Natural Medicine Mamas
  • NMM Home
    • About
    • Contact
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Your Product Experience
  • Join Our Club
    • Herbs of the Month Club
    • Loyal Customer Club
  • NMM Store
  • Education
    • NMM Blog
    • Podcast
  • NMM Home
    • About
    • Contact
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Your Product Experience
  • Join Our Club
    • Herbs of the Month Club
    • Loyal Customer Club
  • NMM Store
  • Education
    • NMM Blog
    • Podcast

Plant Medicine Summary: Plantain

8/8/2016

0 Comments

 
Picture
Plantain is a weed that most people don't even realize is extremely important for so many things... 

Brief History
Perennial herb, origin thought to be Eurasia and now naturalized throughout the world. Plantain is considered a common and noxious weed by some and a miracle plant by others. Native Americans carried the powdered roots as protection against snakebites or to ward off snakes. Called Englishman's Foot or White Man's Foot as it was said to grow where ever their feet touched the ground, this is referred to in Longfellow’s 'Hiawatha.'.
http://www.manataka.org/page1937.html

How Do I Use It?
​ This herb has anti-inflammatory effects, and it is also rich in tannin (which helps draw tissues together to stop bleeding) and allantoin (a compound that promotes healing of injured skin cells). Further studies have indicated that plantain may also reduce blood pressure, and that the seeds of the plant may reduce blood cholesterol levels. Plantain seeds were also widely used as a natural laxative, given their high source of fiber. Teas made from the plant, have been used to treat diarrhea, dysentery, intestinal worms, and bleeding mucous membranes.

Because of it being a "weed" it is very easy to grow! We chop off the leaves and then dry them, and use them in teas and salves.

Our Experience With It
  • We have used plantain for hornet or wasp bites.
  • We have used it on bruises and on boils.
  • We have used it in our mixes and other "brews".
  • Some people eat the young leaves in the spring in salads. The older leaves are tough, but younger leaves look a lot like spinach.

Few Properties of Plantain

Anodyne – Helps to relieve or sooth pain
Astringent - The tannins give astringent properties are tightening and soothing
Depurative - Helps cleanse waste products from our bodies
Diuretic - Stimulates the body to let go of fluid
Styptic – Helps stop the flow of bleeding 
Vulnerary - help bring about healing in wounds and inflammation


List found on http://www.anniesremedy.com
 
 NMM Products With Plantain

Intestinal Soother & Enhancer - This herbal mix does wonders to AID your body while digestion is happening, heal your gut, rejuvinates cells, soothes pain, and is an excellent overall digestive aid and intestinal tonic!
Super Salve - Anytime someone says "ouch!" this salve can be used!
Diabetes Hand & Finger Repair Salve - Those with diabetes know how painful your fingers and hands can get from the constant "poking". We have made this salve specifically for you! Yes, it is safe for children.
Burn Balm - This balm aids in healing and soothing all types of burns. Sunburns, minor burns, and if needed more major burns.


0 Comments

Plant Medicine Summary: Rosemary

8/8/2016

0 Comments

 
Picture
Rosemary is not just great for flavoring food in cooking, but it's also amazing for many other reasons...

Brief History

The Spanish began to call the plant Romero because they believed that another Mediterranean native took refuge beneath a large rosemary bush to shelter herself and her young son as they fled to Egypt to escape Herod. In honor of this brave, young woman, the plant came to be known as Rose of Mary, which was eventually shortened to the modern name familiar to us today.. During the Middle Ages, rosemary was thought to be capable of dispelling negativity. As such, it was tucked under pillows to thwart nightmares and visits from evil spirits. It was also burned in the house to keep the black plague from entering. http://www.herbco.com/t-rosemary-article.aspx

How Do I Use It?

Rosemary is not just a great spice, but also amazing in a lot of other areas as well. It helps to improve memory and function of brain cells. It helps with hair growth.  The essential oil is excellent for putting on the feet during times of illness. 

We have primarily used it either in the essential oil form or tea form. Can also make a glycerite or tincture from it. Obviously we use it in cooking as much as possible because it is just yummy!

