Guide listing all the Medicinal Plants indicated by Blessed Virgin Mary and our Lord Jesus Christ to catholic prophet Luz de María, to face upcoming epidemics that medical science will not be able to stop.
A Medicinal Plants guide has been published on the official site of Luz de María, you can check the link here (PDF).
Note: This guide does not replace the Recommendations on Foods & Health, which also has indications for our health. However, here we explore only what pertains to medicinal plants, to have a quick, easy and orderly access to these indications.
Coronavirus COVID-19: According to the revelations, this is one of the new viruses referred to by the messages to Luz de Maria, and as such it should be treated with the plants indicated in the section «Illnesses that affect the airways».
Humanity at the moment is being stalked by the disease. So in this time, you must protect and aid each other with true love and mercy, taking care of the brother as much as possible as you take care of yourselves and stay in your homes when your countries are being threatened by some epidemic.Our Lord Jesus Christ to Luz de María - May 2009
LAST UPDATED: March 21, 2020
Mar. 21, 2020: Artemisia Annua moved to Illnesses that affect the airways
Feb. 02, 2020: Added link to new article about Oil of the Good Samaritan
Apr. 26, 2019: Added Apr. 4th revelation and item for Calendula
Consult a medical professional before taking natural supplements.
Every day drinking of abundant water is recommended to let our body purify itself, it should have been previously boiled. It is also suggested to have a spray bottle to sprinkle the food with Holy Water (Holy Water is a powerful sacramental, related to Jesus Baptism and the water and blood that came out from Jesus side while being crucified).
Luz de María - Jun 03, 2016
Instructions: Take some oregano leaves and some of these oils: olive, almond or grape seeds. Crush the oregano leaves in a mortar and place them in an amber glass jar. Cover with oil up to 2 cm above. Store the bottle in a cool, dry place for 2 or 3 weeks. Once the three weeks is up, strain the oil and it will be ready for use. Use a sanitized jar.
Contains Vitamins A, B, C and E and minerals: magnesium, zinc, iron, potassium and calcium.
Very powerful antibiotic, with anti-inflammatory action, relieves coughs, eliminates viruses like flu, stimulates the immune system.
Kills microbes, fungi (staphylococci, candida albicans, E. coli, salmonella, ringworm, vaginal infections, etc.) and even the most resistant bacteria. Prevents the development of intestinal parasites.
Improves skin infections.
Fights free radicals and delays aging due to antioxidant effects.
Because of its analgesic nature it is very useful to treat pains, lumbago, arthritis, toothache, burns, cuts and scrapes.
To improve the immune system: take diluted 1 to 3 drops daily.
Infections and fungi: wash and dry the nails, spread oil on them 2 times a day. Take 3 drops diluted in a glass of water, 3 times a day. If more aggressive treatment is required: ingest daily in a spoonful of honey or with juice 5 to 6 drops of oil or fill a capsule and take it once a day during the meal.
Toothache, teeth, gums: put 2 drops on a gauze and rub affected area.
Muscle pain, rheumatic, sprains: massage affected area with oil.
Fight lung discomforts and cough: Inhale using a vaporizer.
Cuttings, scrapes and burns: apply to reduce pain and disinfect.
Purify the air and cleanse: add 10 drops to the water and spray, this will kill bacteria, viruses.
Not recommended for: patients with anemia since it inhibits iron absorption, pregnant or lactating women, people with sensitive skin or allergic to the plant, people who take 3 or more pharmaceutical drugs, or those who usually drink alcoholic beverages.
Children under 7 years: only topical and diluted use, one drop of oil in 1 tablespoon of olive oil. They can inhale it directly from the dropper or by placing 1 drop on a piece of cloth. Older children can take it: 1 drop diluted in olive oil, juice or in a spoonful of honey.
Do not exceed the doses, the liver can be overloaded.
Do not take it more than 15 days without interruption when you use it as a treatment for the disease.
Oregano has compounds that could generate abortive effects.
Keep it away from the eyes and mucous membranes, as well as areas of sensitive skin.
To ingest only take homemade oil of oregano that has been diluted or encapsulated.
Pure essential oil is too irritating, avoid using it!!
