Let's Make our Foods be our Medicine and our

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" Let's make our foods be our medicine and our medicines be our food "

 

 

Dr. John R. Christopher

 

We use wheat and other grains to make bread, pancakes, soups, etc. but not many

know that there are also medicinal uses for the grains. Lets explore these uses

briefly here.

 

Barley flour made into a poultice is used for the treatment of inflamed skin. A

nutritive and demulcent drink is made from barley by boiling for 20 minutes one

part barley to 10 parts water and then straining. This is used on feverish

patients and where there is a catarrhal affection in the respiratory and urinary

organs. The drink is soothing to the stomach and intestines and can be very

effective in helping long-standing constipation. It acts as a general nerve

tonic bringing back vitality to a weakened system making one feel more cheerful.

It is useful in cases of diarrhea, impaired growth, pulmonary disease,

nephritis, liver disease, and mineral deficiency. Barley water can be diluted

with cow's milk to prevent the formation of hard masses of curd in the stomach

of young infants. Soaking barley or the bran of barley until an oily substance

comes to the surface is one way of extracting from the pericarp of barley a

substance that is very helpful in conditions of lassitude and

fatigue. The substance Hordenine in barley is thought to make it helpful in

cases of asthma. Variations to the above mentioned way of making a barley drink

is to gently boil one cup of lightly roasted barley to two quarts of water, for

20 minutes, strain, sweeten with a little honey and add a little cream or milk

and drink warm. This makes a very soothing and relaxing drink. Another way to

make a drink is to boil 2 ounces of barley in four pints of water until reduced

to two pints, then add lemon juice or licorice root or raisins for flavoring ten

minutes before taking off the stove. As a tonic barley water can be drunk

regularly.

 

Oats may be made into a drink by boiling an ounce of the grain to a quart of

water for half an hour. This drink is taken where a laxative is needed or as a

diuretic. A nourishing broth for nursing infants may be made by mixing equal

parts of oats, wheat and barley; grind the mixture and add four tablespoonfuls

of the flour to one and a half quarts of water and boiling until reduced to one

quart, then strain and sweeten. This broth is given daily. Oats are considered

helpful in cases of uremic poisoning and diabetes and to help where there is a

thyroid deficiency. Some feel that oats can overcome sterility and impotence.

The oat drink or gruel is good in cases of fever and has been used in cases of

poisoning from acid substances. The drink will usually be accepted by patients

of weak digestion when other foods are rejected. It is considered to be good to

restore the nervous system and as a tonic after debilitating sicknesses. It

seems to aid the heart muscles and the urinary organs.

It is recommended as an all-around drink for the sick, weak and healthy.

Oatmeal or rolled oats is good for regulating normal and healthful blood sugar

in the early morning hours. Oats are one of our few food sources for obtaining

iodine.

 

Brown rice, which contains an easily digested starch, is beneficial for stomach

or intestinal ulcers and for the relief of diarrhea. A poultice of rice flour

can be used to relieve skin inflammations of various kinds. We have seen serious

cases of diarrhea respond most effectively to rice water made by boiling one

ounce of rice to one quart of water for 20 minutes, strained and drunk. This

drink is also used in cases of congestion, acute head pain, nausea, fainting,

difficult breathing, stomach cramps, colic, worms, and a sedative.

 

Rye is recommended for individuals engaged in sedentary activities. It is

believed to combat arteriosclerosis, and high blood pressure. Boiling three

ounces of rye to a quart of water for 20 minutes produces a refreshing, soothing

and mildly laxative solution.

 

Millet is an easily digested food good for constipation and beneficial for

weight gain and general emaciation. It is considered good where mental or

physical weakness exists and also for pregnancy.

