Honey Comb & Honey
19 Apr 2012 2 Comments
in Healing With Herbs and Food, Holistic Healing Cosmetics and Toiletries, Natural Body Butters, Lotions, Lip Balms, Natural Homemade Moisturizing Healing Treatments Tags: Honey, honey as a preservative, Honey Comb, Honey Facial Cleaners, Honey in Cosmetics, Honey Lip Treatments, Natural Honey, Raw Honey, Toning with Honey
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- high-quality raw honey is always best
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- Honey Comb
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- Honey Comb
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- Honey supports the skin’s ability to rejuvenate and refresh dry, depleted skin
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- Honey’s ability to absorb and retain moisture make it an ideal ingredient in a lot of cosmetics as it helps keep skin hydrated and fresh and prevents drying.
I was too excited to wait! While designing another website (equally excited) I just had to stop and share these amazing photo’s of the honey comb-honey I’m creating with. I’ll be posting more photo’s and recipes but in the mean time I’ll share a little liquid sunshine your way.
Honey topical healing benefits
I’ve been using bee’s wax, honey comb, honey in all my toiletries for the last three years. I’m so happy with all the benefits it brings to natural cosmetics adding natural honey virtually adds antimicrobial properties benefiting not only the skin but the actual longevity/shelf life of anything you add it to.
I’ll be adding more to this as time goes on I just wanted to share a little liquid sunshine today ☼ ♥
Yarrow Beautiful Magical Healing Plant
11 Apr 2012 6 Comments
in Holistic Healing Cosmetics and Toiletries, Making Wild Crafted Tinctures and Tea's
White Yarrrow, Achillea Millefoliumfor a large flat-topped clusters of small white flower heads, a member of the sunflower family (Asteraceae) which is native to Europe and has naturalized throughout the United States.
The name is derived from the Greek hieros which means sacred and was found preserved in temples.
Yarrow also has a long association with magic used as a charm against negetive energies, awaken visions and found in ancient Chinese Oracle, the l Ching.
The healing powers of yarrow were said to have been discovered by the Greek warrior Achilles.
I recently purchased White Yarrrow, Achillea Millefoliumfor a seed give away on my facebook page. In light of the event I thought I would write a little and share some interesting excerpts and add an insect repelling balm recipes.
Yarrow (Achellia millefolium) This lovely perennial weed is grown in many herb gardens for it has a multitude of uses. Cut the flowering tops (use only white-flowering yarrow) and use your alcohol to make a strongly scented tincture that you can take internally to prevent colds and the flu. (A dose is 10-20 drops, or up to 1 ml). I carry a little spray bottle of yarrow tincture with me when I’m outside and wet my skin every hour or so. A United States Army study showed yarrow tincture to be more effective than DEET at repelling ticks, mosquitoes, and sand flies. You can also make a healing ointment with yarrow flower tops and your oil or fat. Yarrow oil is antibacterial, pain-relieving, and incredibly helpful in healing all types of wounds. Excerpt from the wonderful herbalist Susun Weed
Yarrow has insecticidal properties and harvesting its benefits as a natural insecticide are very simple and quick. Often available for harvest and excellent for hiking camping trips where unexpected insects may be awaiting your arrival.
Simple and quick insect repellent using Yarrow~ Make a yarrow tea infusion with fresh or dried, cool to room temperature, place in clean spray bottle for use, top off with (geranium, rose geranium essential oil, lemon and citronella essential oil for mosquito’s), ( Sand Fleas/Ticks lavender, basil, lemon, eucalyptus) This is not something that will store but can be made easily with or with out essential oils. You never know when you might be in the forest and need some help, little Yarrow behind the ear.
Little more complicated only in time and patience. Lovely yarrow pine balm is worth the effort and will have a very long shelf life. 1/4 cup yarrow oil infusion done a week or two in advance, harvest some resin from a pine or cedar tree, very slow heat infusion with a heat-resistant oil such as grapeseed oil. After the resin is dissolved combine both oils ready to be made into a lovely healing balm/salve. There’s really no mistakes here too thick add oil.. too thin add bee’s wax or dissolved resin.
It is a good ingredient for tea's dream pillows incense
Yarrow wash for Oily skin. Naturally astringent it makes a beautiful None toxic facial wash. Simply infuse some fresh or dried herbs in a cup of water allow to sit for 10 to 15 minutes or even over night left sitting at the bathroom sink it makes for easy use in the morning.
The Western Herb is not your average herb ruled by venus the planet of love. Folklore tradition says a girl who places a stalk of Yarrow under her pillow and repeats this verse will dream of her future husband.
Thou pretty herb of Venus’ tree, Thy true name it is Yarrow; Now who my bosomfriend must be, Pray tell thou me to-morrow. Halliwells Popular Rhymes.
