Category: The Green Herbalist Clinic Blogs

Rosehips contain a good amount of vitamin C and other vitamins and minerals for the dark winter months when you feel depleted from energy. Rosehips are high on galactolipids, which can provide anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant action - beneficial in conditions such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and IBD. 

Rose hips suggested uses include as a rich source of Vitamin C, with about 1700-2000 mg per 100 g in the dried product. Orange provides us with 53.2mg for the same weight.

Some of the benefits - It is a remedy for

• Rheumatoid arthritis; reduces symptoms of knee and hip osteoarthritis;
• Enables the immune system to fight off foreign invaders and out-of-control cells;
• Facilitates fat metabolism;
• Protects tissues from free radical damage - thus being an antioxidant;
• Assists the nervous system by converting certain amino acids into neurotransmitters
• Protects joints and connective tissues;
• Helps adrenal function - as an example protects from effects of cortisol and stress ;
• It has an ability to 'ward off' urinary / bladder infections;
• Can be used externally in oil form to restore firmness to skin by nourishing and astringing tissue;
• Rose hips contain lots of iron (amongst other macro and micronutrients)
• A tea made of the rosehip can be helpful to make up for iron loss during menstruation.

It is always good to remember that rose hips - like any other food product can have side effects and can also interfere with orthodox treatment.

https://www.rxlist.com/consumer_rose_hips_rosa_canina/drugs-condition.htm 

Rosehip syrup recipe

Trim the tops and bottoms of the rosehips and cut them in half or chop them smaller.

1kg / of rosehips
1L / 1.76pt of water
1kg of sugar
1-2 juice of a lemon

• Add rose hips in 1L of water, scoop out the seeds and discard.
• If the rosehips are small and fiddly, you can leave them whole as they will be sieved out of the cooking liquid later
• Pulse the rosehips briefly in a food processor then transfer them to a saucepan and cover with half of the water
• Bring to the boil and simmer for 15-20 minutes, then strain the liquid and pulp through a muslin cloth into a clean bowl for an hour, reserving the liquid until needed
• Return the pulp to the pan and cover it with the remaining water. Simmer again for 15 minutes before straining once more 

Combine the two batches of liquid and place them back on the stove.

Boil to reduce the liquid by half, or more if you want a very glutinous syrup Now add all the sugar, and allow it to dissolve.

Boil for five more minutes Allow the liquid to cool a little – it will be scalding hot because of the sugar content. Meanwhile, sterilise some jars When cooled- add the juice of 1-2 lemons (depending on your taste) Fill the jars or bottles with the rosehip syrup and store in a cool place until needed

And Enjoy!!

The Green Herbalist Clinic is here to help you to gain optimal function

and improve quality lifestyle and health choices whilst supporting you

with the help of individually tailored natural herbal remedies

to aim to improve your underlying issues and symptomatic conditions

throughout your journey to health 

When you’re away on holiday sometimes you can experience cuts, bruises, upset tummies,

sleeplessness and a variety of other minor ailments. It’s not always easy to go to a doctor or find medical support whilst away, so taking a small kit of essential herbal supplies that includes things such as plasters, bandages and gauze, and a selection of herbs, herbal oils and creams away with you, can be of great benefit for taking care of minor cuts,

bruises and attacks of nausea and headaches. Here’s a few to consider packing for your travels: -

