October 2000

Contents

Turn Over an Olive Leaf for Good Health

Clove Oil for Toothache

Herbs for Healthy Eyes

Treating Ear Infections in Children

Britain to Study the Effects of Sage Extract on Alzheimer's Disease

Herbal Profile: Mullein

Recipes: Mullein Cough Drops

Book Recommendations

Chat Schedule

Member's Corner

Marketplace

Herbal Conferences

Researchers believe that many types of diseases, such as breast cancer, Alzheimer's and heart disease, to name a few, actually stem from certain types of infections and that they can be checked by olive leaf extract. Studies have shown that this extract disables bacteria, such as Streptococcus, and that immune disorders like Epstein Bar, fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome are improved due to agents in the leaf that slow down the progression of the harmful bacteria, allowing the person immune system to regain balance and increase white cell count proliferation.

Olive leaf contains oleuropein, a bitter substance found throughout the tree that has antiviral, antifungal, antibacterial, antiparasitic properties.  Oleuropein has been shown to increase blood flow to the heart and to reduce blood pressure.  This substance has also demonstrated the ability to inhibit the oxidation of LDL (low-density lipoproteins). Olive leaves are also an abundance source of bioflavonoids, including rutin, luteolin, and hesperidin.  Olive leaf extract containing 6% oleuropein can be ordered by clicking here: Olive Leaf Extract.

When a toothache flares in the middle of the night, or at a time when it's impossible to get to the dentist, simple oil of clove can be a Godsend.

Cloves contain a high eugenol content, an aromatic substance also common to myrrh, nutmeg and cinnamon.  The highest quality clove oil is derived from Eugenia caryophyllus which boasts a concentration of 75% - 80% eugenol.  Additionally, there are three grades of oil produced from this plant: clove bud, clove leaf and clove stem oils.  Oil produced from the clove bud is the most aromatic and has the best warming effect on nerves.

Clove oil works well to soothe distraught nerves in the teeth until you can see your dentist.  Many dentists use the oil as a temporary filling to calm and shrink the nerve away from the surface.  Clove oil is a much better alternative to aspirin since the latter can burn and irritate gums.

Self-treatment with clove oil as a dental anesthetic is meant as a temporary measure; it is not a treatment for decaying teeth or exposed nerves.  In addition, it should not be used on infants or young children or pregnant women unless directed by a physician or dentist.

Clove oil can be obtained from your pharmacy.

Herbs for Healthy Eyes

Many of us spend a good deal of time in front of computer screens and, as a result, often suffer from eye strain.  While you may not able to escape this fact of modern living, there are some things you can do to keep your peepers in good shape.

Diet plays an important role in vision health.  Vitamins A, B, C and E, along with selenium and zincitamins A, B, C and E, along with selenium and zinc, are necessary for eye health and can be provided by consuming plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables.  Of particular importance is carrots, yams, cantaloupe, squash, green leafy vegetables, raw sunflower seeds, cabbage and broccoli.

Eyebright and bilberry are two herbs that help to promote tissue regeneration, the latter demonstrating an ability to improve night vision as well.  Eyebright can be used as an eye wash to soothe tired, irritated eyes.

___________________________________

Herbal Profile...

Common Names: Great Mullein, Candlewick Plant, Mullein Dock, Shepherd's Staff, Our Lady's Flannel, Blanket Herb, Beggar's Blanket

History: Various combinations of names have been used to arrive at mullein's generic and common name, most of which either describe its fuzzy texture or its resemblance to a candle. The Romans called the herb verbascum from the Latin barba, to mean "beard." Some historians believe that the common name is derived from the Latin mollis to mean "soft." Still others contend that its name comes from the Latin word for "malady" or malandrium suggesting its medicinal virtue.

The similarity the flower stalk bears to a candle was apparently taken as a sign of its practical purpose since the stalk was once dipped in tallow and set aflame as a torch. Hence the Anglo-Saxon name of haege to mean "hedge taper." Such torches, known as "Latines Cadela Regia," were once used during rituals and carried in funeral processions.

The flowers were also valued for the yellow dye they yield, an aspect fashionable Roman ladies appreciated. When mullein flower stalks were burned as torches, the ashes were collected and used to produce a shampoo. The fuzzy leaves were often worn in stockings and shoes to provide an extra layer of warmth during cold weather.

Medicinally, mullein was infused in olive oil to formulate a remedy for bruises, insect bites, hemorrhoids and earache. A poultice was sometimes made from the leaves or flowers as a treatment for burns and boils. But, mullein's best contribution as a medicinal herb is as a cough suppressant.

Mullein flowers and leaves contain a significant amount of mucilage and saponins which lend a mild demulcent quality. In fact, the leaves were once smoked as a remedy for asthma, bronchitis and other inflammatory disorders. I wouldn't recommend doing so, however, since the fine hairs of the leaves are responsible for an allergic reaction in some people. Mullein does make an excellent tea or is a nice addition to cough syrups to ease a scratchy throat. For that purpose, it is also effective in combinations with horehound and slippery elm.

Visit the Wellness Center for your nutritional and personal care needs...

~ Member's Corner ~

Beagle Ridge Herb Farm
herbgal@msn.com
PO 419, Wytheville, VA 24382 
 Subscribe to the Newsletter!

Visit your online source for Wiccan/Pagan Supplies!
Wings of Isis has a lovely, full line of products at very reasonable prices, including candles, incense, jewelry, runes, altar supplies, spell kits and much more.

The SoapMeister - Old-World Handmade Soaps with a Gourmet Touch!

Pete’s Herbs is a small, family-run farm located on Johns Island, South Carolina. Check out their site for great recipes & tips! 

MissHelaineous Herbs and Teas - A variety of herbal teas, vinegars, sleep pillows and dried herbs!