Are you interested in alternatives to medicine? Have you ever stood in the tea aisle, looking at all the different boxes and wonder if the claims are true? Let’s investigate the world of backyard medicine together.
It’s Healing Thyme! Though I am not a certified herbalist, there are many herbs that I use frequently in my practice to help with various digestive symptoms, mineral balance and healing various tissues within the body.
History of Herbs
Herbs have been used for centuries to treat various ailments. A recent anthropological dig discovered the use of herbal medicine dating back to as many as 60,000 years ago in Iraq. Traditional medicine practices of Ancient China and India have well-documented uses of herbs for over 8,000 years. Needless to say, herbs are not a new construct. They have been used for centuries to treat ailments and alleviated pain. However, the adaptation of medicine to modern Western-style has led to many modern practitioners skepticism of herbs and their efficacy in treating disease and infection.
Not all Westernized cultures followed suit. One country in particular had regained an interest in herbs long before they gained traction amongst the many countries in the 21st century.
Germany
In the 1940s, as Germany was attempting to create a “new and improved” Europe, the German medical system was undergoing some serious changes. One might even suggest they were going back to more traditional roots. The government invested a significant amount of funds toward studies on herbs and their efficacy. Even today, herbalists, homeopathic practitioners and traditional medicine shops are popular amongst German citizens.
Although Germany is not alone, with much of India, many countries in Africa and even some herbalists practicing traditional herbal medicine in the United States, there is still much debate over the efficacy of these treatments.
Conflicting Evidence of Herbs
One of the most common reasons…the scientific evidence. Studies performed on herbs are hard to analyze and compare. Many factors can change the outcome of a treatment. For example, harvesting time can change the potency of the plant’s compounds. In addition, the part of the plant used for the treatment whether stem, flower, or root can also change the potency of phytochemicals, or bio-active components, in the plants that are responsible for the beneficial effects in the body. Meanwhile, preparation method can impact the potency and type of components are present. Needless to say, without consistency in growth, preparation and treatments, there are many factors that limit the specific scientific evidence. So, we base our knowledge on practical applications, ancient wisdom and the success of herbal medicine in the past.
Dandelion Root
Today we focus on a few herbs that are particularly effective in treating various health concerns. First, we’ll explore one of my absolute favorite herbs…Dandelion Root.
Dandelion is a common weed that is indigenous to North America, Europe and Asia. Its Greek name Taraxacum officinale translates to taraxos= disordered and akos=remedy. Seems pretty fitting right? The disarray of yellow in the backyard comes with great nutritious and medicinal properties. This is one herb, you shouldn’t underestimate!
Nutrition
The leaves are high in…
- Fiber
- Minerals (iron, potassium, calcium and magnesium)
- Vitamins (A, D, K, B & C)
The roots are full of…
- Phytochemicals that help reduce oxidative stress in the body.
Medicinal Application
Dandelion Root is often consumed as a tea, or made into a tincture. A tincture is formed when a medicine is dissolved in alcohol.
This herb helps support the liver. It’s potent phytochemicals help to detox the liver. One study in rats demonstrated a near complete repair of the liver cells following alcohol abuse. The bitter taste of the dandelion stimulates the release of bile, a substance that is essential for the breakdown of fat.
In addition, dandelion root has a diuretic effect. Though this may increase trips to the restroom, it also aids in reducing water retention in tissues and the body. By decreasing the amount of water in the body, blood pressure is also decreased.
Yarrow
Yarrow, or achillea millefolium, is a flowering plant that is native to North America, Europe and parts of Asia. It has been used for centuries to help treat fevers, colds and as a topical remedy for wounds.
Its name, achillea millefolium, originates from the Greek mythology of the great warrior Achilles. As legend states, Achilles used this herb on the battlefield of the Trojan War to help his heal his soldiers. Thus the plant’s name: herb of Achilles.
Yarrow is a perennial plant, meaning that it will re-grow year after year from the same root. Its flowers form a flat top and are typically white in color. The leaves have a feathery like appearance and emit a pleasant fragrance.
Medicinal Application
- Alleviating cold and flu symptoms
- Diaphoretic- make you sweat and increase body temperature to break a fever
- Topical salve for wounds
- Coagulant that can help stop bleeding
- Antibacterial- to help prevent bacterial infections in wounds.
