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Archive for Herbs

NETTLE Urtica Dioica

Posted by Jacqueline Kilbryde 
· May 20, 2020 

Nettle is a common plant found in untouched areas where the ground has been left to go wild and without chemical use.  It may be considered a nuisance by some, due to its formidable sting afforded by its formic acid content(same found in ants!) and also because it is seen as an annoying weed.

This is far from the truth as Nettle is not only a great medicinal herb but also a nutritive plant.
The nutritive attributes are manifold as Nettle contains a very high content of Iron and Vitamin C in its leaves. So much so it can be used for iron deficiency anaemia and as a vegetable or tea to supplement our daily iron intake.

As well it contains an abundance of other minerals including Silica. Silica is a useful substance and adds strength to lungs and kidney tissue, as well as enhancing the strength and lustre of hair and nails.  The arrival of Nettle in spring would have been very welcome by rural folk who knew the nutritive value of this plant. Furthermore they would have been aware of its blood cleansing properties and combined with dandelion leaf and cleavers would have used all to enliven the body and rid it of toxic accumulation, after the sluggish winter months.

Today herbalist uses Nettle on a daily basis for its valuable medicinal functions..

Stimulating the peripheral circulation.
For is diuretic effect in enhancing kidney function and ridding the body of toxins.
For its cleansing action particularly suited to skin conditions.
As a remedy for arthritis and painful joint disease, including gout.
For benign prostate enlargement.

In order to augment biodiversity in the garden, a patch of Nettle should be encouraged as it is an important food for butterflies, in particular, and other insects which in turn are a food source for bats. Herbs such as Nettle encourage and preserve the interdependence of the natural world for continuing survival of this rich source.

Categories :

Fire Cider..For immune support.

Posted by Jacqueline Kilbryde 
· April 6, 2020 

The present extraordinary time demands extraordinary measures to keep us safe and well. We need to have tools to help and support our immune system as much as possible,and there are recipes available that everyone can concoct for themselves.

One such is Fire cider, made from spices which we probably use daily. These are Garlic,Ginger Chili,and Horseradish.
If it is difficult to source horseradish it is ok to omit it. The spices all have anti-pathogenic properties and are used for viral and bacterial infections.

Get a large,clean,sterilised glass jar and layer the jar(as shown above) with finely sliced ginger root, garlic and chilis. Then pour in cider vinegar, enough to cover all the spices used. Put the lid on the jar and leave in a dark place for 2 weeks, shaking the jar daily.
After this time strain off the liquid. Measure the amount of liquid strained and add to it the same quantity of honey.
Honey is an essential addition as the mixture would be too fiery to take. Pour the prepared liquid plus honey in a clean glass bottle and this can be kept in the fridge. Take 5ml daily as a preventative and 5ml 3x daily in the presence of a respiratory infection.


There are many other herbs that can be taken for immune support at this time.
These include..

Thyme herb which has anti-viral properties and is a great respiratory support herb, calming coughing and wheezing and assisting expectoration and clearing phlegm. Thyme is easy to source as a fresh herb and can be made into a tea by chopping half and ounce and adding hot water..half litre..to it. Cover the container to stop the valuable therapeutic oils from escaping and let steep for at least a half hour.  This is strained and the herb discarded and a cupful drunk 1-3x daily.

Another well know herb which offers immune support is Echinacea. This is commonly taken in Tiincture form as drops and can be bought from health food stores. Research has shown that Echinacea root stimulates the proliferation of white cells involved in the immune response. Dosage is 2.5 ml 1-3x daily, in water.

Elecampane is another wonderful herb to support the immune and respiratory system. It can be taken as a tincture in the same amounts as for Echinacea. Elecampane is commonly used by herbalists for respiratory and stomach infections.

There are many other herbs for immune support and two I use frequently are Astralagus root as well as False Ginseng. These two herbs have the added ability to help debility, weakness and improve energy.

Two excellent wild food sources that can be sourced presently are 3 cornered leek and wild garlic/ramsons. Both have a great affinity to the respiratory system like their family members, garlic and onion. The plants are edible and can be used in salads,sautéed with vegetables or made into a zesty pesto.

For any information on the herbs used in this article please contact
Jacqueline Kilbryde. Medical herbalist 0863369642

Categories :

Cleavers- An Emerging Green Herb

Posted by Jacqueline Kilbryde 
· March 5, 2020 

Even through howling/raging winds and torrential rain there is a little green herb pushing its way up and outwards to herald the spring!.  It is a tough plant and has earned itself many common names, including Goosegrass, Sticky willie, and Bedstraw among others.

