MEDICINAL HERBS AND SPICES
MEDICINAL
HERBS AND SPICES FOR USE WITH HONEY
REFERENCE: ENCYCLOPEDIA OF MEDICINAL PLANTS by Andrew Chevallier
Page 64, 71, 74
HONEY
Honey is made by the honeybee by combining nectar from flowers with bee
enzymes. This delicious combination of bee enzymes and flower nectar is
one of the oldest medicinal substances known to man. Honey is used to
mask unpleasant flavours, to make the medicine go down and often it is
more curative than the intended remedy! Honey from the tombs of Egyptian
Pharaohs dating back a few thousand years was still found to be edible.
Thus the shelf life of honey is longer than ours by far. It is a good
preservative and wound healer and is very nutritious, being a complete
food for the very active and hardworking little honeybee, let alone us
lazy humans.
Properties: Depending on the flower nectar gathered by the honeybee, the
properties and composition of honey may vary from place to place. The
best form of honey is in its raw, unheated natural form. In time, the
sugar crystallizes and makes the honey solid. It can still be used like
this and you should avoid heating it as this will destroy the medicinal
effect. Honey is approximately 35% protein due to the amino acids it contains.
It is a highly concentrated source of essential nutrients with a high
level of simple sugars, the B-complex vitamins with a little Vitamin C,
D and E and minerals.
Uses: Honey is used to promote energy and healing. Honey can be taken
as a medicine, mixed with medicinal herbs and spices or used as a vital
ingredient in body care products such as cleansers, lotions and ointments.
Honey, spices and herbs can cure many skin afflictions and infections.
Some doctors give honey before surgery to prevent infections. Many cuts,
infections and wounds are healed by honey alone because of its anti-microbial
and curative effects. Pure honey is good for mouth and gum infections.
According to folk medicine from around the world, honey can be used for:
coughs, muscle cramps, burns, stuffy noses, sinusitis, hay fever, bed
wetting, insomnia, and on wounds, ulcers, infections, stings and rashes.
Honey keeps a wound sterile and hastens the healing process. It is reported
to be effective against bacterial conditions such as Staphylococcus aureus
and Escherichia in cases when antibiotics could not help anymore.
Honey is good for gut infections such as Salmonella, Shigella, E. Coli, and cholera that produce diarrhoea. When mixed with cinnamon, turmeric, fennel or cloves, the results are even more effective. Honey used with water and salt to replace fluids lost during diarrhoea and vomiting, proved to be more effective than electrolyte mixtures because of the additional anti-microbial effect.
Honey has sedating and calming properties and works like sugar in enhancing seratonin levels as an anti-depressant. Honey and apple cider vinegar or lemon juice with water is a well-known folk medicine, used for sore throats, arthritis, convalescence and preventing the illness in the first place!
Caution: People with blood sugar problems, glucose intolerance and diabetics should be careful of taking too much honey by itself, as the body requires insulin to process the simple sugars it contains. When ¼ teaspoon of cinnamon is added to a teaspoon of honey, the effect of insulin improves, so this is highly recommended. Use only pure honey for mouthwashes and throat gargles. When honey is combined with a starch such as bread, it is very bad for teeth as then it ferments in the mouth, so clean your teeth afterwards. Honey must not be given to very young infants as it may contain botulism spores and the baby's immature intestine cannot yet eliminate them like you can.
CELERY
SEEDS
Used for over 3000 years, especially Egypt & China
Properties: Help kidneys dispose of uric acid, mucus & toxic wastes
and to reduce acidity.
Uses: Arthritis, gout, sore muscles & joints, improves blood circulation,
kidney & bladder infections, asthma & bronchitis, water retention,
high blood pressure.
BUCHU
Traditional South African remedy.
Properties: Stimulant, diuretic & digestive. Urinary antiseptic, uterine
stimulant for menstrual flow and birth.
Uses: Urinary tract infections like cystitis, mucus in the bladder, water
retention, poor menstrual flow, prostate problems relating to passing
urine. Buchu tea can be used for washing vaginal infections like candida.
