DIET

Dandelion Root & Leaf (Taraxacum officinalis)
Actions
A powerful diuretic, bitter tonic, pancreatic regulator, galactagogue, cholagogue, anti-rheumatic, pancreatic and bile duct stimulant,
stimulant to portal circulation, laxative (mild), urinary antiseptic, anti-eczema, detoxicant, choleretic.
Uses

Liver disorders, inflammation of gall bladder – counters tendency to form gall stones, mild jaundice – clear yellowish complexion
and to brighten the eyes; to stimulate flow of bile. Indigestion, lack of appetite,
muscular rheumatism, hypoglycaemia, anorexia nervosa, wasting diseases, warts, infective hepatitis.
· Powerful diuretic and one of the best natural sources of potassium – synthetic diuretics cause loss of potassium.
· Rich in nutrient minerals.
· Promotes elimination of plasma cholesterol.
· Fluid retention of heart origin.
· Promotes loss of weight during dieting.

Contraindications: Not given in the presence of blocked bile duct.

Chickweed (Stellaria media)
Actions
Alterative, demulcent, emollient, vulnerary, anti-itch, anti-rheumatic, laxative (mild), refrigerant – cools, soothes and relieves irritation.
Uses

· Ancient remedy for chronic skin conditions. Boils, painful eruptions, varicose ulcers, abscess, etc.
· Muscular rheumatism, inflamed joints.
· Takes heart out of itchy skin.
· Most common use – external remedy for cuts, wounds and especially for itching and irritation.

Clivers (Galium aperine)
Actions
Lymphatic alterative and detoxifier, diuretic, astringent tonic, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory, anti-obesity, adaptogen, anti-neoplastic.
Uses

· Enlarged lymph nodes, especially cervical neck nodes, cystic and nodular changes in the gland.
· Dry skin disorders – psoriasis, etc.
· Urinary disorders: suppression, painful, irritable bladder.
· Stone – solvent.
· Very valuable plant – perhaps best tonic to lymphatic system available.
· Swollen glands – tonsilitis, adenoids.

Motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca)
Actions
Anti-spasmodic, laxative, diaphoretic, emmenogogue, vaso-constrictor, nerve and heart sedative, hypotensive, cardiotonic.
Uses

Angina on effort, simple uncomplicated heart conditions to enhance exercise duration; tachycardia from hyperactive thyroid,
hypertension, absent or painful menstruation, menopausal flushes, PMS.
· Relevance to menstrual and uterine conditions.
· Heart and circulation treatments.
· Relaxing tonic for aiding menopausal changes.
· Excellent tonic for heart conditions that are associated with anxiety and tension.
· Needs to be taken for weeks.

Contraindications: Not given in pregnancy.

Nettles (Urtica dioica)
Actions
Astringent, tonic, diuretic, alterative, rubefacient, blood tonic, antiseptic, circulatory stimulant, amphoteric,
lowers high blood pressure and blood sugar, re-mineraliser, anti-rheumatic.
Uses

· One of the most widely applicable plants
· Strengthens and support the whole body.
· Eczema, nosebleeds, haemorrhage (i.e. uterine).
· High is chlorophyll, vitamins and minerals.
· Good for gall bladder and spleen.
· Strengthens natural resistance.

Oat Straw (Avena sativa)
Actions
Nerve restorative, anti-depressant, tranquilliser, brain tonic, cardiac tonic, relaxant and stimulant, nutritive, demulcent, vulnerary.
Uses

· Nutrient with selective action of the brain and nerve cells.
· Source of minerals.
· Improves performance and stamina.
· One of the best remedies for feeding and strengthening the nervous system, especially when under stress;
nervous debility and exhaustion when associated with depression; general debility.
· High content of silica which is helpful for skin conditions especially in external applications.

Peppermint (Mentha piperita)
Actions
Digestive, carminative, anti-spasmodic, diaphoretic, anti-emetic, mild sedative, peripheral vasodilator, stimulant, emmenogogue, nervine.
Uses

Colitis, Crohn’s Disease, diverticulitis, fever, colds, eases anxiety and tension, travel sickness,
flatulence, colic, nausea and vomiting, poor appetite, catarrh, infant’s convulsions.
· Refreshingly effective in simple indigestion.
· Of value in gall bladder disease.

Contraindications: Pregnancy, anxiety neurosis and nervous excitability.