Homemade Lemon Dishwasher Soap
22 Mar 2012 Leave a Comment
in Creating a Green Spa enviroment
Homemade Lemon Dishwasher Soap
So…since recipes have been lacking I thought I’d share one that I picked up over at Homestead Revival. I tweaked it a bit.
1/2 cup Borax 1/2 cup baking soda 3 packets lemon aid
Mix together and keep in an airtight container. Use 1 1/2 tsp. of it for each compartment. Really it works! I use vinegar as my rinse agent so the whole process is even cheaper! Yes there are a few spots here and there, but I’m not Ms. Stewart, so a few spots don’t ruin my day. *wink* The lemon aid is in there as the citric acid that helps rinse the Borax off the dishes. Not sure why but it works. You can read more about it over at Amy’s site HERE. (The recipe I use is for soft water. You can add kosher salt for hard water. Excerpt from Old House Kitchen
Free Medicinal Herb Seeds
21 Mar 2012 5 Comments
in Amazing benefits of Fruit, Creating a Green Spa enviroment, Free Natural Skin Care Products, Healing With Herbs and Food, Holistic Healing Cosmetics and Toiletries, Making Wild Crafted Tinctures and Tea's, Natural Body Butters, Lotions, Lip Balms, Natural Herbal Face Lift & Anti Wrinkle Masks, Natural Homemade Moisturizing Healing Treatments
Like us on Facebook and your entered free seeds and soaps promotion on 04/01/2012
Spring has officailly began and I couldnt think of a better way to introduce my company Vickaryous Naturals then by giving beautiful Herbal Seeds. Listed Below and in the video
List of just some of the more unique herbal seeds we will be giving away . I’ve collected some amazing medicinal seeds for this and also giving away soaps sharing recipes. I just want to make it fun, spread some love and introduce you to Vickaryous Naturals my company 100% Natural, Organic, Wild Harvested.
Seeds I’ve added Yarrow~Achillea Millefolium, Wild Lettuce LACTUCA VIROSA Bitter, Hyssopus Officinalis, Echinacea purpurea~purple cone flower, Cymbopogon flexuosus (East Indian lemongrass), Artemisia Vulgaris ~ mugwort, Hops ~Humulus Lupulus, Arnica montana, known commonly as leopard’s bane, OSHA (Ligusticum canbyi), Marshmellow herb~althaea officinalis, Passiflora maypop, purple passionflower and more.
Beauty of Coconut Milk
19 Mar 2012 Leave a Comment
in Amazing benefits of Fruit, Healing With Herbs and Food, Holistic Healing Cosmetics and Toiletries Tags: Coconut Lime hair Treatment, Coconut Milk
Coconut Milk also known as santam in Malaysia, Brunei and Indonesia, and gata in Philippines has grown to be my new love.
I started using Coconut milk around 4 months ago as a replacement for milk and I couldn’t be happier. In adding coconut milk I’ve removed unnecessary toxins BGH made by monsanto/steroids/antibiotics and a multitude less desirables that I’m just not going to go into.
I drink coconut milk with everything and recently added it to my smoothies, so delicious and extremely nutritious.
Super Simple Blue Berry Coconut Milk Smoothie
Blue berries According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), blueberries are near the top when it comes to antioxidant activity per serving (ORAC values). Their capacity, antioxidant activity is impressive.
Antioxidants work to neutralize free radicals — unstable molecules linked to the development of cancer, cardiovascular disease and other age-related conditions such as Alzheimer’s. Substances in blueberries called polyphenols, specifically the anthocyanins that give the fruit its blue hue, are the major contributors to antioxidant activity.
That being said I use 1/2 pint of blue berries, 1/2 cup to 1 cup of coconut milk, some distilled water for desired consistency. I like mine a little on the thicker side so I use less water. Also if your blue berries are a little tart you could add a little organic honey, not too much without testing the coconut milk is rather sweet.
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Using coconut milk and lime hair relaxer recipes is said to be a natural way of relaxing your hair. Creating relaxer recipes with coconut milk and lime is interesting. Many black women want to straighten their hair at one point or another in their lives. Sometimes it is the grass is greener syndrome – you just want to know what it would be like to have straight hair for once. However, a lot of women are turning to hair relaxers as a way to take some of the kinky out of their hair and make it just a little wavier and a little bit softer. If this sounds like you, there might be an alternate to chemicals to make your hair softer. Maybe you should think about natural ways to relax your hair. One of the ways is possibly by harnessing the power of nature through coconut milk and lime relaxer recipes.
