Dandelions Are An Herbal Plant And A Medicinal Plant Not Just A Weed

You can use dandelions as an herbal plant and a medicinal plant; it's no longer just a weed. You can use the dandelion roots to make tinctures or teas. The dandelion flower can be used to make dandelion wine and the leaves can be chopped and added to salads, soups or stews. The versatility of the dandelion herb is astounding.

Long ago physicians treated patients according to the Doctrine of the Signatures. They believed that herbs were signed by God to indicate their medicinal usage by color. Therefore, they treated jaundice with a dandelion tonic because of its yellow hue. In Victorian days cooks grew dandelions in their kitchen gardens for addition to their recipes and of course, to make dandelion wine.

The French call it the dent-de-lion or lion's tooth. They feel that the petals reminds them of lion's teeth. It has acquired many nick names along the years including, blow ball or puff ball, tell-the-time and clockflower. The puff ball moniker refers to days after the flowering, when a feather globe of seeds appears to be blown in the wind to a new destination. It is said that the dandelion can foretell the weather. If the day is to be fine the flower will open fully. If the flower ball remains tightly closed it is a sign of rain.

The dandelion grows across the United States and Canada. It has a long growing period that lasts from spring to fall. Early spring is the best time to harvest the green leaves before the dandelion flowers. Once the dandelion has flowered the leaves will be very bitter. The dandelion leaves have more iron that spinach and more carotene than carrots.

That common dandelion weed is packed with minerals such as calcium, magnesium phosphorous, iron, zinc and selenium. Added to that, it supplies vitamins B1, B2, B3, C and E. Who knew?

The dandelion as an herbal plant has many uses. You can use the flowers to make dandelion wine. Just grind up one cup of the flowers into 4 cups of white wine, put in an air tight container and let it steep for 4 weeks. Of course, strain out the flowers before drinking. The leaves make a tea or can be used chopped in a salad, soups and stews. The roots can be made into a caffeine free coffee after roasting or dry them for tinctures. The entire dandelion can be used as an herbal plant or a medicinal plant. Just make sure to dig deep when harvesting the dandelion as it has a very long tap root.

Another useful way to use the dandelion herb is to juice a big bowl of it with ½ of an apple. You will find it a very easy way to supplement your diet with the beneficial properties of the dandelion plant.

The dandelion as a medicinal plant can be used in a variety of ways. In the spring pick young leaves to be eaten in salads to take advantage of all those vitamins and minerals. Pick mature leaves, before the dandelion flowers, for their diuretic qualities to cleanse the bladder and urinary tract. The leaves made into teas will help ease water retention associated with PMS. The milky sap that oozes out of the stem is said to remove warts.

So the dandelion is no longer just a weed, it can be used as an herbal plant and a medicinal plant. Or view it as a fun memory of your childhood. How many of us can remember braiding "necklaces" out of dandelions as young children. Or, remember the delight of blowing on the puff ball to scatter its seeds. It is time to become reacquainted with the dandelion and all it is worth.

Copyright © 2006 Mary Hanna All Rights Reserved.

This article may be distributed freely on your website and in your ezines, as long as this entire article, copyright notice, links and the resource box are unchanged.

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About Mary Hanna:
About the Author Mary Hanna is an aspiring herbalist who lives in Central Florida. This allows her to grow gardens inside and outside year round. She has published other articles on Cruising, Gardening and Cooking. Visit her websites at www.CruiseTravelDirectory.com, www.ContainerGardeningSecrets.com, and www.GardeningHerb.com

Adder's Tongue or Serpent's Tongue

Description:

This herb has but one leaf, which grows with the stalk a finger's length above the ground, being flat and of a fresh green colour; broad like Water Plantain, but less, without any rib in it; from the bottom of which leaf, on the inside, rises up (ordinarily) one, sometimes two or three slender stalks, the upper half where of is somewhat bigger, and dented with small dents of a yellowish green colour, like the tongue of an adder serpent (only this is as useful as they are formidable). The roots continue all the year.

Place.

It grows in moist meadows, and such like places.

Time.

It is to be found in Mayor April, for it quickly perishes with a little heat.

Government and virtues.

It is an herb under the dominion of the Moon and Cancer, and therefore if the weakness of the retentive faculty be caused by an evil in influence of Saturn in any part of the body governed by the Moon, or under the dominion of Cancer, this herb cures it by sympathy. It cures these diseases after specified, in any part of the body under the influence of Saturn, by antipathy.