Caution: Not for pregnant women
CAYENNE PEPPER, CHILLI
Properties: Warming and stimulating, a good tonic, antiseptic, relieves
muscle cramps, increases sweating and flow of blood to the skin, reduces
inflammation, stimulates the immune system and expels mucus. Antimicrobial.
Uses: For poor circulation, blood clotting and heart problems. For diabetics,
for cold rheumatic and arthritic conditions, for removal of waste and
mucus from the tissues, asthma, bronchitis and coughs, sore throats, colic
and wind, ulcers (it is anti-inflammatory) and digestive complaints due
to microbial or mucus infections.
CINNAMON
Properties: Warming, stimulating, antiviral, antiseptic, carminative (for
expelling wind, like burping & colic)
Traditional uses: To improve circulation to hands and feet, digestive
problems like nausea and vomiting, infections ; colds, flu, diarrhoea,
aching muscles. Important for diabetes as it improves the function of
insulin. Used as a general tonic and for menstrual disorders.
Caution: large doses can cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) and excessive
menstrual flow. Do not take more than ½ teaspoon per day if you
are pregnant.
LEMON OIL
Properties: Antiseptic & antibacterial
Uses: Throat & mouth infections, digestive disorders.
TURMERIC
Properties: Stimulates bile secretion, anti-inflammatory (research from
1971-1991 indicates an action similar to hydrocortisone) It eases stomach
pain, is antioxidant, antifungal & antibacterial. Lowers cholesterol
levels (Chinese research 1987) A blood thinner and anticoagulant.
Uses: As an antioxidant (stronger than vitamin E) To protect stomach lining
(gastritis) and liver, to increase the flow of bile, for jaundice, nausea:
travel sickness, to thin the blood and prevent clotting, to reduce the
risk of strokes & heart attacks. Topically: for psoriasis and fungal
infections like ringworm eczema & athlete's foot.
CARDAMOM
Properties: Antispasmodic, to expel wind, eases stomach pain, warming,
a digestive stimulant and is pleasant tasting, sweetens the breath. Good
for the female reproductive system.
Traditional uses: As an aphrodisiac, to empower the reproductive system.
Greece: 4th Century BC, for relief of colic, cramps and griping (especially
for breastfeeding mothers). Chinese: urinary incontinence (Uncontrolled
leaking of urine eg: when jumping or sneezing or bedwetting.) Indian:
asthma, bronchitis, kidney stones, poor appetite, debility and weakness.
CLOVES
Properties: Eliminates parasites, antiseptic, expels wind, analgesic,
prevents vomiting, antispasmodic.
Traditional uses: South-East Asia: as an all round remedy for most ailments,
including malaria, cholera, tuberculosis and parasites such as scabies
and head lice. For digestive discomfort, wind, abdominal bloating. To
relieve spasmodic coughs. India: As a mind and body stimulant, and an
aphrodisiac. Western: Clove oil for mouth washes, gargles and to relieve
toothache. Topically, the oil can be used to repel mosquitoes.
EUCALYPTUS OIL
Properties: Antiseptic, expectorant (expels chest mucus) stimulates the
flow of blood
Traditional uses: Australian Aboriginal: for infections and fevers. General:
Antiseptic, to dilate air passages in the lungs, chest infections, for
sore throats, blocked sinuses. Topically: rubbed onto aching pains and
joints, neuralgia, for bacterial skin infections. The oil also used in
boiling water to inhale.
LIQUORICE
Properties: Anti-inflammatory, expectorant, demulcent (stimulates the
mucus linings to protect the stomach), Adrenal agent ( Stimulates the
production of adrenal hormones and has an anti-arthritic and anti-inflammatory
action similar to hydrocortisone), mild laxative. Raises blood pressure.
Traditional uses: Ancient Greece: asthma, chest infections and mouth ulcers.
Modern: for stomach ulcers, gastritis, coughs and sore throats, as a laxative.
To prevent dehydration during marathon events and desert conditions, to
strengthen adrenal glands, for low blood pressure, dehydration and chronic
fatigue.