Coconut and Lime hair Treatment
This method of hair relaxing has actually been used by women throughout Asia for centuries. It is all natural and should leave your hair softer and silkier than before. There are two basic methods that you can try; one is a little easier but the other produces less waste and may have better results. For the first method all you have to do is mix the juice of a lime with about half a cup of coconut milk. Let the solution sit for a few hours until a foam forms on top of the bowl. Scoop off that foam and apply it to your hair. Leave it sit for a few hours and then wash your hair. The problem with this method is you end up wasting a lot of milk and lime. Also, the mixture you do apply to your head can break down, run off your hair, and not be as effective.
Coconut Milk Recipes By Martha Stewart click more More
Primrose Massage Oil
15 Mar 2012 Leave a Comment
in Holistic Healing Cosmetics and Toiletries, Natural Body Butters, Lotions, Lip Balms, Natural Homemade Moisturizing Healing Treatments Tags: facial oil, Free Massage Oils, primrose
We all know the wonderful benefits of primrose seed oil, but what about the flowers?I’m creating is an oil using the flowers of the primrose. Join on us facebook for more
100% natural cold press Facial Massage Oil.
This is just the beginning of this oils journey I will be adding more oils, essential oils to this blend when it is completed.
My choice in oils were all cold press, organic flowers locally grown fresh beautiful adding a lot of vitality and color to this lovely oil.
Health | Natural remedies for cold sores | Seattle Times Newspaper
09 Mar 2012 Leave a Comment
in Holistic Healing Cosmetics and Toiletries Tags: Aloe, Cold Sore, Cold Sore Remedies, Cold sore Treatments, Lemon Balm, Zinc-oxide ointment
Health | Natural remedies for cold sores | Seattle Times Newspaper
Aloe. One study showed that using a 0.5 percent aloe cream three times per day accelerates healing of the sores by 1 week for some people. You can buy the cream, or you can buy a $4 aloe plant, which has the added benefit of looking pretty in your kitchen (and being super-easy to maintain).
Just break off a small piece of leaf, and rub a bit of its gooey gel on your lip. Usually, the more often you apply it, the better, but I would recommend at least three times per day. Like most topical treatments, it’s best to start as soon as you feel a cold sore coming on.
Zinc-oxide ointment. In one study, people using a 0.3 percent zinc-oxide cream within the first day of developing a lesion healed more quickly. Zinc-oxide creams are more commonly used for babies with diaper rash, but those creams have a much higher concentration of zinc — around 40 percent. In practice, some people have told me that a small amount of the high-concentration cream on the sore works just as well. Just make sure not to get it in your mouth or swallow it, which applies to any topical treatment. It can also look a bit funny if you are going to work, since it is white.
Other, more sophisticated, options include:
Lemon-balm ointment. A 1 percent lemon-balm ointment was found in one study to decrease symptoms and heal lesions.
Super Lysine Plus. This combination of zinc oxide, lysine and many other ingredients helped speed up healing in one study, when applied every two hours.
Sage and rhubarb cream. This mixture eased pain and symptoms in one study.
Dr. Astrid Pujari is a Seattle M.D. with an additional degree as a medical herbalist; she practices at the Pujari Center and teaches as part of the residency programs at Virginia Mason and Swedish/Cherry Hill hospitals.
Natural Wrinkle Treatments Glycerine & Geranium
08 Mar 2012 Leave a Comment
in Holistic Healing Cosmetics and Toiletries, Natural Body Butters, Lotions, Lip Balms, Natural Herbal Face Lift & Anti Wrinkle Masks
Natural Glyerine Soap
Glycerin is a natural by product of the soap making process, all natural soaps contain glyerine.
Glycerin, or glycol, is a colorless or yellow sugar alcohol with the consistency of syrup that is extracted from natural sources or synthesized. It’s used as an antifreeze and a sweetener and in making explosives, inks and lubricants. Since the mid-19th century, it’s also been included in skin and hair care products due to its moisturizing and protective benefits.
Visit our page on facebook click the like button Vickaryous Naturals~Plant Cell Therapy for the Skin and your entered. The first of every month we will be drawing a new winner.
Atopic Dermatitis Treatment
Cosmetic Herbal Application by the indigenous tribesmen in India ~ an article published in Sacred Earth- enjoy reading
02 Mar 2012 Leave a Comment
in Natural Body Butters, Lotions, Lip Balms
Dr Deepak Acharya and Dr Anshu Shrivastava
Man’s dependence on plants for the essentials of his existence has been of paramount importance since the human race began. Primitive man probably had few needs other than food and a little shelter. Civilization, however, has brought with it an ever-increasing complexity and has increased man’s requirements to an amazing degree. The man of today is no longer content merely to exist with food and shelter as his only wants. He desires other commodities as well and raw materials that can be converted into many useful articles and products, which incidentally increase his debts to plants.
