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Key medicinal plant: Yarrow

This inconspicuous cute little flowering herb could easily be mistaken for a weed, but don’t be fooled! Yarrow has been taken as strengthening bitter tonic for all kinds of conditions, ranging from gastrointestinal disorders, cold and flu remedy to blood pressure lowering support. Traditionally, it has been known as herba militaris (Military herb) and even Achilles is said to have used it for its wound healing properties. Let’s take a closer look at the treasures that this little creeping perennial holds and why it is considered a key medicinal plant.

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Ayurvedic Recipe: Mango-Cashew-Ginger Raw Balls

Try these deliciously healthy glutenfree and vegan raw balls which will leave you with a refreshing energy kick and a craving for more.

Find the recipe on https://theherbshed.com.au/

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Immerse yourself in the second half of our quest to explore 12 ayurvedic herbs, their uses and benefits. The previous article examined rejuvenating ashwagandha (1), sacred Boswellia (2), all-healing turmeric (3), brain tonic brahmi (4), “Mother Medicine of Nature” tulsi (5) and digestive soother cumin (6) (December 2022). This article focuses on soothing liquorice root (7), spiritual gotu kola (8), “Shunti” ginger (9), warming cardamom (10), detoxifying moringa (11) and the herb mixture triphala (12).

Learn more and read the whole article on https://theherbshed.com.au/

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Ayurvedic herbs – part 1

After an introduction to Ayurveda in the previous issue, you can jump right into the exploration of the first six ayurvedic herbs in this article. Learn about rejuvenating ashwagandha (1), sacred Boswellia (2), all-healing turmeric (3), brain tonic brahmi (4), “Mother Medicine of Nature” tulsi (5) and digestive soother cumin (6).

Check out the entire article at www.theherbshed.com.au

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Burdock is traditionally known for its use as a detoxifier and purifier of the blood and the skin.

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How Herbal Medicine Works: Active Plant Constituents – Part 3

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How Herbal Medicine Works: Active Plant Constituents – Part 2   www.theherbshed.com.au    blog

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Undervalued Chamomile 

Chamomile is among those herbs which you are bound to have encountered, especially as a tea drinker. It has an aromatic, slightly bitter taste which is reminiscent of apples. However, the use of this undervalued herb goes far beyond tea drinking, as it has been used for its high medicinal qualities for over 2000 years. Today, over 120 chemical constituents have been identified and its therapeutic and pharmacological effects have been studied widely. The pharmacological and cosmetic industry benefit from its qualities with a range of products containing chamomile extracts, especially skin care products. 

It grows wild in most parts of temperate Europe and Northern Africa and is part of the Asteraceae family with many different subtypes. Some may consider it a weed due to its hardiness and regrowth abilities. The most commonly used and best known are the German Chamomile and the Roman Chamomile. 

The list of beneficial properties is long and includes, but is not limited to, anti-inflammatory, anti-allergenic, antispasmodic, relaxant, carminative, sedative, anti-microbial, anti-depressant, anticarcinogenic, hepatoprotective and antidiabetic properties. Additionally, chamomile is beneficial for a wide range of gastrointestinal disorders and can aid with premenstrual syndromes, stomach and muscle cramps and osteoarthritis. In fact, this herb is so powerful and varied that it could be seen as ‘universal remedy’. The strong anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antibacterial actions are protective, preventative and curative for a wide range of ailments of various origins. 

A lot of research can be found on chamomile and its constituents, however there are still many more questions to be investigated and trials to be concluded on its endlessly long list of health benefits. The variation in the exact composition of the plant depending on where it was grown and which subspecies was used also attributes to some of the variation found in studies. Even the National Centre for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) acknowledges the preference in use for the whole plant due to there being no side-effects compared to synthetic chemicals.  

Chamomile is best known for its use as a relaxant to help with insomnia and anxiety. To sooth the gastrointestinal tract and to treat skin conditions, particularly due to its strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant qualities. The question remains, what can this undervalued herb do for you?

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Rejuvenated with Gotu Kola

Gotu Kola has long been used in traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic Medicine, but its more recent use in Western Herbal Medicine has increased significantly. Surprisingly, this small creeping perennial with fan-shaped leaves belongs to the parsley family and is native to India and the Southern United States. It is best known for its anti-inflammatory, sedative, tonic and wound-healing properties. But there is a lot more this modest herb has to offer than meets the eye.

Traditional practice as well as more recent research indicates that gotu kola has chemical constituents which assist wound healing. It appears to promote new blood vessel and collagen formation whilst decreasing venous blood pressure. These properties can be beneficial to aid tissue repair, wound healing, burns, stretch marks, skin damage, skin ulcers, psoriasis, arthritis and venous insufficiency causing leg swelling and varicose veins. Yet these are not the only reasons why gotu kola has a reputation as rejuvenator with anti-ageing and longevity qualities. Whilst it has been used for centuries in Southern Asia and India to enhance concentration and memory, research has begun to uncover its positive effects on brain function. Various studies found it may improve cognitive function by improving attention, memory, alertness and mood. In vitro and animal studies revealed gotu kola extracts to have a protective effect on brain cells and potentially inhibiting plaque formation responsible for Alzheimer’s disease.

Gotu kola may also be used to aid the relief of anxiety and insomnia due to its mild sedative qualities. Its tonic and mild diuretic properties can support detoxification, which is likely to further contribute to its rejuvenating effect. It comes with no surprise that Western herbal medicine has adopted this phenomenal herb into its repertoire. And for you, there is no need for any fancy pill-like products, as the Herb Shed offers organic gotu kola as well as a “Pick me up” herbal blend with Australian certified organic herbs, of course also including the rejuvenating gotu kola.

Note: Given the lack of research and understanding of action, it has been recommended to avoid using gotu kola if pregnant, breastfeeding or if a pre-existing liver disease exists. If awaiting surgery, its best to stop taking gotu kola two weeks prior to the intervention.

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Recipe for a refreshing goodnight sleep pillow

In a world full of bright and colourful technological gadgets which cause constant stimulation of our brain and visual activity, it comes with no surprise that many of us simply cannot get a good night sleep. Researchers are confident that adults require between 7 to 9 hours of good sleep each night to enable them to function at full capacity during a busy day. One of the hormones responsible for this is melatonin. Simple steps, such as turning off your mobile phone at night, avoiding bright lights in the hours prior to bedtime and perhaps drinking a calming tea can help, but my personal favourite is a goodnight sleep pillow. This can simultaneously aid a restful sleep and keep away bad dreams, restlessness and even microbes and bad smells. Many variations exist for personalised goodnight sleep pillows and they also make a fabulous gift idea.

For your very own personalised goodnight sleep pillow you will need some muslin sachets or small homemade pillow cases out of cloth of fabric. If you’re feeling creative you can stamp shapes, such as leaves, hearts and stars or even stitch a personal message into your pillow.

Next, take a large bowl and mix your herbs gently. Below you will find my personal herb mix which I particularly like, but feel free to add or remove some for your very own favourite calming herb combination.

• 2 scoops dried organic chamomile

• 2 scoops dried organic lemon balm

• 2 scoops dried organic hops flowers

• 1 scoop dried organic lavender

• 1 scoop dried organic rose petals

• 1 scoop dried organic catnip

Once you’ve mixed your herbs well, you can begin scooping them carefully into your sachets or small pillow cases. Remember to stitch them closed or tie a string firmly to the top to avoid leakage. Place underneath or next to your pillow and … sweet restful dreams!

To fill your sleep pillow visit www.theherbshed.com.au