WHAT IS BRAHMI? WATER HYSSOP, BACOPA MONNIERI : A MIRACLE PLANT

BRAHMI, BACOPA MONNIERI, HERPESTIS MONNIERA, WATER HYSSOP

Brahmi is known by two Latin names which seem to be synonymous, although Bacopa monniera, is the more commonly used name in medical articles. There is some confusion though as in India there are two plants known as Brahmi, this one and Centella asiatica. This is because of the ancient Vedic medical texts written in Sanskrit.

Brahmi is known in English as water hyssop, although there are many varieties around the world. It grows in Florida, USA, in wetlands, is native to the Indian subcontinent, so grows in India, Pakistan, Nepal and Sri Lanka. It also grows in Central America, China and Taiwan.

It has been used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine for around 3000 years for many purposes, mainly for memory enhancement. The entire plant is apparently beneficial. Modern medical research trials have basically substantiated the ancient remedies, and have found it can help Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s sufferers.

It has antioxidant properties which mean that it is an effective reducer of stress and it has anti-aging effects on the brain. In experimental animal and in vitro tests it has also demonstrated that it helps the cognitive processes. Its antioxidant activity also explains why in Ayurvedic medicine it is used to strengthen the immune system, improve vitality and cognitive as well as sexual performance, as it improves circulation of blood and as an antioxidant can help men with erectile dysfunctions. It is also said to increase longevity.

Brahmi improves concentration and has been used in cases of Attention Deficit Disorder and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder with remarkable results. It can act as a sedative, but having said this is doesn’t make you drowsy, rather it gives mental clarity.

It is also used for skin ailments such as eczema and psoriasis and is used as a diuretic and in the treatment of asthma. Apparently it is a digestive aid too and good for the liver spleen, lungs and kidneys.

In 1998 the Nobel Prize in Physiology and Medicine was given jointly to Robert F. Furchgott, Louis J. Ignarro and Ferid Murad for “their discoveries concerning nitric oxide as a signaling molecule in the cardiovascular system”. Their experiments had been connected with Brahmi or Bacopa monnieri.

In India newborn babies are consecrated with Brahmi, in the hope that it will open up the pathway to the intellect. It is much revered by Indians, and it seems that they have been right about the amazing properties of this plant for 3000 years.It has much the same properties, according to tradition, as the Intellect tree.

Women with a high oestrogen count, those who take the contraceptive pill or have oestrogen replacement therapy should not take any supplements of Brahmi as it can cause temporary loss of hearing.
  It is a member of the Scrophulariaceae or figwort family of plants which makes it a relative of mullein and toadflax, among others.

WHAT IS GOTU KOLA? INDIAN PENNYWORT, CENTELLA ASIATICA

GOTU KOLA, BRAHMI, CENTELLA ASIATICA


Gotu Kola is the name used for Centella asiatica in India to distinguish it from the other herb known as Brahmi, (Bacopa monnieri or Herpestis monniera). Actually it has been used for much the same medical purposes as Brahmi and grows in the same countries, although once again it is native to the Indian subcontinent and China, it is believed, but it has become naturalized in the US centuries or perhaps millennia ago.

It has been found to help reduce gastric ulcers in rats, and has shown to have improved their cognitive processes (in different laboratory trials). There is hope that it can be used to help Alzheimer’s patients and to combat the effects of senility.

Traditionally it has been used in India and Pakistan as a cure all and modern medical research has so far supported these ancient uses although more trials are needed on humans before the researchers will say categorically that Centella asiatica is very good for us in lots of ways. They agree that it heals wounds effectively, and can improve blood circulation and help those with varicose veins. As it promotes blood circulation and strengthens veins, it is good for sexual disorders in both sexes, especially erectile dysfunctions in men. The good news for men in the US is that grows prolifically in wetlands and the dried leaves can be made into a hot tea. You’ll pay a fortune for it as a supplement or sex aid, but you can go and pick your own leaves and dry them- even grow American coinwort (as it’s known in the States) in your garden. (In other countries it’s known as pennywort but here we’re talking about Indian pennywort)

It can help decrease anxiety, stress and fatigue and is good for scleroderma, improving finger movements, joint pain and skin hardening. As it has a mild sedative effect it is good to cure insomnia, although your dreams may have more clarity. It is sometimes used as an aid to meditation, with the leaves burned as incense, as it clears the mind and gives mental clarity. It has been said that it helps in past lives recollection. It has the effect of balancing the right and left hemispheres of the brain.