Since time immemorial, medicinal plants and their uses have been a part of our social life and prove to be powerful allies against various health problems. Though, synthetic drugs have swapped herbal healing at a certain level, renaissance and awareness on herbal medication is coming back. One of the reasons that the home remedies and traditional knowledge are more accepted in the society is their availability in most Indian kitchens and neighborhoods. These medicinal plants are affordable, eco-friendly, and having less or no side effects as compared to synthetic drugs and even can be grown in household kitchen gardens. Drugs in chemical doses or synthetic form have swapped herbal healing at a certain level. But, now people have started realizing various problems related with synthetic drugs i.e. side effects, chemical pollution, cost and availability of drugs. Renaissance and awareness on herbal medication is coming back now. Anyone can easily afford these herbal medicines. Treatment of various ailments via herbs is the oldest form of health care known to all the cultures throughout history. Various parts of herbs like the stem, leaves, roots, flowers, and fruit are used to cure health and skin disorders. In the age of speeding-up medical costs and their side effects, people are turning to herbs, the ‘natural medicines’. Herbs are on menu cards of conscious folks in their regular diets. People prefer green herbs not only because of low fatty oil content for good health but also to maintain and restore their vibrant beauty (Acharya and Shrivastava, 2008)
Authors Drs Acharya and Shrivastavas have been deeply engulfed in scouting for and documenting indigenous knowledge for more than 14 years. In an attempt to feature application of herbs in cosmetics and skin care, authors bring herewith a series of article focusing on the role of 20 different medicinal plants in various cosmetic applications by the indigenous tribesmen of Patalkot (www.patalkot.com) in Central India and the Dangs in Western India. There will be a total of 20 herbs discussed in a 4 part series. Each article will discuss the role of 5 herbs in indigenous formulations as applied by the tribesmen.
In part 1 we discussed 5 plants i.e. Soapnut Acacia, Indian Aloe, Neem, Papaya and Bengal Gram. The current article focuses 5 plants i.e. Lemon, Orange, Cucumber, Turmeric and Trailing Eclipta and their cosmetic applications by the indigenous tribal people in India. We hope that the readers enjoy this part.
Lemon (Citrus limon (L.) Burm. f.)
Family: Rutaceae
Vernacular names: Baranebu, Goranebu (Bengali); Motu limbu (Gujarati); Baranibu, Jambira, Paharikaghzi, Paharinimbu (Hindi); Bijapura, Bijuri (Kannada); Idalimbu, Thoralimbu (Marathi); Malai elumichai, Periya elumichai (Tamil); Bijapuram (Telugu); Nimbuka (Sanskrit).
Plant Profile and Distribution: Trees up to 6m in height, with small spines; leaves oblong to elliptic ovate, lanceolate, sharp-pointed, sub-serrate; flowers purple in the bud; fruits ovoid or oblong with a terminal nipple, very acid; seeds few, small. Commonly planted everywhere in India.
Medicinal Importance
Lemon is soothing, energizing and acts in toning the skin. It cures infectious diseases. It provides energy to an aching body, boosts circulation and can be used for cellulite. Lemon is effective in acne, blood circulation, corns, warts, cuts and fungus. It lightens the skin pigment. Lemons are an excellent preventative medicine. The fruit is rich in vitamin C which helps the body to fight off infections and also to prevent or treat scurvy (Chopra et al., 1986). Lemon juice is an astringent and is used as a gargle for throat problems. It is also very effective bactericide and a good antiperiodic and has been used as a substitute for quinine in treating malaria and other fevers. The stem bark is bitter, stomachic and tonic (Duke and Ayensu, 1985).
Traditional Tribal Formulations
Mandukparni (Centella asiatica) whole plant, Chitrak (Plumbago zeylanica) root powder, Karanj (Pongamia pinnata) root oil is taken for cleansing, soothing and conditioning of male facial skin. Grind all the herbs /parts in equal amount and mix with fresh buttermilk and a few drops of Nimbu juice. Apply this paste to the face and neck. Leave on for about fifteen minutes. In another formulation for the same purpose, take Majeth (Rubia cordifolia) root, Harra (Terminalia chebula) fruit and Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum) entire herb in equal amount and add a few drops of Nimbu (Citrus limon) fruit juice and honey. Grind all the herbs /parts. Apply this paste to the face. Leave on for about fifteen minutes and allow to dry until the skin feels tight and revitalized.
