow the catnip seeds into the soil and lightly cover them. The germination period usually starts from 14 up to 40 days, depending on the variety. You may then replant the seedlings at about 12 to 18 inches apart to facilitate healthy and lush growth.
When propagating catnip from cuttings, you may use the new growth for it. The leaf-tip cuttings also grow good enough. Keep the pot moist and with lightly filtered sunlight until the plant establishes itself. Some gardeners who want to grow them faster use growth hormones on the tip of the cuttings before planting. They are also nitrogen-feeders, so adding plant nutrient systems rich in nitrogen may be beneficial.
The catnip plants are usually drought-tolerant. However, they will grow at their healthiest best in average water, well-drained soil, and in full sun to part shade.
Catnips are commercially propagated primarily for use in cats more than for other purposes. They are the main components in some cat stuff like packed balls and dangling toys. They are also used in compressed pellets and shaker bottles.
It is best to harvest the flowers when they are in full bloom. At this time, their aromatic properties are at their peak. Catnips usually bloom during the mid-summer until fall.
Here are a few other tips in harvesting to get the most out of the plant:
Harvest the leaves and flowers only later in the day when the dew has evaporated. It will prevent them from getting moldy and from rotting out.
Cut off the entire stem from the base of the plants. It will enable the plant to re-grow faster than cutting off the leaves or flowers alone. Or you may cut it off a few inches above its crown.
You may cut the plantings twice during its growing seasons. It is best to harvest them in mid-summer and let them re-grow for harvesting again in fall.
Some gardeners harvest the plant using a standard baler for wide plantations. A mower with a sidebar cutter can also be used for a medium-sized yard. For a small garden, you may cut it off with shears or by hand.
Allow the leaves or flowers to air-dry in a drying screen or tray. Store them in a dry and airtight container away from sunlight and heat. Remember to keep the new harvest away from cats as they may destroy them before they are ready for storing.
What Catnip Is Good For And Natural Remedies Made From It
Catnips are widely used for the recreational benefits of cats. Their love for the plant is said to evolve from catnipâs ability to ward off mosquitoes and other parasites. Eventually, it was found out that the chemical compound nepetalactone provides cats with increased biological responses.
Humans similarly use the plant to generate the same stimulating effect. But this effect varies as it may work in some people but not as much in others.
Generally, catnip has several medicinal uses in ancient medicine. The essential oil of catnip is beneficial for a variety of gastrointestinal problems like diarrhea and stomach ache. They also relieve respiratory ailments like cough, bronchitis, and asthma. Its antispasmodic property is useful for relieving muscle cramps and menstrual issues. Catnip also has antibacterial, antifungal, and antiseptic properties for treating scabies and wounds.
They are mostly consumed as tea using either fresh or dried leaves. Catnip teas are also excellent for relieving insomnia and anxiety.
What Parts Of The Plant Are Used For Remedies?
The fresh and dried leaves and flowers of the catnip plant can be steeped as teas and consumed for relieving various illnesses. The fresh leaves are boiled and used as antiseptic for cleaning wounds and scabies.
The aerial parts of the plants are harvested for essential oil extraction. These essential oils are utilized for pharmaceutical products or in some dietary supplements.
Catnip Tea Recipe
Ingredients:
2 tsp dried catnip leaves or flowers (Nepeta cataria)
1 cup water
Honey or lemon to taste
Steps:
Mix dried leaves and flowers of catnip in a cup of water and bring to a boil.
Remove from heat. Let the catnip tea steep for about 10 to 15 minutes.
Strain the liquid to remove plant particles. Mix in honey or lemon juice according to preference.
How To Use:
Drink the catnip tea to alleviate anxiety, nervousness, and insomnia. It is also the best concoction for the treatment of stomach and respiratory problems. Consume the tea immediately after cooling as they are best when the tea is still warm to the touch.
You may drink catnip tea twice to three times a day. If treating insomnia, it is best to drink this only before bedtime.
Triangular leaf with scalloped edges covered in tiny hairs
Dark-green matte-surfaced, paired opposite
Heart-shaped leaves, scalloped edges, rough and veined with fine hairs
Flowers
Small white flowers with violet spots
Whorls of white or purple slightly bigger than catnip
Small white or pale pink flowers that bloom in the leaf axils
Stem
Spreading clump of erect branched stems
Has short square-shape stems
Joint branching stems
Scent
Lemony scent
Minty aromatic
Distinct lime scent
Warnings And Cautions
Although they are around for quite a while as traditional medicine, there is not enough evidence to prove the effectiveness of catnip. It may help relieve bouts of insomnia but may cause extreme sluggishness and drowsiness if used at the start of the day.
Catnip is not advisable for use in pregnant women as it may cause uterine contractions. It is also a diuretic that can induce urination and heavy perspiration. If your symptoms do not improve after a few uses, it is best to discontinue using catnip and consult your doctor.
When using this plant with cats, you can expect aggression as a side effect. The duration of their euphoric effect may vary depending on the species of the feline. Not all cats are attracted to the compounds that the catnip contains. Cats exposed to the catnip may experience its effect for at least 10 minutes.
Before using catnip as a supplement for you or your cat, it is imperative to check with your physician and your catâs vet.
JEREMIAH POSTED JULY 30, 2021 6:01 PMHow much would you use of FRESH catnip? Or is fresh not recommended? Thanks.Reply
THE LOST HERBS POSTED SEPTEMBER 2, 2021 6:04 PMHi Jeremiah,Yes, you can use fresh catnip as well. It will be the same amount as dried catnip. Be aware that the leaves are generally safe to eat but strong in flavor. Large amounts may induce vomiting.Many blessings and good health!Reply
GABBIE POSTED AUGUST 2, 2021 3:48 PMI know this might be weird, but Iâve tried smoking catnip and itâs definitely a relaxing feeling!Reply
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Constipation feels terrible. Defined as having fewer than three bowel movements per week, it leaves you bloated, uncomfortable, and even in pain. All you want is a relief- but what can work?
There are 10 herbs that serve as natural laxatives. Letâs take a closer look at what they are, how to identify them, their overall medicinal benefits, and how you can use them to relieve constipation.
1. Alder Buckthorn (Rhamnus Frangula)
Alder buckthorn (not to be confused with European buckthorn) is a tall shrub found in parts of Europe and North America. The exterior bark is dark brown and reveals a bright yellow inner bark when cut. In addition to constipation, it has traditionally been used to treat abdominal bloating and liver conditions such as cirrhosis, jaundice, and hepatitis.
This bark works as a laxative by stimulating your intestines, but you must use dried bark that has been heat-treated or is at least a year old. (When fresh, it can cause vomiting.) The typical dose is 0.5 to 2.5 grams, which you can take on its own or as a tea by steeping the bark for at least five to 10 minutes in 3/4 of a cup of boiling water and then straining.
Alder buckthorn should not be taken for more than seven to 10 days. Any longer and your body could start depending on it to have a bowel movement.
2. European Buckthorn (Rhamnus Cathartica)
European buckthorn (not to be confused with alder buckthorn) is a small tree native to Europe, northwest Africa and western Asia. It is also found in parts of North America after being introduced as an ornamental shrub in the early 19th century.
It can be identified by its oval leaves and yellowish-green flowers.
How to use it: As a herbal therapy, European buckthorn berries are primarily used to treat constipation. Steep two to four grams of the berries in 3/4 of a cup of boiling water for 10 to 15 minutes before straining and consuming as tea at bedtime.
If needed, the tea may also be consumed in the morning and afternoon. Do not use it for more than 10 days.
3. Rhubarb (Rheum Rhabarbarum)
Europeans started using rhubarb as a medicinal treatment sometime before the 18th century. Today, you can find it in cooler climates everywhere. Its thick stalks vary in color from crimson red to speckled pink and light green.
In modern times, rhubarb is best known as a pie ingredient, but you can use it to treat constipation. Due to its antioxidant properties, rhubarb consumption can also present a line of defense against health problems like diabetes, heart disease, and cancer.
How to use it: You can consume rhubarb in a variety of ways, from sprinkling chopped-up raw stalks on salads to adding dried rhubarb to your favorite herbal tea recipe. However, use it as a constipation treatment for a short period, as its tannin content gives it anti-diarrheal effects.
4. Senna (Senna Alexandrina)
Senna, which has been used as a herbal remedy for centuries, can be found in Egypt, Sudan, India, and Somalia. It is a shorter shrub-like plant with large yellow flowers and pods that contain around six seeds each.
Senna contains chemicals called sennosides, which have a laxative effect. In addition to relieving constipation, it has been used to treat irritable bowel syndrome, hemorrhoids, and anal fissures.
How to use it: Both senna leaves and pods can relieve constipation. Steep one or two grams of dried leaves in hot water for 10 minutes and strain. With dried pods, use 1 teaspoon per cup of boiling water and let brew for 10 minutes. It is important to note that senna should only be used in the short term, as long-term consumption can cause liver damage.
5. Slippery Elm (Ulmus Rubra)
Slippery elm is native to eastern North America. It is distinguished from American elm by its brown hairy buds, the hair on its twigs, and the slimy inner bark that inspires its name.
Long used to treat constipation, slippery elm stimulates the nerves in your gastrointestinal tract, resulting in mucus production. Its soothing properties have made it a key herbal treatment for sore throats and upset stomachs as well as a topical application for wounds, burns, and skin inflammation.
How to use it: Once the inner bark is dried, you can crush it into a fine powder and make a tea by adding approximately two tablespoons of the powder to two cups of boiling water and letting it steep for a few minutes. If you are on any medication, take it separately, as slippery elm coats the GI tract and can reduce the absorption of some medications if taken together.
6. Peppermint (Mentha Piperita)
A cross between spearmint and watermint, peppermint is cultivated across the world and can even be found in the wild along with its parent species. It is a perennial plant characterized by its fuzzy leaves and stems and purple flowers. You can find it in moist locations, such as along drainage ditches and streams.
How to use it: Peppermint tea is one of the most popular natural remedies for digestive issues like constipation. To make it, boil two cups of water, add 15 fresh peppermint leaves (rub them in your hands first to get the oils flowing), and steep for 10 to 15 minutes.
If you prefer tinctures, crumble a handful of fresh peppermint leaves, place them in a glass pint jar, pour a cup of vodka over them, and store it for at least two months in a cool, dark place. When you feel constipated, add two to three drops into a glass of warm water and drink.
7. Ginger (Zingiber Officinale)
Ginger is a plant whose root is widely used as a spice and a herbal remedy for conditions like constipation. The flowers have pale yellow petals with purple edges. It should not be confused with wild ginger (Asarum canadense). Unlike many herbs, it is a cultigen and does not exist in a wild state.
Ginger root tea can help if your constipation stems from poor digestion. If youâve had a heavy meal, peel and slice one tablespoon of fresh root and boil it in two cups of water for at least 10 minutes. The resulting tea can also reduce nausea and help fight colds and flu.
How to use it: To make a tincture, fill a jar halfway full with chopped ginger, top it with vodka, and store it in a dark place for around two weeks, shaking periodically. Then strain and use. The recommended dosage for adults is three full droppers three times a day.
8. Dandelion (Taraxacum)
Dandelions are easy to distinguish by their bright yellow heads and serrated leaves. They also happen to be extremely nutritious, with raw greens containing high amounts of Vitamins A, C, and K.
Dandelion is used in traditional herbal medicine to treat constipation and other symptoms of digestive problems. The root is a rich source of inulin, a prebiotic fiber that can reduce constipation and increase intestinal movement. Being full of potent antioxidants, dandelion can also be used to fight cellular damage in your body.
How to use it: To make dandelion tea that can double as a natural laxative, boil a quart of water in a pot and add two tsps of diced root. Cover the pot, lower the heat, and steep on the stove for one minute before removing it from the burner and continuing to steep for 40 minutes. Strain and serve.
