Page 260 - Lost Book Remedies
P. 260
The Lost Book of Herbal Remedies
Osteoporosis: The sap from the sugar maple tree is that help the body deal with the effects of stress and
rich in minerals that are necessary for bone health, in- calm the nervous system to reduce depression.
cluding calcium, potassium, and magnesium.
Fights Chronic Inflammatory and Degen-
Gastric Ulcers and Gastric Cancer: Gastric ul- erative Diseases: Inflammatory diseases such as
cers caused by injury to the stomach lining and infec- arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, heart disease,
tion by Helicobacter pylori bacteria sometimes pro- and many autoimmune diseases are calmed by the
gress to gastric cancer. Both the ulcer and cancer can anti-inflammatory and antioxidant contents of maple
be prevented by regular consumption of sugar maple sap. It protects the brain and body from oxidative
sap and the sap can heal existing gastric ulcers. stress, chronic inflammation, and the effects of aging.
Blood Pressure: The high mineral content in ma- Increases the Effects of Antibiotics: When
ple sap is beneficial for keeping blood pressure levels taken with antibiotics, maple sap enhances the effects
regulated. and seemingly makes the antibiotics more potent. The
combination of antibiotics and maple sap works better
Protects the Heart: Zinc, potassium, magnesium, and faster than antibiotics alone.
and other minerals that are necessary for healthy heart
function are present in the sap. In addition, maple sap Harvesting Maple: The maple tree makes sugar
helps control high blood pressure. during the summer and stores it in the tree roots in the
form of starch. During the winter, the tree uses the
Helps Prevent Diabetes and Regulate stored sap to provide energy for the tree. We can “tap”
Blood Sugar: Maple syrup and maple sap are the tree to gather that energy for ourselves. In the
healthy for blood sugar control. They do not raise the
blood sugar as much as other sweeteners and they ac-
tually prevent type 2 diabetes when used in moderate
amounts. Ascorbic acid present in the sap helps in-
crease insulin sensitivity and stimulates the pancreas
to produce more insulin.
Immune System Support: Regular use of maple
sap stimulates the immune system and helps the body
eliminate harmful microbes. It can also be used when
fighting an infection or when exposed to infectious
agents.
Acne and Skin Blemishes: Maple sap and maple spring, drill a tap hole and insert a spout with a bucket
syrup contain antioxidants and anti-inflammatory below for catching the sap. As the weather becomes
properties that help heal acne blemishes and prevent warmer the sap will flow from the tap hole into the
new ones from forming. Apply maple syrup directly to bucket via the spout. The best time to collect the sap is
the infected blemish and leave it in place for 10 to 20 from March through April. The sap can be used fresh
minutes. Rinse it away with lukewarm water. as it is or boiled down to make syrup. It takes about 10
Reducing Stress and Depression: Maple sap gallons (37 Liters) of sap to make a quart (liter) of ma-
and maple syrup contain minerals and antioxidants ple syrup.
Western Red Cedar, and its bark for basketry, clothing, and rope. At 200
feet (60 meters) tall, there is a lot to admire in the
Thuja plicata Western Red Cedar.
I always take note when I see one. It is in the Cupres-
Western Red Cedar is an incredibly useful and spiritual saceae (Cypress) Family. It prefers moist soil and
tree with a rich history as a building material. Many cooler climates.
people value the tree for its beautiful and useful wood,
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