AGRIMONY: A MEDICINAL HERB: BENEFITS, USES AND HISTORY OF AGRIMONY: AGRIMONY TISANE

AGRIMONY, AGRIMONIA EUPATORIA

Agrimony is an ancient healing herb or vulnery which was certainly used by the Meddygon Myddfai, or Physicians of Myddfai in ancient Wales. These were a long line of gifted herbal doctors whose beginnings are shrouded in the mists of time, but are thought to have begun in 800 AD. Their herbal lore was supposed to have come from the founder who fell in love with the Lady of the Lake, a fairy who eventually returned his love and bore him three sons. The herbal lore of these physicians continued until the 1800s and was transcribed in The Red Book of Hengist, The Mabingion, in the 13 the century. This book is still in print. The herb is Y Tryw in Welsh and was used along with betony and vervain, boiled in ale and milk for mastitis. It was sacred to the Celtic goddess Danu.

   It was known to Dioscorides in the first century AD who recommended it for “bad livers” and snake bites. There are various beliefs about how the herb was named, some saying that it was named eupatoria after the King of Pontus, Mithradates Eupator, who was a bane of the Roman Empire, and who ruled Pontus from 120 BC until 63 BC. He was thought to be a magician and herbalist who doused himself with plant poisons to protect himself from injury. The name Agrimonia may come from the Latin “agri moenia” meaning “defender of the fields” as it was a common sight in meadows and hedgerows, or it may come from the Greek name for plants which healed eyes and made them shining “argamone”.

   Agrimony was used with other common herbs in the countryside in Britain as a “spring drink” or a “diet drink” and was believed to purify the blood. The Anglo-Saxons called it Garclive and used it to heal wounds, snake bites and to get rid of warts, among other remedies. They also believed that if they carried it on their person it would protect them from goblins. Agrimony was one of the seven herbs they used in their “Holy Salve.” In Chaucer’s time it was called Egrimoyne and used with mugwort and vinegar to relieve back pain and “alle woundes.” There was a remedy of the 12^th century which called for agrimony to be mixed with one pound of frogs and human blood to stop internal bleeding. It was one of the herbs used in L’eau d’arquebusade which was used to heal wounds inflicted by the arquebus, a type of early hand gun employed in the 15^th century. In France it may still be found and is used to treat sprains and bruises.

   Its other common names are Cockleburr, so called because the seed pods stick to animals and people’s clothes, and Philanthropos, (people lover). Gerard writes that this may be for the reason mentioned or because of its healing properties, but he seemed to believe the former reason was the correct one. He also wrote that it was good for those who lead “naughty lives”.

   It is also called Church Steeples because of the tallness of the plant and its flowers, it is reminiscent of mullein but not as tall and the flowers are not as close together, although they are usually yellow.

   It is a member of the rose family of plants and has a fragrant smell with a faint hint of lemon. It tastes rather like apricots, and makes a pleasant tisane. Culpeper recommended it for external use as being good for the skin and healing wounds and suggested bathing in water in which it had been steeped. He also says that a decoction taken in wine was good for snake bites, colic and bad breath as well as being effective against coughs.

    This rhyme was found in an old English manuscript: -

      “If it be leyd under mann’s heed.

       He shal sleepyn as he were deed;

       He shal never drede ne wakyn

       Till fro his heed it be takyn.”

In other words it induces profound sleep and if it is under your pillow, you won’t wake up unless it is removed. Today mugwort and agrimony are used in Dream pillows.

    Agrimony should be gathered when it is in full bloom and spread out to dry on a wire rack in a very sunny spot. Turn the parts of the plant at regular intervals until it can be crumbled to a powder. It can be stored for future use in airtight jars. Dry all parts of the upper plant, i.e. flowers, leaves and stem. You can use them in the tisane recipe given below, which is effective against diarrhoea and blood loss in the urine or stools. It can also be used as a gargle for sore throats and mouth ulcers. It has been used in traditional medicine for liver complaints including jaundice and will aid digestion. It is said to be good for the blood and skin and a strong decoction of the crown of the root system and leaves boiled in water and mixed with honey was especially used for skin problems. If you use this, you need to drink 2 or 3 small cupfuls every day for several months to clear the skin.