 
Our Experience With It
  • We have used rosemary essential oil when washing our hair. It is amazing how it helps to stimulate hair growth.
  • Combining rosemary essential oil with peppermint essential oil is excellent for sore muscles. 
  • It has high anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties, so excellent to use during times of illness and when any flu bug is going around.
  • (Paula) "My husband had a boil and the super salve has rosemary in it and it helped clear it up quickly and helped with the pain."

Few Properties of Rosemary
Analgesic = Soothes pain
 Antioxidant = Help to control or elimination of free radicals
Antispasmodic = Reduces spasms
Antihematic = Helps relieve sore joints and muscles
Antiviral = Defenses against viruses
Astringent = Helps tighten tissues
 Carminative = Help to dispel gas and prevent bloating
Cholagogue = Herbs that support the gall bladder and liver by promoting the flow of bile
Diaphoretic = Induce involuntary perspiration that helps to reduce fever, cool the body, and speed the elimination of toxins
Diuretic = Stimulates the body to let go of fluid
Emmenagague = Stimulates menstrual flow
Hepatic = Herbs that support the liver
Hypertensive = Helps lower blood pressure
Insect Repellant = Repels inscets
Muscle Relaxant = Relaxes Muscles
Nervine = Soothes the nerves
Stomachic = Helps relieve stomach pain and cramping
 
List found on http://www.anniesremedy.com
 
 NMM Products With Rosemary

Super Salve - Anytime someone says "ouch!" this salve can be used!
Mens Miracle Mix - This mix is a STRONG and EFFECTIVE combination of herbs for a male’s body, with cardiovascular support, digestive aids, cholestorol support and help with libido. 
First Defense - Combination of herbs to help boost the immune system as a "first defense" when flu season starts.
0 Comments

Plant Medicine Summary: Hawthorn

8/8/2016

0 Comments

 
Picture
Hawthorn is especially amazing for men because of it's cardiovascular benefits. If you have a heart issue, Hawthorn is probably a great place to start with herbal support!

Brief History


The Hawthorn tree species, which is related to the rose family, was first grown during the 1st century in the Mediterranean basin which includes parts of Asia, Europe, and Africa. Its tangley, thorny branches were believed to have been used to create the crown of thorns that Christ wore on the cross. 

Hawthorn (Crataegus species) has been used to treat heart disease as far back as the 1st century. By the early 1800's, American doctors were using it to treat circulatory disorders and respiratory illnesses. Traditionally, the berries were used to treat heart problems ranging from irregular heartbeat, high blood pressure, chest pain, hardening of the arteries, and heart failure. Today, the leaves and flowers are used medicinally. There is even research to suggest that hawthorn might be effective when used in the treatment of mild-to-moderate heart failure.

 

How Do I Use It?

We believe the easiest way to use Hawthorn is either in a glycerite or tincture. Take 1/4-1 dropper full each day, or 1 capsule morning and night. Our Men's Miracle Mix has a high amount of Hawthorn in it. If you are suffering from blood pressure issues, cardiovascular issues or respiratory issues. 

Please note: This herb helps to strengthen and support all of the above systems. It is NOT meant to replace any medications! Please check with your health care provider if you are using specific medications for blood pressure or heart.
 
Our Experience With It
  • Using it to help lower blood pressure and strengthen the heart.

Few Properties of Hawthorn

Cordial = Strenghthens the heart and cardiovascular system
Hypotensice = Lowers blood pressure
 
List found on http://www.anniesremedy.com
 
 NMM Products


​Mens Miracle Mix (also available in a ready made glycerite)- This mix is a STRONG and EFFECTIVE combination of herbs for a male’s body, with cardiovascular support, digestive aids, cholestorol support and help with libido. 
0 Comments

Plant Medicine Summary: Valerian Root

8/8/2016

0 Comments

 
Picture
Picture
We have used Valerian Root for YEARS. It is an extremely effective tonic for your nervous system, helping with anxiety and stress!

Brief History


“Valerian has been used as a medicinal herb since at least the time of ancient Greece and Rome. Hippocrates described its properties, and Galen later prescribed it as a remedy for insomnia. In medieval Sweden, it was sometimes placed in the wedding clothes of the groom to ward off the "envy" of the elves. In the 16th century, the Anabaptist reformer Pilgram Marpeck prescribed valerian tea for a sick woman." (Wikipedia)

How Do I Use It?