 

Corn is considered good in cases of emaciation, anemia, constipation and as an

overall body building food. The balance of unsaturated versus saturated fatty

acids in corn oil helps lower the blood lipid levels. The suggested dose of corn

oil is two tablespoonfuls taken upon arising and before the evening meal for a

few weeks or months. Some Indians would steep corn in lye to be used as an

intestinal anti-spasmodic. Blue corn meal mush was applied hourly to bullet

wounds. Others have used a corn meal poultice for skin ulcers, swellings, and

rheumatic pains. A cup of parched corn to two quarts of water lightly boiled for

20 minutes then strained and drunk has been found useful in cases of nausea and

vomiting in many diseases. A cornmeal gruel is excellent for convalescents.

Cornbread is thought to be of benefit for those suffering from kidney or liver

diseases.

 

Wheat has been recommended in cases of arthritis, rheumatic fever, and in some

types of cancer, pulmonary disease including tuberculosis, retarded growth,

anemia, and physical and emotional weakness. It is felt that the vitamin D in

wheat helps in rickets and other Vitamin D diseases. One recipe for a good heart

remedy is to soak a half of a cup of coarse ground wheat in a thermos of hot

water over night. Eat this each morning for three months.

 

We can make a mild grain drink as indicated above with any of the grains by

lightly roasting the grain then gently boiling one cup of the grain to two

quarts of water for about 20 minutes, strain and add honey and a little cream or

milk.

 

Another way to make a mild grain drink is to soak one cup of seed in two cups of

water for 16 hours (24 hours in colder weather). Strain off the water and let

the soak water ferment in a warm place for another 36 to 72 hours. It is then

ready to drink. Another method is to soak the grain for two or three days after

which the soak water may be drunk and then refill the container with water for

another soak with the grain. After each drink refill the container, this can be

repeated for up to two weeks. This mild grain drink should taste somewhat like

whey. The best soaking temperature seems to be between 68 degrees and 77 degrees

F. The drink is rich in protein, carbohydrates, dextrines, saccharine,

phosphate, lactobacilli, saccharomyces, and Aspergillus oryzae. Many find this

drink beneficial to the digestion. It is non-alcoholic and rich in B vitamins.

It has been observed that acidophilus bacilli or lactobacilli create an acid

medium in the intestine, destroying any unfriendly,

disease-producing putrefactive bacteria. Many who use this drink feel that this

enzyme-rich drink has helped them with minor to the most serious health

problems. Likewise the regular drinking of the roasted grain drink has produced

in others a feeling of well-being and vitality.

 

 

Values of Fruits and Nuts

 

In the previous newsletter we examined the reported healing benefits of many of

our common vegetables and we have just briefly covered the reported medicinal

values of our grains. Now let us take a look at some of the fruits and nuts that

we are familiar with.

 

The walnut tree is believed to be a native of Persia and was known among the

Jews. The Romans placed this tree under the protection of the most powerful of

their gods. The conquerors of the world eventually introduced this tree to the

different countries of Europe. The fruit was considered to be an astringent,

strengthening and giving tone to the stomach and thus facilitating digestion.

When Pompey had made himself master of the palace of Mithridate, he had a search

made for the recipe of the famous antidote against poison used by that king.

Here is the recipe was found: Pound two walnuts, two dried figs, twenty leaves

of rue, and a grain of salt. Swallow the substance and have no fear from the

most active poison for twenty-four hours. Such is the ancient lore. More

recently some have found the walnut to be effective against intestinal parasites

by taking two to three ounces of walnut oil each evening for three days. This

same dosage enhances digestion when taken daily. The walnut

oil applied directly to skin diseases has been found to be effective in

healing. The juice of fresh walnuts is used to heal cold sores. Walnut leaf tea

has been used to lower blood sugar, cleanse the blood, eliminate intestinal

parasites, and can be used as an astringent. There is, according to some

authorities, an antibiotic element in the walnut leaves. The bark along with the

leaves can be used in the treatment of skin troubles such as herpes and eczema

or indolent ulcers. The walnut meat is used in cases of constipation and liver

ailments.

