Owl of Minerva Herbal Advisory
Herbs P - Q
Created thousands of years ago by our herbal ancestors who originally crafted extracts by batching plant material with water; liquid herbal extracts have found an almost permanent place to call home within our cupboards. Among the advantages of herbal extracts are their ability to preserve the active constituents, ease of use and their long shelf life. From here we can effortlessly and conveniently add herbal extracts to our water, tea, juice, or they can be taken directly. This is a great way to administer the healing power of plants to our seemingly excited and aggravated lives.
Peppermint (Metha x pipereta)
Introduction
Peppermint is one of the best carminative agents available. It has a relaxing effect on the visceral muscles, and stimulates bile secretion. It can relieve colic and dyspepsia. Ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease can be helped. Peppermint also helps with colds and flu. Combination potential: boneset, elder and yarrow. Dose: 1-2 ml 3 times a day.
Constituents: Volatile oil, tannins, flavonoids, tocopherols, choline, bitter principle.
Precautions: Do not give to children longer than 5 days . Do not give to babies at all. Avoid if breasfeeding.
Plantain (Plantago lanceolata)
Also known as
- Ribwort
- Snakeweed
Introduction
A popular Anglo Saxon medicinal herb used internally for coughs, urinary infections, rhinitis, allergies and topically for bee stings, wounds and sores. Called "waybread" by the Anglo Saxons, plantain was considered important in healing. Pliny even suggests that if several pieces of of flesh are put together in a pot with plaintain, it will join them back together again. When used internally, the herb acts as a diuretic increasing the outflow of urine, expectorant (a medication to treat coughs) as well as decongestant (a medicine that clears blocked nose).
Parts used: leaves
Constituents: mucilage, glycosides, tannins, minerals.
Dose: 1-3 ml 3 times daily.