To make a tincture for the winter months, fill a mason jar two-thirds full of chopped roots and cover it with vodka. Store it in a cool, dry place, shaking occasionally, and wait at least a month before using. To treat digestive issues, take 10 drops in water every hour until the condition improves.
9. Licorice Root (Glycyrrhiza Glabra)
The licorice plant is native to Western Asia, North Africa, and southern Europe. It can grow up to a meter in height, has flowers that range in color from purple to pale blue, and features oblong pods with several seeds.
Licorice root is a popular remedy for digestive issues due to its anti-inflammatory properties. Its potent antioxidant and antimicrobial effects have also made it a herbal option for those suffering from ulcers, upper respiratory infections, and skin conditions like eczema.
How to use it: Drinking licorice root tea can soothe your digestive system and encourage bowel movement. Itâs simple to make: boil four ounces of water, add a teaspoon of dried licorice root, and remove from heat to steep for five minutes. Strain and then drink. Because over-consumption of licorice root may cause side effects, limit your intake to half a cup of tea per day.
10. Marshmallow Root (Althaea Officinalis)
Marshmallow root is native to Europe, Western Asia, and Northern Africa. It is a mid-sized perennial with velvety leaves and small, pale flowers. The leaves, flowers, and roots have traditionally been used to treat mucous membrane irritation, such as gastric ulcers, and drinking tea at bedtime can relieve constipation.
How to use it: To make marshmallow root tea, add a cup of boiling water to two teaspoons of dried root and steep for 10 minutes. Like slippery elm, it has mucilage that coats and soothes an irritated digestive system and can facilitate a bowel movement.
Conclusion
Long before doctors were writing prescriptions to treat constipation, people were turning to their gardens and to nature for relief. These natural laxative herbs can help during those times when drinking a lot of water, eating plenty of fiber, and getting regular exercise donât eliminate the problem.
TOM POSTED AUGUST 31, 2021 4:18 PMDoctors 200 years ago also used Cape Aloe for constipation issuesReply
THE LOST HERBS POSTED SEPTEMBER 2, 2021 2:16 PMHi Tom,Cape aloe also acts as a natural laxativeâ decreasing the amount of time it takes for waste to move through your colon. However, you have to be very careful with the dosage as itâs considered a harsh stimulant laxative and is likely unsafe in high doses.Many blessings and good health!Reply
MAUREEN P MURPHY POSTED AUGUST 31, 2021 8:16 PMExcellent. Thank you for posting this information. I am always looking for ways to get back to nature to find healthier ways to treat our bodies.Reply
THE LOST HERBS POSTED SEPTEMBER 2, 2021 1:51 PMHi Maureen,Thank you for your interest in our work. It brings us great joy to read comments like yours.Many blessings and good health!Reply
JOSE POSTED SEPTEMBER 1, 2021 6:25 PMWhat can i use instead of alcohol to make ginger tincture or any tintureReply
SHELLEY POSTED JANUARY 4, 2022 6:24 PMDo you know of anything that helps with Tinitus?Reply
THE LOST HERBS POSTED FEBRUARY 23, 2022 12:04 PMHi Shelley,Thank you for reaching out to us.You can read more about the natural ways to heal tinnitus here: https://thelostherbs.com/8-natural-ways-to-heal-tinnitus/Many blessings and good health!Reply
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There is so much one needs to look for when you are shopping at the supermarket. Price and quality are two but did you know that you also need to be looking for those sneaky food additives that many processed food contain. While you may have never really thought about these ingredients, you may have a change of heart after you read about the possible health issue that can result from these ingredients.
But before you decide you cannot eat anything, remember there are some safe and natural alternatives to these additives.
1. Sodium nitrates and nitrites
Many have heard of the dangers of ânitratesâ and ânitritesâ in processed meats. These additives have been linked to cancer. To avoid this ingredient, first cook your own meat at home and freeze it for later use. If you have to have processed meat then read the label. What you are looking for is ânitrate and/or nitrite-free or preservative-freeâ meat.
Have you ever taken a look at the underneath side of the lid from a glass jar? Well, if you have not you may want to now. Many glass jar lids, some plastics, and even aluminum cans have a liner that is made of epoxy resin. This substance is suspected to cause cancer, infertility, and some irregularity in the growth of children. But what is one to do?
One easy thing you can do is to make sure to only purchase cans and plastic that is labeled BPA-free and do not use plastic to heat or reheat your food. Another option is to preserve your own food such as canning, drying, and freezing.
Sodium benzoate and potassium benzoate are both used in soft drinks and juices to prevent the growth of mold. Now, these two preservatives are safe by themselves but when they combine with vitamin C and/or are exposed to light and heat they turn into benzene. What is the big deal about benzene? Well, it is a cancer-causing agent.
When comes to a natural approach to protecting the natural vitamin C in juices is to preserve your own by storing it in a dark container and freezing it. Another approach is to only buy drinks that have been pasteurized, which will eliminate the need for this preservative.
This is a food thickener that is made from red seaweed. It is normally found in low-fat dairy foods or non-dairy products but can also be found in surprising foods, which include canned soups, deli meats, and many prepared foods. Consuming products with this ingredient has been linked to gastrointestinal diseases, such as Crohnâs disease, colon cancer, and irritable bowel syndrome or IBS.
Before you get discouraged and think that without this food additive you will never again have creamed soup in a can, do not worry. There are safer ingredients such as locust bean gum and guar gum. Since carrageenan is also used to keep ingredients from separating you can simply stir the ingredients or in the case of milk, just give it a shake.
5. Hydrogenated oils (trans fats)
Hydrogenated oil is a fancy way of describing vegetable oil that has been processed in a way so that it has a longer shelf life in processed foods. These types of oils are normally found in fried foods and bakery goods. Now you may wonder what the big deal about trans fats is since most fats have some negative aspects to them. Well, trans fat themselves have been shown to raise cholesterol, which then increases the chances for heart disease and diabetes. Now that we know what it is and where it can be found, what can one do about it? The first approach is to read labels and do not fall for the â0 grams trans fats per serving.â While this is true, if you really take a look at the label what you end up with is a product that has half a gram of trans fats, which is splitting hairs since the consumer simply believes that there are no trans fats in the product. Another approach is to cook your own food. Doing this simple task will allow you to truly say that your baked muffins have 0 trans fats.
6. Enriched wheat
Have you ever wondered why so many supplements such as B vitamins, vitamin E, and fiber are added to the ingredients of products made with enriched wheat? Well, the enriched term tells the whole story. In products that contain enriched wheat, the wheat itself has been stripped of the bran and endosperm. This means there is no nutritional value to the wheat, which means it needs to be added.
Now that we have come full circle, what is a healthy alternative? The simplest alternative is to buy products that contain whole wheat. If wheat is not your thing, make sure to purchase products with whole grains only to avoid the stripping of the grain itself. This easy step will make sure that nutrients in the food come from the food and not added or enriched.
7. Oils (corn, vegetable, soybean)
When it comes to oils, many people get way too much of this ingredient especially when their diet is high in processed food. The problem stems from the amount of omega-6 that these oils contain. Diets high in these oils cause inflammation and their symptom can lead to many different problems. The other issue that comes from these oils is the fact that if they oxidize, the level of inflammation increases.
Now, the question to answer is what to do. When cooking food, you will need some type of oil to keep it from sticking but no oil is free from causing health problems. To reduce the amount of omega-6 in your food, you can cook with butter, lard, and olive oil. Keep in mind though that these oils have issues themselves. Another approach is to not consume processed food and resort to cooking all your foods yourself so you can control the amount and type of oil.
8. Sugar in all forms
Sugar is such a generic term when there are so many terms to choose from. This includes honey, sucrose, high fructose corn syrup, agave syrup, and sugar alcohol. This latter collective term includes such things as mannitol, glycerol, xylitol, sorbitol, erythritol, and maltitol. These sugar alcohols are not sugar or alcohol but they are sweet in flavor and have fewer calories but they do cause health problems diarrhea, flatulence, and bloating. But, what is one to do? One choice is to use stevia as your âsugarâ flavoring. When using the leaves of this plant to flavor your food, keep in mind that it is 150 times sweeter than sugar. Another alternative is to go to your spice cabinet and pull out some cinnamon, sweet basil, sweet cicely, and tarragon.
Anytime the term âartificialâ is used when one is talking about food, the result typically tends to be negative. Artificial simply means it was made in a lab and not by Mother Nature. While what these ingredients can do to the human body is not fully understood, it is always better to eat food naturally. As far as replacing artificial flavors, one only needs to visit the spice aisle in the supermarket. You will be amazed at the choices and flavors available in this isle. The same goes for color. Spices add unbelievable color to dishes in a natural way. Now do not limit yourself to dried herbs. Fresh herbs can also add flavor and color to any dish.
In a nutshell, you do not need artificial flavors and/or colors if you are cooking with natural ingredients and allowing the fresh food to flavor itself.
10. Artificial sweeteners
The key term when one is considering artificial sweeteners is the term âartificial.â Many times, anything that is not made my Mother Nature typically is not healthy for the human body. You may be wondering what I am talking about and while this list is short artificial sweeteners include saccharin, sucralose, and aspartame, just to name a few. The problems caused by these artificial sweeteners in small amounts is not really known, they are recognized to cause weight gain, migraines, and cancer in high amounts. They are also suspected to change the bacteria in the gut.
To avoid artificial sweeteners, one can go for products that contain sugar. This, in itself, can cause its own problems but do not throw your hands up in the air and go I give. There are healthy choices. The first is to learn to like the natural taste of food or drink, such as unsweetened tea. If this is not possible, consider adding herbs that are known for their sweetness to your dishes and drinks. This includes sweet basil, cinnamon, real vanilla, and licorice.
James Posted November 4, 2021 3:26 PM Sodium nitrates and nitrites are bad? Well celery powder when used for curing has more nitrites than curing salt Reply
Amy Norris Posted November 4, 2021 9:50 PM But difference between them is nitrates and nitrites are man made chemicals, where as celery salt and cherry powder are natural. Thats my understanding Reply
Neferwi Posted November 5, 2021 7:17 AM Is that true?? Reply
Marie Posted November 4, 2021 4:32 PM One very important ingredient to avoid is silica dioxide everything silica this does not break down in your body Reply
Bobbie Posted November 4, 2021 9:23 PM I heard the opposite. Our body needs it and it has been called a âsurgeonâ because it cleans out the body. They have cell salts made of it. There are outward signs that you need it, one being small vertical wrinkles in front of the ears and eyes that are sunken. Reply
Paulina Posted November 4, 2021 4:52 PM Swine, or pork, is bad, tooâŠ..in all its formsâŠâŠ.bacon, sausage, bbq, hot dogs, etcâŠâŠâŠâŠâŠ.why ?âŠâŠâŠbecause GOD SAID SO. And no, your body is not any different than a Jewâs bodyâŠâŠ.Just take Him at His Word and youâll be ok. Reply
Traci Smith Posted November 4, 2021 7:09 PM Pork is old testament .. .new testament doesnât limit what you can eat. To go even further back (in the garden of eden) we were all to be vegan⊠Just accept Jesus and eat whatever you want. Reply
Guy Posted November 5, 2021 2:30 PM Right on Tracy!
Mary Lynch Posted November 5, 2021 6:27 PM HE came to fulfill not to change the laws, one iota. Our bodies havenât changed. They work the same way.
Nancy Posted November 5, 2021 6:43 PM The food rules are for our health and are still in effect. It is not against any law or covenant to eat pork, but it is still not good for you.
