The Complete Herbal Guide: A Natural Approach to Healing the Body - Heal Your Body Naturally and Maintain Optimal Health Using Alternative Medicine, Herbals, Vitamins, Fruits and Vegetables (60 page)

Precautions:

Overuse (many times the recommended dosage) may cause nausea and vomiting.

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Its
anti-inflammatory and antiseptic
qualities have been used for centuries to
ease skin infections, ulcerations, bowel problems, hemorrhoids and varicose veins
.  The herb is also said to
reduce fever and treat indigestion,
as well as
help gallbladder and liver problems
. Marigold is widely used in cosmetics for its toning and soothing effects.

Plant Description:

Marigold, also called Calendula, is an annual or biennial aromatic that is native to the Mediterranean countries, where it was used in early Arabic cultures and in ancient Greece and Rome as a medicinal herb, as well as a colorant for fabrics and an ingredient in food and cosmetics.

The ornamental plants bear orange or yellow flowers with dense petals and are widely grown in gardens in North America and Europe for their beauty, and the flowers are also extensively cultivated for use in herbal medicine throughout Latin America and Eastern Europe.

History:
The name Marigold refers to the Virgin Mary, since Marigolds were traditionally used in Catholic celebrations concerning the mother of Jesus; and the plant received its botanical name,
Calendula
, from the Romans, who noted the fact that the plants bloomed on the first days or "calends" of every month. The Calendula/Marigold was used medicinally in ancient Rome to treat scorpion bites and heal wounds, among many other applications. Some of the constituents in Marigold are essential oil, acids, carotenoid, phytosterols, calcium, vitamins C and E, saponins, flavonoids (which account for much of its anti-inflammatory activity), polysaccharides, resin and mucilage.

Medical Uses:

Marigold has a long history as a superior antibacterial when used internally and externally and has been used to heal many skin irritations, wounds, and injuries, including eczema, herpes, gingivitis, varicose veins and athlete's foot. It is thought to be similar to Witch Hazel, due to its natural iodine content, and may be used as a local application to heal all types of skin problems. Some consider Marigold to be the best tissue healer for wounds, and old herbal doctors believed that constant applications of Marigold would help or even prevent gangrene or tetanus.

As a diaphoretic and febrifuge, Marigold is often used to induce perspiration and break a fever.

Marigold/Calendula is a powerful anti-inflammatory and painkilling agent that is thought to reduce inflammation of the bowel. It reduces the general tension that can promote bowel problems, relaxing the nervous constriction of the digestive muscles which will help bowel function. The herb is thought to prevent the overgrowth of yeast in the bowel and also have beneficial effects on colitis, diverticulitis and inflammatory pelvic disease.

As an antispasmodic and effective painkiller, Marigold is an old-time remedy for menstrual cramps and for quelling the pain of an angry ulcer.

Marigold is often used to soothe the digestive tract. German studies have demonstrated that Marigold prevents the hormonal reactions that produce swelling and inflammation in the stomach lining, specifically by acting on the inflammatory prostaglandin (PGE) and also has a strong bactericidal effect that may counteract infection with
Helicobacter pylori
, a bacterium associated with both gastritis and peptic ulcers.

As a cholagogue, Calendula/Marigold increases the flow of bile into the intestines and is thus thought to help the gallbladder and the liver, making it useful in the treatment of hepatitis. This action further helps to promote good digestion.

When taken internally, Marigold soothes and heals the tender mucous membranes and tissues within the body, improving the colon, stomach, liver, and gums after operations.  When used externally, the herb provides the same soothing effects on mucous membranes that will support the skin and connective tissues.

It is thought that Marigold will support good heart health, as some recent studies indicate that the herb may reduce blood pressure.

Europeans use Marigold in numerous medicinal compounds and cosmetics.  It is said to enhance the production of collagen in the skin and fill in facial wrinkles, tone tender skin, treat sunburn and insect bites, and protect babies' sensitive skin (particularly when used for diaper rash).