As the herb matures with the months of growth, it becomes gnarled and fibrous and when picked ,it can be rolled into a dense mat-like structure which earned it the name of Bedtraw. It was literally used to stuff mattresses in the past! Another name for the plant is Cleavers which it is commonly known by.

Its botanical name is Galium aparine…aparine comes from the greek ‘aparo’ meaning to lay hold,of to seize, and belongs to the family of plants Rubiaceae.(coffee belongs to this family) The seeds of Cleavers were once roasted and ground and used like coffee,with a less stimulating action!

This plant is as tenacious as it is tough as it clings to surfaces it comes into contact with affording many hours of fun for children who used to delight in playing with it. The aerial part of the plant is used edicinally which can be made into a decoction or infusion and drunk 2x daily.

The soft new tender plant is edible and may be cooked as greens. Clavers was one of the many treasured spring herbs to be savoured and used by rural folk in our not too distant past. Along with Dandelion leaf and Nettle leaf ,the trio offered not only nutrition but an internal ‘Spring clean, enlivening the organism and bringing it into the spring energy.

It is termed a depurative, a remedy which rids the body of toxin accumulation.And to this end it is used by herbalists today. Its main use is as a lymphatic cleanser and helps to clear and clean lymph nodes throughout the body, enhancing immune function by reducing the incidence of infection. It clears  obstruction to the flow of lymph through the lymphatic system, relieving lymph node swelling, and reducing water retention and oedema.

Another significant action is its cleansing action for acne and hot skin conditions as it draws out impurities and cools hot inflammation. This is augmented by its diuretic action and an aid to kidney function. The coarse texture of the plant is due to high levels of silica which have a strengthening effect on hair and nails and on the organs such as lungs and kidneys which have lost tone and are weakened by recurrent disease.

Cleavers has earned itself a rightful place in the herbal materia media and graces the shelf, in the form of a tincture, in the herbalist dispensary.

Jacqueline Kylbride, Medical Herbalist

Categories :

Dandelion- one of the most useful herbs!

Posted by Jacqueline Kilbryde 
· April 1, 2019 

Dandelion must be one of the most useful herbs growing abundantly in our native habitat. The name comes from the french, dent de lion – literally meaning teeth of the lion, which the leaves resemble!  It flowers in the spring and its bright yellow flowers are a welcome sight after the drab winter months.  The flowers are also a welcome feed for bees after the long winter,  especially a cold one.  Dandelion grows in damp areas and is commonly seen on roadside ditches. It is a member of the daisy family and has a widespread global distribution.

The leaves and roots are used and both are harvested at different times of the year. The leaves are harvested in the spring and contain vitamins and trace elements so can be used in salads as a nutritive. They ‘clean’ the blood, and people in our not too distant past used Dandelion leaf as a primary remedy, often combined with cleavers and nettles, to ‘purify’ the body, especially after the sluggish winter months.  A tea can be made of these three herbs and used regularly for a week or two to enliven the body and bring it into the spring energy.

Another important action of the leaf is its diuretic action, so much so, one of its common names is “piss a bed”, illustrating this action graphically. Much potassium is lost in diuresis but the abundance of potassium found in dandelion leaf augments this important element. The diuretic action is applicable to cystitis as it promotes urine flow and it is helpful in hypertension when oedema (swelling) is present. Dandelion flowers are a vibrant yellow and can be harvested and made into an infused oil which is later heated gently and beeswax added to makea salve. The salve can be used to hydrate the skin and alleviate dryness.  The stem, when cut, oozes a white latex type sap which was used historically as a topical application for warts.  lt is in the autumn months that the roots of Dandelion are harvested. The root is an appreciable bitter tonic used primarily to aid digestive, liver and gall-bladder function. The entire action of the digestive organs are improved as well as that of the gut biome.

The bitter taste of dandelion will induce the flow of digestive enzymes enhancing digestion and absorption of nutrients.  It is interesting to note that most aperitifs are bitter in nature illustrating the knowledge behind taking them before a meal. Bitters increase the flow of bile from the liver and is stored in the gall bladder, helping to keep cholesterol levels steady and to reduce the formation of gall-stones. Bile is released to aid fats digestion when fats are consumed.

The liver becomes overburdened with pollutants in food, water and by medication use, which dandelion root can ease by eliminating toxins. Dandelion’s ability to detoxify the liver eases general malaise and tiredness and relieves skin conditions manifesting as red lesions on the skin, such as in eczema and psoriasis. It also relieves joint pain and stiffness where a build up of toxins exist,and made more effective when combined with other herbs such as Nettle, Willow bark and Meadowsweet, for example.

