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Marjoram
Origanum marjorana (leaf): For thew respiratory system it is a stimulating diaphoretic used in the treatment of colds and flu, cough and whooping cough. Its anti-septic properties give it a use in the treatment of mouth conditions as a mouth-wash for inflammations of the mouth and throat. As a wash it was be used externally for cuts and wounds. Headaches, especially tension headaches can be relieved with the infusion. It can be used as a hair rinse for all hair types. Can be used for a stimulating bath. Pour one cup of boiling water over 1tsp of the herb. Let steep for 10 -15 minutes, this should be drunk 3 times daily. Mouthwash; pour ½ pint of boiling water onto 2 tablespoons of the herb. Let steep in a covered container for 15 minutes. A gargle is made whenever needed by re-heating the required amount. Gargle for 5 - 10 minutes 3 - 4 times daily.
Molasses
Saccharum officinarum (stem): a good source of iron.
Mustard
Sinapsis alba (seed): For the respiratory system it is a stimulating diaphoretic useful in feverishness, cold and flu. It dispels mucus, stops cough, warms the lungs. It also stimulates circulation relieving alleviate muscular and joint pains. Its warming properties also help improve digestion. Externally it can be used as a wash for treat watery, oozing chronic sores. It can be ground and taken as a tea, in food, sprinkle into a bath or used as a poultice also known as a "mustard plaster". To make the infusion pour I cup of boiling water over 1tsp of ground mustard seed, infuse for 5 minutes. One cup can be taken three times daily.
Nutmeg
Myristica fragrans (fruit): For the digestive system it is used to treat diarrhea, indigestion, loss of appetite, colic, flatulence. It is also used in cases of insomnia. Pour 1 cup of water over ½ tsp of the ground spice, steep for 10 minutes. Drink 1 to 2 cups a day. Though harmless in cooking, Nutmeg can be toxic, for medicinal uses do not ingest more than 7.5 grams, about 2 tsp.
Oatmeal
Avena sativa (seed): One of the best remedies for "feeding" the nervous system, especially under stress. It is considered a specific in the case of nervous debility and exhaustion. Eaten regularly it is known to reduce cholesterol levels. Externally it can be used for skin conditions. In herbal bath it soothes the skin and is considered to be especially good for dry skin.
Olive oil
Olea europea (fruit): Nutrient rich, soothing and nourishing for the skin, the oil of choice for many medicinal ointments and salves. Useful externally for burns, bruises, insect bites, sprains and intense itching. Taken internally the oil increases secretion of bile aiding digestion and encouraging muscular contraction of the bowels to assist elimination.
Onion
Allium cepa (bulb): In the digestive system its anti-septic properties helps end putrefaction and fermentation in the digestive tract. Half a medium onion chopped and eaten with bread will help relieve gas pains and heartburn. For the circulatory system, it strengthen the heart and tends to lower blood pressure. It can help restore sexual function that has been impaired by illness or mental stress. Onion juice mixed with honey is good for hoarseness and coughs.
Oregano
Origanum vulgare (leaf): For the respiratory system it promotes perspiration and is used to treat colds, flu, fevers. It can be used in bath and inhalations to clear the lungs and bronchial passages. In the digestive system it is effective against digestive disturbances, indigestion and gas. For the female reproductive system it is excellent to bring on menses and relieve associated discomfort. Pour 1 cup of boiling water over 1 - 2tsp of the dried herb, allow to steep for 10 to 15 minutes, drink 1 cup three times daily.
Parsley
Petroselinum spp.(leaf): For the urinary system if is an effective diuretic, helping the body get rid of excess water-remember that the source of the problem must be sought and treated, don't just treat the symptoms and do not use as a "weight-loss aid." For the female reproductive system it can be used as an emmenagogue stimulating the menstrual process. Because of this it is not recommended for pregnant women to use it in medicinal doses, as it may be excessively stimulation to the womb. For the digestive system it can be used as a carminative easing flatulence and the cramping caused by it. The fresh herb is used as a breath freshener. Pour one cup of boiling water over 1-2tsp of the leaves, infuse 5 - 10 minutes. Drink 1 cup, 3 times daily.
