plantain – Earth to Kathy

February 6, 2017

Explaining the Ingredients: Skin Moisturizing Herbal Lotion or Oil Recipe

As a massage therapist, in the Winter months, I see many clients come in with super dry skin, even to the point of being cracked and itchy. Time to whip up some thick and soothing Skin Moisturizing Herbal Lotion! First, I created a tincture of burdock root, yellow dock, plantain, and calendula. Then, […]

February 9, 2017

Alterative Herbs

Pictured: Alterative Herbs By: Kathy Sadowski, MS in Aromatherapy, RA, LMT, RYT Phytotherapy involves herbal medicine to treat illness. A synergistic approach is recognized with phytotherapy in which all components of the plant play a role in contributing to its healing, not just isolated constituents. Further, it is seen that most […]

April 3, 2018

Analgesic / Pain

Analgesic substances reduce pain in a variety of ways: as a local anesthetic or anti-nociceptive, and also via the nervous system. The menthol constituent in peppermint has shown topical anti-nociceptive activity, lavender aromatherapy has shown to calm nerves after surgery to help reduce pain, and comfrey has been used for […]

April 3, 2018

Antibacterial

There are many types of bacteria, and not all bacteria are bad. Some good bacteria in the body help aid in digestion and fight infection. Pathogenic bacteria can cause disease. Wikipedia does an excellent job of categorizing and listing the most common types of bacteria: Pathogenic Bacteria List. Antibacterial herbs […]

April 3, 2018

Antimicrobial

Herbs and essential oils are known for their antimicrobial potential, and have been studied for their abilities to inhibits or kill microbes including bacteria, fungi, viruses, and yeast. It is important to understand therapeutic margin for each botanical, the amount at which a substance is both safe and effective to […]

April 4, 2018

Anti-parasite

Also called anthelmintic, anti-parasitic herbs can help the body eliminate or destroy worms and parasites such as tapeworm. Significant essential oils studied include oregano and thyme, and herbs include wormwood and hyssop. Caution is necessary when using herbs as anti-parasitics, related to their low therapeutic margin. Recipes to Help with […]

April 4, 2018

Anti-pyretic / Fever

Anti-pyretic herbs may aid in reducing fever. Recipes to Help with Fever Blog Articles RESEARCH The listings of research below represents a compilation of scientific articles found on the topic, with a very brief overview description of each article/study. This compilation of research articles does not necessarily imply that there […]

April 4, 2018

Antiseptic

Antiseptic ointments are topical disinfectants applied to cleanse microbes from tissue and surface areas to prevent the spread of infections. Antiseptic Recipes Blog Articles RESEARCH The listings of research below represents a compilation of scientific articles found on the topic, with a very brief overview description of each […]

April 4, 2018

Antiviral

Antiviral herbs and essential oils may help reduce viral infections. Echinacea has proven noteworthy in helping with prevention of common cold viruses. For most botanicals, more research is needed to determine safe and effective amounts. Antiviral – Recipes Blog Articles Can essential oils offer antiviral activities against the flu? Read […]

April 5, 2018

Alteratives

Alteratives are blood cleansing, and help the body to improve metabolic processes and thus work more efficiently absorbing nutrients, and removing wastes. Examples of herbs include garlic, burdock, echinacea, dandelion, turmeric, holy basil, and yellow dock, plantain, and red clover. Alterative herbs are best to be taken in small doses over […]

April 6, 2018

Common Cold / Cough & Congestion / Respiratory

The common cold is associated with a nasal congestion, cough, and a sore throat. There may also be a mild fever. It can be caused by one of more than 200 different viruses. It runs its coarse in about one to two weeks. Various herbs can help reduce cough and […]

April 7, 2018

Digestive Aid / Nausea / Constipation

Digestive aids can be gastro-protective, anti-inflammatory, and/or improve elimination. Key herbs include peppermint, ginger, and fennel, slippery elm, aloe, and licorice. For indigestion, sniff peppermint oil, chew fennel seeds, or drink ginger tea. For constipation, eat more fiber, stay hydrated, and exercise. For diarrhea, keep hydrated and try probiotics. For […]