It is temperate in respect of heat, but dry in the second degree. The juice of the leaves, drank with the distilled water of Horse-tail, is a singular remedy for all manner of wounds in the breast, bowels, or other parts of the body, and is given with good success to those that are troubled with casting, vomiting, or bleeding at the mouth or nose, or otherwise downwards. The said juice given in the distilled water of Oaken-buds, is very good for women who have their usual courses, or the whites flowing down too abundantly. It helps sore eyes. Of the leaves infused or boiled in oil, omphacine or unripe olives, set in the sun four certain days, or the green leaves sufficiently boiled in the said oil, is made an excellent green balsam, not only for green and fresh wounds, but also for old and inveterate ulcers, especially if a little fine clear turpentine be dissolved therein. It also stays and refreshes all inflammations that arise upon pains by hurts and wounds.

What parts of the body are under each planet and sign, and also what disease may be found in my astrological judgment of diseases; and for the internal work of nature in the body of man; as vital, animal, natural and procreative spirits of man; the apprehension, judgment, memory; the external senses, viz. seeing, hearing, smelling, tasting and feeling; the virtuous, attractive, retentive, digestive, expulsive, &c. under the dominion of what planets they are, may be found in my Ephemeris for the year 1651. In both which you shall find the chaff of authors blown away by the fame of Dr. Reason, and nothing but rational truths left for the ingenious to feed upon.

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About alien:

Alien writes for natural herbs. He also writes for herbal remedies and you can get more information on herbal medicines .

Muira Puama - Side Effects and Benefits

Botanical Name of Muira Puama: Ptychopetalum olacoides

Other Common Names: Potency wood, mara puama, marapuama, marapama raiz del macho, and potenzholz.

Habitat: Muira puama, or potency wood, is native to the Brazilian Amazon. It requires a tropical climate and plentiful moisture to thrive.

Plant Description: Muira puama is a small bush/tree that grows to a height of 5 meters and produces small, white, jasmine-scented flowers.

Plant Parts Used: The bark and root of this tree are used for medical purposes.

Therapeutic Uses, Benefits and Claims of Muira Puama

* Muira puama has been used traditionally by tribes in Brazil and the surrounding South American countries. It is a popular, though not well researched, herbal supplement in Europe and North and South Americas.
* Traditionally this herb was used by indigenous tribes as an aphrodisiac and to treat impotence. Chewing the barks, stems or root was the most popular method of administration.
* Muira puama has also been used as a tonic for nervous conditions and depressions. It has been used to promote overall nerve function and to relieve nerve pain.
* Some Amazonian tribes have used this medicinal herb to treat dysentery and rheumatism. A paste of the bark and/or root oils has also been applied topically to treat beriberi and paralysis.
* In Europe, around 1930, it became a popular supplement for treating erectile dysfunction. It has been shown to be as effective as yohimbine in some cases, without the adverse side effects.
* Although clinical studies and research are sparse, muira puama is still promoted today as a treatment for erectile dysfunction and as a male aphrodisiac.
* It has also been used for gastrointestinal disorders and as a treatment for indigestion.
* Muira puama does have a stimulant effect that leaves the user with a general feeling of well-being when taken in proper doses. Large doses may cause an overstimulation leaving the user feeling restless and affecting sleep.
* This herbal supplement has also been shown, in animal studies, to improve mental focus and clarity. It may also help improve concentration and short term memory.
* It is also used to treat hair loss.
* Its stimulant effect also makes it useful as a herb for depression.
* Women have used muira puama to treat the discomforts of menopause, as well as cramping associated with menstruation.
* Muira puama can be combined with other herbs, such as damiana, guarana, catuaba, and suma, to increase its effects.

Dosage and Administration

Indigenous tribes in South America have taken this herbal supplement by chewing the bark or brewing a tea using the bark, stems or roots. The common dosage used today is 1 to 1.5 grams of the bark, stem, and/or root. Muira puama is available as an extract or in powdered form in capsules.

Potential Side Effects of Muira Puama

Muira puama appears to be relatively safe at the dosages expressed above. Insomnia and restlessness have been noted with high doses. Due to lack of research with human subjects, women who are pregnant or lactating should avoid taking this supplement. Safety in children has also not been determined. There has not been any toxicity noted with long term use on muira puama. There do not appear to be any drug interactions with this supplement, although it may increase the effect of erectile dysfunction drugs and supplements.

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About alien:
Alien writes for Natural herbs . He also writes for herbs and asthma home remedies

Passion Flower (Passiflora incarnata) - Side Effects and Benefits

Botanical Name of Passion Flower: Passiflora incarnata

Other Common Names: Maypop, passiflora, passionflower.

Habitat: Passion flower is native to North, Central, and South America. This plant is mostly tropical, but some varieties may grow in colder climates. Passion flower prefers shaded, dry areas, such as those along fences and woods. It can be cultivated from a cutting or seeds in full sun with good drainage.

