Wormwood: best solution for digestive problems

The wormwood is known for being an important ingredient in Absinthe, a drink popular in Europe. But very few people are aware about medicinal benefits of this magical herb. Wormwoodcomes from the genus Artemisia. The name has been derived from goddess Artemis. All colourful daisies, garden plants and tarragon also belong to this particular family. This particular genus is also known for its bitter taste. Many wild animals therefore consume these species to cure stomach irregularities. This definitely made health experts think about the application of herb for human beings.

Medical applications of Wormwood

Historians and archaeologists have already proved that many varieties of wormwood were used as insecticides and fungicides by our ancestors. The use stopped after the medieval period. The dry wormwood used to be packed with textiles, furs and other expensive clothing to prevent fungus, flea and moth spread. A lot has been also written about its presence in love potions during medieval period. Repelling insects has been central to the application of wormwood but it has diverse application in modern pharmacy.

The characteristic bitterness of wormwood has made it a strong enemy of digestive issues faced by human beings. Gallbladder triggers the production of bile due to strong bitter taste of wormwood on tongue. It is important because the root of many digestive problems is the lack of acid production, not the excess acid quantities. All parasites such as roundworms in the digestive tracks can be successfully eliminated using this herb. Fever reduction is also possible when you have good quality wormwood. Farmers, forest dwellers often use wormwood to cure inflammation after insect bites. It also accelerates healing of wounds. Wormwood can be helpful if your partner has been inactive in bed. Rapid recovery from jaundice can be achieved by using it.

What makes it so powerful?

Wormwood contains an effective volatile oil which can be obtained through a distillation process. Once the oil is extracted from the plant, it appears blue or green in colour with strong bitter smell. The oil is combination of multiple ingredients such as thujanol alcohol, pinene, cadinene, thujone and phellandrene. Each part of plant such as leaves, flowers, stem and root has its own application.

Obtaining quality wormwood:

Wormwood should be obtained on a sunny, warm day ideally. Forest dwellers collect dried leaves, flowers and stem of plant once the blooming season begins in July. They keep leaves for drying in natural sunlight. Taking wormwood in large quantities may result in severe diarrhoea. It is always good to consult a physician for proper quantities.

Multiple uses of the herb interestingly named Eyebright

All parts of eyebright plant except roots are useful. The list of medicinal uses of eyebright is unending. Eyebright has been used by the British as ‘Herbal tobacco’.  Though the name suggests something else, this herbal tobacco has been used as a smoke by people suffering from lung infections and cold. In many parts of the world, it is popular ingredient to flavour the food. 

Origin of herb:

The eyebrights comes from the figwort family of plants. The name ‘Eyebright’ was given to the herb due to its effective properties against eye infections and ailments. But the use of eyebright is not only limited to that, its unique organic, chemical and nutritional composition can be exploited to cure other health conditions. Rarely antioxidants like flavonoids, glycosides, caffeic acids and ferulic acids are found in the eyebright along with powerful combination of vitamin B, C and E.

Eyebright for respiratory conditions:

The plant is known for its effective application in problems such as sinus infections. Eyebright is master key to conditions like swollen nasal passages, hay fever, common cold, allergies, cough and serious bronchial infections.  The people have been using it to get relief in problems of conjunctivitis, jaundice, sore throat, earaches, epilepsy and headaches.

Rapid relief from conjunctivitis:

Many health experts point out that direct application of eyebright to the eye creates chances of infection but people once traditionally apply eyebright to the eye in form of lotion. Many mild solutions with eyebright extracts are available from professional herbalists for treatment too. Other eye conditions such as fatigue, feeling uneasy at eyelids and inflamed eyes can be cured using this herb.

Younger kids, toddlers often suffer from glued eyes in the morning. Eyebright drops is good solution for that as it prevents mucous and membrane formation around the eyes. The herb contains strong bacteria killing chemicals called astringents. Students can relieve their strained eyes during exams through the eyebright. Please see a naturopath or herbalist for any solution being applied to eyes.

Another lesser known application of eyebright is skin care. Stress marks, dark circles, acne and other skin problems can be eliminated within weeks of eyebright use.

Using eyebright:

One can apply eyebright in form of tea. Take 1 ½ cup of water and mix 1 teaspoon of eyebright herb in that. Boil the solution for 10 minutes and eyebright tea is ready. In case of eye inflammation, this tea can be applied on eye through cotton balls up to four times in a day. Please consult your naturopath before beginning any treatment.

Eyebright eyewash will definitely work in the case of weeping and strained eyes. Take eyebright tincture drops (5-8 drops) in pure cold water. One can also mix it in rose water to get more cooling effect. Washing eyes with this solution for every four hours will reduce all symptoms of above said conditions.

What and Why of Hawthorn Berry

High blood pressure, cardiac arrhythmia and circulatory system problems definitely sound horrible but a small herb like Hawthorn berry can help to fight these issues. These berries have capabilities to empower your heart. Doctors across the Europe have already acknowledged the power of hawthorn berry as an effective way to fight early heart disease. Millions of patients are using the berries to cure diarrhoea, myocarditis, insomnia and angina. 

Hawthorn berry for blood circulation:

The berries work like magic when it comes to the circulation of human body. Many researches have pointed out that it can clear out blood clots, empower blood vessels and reconstruct the heart muscle wall. Common problems such as keeping check on cholesterol level and indigestion can be easily solved by bunch of hawthorn berries at home.

Scientific evidence of the effectiveness:

To those who question the efficiency of hawthorn berries as an instrument to fight serious conditions, the German government’s Commission E is a good answer. Commission E regulates the herbal care sector in the country and approves new products. Its report revealed that the hawthorn berry treatment is safe and effective during the early stage of heart disease. The report concluded that the berries showed effective results on conditions such as high blood pressure, cardiac arrhythmia, heart failure and angina. Stable heart can be achieved through hawthorn berry.

Hawthorn for better heart:

The clinical benchmarks about angina treatment pointed out that the whole cardio vascular system benefits from this herb. The credit for this efficiency goes to the large number of antioxidants in hawthorn berries. The modern Chinese system of medicine has already shown the us effectiveness hawthorn berry in serious disease treatment such as hepatitis. These reports are based on tests conducted on animals.

The high antioxidants in the berries stop the release of free radicals to reduce the substances which hurt the DNA, kill cell layers and even destroy cells. Free radicals are naturally present in the body but modern lifestyle hazards such as pollution, ultraviolet radiation and smoking increase their presence. 

Hawthorn has been very helpful to the patients of congestive heart failure. The berries empower heart suffering from such condition to circulate enough amount of blood to all over the body. Talk to your herbalist or naturopath to see if it is right for you.

Get younger:

High number of free radicals means faster ageing. This makes your organs weaker and reduces their efficiency.  Hawthorn berries can reduce possibility of heart disease by fighting free radicals.