DWARF ELDER: USED FOR MEDICINAL PURPOSES AROUND THE GLOBE: HISTORY, USES AND HEALTH BENEFITS OF DWARF ELDER

DWARF ELDER, (EUROPEAN), SAMBUCUS EBULUS 

The dwarf elder is in the same genus as the elder or common elder tree and in the Adoxaceae family of plants, although formerly it was in the Caprifoliaceae family. The Himalayan viburnums belong in the same family as does the Guelder rose (Viburnum opulis), making them relations of the European dwarf elder, which is different altogether from the plant called by the same name in the US; Aralia hispida of the Araliaceae family. This dwarf elder is native to Britain and mainland Europe as well as to the Mediterranean and eastwards to the Himalayas. Its cooked fruit is edible, and so are the leaves as they can be made into a tisane or infusion and have been used as a tea substitute.

  The Dwarf elder is also known as Danewort, Danesblood, and Walwort and there are legends surrounding these names. “Wal” means slaughter, and it was thought (or perhaps hoped) that the plant grew where the blood of invading Danes had been spilled in Britain. There are places called the Slaughters (Upper and Lower) in the Cotswolds and there are quite a lot of dwarf elders there still. It is also called Blood Elder or Blood Hilder and it was thought to have been brought to Britain by the Danes to lay on their graves.

  The berries and leaves closely resemble those of the elder tree, but this is a plant which only grows to around three feet high and it dies back in winter. The stem of this plant is not woody and the white flowers are sometimes splashed with red and they have red anthers. They bloom in July and August, and like their relatives, the Himalayan viburnums, they don’t smell pleasant. In fact the whole plant when bruised, smells obnoxious, and does not have the musky smell of the elder. It is said that the plant repels moles and mice, so perhaps the leaves repel mice too.

  The plant has been found to have some anti-cancer properties, anti-inflammatory ones and have antioxidant properties; it is an anti-rheumatism plant and can be used as a remedy for piles according to some modern research. The flowers and berried contain essential oil. And the rest of the plant contains tannins, steroids, flavonoids, glycosides including sambunigrin and ebuloside and ebulin, along with caffeic acid derivatives and other substances. However, much more research needs to be done to find how this plant can be used effectively for human health.

  In Iranian traditional medicine the plant is used to treat sore throats, and bee and nettle stings as well as arthritis. Juice from the root is used to dye hair black, in some parts of the world, and a blue dye and ink may be obtained from the berries.

  In traditional medicine the root is used as a very effective and drastic purgative and this is not recommended! The leaves also can be used as a milder purgative. These have anti-inflammatory properties, can help to increase the flow of bile in the body and help remove it, act as an expectorant, and in fevers can promote sweat. They also have diuretic activities. The leaves can be placed on burns and scalds to help heal them and can also be made into a hot or warm poultice for sprains and swellings. It was thought that placing a bunch of dwarf elder leaves on the chest of someone who had just begun to get T.B. would help, and if a person had a fever, he or she might be laid on a sheet which had the leaves on it and then wrapped in a blanket to get rid of a fever. The physicians of Myddfai used it for fevers, as you can see from these ancient remedies of theirs: -

  “Fevers The mugwort, madder, meadow sweet, milfoil, hemp, red cabbage, and the tutsan, all these seven herbs enter into the composition of the medicine required. Whosoever obtains them all, will not languish long from a wounded lung, or need fear for his life. Any of the following herbs may be added thereto, butcher's broom, agrimony, tutsan, dwarf elder, amphibious persicaria, centaury, round birth wort, field scabious, pepper mint, daisy, knap weed, roots of the red nettle, crake berry, St. John's wort, privet, wood betony, the roots of the yellow goat's beard, heath, water avens, woodruff, leaves of the earth nut, agrimony, wormwood, the bastard balm, small burdock, and the orpine”

This was a treatment for an intermittent fever such as malaria is: -

  “Take the mugwort, dwarf elder, tutsan, amphibious persicaria, pimpernel, butcher's broom, elder bark, and the mallow, and boiling them together as well as possible in a pot, or cauldron. Then take the water and herbs, and add them to the bath.”

  Nicholas Culpeper writing his herbal in the 17^th century, much later than the old Welsh physicians, has this to say of the dwarf elder: -

  “The dwarf elder is more powerful than the common elder in opening and purging choler, phlegm, and water; in helping the gout, piles, and women's diseases, coloureth the hair black, helpeth the inflammations of the eyes, and pains in the ears, the biting of serpents, or mad dogs, burnings and scaldings, the wind cholic, cholic and stone, the difficulty of urine, the cure of old sores and fistulous ulcers. Either leaves or bark of elder, stripped upwards as you gather it, causeth vomiting. Also Dr. Butler, in a manuscript of his, commends dwarf elder to the sky for dropsies, viz to drink it, being boiled in white wine; to drink the decoction I mean, not the elder.”

