Spring Herbal Medicine Chest

Spring is a time for cleansing and rejuvenation. Most often the liver is the target of a cleansing herbal regimen, since the liver is one of the most important organs in the body. It processes our hormones, contributes to proper digestion, cleanses the body of toxins, and many other important duties. A good cleansing regimen, however, will also cleanse and support other vital organs, such as heart, kidneys, blood, and digestive system. It will also do wonderful things for your spirit! It is vital to consume lots of water, with lemon is ideal, and get fresh air to flush these toxins out of your system.

Please remember that any herbal remedies and essential oils can be dangerous under certain circumstances therefore you should always seek medical advice before starting any homemade treatment, especially if you are pregnant, breast feeding or suffer from any known illness which could be adversely affected by self treatment. You should always inform your GP of any self treatment before taking any other prescribed medication.

DANDELION ROOT: Dandelion Root can be made into a bitter tea (don’t sweeten it, the bitterness is how it works) as an excellent tonic for the liver and blood purifier. Dandelion roots are very high in vitamins and minerals. The common dandelion is an unusually nutritious food. Its leaves contain substantial levels of vitamins A, C, D, and B complex as well as iron, magnesium, zinc, potassium, manganese, copper, choline, calcium, boron, and silicon. Worldwide, the root of the dandelion has been used for the treatment of a variety of liver and gallbladder problems. Other historical uses of the root and leaves include the treatment of breast diseases, water retention, digestive problems, joint pain, fever, and skin diseases. The most active constituents in dandelion appear to be eudesmanolide and germacranolide, substances unique to this herb. .

MILK THISTLE: Milk thistle is one of the best herbs for cleaning our blood and liver and is a traditional way to get our health back on track and revitalise and nourish our entire internal ecological system from the ravages of winter. Milk thistle is an excellent cleansers for the liver. Cleansing is one of the more important roles of milk thistle as it helps to prevent a host of problems our bodies can acquire from internal and external toxic overload.

BURDOCK ROOT: Burdock root helps to purify blood and restore the liver to aid a restful sleep. Helps to reduce build up of toxins in the skin resulting in boils. Helps gallbladder functions and stimulates the immune system. Seed forms are also used.

NETTLE: Nettles are invaluable as a food, rich in vitamins and minerals. Only the young, tender tips are suitable for cooking, the stalks and lower leaves are not edible. They can be cooked then pureed for soup or vegetable accompaniment. Nettles make a valuable tonic after the winter and are an excellent remedy for anaemia, their vitamin C content ensures that the iron they contain is properly absorbed. Nettles increase the quality of the blood helping to give a healthy glow to the skin.

YELLOW DOCK: Yellow dock is applicable to all the purposes for which the other species are used. It is largely prescribed for diseases of the blood, from a spring eruption, to scurvy, scrofula and chronic skin diseases. It is also useful in jaundice and as a tonic to the stomach and the system generally. It has an action on the bowels very similar to that of rhubarb, being perhaps a little less active, but operating without pain or uneasiness. Rumicin is the active principle of the yellow dock, and from the root, containing chrysarobin, a dried extract is prepared officially, of which from 1 to 4 grains may be given for a dose in a pill. This is useful for relieving a congested liver, as well as for scrofulous skin diseases.

Spring Essential Oils

Spring is a time of new beginnings, new growth, planting seeds, purification, and for clearing out the old. Following the rhythms of nature and developing harmony with the ways in which nature cares for itself, we can also create balance within our own lives. Trees, plants, grasses and seeds that have laid still throughout the winter slowly emerge from their dormancy. Buds develop and grow into new leaves and flowers, plants and grasses emerge through the ground from their resting roots, and seeds sprout; all from the extended sunlight, warmth, rains, and fall’s nourishment. As well as the essential oils listed below good spring oils also include orange, peppermint, eucalyptus and lemon which are featured in the winter herbal medicine chest information.

Jasmine (Jasminum Auriculatum) Jasmine is a bold, sweet scent. Jasmine is the greatest aphrodisiac of all. These night blooming flowers are picked at their hieght to bring out one of the most sexy scents in the world. Associated throughout history with the compassionate Goddess of the Moon, Jasmine, grown along the Nile in ancient Egypt, represents Isis, the Egyptian Mother Goddess who held the secrets of fertility, magic and healing.

Patchouli (Pogestomum Patchouli) Patchouli is a sweet, earthy scent. Its smell is intense and spicy. From an energetic point of view, Patchouli, like Jasmine, is warm and yet anti-inflammatory in action. It combines a calmative property with a gentle stimulating effect that uplifts the spirit! Patchouli is a sweet and grounding harmonising fragrance.

Neroli (Citrus Aurantium) Neroli is distilled from bitter orange trees. It has a refreshing, spicy aroma and is known for its sensual, exotic effect. Neroil oil is emotionally unifying and soothes with harmonising effects. Described as both sensual and spiritual, neroli helps to restablish the link between a disconnected mind and body. Neroli paves the way for a gradual release and allows us to recall hope and joy!

Rose (Rosa Centifolia) The Mother of All Flowers, the rose has amazing powers of love, trust and self acceptance. Roses are representative of faith, hope and love and has the qualities to restore the very center of one's being. A gentle tonic of the heart, Rose oil's psychological properties lie mainly in its effect on the mind, the center of our emotional being. Rose oil calms and supports the heart and helps to nourish the soul!