Following on from last month’s article on more unusual herbs that cure, here is part 2. We have these plants, mentioned in the two articles, currently in stock apart from perilla, which will be available again in springtime.
Aloe arborescens, Red Hot Poker Aloe.
There are around 350 species of aloes, mostly from Africa; many have medicinal properties with a long history of traditional use.
They are succulents so will thrive on little water, plenty of sunshine and general neglect! They may be damaged when temperatures fall below freezing, especially with snow/ice. The main plant can reach around 2m tall producing striking red poker flowers during the winter. Young plants around the main stem can be detached and planted to increase stocks.
Medically: aloe arborescensis considered to be one of the best in the fight against and prevention of cancer. Try this simple protocol.
The Treatment of Cancer:
350 g. aloe arborescens – use the whole leaf.
500 g. organic honey
50 ml.spirit such as brandy, vodka, grappa etc. (to preserve)
Cut leaves from large plants and always use those lower down the plant – the potency is in the more mature leaves. Wipe with a dry cloth and cut the spines off the leaf edges. Add the honey and spirit and blend together. Store in a dark-coloured glass bottle in the refrigerator and shake well before using.
If you are suffering with cancer, take 1 tablespoon 3 times a day 30 mins. before meals. Repeat for 10 days; have a 10 day break and start the process over again. The dosage can be doubled after the first take. It is important to carry on taking the protocol until the cancer is in complete remission.
Preventative: Take a 10 day course once a year.
Contraindications: This treatment will detox your body, so a wide range of detox symptoms may be experienced but these will ease within a very few days.
Aloe arborescens is not a miracle performer on its own. To cure cancer you need to change habits of a lifetime. Exclude toxins from your diet, your home, your lifestyle. It’s us that can create the miracle.
Lyciumbarbatum, also known as Goji Berry, Wolfberry.
Native to Tibet and Mongolia, though known in Europe for centuries, the gojihas only recently been acclaimed as one of the new ‘superfoods’.
The plants are remarkably heat/cold/wind/salt tolerant, requiring nothing more than a fairly sunny position and reasonable ground. They can reach 2m high and wide but can be pruned. Space plants 2m apart. Trim off lower growth to keep a clean trunk up to 30cm high; at 60cm high, start pinching the growing tips to achieve bushiness. Plants begin to bear fruits in their 2nd or 3rd year. Crop by shaking the bush and collect the fruits on nets. Handling them can bruise and blacken the delicate fruits. Sun-dry to form little red raisins.
Always prune after harvesting as berries form on new growth.
Medically: Gojiberries, weight for weight, contain 500 times more vitamin C than oranges. Chinese medicine claims the berry restores the chi, counteracting chronic fatigue. They are extremely high in anti-oxidants promoting longevity, improving circulation, eyesight, sexual function and fertility. They boost our immune systems, inhibit growth of cancerous tumours, and help neutralize the effects of chemotherapy and radiotherapy. They also balance blood pressure and blood sugar levels, lower cholesterol and maintain normal cell growth. They improve general health and restore zest for life.
Internally: Eat the dried berries alone or make up a fruit/berry snack. Also good added to cereals, muesli etc. The taste is somewhat sweet/sour. Work up to around ¼ cup daily, but do start gradually – their strength can be a little alarming at first. An infusion can also be made.
Contraindications: An old Tibetan saying claims that the only side effect of eating gojisis that you will laugh more! If on conventional blood pressure medication, check with your doctor because levels may need to be adjusted (lessened) as the level of goji berries is increased. Take care where you sourceyour berries; many Chinese berries are now heavily contaminated with chemicals, heavy metals etc. Wash the fruits in water and vinegar, then rinse and dry. Or better still – grow your own, organically!
Perillafrutescens,also known as Beefsteak Plant, Wild Coleus, Purple Mint orShiso.
Perilla, a member of the mint family, is native to mountainous areas of Asia and abundantly grown and used in Korea, India, Thailand, China and Japan. It likes an open aspect and moderately good soil with some moisture. With deep purple stems and purple-red tinted leaves, it is an attractive and extremely aromatic addition to the herb garden with nuances of basil, mint and fennel and much loved by bees and butterflies. It will attain 1m in height. Summer flowering with numerous small pink to lavender blossoms, harvesting of the soft leaf tips can take placeany-time or cut and dry the stems when flowering for drying.
Medically: One of the most popular Chinese herbs, documented use of it goes back to 1110 AD. It is a nutritionally rich herb with very high levels of calcium, phosphorus, iron and vitamins A, C and K Traditionally it is believed to be anti-carcinogenic and helps clear excess sodium nitrates from the body. It is often used to ease morning sickness during pregnancy and nausea in general. But its main use is as an anti-allergic and anti-inflammatory. Hayfever and asthma sufferers find that perillatea greatly relieves their symptoms. Recent research suggests its use to counter allergies caused by seafood, peanuts and bee stings
.
Fresh: Use as a basil substitute. Add to salads, soups or chop into stir fries. The flavour combines well with chilli, soy sauce, tomato dishes, grilled meats and soft cheeses.
Dried: An infusion of the plant is very beneficial for the treatment of allergies, asthma, coughs, colds and any nausea-related problems, food poisoning etc. Add 1 teaspoon of dried herb to a cup of water and infuse for 10 mins. An adult can drink up to 3 cups daily. The steam is also very beneficial for sinus problems. The seeds can also be pressed to produce an omega 3 rich oil.
Contraindications: The herb can have a slightly sedative effect so take care if driving or using machinery.
Disclaimer: Please check with your doctor before embarking on any course of treatment.
Lorraine Cavanagh owns the specialist garden centre ViverosFlorena, Competa, Malaga (garden centre, designers & landscapers) and is author of the best-selling Mediterranean Garden Plants and Citrus, The Zest of Life.
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