Aloe Vera Gel – Gels or lotions made from aloe vera are excellent for using to soothe minor burns, scalds and also sunburn. All you need to do is apply the gel to the affected area and let it do its work. Calendula Cream – Calendula is both antiseptic and anti-inflammatory, it’s a lovely soothing cream that can be used for minor cuts, grazes, insect bites and also nappy rash. Ensure cuts and grazes are thoroughly cleaned and free of any dirt or grit before you apply calendula cream. Chickweed Cream – This remedy is often used to help sooth eczema, but it is also a useful cream to have in your remedy box, it can help sooth minor burns or scalds. Chickweed also has the ability to help draw out impurities from the skin in things like boils and abscesses, it also rather useful for helping to remove splinters from the skin and soothing insect bites and stings. Comfrey Ointment – Is great for applying to sprains, swelling and bruising. Although comfrey does encourage cell growth and can help heal up cuts quite quickly, it is not antiseptic and its rapid healing properties can lead to abscesses if is used on a wound that has not been thoroughly cleaned, so ensure that you have thoroughly cleaned the wound and preferably used an antiseptic cream before applying comfrey ointment. Tinctures of Arnica and Witch Hazel – Both of these tinctures are useful added to water and made in to a compress to help bring relief to tired and aching legs and can also speed up the healing factor of bruising. Witch hazel tincture can also be added to soothing lotions for soothing minor burns and sunburn and because of its astringent nature it can help minor cuts and grazes to stop bleeding. Add a little witch hazel tincture to water and use a cotton wool ball soaked in the solution to help clean the cut or graze and staunch the blood flow. It’s also useful for taking the sting out of insect bites. 

Herbal teas can also double as skin washes and rinses, good tea herbs include fennel for digestive upsets, lemon balm for headaches, especially irritating tension headaches and elderflower and yarrow are good to have if there is a chance that you could pick up a cold whilst away,

both are excellent anticatarrhal herbs and can help to reduce fevers.

Chamomile Tea - An infusion of Chamomile flowers can be taken as herbal tea for nervous upsets, it’s soothing and gentle and useful to sip if you’re having problems sleeping. Chamomile tea can be turned in to a steam inhalant to help sufferers of hay fever get some relief, but make sure that you’re not allergic to members of the asteraceae family first! Left to go cold and some cotton wool pads placed in it, it can be placed on the eyes to help bring relief to tired eyes. The tea can also be used as a hair rinse to lighten blonde hair, and added to a facial steam to help cleanse the skin of impurities. Ginger Powder - Ginger powder can be taken to help relieve the symptoms of dyspepsia - heartburn, bloating and flatulence - and morning sickness, indigestion and period cramps, it can be taken as a tea or in capsule form. It may also help to bring relief to arthritic and rheumatic pains, soothe migraine headaches and soothe tired and aching muscles. Peppermint Tea – Is good for soothing nausea, upset stomachs and IBS, like ginger it can also be taken for dyspepsia. If symptoms last more than three days seek professional advice. Peppermint tea that has been allowed to cool can be used as a hair rinse for greasy hair, and as a facial tonic, or added to a foot bath to help sooth tired aching feet. Cold peppermint tea can be used as a cold compress to help sooth tension headaches. Try combining ginger and peppermint and drinking as a tea to get the best from both herbs. Essential Oils There are a number of essential oils that can be useful to add to your holiday essentials kit, rosemary oil is great when diluted in a carrier oil for easing aches and pains caused by arthritis and rheumatism. Thyme oil is a great antiseptic and it’s also antispasmodic to, so it’s useful to massage into cramping and aching muscles, after it’s been diluted in a suitable carrier oil of course! If you’re going abroad, chances are that mosquitoes will be a problem, the oil most often used to repel mosquitoes is citronella, but oils that contain citronellol and geraniol such as basil, cedarwood, eucalyptus, geranium, lavender, lemongrass, rosemary and tea tree all have insect repelling properties. Use any of the oils mentioned above or below at a ratio of 2-3 drops of essential oil to 1 tsp of carrier oil and rub on to the skin to deter flying pests. Citronella Essential Oil – Is an excellent way to deter fleas and flying insects such as mosquitoes, in general it only works in close proximity and if used in a bug deterrent spray it needs to be applied often. Add to citronella oil to lotions, creams and soaps, and to shampoos for the hair. Add to washing water for floors and surfaces where antiseptic, insect repelling and antibacterial properties are required. Lavender Essential Oil – Diluted in a suitable carrier oil, lavender oil can be used to soothe bites and stings, its antiseptic and antibacterial properties may help prevent a bite or sting from becoming infected and it can help the skin to heal. When diluted in a suitable carrier oil it can be used on minor burns, cuts and grazes and can speed up the healing process. A few drops on your pillow may help you get to sleep, and diluted it may help ease headaches and migraines. Add to lotions, creams, soaps, face masks, foot powders and bath salts for the skin, and shampoos for the hair. Tea Tree Essential Oil – Like lavender, tea tree oil is antiseptic, antibacterial and it’s also anti-fungal, diluted in a suitable carrier oil it can be used topically to ease cold sores and if applied when the first symptoms appear may stop the sore developing all together, it’s also useful for applying to warts, and other fungal infections such as athlete’s foot. Add to shampoos for dandruff sufferers, lotions, creams, balms, salves, washes and soaps where an antiseptic and antimicrobial action is required. Disclaimer: Whilst every effort has been made to source the most up to date and accurate information, we cannot guarantee that remedies in our articles are effective, when in doubt, consult your GP or a qualified Medicinal Herbalist.