  This plant has been used for centuries for various ailments, and it seems that it has far more benefits for our health than even the old herbalists gave it credit for.

  

FRENCH MERCURY NOT RECOMMENDED FOR USE BY CULPEPER: HISTORY AND MEDICINAL USES OF FRENCH MERCURY

FRENCH, GARDEN OR ANNUAL MERCURY, MERCURIALIS ANNUA

This Mercury, like dog’smercury is a member of the Euphorbiaceae or spurge family of plants along with Ricinis communis or the castor oil plant, cassava or manioc, and Croton tiglium or jamalgota among others. It is sometimes confused with Good-King-Henry, which is often called English Mercury to distinguish it from this plant which is poisonous. Garden mercury or French mercury has been used dried as a decoction in injections by the French, possibly for STDs, this is unclear, but it is best to take the advice of Nicholas Culpeper, the 17^th century English herbalist and stay away from Mercuries. He had this to say of them: -

“This species of mercury has been confounded with others of the same name, with which it has been thought to agree in nature. But there is not a more fatal plant, native of our country, than this. The common herbals, as Gerard's and Parkinson's, instead of cautioning their readers against the use of this plant, after some trifling, idle observations upon the qualities of mercuries in general, dismiss the article without noticing its baneful effects. Other writers, more accurate, have done this; but they have written in Latin, a language not likely to inform those who stand most in need of this caution. This is one of the reasons for compiling of this work.”

  It is said that the young leaves can be used as a spinach substitute, as it would appear that they lose their poisonous principle if heat is applied to them. However to be on the safe side, don’t use this herb or dog’s mercury either. Raw leaves are poisonous. It is said that this herb was once used as a pot herb but I find this very hard to believe.

  The leaves have been chopped and boiled or fried in lard to make a moisturizing cream for dry skin, and the herb has been used for a number of purposes in ancient medicine. However it doesn’t smell at all pleasant, so why would anyone want to use it when sweeter smelling herbs can be employed for all the purposes it was used for. I guess it wasn’t terribly popular unless one was desperately in need of a purge, in which case it was less noxious to use than dog’s mercury.

  Best advice? Take that of Culpeper and stay away from the mercuries!

.

POINSETTIA - THE CHRISTMAS FLOWER: HEALTH BENEFITS AND USES OF POINSETTIA

POINSETTA, EUPHORBIA PULCHERRIMA

December 12^th is National Poinsettia Day in the USA, and this seems a fitting time to write a post on this flower which has come to be associated with Christmas. It originated in Central America, and was introduced into the US in 1825 by Joel R. Poinsett for whom it was named in English.

  The red leaves attract pollinators to the insignificant flowers which reside in the centre of them. These upper leaves may be pink, white, pink and cream or white, and orange. There may be other colours too. The plant is not actually extremely toxic although if you eat enough of the foul-tasting leaves you might vomit. The sap from the plant has been used as a hair remover, and to stimulate lactation in nursing mothers. It is said that it was once used as an abortifacient too. It has antibacterial properties and has some reputation as a pain reliever particularly for toothache. The sap is also used to get rid of warts, pimples and other skin problems. As a member of the Euphorbiceae family it is related to Dog’s and French Mercury, as well as jamalgota, the castor oil plant, and cassava or manioc to name but a few of the plants in this spurge family.

  It is associated with Christmas due in part to a 16^th century Mexican legend which tells of a young girl, too poor to give a gift to Jesus on his birthday (Christmas Day). An angel told her to gather weeds from the roadside and place them on the church altar. She did this and the poinsettia flowered from them. In 17^th century Mexico the Franciscan friars also incorporated them into their Christmas decoration, claiming that the star-shape of the coloured leaves symbolized the Star of Bethlehem and the red leaves symbolized the blood of Christ, sacrificed for the human race.

  In the wild this shrub can grow to heights of 4 metres or 16 feet, but the kind we get in pots is rarely more than 2 feet high. In Spain it is called the Easter flower and it can be grown at this time as well as near Christmas. In Mexico it is “Noche Buenos” (Good Night) referring to Christmas Eve. In Greek it is papagallo or the parrot flower, while in Turkey it is the Ataturk flower.
  The Poinsettia cocktail is not made with the plant but with Prosecco a sparkling Italian wine (also used to make the peach cocktail, the Bellini), vodka and cranberries and sometimes an orange-flavour liqueuer such as Tripe Sec or cointreau.