    In Ayurvedic medicine a tisane is given to alleviate stress, anxiety and hypertension and lower blood pressure. It is also a diuretic and as it contains Vitamin K it is a good blood clotting agent. Modern medical trials have shown that it may be useful in treating bacterial and viral infections, in inhibiting the growth of tumours, for diabetes and hypertension, although more human studies are needed to substantiate these early findings. Trials are underway to teat its efficacy in treating skin diseases and gastrointestinal ailments. Germany’s Commission E has approved the use of the tisane for diarrhoea and as a gargle for sore throats to reduce inflammation and soreness.

   You can make a poultice of the leaves and apply to the head during migraines, or use the tisane to treat athlete’s foot, or use freshly crushed fresh leaves. If you have conjunctivitis or other eye problems then 10 gr of the herb to 500 ml of water should be boiled together and left to cool then used as eyewash.

    Native Americans have used agrimony effectively for fevers, and the tisane is a mild diuretic.

   You can use it in pot pourris with dried flowers such as rose petals, lavender and violets. You can use the fragrant dried leaves for this purpose too. It is said that if you carry agrimony, along with rue, Maidenhair fern, broom and ground ivy, you will be able to recognize witches. If one happens to cast a spell on you then the agrimony will mirror it back and the evil will befall the one who cast the spell.

AGRIMONY TISANE

Ingredients

1 handful of dried agrimony (whole herb)

1 pint of boiling water

honey to taste

Method

Pour the boiling water over the dried herb and leave to steep for 15 minutes. Strain and drink a tea cup of it 3 or 4 times a day for all the ailments mentioned above.

This has taste and is a Treat(ment).

MULLEIN: GREAT MULLEIN: BENEFITS OF MULLEIN AND USES: MULLEIN LEAF TISANE

GREAT MULLEIN, VERBASCUM THAPSUS

There are about 250 species of mullein, which is a relative of the foxglove, toadflax and antirrhinum (snap-dragon) among a whole host of other plants.It is a member of the Scrophulariaceae of figwort family of plants. It can grow up to 6 feet tall so is distinguishable in the wild especially with its clusters of yellow flowers. It is also grown in gardens for its ornamental value. The flowers can be different colours depending on the species of mullein, and can be orange, rust coloured, purple, blue or white. The leaves and the stalk are covered with fine hairs which irritate the mouths of grazing animals, which leave it to itself. It’s a bee plant and birds love to eat the seeds in the autumn. It is native to Europe and Asia, and has been naturalized in North America, where the Native Americans soon learned of its medicinal properties especially valuing it for curing respiratory ailments.The leaves are big and hairy and can grow up to 2 feet across. In the Mediterranean region you can find the most species of mullein.

   Dioscorides mentions it as good for respiratory diseases, and the Roman General, Agrippa believed that its fragrance could overpower demons. In Europe and Asia it was believed that mullein could protect from evil enchantments and spirits. Ulysses or Odysseus used it to protect himself from Circe’s bewitching powers, according to legend.

   The dried leaves are highly flammable and have been used for kindling, candle and lamp wicks and tapers. These usages have given rise to some of its local names, Candlewick plant, Our Lady’s Candle and Hag’s Taper. In 1575, writing in his “Niewe Herball”, Lyte says that the plant which he calls Our Lady’s Candle, is called so because “the whole toppe with its pleasant yellow flowers sheweth like to a wax candle or taper cunningly wrought.” It is called Hag’s Taper because it was thought that witches used it as wicks for their candles used when they cast their spells. The Latin name of this plant family, verbascum, is thought to have come from a corruption of barbascum, from barba meaning beard, referring to its hairiness. Its has many other names and may be referred to as Shepherd’s or Jacob’s staff, because of its height, Feltwort, (because the hairy texture feels a little like the material felt), Clown’s Lungwort (it helps with lung congestion), White Ice leaf (its hairy appearance makes it look as though it is covered in frost), Hare’s Beard and Blanket Herb, are some of these.

Mullein Seeds

  Apart from using it for burning, it has also been used as insecticide as its leaves contain rotenone, and the fibres have been made into insulation material. It can be made into a yellow dye by boiling the flowers in water and if it is used with diluted sulphuric acid this produces a permanent green dye; if alkaloids are added to the liquid this will produce a brown dye. If you want to have golden tints in your hair then gather the yellow flowers and add a pint of boiling water and leave them to steep for at least 30 minutes then use the water to rinse your hair after shampooing and rinsing in ordinary water. This infusion of flowers can also be used to clean minor cuts and grazes, and you can also use it as a facial cleanser.