We have used Valerian in capsules for years. It has a very "specific" taste... some people like the tea and some people don't. We have recently changed our method of use to making tinctures.

Growing up, and still now, whenever we have felt like we were "majorly stressed" we will take Valerian to help our systems to calm down. 

 
Our Experience with it
  • (Paula) "I have used Val Root when in periods of anxiety and stress. I can feel relief within minutes. I have found it interesting that   when I don’t need it, it smells awful. When I do need it, it smells great!"
  • When you are under extreme duress the sheath around your nerves frays like twine. Valerian Root helps to heal the sheath that surrounds the nerves in your body.


Few Properties Of Valerian Root

Adaptogen – Helps get body back in balance
Anodyne – Relieve or Sooth Pain
Antispasmodic– Relax Muscle Cramps
Aromatic – Fragrant Oils
Nervine – Herbs that act directly on the nervous system
Sedative – Calm the nerves and relieve tension
List from www.Anniesremedy.com

 NMM Products With Valerian 

Coming up in our Depression Fighter!
0 Comments

Plant Medicine Summary: Peppermint

8/8/2016

0 Comments

 
Picture
Peppermint is AMAZING for so many reasons. It is great to take internally, use as an essential oil, for aroma therapy purposes, as a tea... it's uses are diverse and vast.

Brief History


Peppermint has a long history of cultivation and has been used in cooking and herbal medicine since about 1500 BC. Until 1696, peppermint was not classified as its own subspecies, but most historians believe it is reasonable to assume that the mint mentioned in many historical texts is peppermint. http://peppermint.indepthinfo.com/history-of-peppermint

How Do I Use It?

Because of it being part of the mint family, peppermint is EXTREMELY easy to grow. It is very aggressive, so if you want to reap the benefits of this amazing herb, plant some in a pot and start using it as much as you would like! After clipping fresh leaves, we put them in our teas all the time, or dry them to use for later.

Peppermint has amazing vitamin and mineral content. As a sudorific, the essence of peppermint is both a cooling and warming agent. Peppermint will induce the production of heat when it is taken internally and results in an improvement in the circulation within the body. At the same time the peppermint by dispersing blood to the surface of the body, also induces sweating in the skin. Especially rich in carotenes and Vitamin C, along with minerals iron, potassium and calcium.

The properties of peppermint are ENDLESS - as you can see in the list below.


Our Experience With It
  • We use mint all the time in cooking, cleaning and aromatically.
  • We use peppermint essential oil constantly for muscle ailments, tight necks and headaches.
  • Peppermint tea helps settle tummies quickly when ill.
  • It is also great to use in combinations of other herbs and tastes.
  • Easiest way to get all the benefits of this amazing plant is in tea - kids even love peppermint tea!

Few Properties of Peppermint
Adaptogen = Bring the body back in balance
Analgesic = Helps soothe or relieve pain
Antifungal = Demonstrated significant activity against several common infection-causing fungi
Antioxidant = Help to control or elimination of free radicals
Antispasmodic = Suppresses spasms, and reduce muscular tension
 Aromatic = Fragrant oils
Astringent = The tannins give astringent properties are tightening and soothing
Carminative = Help to dispel gas and prevent bloating
Cholagogue = Support the gall bladder and liver by promoting the flow of bile
Diaphoretic/Sudorific = Induce involuntary perspiration that helps to reduce fever, cool the body, and speed the elimination of toxins
Emmenagogue = Stimulate menstrual flow
Expectorant = Help loosen congestion in the lungs by reducing the thickness of mucus
Febrifuge = Reduce fever
Hepatic = Support the liver
Nervine = Sooth the nerves
Skin Tonic = Sooth the skin
Stimulant = Stimulating action on the body
Vasoconstrictor = Constriction of capillaries

List found on http://www.anniesremedy.com
 
 NMM Products With Peppermint

Burn Balm - Excellent salve designed for those burns that happen all the time around the house (and with children!)

Anxiety R&R - If you suffer from anxiety, this is a powerful combination that can help.
Powerhouse - A combination of deep nutrition to add in recovery from extreme physical work or exercise.
Thyroid Stabilizer - Issues with your Thyroid will be supported by this herbal mix!
0 Comments

Plant Medicine Summary: Marshmallow Root

8/8/2016

0 Comments

 
Picture
Marshmallow Root is such a "soothing" herb for the entire body, from the throat clear through the entire digestion tract!

