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Thread: Coping With a Food Crisis - Cuban Style

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    Default Addendum: Properties of the Herbal Medicinal Plants in the Article

    "I saw a beautiful green medicine garden grown by one man," she says. He's growing oregano, marjoram, lemon grass, sage, tila (a kind of sedative), chamomile, calendula, aloe. The herbs are processed as teas and tinctures. In half an hour he had eight or nine customers, a steady flow of business."
    Oregano:
    • Strong anti-viral and antibacterial properties can help destroy organisms that contribute to skin infections.
    • Also has anti-parisitic properties which is helpful in digestive problems
    • Can help strengthen the immune system
    • Helps increase the joint and muscles flexibility
    • Improves respiratory health.
    • Oregano has antioxidant properties. Studies have shown that the anti-oxidant properties of oregano may even exceed that of apples and blueberries.
    • Fresh Oregano like other leafy vegetables is loaded with vitamins and nutrients. It is a good source of iron and manganese as well as calcium, vitamin C, and vitamin A. It also has omega-3 fatty acids.
    • Oregano can help increase menstrual flow.
    • When given in the form of a warm infusion, Oregano relieves muscle spasms and cramps, colic, or spasmodic pains in the abdomen.
    • The dried leaves can also be applied in bags as a warm application to painful arthritic swellings and other conditions, including rheumatism.

    Marjoram:
    • Anti-inflamatory properties of Marjoram are used to relieve asthma and dry coughs.
    • Can also be used for relief of digestive problems such as spasms, flatulence, nausea, indigestion and appetite loss.
    • Can help relieve headaches, pains and aches in muscles and joints, including arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis pains, toothache and sprains.
    • Also, it can ease the pains after childbirth and effectively cure various skin diseases and damages, like itchy skin, rushes, cuts, bruises, and so on.
    • Marjoram is a known remedy to stimulate toxin removal and prevent water retention, making these properties very important marjoram tea benefits. Regular consumption of this tea is linked with improvements in such conditions as epilepsy, hepatitis, pancreatitis, etc. Marjoram tea can be effectively used by anyone to ease nervous tension, menstrual pains and cramps, relieve depression and anxiety.

    Lemon grass:
    • Lemon grass oil is aslo known as Citronella oil. Citronella oil is known for it's calming effect that can relieve stress or insomnia and it's insect repellant properties.
    • Drank as tea, Lemon grass is an effective diuretic. (A substance that causes more urine to be secreted)
    • Lemon grass is a good cleanser that helps to detoxify the liver, pancreas, kidneys, bladder and the digestive tract. It cuts down uric acid, cholesterol, excess fats and other toxins in the body while stimulating digestion, blood circulation, and lactation; it also alleviates indigestion and gastroenteritis.

    Sage:
    • The main active chemicals found in Sage oil are alpha and beta thujones, camphor, rosmarinic acid, tannins, flavonoids and cineole, are responsible for most of the health benefits of this herb. Many studies conducted in this regard have indicated that it may have antibacterial, antimicrobial, antifungal and antiviral properties.
    • Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, Sage herb is beneficial in curing cut and wounds, sprains, ulcers and joint pain.
    • As it is a good expectorant, it can be used in expelling excess mucus from the respiratory tract. So Sage can provide relief in conditions like cough and congestion of the respiratory tract.
    • It is a herbal remedy for cold, flu, laryngitis, throat infection, sinusitis, tonsillitis, etc.
    • Sage is also known for boosting memory, as it can prevent the depletion of the neurotransmitter, acetylcholine, which is required for the smooth operation of the brain functions.
    • Because of it's anti-bacterial properties, Sage also makes an excellent mouthwash and active ingredient in toothpaste.

    • This herb should not be taken internally by pregnant women, nursing mothers and epileptic patients. Some concerns have also been expressed on the regular internal use of this herb, as it contains alpha and beta thujones, a large amount of which is associated with convulsions, confusion and a slight increase in heart rate. Therefore, it is advisable to take the advice of a professional in this regard. However, the external application of this herb is quite safe as no major side effects have been discovered.