The above illustrates some of the uses of Dandelion which is an important herb in the herbalist’s Materia Medica.

Jacqueline Kilbryde
Medical Herbalist, MNIMH MIRCMH

Categories :

Greater and Lesser Plantain …..Superweeds!

Posted by Jacqueline Kilbryde 
· March 4, 2019 

RIBWORT                                            GREATER PLANTAIN

We probably walk by these 2 plants daily and possibly never give them a moment’s glance.
But in fact they possess amazing medicinal actions and uses and are a must in the herbalist’s dispensary. Plantago lanceolata- Lesser Plantain/Ribwort is also known as Snake weed as it was historically used as an antidote to snakebite. At the end of its growing season the leaves take on a pattern resembling that of snakeskin.

Plantago major- Greater plantain was referred to as ‘white man’s foot’ by indigenous Indians in the Americas as wherever the white man walked the plant sprung up! Both plants have a wide distribution and are found in Ireland and in many parts of Continental Europe, in Asia and the Americas. They grow well in damp soil, and the leaves are mainly used for medicine, also the seeds to a lesser extent. They belong to the family Plantaginaceae.

Looking at the constituents explains their excellent application as a soothing/emollient and as a healing agent to damaged skin via injury or inflammation as seen in skin conditions. Aucubin inherent in the plants is anti-inflammatory. Lesser and greater plantain exhibit antibacterial action and are used in infections generally. The mucilage content impart a soothing action (emollient action) on dry, sore irritated skin and heals and restores damaged skin tissue. The soothing action is also used topically to alleviate insect bites, stings etc.

These actions are strengthened by the presence of Allantoin, found also in Comfrey, which restore tissue damage. Mucilages internally, heal and protect the gut and the urinary tract from irritation and coupled with the plants’ cooling diuretic action help to resolve urinary tract infection effectively. The tannins have an astringent action augmenting healing and protecting damaged surfaces.

Both plantains contain zinc and silica which speeds up tissue repair externally and internally. The silica and mucilage content give effective expectorant action, loosening stubborn mucous and making it easier to expectorate thus clearing phlegm and cough. (As an aside, another native plant, Horsetail, has a larger percentage of silica in its leaves and stems, strengthening and toning weak, exhausted tissue.

Horsetail was used historically to clean pewter because of its abrasive silica content!) A common balm or cream can be made from the following 3 herbs and applied to lesions such as eczema, dermatitis, psoraisis, stings cuts and wounds.

They are:

  • Lesser and/or Greater Plantain;
  • Lavender flowers;
  • Calendula flowers.

These are harvested and macerated in vegetable oil in a bain-marie for several hours to extract their medicinal qualities. The oil is strained and a salve made by melting beeswax into the oil which is poured into jars and left to set. The leaves of both Plantains are nutritive and edible but the fibrous veins of Greater Plantain need to be removed first before cooking, though young Ribwort leaves are nice, (although slightly bitter) eaten fresh in salads or in a stir-fry.
They contain Iron, Calcium,Vitamins C, K and A.

(Never pick any plant for medicine or food unless 100% sure it has been identified correctly)

Jacqueline Kilbryde ..Medical herbalist

MNIMH MIRCMH

Categories :

Comfrey: A Green Healer

Posted by Jacqueline Kilbryde 
· January 22, 2019 

Comfrey Symphytum officinale has enjoyed a long traditional use for healing damaged tissue. So much so some of its common names include Knitbone and Boneset.  It is a native plant to Ireland, a member of the Borage family, and is found growing in rich damp, moist soils, especially along river banks.

The leaves and roots are used and preparations such as infused oils,salves and creams can be made for topical use to apply to cuts,bruises,swellings,burns, insect bites and stings,sprains,fractures and broken bones.  I make infused oils from my comfrey plants throughout the growing season and have it ready when a salve or cream is needed.

Comfrey repairs damage to superficial and deep tissue injury by its ability to resolve inflammation effectively and due to a constituent inherent in the plant, Allantoin.This is also found in another of our native herbs, Ribwort( Plantago lanceolata) but to a lesser extent. Allantoin stimulates the proliferation of new cell growth and along with the mobilisation of white cells involved in tissue repair, a speedy resolve is effected.

cOMFREY iNFORMATINO BY JACQUIE kILBRYDE

 

Another element found in comfrey is a sticky substance called Mucilage.  Mucilage rich plants (refer also to our native Marshmallow) exert a soothing  effect, and a simple infusion of comfrey leaf or root can be made and applied topically as a wash to inflammed,painful skin lesions.