Lisa Posted November 5, 2021 9:43 PM Jesus was of the Essenic sect of the Jews. He was raised as a vegan as was his cousin John the Baptist. They were both like Sampson and did not partake of anything that was not specified by the Nazarite VowâŠNumbers 6:1-21. And btw, Jesus never said that anyone should accept him as their personal Savior. Thatâs just social programming and has nothing to do with following the teachings of the Rabbi Yeshua/Jesus/Christ Annointing. Vegan/Vegetarianism is The Way God established as Holy and there is no, âShadow of Turningâ with God. Jesus never changed anything, he established all things righteousâŠ..and vegan is righteous.
Cristina Posted November 7, 2021 2:08 AM The laws of the old testament were not done away with. Jesus saidâŠ..I came to fulfill the law, not abolish it. GOD didnât send down an amendment to his commandments.
Jeff Posted November 4, 2021 8:26 PM Dabarym 12:15 But whenever you want, you may slaughter and eat meat within any of your gates, according to the blessing Yahowah your God has given you. Both the clean and unclean may eat it as they would a gazelle or deer, 16 but you must not eat the blood; pour it on the ground like water.⊠Pork was dangerous before refrigeration, and modern food handling, as were most shell fish. Reply
Daphne Nkabinde Posted November 14, 2021 11:18 PM Unclean believes people clean believes
Amy Posted November 4, 2021 10:15 PM 1 Timothy 4:4 for every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving for it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer. God created pork too. Old testament, before the cross, new testament, after the crucifixion, new covenant. We have been set free. Reply
Armin Posted November 5, 2021 12:03 AM Hi, Paulina. Have to agree with you on pork. Not a big fan of pork myself. Especially bacon. One of the worst things for you. People that eat bacon are eating the fat belly of a hog. Does say in the bible that a pig is a diseased animal. Donât know if they were just talking about Trichinosis or alluding to something else that we havenât quite realized yet. A lot of the flus do seem to come from China when they raise hogs and fowl together. But let me ask you this. Iâm not trying to be a smart ass. So even though youâre not a big fan of pork does that mean that if we end up in an extended grid down situation and you or your family havenât had anything to eat for 14 days and youâre really starving. Beyond hungry. And youâre scavenging for food. You come across something like canned spam. In edible shape. Are you telling me that youâd rather starve than compromise your principles and live to fight another day? Reply
Paulina Posted November 5, 2021 9:50 PM People gotta start having more faith in God. If He tells us not to do something, donât you think He has something better for us ? The spam might be a test like Eve had with the forbidden fruitâŠâŠ..If God takes care of the sparrows, donât you think He will take care and provide for us, as well ?
JANET GIDLEY Posted November 5, 2021 2:22 AM There are a number of reasons that pork isnât the best choice. One is NOT that God said so. It was true in the time Isreal was under the Mosaic law. They did not have the modern conveniences and the people could have gotten sick. Many food laws were given to show other nations the Isreal was healthier and safer following his laws. The mosaic law was cancelled during the time of Christianity when God opened his laws to all nations,but not itâs principles. Reply
Patricia Krenik Posted November 5, 2021 2:33 AM God said so at a time when pork was dangerous to eat because of worm infections. Now that we know how to handle livestock better and how to cook pork throughally, God hasnât recently said not to eat pork. He was just protecting his people then. Really pork is wonderful meat. Reply
R Posted November 8, 2021 4:48 PM Not true the worm will still hatch after being heated beyond a temp we have in our kitchens to attain So the worm eats your kidney as an example, the cause of death states kidney failure, but the worm eat killed the kidney, and yes we did the researchâŠ
Jennifer Hahn Posted March 10, 2022 11:15 AM I Agree with you. Pork was dirty and still can be if not raised right. But it is not against God to eat it know. We now understand clean and dirty meat and parasites so we can eat clean pork.
Armin Posted November 6, 2021 5:16 AM I wouldnât want to put that to the test, Paulina, if myself and my family hadnât had a bite to eat for at least two weeks and then we come upon a cache of food. I would figure that would be Godâs way of saving us even though I might have an aversion to some of the food. You might be surprised how good even spam would taste if you hadnât eaten for two weeks or more. If the food was still palatable I would rather eat it then condemn my family to a slow, lingering death. Weâre not sparrows. In the end itâs up to each of us to save ourselves and our loved ones. I would rather take the responsibility for my own destiny than wait for some questionable entity to intervene and save me. Please donât stand on your principles and die because of it. In a true crisis we need to be pragmatic above all else and not stand so much on our principles and suffer because of it. God doesnât want us to suffer. The saying is that God will work with us but not for us. You canât reasonably expect a multidimensional being to personally intervene in our situation. Thatâs just totally illogical. I harbour you no ill will. I wish you and yours the very best Stay safe. Reply
Paulina Posted November 6, 2021 1:08 PM Romans 6:16 Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?
Michele Noffke Posted November 17, 2021 11:45 AM So very true. The Old Testament has not been done away with. The Renewed Covenant added us the Holy Spirit to help us obey Abbaâs Commandments. Jehovah is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Isaiah 65 and 66 state very clearly that Jehovah is coming back in a future day in His Wrath and Fury to punish all who are still eating this detestable swine meat. Reply
Jim Posted December 5, 2021 12:07 PM When Noah came off the ark God told him âNow you can eat everythingâ, that is why we can eat a hotdog, because it is everything!Reply
Mary Lynch Posted November 4, 2021 6:37 PM The easiest âfood lawsâ to follow are GODâs FOOD LAWs⊠The food âintended to be receivedâ, so go by the Old Testament food laws and keep it simple. Reply
Mary Lynch Posted November 4, 2021 6:40 PM Leviticus 11 KJV is the location of the food laws. Reply
Cristina Posted November 7, 2021 2:16 AM Amen! Reply
Cathie Carnahan Posted November 4, 2021 7:33 PM Stevia is also natural Reply
Tyron Posted November 5, 2021 3:49 AM Lol. Why donât you people save your religious views for your church!? This article made no reference to religion.. Pigs are as smart as they are tasty! Reply
Mary Lynch Posted November 5, 2021 6:21 PM Yes, pigs are very intelligent. And yes, they taste good. But that wasnât what was addressed. Did not intend to offend you. To me, knowledge is knowledge. Reply
Jay Posted November 5, 2021 7:34 AM Although you are correct that enriched bread is supplied with nutrients because the natural ones have been stripped away, it is the bran and the embryo, not the endosperm that is removed. The endosperm, largely starch is about all that is left. Reply
lyn Posted November 5, 2021 10:44 AM Perhaps it was listed as an âuncleanâ food historically/religously is because hogs are scavengersâŠ. If a hog is penned/farm raised and fed (ie not allowed to scavenge), wouldnât the meat be okay? Reply
Mary Lynch Posted November 5, 2021 6:19 PM Definitely better IMO. Iâve had pork fed from an apple orchard that had extremely tasty meat. BUT, taste and healthy donât necessarily go hand-in-hand. The âfood lawsâ are âsuggestionsâ for being healthy/healthier. Itâs a choice for sure. At 67 I prefer to NOT let my taste buds dictate whatâs âgood for meâ. THEY LIE to me! LOL. âCured meatsâ like bacon do taste good, but âhealthyâ? I LOVE BBQ ribs, but that doesnât mean itâs good for me. After not eating pork for the past 30 years, I do get sick if something is cooked in pork grease. Anecdotal, but itâs my personal experience. Iâm not trying to âpush religionâ as someone else suggested. Only offering an educated opinion as a now retired Biblically literate RN (CCU/ICU). Iâm actually more concerned with the âocean filtersâ we eat, considering how weâve contaminated our oceans. Iâm now an herbalist/naturopathic medicine consultant so my frame of reference may be different than many. Preparing food ourselves is HEALTHIER when done correctly. This site is great, as a user friendly guide. Reply
Rana McLernon Posted November 5, 2021 12:24 PM This is a wonderful article. It is very helpful. I used to live in America. Now I live in Scotland. I have been here a year and half now. I have lost 40 pounds with in the first 5 months of being here. Iâm also off alot of my medication too. I thought it was because I was cooking rather than going out to eat and I was eating way less too. Iâm not as active due to all this took place when Covid hit. After reading this article I decided to look through my cabinet and refrigerator just to see if any of that stuff was present. I try my best to eat healthy and I have always read labels anyway. I could not find one of those things in any of my food. Not even in soup or any sauces I use. I donât eat much of that stuff any way. Food over here spoiled alot faster as well. I knew they didnât use preservatives as widely as America does but this explains alot more. America is pumping all those chemicals in to its people and telling them its safe. Yet diabetes, hypertension, cholesterol, obesity and cancer diagnos are on the rise. You would think they could put 1 and 2 together. This is shameful and something should be done. Reply
Franklin Kerstin Posted November 8, 2021 8:41 AM In my country Sweden we now can buy grassfeed cow â and pig meat. So now and then I buy it, but thinking of the fact that eating a lot of MEAT of any kind; ANIMAL FOOD , gives your body inbalance in the PH levels, making you more ACID , which has negative health effects, like PAIN , more subtle to KIDNEYPROBLEMS, like kidney stonesâŠ. Reply
Rich Wildgrube Posted November 9, 2021 3:45 AM I enjoyed the article until I started reading the comments and found myself in the middle of religious arguments. It seems like those comments should be in a religious blog instead. Reply
Maria Hars Posted November 12, 2021 11:44 PM Itâs the additives in processed foods that are the issues in which the author is explaining. Always read the ingredients before you buy and only buy organic non processed food and you should be able to avoid these man made artificial ingredients. Reply
Gemgirl 67 Posted November 13, 2021 1:49 PM I came here to get knowledge on herbs not your Christianity â please stop telling me about the bible and god â I just want to learn about herbs â IF I wanted to learn about Christianity then I would go to a church Reply
BSFreeLife20 Posted November 30, 2021 12:03 PM WHAT IS GOING ON HERE??!! The moderators of this site should seriously take control of this religious grand-standing and delete it from a forum that was created for herbal information. Your opinions of your âGodsâ has no place here. You are not doing âGodsâ work and bringing people to âChristâ by fighting over meat! You all look foolish and your representation of your beliefs is laughable and embarrassing. Repent! Reply
Firenole1 Posted November 30, 2021 6:25 PM Nitrates and Nitrites are not man made chemicals. They are naturally found in nature and are used in many other products besides foods. If you cook pork throughly you will kill the trichinosis worms. Thatâs why you never eat pink pork or partially cooked bacon. Reply
dz Posted March 12, 2022 12:48 AM for all the âholier than thouâ soapboxers: you are not convincing anyone to be recruited to your beliefs by posting YOUR religious opinions on a blog about herbs and their uses, please take it to blogs about religion. What you are doing with your âholier than thouâ postings is convincing others to NOT subscribe to anything you are promoting â in plain language, you are driving away others from anything you say, is that your objective? seems counterproductive to me. Reply
W. James Posted March 12, 2022 10:53 AM Over all, a very good and very informative article and comments are comments. Reply
Lisa Posted March 29, 2022 2:33 PM Sorry, I usually scroll past the religious. My beliefs are mine. Having said that, the herbal info is gold. Hard to get straight facts. She knows her stuff, and yes, I also research. Why Iâm here. Reply
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Mugwort has been around for thousands of years, but thanks to TikTok, it has recently become a buzzword. Users claim that by consuming or drinking mugwort, one can enjoy subtle psychoactive benefits such as reduced anxiety, improved sleep, and more vivid dreams.
One UK journalist investigated these claims by purchasing a pack and consuming it as tea. Although he didnât find that mugwort produced a dramatic high like some other drugs, he did enjoy the experience.
âFor those that are looking for a small but noticeable perk in mood and the possibility of some pretty intense dreams, mugwort may be for you,â he wrote. âI know I will definitely continue drinking it in tea form as part of my daily routine.â
So whatâs the story behind mugwort and whatâs the best way to enjoy it?
