Holy Basil

Ocimum sanctum

Traditionally known as tulsi by Indian Ayurvedic practitioners, Holy Basil has many medicinal properties. It seems that it’s main use has been to treat respiratory disorders as it is a very effective expectorant and remedy for bronchitis, asthma, flu, cough and cold.

Holy Basil is specific for many types of fever. During the rainy season when malaria and dengue fever are prevalent the tender leaves boiled with tea help prevent these diseases. In cases of acute fever the leaves boiled with other herbs are used to bring the fever down. This is a very safe and effective treatment for children.

In more recent times Holy Basil has been used for the relief of stress as it is also a potent adaptogen and treatment for emotional disorders such as anxiety and depression as they can be brought on or aggravated by stress. *note: if you’re taking antidepressants consult with your health care practitioner before stopping your medication in favor of herbal remedies.

Holy Basil is beneficial in treating heart disorders and in lowering blood cholesterol. It is also a blood purifier which helps strengthen all internal organs and protect against common ailments.

The time tested uses listed and many more are very useful in rural areas where there is little health care, but the popularity of these alternative therapies are gaining popularity in the cities also where medical care is out of reach of the indigent, and allergies to standard medical treatments are growing more prevelant.

St. John's Wort

St. John's Wort has been used to treat depression since the 1500's and now medical science is confirming what herbalists and naturopaths have known all along. A recent study published in the Cochrane Library confirms that St. John's Wort is as effective as standard antidepressants and has fewer side effects.
The hyperecium extracted from the flowers of the St. John's Wort can be found in capsules in health food stores and drug stores almost any where.

In Germany St. John's Wort is prescribed more often than any standard antidepressants such as Zoloft and Prozac.

St. John's Wort flowers can be infused in oil and applied topically to treat burns, bruises, wounds and myalgic pain. Scientific studies have shown that it is anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal, and vulnerary (encourages new cell production).

St. John's Wort is a very invasive plant and not suitable for domestic propogation. It can be found in meadows, wastelands and along ditch banks.

If you suffer from depression, or are taking medication for depression you may want to discuss St. John's Wort with your doctor. You can print out the report from the Cochrane Library to take with you.

Ginger Ale

Happy Independence Day to all my American readers. To the rest of the world, Hello and I hope you have a wonderful week end.

Holidays mean feasts, and too often feasts mean indigestion. Penny Khalad, an herbalist friend of mine, makes home made ginger ale and mixes it with other drinks because ginger is a wonderful digestive aid as well as having many other beneficial properties.

Making ginger ale is simple:

chop 1 cup full of organic ginger root.
place 1 quart cold spring water or distilled water in a stainless steal or heat resistant glass pot.
Add the ginger and bring to a boil over a medium heat.
Turn heat down and simmer 15 to 20 minutes.
Add honey or stevia to sweeten if desired.
Strain, cap and refrigerate.
You can add this to sparkling mineral water for ginger ale, or add it to fruit drinks or tea to drink with your meals. It's very strong so dilute it with other drinks at least 50%. I like to mix 1/3 ginger tea, 1/3 sparkling water and 1/3 cranberry juice for a light sparkling fruit drink that is delicious and so much better for you than soda.

Ginger is a very effective analgesic, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, carminative, and has a host of other benefits.

Ginger has been found to be more effective than Dramamine for combating motion sickness. Chewing a piece of the fresh root soothes sore throat.

Ginger root is a circulatory stimulant and reduces blood platelet aggregation and inflammation. It's anti-inflammatory action may be the reason it's so effective in combating the pain of arthritis.