 

The almond tree was much valued among the nations of the East. The Romans

believed that it was only necessary to eat five or six almonds to acquire the

ability to consume large quantities of alcoholic beverages. This is certainly

not the best use of the nut. We find the nut helps promote normal bowel

function; some find the almond more easily digested if lightly roasted. Milk

made from almonds is useful for inflamed stomach and intestines. It makes a fine

tonic for children and convalescents. As a mild laxative almond oil may be taken

in a dosage of about two ounces for adults and half an ounce for children.

 

The ancients considered the hazelnut to be the most wholesome and nourishing of

any other shell fruit. The hazelnut is the best digested of all oil-bearing

fruits. It is used to destroy intestinal parasites by taking one tablespoonful

of the oil in the morning for two weeks.

 

Cashew nuts are used in cases of emaciation, teeth and gum problems, and for low

vitality. They are more easily digested when eaten raw. The cashew oil, which

must be used with great caution, is used as an application to warts, corns,

ringworms, cancerous ulcers. If the nuts are roasted caution must be used not to

let the fumes cover the face or hands as they could cause inflammation.

 

Pecans have been used where there is a problem with low blood pressure, low

vitality, and as a nourishment for the teeth.

 

Pinon nuts have saved the life of many an Indian baby when made into a nut soup

and used as milk for the baby when the mother had no milk. The nut is considered

to be effective where there are problems with the lungs such as tuberculosis,

impotence, paralysis, low blood pressure, and emaciation. The Pinon nut is one

of the best sources of protein in the nut family.

 

The Apricot, perhaps because of its high iron and other mineral content, is

helpful in cases of anemia, tuberculosis, asthma, bronchitis, and blood

impurities. Many, have been helped in cases of constipation or diarrhea and

intestinal worms with this fruit. It is also useful in cases of weakness,

physical or emotional, or depression and anxiety.

 

Blackberries made into a syrup and given to infants has been used in cases of

diarrhea, sore throat or lung disease. The usual dosage is four tablespoons

daily. Blackberries have been helpful in cases of weak kidneys, rheumatism or

arthritis, gout, constipation, any condition where there is an excess of mucus

such as in the sinuses or intestines.

 

The Blueberry has a substance, myrtillin, which combats the bad bacteria in the

intestinal tract. Because of this the berry is useful in bowel diseases and

diarrhea. A tea made from the berries has been used in cases of thrush or other

mouth and throat infections. Abnormal menstrual flow, hemorrhage due to

capillary fragility and hemorrhoids have responded when blueberries are eaten. A

half of a cup of berries in a quart of water boiled to one pint will yield a

solution that can be used internally or externally such as in cases of eczema or

other skin disorders. The blueberry seems to be helpful in any condition

requiring an antiseptic or astringent. The early settlers wives adopted the

custom from the Indians of drinking blueberry tea at the birth of their babies,

and also for lung problems. Some Indians used the blueberry tea to control

excessive menstruation. Some who have hypoglycemia have reported blueberry leaf

tea as very helpful.

 

Eating a half of a pound or more of cherries daily has helped in cases of gout.

Applying crushed cherries to the forehead has been found to help in cases of

migraine headaches. There are many reported medicinal benefits from the use of

fresh cherries such as arthritis, arteriosclerosis, liver disorders, gallstones,

kidney stones, intestinal disorders, constipation, conditions where infection or

toxins in the bloodstream are involved, and obesity. Cherries stimulate the

secretion of digestive juices and of urine. Uncontrollable urination has been

helped in some by drinking cherry juice or cherry juice concentrate.