Mugwort- An Overview
Known scientifically as Artemisia vulgaris, mugwort is a tall shrub that is closely related to sunflowers. It has a long and colorful history, having been mentioned in Chinese poetry and ballads dating as far back as 3 B.C when it was an essential part of traditional herbal medicine. Since then, mugwort leaves, flowers, and roots have also been used as food, a spice, beverage flavoring, and even an acupuncture tool.
Some gardeners even apply it in their gardens as a moth and insect repellent. The flavor has been described as slightly minty, in contrast to its bitter aroma.
Traditional Health Benefits Of Mugwort
Mugwort has been used in a number of cultures, ranging from Europe to China, and has long been praised for its medicinal properties. Mugwortâs specific benefits are believed to be derived from the presence of flavonoids, triterpenes, and other antioxidant compounds, as well as some B vitamins, potassium, iron, and calcium.
Eliminate Toxins: Due to its diuretic properties, mugwort can stimulate urination, which can be the bodyâs best method of eliminating toxins. By the same token, it may also benefit the kidneys and bladder, improving their function and reducing the likelihood of infection, and stimulate sweating, which may further eliminate toxins from the body through the skin.
Boost the Immune System: Mugwort may be an excellent choice for boosting the immune system due to its high concentration of vitamin C and other antioxidants. Aside from stimulating white blood cells, vitamin C also acts as a powerful antioxidant, which helps neutralize the free radicals that cause inflammation and weaken the bodyâs immune system.
Improve Indigestion: Mugwort has long been used to settle the stomach and ease indigestion. In addition to stimulating appetite and reducing bloating and cramps, it may also combat uncomfortable conditions like constipation and diarrhea. Several of its active compounds may also stimulate the production of bile, which can speed digestion.
Reduce Depression and Anxiety: The nervine properties of mugwort may make it very helpful for treating anxiety, depression, and chronic stress. If anxiety is a daily occurrence for you, drinking mugwort tea or consuming it as a tincture could relieve stress on your nervous and metabolic system and improve your quality of life.
Ease Menstrual Pain: Mugwort is beneficial for the treatment of dysmenorrhea, or menstrual cramps. Additionally, it may stimulate and regulate menstruation and support the body during the menopausal transition. However, pregnant women should avoid it because stimulation of menses can lead to miscarriage and premature labor.
Improve Bone Density: Mugwort is traditionally thought to be an excellent source of bone mineralizers, helping to increase bone density and preventing osteoporosis, among other types of age-related bone disorders. Several nutrients found in mugwort can support this health benefit, including potassium, iron, and calcium.
Support Healthy Vision: The antioxidant vitamin A found in mugwort may play an important role in vision health. In particular, this beta carotene-derived vitamin might protect against macular degeneration and slow cataract development.
What About Mugwortâs Hallucinogenic Properties?
Mugwort is a close relative of wormwood (Artemisia absinthium), the flavoring agent in absinthe, and has long been praised for its âpsychicâ and even âhallucinogenicâ properties.
Although users have claimed that it helps them remember their dreams more vividly and even have the occasional lucid dream, its hallucinogenic properties are nowhere near as intense as herbs like wormwood or vervain, and those who have experienced a narcotic high wonât find the experience similar at all.
Can Everyone Take Mugwort?
Although not as risky or intense as a narcotic, mugwort may be contraindicated for allergy sufferers and pregnant or breastfeeding women.
Mugwort pollen is one of the most common causes of hayfever, so allergic reactions are not uncommon. You should use it in moderation if you are prone to allergies. If you experience any skin irritation, stomach upset, or swelling of your throat, tongue, or lips, stop using it immediately.
As stated earlier, pregnant women should avoid mugwort, as it contains thujone, which can stimulate menstruation and, by extension, pregnancy complications. Breastfeeding mothers are also advised to refrain from mugwort consumption, as thujone and other active components could be passed on to the baby through breast milk.
What Is The Best Way To Take Mugwort?
Mugwort is commonly enjoyed as tea. You can order it online or, if you find it growing in the wild (itâs especially common in the eastern United States and Canada), collect it and dry it. Although the leaves are most commonly used for tea, many people use the root instead or combine the two.
To make tea, bring four cups of water to a boil, add one ounce of dried mugwort, and let it steep for five to 10 minutes. After giving it two or three minutes to cool, strain out the dried herb and add sugar or honey if desired.
If you prefer tinctures, place dried mugwort in an airtight jar and cover by one inch with 100 proof vodka. Allow sitting for a month, shaking occasionally. The standard dosage is 5-20 drops, taken before meals to help with liver bile production and stomach acid or after meals to help with gas or bloating.
A third option is moxibustion, a traditional Chinese medicine technique that involves the burning of mugwort to promote healing with acupuncture. Moxibustion is used for strengthening blood, stimulating the flow of qi, and maintaining general health. In Western medicine, it is used to reposition breech babies to their normal head-down position prior to childbirth.
Conclusion
While mugwort is not likely to produce a recreational high, it could be a natural and effective alternative to prescription medication in treating or managing certain ailments. Even if you only enjoy a cup or two every day, the health benefits may make a long-lasting difference in your quality of life.
BRUCE HOLLAND POSTED NOVEMBER 2, 2021 3:41 PMWill give it a try. Sounds more positiveReply
MAYRA MARRERO POSTED NOVEMBER 2, 2021 3:50 PMThis herb is a bitter herb, while with the Coronavirus, I drank it, if is also good for malaria in Africa. That helped me from getting worse. I grow it in my property.Reply
ARMIN POSTED NOVEMBER 2, 2021 3:55 PMCannabis isnât a narcotic.Reply
SHELBY POSTED NOVEMBER 2, 2021 4:47 PMYou are correct. đReply
JOYCEL WOYCHIK POSTED NOVEMBER 2, 2021 8:51 PMWait. How did you post this in the future??Reply
ANNA POSTED NOVEMBER 12, 2021 4:27 AMCorrect!! Nobody said it was.Reply
SABRINA CLASPER POSTED NOVEMBER 2, 2021 4:04 PMI love mugwort! I read somewhere to not boil the water for it makes mugwort bitter? I noticed if I use water that is just about to boil that it is less bitter but I do ponder if I leech all the good stuff out of it by using not boiled water? What are your thoughts?Reply
THE LOST HERBS POSTED NOVEMBER 11, 2021 7:26 PMHi Sabrina,The truth is that Mugwort is bitter.If bitter isnât your thing, try this: pour the boiling water over the herb, and let soak for just a single minute, instead of 3-6 minutes. You can also add honey. It should improve the taste. or Add in a handful of mint, lemon balm, or another herb of choice! You can also turn this into a mugwort latte by steaming some plant milk on the stovetop.Many blessings and good health!Reply
KIRBY POSTED NOVEMBER 2, 2021 5:21 PMOn the federal level it is still class1Reply
MARI A SPARKS POSTED NOVEMBER 2, 2021 5:45 PMMy parents used mugwort for everything. Where can I find it now to grow pleaseReply
THE LOST HERBS POSTED NOVEMBER 11, 2021 7:29 PMHi Mary,Mugwort is a perennial. Shoots emerge during the spring, and flowering occurs from July to late September.But you can still find Mugwort in dried form or bundles: https://mountainroseherbs.com/mugwort-smudge-stickMany blessings and good health!Reply
BENNY POSTED NOVEMBER 2, 2021 8:05 PMamazing info, the best book, after the Bible, for healthy and easy to understand.Reply
TINA MIEDEMA POSTED NOVEMBER 8, 2021 12:31 PMWhat book?Reply
CHRIS POSTED NOVEMBER 2, 2021 8:16 PMHow to IDReply
DCORRY POSTED JANUARY 22, 2022 7:12 PMGoogle mugwort images.Reply
JAMIE POSTED NOVEMBER 3, 2021 12:41 AMWould this help severe back pain?Reply
THE LOST HERBS POSTED FEBRUARY 4, 2022 8:05 PMHi Jamie,Iâm sorry to hear that you have severe back pain. Unfortunately, we cannot diagnose conditions, provide second opinions or make specific treatment recommendations through this blog or website.However, as mentioned in the article, moxibustion or moxa is indeed good for chronic, achy back pain. Moxa increases circulation to accelerate the healing process warms muscle tissue and the acupuncture channels, and stops pain.Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information.Many blessings and good health!Reply
JACK SHAFER POSTED NOVEMBER 3, 2021 3:00 AMHave you come across anything thats helpful for sperm health?Reply
ELAINE GRIFFITH POSTED NOVEMBER 3, 2021 9:42 PMI have seen two things that help that problem: clean the liver, stop doing anything toxic to the liver, and remove xenoestrogens from your environment. Google for all the products and places you get these hormone unbalancing substances in your life.Reply
BRYAN YODER POSTED NOVEMBER 9, 2021 7:58 PMcan you smoke it in a pipe or roll it in papers??Reply
THE LOST HERBS POSTED NOVEMBER 11, 2021 7:31 PMHi Bryan,Either way works đ Here you can find more information about how to smoke healing herbs: https://thelostherbs.com/healing-herbs-you-can-smoke/Many blessings and good health!Reply
RALA POSTED DECEMBER 1, 2021 1:48 AMWhat herb would help with Hiatal Hernia and acid reflux? Smoking or in a tincture?Reply
JENNIFER POSTED MARCH 10, 2022 5:22 PMAny chance this would cause a positive drug test for occupational purposes?Reply
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Hawthorn (Crataegus), is also known as quickthorn, thornapple, May-tree, or hawberry. The Crataegus genus holds several hundred species of small trees or shrubs that are native throughout temperate regions of Europe, Asia, North Africa, and North America. Crataegus belong to the rose or Rosaceae family of plants. In fact, the berries or small fruits resemble rosehips more than other berries or tree fruits.
The small fruits are packed with nutrients and the fruit, leaves, and flowers have famously been used in herbal remedies and in Traditional Chinese Medicine for centuries. Most notably, hawthorn has been used in teas and tinctures to aid digestive issues, heart problems, and high blood pressure.
The wood of hawthorn is incredibly strong and has been used to make tools and tool handles. The sharp thorns were used as fishhooks and as medical tools for piercing boils. Due to the hardwood and sharp thorns, hawthorn shrubs are often used as living protective fencing when grown in hedges.
High in pectin, hawthorn fruit is a useful addition when making jams and jellies. Many cultures use hawthorn in snack foods and as ingredients in liqueurs, beverages, wine making, and candy. Even the leaves are edible and can be picked in spring when they are still young and tender to use in salads.
An important wildlife food as well, Hawthorns are used as food and shelter by many birds and mammals. The flowerâs nectar feeds many insects including moths and butterflies. In the winter, many birds eat the remaining haws which help to disperse the seeds.
The History Of Hawthorn
The richness in historical lore of Crataegus species is incredibly robust. This may be due to the fact that these small trees and shrubs grow throughout the temperate regions of the world since ancient times. Not only that but the plant, its flowers, fruit, and leaves are each incredibly useful.
In North America, fruits were used as food and medicine since time immemorial by many indigenous peoples. In addition to eating the fruit fresh, the pulp of the fruits was mashed and dried in cakes or used as an ingredient of pemican.
As a fruit that persists on the branches into the winter season, hawthorns have probably been a survival food throughout human history. In fact, during the days of the pioneers, settlers noted this was the only remaining food supply in some areas.
Perhaps, for this reason, there is much evidence in folklore that hawthorns in bloom were celebrated, and destruction of hawthorn bushes or trees was dreaded as signs of bad luck. There is a strong association of hawthorn plants with fairies in several medieval cultures. In the Victorian language of flowers, hawthorn blossoms represent hope. Currently, hawthorn is the state flower of Missouri.
Since the fruit persists into the winter months, many winter celebration foods worldwide have hawthorn as an ingredient. There are many traditions of healing ceremonies using this interesting plant as well.