Internal use of comfrey has been cautioned but it continues to hold an honored place as one of our most effective healers in external use. On top of all of this Comfrey is a green manure par excellence. Every year I harvest leaves and stems from my plants and cut them up roughly.

The cut leaves are placed in deep wide containers and water added and left to macerate for about a week. The sun’s heat will hasten the breakdown of the plant material which releases an abundance of its minerals.

It makes an excellent plant food and Nettles can also be added to the mix which also contains huge amounts of  minerals and iron. In the autumn the roots can be dug up and seperated and replanted to replenish stocks so that the herbalist and gardener ensure a continuous supply of comfrey plants.

Jacqueline Kilbryde  Medical herbalist   MNIMH MIRCMH

Categories :

Parsley for Health

Posted by Sustainable Skibbereen 
· June 3, 2018 

The top health benefits of parsley from Organic Facts

Rich Source of Antioxidants

Parsley contains several flavonoid antioxidants including luteolin, apigenin, lycopene, beta-carotene, and alpha-carotene. They protect [3]the cells from free radical damage, which is responsible for many chronic diseases such as cardiovascular problems, cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, and eye disorders.

Promotes Kidney Cleanse

Parsley, rich in antioxidants and vitamins, helps cleanse [4]the kidneys naturally. For many centuries now, it has been used as a diuretic that helps treat kidney stones, gallbladder stones, bladder infections, and urinary tract infections.

A kidney-cleanse can be done, under medical supervision, through the intake of the herb in dishes, parsley tea, parsley juiced with other vegetables, or parsley lemon water. The roots of the herb are also very useful in counteracting kidney stones.

Treats Bloating (Edema)

The diuretic properties of [5] parsley help treat bloating, edema, or water retention. If you are afflicted by this condition, a few teaspoons of its juice can provide some quick relief.

Also, the juice is an excellent natural remedy as over-the-counter chemical diuretics can flush out potassium, causing harm to the body. The herb, with its rich potassium content, helps you avoid undesirable side effects of a mineral imbalance.

Weight Loss

Parsley is a nutrient-dense herb, which is low in calories. It helps boost metabolism, remove excess water from the body, and cleanse the kidneys and livers. This, in turn, keeps the body’s functioning at its optimal level and helps [6]in weight loss.

Anti-inflammatory Properties

Parsley has traditionally been used in the Mediterranean region for toothaches, bruises, insect bites, and rough skin. According to studies, this medicinal herb displays anti-inflammatory and anti-hepatotoxicity properties. The anti-inflammatory properties reduce internal inflammations, while the anti-hepatotoxic properties help cleanse the liver.

Skin Care

Parsley, abundant [7]in vitamin C and antioxidants, has potent collagen producing and skin lightening properties. The herb helps reduce the appearance of blemishes and scars. It also has the ability to balance oil production and hence, is an excellent remedy for acne.

For an effective acne mask, mix a few sprigs of the herb, 2 teaspoons of organic apple cider vinegar, and a tablespoon of honey in a blender. This helps soothe and soften the skin.

Detoxification

Few herbs are as cleansing as parsley, which is packed with vitamins and potent flavonoids. It can detox the body from heavy metals as well as other toxins. Adding its roots to boiling water and drinking it on a daily basis is also known to be an effective general cleanser for the body. Also, parsley cilantro juice is widely used a detoxification drink.

Controls Diabetes

Parsley contains a flavonoid called myricetin, which can lower blood sugar levels and decrease insulin resistance. A research [8]study conducted showed evidence that diabetic rats that were given parsley actually showed a decrease in their blood sugar levels over a period of a month. Traditionally, it was used as a medicine for diabetes in Turkey.

Boosts Digestion

Including parsley in your diet helps stimulate digestion because of its enzyme and fiber content. Enzymes help in better nutrient absorption and improve the digestion of proteins and fats in the body. The herb also helps cleanse the gastrointestinal tract and maintain overall health.

Controls Rheumatoid Arthritis

Parsley has also been particularly effective against rheumatoid arthritis. Vitamin C and beta-carotene found in the herb possess anti-inflammatory properties [9] that help in controlling arthritis and reducing arthritic pain. Consuming parsley juice or tea regularly is also believed to speed up the process of uric acid removal, which has been linked to symptoms of arthritis.