DOG'S MERCURY - POISONOUS, BUT OK FOR CANINES! HISTORY, AND HEALTH BENEFITS OF DOG'S MERCURY

DOG’S MERCURY, MERCURIALIS PERENNIS

Dog’s Mercury is a common woodland plant in England and Wales as well as in mainland Europe and can also be found in South West Asia. It is poisonous and really should be avoided, although dogs seek it out their owners say and then vomit, so it is used by them as they use other grasses such as couch grass. Dog’s Mercury is a member of the spurge or Euphorbiaceae family of plants which includes Ricinis communis or the castor oil plant, cassava or manioc, and Croton tiglium or jamalgota among others.

  Nicholas Culpeper, writing in the 17^th century has this to say of it and certainly cautions against its use, chastising earlier herbalists for not doing the same: -

 “This species of mercury has been confounded with others of the same name, with which it has been thought to agree in nature. But there is not a more fatal plant, native of our country, than this. The common herbals, as Gerard's and Parkinson's, instead of cautioning their readers against the use of this plant, after some trifling, idle observations upon the qualities of mercuries in general, dismiss the article without noticing its baneful effects. Other writers, more accurate, have done this; but they have written in Latin, a language not likely to inform those who stand most in need of this caution. This is one of the reasons for compiling of this work.”                                                                         

  The Mercuries as Culpeper calls them got their name, so Pliny says because the Roman god Mercury discovered their medicinal virtues. This is a reference to the fact that Hippocrates, the Father of Medicine as he is known, used the plants for “female” complaints. The plant is also employed in homeopathy for rheumatism and gall bladder and liver complaints, but should not be administered without a physician’s approval.

  Traditionally Dog’s mercury has been used in an ointment applied to external dressings for wounds, and it is said to soften and moisturize the skin. It has also been used to get rid of sores in the ears and around the eyes, but that was in the dim and distant past when other forms of medication were unavailable. It was used in ancient Greece as an antiseptic and to get rid of warts.

  It smells rank and if you follow your nose, you will not be able to eat it, even if your body needs to be purged. This was its main use in the past, as it induces vomiting and diarrhoea.   

  It is even more noxious than French, annual or garden mercury, all names of the same plant, Mercurialis annua. For once it would be advisable to keep Culpeper’s advice in mind and stay clear of this plant.

   

GOOD KING HENRY - A MEMBER OF THE GOOSEFOOT GENUS: HISTORY, HEALTH BENEFITS AND USES OF GOOD KING HENRY

GOOD KING HENRY, CHENOPODIUM BONUS-HENRICUS
Good King Henry is a member of the Chenopodiaceae family of goosefoots, and is related to stinking goosefoot, fat hen (Chenopodium album) quinoa and also spinach. Clearly the Latin name for the plant does not mention “King” – it is only ‘good Henry” which means that it is not named after Prince Hal, or Henry VIII or even Henri IV of France who promised every peasant a chicken or a fat hen in his pot. It is also sometimes called fat hen, but this name more properly belongs to C. album white goosefoot or lamb’s quarters. It is more likely to be called good Henry to distinguish it from Bad Henry (Böser Heinrich in German) who was a malevolent spirit described by the Brothers Grimm. It is also the name given to Mercurialis perennis, generally known as Dog's Mercury. This Good Henry is sometimes called English Mercury, to distinguish it from the French herb, Mercurialis annua or French Mercury, which is a member of the spurge family of plants but whose medicinal actions are similar to Good King Henry. The Good Henry of German folklore performed household and other domestic chores in return for a saucer of cream. Bad Henry, of course, would turn milk sour like Puck or Robin Goodfellow in English folklore.

  Until the end of the 19^th century and even in the early years of the twentieth century, Good King Henry was grown as a spring vegetable and the tender young leaves were a spinach substitute, as some people prefer its milder flavour. It was known as Lincoln asparagus as it was grown there as an alternative to asparagus with the young shoots being peeled and then steamed like asparagus can be. It was also grown as a vegetable in other part of Britain including in Suffolk. The young flower buds are regarded as a gourmet food item when they are steamed, but they are fiddly to harvest. Later in the season, in summer the older leaves are bitter so it is best to harvest this herb in spring and chop the leaves and mix them with Swiss chard or kale, sorrel and spinach for a green mixed vegetable dish. They also make a good flavouring herb for soups and stews as do dandelion and nettle leaves.

  The leaves are mildly diuretic and the seeds have gentle laxative properties making them a good remedy for children who are constipated. The leaves are rich in vitamin C and the minerals calcium and iron.

