Horsetail

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horsetail-supplement.jpgHorsetail, scientifically referred to as Equisetum arvense is an herbal remedy that dates back to the Roman and Greek ages. In traditional medicine, it was used for a myriad of different treatments (much like every herbal remedy). Some of it’s benefits were the treatment and ability to heal ulcers and wounds, to stop bleeding, kidney problems, as well as to stop tuberculosis.

In today’s society, horsetail is still believed by many to have some medicinal value. The plant has stems that contain a lot of silica and silicic acid, both which assist in the formation of collagen and mending of broken bones. Collagen is important to the body as it’s an important protein that can be found in bone, skin, tissue, ligaments, and cartilage.

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Lavender and Insomnia

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lavender.jpgWhen most people think of an aromatic smell and fragrance, like those found in soaps, sachets, and shampoos, lavender comes to mind. However, it’s much more than just a fragrance – its an herb that acts as a natural remedy to a variety of different ailments and conditions.

Some medical conditions that lavender is believed to help treat includes insomnia, depression, mood disturbances, and anxiety disorders. All of this centers around the research that has shown that lavender creates a soothing, calming effect.
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Catnip

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catnip.JPGCatnip is a member of the mint family, also known as Labiatea. It’s native to Asia and Europe but is naturalized in the United States. The flowers that are found on the white and gray catnip plant have white and purple spots, arranged in whorls on spikes. These clusters are of flowers are in bloom from July to September.

Catnip has volatile oil that cats normally find stimulating, while the leaves and the flowering tops on the plant are commonly used in herbal medicines. Other names of the plant include catmint, cat’s-play, catnep, catwort, nip, and field balm. Read the rest of this entry »

What is slippery elm?

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slippery-elm.jpgSlippery elm, also known as Ulmus fulfa, has been used as an herb in North America for hundreds of years. Slippery elm was used by the Native Americans for a variety of reasons, mainly to heal boils, ulcers, burns, wounds, and to help treat skin inflammation. Specifically, the Cherokee used slippery elm for skin conditions, eye wash, and coughs.

Slippery elm is one of the four herbs that is included in essiac, a popular therapy designed for cancer treatment. Developed in the 1930s by a Canadian nurse, the therapy also includes burdock root, rhubarb, red clover, blessed thistle, among other herbs.   However, no scientific evidence exists that shows that any of these work as a cancer treatment. Read the rest of this entry »