• Aromatherapy • Holistic Nutrition • Organic Gardening •
:: Holistic Nutrition ::  Holistic nutrition is rooted in organic dietary principles for main source of nutrients.  Encompassing organic whole foods, herbs, clean air and water, emotional and spiritual balance, as well as other natural choices.	Herbal Nutrition  Organic Food Spiritual Community

 

• Home • Aromatherapy • Holistic Nutrition • Organic Gardening •Herbal Nutrition • Organic Food • Spiritual Community

Herb Sources of Vitamins, Minerals and Trace Minerals Many herbs are excellent for ingesting the vitamins and minerals bodies need because the body usually digests these easier through plants than fish or animal. Listed below are some herb sources of vitamins, minerals and trace minerals.

VITAMINS Vitamin A: Alfalfa, Cayenne, Eyebright, Lambs Quarter, Paprika, Red Clover, Violet, Yellow Dock Vitamin B: Alfalfa, Dulse, Fenugreek, Kelp, Licorice, Saffron Vitamin C: Bee Pollen, Chickweed, Echinecea, Garlic, Golden Seal, Juniper BerrY, Paprika, Peppermint, Rosehips, Sorrel, Violet, Watercress Vitamin D: Alfalfa, Dandelion, Red Raspberry, Rosehips, Sarsaparilla, Watercress Vitamin E: Alfalfa, Burdock, Dandelion, Dong Quai, Kelp, Scullcap, Sesame, Slippery Elm, Watercress Vitamin G: Fo-ti-tieng Vitamin K: Alfalfa, Gotu Kola, Shepherd's Purse Niacin: Alfalfa, Fenugreek, Parsley Watercress Vitamin P: (Rutin, Bioflavenoids) Acerola, Paprika   MINERALS Calcium: Aloe, Cayenne, Chamomile, Fennel, Marshmallow, Sage, White Oak Bark Cobalt: Dandelion, Horsetail, Juniper Berries, Lobelia, Parsley, Red Clover, White Oak Bark Iodine: Bladderwrack, Kelp Iron: Burdock, Chickweed, Ginseng, Hops, Mullein, Nettles, Peppermint, Rosemary, Sarsaparilla, Scullcap, Yellow Dock Magnesium: Alfalfa, Catnip, Ginger, Gotu Kola, Red Clover, Rosemary, Valerian, Wood Betony Potassium: Aloe, Cayenne, Fennel, Golden Seal, Parsley, Rosehips, Slippery Elm, Valerian Zinc: Burdock, Chamomile, Dandelion, Eyebright, Marshmallow, Sarsaparilla   TRACE MINERALS Alfalfa, Burdock, Dandelion, Kelp, Yellow Dock, Parsley, Red Clover, Rosehips, Sage, Sarsaparilla, Valerian

How Do You Prepare Herbs? Capsule: This is the most popular way most people take their herbs. Some of the reasons: it's easy, convenient, avoids bitter taste, saves on preparation, and provides an exact regulated dosage to the body. Decoction: To extract the deeper essences from harder or coarser herbs such as stems, barks, and roots. The herbs are usually simmered uncovered for 10 to 20 minutes until 1/3 of the water has decreased through evaporation, usually one part plant to twenty parts water. Note: for coarser herbs such as Valerian and Burdock, these must be gently simmered in a covered pot to bring out their medicinal properties. Strain before using. Extracts: Extracts are a highly concentrated alcohol base in liquid form derived from pure herbs. Many people use herbal extracts who are unable to swallow the usual dose. Exact dosages are recommended on individual bottles. This is one of the more convenient ways to take herbs. Fomentation: A fomentation is an external application of herbs, generally used to treat swellings, pains, cold and flu. To prepare a fomentation, soak a towel or cloth in the desired tea, and apply the towel over the affected area as hot as can be tolerated without burning. Cover the towel with a dry flannel cloth. Repeat as needed. Infusion: The most common way of preparing herbs. The extraction of the active properties of a substance by steeping or soaking it, usually in water. The usual amount is a teaspoon of leaves, blossoms, or flowers to a cup of boiling water. The water is poured over the herbs, then steeped for 3 to 5 minutes. Strain before using. Honey may be added to taste. Plaster: A plaster is much like a poultice, but the herbal materials are placed between two pieces of cloth and applied to the affected area. When there is an irritant to the skin, this method will serve to prevent the herb from coming in direct contact with the skin. Poultice: A poultice is usually used as an antiseptic and to reduce swelling by applying a warm mass of powdered herbs directly to the skin. To prepare, add enough hot water to make a thick paste, then apply directly to the skin. Cover with a hot moist towel and leave on until it cools. Repeat as often as needed. Salve: A healing or soothing ointment. Use 3 oz. powered herb, 7 oz. cocoa butter, l oz. beeswax, (depending on consistency desired, more beeswax may be needed). Blend all three ingredients together in a covered pot on low heat for 1 to 2 hours. When it is cold, it should be firm and ready to use.

© St. Charles, Out of the Cocoon 2002
© R.Evolution St.Peters.MO.USA.2002 www.evolvingnaturally.com