  The herb has been used traditionally to relieve indigestion and the leaves made into a poultice have been placed on chronic sores to heal them. The herb is native to Europe, including Britain, and was introduced to North America by the early settlers who used it as a pot herb.

  Gold or green dyes may be obtained from the whole plant, and at one time the roots were fed to sheep that had coughs. The seeds were used in preparing an untanned leather with a rough grainy surface, known as shagreen, so it has had many uses in the past, although it is little used these days.

  

HORSE CHESTNUT TREE - CONKER TREE: HEALTH BENEFITS AND USES OF HORSE CHESTNUT TREES

HORSE CHESTNUT TREE, AESCULUS HIPPOCASTANUM

The horse chestnut tree is native to Greece and Albania, and was first introduced into Britain as an ornamental in the 17^th century. Hippocastanum is Greek for horse chestnut, so we have its English name. Its nuts are quite different to those of the true chestnut (castanea), but these nuts, generally called conkers, are welcomed by children who brave the spiky cases of these inedible nuts and treat them with loving care, and a few other substances to make them hard, so that they can beat their friends’ conkers when they play with them. You thread string through the centre of these nuts and invite an opponent to smash your conker. The winner has his/her conker in tact when the other has broken. Since 1965 the World Conker Championships have been held in Oundle in Northamptonshire in the UK. In different parts of the UK conkers are also called “obblyonkers,” “cheggies” and “cheeses.”

  These trees grow to heights of 115 feet and have a huge spread and have large white candle-like blooms. Other varieties have pink flowers. Unfortunately the trees are under attack from the leaf miner caterpillar and suffer from a disease named Horse Chestnut Bleeding Canker (Pseudomonas syringae pathovar. aesculi) and trees in Britain are being decimated by this new disease which has its origins in the Himalayas.

  Medicinally conkers are used traditionally as a decongestant, expectorant and tonic for rheumatism, neuralgia and haemorrhoids. The tree bark has been used in a decoction to reduce fever, and applied in a lotion or ointment it has been used for skin problems and externally an oil from the seeds has been used to ease the pain of rheumatism and to help with varicose veins. Extracts from the horse chestnut have been combined with bromelian an enzyme extracted from gotu kola (Indian pennywort) and pineapple to help varicose vein sufferers. Horse chestnut tones the veins and strengthens the walls of these, so promoting better blood circulation, and stopping the seepage of fluid from the veins that causes swellings in the legs.

  A decoction of the leaves is said to be useful for whooping cough and for coughs and colds, and has antioxidant properties. Japanese scientists believe that extracts from the nuts can be used along with extracts from witch hazel, rosemary and sage to help prevent wrinkles and other signs of aging of the skin.

  The horse chestnut has astringent qualities and anti-inflammatory properties, so is not just a good toy for children in the autumn.

HEMP AGRIMONY - NO RELATION TO HEMP, OR AGRIMONY: HISTORY AND HEALTH BENEFITS OF HEMP AGRIMONY

HEMP AGRIMONY, EUPATORIUM CANNABINUM 

Hemp agrimony despite its name is not related to either agrimony or cannabis, or the Hemp tree (Vitex Agnus Castus or the Chaste berry tree) but is distinguished by being the only member of the Eupatorium genus which is native to Europe. It is also native to parts of Asia and North Africa, but has naturalized after introduction, to North America. The Latin name Eupatorium, refers to the King of Pontus, Mithradates Eupator who was a reputed alchemist who dabbled some believed in the dark arts. It is believed that the name cannabinum came from the shape of the leaves of this plant. In Culpeper’s day it was called Water Agrimony or Bastard Agrimony or hemp and it has been used medicinally for millennia.

  Hemp agrimony likes to grow in watery places, damp grasslands, marshes and wet woodlands. I’ve always liked the plant because it attracts butterflies and it is an attractive plant with pink-red flowers or sometimes white ones. The flower heads look large, but in fact they are made up of clusters of florets with pappus (hairs) growing on them. They grow to around 5 feet (1.5 metres) tall and can be 4 feet (1.2 metres) wide. They flower between July and September and it is best to harvest the leaves before the flowers open and dry them for later use. The leaves are said to be very effective if made into an infusion or tisane at the onset of flu as they contain vitamin C. This tisane used to be used to combat scurvy. The Physicians of Myddfai believed that hemp agrimony could stop you getting drunk and had this to say:-

“If you would not be drunk, drink in the morning as much as will fill an egg-shell of the juice of the hemp agrimony.”