 

Apples have been and are used in many ways for medicinal purposes. Those

suffering from gout have been helped by drinking a tea made from the powdered

apple peelings. Make the tea by boiling one tablespoonful of powdered peelings

to a quart of water for about 15 minutes. Drink four or five cups of this tea

each day. Grated apple has helped in infantile diarrhea. Other afflictions that

have responded to the eating of apples are anemia, arthritis, urinary stones due

to uric acid, liver disorders, arteriosclerosis, intestinal infection, and

various lung and asthma problems. The peel of the apple contains pectin which

helps remove noxious substances from the system. This pectin also helps prevent

protein matter in the intestines from spoiling. Raw apples are a great help in

combating intestinal disorders, as they have properties which aid the digestive

juices in killing germs in the stomach. Some have called the apple " Nature's

Toothbrush " as it cleans the teeth, massages the gums.

Research has proven that eating one apple removes over 30% more bacteria from

the mouth than two-three minute brushing plus a gargle. Studies have shown that

persons eating apples regularly have fewer headaches and other illnesses

associated with nervous tension. Also, research has proven daily apple-eaters

show a reduced incidence of colds and other minor upper respiratory ailments.

The apple is an excellent fruit for the hypoglycemic because it contains a

higher percentage of fructose than other fruits which does not call upon insulin

from the pancreas. Fructose is fairly quickly absorbed into the system, goes

through the liver and is then available as glucose and may be burned or utilized

by the body for energy. A pleasant tea may be made by boiling two or three

apples cut in thin slices with their peels in a quart of water for about 15

minutes. A little licorice root may be added for flavor.

 

Currants have an antiseptic effect and for this reason have been used as a

gargle prepared by boiling about 3 ounces of black currants per quart of water

for about 15 minutes. Currants eaten after a meal have been used as an effective

aid to stimulate digestion. Helpful in liver diseases, cold sores, fluid

retention, arthritis and gout and constipation.

 

Gooseberries have been suggested for liver ailments, gallbladder congestion,

constipation, arthritis, inflammation of the kidneys and dyspepsia (indigestion

usually due to excess acid.) Gooseberries were plentiful in the Rocky Mountain

area and the Indians found them helpful when cooked into a porridge for fever.

 

Grapefruit rinds can be dried and later used for colds. A tea is made by

steeping a teaspoonful of the dried grated rind in a cup of water and drinking a

cup each hour until relief is obtained. Grapefruit is a natural antiseptic for

wounds when used externally. It is considered valuable in the removal of

inorganic calcium which may have formed in the cartilage of the joints, as in

arthritis. It is helpful in cases of a sluggish liver, gall stones, fevers, poor

digestion, pneumonia, and catarrh.

 

Some of the many medicinal problems treated with the lemon are as follows: Cuts

or other areas of infection are helped when lemon juice, a natural antiseptic,

is applied. For a vaginal douche (unless the mucous membrane is inflamed) for

general cleansing purposes use half a lemon to a quart of warm water. Skin

problems such as acne, eczema and erysipelas will often respond to a treatment

of lemon juice. For blackheads rub lemon juice over them each night. For

pyorrhea cut the lemon rind into slices and place against the infected gum.

Dandruff has been helped by applying lemon juice to the scalp and afterwards

shampooing. After the shampoo, wash again and apply lemon juice to remove soap

from the hair and scalp. Sore and reddened hands are helped by massaging with

lemon juice. Rinse the juice off then apply olive oil. Use lemon juice to

relieve the itch from insect bites or poison oak or ivy. The symptoms of flu may

be relieved by drinking lemon juice in warm water several times

daily. A runny nose, secretions in the throat or head can usually be stopped by

taking a tablespoonful of lemon juice several times a day. Some report that

taking lemon juice in warm water before breakfast will assist the body in the

digestion of food and help prevent the accumulation of fatty deposits. Taken in

large quantities lemon juice has been found to be helpful in liver ailments,

asthma, headaches, pneumonia, rheumatism, arthritis, and neuritis. Fresh lemon

juice is considered by some to be the most potent or effective single liver

rebuilder known to man. There seem to be only a very few people who cannot

handle lemon juice. An interesting use to which lemon juice has been applied is

that of rumination in children. Rumination is normal in cows who chew their cud

but in children it is a very dangerous behavioral disorder. Of course children

who ruminate don't exactly chew their food they simply bring it up and let it

slowly dribble out of their mouth. It is apparently a

purely voluntary act. The treatment is to squirt unsweetened lemon juice into

the mouth of the child whenever he or she is seen to be ruminating. When this is

done the child usually stops ruminating within a month or two. This treatment

would seem more humane than the treatment of electric shock which has been used.