Gotu Kola is mainly used in the West (at the moment) for its cutaneous anti-inflammatory properties as it can help in rheumatism.

In China it is reputed to promote longevity and the example often given of this is that of Li Ching Yun, a legendary healer who lived until he was 256 years old, presumably retaining all his faculties.

It has anti-aging properties for the skin and tightens older skin, helping to prevent wrinkling and can be used in creams to get rid of acne blemishes. In this respect it is rather like aloe vera.

If you are pregnant, or taking the contraceptive pill, or oestrogen replacement treatment, do not use gotu kola internally.





GOTU KOLA TISANE

Ingredients

1-2 tsps dried leaves of gotu kola

! cup boiling water

sugar to taste

slice of lemon



Method

Pour the boiling water over the leaves and leave to step for 15-20 mins before straining and drinking.

Take only 2 cups a day as it has a mildly laxative effect.

It may not have Taste but it is a Treat(ment).

WHAT IS AAK? THE WONDER WEED (CALOTROPIS PROCERA)

AAK, CALOTROPIS PROCERA, SODOM'S APPLE, SWALLOW- WORT

Aak in Urdu, Sodom’s Apple or Swallow-wort in English has the Latin name Calotropis procera. It is highly poisonous and should be treated with great care. If you get the juice in your eyes it causes instant blindness. Suicides have used it and it is an arbortifacient. Despite this it also has amazing healing powers and has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for centuries. It is native to Pakistan and parts of India.

Modern medical research is still underway on the properties of this plant, but it has been found to have antifungal properties and can be used to cure skin fungal diseases such as athlete’s foot and ringworm. It has also been found to have anti-carcinogenic properties in laboratory tests. It is also an effective anti-inflammatory agent. It contains the toxic glycosides uscharin, Calotropis and calotoxin. Uscharin is an effective killer of land snails if they become pestilential.

It also has anti-coagulant properties, so could help prevent blood clots although it has so far not been tested on humans.

In Ayurvedic medicine it is used for many purposes: the powdered leaves help wounds heal quickly are good for indigestion, liver disorders, constipation, intestinal worms and skin problems.

The flowers are used as a drink with milk to cure colds, coughs, catarrh and asthma. They are also used to cure piles.

The leaves can be boiled and used as a hot poultice to relieve stomach pains, headaches and sprains. A tincture made from the leaves is said to be good for fevers.

Parts of the plant are also given as an aphrodisiac and a sedative, and as it was found to stimulate the blood flow, it probably can help men with erectile dysfunctions.

The skin from the root is used in decoctions for skin problems.

It grows prolifically here and is considered a weed, although it was a sacred plant in Vedic times as the leaves were used in sun-worshipping ceremonies. The ancient Arabic nomadic tribes also had superstitions regarding this plant and may also have used it in sun-worshipping rituals.

The best advice I can give you though is to stay away from the plant if you don’t know what you are doing; it is highly dangerous and can kill.

WHAT IS KACHUR? WHITE TURMERIC, ZEDOARY, CURCUMA ZEDORIA: HISTORY AND USES

kachur root

KACHUR, WHITE TURMERIC, ZEDOARY, CURCUMA ZEDOARIA


Kachur, Curcuma zedoaria or white turmeric or zedoary is not very well known in the West. Apparently it was introduced into Europe by the Arabs in the 6th century and gained in popularity, if we are to believe manuscripts that were written prior to the 16th century. If these are indeed about white turmeric then it was a very popular spice which is rarely used in cooking these days. Either early writers mistook this root or rhizome for ginger root or turmeric or even salsify, or tastes have changed a lot over the centuries, as Kachur has a very bitter taste and smells of camphor. It is sometimes used finely grated in pickles in the Indian subcontinent, but is more often used in medicine. It is also used as medicine in China and Japan, but is native to northern India and Pakistan. In India its essential oil is used in perfumes and in alcoholic drinks. In Thailand the fresh young rhizome of white turmeric or Kachur is cooked and eaten as a vegetable. It might also be used in some curry pastes. It’s an ancient spice and related to turmeric. Kurkum in Arabic means saffron and it does make the saliva yellow when chewed, so perhaps there was a little confusion, as it is not related to the crocus from which we get saffron.