In the Middle Ages it was believed that people should be bled regularly to make them healthy, and there were certain days when bleeding should not take place and after the bleeding you should eat and drink certain things. Here is another use the physicians of Myddfai made of hemp agrimony:

 “Month of April. Bleed. Take a gentle emetic, eat fresh meat, use warm drink. Eat two mouthfuls of hart's tongue twice a day. Avoid the roots of vegetables, as they will occasion an obstruction. Drink hemp agrimony.” (Hart’s tongue is a type of fern.)

  Writing much later in the 17^th century, Nicholas Culpeper had this to say about the virtues of hemp agrimony:

 “It is a plant of Jupiter, as well as the other agrimony; only this belongs to the celestial sign Cancer. It healeth and dryeth, cutteth and cleanseth, thick and tough tumours of the breast; and for this I hold it inferior to but few herbs that grow. It helps the cachexia, or evil disposition of the body; also the dropsy and yellow jaundice. It opens obstructions of the liver, mollifies the hardness of the spleen; being applied outwardly, it breaks imposthumes; taken inwardly, it is an excellent remedy for the third-day ague; it provokes urine and the terms; it kills worms, and cleanseth the body of sharp humours, which are the cause of itch, scabs... The smoke of the herb, being burnt, drives away flies, wasps....; It strengthens the lungs exceedingly. Country people give it to their cattle when they are troubled with the cough, or brokenwinded.”

  Country people believed that if they put hemp agrimony leaves on bread, they would prevent it from turning mouldy, and it is said that the juice from the leaves and stems can be rubbed on pets and domestic animals to repel insects, including mosquitoes (this would smell better than the juice of Herb Robert).

   Marie Corelli had clearly researched the use of the herb for this passage in her book, “The Treasure of Heaven” (although she didn’t get the colour quite right!) which is quoted below.

“..Cos they'se gittin' too wise for Nature's own cure. Nobody thinks o' tryin' agrimony, water agrimony--some calls it water hemp an' bastard agrimony--'tis a thing that flowers in this month an' the next, a brown-yellow blossom on a purple stalk, an' ye find it in cold places, in ponds an' ditches an' by runnin' waters. Make a drink of it, an' it'll mend any cancer, if 'taint too far gone. An' a cancer that's outside an' not in, 'ull clean away beautiful wi' the 'elp o' red clover.”

  Dioscorides writing in the first century AD praised the herb for use externally and internally as it works to clean and heal old stubborn wounds and ulcers. There is some debate as to which agrimony he is writing about but Parkinson was convinced he meant hemp agrimony as he wrote,

“…all the apothecaries of our land …do use the first kind of agrimony as the most assured eupatorium of Dioscorides. However, in former times, both we and they beyond the seas did usually take the Eupatorium cannabinum, which they called Eupatorium vulgare, for the true kind.”

  Hemp Agrimony can be used in bath water to ease aching muscles and joints and a compress of the leaves is said to relieve headaches. The ancient Greeks used the infusion as eye wash for inflammation of the eyes and with chamomile, the leaves are good in a tisane to aid digestion. The Anglo-Saxons used it to heal wounds and would put the bruised leaves on cuts as well as washing wounds with the infusion.

  Hemp agrimony has been found to boost the immune system and make it less susceptible to colds and flu. The roots have mild diuretic qualities and are a laxative, as well as a tonic for the blood. It is believed to have antibacterial properties and is good for sore throats and mouth ulcers.

  The infusion or tisane is made with one ounce of the dried leaves and flowers (of a handful of fresh) to 250 ml of boiling water. Let the herb steep for 15 minutes before straining and then either drink it or leave it to cool and use externally.

  There is little research into this herb, but it seems that it is safe, although perhaps should not be used during pregnancy unless used under the supervision and direction of a doctor.

HERB ROBERT - ANCIENT MEDICINAL HERB: HISTORY AND HEALTH BENEFITS OF HERB ROBERT

HERB ROBERT, GERANIUM ROBERTIANUM 

This herb has been used in medicine for centuries, although in the 20^th century, particularly in Portugal it was hailed as a folk cancer remedy when the powdered leaves were taken with a raw, fresh egg yolk. Of course this has not been proven to work. Dioscorides described it and it was known to the old herbalists, who used it mainly for blood problems, as the stalks and leaves turn bright red in autumn, a sign to these old herbalists that it was good for the blood.

  This plant is known by around a hundred names some of which refer to other plants more often, such as bloodwort (red dock), and red robin (not ragged robin) and cranesbill, which is native to the US and poisonous. However Stinking Bob is a name given to this herb which is unique to it, and refers to the smell given off by its bruised leaves. It is also called the Fox Geranium, some say because of its “foxy” smell after rain. It is native to hedgerows and woodland in Europe the British isles included, and to temperate Asia as it grows as far east as Japan and in the Himalayan regions.

