|
Some of the benefits of selected herbs on the Herbs A to Z (M - O) page include the following. Historically, muira puama has been used for sexual dysfunction and enhancement. In addition muira puama has been used for neuromuscular problems. Also, muira puama has been shown to inhibit the enzyme that breaks down the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. With more acetylcholine in the system, memory may be enhanced by muira puama improving conditions for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease. Touted health benefits of olive leaf include its use to fight aging and to stimulate the immune system. It is thought olive leaf helps combat colds and other viral infections. In addition, olive leaf has been shown to lower LDL cholesterol, the “bad” kind. Use in olive leaf tea or powdered form. The herb mugwort is most often used to enhance dreams, but has been used to correct breech birth positions. It should not be used during pregnancy in large amounts due to the risk of aborting the baby. Often orris root is used as a fixative and base note in essential oil blends used as perfume. It has also been used to flavor toothpaste and scent laundry. Flavor soups with meadowsweet. Use marshmallow root to soothe a sore throat. The bitter herb motherwort has been used to increase fertility, decrease the anxiety and pain of childbirth, and calm nerves to abate postpartum depression. This herb should not be used before labor during pregnancy or by children under two.
Most often mullein leaf is used for respiratory relief in cases of asthma, bronchitis, coughs, and colds. The herb nettle leaf (stinging nettle) is used to treat hay fever, allergies, and asthma. Also, stinging nettles has been used to relieve symptoms of enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hypertrophy or BPH). Because stinging nettles is rich in boron and silicon, it has been used for arthritis, bursitis, and tendonitis as well. Due to diuretic effects, stinging nettle is not recommended during pregnancy and nursing. If consumed regularly, a sufficient amount of potassium is needed. There are many uses for neem leaves. Used in skin care treatment, neem powder may be put into a bath for relief from measles or chicken pox. It is found in creams and lotions for skin problems, in cosmetics, and hair and oral care products. It even has insect repellent properties. European mistletoe herb has been used to reduce blood pressure, heart rate, anxiety, spasms, headaches, and even cancer. External use only is recommended. Oregon grape root has been used as a yellow dye, to treat giardia, candida, and diarrhea caused by viruses. It has also been used for its anticancer properties. It should not be used during pregnancy or nursing. Most often milk thistle seeds are used for liver health and detoxification. The antioxidant properties are said to help in the treatment of second hand smoke, hepatitis, cirrhosis, jaundice, and help protect from pollutants like pesticides, heavy metals, air pollution, medications, and alcohol.
|