 

Peaches are considered valuable in cases of constipation, high blood pressure,

inflammation of the stomach, kidneys and bronchial tubes, and for asthma,

difficult digestion, bladder and kidney stones and worms in the intestinal

tract.

 

Pineapple contains papain which aids digestion and chlorine which is valuable

for digestion of proteins. Pineapple is considered good for constipation, as a

regulator of the glands, goiter, chronic digestive disturbances, secretions from

mucous membranes, inflammation of the bronchial tubes, high blood pressure,

arthritis and tumors. Intestinal worms have been expelled by drinking fresh

pineapple juice.

 

The Pumpkin has been used where there is abnormal accumulations of fluids in the

cavities of the body (dropsy), infected or inflamed intestines, stomach ulcers

and hemorrhoids. The pumpkin seed has given much relief to prostate problems and

a tea made from the pumpkin seed is recommended for tape and other worm

elimination.

 

The Strawberry is used as a blood purifier, diuretic and for healing mucous

membranes. It is recommended for a sluggish liver, gout, rheumatism,

constipation, high blood pressure, catarrh and skin cancer and syphilis.

Strawberry juice combats bacterial infection. Taken at the beginning of a meal

strawberries are used to stimulate the appetite. Strawberries are a common cause

of allergy, and should not be taken by individuals subject to allergic skin

rashes. Pinworms often disappear after the patient eats a pound of strawberries

in the morning, with no other food or drink taken until midday.

 

Tomatoes contain nicotinic acid which helps reduce cholesterol in the blood, and

the Vitamin K in tomatoes helps to prevent hemorrhages. The tomato is a natural

antiseptic and protects against infection. Ample consumption of tomatoes is

considered to improve the skin and purify the blood and help in cases of gout,

rheumatism, tuberculosis, high blood pressure and sinus trouble, congestion of

the liver as well as for dissolving of gallstones.

 

 

Vitamin Content of Herbs

 

Unfortunately there has not been the study of herbs as to their vitamin and

mineral content as there has been with fruits and vegetables and grains. We do

know some things in this area that could be helpful information and so will

present some of what we know concerning the vitamin and mineral content of

herbs. The following herbs are listed under the appropriate vitamin or mineral

in which they are known to be high.

 

Vitamin A: Cayenne, Dandelion, Eyebright, Grape leaves, Lambs quarter, Okra

pods, Paprika, Parsley, Red raspberry, Violet.

 

Vitamin B-1: Bladderwrack, Dandelion, Dulse, Fenugreek, Grape leaves, Kelp,

Okra, Red raspberry.

 

Vitamin B-2: Bladderwrack, Dulse, Fenugreek, Kelp, Saffron, Wild Rose Hips.

 

Vitamin B-12: Alfalfa, Bladderwrack, Dulse, Kelp.

 

Vitamin C: Elder berries, Rose hips, Watercress.

 

Vitamin D: Alfalfa, Lettuce.

 

Vitamin E: Red raspberry, Rose hips.

 

Calcium: Alfalfa, Chamomile, Dandelion, Nettle, Plantain, Red raspberry.

 

Phosphorus: Alfalfa, Chickweed, Licorice, Red raspberry, Watercress.

 

Magnesium: Dandelion, Leaf lettuce, Mullein, Parsley, Watercress.

 

Iron: Alfalfa, Burdock, Dandelion, Red raspberry, Yellow Dock.