  No one really knows how it became Herb Robert, although there are several contenders for being its namesake, including Robert Duke of Normandy, who died in 1134, St Robert of Molesme, a French monk who died in 1110, and Robin Goodfellow or Puck, the mischievous elf who has a role in Shakespeare’s play “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.” The Latin name Robertianum might be a corruption of ruber meaning red, rather than referring to any specific Robert, Robin or Rupert, names that seemed to have been linked to this plant.

  The leaves of Herb Robert are the main part of the plant used for medicinal purposes and an infusion of these has been drunk and used as a wash for the skin, and for inflammation of the eyes. A poultice of the leaves has been used to relieve hardened breasts, to increase lactation in nursing mothers, to relieve irritated skin and the pain of rheumatism and reduce bruising, as well as being applied to herpes sores and ulcers. The infusion can also be used for the same external purposes.

  Internally the tisane or infusion was thought to stop bleeding, and to be a good gargle for sore throats and oral problems such as toothache and mouth ulcers. In Quebec it is called the quinsy herb because of these uses.

  Nicholas Culpeper, the English herbalist who wrote in the 17^th century has this to say about Herb Robert: 

  “It is under the dominion of Venus. Herb Robert is commended not only against the stone, but to stay blood, where or howsoever flowing; it speedily heals all green wounds, and is effectual in old ulcers in the privy parts, or elsewhere. You may persuade yourself this is true, and also conceive a good reason for it, do but consider it is an herb of Venus, for all it hath a man's name.”

    The freshly crushed leaves may be useful to repel mosquitoes- if you don’t mind their “foxy” smell. It is said that deer and rabbits, give this plant a wide berth too.

  Some clinical trials have shown that the plant can lower blood sugar levels thus supporting its traditional use for diabetes sufferers.

  The whole plant including the roots can be used to produce a brown dye, and is also used in the infusion, although it would seem that an infusion of the leaves works very well alone. The tisane is mildly diuretic and has astringent qualities. The plant has been used in Asia for the treatment of malaria, jaundice and kidney infections.

 The Physicians of Myddfai recommended herb Robert to be used for pneumonia along with other herbs as in this ancient remedy:-

  “Let (the patient) take, for three successive days, of the following herbs; hemlock, agrimony, herb Robert, and asarabacca, then let him undergo a three day's course of aperients.”

Clearly this is not to be recommended for use!

 I grew up with this little plant all around but no one ever used it for medicinal purposes to my knowledge.

BLADDERWRACK - AS SATISFYING TO POP AS BUBBLE WRAP AND GOOD FOR YOUR HEALTH; HISTORY AND HEALTH BENEFITS OF BLADDERWRACK

BLADDERWRACK, FUCUS VESICULOSIS

There is a lot of bladderwrack around the South Wales coastline and as a child I enjoyed popping the globules on this seaweed when I was bored at places like Limeslade Bay on the Gower coast. It’s similar to popping bubble wrap. I didn’t know then that this ugly (I thought) seaweed could be so beneficial for our health.

  Like laverbread  and Irish moss it contains a lot of iodine, which is essential for the functioning of the thyroid gland which supports the growth and development of children and infants. Because it stimulates the thyroid it is believed that it can help reduce weight in people who are obese because of a sluggish thyroid as it can increase the body’s metabolic rate.

  Chemists who had shops along the coast of South Wales used to use the expressed juice of bladderwrack (got from the globules I loved to pop) as a treatment for rheumatism and to reduce fat.  Grapes and dried bladderwrack were made into a wine cordial (Fucus wine) to give to children with bone problems. People used to use this seaweed in a cold poultice of the bruised fronds to relieve the problem of hardened or enlarged glands.

  Bladderwrack can be found on the North Atlantic coasts and the Pacific coasts of North America, but care should be taken if you harvest it as it should not be taken from polluted waters which contain arsenic, cadmium or mercury from factories and agricultural practices. It is best gathered towards the end of June, but you have to gather it from the rocks to which it is attached, rather than harvesting fronds which have been cast up on the beach by the sea; such seaweed has lost much of its medicinal properties.

  Bladderwrack has traditionally been rapidly dried in the sun after harvesting and needs to be turned fairly often so that it dries evenly. It can then be ground to a powder, which is believed to have astringent properties and can be used in the treatment of both constipation and diarrhoea according to traditional medicine systems. This is because of the alginic acid it contains.

  There have been clinical trials on this sea plant although there have been no human trials. Studies on animals suggest that it has anti-tumour properties and can reduce the growth of cancerous cells. It has potent antioxidant properties and is chemo-preventive, as it contains fucoidan which seems to have anti-angiogenic, anti-viral and immunomodulatory properties. In vivo tests have shown that a topical application of extracts of bladderwrack can help improve skin problems, be chemo-preventive, anti-collagenase and help remove cellulite. However tests need to be carried out on people before these claims can be proven.

