Page 65 - Lost Book Remedies
P. 65
The Lost Book of Herbal Remedies
medicinal herb. Chives are also a mild stimulant, and
have antiseptic and diuretic properties.
Digestion: Chives contain sulfide compounds, anti-
bacterial compounds, and antifungal compounds that
are effective in easing digestion and an upset stomach.
They also stimulate the appetite.
Lowers Blood Pressure, Cholesterol, and
Promotes Heart Health: Like other plants in the
onion family, chives contain allicin, which helps reduce
the levels of bad cholesterol in the body and improves
the circulatory system and heart health. Regular con-
sumption of chives reduces arterial plaques, relaxes
the blood vessels, lowers high blood pressure, and de- Anti-inflammatory: Chives have mild anti-in-
creases the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
flammatory properties and are a good addition to the
diet for people with diseases that involve inflamma-
tion, such as arthritis, autoimmune conditions, and in-
flammatory skin conditions.
Boosts the Immune System: Chives contain a
wide range of vitamins and minerals, including vita-
min C, which helps boost the immune system and
stimulates the production of white blood cells.
Harvesting: Chives can be harvested as soon as they
are big enough to clip and use. Snip off the leaves at the
base. The plant will continue to grow and can be har-
vested 3 to 4 times a year when young (the first year)
and even monthly as they mature. Store them fresh in
Detoxing the Body and Diuretic: The mild di- the refrigerator or dry them for future use.
uretic properties of chives help flush toxins from the
body and encourage urination.
Comfrey,
Symphytum officinale
Comfrey, is a member of the borage family. The herb is
easily grown in your home garden and grows like a
weed in many areas. It is also known as knit bone,
boneset and slippery root.
Identification: Comfrey is a vigorous perennial
herb with long lance-like leaves, each 12 to 18 inches
(30 cm to 45 cm) long. The hairy leaves grow from a
central crown on the ends of short stems. The plant they age. The thick, tuberous roots have a thin black
reaches 2 to 5 feet (0.6m to 1.5m) in height and spreads skin.
to over 3 feet (0.9m) in diameter. It can be propagated Edible Use: Comfrey leaves and roots are not edible
from cuttings but is not invasive once planted. Comfrey because they contain small amounts of toxins that
flowers begin as a blue to purple bell, fading to pink as
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