 

Potassium: Dandelion, Yarrow, Mistletoe, Parsley, Plaintain, Watercress.

 

Iodine: Black Walnut, Bladderwrack, Dulse, Kelp.

 

 

Comments on Selected Herbs

 

Barberry (Berberis vulgaris L.): The berries are rich in vitamin C.

 

Rose Hips (Rosa rugosa): One teaspoon of rose hip powder a day supplies our

daily requirements of vitamin C. The hips contain 2275 to 6977 milligrams of

vitamin C per hundred grams of powder, whereas oranges contain only 49

milligrams per hundred. The highest nutritive value of Vitamin C is reached when

the hip becomes bright scarlet. Rose hips also contain Vitamins E, B, K, A, and

P.

 

Licorice root and Wild Yam: Both contain cortisone, licorice root having the

most.

 

Marshmallow: The root is rich in calcium and zinc.

 

False Unicorn: Contains some of the rarer minerals and trace elements such as

copper, sulphur, cadmium, cobalt, and a trace of zinc and molybdenum.

 

Cramp bark: The dried bark is extremely high in vitamin C.

 

Plantain: Rich in Vitamins C, K and T.

 

Dandelion: Contains 7,000 units of Vitamin A per ounce compared to lettuce of

1,200 Units and carrots 1,275 Units. Also high in B 1, C and G and especially

high in Calcium, Iron and Potassium.

 

Gotu Kola: The plant portion above the ground contains a large amount of

Vellarin which is a substance that fights infections diseases like leprosy,

syphilis, and eczema. Care is taken to dry this herb in the shade to preserve

this valuable substance.

 

Black Walnut: Contains ellagic acid which has been found to be an ideal

protective antidote to electrical shock, accidental electrocution, and lightning

mishaps.

 

Prickly Pear cactus (Opuntia species): The nopal pads of the prickly pear

contain large amounts of organic insulin.

 

Chamomile (Anthemis nobilis): Contains the amino acid tryptophan which works

like a sedative in the body.

 

Anise (Pimpinella anisum): Contains a large amount of anethole which has been

shown in experiments to stimulate the intestines in cases of colic and as an

expectorant for mucus congestion in the lungs.

 

Figs: Contain an active ingredient called benzaldehyde which has been found to

be a very effective carcinostatic agent for reducing certain kinds of tumors

found in the neck, throat, and general lymphatic system particularly the

adenoids.

 

Geranium (Geranium masculatum): Contains a large amount of tannic acid (also

white oak bark, bayberry, witch hazel, and yellow dock) which has been shown to

be an effective antiviral agent against certain types of infectious diseases,

like polio, herpes simplex, bronchitis, and influenza.

 

Okra seed: Contains amino acid levels that are equal to or exceed the levels in

eggs and more iron and calcium than soya beans.

 

Wild Lettuce (Lactuca virosa): Contains Lactucerol which gives this plant its

sedative properties. Lactucerol behaves in some ways that morphine does but in a

much more reduced and milder sense. For this reason, wild lettuce has been

nick-named " lettuce opium " .

 

Willow (Salyx alba): contains salicin which the body converts into salicylic

acid. Modern aspirin has displaced this acid in its more natural form.

 

Wintergreen (Gaultheria procumbens): The leaves contain considerable methyl

salicylate, which makes it a very close relative to aspirin.

 

Yucca root: Contains steroid saponins which have been tested under clinical

conditions in treating acute forms of arthritis. These saponins are also

recognized as cleansing and clarifying agents where mineral and salt content may

be high.

 

Alfalfa: Rich in vitamins A, E, K, B-6, D and U. It is also very high in

protein, phosphorus, iron, potassium, chlorine, sodium, silicon, magnesium and

trace elements.

 

Yarrow: The flowers contain a peculiar type of oil which saturate the

bloodstream and chemically " collect " or absorb different kinds of toxic

impurities.