kachur plant

In India Zedoary is considered a weed, and it is believed that it grows in Panama and other parts of the South American continent where it is called the “Resurrection Plant.” It has been speculated that this is because it flowers at Easter, but we think it is more likely to have been given this name because of its many medicinal properties. This amazing root is still being subjected to medical trials and the medical researchers are being cagier than usual about its properties. They do say that kachur has anti-inflammatory properties, which has long been known in traditional medicine, and that it does have antiseptic qualities - it has been used for centuries to heal wounds on the Indian subcontinent. It can be made into a paste and applied directly onto the skin and is used for a wide variety of skin complaints. In India and Pakistan it is included in creams to prevent ageing and wrinkles. It is supposed to be extremely effective as an anti ageing agent.

kachur flower

You can make an infusion of this to be drunk as a tisane, by using 1 tablespoon of the finely chopped kachur root to 1 pint of boiling water. Allow it to steep for 30 mins and drink it two or three times a day. It is an antioxidant and is said to help sexual problems in both men and women. It is said to strengthen the uterus muscles and so help in childbirth and to cure male erectile dysfunctions, as well as being an aphrodisiac. Kachur is also used to stop diseases recurring (it’s an anti-periodic), and to treat colds, flatulence, digestive disorders, ulcers, gastro-intestinal problems, and the tisane will prevent indigestion if taken 30 minutes before a meal. It has also been used to clean and purify the blood and detoxifies the body. It helps in cell regeneration and is good for the immune system. It regulates body temperature and is used in cases of fever.

White turmeric has a high starch content and is often given to those who are recuperating after an illness and to the very young (it stops colic).Whether or not it actually is helpful in all these instances is open to debate. But a lot of people here swear by it as an “almost” cure all.

No recipe as we don’t eat it. Try the recipes with ginger or turmeric instead.

WHAT IS HAREER? TERMINALIA CHEBULA, HARITAKI, BLACK MYROBALAN

HAREER, TERMINALIA CHEBULA, HARITAKI, BLACK MYROBALAN


Hareer is another “wonder drug” from Ayurvedic medicine. It’s the fruit of a tree and is used as a cure all. I’m told the English name for it is Black Myrobalan, or Chebulic Myrobalan, but have to confess that I am none the wiser for knowing that so I will continue to call it Hareer. I was first introduced to Hareer when I had had a very bad fever and possibly dysentery, so I was feeling weak and fairly awful.

The doctor prescribed it for me as well as other high protein iron-rich foods. I was given hareer murabba, a preserve of this fruit to try and of course I really loved its flavour. I didn’t know what it was but determined to find out. This is the result of that research.

There are three types of hareer, known in Sanskrit as Haritaki, Vibhitaki and Arjuna. The names are given in Sanskrit as this is the language of the Ayurvedic medical texts. Haritaki is Terminalia cheboula, Vibhitaki, Terminalia belerica and Arjuna, Terminalia arjuna. The Arabs introduced Terminalia belerica (bastard myrobalan) into Europe, having discovered its healing properties from the Indians. The medicinal properties of the fruit and only the bark of Terminalia arjuna or arjuna are known in other Asian countries including Thailand and Tibet, but the trees are native to the Indian subcontinent, and perhaps to the Himalayan regions.Hareer is related to Terminalia catappa or the Indian almond too.

The fruit has been used since ancient times as an anti inflammatory, analgesic, digestive, liver stimulant, diuretic, expectorant, antispasmodic and the list goes on. It has undergone clinical trials which seem to support these old treatments, but more trials are underway as most tests have been on rats. One test saw a higher volume of sperm and increased potency in male rats, so it may have benefits for males who have low sperm counts and other problems relating to erections.

