MILK THISTLE / Silybum marianum - Silymarin - Compositae. *A Liver herb but also good for Bowel movement by stimulating the Bile flow and also used as an Appetite Stimulant and an aid to Digestion. Actions: as an Anti - Oxidant it is selective preventing Liver Cells being damaged and protects all Tissues, and as a Cholagogue acting on the Gall Bladder, stimulating Bile. As a Demulcent it is soothing for the Mucous Membranes and especially for Gall Stones or Inflammation of the Gall Bladder as it soothes and protects the Lining of the Organ and the Ducts that lead down to the Digestive Tract and the Walls of the Digestive Tract & Galactagogue. Cultivation: Leaves are glossy, green and spiny with pronounced milk white veins running through them and has large purple flowers - similar to Scotch Thistle. Product: the Seeds collected in late - Summer or Autumn and allow to dry on the plant then cover with a paper bag and knock the Seeds into it.
Used to Treat: Ageing: a Liver protector while processing modern day Drugs & Toxins. Alcohol: as a Cholagogue it has a compound in it that protects the Liver from damage and can regenerate the damaged Cells. Alcohol - Abuse Mixture: 20 parts by weight of roasted Milk Thistle Seeds, Soybeans to curb the desire for Alcohol & Ginkgo Nuts to speed Alcohol metabolism and be sure to roast these for heavy drinkers. Bile: assists to stimulate. Breast Feeding: to increase Milk as a Galactagogue it stimulates the flow. Cardiovascular Conditions: Powdered Seeds are used. Digestive System: as a Tea it has a beneficial effect. Gall Bladder - Stones: as a Tea it is beneficial as it is rich in Silymarin for Liver protection but also increases Bile solubility, assisting to prevent and alleviate. Inflammation - Chronic: with the Seeds or Seed Extracts. Leg - Ulcers: Liver Conditions: as it can regenerate Liver Cells and assist with all Diseases applicable to the Liver including Fatty Liver as a Cholagogue as it has a compound in it that protects the Liver from damage. Milk Thistle improves Liver function normally in people who also have no problems by assisting the Liver to remove Toxins from the Body, especially those resulting from Alcohol, Drugs or Chemical pollution. Can also be purchased in Capsules or grow your own. Very young Leaves can be used in Salads but only contain traces of Silymarin while the Seeds can be roasted, ground and used as a Coffee substitute. Liver - as a Tea it is beneficial as it is rich in Silymarin for Liver protection but also increases Bile solubility, assisting to prevent and alleviate. Liver - Cancer: Silybin another component of Milk Thistle is thought to protect the genetic material within the Nuclei of the Live Cells and reduce the risk in the Liver. Liver - Cirrhosis: with the Seeds or Seed Extracts for this Condition especially when caused by Alcohol. Liver - Hepatitis: as a Cholagogue it has a compound in it that protects the Liver from damage and can regenerate the damaged Cells. Psoriasis: contains Silymarin used to relieve, as it contains 8 Anti - Inflammatory compounds that may act on the Skin and can be taken in Capsules, Tea or Tincture. Toxins: to protect the Liver as these will eventually stimulate the Immune System, which can generate a variety of Anti - Inflammatory compounds and reduce the harmful aspects of this Inflammatory reaction. It contains Silymarin that protects the Liver from many industrial Toxins such as Carbon Tetrachloride. Varicose Veins:
MILK WEED / Asclepias. Use to Treat: Warts:
MINT / Apple / Monk's Herb / Mentha rotundifolia - Labiatae. 7 x Types. Bergamot - Orange - M. piperita citrata / Common Green / Peppermint - M. piperrita (medicinal) Spearmint - M. spicata (kitchen) Eau - de - Cologne - M. piperita vulgaris / Golden Apple Mint - M. rotundifolia variegata / Pennyroyal - M. pulegium (medicinal) Peppermint – piperita. NB: Excessive use of Mint can damage the Gut or cause Head Aches. N.B: Do not use these herbs if you have a Peptic Ulcer. N.B: Do not use in greater then Culinary amounts and the Essential Oil if Pregnant or Breast Feeding. Peppermint is the most used and is a hybrid of Spearmint & Water Mint. Cultivation: Easy to grow rambling, perennial 30 - 100cm high as they spread out easily by means of the Rhizomes and have semi - prostrate, branched stems with opposite, oval - shaped Leaves containing highly aromatic Oils. They have small white or purple flowers usually in terminal spikes and they need plenty of water in a light to medium moist, rich soil and semi - shade or full shade. Grow by Cutting, Root divisions usually or Seed and make replant after 2 - 3 years. Use the whole herb, Leaves & Flowers above the ground. Originally grown near crops to keep the Mice & Rats at bay. Constituents: Used Medicinally due to the Volatile Oils. Used also for flavouring or garnish in drinks, Jellies, Roast Lamb, Puddings, Sauces & Tabouli. Dosage: 1 teaspoon of the dried herb or 2 teaspoons of fresh herb to a cup of boiling water. Product: the Leaves. Used to Treat: Abdominal - Pain: Arthritis: Back - Ache: Bath: to scent and strengthen the Sinews. Bloating: Bowel - Irritable: Digestion: to assist and sweeten the Breath. Constipation: Diarrhorea: Gall - Stones: Gut - Spasm: reduces in the Gut and increases Digestive secretions. Gut - Cramping: Head - Aches: as an Oil topically. Herpes Virus: Indigestion: Joint - Pain: as an Oil. Morning Sickness: Muscle - Pain: as an Oil. Nasal - Decongestant: as an Oil inhaled. Nausea: inhaled as an Oil. Vermin: leave rags soaked in Peppermint Oil near there nest as they hate the smell or crush some Mint and put in mattresses and linen presses to deter Fleas. Wind: Horses: A Digestive aid to sooth and relax the Digestive Tract - Oil is specific for Ulcers. Colic: Flatulence: Actions: Anti - Bacterial & Anti Spasmodic. Good for picky - eaters.