 

Black Walnut Hulls: Contain strong amounts of organic iodine.

 

Lemon-grass (cymbopogon): Citral is the principle constituent of lemon-grass

oil. This substance kills even the most acute influenza viruses and for

fever-induced diseases it is unparalleled, and has also become renowned for

quickly treating cholera.

 

Peppermint: The natural-occurring tannin in peppermint has been shown to

suppress the activity of influenza virus and Herpes simple virus.

 

Horsetail or Shavegrass: Contain large amounts of calcium and silicon.

 

Hops: Contain a large amount of Lupulin which is recognized for its remarkable

sedative powers. Lupulin can induce sleep without causing a headache.

 

Goldenseal: The root contains hydrastine which has been used to treat malaria.

 

Scullcap: A volatile oil extract from this plant called scutellarin produces an

incredible calmness on the nerves.

 

Valerian root: Extremely rich in manganese. Garlic also contains manganese.

 

Parsley: Unbelievably rich in iron. The parsley root contains an oily compound

called apiol which exercises much influence on the great nerve centers of the

head and spine. About 100 grams of parsley contains 8,500 international units of

vitamin A compared to 10,500 units in carrots; 172 mg. of vitamin C compared to

50 mg. in oranges; .12 mg of thiamine compared to .72 in wheat germ; .26 mg. of

riboflavin compared to .46 in cheese; 1.2 mg. of niacin compared to 37.9 in

brewer's yeast; 6.2 mg. of iron compared to 6.5 mg. in liver; 722 mg. of

potassium compared to 915 in soybean powder; and 43 micrograms of folic acid

compared to 290 in liver.

 

Watercress: 100 grams yields: 151 mg. calcium; 54 mg. phosphorous; 1.7 mg. iron;

282 mg. potassium; 4,900 IU vitamin A; and 79 mg. ascorbic acid or vitamin C

plus niacin, thiamine, riboflavin, iodine, magnesium, and sodium.

 

Horseradish: High in ascorbic acid.

 

Periwinkle: Contains two alkaloids, vinblastine and vincristine, which are vital

in treating leukemia in children. These two alkaloids also perform a service for

the brain, in that they carry more oxygen to the brain than any other herb known

thus far, save capsicum.

 

Wormwood (Artemisia absinthium): Contains absinthin, a substance that has a

strong drugging effect on the entire digestive tract. It will produce a mild,

numbing sensation on the muscle walls, thereby bringing relief to a disrupted

digestive system, and at the same time encourage proper digestion. Some feel

that wormwood and its plant oil can be hazardous if taken in large amounts over

an extended period of time.

 

Irish Moss, Iceland Moss, Kelp: Extremely rich in iodine, and also other mineral

salts. If an equal amount of root vegetables and kelp were incinerated, about 1%

of the root ash remains minerals, whereas the burnt kelp ash yields between 10%

and 50% mineral residue. Some feel that the high sodium content of kelp makes it

unacceptable in low sodium diets while others feel that the high potassium

(which is missing in ordinary table salt) content balances the sodium thus

making it safe in a low sodium diet.

 

Rhubarb Root (Rheum palmatum): There are two substances, chrysophanic acid and

emodin, which have opposing effects on the system. Chrysophanic acid stimulates

the muscle walls of the lower bowel into eliminative action whereas emodin

brings about a tightness in the bowels. Were it not for the emodin the

chrysophanic acid would cause extreme diarrhea and considerable looseness of the

bowels but the emodin acts to balance things out so that there is a gentle

action on the bowel. This points out the caution that should be taken in taking

just one substance from a plant and using it or condemning a plant because of a

certain substance it might contain. There are other examples like this where an

isolated substance from a plant would be harmful but when the substance is left

intact with the rest of the elements of the plant there is no harmful effect. As

in the case of rhubarb it can be used in cases of acute diarrhea and dysentery

or also in cases of constipation because of the balancing

effect of the two substances mentioned.

