Page 120 - Lost Book Remedies

The Lost Book of Herbal Remedies

Peppermint oil stimulates the flow of bile in the body component, and it works to bring an increased blood
and aids digestion. It is useful for treating problems of supply to the skin to speed up healing.
the stomach, intestines, and liver. Peppermint oil also
contains anti-bacterial and anti-viral components that
treat the causes of gastroenteritis while also calming
the symptoms.
Menstrual Cramping: Peppermint oil relaxes
uterine muscle spasms and relieves menstrual cramp-
ing. Women with menstrual cramping can drink pep-
permint tea or take peppermint oil. The oil is very
strong, so only a drop or two is needed.

Appetite Suppression and Stimulation: Pep-
permint temporarily inhibits hunger, but when the ef-
fect wears off the feeling of hunger returns more pow-
erfully. It can be used as an appetite stimulate in this Peppermint Flowers, Sten Porse, CC by SA 3.0
way, just be aware that it takes time to work. Good for Arthritis, Gout, Neuralgia, Sciatica: These
children who are failing to thrive due to a lack of appe- same numbing qualities make it an effective treatment
tite.
for muscle aches, joint pain, and nerve pain coming
Headaches and Migraines: The oil also relieves from near the surface. Massage the area with Infused
the spasms that cause some types of headaches. For Peppermint Oil (recipe below) to relieve the pain. It
this purpose, use a drop of distilled peppermint oil does not treat the underlying causes, but it gives quick
mixed into a tablespoon of a carrier oil like organic ol- relief from the pain.
ive oil. Rub the oil onto the forehead or on the scalp Recipes. Peppermint Tea: 1 teaspoon pepper-
over the affected area to relieve the headache. You may mint leaves, 1 cup boiling water. Pour the boiling water
also use a peppermint oil infusion, though the distilled over the peppermint leaves and allow the tea to steep
oil is stronger.
for 10 to 15 minutes. Strain and drink.
Diarrhea, Spastic Colon, Irritable Bowel Infused (Extracted) Peppermint Oil: 3/4 cup
Syndrome, and Crohn’s Disease: Peppermint dried peppermint leaves, 1 cup organic olive oil. Com-
calms the stomach and intestinal tract, relaxes the bine the peppermint leaves and organic olive oil in a
muscles, and soothes the mucous membranes. It helps glass jar with a tight-fitting lid. Shake daily. Allow the
treat diarrhea, spastic colon, and irritable bowel syn- oil and peppermint to steep in a dark cupboard for 4 to
drome by alleviating the spasms of the intestines and 6 weeks. Strain out the peppermint leaves and store the
colon. oil in a cool dark place for up to 1 year. Use as a topical

Itchy Skin: Peppermint oil slightly numbs the skin relief for headaches, muscle cramps, or as a massage
surface to relieve pain from insect stings, itchy skin, oil for muscle pain.
and mild skin irritations. It also has an anti-bacterial

Plantain, Identification: The distinctive leaves have a ruffled
texture. The leaves are oval or almost round and have
Plantago major a chunky footstalk. The leaves grow in a rosette at the
base of the plant. Each leaf is 2 to 8 inches (5 cm to 20
Plantago major is a small perennial, often called a cm) long. It has a wavy or smooth margin and five to
weed, and is not the banana-like fruit called plantain nine parallel elastic veins. When you break the leaf in
found in the grocery store. It is found growing wild in half and pull these elastic-like veins can easily be seen.
gardens, lawns, backyards, and along paths. It is in the The greenish-white flowers have purple stamens and
Plantaginaceae Family. grow on densely packed stems to a height of 6 to 18
inches (15 cm to 45 cm). The flowers are tiny and
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