Where The Plant Is Found
Hawthorns are often found growing in hedgerows or around old garden spaces. In the wild, they grow in mixed forests. They prefer moist, deep soils which are usually fine-textured and rich in organic matter.
Supplements, extracts, and dried plant parts may be available through herbal supplies, online stores, or health food stores.
Shape: Many Crataegus species are small trees or shrubs growing 15 to 50 feet tall.
Leaves: Leaves are arranged spirally along shoots and in small clusters on spurs of branches. Oval with scalloped margins, leaves are shiny green on the upper surface and pale green underneath with distinct veins.
Flower: A symbol of hope, five-petaled flowers bloom in clusters in white, pink, or red in early spring.
Stem: The bark is grey and smooth with longitudinal ridges in mature specimens. Sharp thorns arise on stems and branches and are often œ to 1 inch long.
Fruit & Seeds: The fruit or haw of hawthorns are similar to rose hips with thick skin, mushy pulp, and large stone-like seeds.
Hawthorns prefer rich soil which holds moisture that is high in organic matter but still drains well. They grow well in full sun and tolerate part shade in most soil types with a variety of pH levels. They have some disease susceptibility to apple scabs, and fire blight as well as some leaf issues and types of rust. There are disease-resistant varieties. Keeping your hawthorn healthy with plenty of organic matter and minimizing stress from competition, drought, or environmental damage may help your hawthorn weather these cyclic plant diseases.
Hawthorn trees and shrubs donât need a lot of pruning but removing suckers to keep trees neat and tidy may be beneficial. Remove thorn-covered branches from areas visited by people as the thorns can be sharp and painful.
Harvesting hawthorn flowers can be done in early spring. Of course, flowers become the haws so harvest sparingly.
The leaves, as mentioned above, are edible and tender when young. They can be harvested with the flowers for an interesting addition to salads.
The haws are ripe when dark in color, often in the last weeks of summer and early fall. Again, harvest only a small amount from anyone tree, especially if shrubs and trees are scarce. Leaves for tea can be harvested at any time. Inspect them for any damage, spots, or rust as this will change the beneficial characteristics of the leaves.
What Hawthorn Is Good For And The Natural Remedies Made From It
Hawthorn has a bounty of benefits, famously aiding cardiovascular and digestive issues for centuries. They can be eaten raw. Some say the haws have a tart to sweet taste while others report them being sour to bland. This variation could depend on harvest time, species of hawthorn, and growing conditions.
Tea made with hawthorn has been reported to have many healthful benefits. Commercial hawthorn teas often combine dried haws, flowers, and leaves. It is certainly possible to make your own hawthorn tea or add hawthorn to your favorite homemade herbal tea combinations.
Highly nutritious, including hawthorn in the diet is one way to use this nutritious food which contains many phytochemicals including tannins, phenolic acids, proanthocyanidins, and flavonoids. Hawthorn is often an ingredient in jam, jelly, pie filling, and syrup. They can also be made into fermented tasty beverages such as wine or vinegar to be used in salad dressing.
Supplements containing hawthorn may be an easy and convenient way to increase hawthorn in your diet by using powder, pill, or liquid forms. These may be available through a pharmacy or health food supplier.
Extracts made from the berries or haws of hawthorn have shown incredible symptom benefits for treating chronic heart failure and cardiovascular disease. The extracts made, not only from berries but also using leaves and flowers show excellent potential in providing antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, gastroprotective, and antimicrobial activity.
Perhaps due to the high quantities of beneficial phytochemicals, leaves, flowers, and berries are still used in many traditional medicines to help treat high blood pressure, arrhythmia, a variety of digestive issues as well as arteriosclerosis and heart conditions. There is further evidence that these extracts contribute to lowered cholesterol levels as well.
Studies also show the natural polyphenolic compounds found in hawthorn berries, particularly the fruitâs skin, have chemoprotective potential.
A DIY Hawthorn Tincture Recipe
We are making a simple herbal extraction in alcohol. We are using high-quality alcohol as our extractor. Alcohol has an incredible solvent ability to extract the beneficial components from plants at room temperature over a reasonably short period of time, making them shelf-stable. Other ingredients can work as extractors, even water such as when we make tea. Vegetable-based glycerin is also a popular option.
We will be using the simple or folk method. This is relatively easy and requires only basic equipment. Essentially, we put our plant material in a glass container, cover it with alcohol, and allow it to steep for several weeks.
Method
Step 1: Identify your hawthorn trees and shrubs for your future harvest area. Note the scalloped leaves and long, sharp thorns. This picture was taken earlier in the season while the haws were just developing.
Step 2: Once the fruit or haws are dark in color, collect some with the nice thick leaves.
Step 3: Gather the haws and leaves. Note, some of the haws are a little worse for wear after our long drought and heatwave. For this purpose, haw raisins are still excellent. Also, for those exceptional people who harvested some flowers and young leaves in the spring and dried them, here is a perfect time to bring them out and add them to our extraction tincture.
Step 4: You might choose to rip some of the leaves to expose more surface area. Similarly, cutting into some of the haws to expose their soft pulpy insides is great to extract even more of their powerful benefits.
Step 5: Place the plant material into a clean, sterilized glass container. Cover with your desired choice of alcohol and stir the mixture slightly before sealing the contents.
Step 6: Keep the tincture in a cool dark place for 2 to 6 weeks. Check on it periodically to give it a little agitation and stir. Strain the mixture and keep it in a container that is easy to store and easy to use such as a brown dropper bottle.
Potential Uses
Use hawthorn tincture daily to potentially aid digestion and help lower blood pressure, reduce cholesterol, and strengthen the cardiovascular system.
Add a couple of drops of this tincture to 1 cup of water or juice a couple of times a day. Monitor the effects. If any unwanted side effects occur, discontinue use. See warnings and cautions and take care to manage prescription medications appropriately.
Doses of hawthorn are variable between different brands, suppliers, and supplements. A typical dose is along the lines of 250 to 500 mg, three times daily. One report states that a minimum effective dose of hawthorn extract is 300 mg daily for heart failure.
How To Preserve This Plant
Flowers and early spring leaves are best dried to use in the fall with the fall harvested leaves and fruit.
Leaves and fruit harvested in the fall can be preserved in several ways. Drying is often the most convenient. This makes the plant parts available for future use as food, tea, or to use in tinctures or other forms of extracts.
The fruit can be used fresh to make preserves such as jams, jellies, and pie filling. They can also be preserved in wine or vinegar making.
Fresh fruit and leaves can be made into an alcohol extraction or tincture for medicinal use. In abundance, they can be used for making a flavorful liqueur.
What Plants Resemble Hawthorn?
Hawthorn
Feature
Hawthorn, Crataegus
Blackcurrant, Ribes nigrum
Blackthorn, Prunus spinosa
Size
15 to 50 feet tall
5- by 5-foot shrub
16 feet tall
Leaves and Stems
Stems have long thorns with leaves single or in clusters that are oval with scalloped margins.
Lobed palmate leaves with serrated margins on spiny stems.
Black bard with stiff spined branches with oval leaves with serrated margins.
Fruit and Seeds
Haws have thick skins, mushy pulp, and large, stone-like seeds
Dark purple to black glossy berries containing many seeds.
Thin fleshed drupes are black and œ inch in size.
Flowers
Clusters of white, pink, or red, small five-petaled flowers in spring.
3-inch-long clusters or strigs of white flowers in spring.
Clusters of white, small five-petaled flowers in early spring
Warnings And Cautions
Choose reputable sources when purchasing supplements which include hawthorn. As hawthorn may aid high blood pressure, talk to your doctor if you are taking medications to lower blood pressure or any other medication that may be contraindicated with hawthorn supplementation. Pay attention to mild side effects such as nausea and dizziness.
As always, check with your healthcare provider before starting new herbal remedies.
MARIAN+CRONIN POSTED SEPTEMBER 17, 2021 3:22 PMwhat about low blood pressure? can i still use hawthorn as an adaptogen?Reply
KEL POSTED SEPTEMBER 17, 2021 5:05 PMOmg this email is a book of great value â what effort! â€ïžReply
BRENDA POSTED SEPTEMBER 18, 2021 3:46 AMi have two of her books and two from Claude Davis. it couldnât get any better. all the info you could possibly need. i also bought a book called survival sanctuary by Lex Andrews and Mark Johnson it has a lot of really neat stuff in it for survival, including making your own garden out of wooden structures. thereâs much more to that book
JEAN-MARC POSTED SEPTEMBER 21, 2021 4:35 AMYeah really! My broâs got plenty of these trees but didnât know about their healing properties⊠Gonna pic up yhe fruits next week and flowers in springtime.. đ
TARA POSTED SEPTEMBER 17, 2021 7:31 PMCan the haw be eaten raw? (See what I did there lol)Reply
DESMOND POSTED SEPTEMBER 20, 2021 5:12 PMTraditionally the berry in Ireland off the Hawthorn was always boiled and put in a jar with sugar for a high source of vitamin C and as a cough syrup. I remember distinctly as a boy eating the leaves raw in the spring when we were hungry. I was always told not to eat the berries raw as theyâd make you sick, The old people had some really weird traditions about the sacredness of the tree and a total fear of doing anything bad to it particularly in the month of May. Even today with modern farming techniques youâll often see an ancient May bush smack dab in the middle of the field and everything ploughed around it. My mother still calls it the May bush. The only place Iâve ever seen one in America is at the Pony Express station in Gothenburg Nebraska, were I had my 4 year old eat some of the leaves with me. I wonder would it grow in Chicago if so Iâd plant it for sureReply
LYN POSTED SEPTEMBER 21, 2021 2:44 PMInteresting story, too bad thereâs not more where you live. We have them all over the PNW!
RANDY ROBERTS POSTED SEPTEMBER 20, 2021 10:35 AMare there any wild plants for us when we get some age on us to help with erectile dysfunctionReply
MARIAN+CRONIN POSTED SEPTEMBER 20, 2021 12:10 PMtry beet root juice, also hawthorn as above as it increases the blood supply to vital areas.Reply
RANDY ROBERTS POSTED SEPTEMBER 20, 2021 12:22 PMthanks for the help
TM POSTED SEPTEMBER 24, 2021 6:08 PMCheck out Wim Hoff- cold treatments (shower, or cold swimming), increases testosterone and increases muscle, not to mention really boosting the immune system. Itâs working for my man, itâs noticeable.Reply
LYN POSTED SEPTEMBER 21, 2021 2:46 PMI never knew that the Hawthorn was so beneficial! They line our streets here in WA St!Reply
SAMANTHA PAYNE POSTED NOVEMBER 9, 2021 1:01 PMI was told the seeds are toxic, dose anyone know if this is true? If so whatâs the best way of separating the seed from pulp?Reply
LADYALETA POSTED MARCH 10, 2022 9:22 AMFollowingReply
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Motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca), commonly known as lionâs tail, belongs to the mint family. This plant normally grows 4 to 5 feet on areas where soils have been previously used for growing other plants or on those artificially placed-over soils. It also grows wildly on riverbanks and floodplains. This plant prefers partial exposure to sunlight and moist and fertile soil. In some countries, this plant is propagated for its medicinal properties and uses.
The History Of Motherwort
There is a long historical account of the medicinal use of Motherwort. This plant is said to have likely originated from both central and northern Asia, specifically in Japan and Siberia. It was later introduced to Europe in about the 17th century and subsequently to Northern America. Presently, this variety of mint has flourished largely in Canada and the continent of the United States.
In Ancient Greece, it has been indicated for use on many female reproductive issues. Many records mention the herb was used for heart ailments and anxiety among pregnant women.
Ancient China also claims historical use of the herb. It was traditionally used for menstrual disorders and varied gynecological issues among Chinese women. Motherwort was recorded as the highest grade plant in one of the earliest pharmacological manuscripts entitled âShennong Bencao Jingâ for its non-toxicity.