   Pick the flowers and put them in a glass jar filled to the top with them, then add olive oil and leave them to steep in a warm place, with the jar firmly sealed, for 2 weeks. You can use this oil (strained) and use a drop or two for earache, bruises or frostbite. You can add beeswax to the oil and use it to soothe a baby’s nappy rash and for sensitive skin.

   The leaves are best harvested in the first or second year in the autumn, but if you are collecting them from wild mullein, make sure the stem is not crooked; if it is this means that the soil contains chemicals, so avoid such plants for medicinal purposes. You can dry the leaves and smoke them in a “cigarette” to relieve asthma, lung congestion and hay fever, as well as other respiratory problems. These are also good to get rid of coughs. They can be used in poultices and applied externally on sunburn, ulcers, tumours and piles.

   Gerard the English herbalist writing in the 16^th century noted that “Figs do not putrifie at all that are wrapped in the leaves of Mullein”, so the antibacterial properties of the leaves were noted very early on.

   The whole plant has a narcotic and sedative effect, and the seeds which contain saponins have been used as a narcotic. Saponins have anti-inflammatory properties, and the leaves also contain powerfully active glycosides, and are used for their demulcent and astringent properties. They are mucilaginous too, as they contain a type of latex which has soothing properties. The decoction in milk which is made from them is effective in the treatment of diarrhoea and it strengthens the bowels. To make this you will need an ounce of dried leaves or the same number of fresh leaves, and 1 cup of milk. Boil the leaves in the milk for 10 minutes, then strain and drink 3 times a day with or without sugar or honey. If you boil the flowers with this, it will taste less bitter, and you can also add the leaves of Sweet Cicely to it. This stops coughs and helps with colds. For internal bleeding this is also said to be good.

   In Ayurvedic medicine the following is used for treating yeast infections such as thrush: - cayenne pepper, garlic finely chopped, white oak bark, mullein flowers and marsh mallow leaves, crushed and made into a soft ball which can be easily digested.

   The tisane is good for coughs, colds and respiratory problems. You should take a wineglass full 3 times a day. In Ayurvedic medicine it is used to allay anxiety and stress.

 The tisane will provide you with vitamins B2, 5 and 12, D, choline, beta-carotene,and the minerals iron, zinc, calcium and selenium among other constituents.

Mullein Flower

MULLEIN LEAF TISANE

Ingredients

1 tbsp of dried leaves or root or two fresh leaves

1 cup water

dried flowers of mullein

1 clove

½ inch piece of cinnamon

Method

Boil all the ingredients together for 10 mins then strain through a piece of muslin or other fine cloth so that the hairs do not get into your mouth and cause irritation.

This has Taste and is a Treat.

DIOSCOREA DELTOIDEA: ENDANGERED SPECIES BECAUSE OF MEDICINAL BENEFITS

DIOSCOREA  DELTOIDEA WALL.

The Dioscorea family of plants which includes the yam; this particular species is native to the Himalayas, western Pakistan and Afghanistan. It is very common in Swat and Kashmir, although it is endangered in India. Dioscorea were named after the ancient Greek physician and botanist, Dioscorides.

  This plant is special (and endangered) because its tubers contain diosgenin, which is a phytoestrogen that can be chemically converted into the hormone progesterone. The conversion cannot take place in the body though. Diosgenin is a basis for anti-fertility drugs such as the contraceptive pill, of cortisone and sex-hormones, such as testosterone and supplements are used by body builders to increase their testosterone levels and build muscle mass. So although most pharmaceutical companies now use synthetic materials in their drug production the dietary supplement industry prides itself on using natural ingredients, thus threatening the continued existence of many plants. Dioscorea deltoidea has been discovered by the body building world and they consider it better or on par with Tribulus terrestris or Puncture Vine and fenugreek. This plant boosts testosterone levels and so not only helps body builders build muscle mass but also helps with erectile dysfunctions, including premature ejaculation.

   Traditionally the plant has been used as an anti-rheumatic and to treat ophthalmic conditions. In the West it has been used as a source of steroid drugs. It has also been used to rid the body of intestinal parasites, and women use it to wash shawls and woollen cloth.