  It is believed to reduce the risk of oestrogen-related cancers in some Asian populations and may improve menstrual problems. It is also said to help alleviate fatigue and lower cholesterol levels, thus improving the health of the heart.

  People who have hormonal-sensitive cancers should avoid using it or at least treat it with caution and only use it under strict medical supervision.

BAOBAB TREE - THE TREE OF LIFE: HISTORY, USES AND HEALTH BENEFITS OF BAOBAB TREE

BAOBAB TREE, ADANSONIA DIGITATA L. BAOBAB

There are eight species of baobab tree, one in Australia, six in Madagascar and this one which has made its home in the African savannah, and can be found in twenty Sub-Saharan countries in Africa. It has been used by Africans for millennia for food, medicine, ropes and mats as well as beverages and was a subsistence food. It still is for some, but since 2008 when its was approved by the EU as a Novel Food, and then in 2009 when the dried fruit pulp got approval as Generally Regarded as Safe (GRAS) by the USDFA, things are slowly changing. Phytonutrient, a non-profit making organization has helped Africans use the fruit of the baobab tree to rise out of poverty by harvesting the gourd-like fruit and selling it to commercial enterprises which use the dried pulp in health supplements and in some foodstuff. It has been used in fruit bars and smoothies and can actually be used to cook with, if only the fruit could be transported. In some countries such as Malawi, there are sustainable projects with people encouraged to plant more baobab trees, but this is certainly a long-term investment, as the trees take many years to mature.

  The baobab tree is a member of the Bombacaceae family of plants, so is related to Bombax ceiba, the red silk cotton tree which grows in Asia and to the durian, the favourite fruit of many Thais.

  At one time scientists thought that the mighty baobab trees were in danger of extinction, because the young trees do not resemble their older relatives. Now we know that the baobab isn’t under any immediate threat, but that was before the Western world hailed the fruit as “King of the Superfruits”. (Superfruits include the mangosteen, kiwi fruit and pomegranates, among others.) The fruit tastes a little like a jackfruit or a melon, which you have to peel and discover the marshmallow-like fruit hidden in sinewy fibres. The fruit contains six times as much vitamin C as an orange, according to National Geographic and has twice as much calcium as cow’s milk. It is also rich in minerals such as iron, phosphorous and magnesium as well as being potassium rich, making it good for the health of the brain, nerves and muscles. It also contains some of the B-complex vitamins and vitamin A.

  It has been used in traditional African medicine for fevers, malaria, vitamin C deficiency, stomach ailments and upsets, and a multitude of other ailments. The young leaves are eaten as a vegetable, like spinach, and the fruit can be cooked with meat, poultry and fish according to some gastronomes.

  One tree, known as the Big Baobab has had its interior made into a bar, and can hold 60 people or more. That must be the world’s ultimate bar and can be found at Sunlands Nursery in the Limpopo province of South Africa. The tree has been dated as being 6,000 years old (at least) making it one of the oldest trees on the planet, as it was around when our iron Age ancestors roamed the African grasslands (which the savannah was at the time).

Bar inside Baobab

  There are many legends about this tree, explaining its name of “upside-down” tree. It was thought that God was offended by the tree and so planted upside down as a punishment. In winter the branches of the tree stretch skywards just as roots burrow into the ground. The flowers bloom at night and it is unwise to pick them as if you do, so the superstition goes, a lion will rip you apart. It is said that spirits dwell in the flowers. Other superstitions say that if you soak the seeds of the fruit in water and then drink it you will be invincible and strong as a lion. The water, thus drunk will also give protection from all evil.

  Elephants, monkeys and baboons feast on this fruit and the flowers are pollinated by bats and bush-babies which inadvertently carry pollen with them on their fur. This pollen is used as glue, while later the seeds can be pressed to make cooking oil or eaten raw or roasted. When powdered they can be used as a thickener for soups and stews too. They can also be ground after roasting to make a coffee-like drink. It is known as the “Tree of Life” because of all the benefits it has for the locals and wild life.

  The dried fruit pulp is being used in cosmetics and hair-care products as well as in food stuff, and it is to be hoped that we do not over-harvest this tree which has been a source of life for Africans for millennia.