Brief History


Used in 200 BC under the Greek name Althea of "to heal".  The family name, Malvaceae comes from the Greek word malake or "soft" referring to the soft mucilaginous character of the plant.  Theophrastus (c. 372-286 BC) reported that it was taken in sweet wine for coughs.  Greek physician Hippocrates described the value of althea in the treatment of wounds. 

Dioscorides, another Greek physician, prescribed a vinegar infusion as a cure for toothaches and recommended a preparation of the seeds to soothe insect stings.  Roman poet Horace, claimed the root and leaves had laxative properties. Renaissance period herbalists used "althea" (marshmallow root) for sore throats, stomach problems, gonorrhea, leukorrhea, and as a gargle for infections of the mouth.

https://www.mdidea.com/products/new/new03707.html

How Do I Use It?
Marshmallow Root is HUGE for soothing, especially the intestinal tract. It soothes from the throat, to the stomach, to the gut. We use it primarily in teas, but also have made syrups and tinctures from it.  
Our Experience With It
  • (Paula) "I love marshmallow root for bladder infection. I was having issues with bladder infections and not able to get rid of it, when I discovered Marshmallow. I make it into a tea in combination with dandelion and in a day was feeling better! I haven’t had problems since."
  • We have recommended Marshmallow Root to countless of people for UTI infections. 
  • (Andrea) "When I had a horrible sore throat, I used the start of what eventually became our 'Flaming Throat Relief' combination to help it.... Which marshmallow root is a HUGE portion of. It soothed my throat so much and my throat was so much better after 24 hours."
  • When used in tea, you will see the marshmallow turn the water much "thicker". This is the soothing properties that the water pulls out of the root. If it gets too thick, just add more water until it is a comfortable consistency.

Few Properties of Marshmallow Root
Anti Inflammatory = Reduces inflammation
Antibacterial = Helps fight bacteria
Demulcent = P
rotective coating and soothe irritated body tissues
Emoillient = Soothe and protect irritated or inflamed skin
Hypoglycemic = Lower abnormally high blood sugar
List found on http://www.anniesremedy.com
 
 
NMM Products
Kidney Stone Herbal Soldiers - Combination of herbs to help combat the pain of kidney stones, also helps to dissinegrate them before they get too big. If you have problems with kidney stones often, we recommend you use this as a tea on a daily basis to keep them at bay.
Flaming Throat Relief - Soothing combination of herbs to help the throat while supporting your body getting better.
Intestinal Soother & Enhancer - Deep nutrition for the "gut". Any problems of the gut will be helped with this packet!
Infection Fighter - Herbal combination for deep infections.

0 Comments

Plant Medicine Summary: St. John's Wort

8/8/2016

0 Comments

 
Picture

This is one of the best plant medicine based anti-depressents out there!

Brief History

Historical information dating back to 400 B.C. tells the story of hypericum and its medicinal and spiritual evolution.  The ancient Greeks and Romans noted that St. John’s Wort was used for such things as snake or reptile bites, menstrual cramping, gastrointestinal distress, ulcers, depression or melancholy, superficial wounds, or sciatica.

Writings during the 19th century continued to incorporate hypericum for the treatment of melancholia or as we know it today, depression.  Some of these reported medicinal actions of St. John’s Wort have now been scientifically verified by double-blind studies, only to prove what the ancients knew all along.

www.herballegacy.com

How Do I Use It?

We often use St. John's Wort in powdered and capsule form because it is so easy to take quickly when needing an emotional boost. It is a powerful nervine - meaning it supports and boosts the nervous system, specifically when feeling depressed or anxious.

One of the best ways to use St. John's is by making a glycerite and carry around in your purse!  We also have put St. John's Wort Tea into jello when making jello for our kids!
 
Our Experience With It
  • (Paula) "One of my good friends was having suicidal thoughts and started using this and it helped pull her out of that situation and able to get her life back together again."
  • We use it in skin salves to sooth and help a variety of conditions, including boils.
  • (Kalea) "I was having a hard time dealing with all my kids for a while. Just always impatient and on edge. I decided I need to add St. John's to my herbal routine and it made a HUGE difference! My body was physically getting what it needed, and therefore I had more reserve to give to my kids."

