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 (65 page)

The papain in Papaya is currently undergoing studies to investigate its efficacy in treating the herpes simplex virus and herpes zoster (shingles).

Another papayan enzyme, chymopapain, has been used in the treatment of slipped spinal disc and pinched nerves.

Since many stomach problems are the direct result of indigestion, use of Papaya appears to help prevent many ailments.
  It stimulates digestive acids and the production of bile, which may also lead to a healthier liver and pancreas.

Papaya is said to stimulate the bowels in times of constipation and is also believed to be useful in treating inflammatory bowel disorders.

In many areas of the world, Papaya is used as a vermifuge, anthelmintic and amoebacide that eliminate worms and other parasites, and it is thought that the papain content digests the invaders, and Papaya's latex also works as a dewormer by its purgative actions, increasing the movement of intestinal contents.

Precautions:

People who take
blood-thinning medication (Coumadin, aspirin, etc.) should consult with their physicians before taking this herb, as it may have anticoagulant properties. Pregnant women should avoid Papaya, as it can be a uterine stimulant, (papain apparently dissolves a protein(s) responsible for adhering the newly fertilized egg to the wall of the uterus).  Papaya in all its forms should never be taken by people with a latex allergy (causing anaphylactic shock).Inhaling papaya powder (high in the enzymes, papain and chymopapain, can induce allergies.

Dosages:

Take two (2) capsules, one (1) to two (2) times each day with water at mealtimes.

* * * * *

Did you know…?
Parsley Leafs get rid of bad breath!

You will get a high dose of vitamins C and A, potassium (important for lowering blood pressure), calcium (good for osteoporosis) and folic acid (which may help prevent cardiovascular disease). Parsley also acts as a mild laxative and diuretic.

Plant Description:

Parsley Leafs
is a biennial or perennial herb that originated in the eastern Mediterranean region as a wild plant, but is now found in cultivation everywhere. The leaves are dark green and shiny and packed with nutrition.

History:

For more than two thousand years, it has been highly regarded as a medicinal herb to treat gastrointestinal disorders, and ancient Greeks also valued Parsley for its soothing and diuretic effect on those with kidney and bladder ailments. Galen even recommended Parsley for "the falling sickness" (epilepsy). The Greeks also adorned victors at the Isthmian games with wreaths of Parsley Leaves. Parsley Leaves also adorned the tombs of both Greeks and Romans. What is now an indispensable and nutritious addition to our dinner table was never brought to the table of old, being held sacred to the dead, and it continued to be associated with death through the ages.

Medical Uses:

Nonetheless, it continued to be used in herbal medicine as an important digestive and circulatory aid. Saint Hildegard of Bingen, a Medieval German herbalist, prescribed Parsley wine to improve blood circulation and help heart conditions; and when Charlemagne had it planted in his garden in the Middle Ages, its cultivation was ensured, although its association with the underworld and the Devil continued for some time. Parsley supplies important minerals, beta-carotene, essential oils, quercetin, rutin, flavonoids, chlorophyll and healthy doses of B-vitamins and vitamins A, C, E and K.
  Parsley leaves, roots and seeds cover a wide variety of ailments.

Treatments:

Parsley Leaves have been used to regulate blood sugar and are thought to be effective in cases of low blood sugar, if there is adrenal malfunction.

Parsley Leaf stimulates and strengthens the activity of the digestive system, easing flatulence and indigestion. Its chlorophyll content is essential to healthy digestion, and it increases circulation to the digestive tract. The English herbalist, Culpepper, wrote that Parsley was "comfortable to the stomach and good for wind." The herb is said to stimulate both the appetite and metabolism.

Medical Uses:

Parsley is a natural diuretic. The herbalist, Culpepper, also commented that Parsley "removed obstructions from the liver and spleen," and it is said today that Parsley helps to expel gallstones and kidney stones. Parsley is said to improve urination when it is painful or incomplete and accelerates the excretion of toxins. It is also said to help prevent the body's re-absorption of salt and to rid the body of excess mercury. As a diuretic, Parsley relieves the bloating that some women experience before their periods.

Used as a garnish with meals,
Parsley Leaf is highly nutritious
. The leaves contain more vitamin C than oranges by weight and also provide a good source of iron (important for the proper formation of red blood cells), potassium (good for lowering blood pressure), calcium and manganese (helpful for osteoporosis) and folic acid (which may help prevent cardiovascular disease).

Parsley Leaf is a superior breath freshener because of its high chlorophyll content.

When applied externally, the ancients believed that Parsley Leaf was an effective treatment for skin problems, insect bites and stings, and would also dispel skin tumors suspected to be cancerous. In addition, Parsley Leaves were used to relieve inflamed and swollen eyes.

Parsley Leaf is believed to stimulate menstruation.

The high mineral salt content in Parsley is thought to help restore the body's overall health by neutralizing acidic conditions.

Parsley Leaf is reported to be a mild aphrodisiac.

Precautions:

Parsley is not recommended for pregnant women in large amounts, as it may cause uterine contractions, but used after delivery, it is said to tone the uterus. Parsley should also be avoided by those who suffer from kidney infection.

Dosages:

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

For Botanical Extract:
Take two (2) capsules, two (2) times each day with water at mealtimes.

* * * * *

Parsley Root
is an old-time remedy for digestive disorders, kidney and liver problems, menstrual irregularities, and cleansing the blood and body of toxins. Do not forget to take Parsley for a healthy dose of vitamins, minerals and nutrients.  Its chlorophyll content makes it a wonderful breath freshener.

