RASPBERRY (RUBUS IDAEUS)
This thorny plant can grow up to ten feet high. The leaf of the Raspberry plant is used medicinally. It contains vitamins A, C, C, D, E and F, as well as iron, phosphorus, magnesium and calcium. The iron helps enrich early colostrum found in breast milk. Raspberry plants also contain high amounts of tannic acid.
HISTORY: Perhaps most famous for its great tasting berries, the Raspberry plant have been used by Native Americans for centuries to help treat female health problems.
INTERNAL USE: This herb can be taken as a tea, tincture or as raw fruit. Raspberry can help prepare a mother’s breast for lactation of pure milk, as well as for abdominal cramps, morning sickness, false labor pains, diarrhea, sore throats, reduction of labor pains, and easing childbirth. It is also used to treat hyperglycemia, cataract formation and mild forms of high blood pressure.
RED CLOVER (TRIFOLIUM PRATENSE)
This herb has flowers, which are used medicinally. It contains vitamins A, B complex, C, F and P as well as iron, phosphorus, magnesium, calcium, copper, selenium, cobalt, nickel, manganese, sodium, molybdenum and tin. This herb is originally came from North America and Europe.
HISTORY: This herb is undergoing much research and study as an agent to help fight against HIV and AIDS infections.
INTERNAL USE: This herb is excellent for helping combat all forms of cancer though out the body. It is especially useful in the treatment of esophageal and mammary cancers. It helps cause mammary glands to increase lactation in nursing mothers. It purifies blood, calms spasms of the lungs, thus helping bronchitis, whooping cough and lung congestion. Red Clover has shown antibiotic properties, which can help it fight tuberculoses.
EXTERNAL USE: A wash of the tea can help burns, psoriasis, shingles, acne, eczema and other skin conditions. The use of Red Clover Tea as a gargle can help heal and soothe throat infections. It can also be used as an enema or douche.
Rhubarb
Rhubarb, was imported from Europe to treat constipation, where its use as a laxative was the standard. Experience taught that due to Rhubarb's powerful action as a laxative, the amounts used should be carefully monitored and avoided by those with old intestinal problems, such as colitis. In China, it is the root known as "Da Huang", which means in Chinese 'big yellow' which is the the color of Rhubarb's tinctures and decoctions.
Rhubarb's effectiveness is controlled by the amount taken. When taken in small doses, it has a tonic effect as a blood builder and blood cleanser. Rhubarb can be used as a treatment for chronic blood diseases. It increases salivary and gastric flow, improves appetite and cleanses the liver by encouraging bile flow.
In large doses, Rhubarb is can be used for emptying the bowels thoroughly. Rhubarb supports the colon as a laxative in constipation and as an astringent in case of diarrhea. Rhubarb can be a gentle laxative, strengthens the gastrointestinal tract, and tones and tightens bodily tissues. Rhubarb is ideal for disorders of the colon, spleen and liver.
Rhubarb is helpful to prevent and to eliminate hemorrhoids. Rhubarb, by its cleansing action, encourages the healing process of duodenal ulcers and enhances gallbladder function.
NOTE: This herb is laxative in nature and should be used sparingly or in combinations.
It is not to be taken alone during pregnancy as it causes cramping and stomach griping.
Rhubarb is also known as:
Rheum palmatum, R. officinale, Chinese rhubarb, Da huang, Turkey rhubarb
Rau Ram (Polygonum odoratum) (Rau Ram)
This herb is commonly called by its Vietnamese name Rau Ram is also grown in Hawaii. Otherwise called Vietnamese Mint or Vietnamese coriander. It is used for flavoring various Asian meat and egg dishes and is also used medicinally in southeast Asia. It is grown as a perennial in Hawaii and is repeatedly harvested by cutting the young growth.
Aside from its flavoring qualities, it has been known to be used to treat bladder and urinary problems and has also been used in Southeast Asia to treat prostate cancer.
USAGE - Two pulverized leaves per day applied to the navel and taped in for the day. Usage and effects are undocumented.