- Drink as a cold tea to help with UTIs
Broad-leaf Plantain
Next, we will discuss broad leaf plantain. This particular herb is found readily in the Eastern United States, but in many other temperate environments all over the globe. Most commonly you’ll find this plant in parks, and other large fairly open grassy areas. Broad leaf plantain is not related to the tropical plantains that resemble the banana, but I think you’ll find that this particular plant has a bit more to offer than simply delicious taste!
The leaves of the plant are a long oval shape with 5 parallel veins that run along the length of the leaf. They are typically about one to five inches long and turn a purplish hue toward their center. Plantain grows in a basil rosette, meaning circle close to the ground.
They can be eaten, used as a salve, or a tincture.
To create the salve, you can simply chop up the parts of the leaves and mix in with some water to create a topical treatment for wounds and bites.
Nutrition
Leaves of the broad leaf plantain plant are edible and a great source of vitamins. They provide high levels of…
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin B1, B2, B3 and B6
- Tannins- bacterial and inflammatory processes in the GI Tract.
You can enjoy these leaves tossed in with a salad, or as baked chips, much like kale.
Medicinal Application
Most often this herb is used as a topical ointment to help with skin irritations and bug bites. The most common uses for plantain leaves include:
- Rashes
- Skin Irritations
- Bug Bites- this herb is known to “extract” poisons out of wounds
- Wounds- antibacterial and anti-fungal properties prevents wounds from becoming infected.
All in all, these herbs are great to have on hand. Not only will harvesting herbs from your garden help you heal, it helps the environment too! Allowing wildflowers and plants grow in your yard aids in biodiversity. It also can be a great help to bees with additional pollen and prevent you from having to treat your lawn with toxic chemicals.
If you allow your backyard to flourish with wild herbs, you’ll love the additional benefit of limited maintenance. These herbs are also easy to find as teas in the grocery store, or at local garden shops.
If you are interesting in learning how herbs can help support your health goals, let’s set up a time to chat! Sign up here, or check out our other services here.
**This blog is intended for educational purposes only. It is not intended to replace the advice of a licensed medical professional. Plus discuss using herbs with your primary care physician before implementing any herbal regimens.
Resources
Cai L, Wan D, Yi F, Luan L. (2017) Purification, Preliminary Characterization and Hepatoprotective Effects of Polysaccharides from Dandelion Root. Molecules. 22(9):1409. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules22091409
Di Napoli, A., Zucchetti, P.(2021) A comprehensive review of the benefits of Taraxacum officinale on human health. Bull Natl Res Cent 45(110) https://doi.org/10.1186/s42269-021-00567-1
Karakus A, Deger Y, Yildirim S (2017) Protective effect of Silybum marianum and Taraxacum officinale extracts against oxidative kidney injuries induced by carbon tetrachloride in rats. Ren Fail 39(1):1–6
You, Y., Yoo, S., Yoon, H.G., Park, J., Lee, Y.H., Kim, S., Oh, J.T., Lee, J., Cho, H.Y. & Jun, W. (2010). In vitro and in vivo hepatoprotective effects of the aqueous extract from Taraxacum officinale (dandelion) root against alcohol-induced oxidative stress. Food and Chemical Toxicology. 48: 1632-1637.
Block, K. I & Mead, M. N. (2003) Immune System Effects of Echinacea, Ginseng, and Astragalus: A Review. Integrative Cancer Therapies 2(3): 247-267. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/pdf/10.1177/1534735403256419
Mishima, S., Saito, K., Maruyama, H., Inoue, M, Yamashita, T., Ishida, T. & Gu, Y. (2004). Antioxidant and Immuno-Enhancing Effects of Echinacea purpurea. Biol Pharm Bull. 27(7): 1004-1009. https://www.jstage.jst.go.jp/article/bpb/27/7/27_7_1004/_pdf
Yernazarova, K. B., Abdrassulova, Zh. T., Tuleuhanov, S. T., Tussupbekova, G.A., Salybekova, N.N., Isayev, G., Basim, H. (2019). Biologicall features of the medicinal plant Plantago Major L. Intern. Journal of Biology and Chemistry 12(1).