In 1652, Nicholas Culpeper published a book, âThe Complete Herbal.â The book contains a useful description and uses of motherwort, which modern herbalists keep on citing. Culpeper talked about how the herb makes women calm, and how it positively affects many mothers after child delivery. Thus, its name Motherwort has been derived.
In 1869, William Cook, a known physiomedicalist at that time, also wrote about the herb as a good way to calm the nerves and to relieve muscle spasms, particularly the muscle found in a personâs bowel wall. Additionally, he specifically indicated that the herb is a cure for nervousness, chest pains related to palpitations, and various menstrual pains or cramps among women.
In 1919 and 1922, Finley Ellingwood and Harvey Wickes Felter consecutively published their books, The American Materia Medica and Eclectic Materia Medica. They have described Motherwort as ânervine, antispasmodic, laxative, and emmenagogue.â
In 1998, according to Moerman, some native and indigenous tribes in America used the herb brew as a gynecological relief for âfemale ills.â Meanwhile, the Cherokee and Iroquois used it as gastrointestinal help to promote digestion and as a calming aid for nervousness. The Cherokee specifically used this as a tonic for fainting.
Where This Plant Is Found
Motherwort is perennial and is widely popular in Asia and the southeastern part of Europe. However, it is considered invasive in the United States. Although the herb is uncommon in the southern part of Illinois, it is widespread in the central and northern areas of the state.
Currently, Motherwort is now growing in most parts of the world. It is usually found on woodland borders, among the groups of other plants in the bushes, underneath the trees, wetlands or moist lands, and underneath shady areas.
Motherwort plant grows with a stout and square stem, characteristically close to other mint varieties of plants. It stands on an erect or straight orientation, crowned with dark green and a sort of compound leaves, resembling that of a maple leaf. The leaves grow opposite from one another on the stem.
Uniquely, its petioles or stalks that spring from the stem and leaf sprout longer than the flowers. Its flowers are spiky and have five-pointed sepals or calyx.
While other mint plant families may have unlobed margins and rounded tips, Motherwort leaves normally have 3 to 5 lobes. It somehow resembles 5 separate normal leaves fused together, each with pointed tips.
Motherwort propagates easily by seeding or through its rhizomes.
To begin growing Motherwort using its seeds, cold stratification is advised. Cold stratification is a simple method used to trick the seeds to feel as if it is already experiencing winter. The method first entails soaking the seeds for a period of at least 10 hours to 24 hours or a day. After this step, place the seeds on the sand and peats, or compost in a zipped bag. Place it inside the refrigerator for 10 days. While the seeds are in the refrigerator, regularly check to make sure that the mix does not dry up. Spritz the mixture with water if moist is absent and if it has gone dry.
After 10 days, the seeds are ready for planting in a plot. Prepare the area by softening the topsoil using a garden hoe or any cultivating garden tool available. Space the planting 2 to 3 feet apart from each other. The seeds should be covered with at least 1/8-inch soil. Normally, one would just wait a week for it to sprout.
If you bought the seed product from a store, read the label to see if it already went through the cold stratification method before proceeding any further.
If you do not want the trouble of doing the cold stratification method, sowing the seeds in late fall is recommended. Planting during this time will help the plant to sprout and thrive easily.
Once the Motherwort matures, it quickly spreads through its rhizomes. You can simply unearth the surrounding soils where the new sprouts grow. It can be separated or gently cut so that you can plant it in a new area. When transferring, the hole should be double the length of its roots or rhizoids.
Water the young plants accordingly. Ideally, it thrives well on soils with good alkalinity of at least 7.7 pH. As it matures, there is a rare need for watering the plant as it becomes stable, sturdy, and drought-resistant. Motherwort is rarely affected by pests and diseases.
To prevent the plant from seeding, you can just cut the stems 2 to 3 inches after the flowering stage.
Harvest the Motherwort in full bloom. It is recommended to only cut and use the aerial or upper part of the herb where it is young, small, and supple.
The leaves on the remaining lower part can also be harvested and separated for use to prepare tea and tinctures.
What Motherwort Is Good For And The Natural Remedies Made From It
Motherwort is a popular choice for treating a variety of womenâs disorders relating to the reproductive system. Pregnant women can use this to help relieve labor pain, which is usually sustained during premature delivery. It is also used to soothe post-natal depression among women. When used before a womanâs menstruation schedule, it relieves menstrual cramps and helps achieve a more regular menstruation schedule.
The herb contains leonurine, a chemical alkaloid, which is notable as a mild or light vasodilator. It provides an antispasmodic effect that relaxes smooth muscles like the heart. Due to its calming effect, it helps normalize palpitations and lowers blood pressure among people who experience severe stress or tension.
Additionally, Motherwort contains flavonoids, sterols, iridoid glycosides, triterpenes, tannins, and other antioxidants. Thus, it combats free radicals that are harmful to the human body. The sterols and iridoid glycosides decrease the absorption of cholesterols and triglycerides. It prevents clotting in the blood, and clustering of platelets. Favorably, the availability of tannins, triterpenes, and other antioxidants, inhibits insulin resistance development. This helps normalize glucose and insulin levels, prevents cancers, Alzheimerâs, and Parkinsonâs diseases.
Some others used this herb as an anti-flatulent of intestinal gas and cure for hyperthyroidism or over-activity of the thyroid. Others apply the juice of the herb to skin ailments like common skin-itch and shingles.
The whole herb can be used for all the discussed health problems. This means that its roots, upper or young stems, flowers, and leaves are used for the purpose of treating disorders and ailments. Normally, the top third of the herb is cut for use while it is still soft and supple. Anyone can opt to choose the method of infusion, decoction, or tincture to extract the juice containing the precious antioxidant substances and compounds from the herb.
Infusion
Ingredients:
1 to 1 œ tsp dried Motherwort herbs
1 cup water
Steps:
Put the dried herbs in a glass or jar. Pour boiling water over the leaves. Steep for 10 minutes.
Use a mesh strainer to pour the infusion into another container or cup. Discard the used herbs. Do not reuse. You may use honey, ginger, or lemon to buffer its unpleasant smell and bitter taste.
How To Use:
The Motherwort infusion would be a good use for easing palpitations due to anxiety and relieving menstrual cramps. It may also help with insomnia due to its sedative effects. However, taking Motherwort infusion along with sedative medications may cause too much sleepiness.
You may drink motherwort tea up to three times a day.
Motherwort Tincture
Ingredients:
Dried Motherwort herbs
Vodka, 40% to 50% Alcohol by Volume
Steps:
Fill the jar with dried Motherwort herbs enough to fill œ to Ÿ of the jar. When using fresh leaves and flowers, fill the jar to about 2/3 to Ÿ.
Pour the vodka over the herbs and make sure that it fills up to the very top of the jar. For dried herbs, 40% to 50% alc/vol or roughly 80 to 90-proof vodka works well. But for fresh herbs, use 67.5% to 70% alc/vol or about half 80-proof vodka and half 190-proof grain alcohol.
When using a jar with a metal lid, place parchment paper between the lid and the jar to protect the lid from corrosion. Make sure that you leave as little airspace as possible between the mixture and the lid to prevent the tincture from rotting.
Store the tincture in a cool, dry, and dark place. Shake it several times a week, or preferably once daily so that the herbs are properly soaked. Label accordingly with the date and let the mixture sit for 6 to 8 weeks. After 6 to 8 weeks, strain the tincture into a sterilized amber-colored jar to protect it against sunlight.
How To Use:
The Motherwort tincture is a good use for controlling high blood pressure, quick relief of palpitations and hot flashes from menopause. It also helps with anxiety problems and panic attacks. Use a maximum of 2 to 4 mL, three times daily.
What Plants Resemble A Motherwort?
Motherwort
Feature
Motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca)
Mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris)
False Motherwort (Chaiturus marrubiastrum)
Size
Height: 2 to 5 feet
Height: grows up 2 to 6 feet Width: 75 cm
Height: 1 to 4 inches tall
Leaves
Vary in size and shape. Lower leaves have large teeth and are deeply lobed, while upper leaves are smaller and narrower
Dark-green, unlobed Hairless on the upper side; silvery-white on the underside
Opposite leaves that become narrower and shorter as it ascends the stem; leaf blades are 1 to 3 inches long and flat
Flowers
Stalkless flowers form clusters in the upper area of the plant. Individual flowers range from pink to lavender
Yellow to reddish-brown
Flowers occur in axillary clusters with individual flowers about Πinch in width; blossoms are from white to pink
Stem
Square and hairy stems, unbranched except for the upper part of the plant
Form a longitudinal groove
Light green central stem with short hairs
Scent
Unpleasant distinct smell
Sage-like
N/A
Warnings And Cautions
As always, moderate and careful use of supplements is advised.
The European Medicines Agency (EMA) advises that individuals should not consume more than 3 grams a day of Motherwort powder to avoid possible side effects. The use of tincture should not be more than 3 times a day as well. When used to treat high blood pressure, it may only be taken up to 3 months.
Unused decoctions should be discarded after two weeks and should not be consumed.
Individuals who have low blood pressure or are on medications such as beta-blockers and blood-thinning agents like warfarin are advised to consult their physicians before consuming the herb supplement.
Due to the possible stimulated contraction of the uterine, pregnant (unless during labor), breastfeeding and menstruating women with heavy outflow are warned to use this.
Excessive consumption of Motherwort may lead to side effects such as diarrhea, uterine bleeding, sleepiness, and stomach pains. Thus, it is vital to consult your doctor if you are planning to include this as a supplement to your health.
GRAMA+PEI POSTED SEPTEMBER 10, 2021 6:10 PMMay I offer a gentle correction? This article mentions that the heart is smooth muscle. It is actually STRIATED muscle. The blood vessels, however, are lined with smooth muscle.Reply
MARSHA MOON POSTED SEPTEMBER 10, 2021 6:25 PMIâve been waiting to see herbs that help pregnant mothers, or motherâs to be. In particular, I have a 60# canine who was diagnosed with chronic inflammation of the uterus. Iâve collected stinging nettle for itâs potential use. Would motherwort be a possibility? Can you make any other recommendations?Reply
MARY POSTED SEPTEMBER 10, 2021 9:09 PMWonderful article! Thank you for including so much information all in one place. And thank you to Grama PEI for the note. âHoping Marshaâs canine is better soon. I am interested in knowing what works.Reply
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The Home Doctor – Practical Medicine for Every Household– is a 304 page doctor written and approved guide on how to manage most health situations when help is not on the way.
If you want to see what happens when things go south, all you have to do is look at Venezuela: no electricity, no running water, no law, no antibiotics, no painkillers, no anesthetics, no insulin or other important things.
But if you want to find out how you can still manage in a situation like this, you must also look to Venezuela and learn the ingenious ways they developed to cope.
About Dr. Maybell Nieves:
Dr. MaybellNieves – head surgeon of the Unit of Breast Pathology and general surgeon at Caracas University Hospital in Venezuela, with over 10 years of experience in the operating room. She studied at the prestigious European Institute of Oncology in Milan, Italy.
Dr. Maybell is known for developing new, ingenious methods of treating patients after Venezuela’s economy collapsed and hospitals and pharmacies ran out of medicines, supplies, electricity and running water.
The methods she developed and pioneered are now studied and applied in conflict zones all over the world.
Many of these protocols and procedures do not require medical assistance as they are specifically designed to be self-applied. That makes them extremely valuable if the medical system cannot be depended on, like during long term blackouts.
You can find some of these methods below! As you read them, you can easily understand why they are so useful and why every household and family should have them close by. She co-authored the book with Dr Rodrigo Alterio and Claude Davis.
Hereâsjust a small glimpse of what youâll find in The Home Doctor: Practical Medicine for Every Household:
This book is a unique guide for the layman that you can use when help is not on the way or to manage common ailments that don’t require seeing a doctor.
