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Chickweed is also known by the names Adder's Mouth, Indian Chickweed, Satin Flower, Starwort, Stitchwort, Tongue-Grass, Winterweed, Starweed, Star Chickweed, and Tongue Grass. The genus name Stellaria is derived from "star", which refers to the shape of the flower. The presence of Chickweed indicates fertile soil, and the plant helps the soil retain nitrogen. It makes an excellent ground cover as it grows outward, not upward. Traditionally, Chickweed was used for all cases of bronchitis, pleurisy, coughs, colds, hoarseness, rheumatism, inflammation, weakness of the bowels and stomach, lungs, bronchial tubes, and any other forms of internal inflammation. During Elizabethan times, it was an important food for falcons - more than 30 species of birds are known to regularly consume it. Chickweed is an herb especially useful for supporting healthy urinary system function. Containing anti-inflammatory properties, Chickweed is popularly used to promote healing and soothe irritated tissues. Chickweed provides antibiotic agents that are beneficial for relieving urinary tract inflammation and cystitis. The active constituents are largely unknown. Chickweed contains relatively high amounts of vitamins and flavonoids, which may explain some of its effect. Although some older information suggests a possible benefit for Chickweed in rheumatic conditions, this has not been validated in clinical practice. Chickweed contains vitamin A, vitamin C, some B vitamins, calcium, phosphorus, potassium, and zinc. Chickweed provides the body with nutrients that are necessary for balancing metabolic functions, and it also contains fiber, which helps improve digestion and relieve constipation. Chickweed is also beneficial for reducing mucus build-up and may be used to treat a variety of respiratory problems, including bronchitis, chronic coughing and colds. In addition, Chickweed may be used to soothe sore throat, and alleviate flu symptoms. When used externally, chickweed is known to be effective in the treatment of bruises, skin irritations, eczema, and other skin problems. |
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Lobelia is native to North America, and was both chewed and smoked by Native Americans. The root of Lobelia was used by the Iroquois to treat syphilis, hence the species name "siphilitica". This herb was also placed in the bed of quarreling couples to help them regain their love. The plant was also known to the Penobscot Indians, and was widely used in New England long before the time of Samuel Thomson, who is credited with its discovery. It was brought into general professional use by Cutler of Massachusetts. The leaves of this plant are used primarily, because the seeds and root are more potent, and are considered more likely to cause side effects. Lobelia was frequently used by midwives as a sedative, for its muscle relaxing effects, in preparation for childbirth. Today, Lobelia is used as an effective blood cleanser, and also to treat a variety of respiratory problems. As one of the most useful muscle relaxants, Lobelia is rich in vitamin A, vitamin C, and manganese. It is used as an expectorant, expelling phlegm from the lungs, and relieving congestion that is typically related to asthma and bronchitis. Lobelia has also been known to reduce cold and flu symptoms, suppress coughing, and stimulate perspiration, cooling down the body to help break fevers. Lobelia is considered beneficial for treating mild depression, reducing inflammation and pain, easing muscle tension, and calming the nerves. It also acts as a mild laxative for alleviating constipation. Lobelia is often used as a tobacco substitute to help those who wish to quit smoking - the alkaloid Lobeline mimics the effects of nicotine. It has long been used to treat poisonous stings and bites. The primary chemical constituents of this herb include piperidine alkaloids (lobeline, isolobeline), lobelic acid, chelidonic acid, glycoside (lobelacrin), essential oil, resins, and fats. The activity of Lobelia is dependent upon a liquid alkaloid first isolated by Proctor in 1838, who named it "lobeline". Lobelia also contains gum, resin, chlorophyll, fixed oil, lignin, and salts of lime and potassium, along with ferric oxide. |
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Mullein is a common wildflower native to much of Europe and Asia, and can grow almost anywhere. The word Mullein is derived from a Middle English word "moleyne", meaning "soft". The genus name Verbascum is a corruption of the Latin "barbascum", meaning "with beard". The species name thapsus was an ancient town in what is now Tunisia. Mullein leaves and flowers are classified in traditional herbal literature as expectorants and demulcents. Historically, Mullein has been used by herbalists as a remedy for the respiratory tract, particularly in cases of irritating coughs with bronchial congestion. Some herbal texts extend the therapeutic use to pneumonia and asthma. The leaves of Mullein were fed to animals that cough. The leaves, though somewhat irritating, were also worn in the shoes to improve circulation to the feet and to buffer thinning soles. The soft Mullein leaves have long been used by children as doll blankets. The seeds were once used by Native Americans to paralyze fish and make them easier to catch. The primary chemical constituents of Mullein include resin, saponins, glycoside (aucubin), flavonoids (hesperidin, verbascoside), choline, magnesium, saponins, mucilage, tannins, and carotene. Mullein also contains iron, magnesium, potassium, sulfur, and calcium phosphate. Different parts of the plant have different properties. Leaves are anodyne, antibacterial, antispasmodic, astringent, demulcent, diuretic, expectorant, mucilaginous, sedative, and vulnerary. The flowers are antispasmodic, demulcent, emollient, mucilaginous, nervine, and sedative. In general, Mullein reduces inflammation of the trachea and soothes irritated tissues. Due to its mucilage content, Mullein has also been used topically by herbalists as a soothing emollient for inflammatory skin conditions and burns. Externally, an extract of this herb made in olive oil is excellent in soothing and healing any inflamed surface or easing ear problems. Mullein has also been known to relieve constipation, counter-act sleeplessness, protect the kidneys, and help ease nervous tension.
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