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There is a great need for information, knowledge, and
understanding on the uses of nature's herbal foods. Herbalists see
nature as a positive force in healing the body and providing minerals, vitamins,
and nutrients that are in tune with the human body.
With all our knowledge, we have to admit that the North American
Indian, and the natives of other countries in their primitive state, unskilled
and without any knowledge of anatomy, physiology, or chemistry, prevent and cure
with simple herbs many diseases that baffle the best of modern medical
schools.
Dr. Clive M. McCay, one time Professor of Nutrition at Cornell
University, said "If I had been sick 200 years ago, I would have been
better off in the hands of a medicine man of the American Indians than I would
have been in those of a European physician. The Indian would have given
mental therapy, food and herb remedies. The European physician would have
drained away my blood!"
The good news is that there are many physicians today that are
practicing preventative medicine or also called holistic medicine and they are
investigating the merits of herbs in addition to vitamins, and supplements
WARNING: Never use herbs and prescription drugs together
at the same time. Consult with your doctor or practitioner. Drugs
have their place and are necessary in certain conditions, but herbs can also be
used to enhance the physicians practice.
I would like to introduce you to the benefits of some of the
most common herbs and grasses found in nature. These are some of the
historical uses.
GREEN
SUPERFOODS:
" Green, and
blue-green algae: They are the most potent source of beta carotene
available in the world today. They are the richest food source of vitamin
B-12, higher than liver, chlorella or sea vegetable. Their protein yield
is greater than soy beans, corn or beef.
Chlorella:
Contains a higher concentration of chlorophyll than any other known plant.
It is a complete protein food.....Its rich nutritional content has made it
effective in weight loss programs, both for cleansing ability, and in
maintaining muscle tone during lower food intake.
Spirulina: ...Acre
for acre, yields 20 times more protein than soybeans, 40 times more than corn,
and 400 times more than beef. It is a complete protein. It is rich
in beta carotene, minerals, trace minerals, and essential fatty acids.
Barley Grass
: contains a broad spectrum of concentrated vitamins, minerals,
enzymes, proteins and chlorophyllins. It has eleven times the calsium of cow's
milk, five times the iron of spinach, and seven times the amount of vitamin C
and and bioflavonoids as orange juice. ...contains 80mcg of B-12 per
hundred grams of powdered juice.
In essence, eating any of the above green superfoods (including alfalfa
below) is like giving yourself a little transfusion to help treat
illness, enhance immunity and sustain well-being. They have a synergistic
and beneficial effect when added to a normal diet. The green superfoods
are valuable in almost all of the healing diets. Over the years we have
found the incredible claims about their valuable benefits to have substance and
truth."
The above portion about the green superfoods has been taken from the book
"Healthy Healing" by Linda G. Rector-Page, N.D., PH.D.
ALFALFA: Rich in chlorophyll, protein, vitamin A,E,K,D,B6
and U. Also rich in calcium and trace minerals, Contains high amounts of
phosphorus, iron, potassium, chlorine, sodium, silicon, magnesium B1, B2,
B12. Has 8 of the essential amino acids. Today alfalfa products are
found in every health food store in the country. It is made into tea,
grown in sprouters, made into tablets, eaten fresh in " Green Drink"
and used as an organic base for many vitamin tablets. In Louise Tenney's
"Health Handbook"," Some specific uses: benefits bladder and
prostate; helps in chemical imbalance; eight digestive enzymes in alfalfa
provide better digestion and assimilation; rebuilds decayed teeth; neutralizes
uric acid for arthritis, bursitis, etc."
ALOE VERA: Commonly known as a skin healer.
Effective on burns cuts insect stings, bruises, acne blemishes, poison ivy, and
more. Taken internally is known to aid in the healing of stomach
disorders, ulcers, constipation, hemorrhoids, and all colon problems.
CAYENNE: Improves circulation; acts as a catalyst for
other herbs. Good for the heart, kidneys, lungs, stomach...useful for
arthritis and rheumatism.
CHAMOMILE: Digestive aid, nerve tonic and sleep
aid. Traditional remedy for stress and anxiety.
COMFREY: Speeds healing of wounds when used
externally. Beneficial for many skin problems. Very effective in
knitting bones and sprains. Can be found as a gel in some health stores.
DONG QUAI: Nourishing to female glands .Helpful for all
female problems.
ECHINACEA: Stimulates certain white blood cells and has
anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties according to many sources.
Improves the immune system.
GARLIC: Detoxifies the body and protects against
infection by enhancing immune function. Lowers blood pressure and improves
circulation . Good for almost any disease or infection. Cut up a
fresh garlic clove in small pieces, put on your tongue and wash down with
water. Do not chew. It is suppose to not be offensive when taken
this way. Alot cheaper than buying in tablets.
GINGER: Among other things helps with nausea and
vomiting, motion sickness. Health stores carry a crystallized
ginger. I keep it when I get nauseated. Chew a piece or two. I
wash off the sugar. It tastes great too.
GINKGO: Improves brain functioning , circulation, and
oxygenation. May help memory loss and tinnitis.
GOLDENSEAL: Acts as an antibiotic, cleanses the body,
strengthens the immune system. Look for extract combined with echinachea.
Very effective against cold, flu, and other infections when taken at first sign
of problems. Consult a practitioner.
HAWTHORN: Good for the cardiovascular disorders.
KELP: Contains about thirty trace and major
minerals. Useful for thyroid because of its iodine content, and is said to
protect against the effects of radiation.
PARSLEY: Contains more vitamin C than
oranges, by weight. Helpful to kidneys, bladder, stomach, liver and
gallbladder.
SAW PALMETTO: Said to inhibit the production of
dihydrotestosterone, a hormone that contributes to enlargement of the prostate.
VALERIAN: Acts as a sedative, good for anxiety,
nervousness, stress. When combined with hops and chamomile is useful to
help relax you for sleep.
Herbs that may be irritating, stimulating, : pepper, mustard,
horse-radish, cloves, allspice, cinnamon, nutmeg
VITAMINS AND MINERALS
Most Americans do not know how to live a healthy life and
many are undernourished. People who are living on junk food usually are
not taking vitamins. Proper nutrition affects our health. Unfortunately
cooking and baking destroys most water-soluble vitamins and all enzymes.
Further loss comes from food kept in storage.
Vitamins and minerals are called food supplements because they
supplement the foods that you eat. When selecting a supplement, read your
labels carefully for ingredient and amounts. They will read: "one
tablet contains the following", however, some companies print "Three
tablets contain " or "six tablets contain". Many people
think the items listed are for one tablet. So read carefully. Most
people will benefit greatly by taking a multi-vitamin. Consult your
practitioner or nutritionist for your particular needs.
NUTRITIONAL GREEN DRINK
Fill your blender with 8 oz. unsweetened pineapple juice.
Add four large handfuls of green leaves such as alfalfa, parsley, comfrey,
spinach, watercress, kale .....whatever is available. Do not use
stems. Blend till smooth and enjoy a glass full of vitamins and
minerals and the green magic -chlorophyll.
Check your local health food store for books on herbs and
supplements that will help you in your educational journey.
More to come!
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Herbs