Let me show you just some of the things youâll find inside the Home Doctor:
10 Medical Supplies You Need to Have in Your House
These supplies are not expensive and should still be available, but they tend to run out fast.
In case you havenât realized it yet, most of the medical supplies and pills we take for granted come from China and India. This supply chain is vulnerable and can be interrupted by something like an EMP.
One of the 10 supplies you should have in advance is a painkiller called Naproxen, which is over the counter and more powerful than others like ibuprofen for example.
The Biggest Mistakes You Can Make in a Blackout
In Venezuela, electricity has turned into a rare and unpredictable commodity. They donât have it all the time, and blackouts have become a normal part of daily life.
Inside the Home Doctor, youâll also learn about the biggest medical mistakes you can make in a blackout and what to do with important medications that require refrigeration, like insulin or Humira.
How to Recognize a Heart Attack
and What to Do Next
Look at its four distinctive symptoms: first, chest discomfort that feels like uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness, and pain in the middle of your chest that lasts for more than a few minutes.
The second symptom is discomfort or pain in one or both arms and your back, neck, jaw, or stomach.
The third symptom is shortness of breath.
The last thing you need to watch out for is breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea, and lightheadedness.
These donât all come at once, but if you see even one or two, itâs time to call 911.
Another step you can take to improve your chances before the ambulance arrives is to chew on an aspirin and pour a vial of nitroglycerin under your tongue. But you need to have these two items at home beforehand.
What Happens When You Take Expired Medications
No country in the world has had to use more expired medication than Venezuela.
Dr. Maybell and other doctors were able to see what happens firsthand, and itâs almost guaranteed to surprise you: most medications you have in your medicine cabinet are good for years after their expiration dates; which medication is safe to take after its expiration date and which ones are not.
So, pay close attention to this chapter before you throw away your so called âexpiredâ medication.
The Only 4 Antibiotics People Should Stockpile
Modern antibiotics are lifesavers. Without them, a simple cold can quickly turn into a deadly pneumonia, an infection in a small cut can become life threatening.
Iâve selected to stockpile a 4 different antibiotics for just this reason and I want to show you how you can do the same… legally, without a prescription.
They contain distinctive substances that act very differently, so while it could happen that you stumble upon a bacteria that is resistant to one of them, the chance it can withstand all four is very slim.
Antibiotics will become priceless in times of need once they become scarce. Having these 4 at home for you and your family is at least as important as having food stockpiles. But under no circumstance should you take them without consulting a doctor first.
The Best Natural Painkiller That Grows in Your Own Backyard
Another thing youâll discover is the best natural painkiller that probably grows in your own backyard.
This is the painkilling plant that many in Venezuela turned to after they couldnât find relief at the pharmacy anymoreâŠand it grows all over North America as well.
An Ingenious Way to Stockpile Prescription Medicines, Including Insulin
Iâll also show you how to deal with shortages of medicines such as insulin, which some people need to take every day.
A friend of mine from Texas found a workaround and is able to get all the insulin he needs daily and even extra to stockpile.
His ingenious method is completely legal and safe. You could start using it immediately not only for insulin but also for some other medicines that are notoriously hard to stockpile.
How to Quickly Recognize a Stroke and
The First ThingYOU MUST DO IMMEDIATELY Afterward
When dealing with a stroke, time is of the essence, and every second counts. If you act quickly, most of the time your body can recover completely.
Alternatively, many people end up partially paralyzed or worse. Inside the Home Doctor, Iâll show you the fastest way you can recognize it and the one thing you must do immediately to improve your chances.
What Happens if You Take the Wrong Probiotics
Iâll also show you the only probiotics you really need to keep in your medicine cabinet.
Probiotics are microorganisms that live inside your gut and influence your metabolism and overall health.
They can even trigger allergies. Their effects are so widespread that you donât want to have the wrong probiotics and risk messing up your gut flora. I personally know people who gained a lot of weight taking bad probiotics.
A good probiotic, on the other hand, can make all the difference: It can improve your digestion, help you get rid of gas, absorb the maximum amount of good nutrients from the food you eat, and take care of both diarrhea and constipation.
A Simple âAt-Homeâ Method for the Flu and Other Respiratory Issues
During the flu season, a lot of people end up in the hospital with a high fever, coughing their lungs out.
So one of the things I want to give you is a simple protocol to deal with it at home if going to a hospital is off the table.
A Step-by-Step Approach to Deal With
Almost Every Skin Injury and Condition
In Chapter 3, Skin and Skin Appendages, youâll find out all you need to know to manage conditions of the skin, such as corns, warts, athleteâs food, burns and scalds, dermatitis, fungal infections of the nails, insect bites and stings, abscesses, ulcers or open woundsâŠ
Youâll also discover why you should put egg whites on second-degree burns, what over-the-counter medicines and creams to stockpile, and the exact process of cleaning, stitching, and treating an open wound at home.
The Unnoticed Symptom
That May Point to an Internal Inflammation
Youâll also learn about the little-known body signs that tells you if you have hidden inflammation inside your body at this very moment.
The 1-Minute Stretch
That Relieves Most Back and Neck Pains
Youâll find out how I deal with my back problems. Until I found this one-minute stretch routine, I often woke up like a hunchback and could barely walk to the bathroom. And it usually took me several hours to become functional again.
If this sounds at all familiar to you, you should learn this simple move.
A Natural DIY Antibiotic Salve Recipe to Keep Around
An antibiotic ointment is nice to have around when you need it.
The recipe found inside the Home Doctor aids in keeping a wound from becoming infected and help reduce scarring.
How to Perform a Complete Breast Exam at Home
A woman should know how to determine if there is anything wrong with your breasts. The earlier you catch wind of something, the better your recovery becomes.
Thatâs why Iâll show you a simple set of diagrams and instructions that you can follow to put your mind at ease. Dr. Maybell perfected this method while working for two years at the prestigious European Institute of Oncology in Milan, Italy.
How to Use Leeches Medicinally
Just Like Folks 100 Years Ago
Have you ever heard of leeches used as medicine? They are an extremely effective and easy-to-use remedy for preventing a wound from festering and speeding up healing, as long as youâre not squeamish that is. Another thing theyâre good for is high blood pressure. Because they decrease the amount of blood flowing, they also lower the stress on your arteries.
An Ingenious Eggshell Remedy and 25 Others Made from Things People Usually Throw Away
Iâm also going to show you 25 remedies made from things you usually throw away. One manâs trash is another manâs treasure as they say. For example, you can turn the eggshells you throw away into calcium pills that will be greatly appreciated in times of need or when food becomes scarce.
How to Take Care of Toothaches and Mouth Infections When You Canât Visit a Dentist
Ever had a really bad toothache that just wouldnât go away?
A dental infection can quickly become a nuisance, so you want to know how to take care of it the right way.
The Best Way to Tell if
an Arrhythmia Is Benign or Dangerous
Some changes in heart rate and rhythm are normal during sleep, physical activity, and moments of stress.
But other times, an irregular heart rhythm, or arrhythmia, may be a serious problem, which, left untreated, can lead to cardiac arrest and stroke.
The way you decide if itâs time to call 911 is by looking at the symptoms of dangerous arrhythmia, which never appear for milder versions. These are shortness of breath, dizziness, lightheartedness, near fainting or fainting, and mild chest pain. If you feel your heart beating too fast or too slow and also experience at least a one of these symptoms, call an ambulance immediately.
How to Remove an Ingrown Nail
Youâll also discover how to remove an ingrown nail. In a situation where medical help is hard to come by, an ingrown nail can cause a serious infection if you donât remove it.
Why You Should Always Keep a Stick of Gum Close by if Your Ears Start to Hurt
Itâs simple really: when you chew the right kind of gum, you not only decrease pressure inside the ear by continuous jaw movements but also ward off ear infections. Thatâs because of a sweetener called Xylitol.
How to Know Whatâs Wrong if Youâve Got Abdominal Pain
Iâll also show you what to do if youâre experiencing pain in your abdomen. Itâs called an abdominal evaluation, and youâve probably undergone it before when going to a doctor for a check-up.
Inside the Home Doctor, youâll have a complete diagram with nine sections of the abdomen that, upon palpation, should reveal where the problem is.
Are Your Migraines Hiding Something More Serious?
You’ll discover which two types of migraines are most common and the simple but essential things you need to do to identify which one you have and how to get rid of it.
Especially if itâs a recurrent one, like once a month, you need to read this chapter. This could also be a sign of something you shouldn’t ignore.
How to Deal with Injuries Caused During Social Unrest
You’ll also learn how to deal with typical wounds caused by violent protesters and rioters.
As a surgeon in Venezuela, Maybell dealt with probably more wounds like these than many doctors in other parts of the world during their whole career. We are no strangers to such events, either, so I say it’s best to be prepared.
What Doctors Do to Keep Their Immunity High
Youâll also discover how to keep your immune system healthy.
You’ll learn the things that doctors do to keep their immunity high after they come in close contact with sick people, things that you can also do at home to protect your family.
How to Use Salt and Oil for Tooth and Gum Decay
You’ll also discover the old mustard oil and salt remedy that people use to restore gums and remove plaque.
Salt acts as a mild abrasive that helps remove stains and brighten teeth. It also contains a natural source of fluoride, which is a bonus for your teeth.
On the other hand, mustard oil helps strengthen your gums and makes it easier to remove the plaque naturally.
The 10 Most Sought-After Bartering Items in Venezuela
Iâll also show you ten non-medical items you must stockpile now. A few months after Venezuelaâs economy collapsed, these ten items became VERY precious and they could be traded for almost anything you neededâincluding medicine.
A Before-Bed Recipe to Sleep Like a Baby Again
Youâll also find out about some of the ingredients that you probably have in your kitchen right now, which, when mixed the right way, can help you fall asleep.
If you are taking sleeping pills from time to time, even melatonin, you should try to replace them with this recipe instead as itâs natural and completely safe.
40 Interesting Home Reliefs from Our Grandparents That Could Help You
Youâll also rediscover 40 home remedies our grandparents taught us that doctors still use or prescribe. These have once again become very important for people who like try a more natural approach. For example, you can tackle some headaches using a potato, deal with bug bites using toothpaste, lower fever with vinegar, detox over night sleeping with half an onion in socks, make cough syrup from black radish, and many others.
The Antibiotic Plant That Saved Venezuela
Did you know there is a sort of natural “doxycycline” to be found as close as your own backyard?
The plant is called Usnea, and itâs popularly known as Old Manâs Beard. This wild plant grows all over North-America and once you gather some, Iâll show you how to turn it into an antibiotic tincture to greatly increase its potency and shelf-life.
Cabbage Wraps for Inflammation
Cabbage leaves are a great anti-inflammatory and contain compounds that can also draw out poison or pus from a wound and speed up the healing. This isnât even a folk remedy. Dr. Maybell was taught this in medical school and confirmed it in her practice later on in life.
Why You Should Always Keep Some Listerine
in Your Medicine Cabinet
Iâll also show you why keeping a small stockpile of Listerine in your medicine cabinet can be a very good idea.
Listerine was invented in 1879 and was originally formulated as a surgical antiseptic. It was named after the brilliant British surgeon, Joseph Lister, who is still widely considered to be the father of antisepsis, the science of preventing infections.
In the hospitals of Venezuela, they used a lot of Listerine for different types of bacterial and fungal infections, wounds, gangrene, and diabetic foot.
And even all of that is just the tip of the iceberg of what youâll find inside the Home Doctor. This book is absolutely massive with over 300 pages filled with practical tips, precise diagrams, and step-by-step instructions that may allow you to stay healthy and help others in need.