Remember also that herbal remedies can be dangerous under certain circumstances therefore you should always seek medical advice before self-treating with a homemade remedy, especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or suffer from any known illness,

which could be adversely affected by self-treatment.

https://discoveringherbalmedicine.blogspot.com/2019/07/herbal-summer-travel-essentials.html 

Herbal summer drinks

Sipping delicious cooling herbal infused drinks during hot summer days can decrease the uncomfortable feeling. Why don't you try some of the exotic recipes and tell us (thegreenherbalistclinic@gmail.com) what you think and which one was your favourite. See the blog below.

https://discoveringherbalmedicine.blogspot.com/2019/07/using-herbal-teas-to-keep-cool.html

https://eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2021-01/asfm-pgh011121.php 

https://www.thestar.com/life/health_wellness/advice/2021/01/09/do-the-bugs-in-our-guts-make-us-sick-sad-and-obese.html

https://greekcitytimes.com/2021/01/09/best-diet-2021-mediterranean/

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/nutrition-and-mental-health-is-there-a-link

https://www.mindbodygreen.com/articles/what-gastroenterologist-does-to-make-gut-healthy-changes-in-new-year

How the lowly mushroom is becoming a nutritional star 

Mushrooms are often considered only for their culinary use because they are packed with flavour-enhancers and have gourmet appeal. In the past, food scientists like me often praised mushrooms as healthy because of what they don’t contribute to the diet; they contain no cholesterol and gluten and are low in fat, sugars, sodium and calories. But that was selling mushrooms short. They are very healthy foods and could have medicinal properties, because they are good sources of protein, B-vitamins, fibre, immune-enhancing sugars found in the cell walls called beta-glucans, and other bioactive compounds.

https://news.yahoo.com/lowly-mushroom-becoming-nutritional-star-150242235.html 

The best ever Mushroom Stroganoff

This is so good, seconded by my veggie daughter in law. Try this quick, creamy and comforting vegetarian casserole with brown or basmati rice.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/food/recipes/mushroom_stroganoff_80260 

 Swap avocado on toast for crunchy sourdough toast with creamy rosemary butter, soft mushrooms, and lashings of Parmesan. 

Mushrooms on toast with chilli and rosemary butter recipe

 Wonderful fungi have been connected with many health benefits 

Including helping your hormones, boosting your brain, providing antioxidants, reducing insomnia, managing or reducing anxiety, fighting inflammation, lowering your LDL cholesterol, and even helping with blood pressure.

https://www.onegreenplanet.org/natural-health/10-medicinal-mushroom-powders-to-buy/ 

Six Mushrooms That Act as Turbo-Shots for Your Immune System

Does the thought of medicinal mushrooms scare you off? Take a deep breath and stay with us. Yes, we’re going to tell you to put mushrooms in your coffee (among other things). But there’s good reason for this, we swear. One of the easiest ways to get your mushroom fix, though? Simply add a spoonful to whatever’s on the menu — be it your morning smoothie, veggie stir-fry, or cup of java.

https://www.healthline.com/health/food-nutrition/best-medicinal-mushrooms-to-try#for-inflammation/ 

Don't be in the dark when foraging mushrooms this year in the B.C. Interior

With the cool and wet spring experienced by most of the province, it’s looking like a good year for wild mushroom foraging in British Columbia. However, after a particularly active year for mushroom poisonings in B.C. in 2019, an Okanagan mushroom expert is advising those intending to go searching for fungi to use caution and seek expert advice when harvesting wild mushrooms this summer and fall.