GROUND IVY - USE THIS WEED FOR HEALTH: HISTORY, USES AND HEALTH BENEFITS OF GROUND IVY

                                                       GROUND IVY, GLECHOMA HEDERACEAE

Ground ivy is no relation to true ivy (Hedera helix) although it is a creeper and provides ground cover as the name suggests. Rather ground ivy is a member of the Labiatae or Lamiaceae family which makes it a relative of mint and oregano. Like its relatives it can be added to stews for its mild peppery flavour or eaten raw in salads or cooked as you would spinach. A tisane can be made with it mixed with vervain and then with added honey. It is a native of Europe including the British Isles and Asia, spreading through western Asia to Japan.

  It is also known by other names such as Alehoof, which is an allusion to its use in brewing beer as it was used to make this beverage clear until the 16^th century when hops were introduced into Britain. It is also called Gill-in-the-ground, and this comes from the French guiller meaning to ferment beer. Because of the name Gill it also became known as Hedgemaids as Gill was a name for a woman or girl. A tisane called Gill tea (no tea involved) can be made with one ounce of the chopped whole herb (above-ground parts including the flowers) to one pint of boiling water. This can be left to infuse until cool and drunk in small cupfuls throughout the day if flavoured with honey, sugar or liquorice, if you have a cough or cold, as it contains vitamin C.

  The whole herb is best gathered in early may when the flowers are new, and then it can be dried for later use. The leaves are said to have some resemblance to a cat’s paw and this has given rise to the name Catsfoot for this plant with its flowers that look rather like violets.

  In the past the expressed juice of the plant was sniffed through the nose and used for headaches when all other remedies had failed. The dried leaves were also powdered and used as snuff to clear the sinuses. The essential oil of this plant contains both rosmarinic and ursolic acid; the latter is believed to have anti-viral properties. In the limited clinical trials that have been conducted with extracts of ground ivy, it is thought that it might have anti-inflammatory properties.

 It has been used for chest complaints and with yarrow or chamomile flowers as a poultice for abscesses tumours and other skin problems.

  John Gerard the 16^th century English herbalist had this to say about ground ivy: -

  “it is commended against the humming noise and ringing sound of the ears, being put into them, and for them that are hard of hearing. Matthiolus writeth that the juice being tempered with Verdergrease is good against fistulas and hollow ulcers. Dioscorides teacheth that "half a dram of the leaves being drunk in foure ounces and a half of faire water for 40 or 50 days together is a remedy against sciatica or ache in the huckle-bone (hip)."

 Culpepper writing in his “Complete Herbal” in the 17^th century agreed with John Gerard on the whole but added the following information about this herb: -

 “a singular herb for all inward wounds, ulcerated lungs and other parts, either by itself or boiled with other like herbs; and being drank, in a short time it easeth all griping pains, windy and choleric humours in the stomach, spleen, etc., helps the yellow jaundice by opening the stoppings of the gall and liver, and melancholy by opening the stoppings of the spleen; the decoction of it in wine drank for some time together procureth ease in sciatica or hip gout; as also the gout in the hands, knees or feet; if you put to the decoction some honey and a little burnt alum, it is excellent to gargle any sore mouth or throat, and to wash sores and ulcers; it speedily heals green wounds, being bruised and bound thereto.”

The Welsh Physicians of Myddfai used ground ivy in this remedy for intermittent fevers:

“The following is a good medicine for this class of diseases: take moss, ground ivy, or elder, if obtainable, (if not obtainable, caraway,) and boil these two vegetable substances well together. Then take the mallow, fennel, pimpernel, butcher's broom, borage, and the young leaves of the earth nut, and bruise them as well as possible, putting them on the fire with the two herbs before mentioned, and boiling them well. This being done, let elder bark be taken from that portion of the tree which is in the ground, - let it be scraped and washed thoroughly, and bruised well in a mortar. Then take the liquor prepared from the fore-mentioned herbs, and mix the said bark therein assiduously between both hands, and set it to drain into a vessel to acidify, fermenting it with goat's whey, or cow's whey. Let a good cupful thereof be drank every morning as long as it lasts, a portion of raw honey, apple or wood sorrel, being taken subsequently in order to remove the taste from the mouth, after the draught. This liquor is beneficial to every man who requires to purge his body.

  A further remedy was this one: -

“For an opacity of the eye. Let some ground ivy juice be put therein, and the opacity will be removed, the eye becoming spotless and clear.”

Another remedy was this one: - “For a speck in the eye, put therein the juice of the ground ivy.”

 For fevers they recommended the following treatment: -

“But if a man has indeed an obstinate ague, cause him to go into a bath, and let him avoid touching the water with his arms. Let him also take ground ivy, boiling it briskly, and apply hot to his head. He must also be bled in his arm, and he will be cured by the help of God.”

  Ground ivy has been used in traditional medicine for centuries, but few clinical trials have been conducted with it.