For suppressing male skin hair growth, a combination of Babuna ke Phool (Chamaemelum nobile) oil, Ghritkumari (Aloe barbadensis) leaf, Ruscus aculeatus rhizome, Mandukparni (Centella asiatica) whole plant and Nimbu is prepared. Delicately massage the complete mixture of herbs/ parts onto the facial skin until it is completely absorbed. Apply this formulation four to five times a week to inhibit hair growth and to reduce skin irritation and ingrown hairs. Use more often if the hair is thick and dark. Always ensure that complete absorption has been achieved before applying any other skin care cream/ lotion to the same area. Avoid contact with the eyes. If the mixture enters the eyes, gently flush with warm water. In another formulation, a combination of Kusum (Carthamus tinctorius) seed oil, Chana (Cicer arietinum) flour, Gehun (Triticum aestivum) flour, Nimbu juice and honey is prepared. This combination can be used as a face pack twice a week. Apply to the skin as a face mask and allow to dry. Once dry, it can be removed by slightly wetting it so it can be rubbed and washed off. Regular use of this application checks hair growth on facial skin after some time.
Equal amounts of Basil extract, Lemon (Citrus limon) juice and Onion (Allium cepa) extract help all types of skin diseases. Those afflicted by pimples can blend crushed Basil with Mint (Mentha virdis) and Lemon juice, and apply to the affected area.
Powder of Ginger (Zinziber officinale) rhizome (one tbsp), Indian Ginseng (Withania somnifera) roots (two tbsp), Chebulic Myrobalan (Terminalia chebula) fruits (one tbsp) and Lemon (Citrus limon) peel (one tbsp). This formulation is taken once a day early in the morning. It stimulates blood circulation and tones the body.
To treat rough skin, mix one teaspoon Almond (Prunus amygdalus) oil with half a teaspoon each of milk cream and Lemon (Citrus limon). Apply every night on face and neck.
Orange (Citrus reticulata Blanco.)
Family: Rutaceae
Vernacular names: Kamla Lebu (Bengali); Narangi, Santra (Gujarati & Hindi); Kittale (Kannada); Santra (Marathi); Kamala, Santra (Oriya); Kamala, Koorg Kudagu Orange (Tamil); Kamalapandu (Telugu); Kamala, Sumthira (Assamiya); Santara (Punjabi).
Plant Profile and Distribution: Small spiny trees with dense top of slender branches; leaves lanceolate; petioles narrowly winged or slightly margined; flowers white, single or in unbranched inflorescence; fruits flattened or depressed globose, yellow or reddish orange. The plant is grown mainly in Central India for its delicious fruits, also planted widely in other parts of India.
Medicinal Importance
Orange peel oil has shown fairly good anti-fungal activity. It is used traditionally as a Sun cream. It improves complexion, nourishes and makes the skin soft. It is effective in dull, uneven complexion. It clears dark spots, discolored and pigmented skin. It is suitable for all skin types. Orange oil penetrates deep into skin to replenish lost moisture and ensure essential moisture balance, to keep the skin soft and supple (Sharma and Mishra, 1995).
Traditional Tribal Formulations
For cleansing, soothing and conditioning of male facial skin, Narangi (peel), Ghodavach (Acorus calamus) (rhizome oil), Chicory (Cichorium intybus) (seed) and honey is mixed in an equal proportions to prepare a paste. Cleanse the face and neck thoroughly with fresh water. Apply this combination all over the face and neck in upward circular motions, twice a day.
Acne occurs frequently on oily and dirty skin. To keep skin clear and young looking, take two teaspoons Orange (Citrus reticulata) peel powder and prepare a paste with yogurt. Rub it on the face in circular motions. Wash off with cold water. This removes excess oil, exfoliates the skin and opens blocked pores.
Cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.)
Family: Cucurbitaceae
Vernacular Names: Khira (Bengali, Hindi, Marathi); Dosakaya (Telugu); Vellarikkai, Kakrikai (Tamil).
Plant Profile and Distribution: A trailing or climbing annual plant, with simple short tendrils; leaves alternate, five-bladed; flowers yellow, funnel-shaped; male flowers single or in 3 to 7-flowered cluster; female flowers solitary or in pairs; fruits dark green to light green; seeds elliptic, white. Widely cultivated throughout India and in the tropical and subtropical parts of the world.
Medicinal Importance
The fruits are eaten raw, cooked as a vegetable and as salad. The plant is prescribed in Ayurveda in vitiated condition of pitta and in general debility. It is equally beneficial in fever, insomnia, headache, burning sensation and jaundice. Decoction of the roots has diuretic properties. Fruits are medicinally used in hemorrhage, kidney diseases and calculi. The fruits are used externally to treat burns, sores etc. It is also very much used for various beauty care treatments. The seeds are reported to be cooling, tonic and diuretic. The juice prepared from the leaves is considered emetic and used for treatment of dyspepsia in children.