Being a potent antibiotic and fungicide, when it kills pathogens, these in turn release toxins into the bloodstream that make you feel fatigue or a cold, in rare cases skin irritation. This is known as a healing crisis or Herxheimer reaction.
You can avoid this discomfort by drinking 8 to 12 glasses of pure water a day, to help purge toxins from the blood.
Scientific Name: Allium Sativum
Familiy: Amaryllidaceae
Garlic contains antiseptic, fungicidal, bactericidal and depurative properties that act as a natural antibiotic.
Garlic has a high content of allicin, a water-soluble substance that has: bactericidal effect, high content of vitamin C that stimulates growth and provides calcium to bones and teeth, a powerful antiscorbutic and contains iodine that activates the basic metabolism and contributes to the correct functioning of the thyroid gland.
It is one of the best natural methods for disease prevention.
It is used to treat: arthritism, arteriosclerosis and atheroma, cholesterol, hypertension, digestive tract and mouth, for cancer prevention, constipation, parasites treatment, asthma, pertussis and tuberculosis.
For preventive use, you can consume 1 clove of garlic daily.
As a treatment for disease consume 2 to 3 cloves of garlic daily for one to two weeks.
To treat arteriosclerosis, arthritism and cholesterol: take half a garlic clove every morning. Fifteen days later, one whole clove, the dose is increased every fifteen days until you reach two cloves.
To treat hypertension: chew a clove of garlic in the morning and two at noon.
To treat earache, otalgia and otitis: place a piece of finely chopped garlic on a piece of sterilized gauze. It is put into the ear in a way so that it could be easily removed, and left for two or three hours.
For deafness of arthritic origin: wet a cotton ball in the juice that results from mashing some cloves of garlic, put it in the ear and leave it for an hour.
There is no contraindication if one or two cloves of garlic are consumed a day.
Contraindications only occur when there is excessive consumption, through the use of garlic supplements.
The consumption of supplements is contraindicated in the following situations:
Bleeding problems
Blood clotting problems.
Consumption of certain medications: anticoagulants, for the heart, and certain contraceptives.
Hyperthyroidism, due to its high iodine content.
Pregnant and lactating women.
Diabetics with medication to reduce glucose.
To take advantage of its healing properties you must consume it raw.
To avoid bad breath derived from the consumption of garlic, you can eat an apple or some leaves of parsley afterwards.
If you have a sensitive stomach it can cause heartburn, flatulence, vomiting or diarrhea.
Scientific Name: Zingiber officinale
Family: Zingiberaceae
It has digestive, antivomitive, anti-inflammatory and antibiotic properties. It also has analgesic, antipyretic (to reduce fever), antispasmodic, antitussive, antiulcer, sedative properties, stimulates intestinal motility, cholagogue, antioxidant, cardiotonic.
It is rich in vitamin C and minerals.
Ginger has been used to treat intestinal conditions, especially in regard to digestive issues and dry mouth.
It acts as a natural antibiotic to fight against infectious bacteria and help the healthy intestinal flora to proliferate.
Daily dose of dry ginger: Up to 2 g.
Tablets: The usual dosage is 400 mg daily, divided into 3 doses.
External use:
Essential oil: Up to 25 drops per 100ml of base oil.
Teas, infusions, recipes: They can be made with dried ginger powder, with the decoction of a root cut, or with the juice squeezed from it (the root is scratched and «drained»).
For motion sickness caused by travel: 1,000 to 1,500mg of ginger in capsule is recommended half an hour before traveling.
Do not combine ginger with medications without consulting your doctor.
Heartburn: Some people have reported heartburn.
Gallstones: People with gallstones or a history of stones in the gallbladder, may suffer an outbreak with the consumption of ginger.
Increased blood pressure: Taken in high amounts, ginger could increase blood pressure due to its hypertensive properties.
Men from different cultures and of different races are united, but not in Christ’s Love, but in a large combined army of alliances; they walk towards Italy leaving behind a trail of death as they walk. It is a large and powerful army; the rest of the world practically shudders at the decisive advance of this army towards Italy.