Plant Description: The Passion flower plant has a long vine which may grow to 9.2 meters in length. It has alternate, serrate leaves with finely toothed lobes. The white flowers have a purple center. The mystery of the beautiful blossom developing from an unassuming bud was compared to the Passion of Christ because the plant parts were thought to represent the crucifixion, giving rise to the name Passion Flower. This flower blooms from May to July. The fruit of this plant, which is called a granadilla, is a smooth, yellow, ovate berry containing many seeds.

Plant Parts Used: The leaves, stems, and flowers are all used in medicinal uses.

Therapeutic Uses, Benefits and Claims of Passion Flower

* Traditionally, Passion flower has been used for its sedative effect. Due to this effect it has been used as a herbal sleep aid and is considered a good herb to relieve anxiety.
* Historically, it was also used to treat gastrointestinal spasms.
* Passion flower has a hypotensive effect (lowers blood pressure) and also relieves tachycardia (fast heart rate.)
* The anti-spasmodic effect makes this herb useful in treating the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, seizures, and hysteria.
* This herb has also been used to treat nerve pain and shingles.
* Asthma, especially with a high level of spasmodic activity, responds well to passion flower use.
* It can be combined with valerian, hops, and Jamaican dogwood for an effective herbal insomnia treatment.
* Passion flower may also have a mild aphrodisiac effect.
* Research is being done on the effect of passion flower as a treatment in opiate withdrawal.

Dosage and Administration

Passion flower is available as a dry herb, tea, tincture,in extracts or in capsule/tablet form. Four to eight grams of the dried herb can be taken daily in divided doses. The tincture can be taken in 3-4 doses of 5-10 ml per day. The capsules usually come in 200-400 mg doses taken two to three times a day. This herb is often combined with other herbs in formulas designed for specific conditions.

Side Effects and Possible Interactions of Passion Flower

There have been no major side effects noted with Passion flower use. Caution should be taken when first taking this herb while driving or operating machinery. Use of this herb with prescription sedatives is not advised due to the cumulative effect. This herb may also interact with MAO-inhibitors.

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About alien:
Alien writes for Natural herbs . He also writes for herbs and asthma home remedies

Top Five Herbal Teas

Herbal Teas are quickly becoming the tea of choice to many tea drinkers, as a multitude of new and unique herbal blends are becoming available. With all the new options, what is the difference, and why should I drink one over the other ? A benefit with herbal teas is that not only will the tastes vary, but so too will the herbal benefits.

Below are my top 5 Herbal Teas.

Lemongrass – Lemongrass is a very popular herbal tea with a refreshing Lemon taste and aroma. Though Herbal Teas are caffeine free, Lemongrass still provides an uplifting feeling due to its light and refreshing taste. Both hot and iced, Lemongrass tea is a popular herbal beverage in Day Spas due its cleansing properties. While fully hydrating the body, Lemongrass helps to rid your body of toxins that harm everything in our body, inside and out.

Bael Fruit – Though not a common herbal tea, Bael Fruit is one of the best. A light and refreshing tea, this herbal beverage is especially good iced. The taste is hard to describe, as it is a taste unique to itself, though it is light and smooth. Herbal Remedies associated with Bael Fruit are helping to make one mentally alert. Bael Fruit makes an excellent, sugar free, drink for children as well as adults. More info on Bael Fruit.

Mulberry – Well known in Thailand, Mulberry tea is an herbal beverage with many remedies associated with it; most significantly helping to lower cholesterol. Also popular, is allergy relief provided by this herbal beverage. The list continues with benefits to both hair and eyes. The taste of Mulberry is sweet, and considered by some to taste like sea weed (a taste very popular in Asian Cultures).

Pandan – Very popular in Thailand, and only now beginning to make its way to the western world, Pandan is an herbal tea with a sweetly toasted taste. Herbal Remedies associated with Pandan include most significantly lowering of blood sugar and blood pressure. In addition to this are benefits to heart and kidney functions.

Wild Flower – This unique Herbal blend is from a company making a range of new herbal teas highly accessible, Sabaidi Tea Co., Ltd. Wild Flower contains, Chrysanthemum, Lemongrass, and Mulberry. In addition to the benefits associated with Lemongrass and Mulberry, such as removing your body of toxins, lowering cholesterol, and allergy relief, Wild Flower can also help lower blood pressure as an herbal remedy associated with Chrysanthemum.

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About Sabaidi:
Sabaidi Tea is a gourmet tea manufacturer based in Thailand. Gourmet teas and Herbal Teas are sold loose as well as in Sabaidi's uniquely designed, reusable Sabaidi Tea Bags.

Arssmart Herb

Arssmart

The hot Arssmart is called also Waterpepper, or Culrage. The mild Arssmart is called dead Arssmart Persicaria, or Peachwort, because the leaves are so like the leaves of a peach-tree; it is also called Plumbago.

