< previous page | page_29 | next page >
Page 29
| Uses: Mustard foot baths, an effective means of stimulating the circulation and digestive systems, are also a traditional remedy for colds and chills. By encouraging blood flow to the feet, they can be helpful in reducing overall body temperature by dissipating heat, and will also draw blood to the peripheries to combat chilblains. Use a tablespoon of mustard powder or seeds, preferably in a muslin bag, to 1 quart of hot water and soak the feet for ten to fifteen minutes. |
| Both black and white mustard seeds can be made into hot infused oils (often combined with cayenne) to make a warming rub for muscular stiffness, aches and pains. Use 1 tablespoon of mustard seeds to 3 cups of sunflower oil and heat in a double boiler for two hours. |
| Caution: Mustards can irritate the skin, and prolonged use of poultices can lead to blistering. |
| Oats (Avena Sativa) |
| Oats are one of the world's most important cereal crops; they have been used as a staple food in northern Europe for centuries. As a food, oats are sweet, nutritious and warmingideal to combat cold, damp climatesand form the basis of porridge, once the staple food of generations of Scottish highlanders. Oats are rich in iron, zinc, and manganese, thus a good source of many vital minerals. |
| Parts used: Seeds and grain extracts, whole plant. |
| Actions: Oatstraw: antidepressant, restorative nerve tonic, diaphoretic; seeds: antidepressant, restorative nerve tonic, nutritive; bran: antithrombotic, lowers cholesterol levels; fresh plant: antirheumatic in homeopathic tincture. |
| Uses: Because oats are an antidepressant, a restorative nerve tonic, and emotionally uplifting, a bowl of hot cereal made from good quality oatmeal is the ideal way to start the day. Extracts of the whole plant (the oatstraw) are generally used by herbalists, with the |
< previous page | page_29 | next page >

If you like this book, buy it!