Caution: Avoid excessive intake if you have high blood pressure or take
extra potassium, eg: crude black molasses with liquorice. Adding salt
to liquorice is good for weak adrenals, especially if blood pressure is
low.
DEVIL'S CLAW
Properties: Anti-inflammatory, analgesic ( pain relieving) digestive stimulant.
Traditional uses: African, Bushmen & Bantu: digestive problems and
arthritis, pains in the joints, to reduce fevers and as an ointment for
sores, ulcers and boils. Modern: for arthritis, general aches & pains
including gout, back pain & fibrositis.
PEPPERMINT & PEPPERMINT OIL
Properties: Expels wind, antispasmodic (relieves muscle spasms and stomach
cramps ) increases sweating, digestive aid, antiseptic, anti- parasitic.
Traditional uses: General: to stimulate the flow of bile an digestive
juices, to relieve colic, griping, diarrhoea, nausea, to soothe irritated
bowel, constipation and spastic colon, for digestive weakness and gut
infections.
Topical: the peppermint oil for expelling head lice, rubbing onto aches
and pains and to relieve headaches.
NUTMEG
Properties: Stimulates the reproductive system, Expels wind, relieves
muscle spasms and cramps, prevents vomiting & diarrhoea. Promotes
emotional well being in small doses. Relieves pain in the intestines
Traditional uses: India: aphrodisiac, to increase sexual stamina, enjoyment
and performance. External: a paste of nutmeg for eczema and ringworm.
Chinese: for bloating, diarrhoea, colic, wind and to warm and comfort
the intestines.
Caution: Doses of nutmeg exceeding 1 teaspoon per day are dangerous. They
can be hallucinogenic, carcinogenic and highly toxic. Stick with a pinch
of nutmeg in your curry or use it for baking, where the cooking reduces
the toxicity.The outside coating of the nutmeg known as mace is irritating
to the eyes and mucus membranes. It is used in self-defence sprays.
CHINESE GINSENG
Properties: Adaptogenic (helps the body adapt to stress, fatigue and cold)
tonic, strengthens adrenals.
Traditional uses: Chinese: aphrodisiac, for sexual prowess, for athletes,
workers and during winter. China, Russia, Korea, Japan: Used to increase
resistance to stress, adverse climates, physical endurance & to improve
liver function. General: as a tonic for weakness, depression, low blood
pressure, stress and debility.
Caution: Blood pressure will increase with a low dose and be lowered on
a higher dose over time. Do not use continually for more than a month.
Chinese recommend ginseng for three weeks per month.
GINGER
Properties: Anti-emetic (prevents & cures vomiting) Carminative (expels
gas like burping, colic and flatulence), Circulatory stimulant ( increases
flow of blood to capillaries, thins the blood and prevents clotting),
antispasmodic (inhibits coughing, chest tightness and cramps) , anti-inflammatory
(reducers fever, swelling and redness) antiseptic ( used for infections)
Warming & stimulating to the digestive system.
Traditional uses: Chinese: For chills, fevers, headaches, aching muscles,
weak pulse, cold hands and pale complexion. Modern: Motion sickness, morning
sickness and post operative nausea. Modern china: for bacillary dysentery,
gastrointestinal infections and some types of food poisoning. For thinning
the blood and as an a blood anticoagulant (prevents blood clots) for lowering
the blood pressure.
BLACKSEED (KALOONTJIE / NIGELLA / BLACK CUMIN) 239
Properties: To benefit the digestive system, soothe stomach pain, ease
wind, bloating & colic. Antiseptic, expel parasites like worms, especially
in children.
Traditional uses: Asia: Recognised as a panacea, to cure all ailments
except death. Greece: 1st C AD: for headaches,nasal catarrh, toothache
& intestinal worms. In large quantities as a diuretic, to promote
menstruation and to increase breast milk production. Egypt: Seeds found
with honey, in Tutankhamun's tomb, still usable. India: to increase the
flow of breast milk.
OLIVE LEAF
Properties:.Lowers blood pressure, improves circulation, thins blood.