Description

This has broad leaves set at the great red joint of the stalks; with semicircular blackish marks on them, usually either bluish or whitish, with such like seed following. The root is long, with many strings thereat, perishing yearly; this has no sharp taste (as another sort has, which is quick and biting) but rather sour like sorrel, or else a little drying, or without taste.

Place

It grows in watery places, ditches, and the like, which for the most part are dry in summer.

Time

It flowers in June, and the seed is ripe in August.

Government and virtues.

As the virtue of both these is various, so is also their government; for that which is hot and biting, is under the dominion of Mars, but Saturn, challenges the other, as appears by that leaden coloured spot he hath placed upon the leaf.

It is of a cooling and drying quality, and very effectual for putrefied ulcers in man or beast, to kill worms, and cleanse the putrefied places. The juice there of dropped in, or otherwise applied, consumes all colds, swellings, and dissolveth the congealed blood of bruises by strokes, falls, &c. A piece of the root, or some of the seeds bruised, and held to an aching tooth, takes away the pain. The leaves bruised and laid to the joint that has a felon there on, takes it away. The juice destroys worms in the ears, being dropped into them; if the hot Arssmart be strewed in a chamber, it will soon kill all the fleas; and the herb or juice of the cold Arssmart, put to a horse or other cattle's sores, will drive away the fly in the hottest time of Summer; a good handful of the hot biting Arssmart put under a horse's saddle, will make him travel the better, although he were half tired before. The mild Arssmart is good against all imposthumes and inflammations at the beginning, and to heal green wounds.

All authors chop the virtues of both sorts of Arssmart together, as men chop herbs for the pot, when both of them are of contrary qualities. The hot Arssmart grows not so high or tall as the mild doth, but has many leaves of the colour of peach leaves, very seldom or never spotted; in other particulars it is like the former, but may easily be known from it, if you will but be pleased to break a leaf of it cross your tongue, for the hot will make your tongue to smart, but the cold will not. If you see them both together, you may easily distinguish them, because the mild hath far broader leaves.

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About alien:

Alien writes for medicinal herbs. He also writes for natural remedies and you can get more information on herbal medicines .

Find out how Amara Dulcis might benefit your health

Amara Dulcis

Description:

It grows up with woody stalks even to a man's height, and sometimes higher. The leaves fall off at the approach of winter, and spring out of the same stalk at spring-time: the branch is compassed about with a whitish bark, and has a pith in the middle of it: the main branch branches itself into many small ones with claspers, laying hold on what is next to them, as vines do: it bears many leaves, they grow in no order at all, at least in no regular order; the leaves are longish, though somewhat broad, and pointed at the ends: many of them have two little leaves growing at the end of their foot-stalk; some have but one, and some none. The leaves are of a pale green colour; the flowers are of a purple colour, or of a perfect blue, like to violets, and they stand many of them together in knots: the berries are green at first, but when they are ripe they are very red; if you taste them, you shall find them just as the crabs which we in Sussex call Bitter-sweet, viz. sweet at first and bitter afterwards.

Place.

They grow commonly almost throughout England, especially in moist and shady places.

Time.

The leaves shoot out about the latter end of March, if the temperature of the air be ordinary; it flowers in July, and the seeds are ripe soon after, usually in the next month.

Government and virtues.

It is under the planet Mercury, and a notable herb of his also, if it be rightly gathered under his influence. It is excellently good to remove witchcraft both in men and beasts, as also all sudden diseases whatsoever. Being tied round about the neck, is one of the most admirable remedies for the vertigo or dizziness in the head; and that is the reason (as Tragus saith) the people in Germany commonly hang it about their cattle's necks, when they fear any such evil hath betided them. Country people commonly take the berries of it, and having bruised them, apply them to felons, and thereby soon rid their fingers of such trouble some guests.

We have now showed you the external use of the herb; we shall speak a word or two of the internal, and so conclude. Take notice, it is a Mercurial herb, and therefore of very subtile parts, as indeed all Mercurial plants are; therefore take a pound of the wood and leaves together, bruise the wood (which you may easily do, for it is not so hard as oak) then put it in a pot, and put to it three pints of white wine, put on the pot-lid and shut it close; and let it infuse hot over a gentle fire twelve hours, then strain it out, so have you a most excellent drink to open obstructions of the liver and spleen, to help difficulty of breath, bruises and falls, and congealed blood in any part of the body, it helps the yellow jaundice, the dropsy, and black jaundice, and to cleanse 'women newly brought to bed. You may drink a quarter of a pint of the infusion every morning. It purges the body very gently, and not churlishly as some hold.

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About alien:

Alien writes for natural herbs. He also writes for herbal remedies and you can get more information on herbal medicines .