https://infotel.ca/newsitem/dont-be-in-the-dark-when-foraging-mushrooms-this-year-in-the-bc-interior/it75301 

There is a quote that is attributed to Hippocrates the 5th-century father of herbal medicine that goes "Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food", although some people believe that its a misquotation, whether it is or not, there is a lot of truth in the quote today with all that science continues to show us about the medicinal properties of herbs. Yet when most people step into the kitchen to prepare the mint sauce that they will have with their Sunday lunch, they are doing it for flavour and not because they are aware of any medicinal benefits that mint in the mint sauce can provide.

When cooking, most of us know that a little basil will enhance the flavour of tomatoes and that sage can be a perfect partner for poultry dishes, and in kitchens across the world herbs are used to create flavour sensations and bring out the flavours of so many dishes, but what about the health-boosting benefits of these herbs? Like spices, a topic we’ll visit soon, culinary herbs aren’t just flavour enhancers they have powerful health benefits such as antioxidant, anti-bacterial, digestive, diuretic and carminative properties, they can help to keep the memory sharp and calm an upset stomach, choosing the right combinations of herbs to add to your meals, really can result in food being your medicine.

There are some good article regarding your gut health at the end of the article

Basil contains compounds which help the stomach to digest food, gas - sometimes referred to as wind - is caused by undigested or poorly digested food, basil can help reduce intestinal gas and aid digestion. Scientists believe that the eugenol found in basil, that is also found in cloves is partly responsible for the digestive effect of basil, eugenol helps to ease muscle spasms.

As well as aiding the stomach to digest food basil also has antibacterial, antimicrobial, antidepressant, antioxidant, anti-rheumatic, antispasmodic, aromatic, carminative, emmenagogue, galactagogue, ophthalmic, stomachic and tonic properties. Basil oil mixed with Sweet Orange oil was subject to a study in 2012 on the effectiveness of anti-microbial formulations for acne, with improvements to the skin of up to 75% in those taking part.

The herb contains volatile oils including linalool which has insect repelling properties and methyl chavicol which is being studied for its hepatotoxic properties. Flavonoids including cineole and methyl cinnamate help to generate the balsamic, cinnamon-like aroma of basil. Organic compounds present include rosmarinic acid which is being studied worldwide for its antiviral, antibacterial, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Fennel Seeds have an aperitif, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, antiseptic, antispasmodic, carminative, depurative, diuretic, emmenagogue, expectorant, galactogogue, laxative, stimulant, stomachic, tonic and vermifuge properties. Fennel seeds contain around 50-60% volatile oils including anethole, fenchone, limonene and methyl-chavicol, the latter is highly antiseptic and stimulating to the nervous system and also the immune system.

Fennel also contains anisic aldehyde a compound that is very similar in composition to the vanillin found in vanilla, both chemicals are disliked by insects such as mosquitos. The seeds also contain antioxidants, anti-viral and anti-inflammatory flavonoids including glucuronide, quercetin and rutin. The seeds also contain polysaccharides, tannins, resin, minerals including calcium, copper, magnesium, manganese and phosphorus, and vitamins including A, B1, B2, B3, B6 and C.

The seeds and extract are used by herbalists to relieve intestinal spasms or cramps due to its carminative properties, more recent studies have linked fennel with the ability to reduce pain, cramps, and duration of dysmenorrhea and give a reduction in symptoms. The carminative properties of fennel help it to ease bloating, wind, and digestive spasms in the small and large intestines, sipping a mug of fennel tea may prove beneficial to people with digestive upsets. Fennel has also been used to help eradicate bad breath, especially if the problem causing the bad breath is coming from the intestines.

Garlic has anthelmintic, anti-asthmatic, anti-bacterial, anti-cholesterolemic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, antiviral, cholagogue, diaphoretic, diuretic, expectorant, febrifuge, fungicide, hypoglycaemic, repellent, stimulant, stomachic, tonic and vasodilator properties