Dosages:
Take two (2) to three (3) capsules, two (2) times each day with water at mealtimes.

Precautions:

Pregnant women should not take Marigold internally, as it may stimulate the uterus.  When taken internally, Marigold/Calendula may increase the sedative effects of medications taken for anxiety and insomnia, and caution should be exercised if using the medications and the herb at the same time, particularly when driving or operating machinery.  When using topically, some people may show an allergic reaction, and it is wise to test a patch of skin before widespread use.

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Marjoram Leaf
is an aromatic tonic (and important condiment) that is a pleasant means to
good digestion
. It
eases colic, sour stomach, stomach pains and menstrual cramps
and is also an effective expectorant that
loosens phlegm
in the lungs and
alleviates sinus headache, bronchitis, dry coughs and the symptoms of colds and flu
. Marjoram is also a natural disinfectant, anti-inflammatory, antifungal and antioxidant that effectively
relieve pains and aches
.

Plant Description:

Sweet Marjoram is a half-hardy annual that is native to southern Europe (probably Portugal) and can be found in North Africa, the Balkans and the Middle East, and has also been introduced throughout Europe and into North America. Sweet Marjoram Leaf has a more delicate flavor than its close cousin,
Origanum vulgare
(oregano or wild marjoram), and possesses very similar medicinal properties, often being used in a similar manner.

Sweet Marjoram is even sometimes confused with it. Marjoram Leaf is a bushy plant with small, dark green leaves and flowers that resemble little knots, hence, one of its common names, Knotted Marjoram, and the plant generally reaches about one foot in height, thriving in well-drained-to-dry, and neutral-to-alkaline soil in full sun.

History:

The Greeks gave us its botanical name,
Origanum
, which is derived from oros and ganos, meaning "joy of the mountain," and those traveling through Greece will find it (and wild Marjoram) covering the hillsides and scenting the summer air. Legend tells us that sweet Marjoram was created by Aphrodite as a symbol of happiness, and bridal couples in Greece and Rome were crowned with its garlands to ensure a happy marriage.

This highly fragrant herb was also placed on tombs to give peace to departed spirits. In ancient Greece Marjoram was used in oils to massage into the skin to relieve pain, and Aristotle recommended it as an antidote for poisoning, claiming that tortoises swallowing a snake would immediately eat wild Marjoram as an antidote to prevent death. The ancient Egyptians also knew of its power to heal, using it to disinfect, preserve and heal wounds, and it is used in that country for the same purposes to this day. In medieval times, herbalists prescribed Marjoram oil for toothache, and sixteenth and seventeenth-century herbalists recommended it as an internal aid to digestion and as a diuretic.

Throughout history, Marjoram Leaf has been used in preserving food and in remedies for colds and sore throats, and dried Marjoram Leaf was popular as snuff. Sweet or Knotted Marjoram is considered by many cooks to be far better than wild Marjoram (oregano), and the leaves are highly popular in Italian and Greek cuisine and also used to flavor oil and vinegar.

It is often infused in healthful teas, and its fragrance is placed on pillows to promote sleep, in moth bags to deter moths, in potpourris for it fragrance, on hair and skin for its sweet scent and added to bathwater to relieve tension and rheumatic pains. Marjoram Leaf is rich in flavonoids and volatile oils, notably carvacrol and the powerful antiseptic, thymol, gallic acid, caffeic acid, saponins and tannin.

Medical Uses:

Marjoram Leaf is an expectorant that has long been used to loosen and expel phlegm from the lungs. Because of its saponin content, it is a fine decongestant that is very useful for bronchial complaints, especially relieving congestion and mucus in the chest and sinuses. Marjoram Leaf helps to ease asthma, bronchitis, dry coughs, and sinusitis and sinus headaches.

As a mild tonic for the nervous system, Marjoram Leaf is thought to be more relaxing than oregano, and it is used to soothe the nerves, reduce tension and mitigate stress, especially environmental stress. The flavonoids possess sedative qualities that help to relieve insomnia, tension headaches and migraines.