I see them advance and the United States, in pain and suffering, appears immediately. Our Mother indicates to me to look to the heavens and I… when I look, I see a bright light that comes towards Earth.
I think it is a meteorite of great size; it is intercepted, but the biggest part goes towards the sea, towards the United States..
Suddenly, our Mother raises Her other Hand and I see human creatures sick with great plagues; I see a healthy person approach a sick one and is immediately infected… I ask our Mother, ‘How can we help these brothers?’ and She says, ‘USE NOW THE OIL OF THE GOOD SAMARITAN. I GAVE YOU THE NECESSARY AND CONVENIENT INGREDIENTS.’Luz de María - Jun 03, 2016
Check this specific post in which we cover this oil in more detail from its preparation to its various applications: How to Make Oil of the Good Samaritan. Revelations
INSTRUCTIONS: Five pure essential oils are mixed with a base oil: lemon, cinnamon (being an irritant oil, use half portion), clove, rosemary and eucalyptus.
The base oil can be olive oil, almond or mineral oil and in proportion of 1 part of essential oil to 5 of base oil, mix them with a wooden spoon until an homogeneous mixture is obtained.
Great preventive in case of sore throat or sneezing.
Apply and rub a few drops directly on the temples, throat, behind the ears, armpits, abdomen, joints, foot or sole of the foot.
To purify the air and eliminate viruses from the environment (home or office): use a diffuser, spray or a pan of boiling water with a few oil drops.
Another form of use: on a piece of cloth, handkerchief, mask or cotton put about 3 to 4 drops of oil and place over the mouth or on the pillow.
For sensitive skin apply only on the sole of the foot.
Its use is not recommended in children under 3 years of age.
In case of pregnant women, consult your medic about the harmful effects of essential oils.
The recipe our Blessed Mother has given carries pure essential oils, if these oils are not found, you can get the equivalent herbs of each oil. With the same measure of each herb, place the leaves and cinnamon sticks one by one in a slow cooker, electric ceramic or bain-marie, and add enough base oil to cover them 2 cm above, then leave 8 hours cooking. Once they are cooled, pack.
Note: Although the concentration is not the same to that of the essential oils because it is not a distillation process, it can be helpful for the cases described above, but not as effective as the essences.
Essential oils can be purchased from a specialized company or in macrobiotics. You can find the essences required to make the mixture in all countries.
Scientific Name: Angelica archangelica
Family: Apiaceae
For these uses it is effective in the form of an infusion, taken after meals.
Anorexigenic: The use of angelica root is used to treat heavy digestion and loss of appetite. It is a plant indicated to treat anorexia disorders.
Improves circulation, stimulates the blood flow of the peripheral parts of the body with a valuable application in the treatment of poor circulation and leg pain.
It stimulates the respiratory tract.
It has sedative properties.
If it is prepared with its fruits, it is enough with 30g of these. If it is prepared with the dry root, it is elaborated with 40g. Let stand 30 minutes.
Take a cup after meals.
Powder: Chop or crush dry root until it is reduced to very fine powder. Take 2 to 3 teaspoons daily, diluted in a cup of water, or mixed with honey or jam.
Sun: Sunbathing and ultraviolet radiation should be avoided during the treatment with angelica. It contains toxic substances that get activated by sunbathing.
Diabetes: Angelica is contraindicated for those with a tendency towards diabetes since its use can increase the levels of sugar in urine.
Pregnancy and lactation: Angelica is contraindicated in pregnancy and lactation.
Contact dermatitis: Direct contact with the fresh plant can cause contact dermatitis, irritate the skin and mucous membranes.
Primary photosensitization: Contact with the plant can cause photosensitization, which can cause dermatitis.
Different degrees of insolation: Can cause from skin redness to blisters and hyperpigmentation.
Avoid sunbathing and ultraviolet radiation during the treatment with angelica.
Use mullein and ROSEMARY in discreet amounts.Blessed Virgin Mary to Luz de María - Jan 28, 2016
Scientific Name: Rosmarinus officinalis L.
Family: Lamiacea
Topical use, on the skin, to control pain due to: arthritis, rheumatism and circulation.