SOURCES - Though common in Southeast Asia, it is rarely found in western culture. Reports indicate that it is available through many Vietnamese food stores
VITAMIN B2
Riboflavin
RDA – 1.7 mg
NEEDED FOR –
- Red blood cell formation
- Antibody production
- Cell respiration and growth
- Metabolism of carbohydrates, fats and proteins
- Energy release within cells
ALSO –
- Helps strengthen immune system by keeping digesting and respiratory linings healthy
- Supports nerve, skin, nail, eye health
- May help improve memory
- Can limit cell damage of stroke or heart attack
- Supports treatment of sickle cell anemia
- Used to treat migraines
DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMS –
Cracks/sores on mouth, eye disorders, anemia, inflammation of the mouth and tongue, skin lesions, scaly skin, dizziness, hair loss, insomnia, light sensitivity, poor digestion, retarded growth, slowed mental response
DEFICIENCY RISK –
Strict vegetarians and lactose intolerant persons may not gain dietary amounts; athletes, pregnant/breastfeeding women, persons taking tricyclic antidepressants, elderly men and women
SOURCES –
Cheese, egg yolks, fish, legumes, meat, milk, poultry, spinach, whole grains, yogurt, asparagus, avocados, broccoli, brussels sprouts, currants, dandelion greens, dulse, kelp, leafy greens, mushrooms, molasses, nuts, watercress, enriched flour
Herbs – alfalfa, bladderwrack, burdock root, catnip, cayenne, chamomile, chickweed, eyebright, fennel seed, fenugreek, ginseng, hops, horsetail, mullein, nettle, oat straw, parley, peppermint, raspberry leaves, red clover, rose hips, sage and yellow dock
SUPPLEMENTS –
Generally not needed because of food content; multivitamins normally contains the RDA, or take a B-complex supplement because B vitamins work together; be sure to take Riboflavin with a meal for better absorption; no toxicity
OTHER –
Use of oral contraceptives and strenuous exercise increase body’s need for Riboflavin; destroyed easily by light, antibiotics and alcohol
ROSEHIPS
The fruit, petals and buds of the Rose plant are used medicinally. It contains Vitamins A, B complex, C, D, E, P and Rutin, as well as iron, calcium, sodium potassium, sulfur, and silica. One cup of Rosehip Tea contains more vitamin C than 12 oranges!
INTERNAL USE: Rosehip Tea helps purify the body’s blood, ease headaches, cramps, and dizziness. It can also be used to stop diarrhea. Steeping 5 to 10 buds in hot water can make Rosehip Tea.
ROSEMARY (ROSMARINUS OFFICINALIS)
This perennial herb is also known as Rosemarie. This herb has soft blue flowers, and originated in both the Mediterranean Sea and in North America. It has since spread around the world by humans. The leaves are used medicinally. Rosemary contains vitamins A and C as well as iron, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium and zinc. Its large concentration of magnesium gives it a mild tranquilizing effect.
HISTORY: The Chinese have believed for centuries that Rosemary can cure baldness, as well as cure headaches. During the Dark Ages, it was believed that carrying Rosemary could ward off the Bubonic Plague. Rosemary is a popular bridal bouquet flower, as it is supposed to represent fidelity in a marriage.
INTERNAL USE: This herb can be taken as a tea or as a tincture. Rosemary Tea helps relieve depression, alleviate gas, colic, indigestion, nausea and fever. It also stimulates the cardiovascular system, increase body’s production of bile and lowers blood pressure. A limit of 3 cups of Tea per day should be observed.
EXTERNAL USE: A Salve of Rosemary helps rheumatism, eczema, stings, sores, arthritis and wounds. It also makes a good mouthwash to treat halitosis.
RUE
This herb contains large amount of Vitamin P (Rutin).
INTERNAL USE: A Tea of Rue helps harden bones, teeth, relieves stomach cramps, bowel cramps, spasms, dizziness, and strengthens capillaries and veins. Pregnant women should not take Rue.
EXTERNAL USE: A poultice of fresh leaves is able to relieve headaches and sciatica pain. It is also used on snakebites, scorpion bites, spider bites and jellyfish bites.