Few Properties of St Johns Wort

Anodyne = Helps to relieve or sooth pain
Antidepressant = Herbs that can help with bouts of occasional, mild depression
Antioxidant = Help to control or elimination of free radicals
Astringent = Helps tighten tissues
Cholagogue = Herbs that support the gall bladder and liver by promoting the flow of bile
Nervine = Soothes the nerves
Vulnerary = Help bring about healing in wounds and inflammation
 
List found on http://www.anniesremedy.com
 
 
NMM Products

Burn Balm - very powerful combination of herbs in a salve to help those horrible burns that can afflict home life so often!
Lung & Bronchial Infection Fighter - deep nutrition for your body when deep infection sets in.



0 Comments

Plant Medicine Summary: Oregon Grape Root

8/8/2016

0 Comments

 
Picture
Picture
Oregon Grape Root is wonderful to use during cold and flu season. And it is easy to harvest if you are wild crafting on your own! It has very distinctive shiny leaves - but the roots are where are the gold is. 

Brief History

Oregon Grape’s history as a medicinal plant in North America, particularly in the Pacific Northwest, is clear and undisputed. Oregon grape was used by many First Nation Tribes and later by European colonists for a wide variety of healing purposes.

How Do I Use It?

Sometimes herbs have "contraindications" that everyone has to be wary of. Oregon Grape is one of those herbs that is used as a replacement for a few herbs with contraindications, such as Golden Seal or Licorice Root. We have used it with great results with sicknesses.
 
Our Experience With It
  • (Paula) "I deal with earaches a lot. When I was little I was on an airplane and when coming in for a landing, my eardrum ruptured. IF I am not careful I get earaches. This has been a great herb to use in mixes to help with that problem."
  • It is also a wonderful addition to helping with sore throats, colds and flu's.
  • Use it in place of Licorice Root when someone has blood pressure issues. 
  • Easy to grow and harvest.
  • Can make it into a tea, syrup, glycerite or tincture. 

Few Properties of Oregon Grape Root

Anti inflammatory = Reduces inflammation
Antibacterial = Helps fight bacteria
Antioxidant = Help to control or elimination of free radicals  
Cholgoglue = Herbs that support the gall bladder and liver by promoting the flow of bile
Hepatic = Help support the liver
Laxative = Herbal support for constipation
 
List found on http://www.anniesremedy.com
 
 

NMM Products

Flaming Throat Relief = Does exactly what the name says! Make a tea with this herbal combination any time your throat is killing you. 
First Defense Cold & Flu = Anytime there is a flu bug going around and you want to boost your family's immune system, use this herbal combination!
Lung & Bronchial Infection Fighter = This combination is powerful to use when deep infection has come to the body, especially the lungs. 
0 Comments

Plant Medicine Summary: Rosehips

8/8/2016

0 Comments

 
Picture
We use Rosehips in almost everything we ever make. They support so many various herbs with their nutritional profile!
 
Brief History

During World War II the people of Great Britain were encouraged to collect them and make syrup for children due to commercial ships carrying citrus fruits being sunk by German submarines. Citrus fruits were scarce during this time in the British Isles. Native Americans have used them as a food source. Rose hip soup, “nyponsoppa,” is especially popular in Sweden. “Rhodomel,” a type of mead, is made with rose hips.

Jams, Jellies, syrups, tea, potpourri, pies, bread, wine, Vitamin C supplements and now supplemental foods for horses and small animals are all places you will find rose hips when you aren’t enjoying them along the beaches and countryside.

http://www.gaiaherbs.com/products/ingredient/160/Rose-Hips

How Do I Use It?

Rosehips are an amazing source of Vitamin C. We literally put it in almost every herbal concoction we ever make, because it is a great support for pretty much any herbal combination.

Tea

Tincture
Glycerite
Syrup
 
Our Experience With It

We love rosehips – it is a wonderful addition to any herbal formula dealing with sickness particularly during flu and cold season. Adds high nutrition to whatever you make with it.