Traditional Tribal Formulations
To lighten dark complexion, a face pack is prepared from grated cucumber and tomato (Lycopersicum esculentum) fruits. This mixture is applied all over the face for 15 minutes.
Peel the cucumber and slice two thin rounds. These slices are placed over the eyes for 10 minutes and then removed. It provides a cooling effect and benefits puffy eyes.
For reducing dark circles under eyes, grated cucumber is mixed with an equal amount of grated carrot and a few drops of rose water. It is applied to the area beneath the eyes for half an hour and then rinsed with water.
To treat dark circles, a paste of cucumber is mixed with fresh cows milk and applied to the area beneath the eyes for half an hour. Wash the face with cold water after 30 minutes.
Turmeric (Curcuma longa L.)
Family: Zingiberaceae
Vernacular Names: Haldi, Halada (Bengali, Gujarati, Hindi, Marathi); Arishina (Kannada); Haridra (Sanskrit); Manjal (Tamil); Pasupu (Telugu).
Plant Profile and Distribution: Small, rhizomatous, perennial herbs, with short stem; rhizomes short, thick, yellow; leaves large, oblong-lanceolate, acuminate, distinctly nerved, tufted; flowers yellow, funnel-shaped, in long spikes. It is cultivated extensively on a large scale as vegetable and spice crop throughout in India, particularly in southern States.
Medicinal Importance
The traditional use of turmeric as an antiseptic is has an ancient history in India. It has been widely used by women in skin care, particularly to discourage facial hair and acne. Mixed with slaked (hydrated) lime, Turmeric was a well known household remedy for sprains and swellings caused by injury. In Indian systems of medicine, it is considered alterative, stomachic, antiperiodic and given as a blood purifier. Powdered rhizome has long been used as an antiseptic on cuts, wounds and to stop bleeding. The rhizomes are found useful in the treatment of common cold, fever, skin diseases, ulcers and rheumatic inflammation of joints. It is carminative, appetizer and considered as a tonic for general health. Rhizome is given orally as a digestive, stimulant, to treat blood disease and for amnesia, cancer, bronchitis and cough. Decoction of the rhizome acts as an emmenagogue and given in amenorrhea to promote menses, and for rheumatic pain of joints and limbs. Decoction of the entire plant is given orally to treat renal or urinary calculi. Juice of rhizome is taken orally for hepatitis and as a poultice for bruises. Juice of fresh plant is said to be anthelmintic (CSIR, 1948-1976; Chopra, 1958).
Traditional Tribal Formulations
A pinch of Haldi powder mixed with a teaspoon of Dhania (Coriandrum sativum) juice is an effective home remedy for pimples and blackheads.
Topical application of Haldi and Chandan (Santalum album) wood paste (prepared in rosewater) helps in curing skin infection and pimples.
A pinch of Haldi powder mixed with a teaspoon of Dhania (Coriandrum sativum) juice is a wonderful home remedy for pimples and blackheads.
Prepare face pack by mixing Haldi powder with leaves of Gamathi Phudina (Mentha piperita) and Nimbu (Citrus limon) to cure pimples.
Apply a blend of raw milk, Kakdi (Cucumis sativa) juice and Jaitun (Olea europaea) oil and add a pinch of Haldi powder to improve complexion.
For pimples, apply Haldi powder, Masur (Lens esculenta) seed powder, Arjun (Terminalia arjuna) bark powder are mixed with Rose (Rosa indica).
To remove black spots from face, tuber powder, Chandan (Santalum album) powder, Varun (Crataeva nurvala) powder is mixed with buttermilk and applied to face.
For skin fairness, Haldi powder, Aonla (Emblica officinalis) fruit powder, Mulethi (Glycyrrhiza glabra), Chandan (Santalum album) and Til (Sesamum indicum) powder are mixed and added to a bucket of water to add to a bath. Follow this procedure regularly for a month (Acharya and Shrivastava, 2008, 2011).
Trailing Eclipta or False Daisy (Eclipta prostrata (L.) L.)
Family: Asteraceae
Vernacular Names: Kesuti, Keshukti (Bengali); Bhangra (Gujarati); Bhangra, Bhringraj (Hindi); Garagadasoppu (Kannada); Kyonni (Malayalam); Bhringuraja, Maka (Marathi); Kesarda (Oriya); Bhringaraja (Sanskrit); Garuga, Kayanthakara (Tamil); Galagara, Quntagalijeru (Telugu).
Plant Profile and Distribution: Prostrate or decumbent, hirsute, annual herbs, often rooting at lower nodes; leaves subsessile, opposite, strigose; flowers in hemispherical, solitary heads, white; achenes angular, compressed, tuberculate, brown, with thickened margins and ciliate ring of pappus. Common plant of aquatic and marshy habitats, grows extensively along water channels and drainage.