Diuretic, relieves cystitis & water retention. Stimulates the immune
system, has a profound anti-fungal, anti-bacterial and anti-vital action.
Helps to lower blood sugar levels for diabetics. Oil from leaves is nourishing
and improves the balance of fatty acids within the blood. Protective action
on digestive tract.
Traditional uses: Crete, 3500BC: to clean wounds, as a symbol of peace,
for ritual anointing Mediterranean: Olive leaf tea for high blood pressure.
Leaf taken with lemon juice to get rid of gallstones. Modern research,
1985: Olive leaves lower blood pressure, combat many viral, fungal and
bacterial infections including malaria, colds & flu, kidney &
bladder infections, candida albicans and organisms causing the leaky gut
syndrome, weakened immunity and food poisoning. Used to increase blood
capillary action to the brain, extremeties and genital organs. To improve
memory, circulation and sexual prowess. Mainly indicated as a natural
alternative to modern drugs drugs like antibiotics, cold and flu remedies,
anti-coagulants, diuretics & antihypertensives.
FENNEL & ANISEEDS
Properties: Both are diuretic, antispasmodic , anti-inflammatory and wind
relieving.
Traditional uses: to relieve bloating, flatulence, colic, stomach cramps,
to settle digestion, freshen the breath, increase the flow of breast milk,
for weight loss and longevity. ½ teaspoon of fennel seeds in honey
relieves heavy menstrual bleeding. It has a mild estrogenic activity in
women and helps to reduce hot flushes.
Caution: too much fennel increases estrogen and prolactin in the body
and thus lowers thyroid activity.
CORIANDER
Properties: Calming, relieves nervousness, bloating, abdominal discomfort.
Aphrodisiac, as a tonic and stimulant to the reproductive system.
Traditional uses: Ancient Egypt, 2000 years ago for digestive discomfort
& nervous disorders. Seeds chewed to sweeten the breath.
CARAWAY
Properties: Antispasmodic, relaxing to the smooth muscles of the intestinal
walls. Cooling, for excessive heat & cramping pains, to expel mucus
in bronchitis and to relieve heavy congested coughs.
Traditional uses: English: Culpepper: head colds and stomach disorders,
diuretic and to break wind.
BAY LEAVES
Properties: Promote digestion and absorption of food, stimulate digestive
secretions, especially fat digesting and insulin. Promotes the onset of
menstrual periods.
Traditional uses: Ancient Greece & Rome: as a decorating, healing
and protective herb. For warming the stomach & bladder and to relieve
wasp & bee stings. Modern: for liver and gallbladder complaints, digesting
rich foods and breaking up fats, to enhance the effect of insulin for
diabetics.
ALFALFA
Properties:
The isoflavones in the leaves are highly estrogenic in activity. It stimulates
the immune system, is rich in nutrients, especially minerals, vitamins,
alkaloids and trace elements. A tablespoon of the sprouts contain all
the vitamins, enzymes and minerals we require for the day.
Traditional uses: Seeds were eaten by the Persians and Greeks for thousands
of years. Modern: for female complaints due to low estrogen levels.
Caution: Not recommended for those with auto-immune diseases like lupus.
The estrogenic effect may lower thyroid activity or interfere with conception.
PLANTAIN
Properties: Increases excretion of uric acid (for gout) and catarrh (mucus
in the respiratory & urinary system) It has a soothing, anti-inflammatory
effect.
Traditional uses: Chinese: for catarrh and for water retention. Modern:
diuretic, expectorant, and anti-catarrhal remedy for: gastritis, peptic
ulcers, diarrhoea, dysentery, irritable bowel syndrome, respiratory catarrh,
loss of voice and urinary tract bleeding.
THYME
Properties: Antiseptic, antioxidant, tonic, expels worms, relieves muscle
spasms, helps maintain essential fatty acid levels in the brain, thus
aiding longevity and memory. Strong anti-bacterial activity against H.pylori
that is associated with stomach ulcers.
Traditional uses: Europe: throat and chest infections: cough, bronchitis,
sore throat, whooping cough and pleurisy,asthma & hay fever.