   You can’t eat it, but you could try our sweet potato recipe.

VITAMIN B COMPLEX: WHAT THESE ARE, WHY WE NEED THEM: FOODS TO EAT

VITAMINS B:WHY WE NEED THEM AND WHICH FOODS CONTAIN THEM

Our bodies need all the B-complex vitamins in order to function normally. They have antioxidant properties and help the organs, production of blood and tissue cells, help slow the aging process and lift our mood due to their actions on the brain. You will note that these vitamins are not the full sequence of numbers, but these listed here are all the B group vitamins currently known. Some are not now classed as vitamins and these have been noted.

Vitamin B1-thiamine.This is found in oatmeal and flax, sunflower seeds and pastas. The body needs this to convert the carbohydrates we eat into energy and to stimulate the amino acids.

Vitamin B2-riboflavin. This is found in mushrooms, almonds, dairy products, leafy green vegetables and asparagus, some fruits such as persimmons, liver and kidneys. It is also added to energy drinks and used as a food additive (in yellow–orange powdered form) in pasta, sauces etc. It is needed for normal growth, and helps in the treatment of jaundice, is good for the liver functions and may help reduce migraines. It is also good for the eyes.

Vitamin B3-niacin. This is essential for healthy cells and the production of steroid hormones produced in the adrenal gland, such as testosterone and oestrogen. It is found in avocados, dates, tomatoes, leafy green vegetables, mushrooms, nuts, offal, chicken, tuna, salmon, eggs and milk and other food items.

Vitamin B4-adenine. This is no longer considered a B vitamin, but it helps bind niacin and riboflavin.

Vitamin B5-pantothenic acid. This gets its name from the Greek, pantothen meaning from everywhere, and is found in almost every food as the name suggests. It is especially high in cereals and beans and lentils, eggs, meat and royal jelly, as well as in broccoli and avocados. It is an energy booster and can help in sleep disorders, wound healing, hair growth, acne and diabetes.

Vitamin B6- pyridoxal and pyridoxamine. This plays a role in helping amino acids convert into other chemical substances in the body. It has many uses in this way, but perhaps the one that is most important to our general well-being is that it converts tryptophan to serotonin, which makes us fell happy. Vitamin B6 helps the neurotransmitters function normally and helps the function of haemoglobin as well as its synthesis and that of histamine. It is good for the eyes and the brain and can be found in meats, whole grains, and their products, vegetables and nuts and also bananas. However boiling foods can destroy up to 50% of this vitamin as can the freezing and canning processes. It’s better to eat nuts and bananas to be sure of getting this vitamin.

Vitamin B7 – biotin. This one regulates the blood sugar levels, strengthens hair and nails, and is good for skin. It is also called Vitamin H which comes from the German “Haar und haut,” meaning hair and skin. It is also good for diabetics. It is found in liver, egg yolks, grains and some vegetables.

Vitamin B8 – adenosine monophosphate (AMP). This consists of vitamin B4 (adenine) and the sugar, ribose. It improves the transmission of information between cells by the neurotransmitters.

Vitamin B9 – folic acid or folate. This is essential for normal body functions. We need folate to synthesize and repair DNA and this is necessary for normal growth and healthy red blood cells. Folate comes from the Latin word for leaf-folium and as the name suggests it can be found in leafy greens such as turnip tops, spinach and asparagus. It is also present in beans, peas, lentils, liver and baker’s yeast among other things. Broccoli, brussel sprouts, tomatoes, oranges, bananas, strawberries and raspberries are also excellent sources of this vitamin. It is also found in fortified bread, pasta and breakfast cereals.

Vitamin B12 – cyanocobalamin. This is essential for the production of healthy red blood cells. It is also the name given to a class of chemicals which act in the same way as cyanocobalamin.

Vitamin B13 – orotic acid. This is now known not to be a vitamin, but is manufactured by the body.

Vitamin B17 – amygdalin. This is found in apricot kernels and almonds (Prunus dulcis) and comes from the Greek amygdalin meaning almond or almond shaped. There has been some controversy surrounding this as it has also been called laetrile and touted as a cure for cancer. Here is a statement from the US Food and Drug Administration, which still seeks jail sentences for those who sell it as an anti-cancer treatment. [Laetrile is a] “highly toxic product that has not shown any effect on healing cancer.”