 Another test carried out in vitro concluded that the extract of methanol from the fruit had the potential to halt the growth of cancerous cells in leukaemia.It’s good to heal wounds by making a paste of 3 hareer fruit and 3 betel nuts and ghee or oil and placing it on the wound. It gets rid of any pus and thoroughly cleans the wound. The same paste can be applied to haemorrhoids.

preserved

In decoctions hareer is good for sore throats and to heal mouth ulcers, bleeding gums and other oral problems. As an anti-inflammatory it is used in urethral ailments such as vaginal discharge and spermatorrhea, and the fruit will lower cholesterol levels.

In Hindu mythology it is said that the Terminalia chebula was created from drops of ambrosia which fell to earth while Indra (king of the gods) was drinking it.

ANGELICA: THE ROOT OF THE HOLY GHOST: MEDICINAL TISANE RECIPE: HOW TO MAKE ANGELICA JAM

ANGELICA

Angelica has a number of names, but the one that grows commonly in Europe is Angelica sylvestris and Angelica archangelic. It is believed that it originated in Syria but spread to cooler climes where it flourished in Finland, Iceland and Greenland. There are over thirty varieties of angelica but the one that is recognized for its medicinal qualities in Germany, Switzerland and Austria is archangelic. There are many stories surrounding its name but it certainly was used in pagan festivals, as there is a festival in parts of Germany when villagers go into towns carrying angelica stems and singing in a long-forgotten language words learned in childhood, but not understood even by the singers any more. After the adoption of Christianity in Europe it was associated with the archangel Michael as it blooms on his day, May 8th in the old calendar.

Because of its association with the archangel it was also believed to be associated with the Annunciation when the Archangel Gabriel appeared to the Virgin Mary and told her that she was pregnant. One legend says that an archangel revealed in someone’s dream that angelica was a cure for the plague. Because of these holy associations it was believed that it would rid places of evil spirits and protect against witchcraft and evil enchantments. The Iroquois in North America used it to wash their dwellings to cleanse them of ghosts and other malignant spirits, and the leaves have been burned in some exorcism rites. In some places it was known as “the Root of the Holy Ghost.” If you grow it in the garden it will protect your house from evil. You could make a necklace from the leaves or carry a root in your pocket to ward off evil spells and for general protection against malignancy.

The roots are fragrant and both dried leaves and roots can be used in pot pourris. It will also give a good yellow dye. The roots, seeds and leaves are used in folk and traditional medicines to cure just about everything. It’s said to be good for coughs and colds and to get rid of phlegm and lung congestion- in other words it’s a good expectorant. The stems are trimmed and candied and used in breads and cakes for garnish- angelica is the candied green confectionary so often seen on cakes. Angelica tastes vaguely of juniper berries and is sometimes combined with them in the making of gin. The stems can be used in jam to add flavour to other fruit, and in ‘confitures’. The seeds are used in Vermouth and Chartreuse. The tender young stalks can be used in salads instead of celery stalks. The chopped leaves can also be used in salads, and they neutralize the acidity of rhubarb if cooked with it. Some people in Northern Europe chew the raw stalks and think of them as a delicacy.

A recipe from the plague years given to sufferers twice a day was: - nutmeg, treacle and angelica water beaten together and boiled over a fire. Chinese angelica, or Angelica sinensis is used for stimulating the uterus muscles and it dilates blood vessels so is supposed to be good for a man’s erections and a woman’s vaginal lubrication. Infusions are to be taken two to five times a day and these help unblock blood flow during a woman’s periods and stop stomach cramps and Pre-Menstrual Tension.

The roots should be dried rapidly and then stored in airtight containers, so that they will retain their medicinal properties for years. The root stalk and leaves are carminative, stimulant, diaphoretic and are good for the digestive system. Using the tisane as a face wash will prevent acne, it is said, but use 1 pint of boiling water to 150 grams of fresh bruised root. Make the tisane with 1 pint of boiling water poured over 30 grams of the bruised root. Steep for 20 -30 minutes, strain and take 2 tablespoons 3 or 4 times a day to relieve just about anything. It’s supposed to be good for chronic bronchitis, and fevers. As it has stimulant properties and is a tonic it may also act as an aphrodisiac in that it will increase the libido. You can also make an infusion with the powdered root. On the mainland Europe this recipe was used as a remedy for typhus fever:-2 pints of boiling water poured over150 grams of the bruised root.120 grams of honey, the juice of 2 large lemons and 1 glass of brandy, left to steep for 30 minutes. Infusions made from the leaves are a tonic and generally beneficial, if used over a period of time. The effects will be felt after a few days. You can gargle with the root infusion, or that of the leaves to relieve sore throats and mouths. Chew the leaves for relief from indigestion and flatulence.