Peppermint
Mentha piperita (leaf): For the digestive system it is one of the best carminative agents around, it has a relaxing effect on the visceral muscles, anti-gas properties, stimulates bile and digestive juice production all of which help to explain its value in treating intestinal colic, gassy indigestion and other associated conditions. The volatile oil acts as a mild anaesthetic which allays feelings of nausea. It helps relieve the vomiting of pregnancy and car-sickness. Where migraine headaches are associated with digestion this herb may be useful. It also plays a role in the treatment of ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. For the respiratory system it is valuable in the treatment of fevers, colds and influenza. As an inhalant it can be used in the temporary relief of nasal congestion. As a nervine it acts as a tonic easing anxiety, tension, hysteria etc. For the female reproductive system it is useful in painful periods, relieving pain and easing associated tension. Externally it may be used to relieve itching and inflammation. It is also used for stimulating facial steam, and for a cooling and refreshing foot-bath. As a popular addition to toothpaste and breath "mints" it useful a breath freshener and mouthwash. Pour 1 cup of boiling water over a heaping teaspoon of the dried herb, let steep for 10 minutes, drink as often as needed.
Rosemary
Rosmarinus officinalis (leaf): It acts as a circulatory and nervine stimulant, which in addition to toning and calming effect on the digestion makes it a remedy that is used where psychological tension is present. This may show for instance as flatulent dyspepsia, depression or headache associated with debility. Externally it may be used to ease muscular pain, sciatica, and neuralgia. In a bath it relieves physical and mental fatigue, stiff joints and tightens pores. A refreshing facial steam. It acts as a stimulant to the hair follicles and may be used in premature baldness. As a rinse for all hair types, especially dark hair, promotes hair growth and luster. 1 cup of boiling water over 1 - 2tsp of the dried herb steep for 10 - 15 minutes. Drink 1 cup 3 times a day.
Sage
Salvia officinalis (leaf): Sage is an excellent remedy for inflammation of the mouth, throat and tonsils. As a mouth-wash and gargle it is effective for inflamed and bleeding gums, inflamed tongue, mouth ulcers, laryngitis, pharyngitis, tonsillitis. It is a valuable carminative for indigestion. It reduces sweating when taken internally.. As a compress it stimulates the healing of wounds. As a wash for dark hair, a soothing refreshing facial steam, slightly astringent good for oily complexions. As a bath it relieves sore joints and muscles. Sage stimulates the muscles of the uterus and should not be used medicinally during pregnancy as well during lactation since it reduces the production of breast milk. 1 cup boiling water over 1 - 2tsp of the dried herb, infuse for 10 minutes. This should be drunk three times a day. For the mouthwash use 2tsp of herb for 1 pint of water, bring to a boil, turn off heat and steep for 10 minutes. Gargle with the hot tea for 5 - 10 minutes several times a day.
Salt
Sodium chloride (crystals): mixed with oil as an exfoliant, with water as an anti-septic, astringent mouth wash.
Savory
Satureja hortensis (leaf): For digestion it is a remedy for most stomach and intestinal disorders, including cramps, nausea, indigestion and lack of appetite. Its astringent qualities make it a good remedy for diarrhea. As a gargle it is useful for sore throat. It can be added to bath water for a stimulating bath. For an infusion pour 1cup of boiling water over 1 - 2tsp of the dried herb, steep for 10 - 15 minutes. Drink 1 cup three times daily.
Tarragon
Artemesia dracunculus(leaf): It is used to relieve digestive problems and mucus congestion. It can be used as a diuretic to stimulate the action of the kidneys as well as an emmenagogue to promote the onset of menstruation. Stimulates the appetite especially in the case of illness. A tea taken before bed help overcome insomnia. For an infusion pour 1 cup of boiling water over 1tsp of the dried herb, drink 1 cup 3 times a day.
Thyme
Thymus vulgaris (leaf): For the digestive system it is a good carminative in cases of sluggish digestion and indigestion. As a gentle astringent it is useful in childhood bed-wetting and diarrhea. The volatile oil is strongly anti-septic explaining many of its uses such as externally as a wash for infected wounds and internally for respiratory and digestive infections. It may be used as a gargle in laryngitis, tonsillitis, easing sore throats, soothing irritable coughs. It is an excellent cough remedy producing expectoration and reducing spasm. It may be used in bronchitis, whooping cough and asthma. It can also be used externally as a toning, refreshing, disinfecting skin wash or steam as well as being an additive for a relaxing bath. 1 cup boiling water over 1- 2tsp of dried herb, steep for 10 minutes, 1 cup 3 times a day.
Turmeric
Curcuma longa (rhizome): For the digestive system it aids digestion, dissolves gallstones, decongests the liver. It is a potent anti-oxidant and may have anti-tumor properties. It regulates menses and relieves menstrual pain. Used externally it promotes healing in cases of trauma or injury. Pour 1 cup of boiling water over 1tsp of the powdered herb, steep for 10 minutes.
Yogurt
milk: skin cleanser, helps restore natural ph balance. Used for sunburn.
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