Marjoram Leaf promotes healthy digestion and treats simple gastrointestinal disorders, such as loss of appetite, indigestion, nausea and flatulence. It is said to act like peppermint in the way it soothes minor digestive upsets and colic.

The flavonoids and saponins in Marjoram Leaf are thought to promote healthy arteries and heart. Laboratory experiments claim that it prevents cholesterol buildup, improves blood circulation and may reduce high blood pressure. These properties may also be helpful in combating Alzheimer's disease.

Marjoram Leaf contains caffeic acid, a phenylpropanoid, which is an analgesic and anti-inflammatory, and when used internally or externally, the leaf eases pain, confirming its age-old use for alleviating aches and pains. Used externally, it eases toothache pain, rheumatic pain, muscular pain, bruises, arthritis, sprains and stiff joints.

Used internally, Marjoram Leaf eases severe stomach cramps, spasms and painful menstruation (and will also stimulate suppressed menstruation).

As a mild diuretic, Marjoram Leaf will promote the flow of urine, helping to relieve stomach bloating and clearing the body of toxins and cleansing the blood. This action is also said to benefit eruptive diseases and skin disorders, particularly eczema.

Marjoram Leaf is also a diaphoretic and stimulates perspiration, which also helps to rid the body of toxins through the skin. Moreover, this quality assists in reducing fevers and helps to relieve cold and flu symptoms.

Marjoram Leaf is considered a natural disinfectant, antiseptic, antifungal and antibacterial that possesses healing qualities and combats infection. The saponins are said to help heal wounds and prevent scarring.

The flavonoids in Marjoram Leaf are believed to have an antioxidant effect against the free radicals that can damage important cellular molecules or other parts of the cell.

Marjoram Leaf can be infused as an aromatic tea for colds, headaches, simple gastrointestinal disorders and tension.

Dosages:
Take two (2) capsules, two (2) to three (3) times each day with water at mealtimes.

Precautions:
Pregnant and nursing women should not use Marjoram Leaf. Those who are allergic to members of the mint family (thyme, basil, sage, oregano, etc.) should avoid this herb.

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Troubled by
asthma, bronchitis or other respiratory problems
?
Marshmallow Root
aids the body in expelling excess fluid and will
soothe the mucous membranes and a dry, hacking cough. 
The herb is
good for easing bladder infection, digestive upsets, fluid retention, intestinal disorders, kidney problems, sinusitis and sore throat
, and it is a natural source of beta-carotene, amino acids, minerals and vitamins.

History:

Marshmallow Root is a rich source of healing mucilage, and its botanical name,
Althaea,
is derived from the Greek,
althe,
which means "to cure." The use of Marshmallow originated in traditional Greek medicine and later spread to Arabian and Indian Ayurvedic medicine.

Long used as a healing and soothing herb, Marshmallow was eaten by the Egyptians and Syrians and also mentioned by Pythagoras, Plato and Virgil.

The plant was enjoyed as a highly nutritious food by the Romans in barley soup and in a stuffing for suckling pig, while classical herbalists praised its gentle laxative properties.

It was used in Persia to reduce inflammation in teething babies, and the Holy Roman Emperor, Charlemagne (A.D. 800-814) insisted that it be planted throughout his kingdom. In the nineteenth century, some doctors made a meringue from the plant's root juices, egg whites and sugar that hardened into a medicinal candy that was used to soothe children's sore throats.

Marshmallow Root is a hardy perennial that is native to Europe and is also found in the western part of the United States, thriving along riverbanks and in waste places and roadsides in wet, marshy areas. The plant bears hibiscus-like blossoms of light red to white or purple in color and may grow to a height of four to six feet. All parts of the plant are used in various ways, medicinal, decorative, culinary, and cosmetic purposes, but the root is mainly used for medicinal purposes. Marshmallow Root is rich in mucilage, paraffin, pectin, lecithin, quercetin, salicylic acid, tannins, amino acids, beta-carotene, calcium, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, selenium, zinc, and vitamins B-1, B-2, B-3 and C.