We have used rosehips for YEARS in so many herbal combinations, mostly because of the properties it has in it (below). 


Few Properties of Rosehips
 
Anti-depressant = Herbs that can help with bouts of occasional, mild depression 
Antiscorbutic = Great source of Vit C
Antispasmodic = Suppresses spasms, and reduce muscular tension
Astringent = Helps tighten tissues
Cordial = Strengthen the heart
Depurative = Helps cleanse waste products from our bodies
Emmenagague = Stimulate menstrual flow
Hepatic = Supports the liver
Laxative = Aids in elimination
Nervine = Soothes the nerves
Refrigerant = Cool the body and reduces body heat,and fever,externally by evaporation, and by inducing perspiration
Sedative = Calm the nerves and relieve tension
Skin Tonic = Aids and sooths the skin
Splenic = Aids the spleen in its function
Stomachis = Stimulate gastric digestion and relieve the discomfort of generalized stomach pain and cramping
Uterine Tonic = Prepare women for an easier childbirth by toning the muscles of the uterus as well as help with mentrual problems
List found on http://www.anniesremedy.com
 
 

NMM Products With Rosehips

Infection fighter
Anxiety R&R
Intestinal Soother
Powerhouse
First Defense
Childrens Mult-Vitamin
Go To Sleep Mix
Elderberry Syrup
Mens Miracle Mix
0 Comments

Plant Medicine Summary: Elderberry

8/8/2016

0 Comments

 
Picture
Elderberries are a MUST HAVE for your natural medicine cabinet. We LOVE Elderberry and use it all the time in syrups during cold season for our kids!
 
Brief History

Elder is one of the human race's oldest plant allies because it has been found in Stone Age sites. Elder was written of and used in the time of Hippocrates, Dioscorides, and through the centuries by many other ancient herbalists.
In Germany it was used as an ingredient in soups. Elder berries were listed in the official pharmacopoeias for a few years during the 19th century and the flowers for nearly a century long period, spanning the 19th and 20th centuries..

Until the end of the 19th century hot Elder berry wine was sold in the streets of London on cold nights and days to cheer travelers and workers. Cinnamon was often added to the wine to aid in the warming effects. Elder was used by the Native Americans in this continent had been using it for a long time also. Elder berries have been shown to have anti-viral qualities. There are extracts of Elder berries and/or flowers, and Elder berries combined with other herbs to help with the common cold and flu. These are available at herb stores everywhere.
www.herblegacy.com
 

How Do I Use It?

Our favorite way to use this is in syrup form, but you can also make a tea, tincture and glycerite with it. Whenever anyone starts to get the "sniffles", we will make Elderberry Syrup to give their immune system a boost and to keep from getting worse! Elderberry Syrup is our "Go-To" for our children!

Our Experience With It
"My 2 year old son would take this by the spoonfuls if I let him! The instant my kids have any sign of problems I always make Elderberry Syrup. The first year I used the Elderberry Syrup for my oldest boy. He had a tight cough and just wasn't improving with anything else we tried. After having him take the syrup faithfully for about 2-3 days, the congestion in his chest loosened, he was able to cough it all out and within 5 days of taking the syrup was out and playing like normal. He didn't get sick again all season long, I believe, from the way this helped to boost and support his immune system." - Andrea 

Few Properties of Elderberry

Anti viral = Defenses against viruses
Depurative = Helps cleanse waste products from our bodies
Diaphoretic = Induce involuntary perspiration that helps to reduce fever, cool the body, and speed the elimination of toxins
Diuretic = Stimulates the body to let go of fluid
Emetic = Can be used if taken in great quantities to make vomiting of poisonous substances

List found on http://www.anniesremedy.com
 
NMM Products With Elderberry

First Defense Cold & Flu - As soon as anyone starts "sniffling" and there is a flu bug going around, give this to them as their "first defense" to any illness.
Elderberry Syrup - The herbal combination we use most with our children!
0 Comments
<<Previous
    NMM
    Picture
    We are the NMM's! Read more about us by clicking on the photo.
    Picture
    Build your knowledge and storage of herbs by joining our club. Under $7.50 for monthly products!

    Archives

    June 2017
    August 2016
    July 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015

    Categories

    All

    RSS Feed

Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.