Medicinal Importance
Plant is used in the treatment of asthma, inflammation, ring worm, skin vesicles, infections, leprosy, as a haemostatic, in elephantiasis and jaundice. The aerial part is used as a purgative, emetic and cholagogue. It is given to treat snake bite, diarrhea and headache.
Traditional Tribal Formulations
Bhringraj powder is boiled for 20 minutes in coconut oil. This oil is applied regularly to hair to promote hair growth and as a conditioner.
Oil made from Bhringraj is a natural cure for thinning of hair and balding or alopecia. This oil is massaged into the scalp twice daily for three months.
For dandruff mix Bhringraj with fruits of Amla (Phyllanthus emblica), Reetha (Sapindus emarginatus) and Sikakai (Acacia concinna) and steep in water overnight. Filtrate of the above mixture is used as shampoo.
(Acharya and Shrivastava, 2008, 2011).
(To be continued)
Coming up next: Emblica officinalis (Indian Gooseberry), Helianthus annuus (Sunflower), Lawsonia inermis (Henna), Lycopersicon esculentum (Tomato), Musa paradisiaca (Banana)
Acknowledgement: We acknowledge tribesmen of Patalkot, Dangs and Aravallis for sharing their much valued information with us.
References
- Acharya, D. and Shrivastava,
- A. 2008. Indigenous Herbal Medicines: Tribal Formulations and Traditional Herbal Practices. Aavishkar Publishers Distributors, Jaipur. ISBN 978-81-7910-252-7.
- Acharya, D, Shrivastava, A.
- 2011. Ethnomedicinal Plants of Gujarat State. Forest Department, Gujarat, Gandhinagar. ISBN 8190311484. 412pp.
Author’s Profile
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Dr Deepak Acharya (MSc PhD) is Director, Abhumka Herbal Pvt Limited. He can be reached at deepak at abhumka.com or deepak at patalkot.com. For more information about him, please visit www.abhumka.com and www.patalkot.com |
| Dr Anshu Shrivastava (MSc PhD) is Botanist at Abhumka Herbal Pvt Limited, contact him at anshu at abhumka.com or ansh24 at gmail.com |  |
Acharya, D. and Shrivastava, A. 2008. Indigenous Herbal Medicines: Tribal Formulations and Traditional Herbal Practices. Aavishkar Publishers Distributors
Reishi in cancer research
01 Mar 2012 2 Comments
in Healing With Herbs and Food, Making Wild Crafted Tinctures and Tea's Tags: Studies of Reishi in cancer research
Reishi in Cancer Research
Studies of Reishi in cancer research have been largely conducted in Japan, where Reishi was scientifically proven to have an anti-tumor effect. This research has continued in Korea, Japan, and China.An example of Reishi’s cancer-fighting potential occurred in the summer of 1986. A 39 -year old Japanese woman approached Dr. Fukumi Morishige, M.D., Ph.D, a renowned Japanese surgeon and a member of the Linus Pauling Institute of Science and Medicine, for help in treating her lung cancer. It was a complicated case, and she had been refused an operation by several hospitals. Hopeless, she returned home where she found her husband had collected Reishi in the forests. He boiled the mushroom and gave it to her to drink as a tea.While this was going on, she begged Dr. Morishige to do something for her cancer, regardless of its very advanced stage. From what was evident six months earlier, Morishige was surprised when he found no increase in swelling. Then he looked at her X-rays. Something wasn’t right: her tumor showed as only a trace on the X-ray. When she told him she had been drinking Reishi tea, Morishige operated with great curiosity. He was “astonished” to find only scar tissue, and although cancerous cells remained, they were now benign.Reishi mushroom hailed in ancient medicine as the mushroom of immortality and Medicine of kings.
Immune boosting action
The information gathered above ~ References:
1. Kenneth J. REISHI: Ancient herb for modern times. Sylvan Press, 1992.
2. Wasson RG. Divine mushroom of immortality. Harcourt, Brace, Jovanovich, Los Angeles, 80-93, 1968.
3. “Lingzhi”. In Pharmacology and Application of Chinese Materia Medica, Vol. I. Chang HM and But RPH, eds. World Scientific: Singapore, 642, 1986.
4. Stanislaus CS. LingzhiMedicine of Kings. New Editions Health World, 38-41, June, 1995.
5. Carlson J. Reishi Mushroom. New Editions Health World, 23-25, April, 1996.
6. Stavinoha WB, et al. Study of the anti-inflammatory activity of Ganoderma lucidum. Presented at the Third Academic/Industry Joint Conference (AIJC), Sapporo, Japan, 1990.
