Herbal Pharmacy

Eating foods rich in the phytochemical luteolin  may help prevent diabetes, say Chinese scientists. In an animal study, mice on a high-fat diet enriched with luteolin had improved glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity after 12 weeks. Luteolin works by stabilizing the cellular inflammation that hampers the breakdown of sugar. Top sources include thyme, parsley and peppermint. Or you can try a supplement  like Swanson Ultra Luteolin Complex.

If you feel that unmistakable burn of stomach acid creeping up your esophagus, chew spearmint gum for 10 minutes. It works by increasing the flow of acid-neutralizing saliva, which, when swallowed, also pushes the acid back down.

If the stress of hosting holiday parties gives you a headache, massage a drop of peppermint essential oil into your temples. The menthol in peppermint is a topical analgesic that numbs pain effectively as acetaminophen, delivering relief in 15 minutes. Plus, the minty scent will give you an instant energy boost.

Citrus peels are full of flavonoids that help lower cholesterol. Just grate and sprinkle the zest on cooked broccoli and other steamed veggies.

Sharpen vision with basil. Plant compounds in this herb help protect the retina from damaging UV rays, cutting the risk of age-related vision loss by 42 percent.

Bay leaves are well known for their ability to relieve aches and pains associated with arthritis, gout and joint pain. Crush several bay leaves and add them to a sauce pan, pour in 1/4 cup of olive oil over the leaves and heat gently. Allow the oil to cool, and rub it on painful joints. Cover with warm flannel.  You can find flannel receiving blankets in the Dollar Store. They make great poultice coverings, and hold in heat and warmth. So do well-used old flannel shirts.

Make your own anti-bacterial soap. You’ll need soft soap in the pump type bottle. You can buy soft soap in discount stores for a dollar. You’ll also need tea tree oil. You can buy this at Walgreens, CVS or GNC. Remove the pump dispenser and add 15 drops of tea tree oil to the bottle. Replace the pump. Shake well between use. It will last for weeks, and the tea tree oil will leave a pleasant scent on your hands. The tea tree infused soap will kill common bacteria and germs on your hands, and under your nails. I use the Soft Soap Coconut and Ginger, and the tea tree oil makes the soap smell spicy. I also carry a small bottle filled with this soap when I’m out in public. I use my own soap for hand washing if I must use public restrooms.

Blessed be, sweet ones.

~ Meadow Walker