    Tila:
    • Tila is more commonly known as the Linden tree or Lime tree.
    • Tila is a traditional Aztec medicinal plant or tree. The leaves are used as an infusion or tea.
    • Tranquilizes the nervous system, cures insomnia.
    • Aids in Digestion.
    • Calms menstrual, hepatic and renal cramps, disinflames the digestive tract.
    • Is a Laxative.
    • Sudorific and diuretic.
    • Can also be useful in bronchitis cases.

    Chamomile:
    • Chamomile has always been a popular herbal remedy because of it's lack of side effects and it's obvious benefits.
    • As a tea, it can be used for lumbago, rheumatic problems and rashes.
    • As a salve, it can be used for haemorrhoids and wounds.
    • As a vapor, it can be used to alleviate cold symptoms or asthma.
    • Relieves restlessness, teething problems, and colic in children.
    • Relieves allergies, much as an antihistamine would.
    • Aids in digestion when taken as a tea after meals.
    • Can help relieve morning sickness during pregnancy.
    • Speeds healing of skin ulcers, wounds, or burns.
    • Can be used to treat gastritis and ulcerative colitis.
    • Can be used to reduce inflammation and facilitate bowel movement without acting directly as a purgative.
    • Can be used as a wash or compress for skin problems and inflammations, including inflammations of mucous tissue.
    • Promotes general relaxation and relieves stress.
    • Chamomile's mildly sedating and muscle-relaxing effects may help those who suffer from insomnia to fall asleep more easily.
    • Treat diverticular disease, irritable bowel problems and various gastrointestinal complaints. Chamomile's reported anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic actions relax the smooth muscles lining the stomach and intestine. The herb may therefore help to relieve nausea, heartburn, and stress-related flatulence. It may also be useful in the treatment of diverticular disorders and inflammatory bowel conditions such as Crohn's disease.
    • Soothes skin rashes (including eczema), minor burns and sunburn. Used as a lotion or added in oil form to a cool bath, chamomile may ease the itching of eczema and other rashes and reduces skin inflammation. It may also speed healing and prevent bacterial infection.
    • Treat eye inflammation and infection. Cooled chamomile tea can be used in a compress to help soothe tired, irritated eyes and it may even help treat conjunctivitis.
    • A chamomile mouthwash may help soothe mouth inflammations and keep gums healthy.
    • Chamomile's believed ability to relax the smooth muscles of the uterus helps ease the discomfort of menstrual cramping.

    Calendula:
    • Calendula is often recommended for treatment of ear infections. Studies have shown calendula offers as much pain relief for ear infection as some non-herbal eardrops.
    • Calendula washes may also be useful in treating chronic conjunctivitis. They antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects of calendula both soothe the inflammation and help kill unhealthy bacteria are in the membranes surrounding the eye.
    • Calendula flowers are edible, and may be added to salads or cooked foods. They can also be dried for use in teas or gargles for sore throat or inflammations of the mouth; or in infused oils, creams, or ointments for treatment of minor skin injuries or irritations.
    • You can make and store calendula tea in your refrigerator as a soothing skin treatment; try swabbing it directly on inflamed skin (acne, hemorrhoids, etc.).

    • Some people may have an allergic reaction to calendula, especially those who are allergic to other members of the aster family, such as ragweed. It?s best to do a spot-test before using this or any other herbal medication.

    Aloe:
    • Aloe Vera gel can be extracted from the succulent leaves for use as a soothing and healing salve for sunburn, skin irritations and insect bites.
    • Using Aloe gel on healing wounds will help reduce permanent scarring.
    • Will help to repair skin conditions such as acne, oily or dry skin.
    • Aloe Vera juice has natural detoxifying powers that ease constipation and cleanse the bowel. Aloe Vera juice is known to benefit those suffering from IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome). The residues that accumulate within the colon are loosened and naturally dispersed with regular consumption of aloe vera juice.
    • Aloe Vera juice is said to possess soothing properties that help in colitis, peptic ulcers and digestive tract irritations.

    • High doses of Aloe Vera juice can cause diarrhea, abdominal pain and electrolyte imbalance.

    xxxx
    Last edited by Rodri; 02-11-2011 at 04:40 PM.
    PEACE

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