7. Lin JM, Lin CC, Chiu HF, Yang JJ, and Lee SG. Evaluation of the anti-imflammatory and liver protective effects of anoectochilus formosanus ganoderma lucidum and gynostemma pentaphyllum in rats. Am J Chi Med, 21:59-69, 1993. 3215, 1985.
Reishi mushroom hailed in ancient medicine as the mushroom of immortality and Medicine of kings
McDunalds Chocolate Shake Recipe… (Sort of)
- Reishi (Ganoderma Lucidum)
- Birch Tinder Polypore (Fomes Fomentarius)
- Artists Conch (Ganoderma Apalatum)
- Chaga (Inonotus Obliqus)
- False Turkey Tail (Stereum Ostrea),
- He Shu Wu (Polygonum Multiflorum)
- Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)
Pour into a glass and enjoy with a glass straw.
Ganoderma
Reishi
- Reishi
Reishi Double Extraction
1. Powder, as well as possible, 2 parts Reishi. (1200 g)
2. Macerate 1 part Reishi (600g) with 5 parts menstrum (3 Liters). This is how much fluid it takes to cover that fluffy Reishi: Menstrum = 1 part 95% ETOH (1L) & 2 parts Glycerine (2L)
3. Let sit 2 weeks or so. Press (Retrieve 2/3 of original menstrum = 2L) Reserve marc for decoction.
4. Add 1Liter 95% ETOH to pressed menstrum. Macerate 2nd part Reishi (600g) with this 3L of menstrum (again a 1:5 ratio).
5. Let sit 2 weeks or so. Press. Measure volume of tincture made (should be about 2L).
6. Final extract should be 1:4 overall. We started with 2 parts Reishi (1200g) so final extract will be 8 parts (4800mL). Double decoct both batches of marc with just enough water to cover. (Together or separately).
Press and concentrate so that desired final extract volume minus the tincture equals the decoction concentrate.
7. Combine when cool. IMPORTANT! Pour tincture into tea to avoid excess
precipitation.
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Reishi Extraction (Robyn Klein)
Here is the recipe for a 70% water / 30% alcohol reishi extract
For a kitchen-manageable amount, chop up only 3 whole dried medium-sized reishi
mushrooms. Use Felco or Corona hand clippers. If you chop more than this you will have to use much larger containers to cook and strain into. Three mushrooms will make about 500mls extract.
First, here is a quick overview of the process:
Step 1: Weigh chopped herb.
Step 2: Make tincture using 100% alcohol (EtOH).
Step 3: Strain and press the marc (save the marc!).
Step 4: Make a 1:10 decoction with the marc.
Step 5: Add decoction and tincture together to make a 30/70 extract.
Fill in and follow this form below:
Weigh chopped reishi = _______ grams/ounces
Materia Medica Lesson 2 – page 3
Example: 110 grams of dried, hand chopped reishi.
Put chopped reishi in a large enough jar to accommodate the menstruum below.
Cover the chopped reishi with pure Everclear (95%
alcohol) for two weeks. But how much?
Weight of reishi _______ x 5 = _______ mls of
Everclear will be needed to cover the herb.
Example: 110 x 5 = 550 mls of Everclear
Strain and squeeze marc as much as possible. Save marc!
Measure how much tincture resulted and record here = _______ .
Bottle and label the tincture and set aside for later.
Put marc in top of double boiler and add water. How much water?
Original dry weight of herb = _______ x 10 = _______ total amount of water to start off with.
Start cooking down, but don’t boil! Plan on 2 hours. Strain off marc and toss marc.
Continue cooking down the decoction. But to what amount?
To figure this amount, fill in the numbers in the following calculation:
Amount of tincture _______ divided by .3 = _______ .
Subtract this number above _______ from 1.00 which will equal = _______ .
Take this number and multiply it by .7 = _______ .
This is the amount of decoction which you will need to add to the tincture to give a 30% alcohol/70% decoction extract. Rounding off the numbers to the nearest whole number is just fine. Herbalism is not about rigidity.
To check your math add the amount of tincture
_______ to the amount of decoction _______ = _______.
Then multiply this final amount _______ by .3 (30%) = _______.
And multiply the final amount _______ by .7 (70%) = _______.
Add these amounts together to get the total amount = _______.
When decoction has cooked down to the amount you need, cool the decoction and then add it to tincture.
Store in a dark glass container and label with the following: Reishi Extract Ganoderma lucidum/30% Alcohol/70% Decoction
Materia Medica Lesson 2 – page 4
This excerpt is from the lesson Herbal Materia Medica Lesson 2, link provided above and intended to inspire. There so little on the writings of mushrooms and medicine I had to add this for further research. Green Blessings to all as always this is for educational/inspirational purposes .. always do your home work
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