In oil to fight bacteria like: Bacillus sibtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Microcuccus luteus, Vibrio cholerae, S. albus, Corynebacteriun spp, Salmonella spp and Listeria monocytogenes.
In oil applied topically: stimulates circulation, stomach spasms, effective against bacteria, fungi and other microorganisms.
Traditionally, it is also used in oral form for: gallbladder disease, biliary dyspepsia, biliary dyskinesia, biliary lithiasis or cholelithiasis, menstrual pain, headache, affections of the mouth and pharynx such as stomatitis or pharyngitis.
Topically: to avoid hair loss, dermatitis or skin lesions, wound healing, mild antiseptic.
As insect repellent in oily or alcoholic solution.
Infusion from leaves: put 1 teaspoon of dried and crumbled leaves in a cup of boiling water for about 10 minutes. Filter and take two to three times a day, after meals as a digestive and to treat colds, headaches, and even depression.
Cooking: Boil a portion of leaves in a liter of water for 10 minutes. It is applied in compresses for rheumatic pains.
Inhalation: Wet a clean piece of cloth with a few drops of essential oil and inhale to energize the brain and for concentration.
Compresses: Use a cup of rosemary infusion to relieve sprains. Alternate the hot infusion with ice packs every 2 or 3 minutes for best results.
Tincture: Take up to 50 drops (half a teaspoon), three times a day for fatigue and nervousness. Combine it with an equal amount of wild oatmeal or verbena tincture for depression.
Rosemary oil: Dilute just a few drops in a base of oil; since essential oils are very intense use only if necessary.
Big doses of rosemary can cause seizures and death.
Avoid hot baths in patients with open wounds, extensive skin lesions, fever, acute inflammation, severe circulatory disorders or high blood pressure.
It is not recommended for people with gallstones.
Rosemary could have abortive effects, it can affect the menstrual cycle.
It is useful to ward off pests, some put some sprigs of rosemary in their cupboard cabinets.
It has been observed that an infusion can be made for rosemary and nettle to rinse hair after washing it to speed growth and prevent dandruff.
Blessed Virgin Mary to Luz de María - Jan 31, 2015
Scientific Name: Echinacea purpurea
Family: Asteraceae
Blocks the action of viruses and bacteria; boosts the immune system.
Drops commercial presentation: 20 drops daily for two months, then rest for another two months.
Tablets: Follow the product instructions.
It is not recommended for those who suffer from autoimmune or liver diseases.
Consult a medical doctor if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.
It can interact with substances and medications: it reduces the body’s ability to break down caffeine and hinders the synthesis of drugs that are eliminated through the liver.
Scientific Name: Crataegus oxyacantha L. – Crataegus monogyna
Family: Rosaceae
The infusion is recommended for an unknown disease that will produce high fever, blackened purple lips, spasmodic movements and strong pulls.
Hyper or Hypotension – Stabilizes blood pressure
Cardiotonic – Protective activities of the cardiovascular system
Improves digestion
Reduces anxiety, fatigue and shortness of breath
Increases respiratory health
Reduces chest pains or angina, palpitations
Increase energy levels
Useful for intestinal infections
Leaves, flowers and fruits are used. After harvesting they are allowed to dry for a while.
For commercial products containing hawthorn, the manufacturer’s instruction should be followed.
For those who choose to use the herb in more traditional way, a daily dose of 4-5 g of the dried berries or 1-2 grams of the dried leaves and flowers can be used in the form of herbal tea.
If tinctures or liquid extract are used, a reasonable dose can be 20-30 drops in a little water, one to two times daily.
Dry extract: 300 to 600 mg. per day for a few weeks.
Interactions with cardiovascular medicines. Do not combine with other medicines that affect the heart or blood pressure without first consulting your medic.
MULLEIN
Use MULLEIN and rosemary in discreet amounts.Blessed Virgin Mary to Luz de María - Jan 28, 2016
Scientific Name: Verbascum thapsus
Family: Escrofularia
There are no specific indications, but some come from traditional use: systematic relief of throat irritation associated with cough and cold. It has expectorant properties, cough suppressor, useful to treat sore throat.
Activity against viruses has been described: Herpes simplex type I and Influenza A and B.
