Herbs Helper

Agrimony Herb has a long history behind it. It was always used as a domestic medicinal herb by many of those who live in the country. This herb is part of the rose family, and it is in bloom from June to September. This herb has beautiful leaves which add to its beauty. This plant grows close to the ground. There are also flowers that grow closely together on its little branches. What’s more, this herbal plant has a sweet smell that is of apricots which makes it enjoyable to many.

During the Middle Ages, this herb was used by the Anglo-Saxon peoples for the healing of wounds and sores. They also used this herb as part of their ritual rites. It was believed that if a man put the herb beneath his head, he  would be induced into deep sleep.

Some writers also have said that it is quite useful for curing jaundice. The way it works is, the crown of a root is placed into boiling water. A half a pint six times a day is the prescribed dose.

In North America, it was used to treat fever by the Canadians and the Native Americans. They had great success when using the herb for that purpose. Additionally, it has been used to treat diseases of the blood and skin. The leaves and roots are sweetened with honey or sugar so as to be tolerated and administered two to three times a day. Doses are the size of a full wineglass.

Today, the herb is used to treat diarrhea, relaxed bowels, sore throats, and passive blood loss. For these treatments, a handful of the leaves or stems is dumped into a pint of boiling water. This solution can be gargled for the easing of a sore throat, and a teacup full, taken cold, three to four times a day, to get rid of diarrhea or help with the passive blood loss. And, though this herb is not yet fully appreciated by today’s modern medicine, it is appreciated by many for its many virtues.

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Today, many body builders use Mexican Wild Yam as part of the process as it contains chemicals that aid in the production of healthy hormones. It has also been used to treat hormonal conditions.

In 1936, Japanese researchers discovered glycoside saponins in many types of Mexican yams. These elements were then able to be converted into the steroid known as steroid saponins, primarily diosgenin. These agents are then used to create the hormone progesterone, an intermediary in cortisone production.

In women, the herb is used as well in other things such as creams and chemical solutions derived from it are used in treating several problems related to menstruation. For example, extracts from the yams are believed to be able to stimulate the ovaries allowing a balance of progesterone and estrogen to be produced alleviating symptoms of PMS or menopause. Creams derived from the yams are also used in soothing menstrual cramps as well as treat acute labor and post partum pain.

Mexican Wild Yam also can be therapeutic on many aspects of human health. For example it has therapeutic action on the health of the liver. Many feel that because it helps in stabilizing blood pressure and cholesterol levels that it indirectly contributes to the health of the liver as it decreases stress. If these processes are working properly, the liver won’t have to do as much work as this organ acts as the body’s stabilizer.

 Elements derived from Mexican Wild Yam have also been effective in treating muscle pains for both body builders and menstruating women. Creams made using the elements of the herbs are also good at reducing muscle inflammation. Studies are being done in labs to further learn about the healing qualities this herb possesses. After it has been made apparent, the doctors will then appreciate what it can contribute to medicine.

 

Plantain can be enjoyed at each stage of ripeness. Here is a guide as to what it can be cooked in according to the color. Included with the guide are a couple of recipes which will allow anyone to enjoy this tasty plant.

When the Plantain is green, it has a starchy taste like that of a potato. When it is this color, it should be used in recipes that call for starchy vegetables. When the Plantain is yellow, it should be used in recipes that call for something sweet but firm. At this stage, the skin may be yellow with black spots. Then, when it is black, use it in recipes that require something sweet. At this stage, the skin may be covered with heavy black spots or may be completely black.

Recipes cooked with Plantain are no doubt tasty. Here are just a couple to get you started;

Mashed Green Plantain
 This recipe is great for Plantains of a green color as it will have the same starchy consistency of mash potatoes. You can serve this as a substitute for mash potatoes where it is needed in a meal. Here is what you need;2 green Plantains peeled and chopped in half½ cup of milk (You can use any fatness such as low fat if you’d like) 5 teaspoons of margarine