Prevents & Treats Cancer

Apigenin, a flavone in parsley, prevents the progression of cancer and halts tumor growth. According to research published [10]in Oncotarget, apigenin inhibited an enzyme, which caused the multiplication of cancer cells. The herb was found especially helpful in preventing prostate, colorectal, and colon cancer. Both, fresh and dried parsley, have high levels of apigenin.

Also, parsley oil extract contains a [11] compound called myristicin, which is a phenylpropane. A preliminary investigation into the effects of myristicin on laboratory rats revealed that it has anti-carcinogenic properties as it counteracts free radicals in the body.

Treats Osteoporosis

Parsley, with its high levels of vitamins B-complex, C, and K, and calcium can help boost bone health. It helps prevent osteoporosis and maintain optimal bone health even as we [12] age. The B vitamins also help reduce levels of homocysteine, an amino acid in the body, which can weaken bones.

Relieves Flatulence

Parsley helps relieve flatulence and colic, due to its carminative action. The root, the herb, as well as the essential oil, can boost bile production and gastric juices. This gives a much-needed boost to the digestion process and cures gas, constipation, bloating, indigestion, and nausea. The essential oil can also be applied to the stomach area for relief from cramps.

Treats Acid Reflux (GERD)

Parsley has been used as a natural remedy for acid reflux since it settles the stomach and aids in digestion.

Boosts Immunity
The vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants found in parsley are helpful for strengthening immunity and treating fever. Vitamins such as vitamin C, A, K, folate, and niacin, each act on different aspects of the immune system. Vitamin A acts directly on lymphocytes or white blood cells, thereby increasing their effect. The chlorophyll contained in it has anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties as well. Studies have also shown that the herb contains antioxidant properties and antibacterial properties, making it an ideal source for various home remedies.

Improves Brain Health

Apigenin, a potent flavone in parsley, improves neuron formation and enhances brain functions such as memory and learning. This plant compound is being researched for its ability to treat neurodegenerative diseases like schizophrenia, depression, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s disease. The herbal extract is known to increase cognitive performance as well as improve alertness and memory.

Antibacterial & Antifungal Properties

Parsley has enzymes that are antibacterial and antifungal in nature. It has an inhibitory effect against [15]the bacterium Staphylococcus aureus, which can cause boils, skin infections, cellulitis, and severe conditions like pneumonia and meningitis.

Pain Relief

Parsley has high levels of vitamin K, vitamin C, and beta-carotene, which heals bruises and reduces pain. For a home-made remedy for bruises, you can crush the fresh leaves, spread it over the afflicted area, and secure the salve with a bandage. Also, lactating women use the herbal leaves as a poultice to reduce breast tenderness.

The herb also helps reduce joint pain, fatigue, and has the ability to soften stiff muscles, because of the presence of a potent antioxidant, quercetin. It is especially good for people suffering from arthritis and joint problems. You can also use parsley juice to cure toothaches and earaches.

Cures Anemia

The high concentration of iron in parsley helps treat [16] anemia, which is caused by iron deficiency. Vitamin C in the herb aids in better absorption of iron. People who have a hard time taking iron supplements are often told to have its juice or tea.

Treats Bad Breath

Chewing a few sprigs of parsley helps fight bad breath or halitosis. The herb’s fresh flavor and high chlorophyll content help freshen the breath temporarily. This is probably why it has been used, since ancient times, as a natural mouth freshener.

Heart Health

Parsley is abundant in flavone antioxidants, which can reduce oxidative stress, thus boosting cardiovascular health. This herb also contains high levels of vitamin B and folic acid that prevents the thickening of artery walls. Also, potassium in the herb lowers blood pressure, which helps prevent heart diseases and strokes.

Balances Hormones

Parsley helps improve the hormonal balance in women, enhances their libido, and boosts the secretion of the estrogen hormone. Intake of the herb helps treat hormonal disorders like premenstrual syndrome, menopause, or delayed menstruation cycle. Furthermore, parsley tea helps reduce menstrual cramps and discomfort.

Eye Health

Parsley is abundant in vitamin A, and antioxidants like carotenoid as well as beta-carotene, that helps boost eye health. It helps protect the retina from damage and prevents macular degeneration as well as cataracts. The nutrients in the herb also help reduce eye puffiness and dark circles.

Hair Care

The paste made from powdered seeds of parsley has long been used as a natural remedy for hair lice, dandruff, and scalp irritation. It also helps strengthen weak hair, promote healthy hair growth, and stops hair fall. The nutrients in this powerful herb can help increase keratin and collagen production, which protects the hair from free radical damage. Also, a parsley rinse can help retain hair color since it has high levels of copper.

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