Arctium Lappa in herbal medicine

Arctium lappa, commonly known as burdock has been used therapeutically in Europe, North America and Asia for hundreds of years. The Latin name comes from the Greek “arktos,” or bear, suggesting rough-coated fruits, and “lappa,” which means to seize.

Stout, downy, striated, branched stems (to 1 m) bear alternate, entire leaves which are large (to 50 cm long) and wide with a heart-shaped base and white down underneath. The petioles (leaf-stalks) are solid. The spherical, purple flowerheads are stalked and surrounded by dense clusters of scale-like hooked bracts.

Burdock is traditionally used to treat diseases such as sore throat and infections such as rashes, boils and various skin problems. It was also well known to Native Americans where it was used to relieve dry, scaly skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema.

Burdock is specifically cited by Mills & Bone (Principles and practice of phytotherapy 2000) as one of five herbs which research has shown to produce, when given internally as infusions, a moderate solvent action on stones formed from urates. An alkalinizing effect on the urine or a possible urinary antiseptic action is proposed as the underlying cause of this benefit.

In the root, the active ingredients have been found to “detoxify” blood and promote blood circulation to the skin surface, improving the skin quality/texture and curing skin diseases. Antioxidants and anti-diabetic compounds have also been found in the root.

Burdock root is high in calcium, potassium, copper, manganese, sulphur and zinc, as well as amino acids, essential fatty acids, biotin, and Vitamins B1, B6, B12, E and C.

In the seeds, some active compounds possess anti-inflammatory effects, and potent inhibitory effects on the growth of tumors such as the pancreatic carcinoma. In China, seeds are used for common colds and cough.

In the leaf extract, the active compounds isolated can inhibit the growth of micro-organisms in the oral cavity.
Arctium Lappa in herbal medicine

Khella herbs

Active components of khella, including khellin, come from the fruits and seeds of Ammi visnaga. Khella is a bitter yet aromatic member of the same plant family as carrots and parsley.

Khella (Arabic name), or its more popular name Bishop’s weed, and the colloquial name Ajwain weed (Hindu name) is a small annual plant. The plant grows erect to a height of three feet, bearing wispy leaves and clusters of small white flowers.

Ammi visnaga

Khella acts as anti-fertilizin, antispasmodic, astringent, expectorant, haemostatic, lithotriptic, sedative, and vasodilator. Khella combats spasms in the smooth muscles that line the walls of blood vessels, bronchial airways and other tubes and ducts, making it useful in the treatment of angina, asthma, atherosclerosis and kidney stones.

The herb also may valuable in preventing bronchial and allergic reactions and is being studied for other disorders.
Khella herbs

Pumpkin seeds

Pumpkin comes from Cucurbita pepo, a plant cultivated for medicinal, nutritional and other practice use.

Pumpkin seeds are a powerful, reliable and safe way to destroy internal parasites. Sometimes called a ‘Male Tonic’, pumpkin seeds are a natural way to revitalize the process gland, treat inflamed bladder and stimulate male hormone production.

The pumpkin seeds are taken principally as a safe de-worming agent. In many cultures, people eat small amounts of pumpkin seed daily to prevent worm infections.

Roasted pumpkin seeds

In Central American herbal medicine, seeds are also used as a treatment for nephritis and other urinary problems, and as a tonic to the bladder.

In Bulgaria, Turkey, and Ukraine, some people eat handful of pumpkin seeds every day to treat benign prostate enlargement.

Pumpkin seed is also diuretic, helpful in maintaining normal urinary function, which is challenged by BPH, with its typical symptoms of a need to urinate frequently at night, dribbling, and constricting pain in the bladder. This use of pumpkin seeds for prostate, and associated urinary issues is ‘official’ in British and German herbal medicine.
Pumpkin seeds

What are the mustard health benefits?

Mustard seeds are thought to have originated in the Mediterranean region. They are most commonly known as the basis of the paste that becomes the condiment mustard. These seeds are used for taste generally in hot dogs, where mustard sauce is very much preferred.

Mustard has a medical application dating back to the time of Hippocrates. Mustard is a stimulant that can be used to relieve respiratory complaints. Mustard poultice and mustard plasters are used to treat coughs, chest congestion, pneumonia, bronchitis and pleurisy. They improve blood circulation and their aroma also clears up the congestion.

Mustard seeds and mustard greens contain antioxidants that fight the cellular damage caused by the free radicals. Mustard also contains sulfur compounds with antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties.

Yellow mustard gum is a dietary fiber that is expected to exert some physiological effects typical for dietary fibers, including regularizing colonic function, normalizing serum lipid levels and attenuating the postprandial glucose response and perhaps suppressing appetite.

Mustard seeds are a source of relief for people having rheumatic arthritis. The selenium and magnesium content in it helps in providing relief for this problem.
What are the mustard health benefits?