MINT, Peppermint Chocolate / Mentha piperita. a variety see Peppermint below. Cultivation: Spreading prostrate Perennial that loves constant moist conditions and can survive in low light conditions with moderate fertilising but the Roots may need containing. Chocolate Mint Sauce: 125gm dark Chocolate, 1/2 cup of Cream, 2 Tablespoons of Brandy, 1/2 cup of Milk, Honey, 1 Tablespoon of Chocolate Mint finely chopped. Simmer on low heat the Brandy, Chocolate Mint & Milk for 5 minutes, strain then combine the Chocolate, Cream and strained Milk in a double boiler over heat and sweeten to taste with Honey. Garnish: Cakes, cool drinks & Desserts. Tea: Use the Leaves to make a refreshing pick - me - up.
MINT, Peppermint / Mentha piperita. See above. Cultivation: Spreading prostrate Perennial that loves constant moist conditions and needs moderate fertilising and roots need to be contained. Tea: Refreshing Pick - me - up especially if made with freshly picked Leaves. Use 1 0r 2 Sprigs per cup and pour on boiling water and steep for 5 - 10 minutes for greater strength to suite. Add to Desserts especially those based on Chocolate. Used to Treat: Dyspepsia: as a Digestive aid. Flatulence: as a Digestive aid. Nausea: as a Digestive aid.
MINT, Thai / Thailand.
MISTLETOE / Viscum album / Europe. Actions: Used in larger doses as a Narcotic. Also a Nervine. Cultivation: A parasite that grows in the branches of host trees. Product: the Leaves. Used also to make "bird lime." Used to Treat: Depression: as a Nervine. Insomnia: as a Nervine. Tension: as a Nervine.
MOTHER WORT / Lion's Ear / Leonurus cardiaca / Britain & Northern Europe / Wild. So efficacious that is known as "The Herb of Life." NB: Do not use in the first Trimester of Pregnancy. Cultivation: A stately plant, with strong wine coloured square stem, with delicate mauve / pink flowers within prickly, toothed calyces with the Leaves & Flowers used and makes up into Syrup and a refreshing Bitter Tea. Dosage: 1 teaspoon dried or 2 teaspoons of fresh herb to a cup of boiling water 3 times a day or 2 teaspoons of Syrup. Used to Treat: Aged: stimulates. Amenorrhoea: Blood Pressure: assists to lower and improve Cardiac output during exercise and combines with Lady's Mantle. Circulatory System: improves and Tones. Debility: stimulates. Heart Conditions: as a Tonic. Heart - Cardio - Vascular - Cardiac Arrhythmia - Palpitations - Tachycardia: N.B: only take under specialist advice. Hysterical Upsets: One of the finest Nervines especially to bring quick relief. Menstrual Conditions: to relieve. Menstrual / Menopausal: to relieve as one of the finest Nervines especially to bring quick relief. Menstrual - Painful Periods: as a Tea especially when associated with Nervous Tension or disturbed Menstrual Cycles. Pregnancy: used originally to speed up Childbirth during the last few weeks for its effect on the Uterus. Tension: Calmer, especially if it is causing palpitations and sweats.
MOUNTAIN MINT / Pycnanthemum muticum. Used to Treat: Insect Bites & Stings: Insect Repellent: Lyme Disease: Pain: Scabies:
Home Page Health Herbs Mouse Ear - Myrtle