Plant Description:

Parsley Root
is a biennial or perennial herb that originated as a wild plant in the eastern Mediterranean region but is found in cultivation everywhere. Among the many constituents included in Parsley are important minerals, beta-carotene, essential oils (including eugenol and apiole), flavonoids, coumarins, chlorophyll, B-vitamins and vitamins A, C, E and K.  Parsley actually ranks higher than most vegetables in histidine, an amino acid that is said to inhibit tumors.  The leaves, roots and seeds cover a wide spectrum of ailments similarly, but Parsley Roots and seeds are more potent than the leaves and are more effective for more severe conditions.

Medical Uses:

For more than two thousand years, it has been highly regarded as a medicinal herb to treat gastrointestinal disorders and kidney, liver and bladder ailments.

History:

Used as a tomb decoration in ancient Greece and Rome, Parsley was thought to possess magical powers and was associated with the underworld and death.  In one legendary Greek myth, King Lycurgus's son, Opheltes, was left for a short time by his nurse who pointed out the location of a spring to thirsty soldiers. When she returned, the child had been killed by a snake, and Amphiarus, the seer and soldier who viewed the incident, said it was a bad omen and correctly predicted his own death in the upcoming battle. He gave Opheltes the surname Archemorus, meaning "the first to die," and the child became the symbol of impending death. From his blood the first Parsley plants were said to have sprung. 

On the other hand, garlands of Parsley were used as prizes in both Greek and Roman public games.
  Although the plant remained an important part of the herbalists' repertoire, it remained associated with magic and the underworld through the Middle Ages as one of the Devil's favorites and could only be counteracted by sowing the seeds on Good Friday.  Another medieval belief advocated the sprinkling of Parsley Seeds on a bald head three nights a year to grow hair, but it was also used during that time as a poison antidote.

Medical Uses:

Parsley Roots and leaves have been used to regulate blood sugar and are thought to be effective in cases of low blood sugar, if there is adrenal malfunction.

Preparations made from Parsley Roots have their major influence on the liver and spleen, and for the last 100 years, clinical physicians have claimed that Parsley Root has been effective in treating liver diseases, helping to dissolve and pass gallstones and kidney stones, if they are not too large.

Parsley has been used since ancient times to improve both the digestion and assimilation of food and is said to settle the stomach after a meal. The volatile oil in Parsley increases circulation to the digestive tract, easing stomach problems, indigestion and flatulence.

Rich in many nutrients, Parsley contains apigenin, a flavonoid that reduces allergic responses and is also considered an effective antioxidant.

Treatments:

Parsley Root is a natural and effective diuretic that helps to purify the blood and accelerate the excretion of toxins from the body. Parsley may also ease bloating, reduce excess water weight, and improve urination when it is painful or incomplete. Because of its diuretic properties, Parsley is believed to lower blood pressure, reduce the heart rate and relieve hypertension. Parsley is also considered a mild laxative.

Parsley is highly nutritious
and contains more vitamin C than oranges by weight and also provides a good source of iron (important for the proper formation of red blood cells), potassium (good for lowering blood pressure), calcium and manganese (helpful for osteoporosis) and folic acid (which may help prevent cardiovascular disease).

Parsley Roots work to normalize delayed menstruation.

Although pregnant women should not use Parsley, because it stimulates uterine contractions, in normal circumstances the herb is said to have a toning effect on the uterus and is also thought to similarly affect the prostate in men.

Parsley Root is thought to make an excellent and nutritious tonic. The root may be cooked and added to soups to improve the health of invalids or weakened people.

Precautions:

Pregnant women should avoid Parsley, because the herb stimulates uterine contractions. Those suffering from kidney infection should also avoid Parsley.

Dosages:

Take two (2) capsules, two (2) times each day with water at mealtimes.

* * * * *

PARSLEY SEED

Overview:

Nutritious
Parsley Seed
is a natural way to good health. This herb helps to relieve indigestion, fluid retention, halitosis, gas and also helps to promote kidney, liver and bladder health. A high dose of vitamins and minerals adds to its all-round benefits.

Plant Description:

Parsley Seed
is a biennial or perennial herb that originated as a wild plant in the eastern Mediterranean region but is now found in cultivation everywhere.

History:

For more than two thousand years, it has been highly regarded as a medicinal herb to treat gastrointestinal disorders and kidney, liver and bladder ailments. Used as a tomb decoration in ancient Greece and Rome, Parsley was thought to possess magical powers and was also associated with the underworld and death.  In one legendary Greek myth, King Lycurgus's son, Opheltes, was left for a short time by his nurse who pointed out the location of a spring to thirsty soldiers. When she returned, the child had been killed by a snake, and Amphiarus, the seer and soldier who viewed the incident, said it was a bad omen and correctly predicted his own death in the upcoming battle. He gave Opheltes the surname Archemorus, meaning "the first to die," and the child became the symbol of impending death. From his blood the first Parsley plants were said to have sprung.  On the other hand, garlands of Parsley were used as prizes in both Greek and Roman public games.  Although the plant remained an important part of the herbalists' repertoire, it remained associated with magic and the underworld through the Middle Ages as one of the Devil's favorites and could only be counteracted by sowing the seeds on Good Friday.  Another medieval belief advocated the sprinkling of Parsley Seeds on a bald head three nights a year to grow hair, but it was also used during that time as a poison antidote. Among the many constituents included in Parsley are important minerals, beta-carotene, essential oils (including eugenol and apiole), flavonoids, coumarins, chlorophyll, B-vitamins and vitamins A, C, E and K.  Parsley actually ranks higher than most vegetables in histidine, an amino acid that is said to inhibit tumors.