Other sources give indications for: asthma, allergies, bronchitis or tracheitis, angina, ulcers, eczema, rashes, chilblains, wound healing, elimination of fluids, hemorrhoids, intestine inflammation and stomach cramps. Constipation.
Usually between 3 to 4 grams a day.
Tea: add two teaspoons of leaves and dried flowers in a cup of hot water, let stand for 10 to 15 minutes, strain and drink. Take 3 cups of tea a day.
Tea can also be consumed for relaxation.
Administer mullein after the meals.
No side effects related to its use have been reported.
But it has not been evaluated in children under 12 years, or during pregnancy and lactation, so it is best to avoid it in such case. It is only accepted if there are no safer alternatives, and the benefits outweigh the risks.
Treatments lasting more than a week are not recommended.
If symptoms continue or worsen during this period, or fever appears or difficulty to breath, then have a medical consultation.
Consult with the medic the use of natural supplements before including them as a treatment.
It is not advised to consume herbs in places where they could have been sprayed with herbicides.
Scientific Name: Pinus Sylvestris
Family: Pinaceae
It has antiseptic action and beneficial effect upon the respiratory system. The leaves and young shoots are antiseptic, diuretic and expectorant. It possess anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties that can help with:
Reducing inflammation. Scots pine has been traditionally used for treating inflammatory processes of the upper and lower respiratory tract, as well as for the relief of rheumatic and neuralgic pain.
Treating infections. The antimicrobial properties of scots pine have been long used for eliminating fungus and bacteria, as well as for the treatment of common infections, such as cold and influenza.
Infusions or syrups are used for treating inflammatory processes of the respiratory tract and as diuretic and antiseptic for urinary tract infections.
Pine leaves are harvested and dried for later use.
Prepare an herbal infusion in doses not greater than twice a day. Three tablespoons of dried pine leaves are boiled in a liter of water, take a cup twice a day.
There are not known side effects due to scots pine use: however, it may cause an allergic reaction in sensitive people, mainly skin irritation when applied topically.
Do not use essential oils internally unless under professional supervision.
The wood, sawdust and resins from various species of pine can cause dermatitis in sensitive people.
The use of scot’s pine in any form is not recommended for pregnant or nursing women.
Scientific Name: Artemisia annua.
Family: Asteraceae
To kill the malaria parasite, improve cases of psoriasis and leukemia.
It has antimicrobial activity.
It enhances the immune system, against Ebola, fever, hepatitis B and C, HIV, high blood pressure, antiinflammatory, antioxidant.
Infusion: four infusions per day for one week or one daily for prevention level. Place 5 to 10 gr. of the dried plant in 500ml of boiling water and leave 10 min. before using it.
Malaria: Tea should be taken for 7 days even sometimes for 12 days, and all precautions should be taken to prevent a new infection.
In high doses it can cause nervous disorders and even convulsions, especially in children due to the thujone.
Its consumption should also be avoided in pregnant or lactating women, it can interfere negatively in the development of the fetus.
Artemisia’s pollen can cause allergies.
Do not use for a long time, since it accumulates in nerves.
People who take anticoagulants, should have a previous medical consultation.
Mugwort’s life is very short, only an hour and a half.
Interactions: with grapefruit juice and with medicines that are metabolized by cytochromes (proteins of the liver).
Scientific Name: Urtiga dioica.
Family: Urticaceae
Also in cases of: rheumatism, eczema, anemia, nose and menstrual hemorrhages, nephritis, hematuria, diarrhea, asthma, Alzheimer’s, diabetes, kidney stones.
Favors digestion and blood circulation.
Digestion, constipation: infusion of 2 tablespoons of dried leaves per liter of water. Take 3 times a day before meals.
Diarrhea, tuberculosis, asthma, and as diuretic: decoction of the dry root for 10 min. Take 3 cups a day.
For circulation and hemorrhages: Crush the plant, sift the pulp, and obtain the juice. Take ½ cup per day, ¼ in the morning and ¼ at night.
Jaundice: decoction of 5 tbsp of dry plant per liter of water. Take a couple of cups a day.
Diabetes: Boil a handful of nettles in water and drink 3 cups a day.