 

Mullein: contains verbascose which has been used medicinally in parts of Europe

and India for treating external skin diseases, open wounds and sores. It seems

to possess strong antiseptic properties. This same substance was used in India

at one time to effectively treat tuberculosis victims.

 

Liverwort: the leaves are rich in vitamin K, choline, folic acid, and inositol.

 

Cramp bark (Viburnum opulus): The dried bark is extremely high in vitamin C.

 

Queen-of-the-Meadow Root: High in Salicylic acid. This compound was first

isolated in this plant in 1839. This acid is an active disinfectant and is used

on severed cases of eczema, psoriasis, dermatitis and other serious skin rashes.

 

Comfrey root: High in allantoin, a substance very effective in cases of inflamed

ulcerations, dry skin, a valuable cell-proliferant agent which stimulates

healthy tissue formation. It also cleans up dead tissue.

 

Squawvine: Contains significant levels of the amino acid tryptophan (as also

chamomile) which works as a natural sedative on the nerves.

 

Bistort root: Is high (about 20%) in tannic acid which makes it one of the most

powerful agents for contracting body tissue and contracting the blood vessels so

as to stop all forms of bleeding.

 

Oregon grape root: Contains berberine which has strong anti-malarial and

antibacterial properties and has been used against malarial, typhoid, scarlet,

and Rocky Mountain spotted fever.

 

Burdock root: Rich in vitamin C or ascorbic acid.

 

Chickweed: Rich in the B-complex vitamins, ascorbic acid, some vitamin A and has

a lot of calcium, iron, sodium, some phosphorus, zinc, and molybdenum in its

flowers, leaves, and stalk.

 

Researchers from Brigham Young University and Mount Union College have

demonstrated that the ancient cure for motion sickness, ginger root, not only

works, but that it works better than modern medicines such as Dramamine. The

study involved 36 undergraduate students who received either Dramamine, powdered

ginger root, powdered chickweed herb in capsule form or a placebo. According to

the results, even the powdered chickweed out-performed the Dramamine in

preventing motion sickness.

 

 

Bibliography

 

Heinerman, John 1979 Bi-World, The Science of Herbal Medicine.

 

Bricklin, Mark 1976 Rodale Press, Inc. Natural Healing.

 

Wade, Carlson 1972 Parker Publishing Company, Inc. Natural Hormones.

 

Jensen, Bernard 1978 Nature Has A Remedy.

 

Hutchens, Alma R. 1973 The Garden City Press Limited, Indian Herbalogy of North

America.

 

Grieve, M. 1971 Dover Publication, Inc., A Modern Herbal.

 

Barmakian, Richard 1976 Altura Health Publishers, Hypoglycemia, Your Bondage or

Freedom.

 

Soyer, Alexis 1977 Paddington Press Ltd., The Pantropheon.

 

Scully, Virginia Bonanza Books, A Treasury of American Indian Herbs.

 

Valnet, Jean 1976 Rolls Offset Printing Co., Heal Yourself With Vegetables,

Fruits and Grains.

 

Kadans Joseph M. 1979 Parker Publishing Company, Inc., Encyclopedia of Fruits,

Vegetables, Nuts and Seeds for Healthful Living. 1976 Blue Goose Inc., The

Buying Guide for Fresh Fruits, Vegetables, Herbs and Nuts.

 

Dextreit, Raymond 1974 Swan House Publishing Co., Our Earth Our Cure.

 

Weiner, Michael A. 1972 Collier Books, Earth Medicine - Earth Foods.

 

Montagna, F. Joseph 1979 Quest For Truth Publications, Inc., People's Desk

Reference.

 

Kulvinskas, Viktoras 1975 Omangod Press, Survival Into The 21st Century.

 

BiWorld, The Herbalist.

 

Used by permission. Dr. Christopher's Newsletter, Volume 5 Number 1

 

 

 

--

 

 

 

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