"variations of the principles of sympathetic magic.
Based on the search for similarity, contrast and pattern on the earth around them..toadstools growing on dead tree trunks were placed with the dead in the hope of bringing them back to life; ivy berries would cure drunkeness because the vines strangles ; parasitic plants might in turn cure inner parasites.
Many classical authors thought that planting lentils around a garden would protect from gale force winds!"
We have come a long way and now used more plants in more ways to cure our ailments, and more discoveries are being made daily from plants in the inner rain forests.
We still use aspirin widely to cure headaches, many having no clue it originated from chewing birch twigs, so maybe it is time that more of the power of common herbs, was known.
A lot of the use of herbs in cooking is not just for flavor, in times before refrigeration they were a way of preserving the food as they prevented mold & bacteria growth.
However, I am a firm believer in the power of herbs to alleviate some forms of illness or just give the body a boost and have been involved in herbalism for the best part of 40 yrs.
For drink infusions (teas) it is a good idea to purchase a tea ball ( there are tea bags that you can purchase to fill your self but they have to be steam ironed shut and can become fiddly, a tea ball for personal use is ideal)
Some basic ailments and proposed remedies: (all dried herbs can be purchased online from notable herbalists or dry your own, but do not try and dry wet herbs as they mold fast)
Sore throat:..a gargle of sage, cider vinegar and honey.
Make an infusion of blackberry and or raspberry leaves, chopped fresh sage and chopped garlic, when cool strain it and add 1 tsp cider vinegar, and 1 tsp honey. Gargle 4 -5 times daily ( this can also be effective with Laryngitis)
Cough...a simple cough syrup..slice a large brown onion into rings and pour to cover, runny organic honey, leave overnight.
Next day strain off the onion rings and take this "syrup" in 1 tbsp. 4-5 times a day.
Avoid gluten and dairy during this period.
An infusion for coughs is 1 part each of coltsfoot flowers, marshmallow leaves, hyssop and 1/2 part liquorice root & aniseed. Simmer the infusion for 10 mins, and strain and sweeten with honey, drink this hot 3-4 times daily.
Sinusitis... to remove mucus use 1 egg cup full of fresh beetroot juice and same of warm water and sluice out your nasal passages
Liver cleanse..( do not use these methods if you are pregnant):
2 tbsp fenugreek seeds in 2 cups spring water ..either soak overnight and strain or simmer for 20 mins then strain..drink the liquid, 1 cup last thing at night, cool or luke warm.
Can also sprout the seeds and eat after 5 days of rinsing twice daily.
Eat fresh artichoke as often as possible, relieves constipation, encourages good digestion and is a gentle liver cleanser.
After heavy holiday or winter meals an infusion of 1 part dandelion root, barberry, gentian with spring water simmered for 10 mins then strained, sweetened with honey and drink 1 cup before bed.
Inflammation of gall bladder or gallstones..an infusion..1 part of each: chamomile, crampbark, marshmallow leaves and slippery elm, spring water, simmer for 10 mins then strain..1 cup (8ozs)
Leg cramps can be caused by low calcium levels ..to increase calcium intake add more raw sesame seeds and tahini paste to the diet.
Ginger tea also helps with the circulation.
Insomnia:
to 1 cup boiling water add 2 parts each of skullcap,and passionflower, 1 part each of valerian & hops and 1/2 part liquorice root..simmer for 10 mins, strain and drink sweetened with honey.
Also Epsom salts and lavender oil ( fresh/dried lavender flowers in muslin sachet) in a warm not hot bath just before bed.
OR
2 tsp cider vinegar to 1 tsp honey add hot water and drink just before bed
In a Funk? increase intake of Brewer's yeast (also nutritional yeast)
Ginseng..available in capsules or tincture
Lemon balm, rosemary and borage lift the spirits..make an infusion with equal parts fresh or dried.
Essential oils applied to temples and massage are: bergamot ( also flavors Earl Grey Tea), orange, lemon, jasmine, rose, and neroli
Be well, eat better, Live Longer GOOD LIFE
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