With the Home Doctor, you can become a âhome docâ yourself. Home docs are self-reliant people who take care of themselves and their families when the situation demands it. Thatâs what I wanted to achieve with this bookâto empower normal people, to take care of themselves, their loved ones, and even their communities when doctors and hospitals are not available anymore.
If you decide to place a copy of the Home Doctor: Practical Medicine for Every Household on your bookshelf today, there are two additional gifts in store for youâall still free of charge for now.
Two Additional Gifts – Today for Free
The first one is calledâŠ
Wild Edibles You Can Forage for
or Find Around Your House
These are the lifesaving herbs that people in Venezuela ate when they couldnât afford to buy food from the market anymore.
These plants grow all over North America, and I bet some are also growing around your house.
With this bonus, youâll be able to identify wild edibles and take advantage of your backyard supermarket.
This gift is only available in Digital Format- the images are for visualization purpose only
Youâll also receive a second gift calledâŠ
Natural Healing Secrets of Native Americans
In it youâll rediscover the powerful natural medicines that natives relied on well before the dawn of modern medicine.
One day these plants will be worth their weight in gold. With this, youâll never be short on medicine no matter what happens and will always have a way left to help yourself or a loved one in need.
The plants they used are still abundant in America, and all you need to know is how to properly identify them and turn them into the remedies that the natives used for hundreds of years.
This gift is only available in Digital Format- the images are for visualization purpose only
60 Days Money Back Guarantee
Youâll have a full 60 days to try the Home Doctor: Practical Medicine for Every Household.
If at any time during those 60 days you are not COMPLETELY satisfied with this purchase, send me an e-mail, and Iâll give you back every cent. Itâs as simple as that!
Also, if you use this book to take care of your current health issues and you donât end up saving at least $37, Iâll send you a full refund.
There are times that one just is not in the mood but did you know there are foods and herbs that can increase your libido and those that can decrease it? Well, there are and I imagine that you will be surprised with the list.
Those That Increase Libido
Saffron
Believe it or not that yellow spice that is part of the Crocus can help increase desire in both men and women. Now there is another part to this story and that is one must also suffer from depression. This spice has been used for years to reduce stress, enhance mood, and treat depression. Studies have been done on the connection between saffron and the use of antidepressants. Men who were on antidepressants and took saffron found that they were more aroused compared to men who did not take saffron. Women, who followed the same treatment, were more easily aroused and produced more natural lubrication.
Giving individuals saffron who were not on antidepressants showed mixed results.
Red Ginseng
While ginseng has been used as a treatment for many ailments, red ginseng is preferred when you are talking about arousal. Both men and women who took red ginseng saw their libido increase. This was especially true with menopausal women. Results are promising but there is one problem with this herb and that comes from its interaction with blood-thinning medications and treatments for hormonal sensitive cancers. Individuals using either of these treatments should not use red ginseng.
Fenugreek
The seed from this annual plant seems to have components that help make sex hormones in both men and women. Both men and women who consumed this spice felt more aroused and men noted that they had more orgasms.
But do not take if you are receiving treatment for hormonal sensitive cancer and/or on a blood thinner.
Pistachio Nuts
Pistachio nuts are a healthy snack that is good for your heart and lowers blood pressure. Improving blood flow to the lower region of a man improves the giddy-up and go of that region, which means an increase in sexual arousal.
Currently, there are no studies including women but ladies can still enjoy this delicious nut and improve their health.
Ginkgo Biloba
You may be familiar with using Ginkgo biloba as a supplement to help with memory but did you know it can also be used to increase your libido? Well, the reason it works on improving memory is the same reason why it is used to improve libido.
What is this secret? Well, it increases blood flow by helping relax blood vessels. Now since it increases blood flow, you may not want to take this herb if you are on a blood thinner.
Maca
The common name for this sweet vegetable is âPeruvian Viagra.â It is believed that eating this vegetable will help with fertility issues. Maca has also shown promise to those who take an antidepressant and suffer from a low libido caused by this class of drugs. More studies still need to be conducted by those who were on antidepressants and consumed maca felt their libido had increased compared to just taking the drug.
Tribulus
This herb is an annual plant whose common name is bindii. While the study has been small, it has shown that both males and females show an increase in libido. It is believed that the reason for this result is two-fold. One, it has been shown to increase the level of testosterone, and two, it increases sexual function.
More studies still need to be performed to prove that it truly improves libido.
Those That Decrease Libido
Valerian
This herb is used as a sleeping aid and pain reliever by calming down the nervous system. Women have also used it to treat premenstrual syndrome. Those women using this herb noted that their sexual drive was decreased.
There is no clinical evidence to the reduction in sexual desire but it makes sense when you consider it is used to calm the nervous system.
Hops
Oh, who does not like a glass or bottle of beer but did you know that it can cause some sexual issues?
When it comes to women, hops cause vaginal dryness. On the other hand, men will have a hard time getting an erection.
Skullcap
Skullcap is in a plant family that is known to lower the libido of men by working on the nervous system to lower blood pressure.
Many men who take this herb find that it becomes more difficult to get and/or maintain an erection.
Chasteberry
In the old days, those in the church would take chasteberry to keep their desires at bay. It has also been used to treat gynecological conditions and breast problems. When it comes to men, the story is a bit different. It is believed that this herb works to lower libido by decreasing prolactin levels. More studies need to be done on the role of chasteberry and its ability to lower the libido of men.
Beets
Beets are delicious, nutritious, and just about the sweetest vegetable, there is. Like many other root vegetables, they contain compounds to support healthy estrogen levels in your body. Thatâs great when your testosterone levels arenât depleted, but if you have an existing hormonal imbalance, you could be exacerbating things by eating too many.
Soy
Soy is a plant that contains phytoestrogens. They mimic the same female hormone produced by women to cause the development of secondary sex characteristics.
Eating too many of these phytoestrogens could disrupt hormone balance in both men and women, depressing libido across the board. High levels of soy are found in soy milk, edamame, tofu snacks, and most vegetarian meat alternatives.
Sugar
This stuff is everywhere, so donât think that youâre safe just because you donât spoon it into your coffee. Sugar increases levels of the hormone insulin, which can cause you to store belly fat, lose muscle mass, and causing your testosterone levels to drop. In men, belly fat raises estrogen levels, which can result in low libido and erectile dysfunction; Sugar creates leptin resistance in the body; which in turn leads to a decrease in sex drive.
Conclusion:
The truth is that both testosterone and estrogen play vitally important roles in the bodies of both sexes andâunless we have a good ratio of one to the otherâall sorts of things can get wonky. An imbalance of testosterone and estrogen can increase or decrease libido. And a surprising amount of research has gone into figuring out which foods can increase or decrease our T and E levels.
When it comes to boosting sex drive, the list of foods with potential aphrodisiac properties is very long. However, only a small proportion of these supposed aphrodisiacs are actually backed by science.
If youâre interested in giving the science-backed options a try, you may want to start with small amounts and increase the dosage based on your personal tolerance.
Also, itâs important to note that natural aphrodisiacs may interact with some medications.
If youâre currently taking medication, make sure to check with your healthcare provider before giving these foods and herbs a try.
J POSTED OCTOBER 19, 2021 4:11 PMI didnât see you mention garlic, ginger, eleuthero, cordyceps, hawthorn berry or the more controversial yohimbe on rhe enhancers list for men.Reply
THE LOST HERBS POSTED OCTOBER 20, 2021 7:39 PMHi J,Herbal aphrodisiacs are varied and numerous. Some herbs, like Yohimbe, give the body an immediate boost and work directly on the reproductive system. Other herbs are more nutritive; they work on a long-term basis to rejuvenate the reproductive system and the adrenals to build lasting energy and stamina.There are so many herbs that classify as aphrodisiacs, that we canât cover them all in one article! But we are grateful for your comment and for adding these foods and herbs to the list.Many blessings and good health!Reply
GREGORY GORE POSTED OCTOBER 19, 2021 6:52 PMWhere is the pine pollen and Tokat Ali?Reply
JOSEPH W CUPP POSTED OCTOBER 19, 2021 7:34 PMOr how about the erstwhile Horny Goatweed, old wives tale Iâve heard my whole life, (well maybe not my whole life), but remember hearing one old woman telling a younger old (for me at the time) woman to put some in her husbandâs food to help liven things up for them as the hubby was having problems. This was way back in the late 50âs early 60âs in the deep, deep south.Reply
THE LOST HERBS POSTED OCTOBER 20, 2021 7:24 PMHi Joseph,When it comes to boosting sex drive, the list of foods and herbs with potential aphrodisiac properties is very long.Thank you for adding Horny Goat Weed to this list. This herb has been used for centuries in traditional Asian medicine for people with sexual difficulties, but human research data to support the use of horny goat weed is still limited. Horny goat weed contains chemical compounds known as phytoestrogens, plant-based substances that have the same effects as the estrogen your body produces.Always speak to your doctor before taking herbal supplements like horny goat weed. People with certain health conditions may be at higher risk for adverse side effects.Many blessings and good health!Reply
ABDUL POSTED NOVEMBER 17, 2021 5:01 AMI was given this tea recipe, it definitely works. But after looking at your feedback on Skullcap, I am on a shakhy ground now: Damiana: 1 cup Yohimbe: 1/4 cup Horny goat weed: 1/4 cup Skullcap: 1/2 cup Oatstraw: 1/4 cup Maca: 1/4 cupPlease share your feedback.Reply
J POSTED NOVEMBER 17, 2021 5:41 AMYou donât say how one prepares this tea or how much and how often to drink it. Can you add any details please?Reply
ABDUL POSTED NOVEMBER 17, 2021 5:44 AMThis is what is said: Put in a tea ball or muslin bag and steep in hot, but not boiling water for 15-20 minutes. Drink once daily two-three hours before sexual activity for best results.
ABDUL POSTED NOVEMBER 17, 2021 8:35 AMDear Nicole and TLH team We would be grateful if you could advise on a herbal contraceptive please?Reply
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JOHN LACOMBE POSTED SEPTEMBER 9, 2021 4:22 PMDo they sell cabbage juice in stores that are ready to drinkReply
BARBIE POSTED SEPTEMBER 9, 2021 11:33 PMLove Your Toys and Tricks. I just started my journey it Natural Remedies⊠still have to work on pain relief but doing good so far..Reply
LORI OSTROM POSTED SEPTEMBER 10, 2021 5:23 PMâIf you have hypothyroidism or an underactive thyroid gland, it should also be avoided or limitedâ. Can you tell my why? Your article just said to avoid or limit â but doesnât say why? Thank you.Reply
CATHY POSTED SEPTEMBER 10, 2021 7:20 PMI too would like to know why??? Can someone please explain?Reply
CHERYL ZIEMANN POSTED SEPTEMBER 12, 2021 4:16 AMI have the same question, please tell us why?Reply
THE LOST HERBS POSTED SEPTEMBER 14, 2021 12:37 PMHi,Cabbage contains goitrogens which interfere with iodine transport to the thyroid and how the thyroid utilizes iodine, essential for normal thyroid function. Goitrogen levels are even higher in raw cabbage so consuming cabbage juice, especially regularly, could be harmful to people with these conditions.Many blessings and good health!Reply
BRANDI POSTED SEPTEMBER 22, 2021 3:19 PMThere is an enzyme that lowers thyroid activity just as with lemon balm and other herbs you may want to research for avoiding with hypothyroidism.Reply
NANCY POSTED NOVEMBER 29, 2021 1:05 PMI am looking for the recipe for cabbage and garlic. I thing it cab be a salve or tincture. It cab be applied to arthritic joints. Please help. Thank you.Reply
PAT BAZLEY POSTED MARCH 30, 2022 1:12 PMI paid for 2 online books awhile back but do not know how to find them. Could you help me out there?Reply
THE LOST HERBS POSTED MARCH 31, 2022 11:27 AMHi Pat,Thank you for your interest in our work.
