Herbs and Herbal Supplements

[Racoon]

Todays herb!

CHAPARRAL (Larrea tridentata): We learned about this versatile herb from Native Americans! I have never tried growing it, but here is what I found:

Chaparral contains a powerful antioxidant "nordihydroguaiaretic acid" (NDGA)
which is a strong free radical destroyer!
The importance of neutrilizing free radicals is now well understood.
From my chemistry class, Free Radicals are missing an electron, and therefore search out normal, healthy cells to "grab on" to the electron its missing.
This interferes with normal cell growth and function.

Anywho's, Chaparral also helps the body ward off infection, helps prevent parasitic infection, helps reduce excess water weight, reduces inflammation, and may help slow down the aging process!! (by disrupting said free radicals)

Take 1 - 3 capsules daily or mix 10 - 30 drops in liquid 3 times daily.
You can apply extract directly to injured skin.

Has anyone ever used this stuff? I might have to look into this one a little more.

[otcartsid]

"which is why research on your part can save money and time" ....good old research

[otcartsid]

wow I didnt know garlic had so much interesting history to it

[Racoon]

All righty then...

Todays herbal discourse is about a couple South American Herbs.

In South America, (Latin America) Herbs are still the number 1 drug of choice!
There is much we still do not know about S.A. herbs here in the US.

CAYENNE (Capsicum anuun) : Yes, that red hot pepper! They have been used in folk medicine for over 7000 years!! They originate from the N.Eastern coasts of South America. They're really good for you!
I grow them every year in my pepper garden, for making homemade Salsa.
I cannot eat them because they give me severe burning and hiccups!
I wish I could though.... I have a friend who can eat them straight.

GUARANA (Paulina cupana) : You've probably heard about this guy already. The seeds of this plant are about 5% caffeine and it used for its stimulating effects. (ie Energy Drinks and such)

SARSPARILLA (Smilax officinalis) : This herb has been popular as a flavor in root beer and soft drinks. Its from Central America.
Bodybuilders use it as another way of increasing muscle mass, but scientific evidence has NOT found any evidence to back up claims.

PAU D' ARCO (Tabebuia species) : This herb is a folk remedy for cancer and fungal infections in Brazil. Studies have shown it to be antitumor and antifungal. You can find this herb fairly widely in US.

[Zilali]

I often make my own velarian extract for getting to sleep at night, it quite literally is one of the worst smelling and tasting herbs ever(smells like old socks) but its really effective.

[Racoon]

Valerian root Zil.

I grow it to, but the damn Labrador keeps digging it up.
You're right, its smells good, and grows like a fern.
It's the root you want to cultivate!
Hopefully you don't have curious dogs, and you can just let that sucker grow!
Its good sleep medicine.

Which is probably why my dog digs up Valerian Root and then take a 'Siesta'

[Zilali]

Originally Posted by Racoon

Valerian root Zil.

I grow it to, but the damn Labrador keeps digging it up.
You're right, its smells good, and grows like a fern.
It's the root you want to cultivate!
Hopefully you don't have curious dogs, and you can just let that sucker grow!
Its good sleep medicine.

Which is probably why my dog digs up Valerian Root and then take a 'Siesta'

Fortunately I don't have any growing I keep mine well sealed anyway only opening it as a last resort to make that god damn awful tea *shiver*

Catnips another herb I find good for relaxing,

[Racoon]

Herb O' the Day!

SAGE (Salvia officinalis): This herbs name comes from Latin "salvere", which means to save. In the Middle Ages, (remember those good times? ) Sage was used to help night sweats that accompany Tuberculosis.
Culpeper prescribed Sage tea as a mouthwash for sore gums.
This popular cooking herb is reputed to be good for the digestion.
It may also help with excessive perspiration, stomach cramps, and gas.

I grow a variagated Sage, thats a pretty yellow and green, and just a plain old green one. They are easy to grow, and you can pluck branches off without disturbing the beauty of the plant. They keep coming back in their container, year after year.

[Khan N. Singh]

what about Ginko Biloba

[Racoon]

Todays Herb, Ginkgo...

Ginkgo Tree (Ginkgo biloba) : Gingko trees date back more than 200 million years! and some trees live up to 4,000 years!
Chinese herbalists have recommended Ginkgo for more than 5,000 years!
It has quite the history, and also the research to back it up.

Ginkgo has positive effects on the vascular system, with studies showing that Ginkgo extract increases blood flow to the brain and lower extremities. It has also been shown to improve memory and relieve signs of senility.
Ginkgo has also shown to help prevent clots and is also an antioxidant.

Ginkgo improves mental functioning and ability to concentrate.
So, I bought a dropper bottle of extract recently, for college purposes;
We'll see if I can notice any difference after a couple weeks!

Thanks for the suggestion Khan.