John Gerard said that it was good for “the bitings of mad dogs and all other venomous beasts.” Poultices of the pounded leaves can be put over the lungs and chest to ease congestion. The powdered root can cure athlete’s foot and act as an insecticide and pesticide. To help stop cystitis, you will need 1 tablespoon of the dried root powder to 1 cup of boiling water and steep for 15-20 minutes.

It is a cure-all, but pregnant women shouldn’t take it in large quantities, and as always it’s best to consult a doctor before taking natural medicine if you have a pre-existing medical condition as some herbs react badly with pharmaceuticals.





ANGELICA JAM
Ingredients
1 kilo Angelica stems
¾ kilo sugar
water

Method

Cut the stems into 4 inch strips and blanch in boiling water for 10 minutes or until soft.

Drain and soak the stems in cold water for 12 hours.

Make the sugar into a syrup with a little water, then add the angelica. Cook until it’s soft and the liquid coats a metal spoon. Remove from the heat and put into jars as you would any other jam.

This has Taste and is a Treat.

WHAT IS ECHINACEA? PURPLE CONEFLOWER OR BLACK SAMPSON: ECHINACEA USES IN MEDICINE

ECHINACEA, PURPLE CONEFLOWER, BLACK SAMPSON

Echinacea is native to the US and was used by the Native Americans as a cure for snake bites, and it has been proven that it has antiseptic qualities. Echinos is Greek for hedgehog, and Echinacea got its name because the seed cone looks like a prickly hedgehog with its conical shape and spikes. Results from archaeological excavations show that Native Americans have been using it as a cure-all for more than 400 years. It is mainly used today as a way to shorten the time we suffer from the common cold and flu, but these ailments were unknown to the Native Americans until the European settlers arrived. It was used to cure infections and wounds that were slow to heal.

It has been used as a remedy for many ailments, such as scarlet fever, malaria, blood-poisoning, syphilis and diphtheria. It was used extensively in the US in the 17th and 18th centuries as a folk medicine, and in 1887 was accepted by the medical profession. However it fell out of favour in the early 20th century with the discovery of penicillin and other ‘wonder’ drugs i.e. antibiotics. In 1930 the American Medical Association declared it worthless and it fell out of common use. But in Germany there was a growing interest in Echinacea, and many clinical trials were undertaken at that time. In Germany the parts of the Echinacea plant, Echinacea purpurea, that grow above ground have been approved by the medical profession to treat colds and flu and their symptoms such as sore throats, coughs and fever. You make a tisane with the 1 to 2 grams of the dried root, and drink it 5 times a day. However if you have an allergic reaction to daisies, don’t use it, as it is a member of the daisy family and you could suffer adverse reactions to it.

echinacea colours

Over the years herbalist have used it to boost the immune system, and it has been found, again in Germany, that it boosts the growth of white blood cells so does enhance the immune system. There have been warnings issued by the UK Cancer help organization, which says that it can help reduce the effects of chemo and radiotherapy given to cancer patients, but there is no evidence that it can help to reduce the growth of cancerous cells. If you take it in a pharmaceutical preparation (pills etc.) then you should consult a doctor before taking it and it should not be taken for more than 8 weeks at a time as it could damage the liver if combined with other pills which have this side effect. People with auto-immune diseases such as HIV /AIDs should not take it, and neither should women who are pregnant.

Echinacea contains flavonoids, volatile oils, alkamides, glycoproteins and polysaccharides, and these last ingredients of the plant are the ones that boost the immune system, and fight off colds and flu.

Herbalists use it to treat all manner of ailments, including: - infections of the urinary tract, candida, athlete’s foot, sinusitis, fevers and to heal wounds that have lingered. Modern research has shown that as well as boosting the immune system it can reduce pain and inflammation, and has antiviral and hormonal properties.

It would seem that the plant is less harmful to ingest than the tablets and pills.