Antianemic: infusion of 1 tbsp. of dried plant per cup, 3 times a day.
Its good to drink at least 3 glasses of nettle juice a week, much better if you drink a glass every day.
It can also be used in the form of compresses with the cooking of the plant or cataplasms applied directly on ulcers, skin rashes, swellings.
Skin lesions: could happen when the plant comes in contact with the skin.
Sugar levels can be affected in diabetics if taken in large quantities, be careful to avoid hypoglycemia.
It can affect blood pressure and interfere with medications to control hypertension.
It is contraindicated in cases of renal failure.
Do not take if there is nephritis or inflammation of the kidneys, nor during pregnancy.
High content of calcium, iron, phosphorus and magnesium.
Nettles are wild edible plants, provided they are collected in clean places, free of grazing animals and crop pesticides.
To avoid skin irritation, the plant should be picked up with gloves and let stand for half a day; then it can be cooked.
Having very irritating hairs or trichomes, the preparations must be filtered.
Dried leaves can be stored.
Scientific Name: Ginkgo biloba L.
Family: Ginkgoaceae
Improves blood circulation: circulation in legs, feet, coronary arteries, head, eyes, genitals, capillaries of the brain. It regulates hypertension, asthma, depression, vertigo, arteriosclerosis.
It has a cerebral protective effect against senile dementia, stroke and neurodegenerative diseases.
It has an effect on behavior, learning and memory.
Poor blood circulation: 120 mg a day of Ginko extract divided into 3 doses.
Diseases of the brain: between 60 and 240 mg daily of Ginkgo, distributed in 3 doses throughout the day.
Asthma and allergies: 120 mg per day of extract divided into 3 doses.
If taken in larger amounts than recommended, it can cause sleep problems, nervousness, vomiting or diarrhea.
Headache may occur the first two days of treatment.
It should not be taken by children under 2 years of age.
Consult with the doctor in case of pregnancy or lactation.
The administration of ginkgo together with other blood thinning medications, such as aspirin, warfarin, or heparin, could cause bleeding problems. Do not take it days before a surgery or a couple of months later.
It should only be consumed in the form of pharmacological preparation (tablets).
Homemade leaf preparations can be toxic and produce allergy.
MUGWORT
Scientific Name: Artemisia vulgaris.
Family: Asteraceae
Note: We do not know what disease is referred to on this occasion. The use of artemisia had already been indicated for the «current disease» (Ebola, Malaria, fever). As there is uncertainty about whether this is for one of the listed diseases, it is put aside until more information is available. In this case it is explicitly mentioned that it should be used on the skin, so we inform about the use of the plant in this regard.
Mugwort for the skin: sprayed topically (on the skin) has antiseptic properties for humans and animals. It helps to cure minor external infections and it is useful for fighting skin fungi.
Mugwort tea can also be used externally, as a lotion on the skin, in case of scrapes and small wounds to accelerate its healing and recovery. Used in this way, it helps fight mild infections, as well as some skin fungi. To obtain good results, it would suffice to crush and moisten dry leaves and make a plaster. It is placed at warm temperature on scraped or scratched skin, it can be covered with a clean cloth or linen and left to act.
For back or rheumatic pain, you can also benefit from this herb by massaging the painful part or placing compresses on the skin. Boil 50 grams of mugwort in a liter of water for 15 to 20 minutes. Apply warm over the painful area. (External use)
Another way to make use of its benefits is to make a paste with the leaves and fine stems of the plant, crushing them and applying on the body where you experience pain, holding the paste with a bandage. The paste must not be cold, but rather lukewarm. (External use)
Ulcers, wounds, stings and abscesses can be treated very effectively with artemisia, since it exerts a proven calming and antimicrobial effect. (External use)
Not enough information available.
There is no information regarding its external use.
Consuming high doses of it can cause nervous disorders and even convulsions, especially in children due to the thujone.
Its consumption should also be avoided in pregnant or lactating women, it can interfere negatively in the development of the fetus.
Artemisia’s pollen can cause allergies.
Do not use for a long time, since it accumulates in nerves.
People who take anticoagulants, should have a previous medical consultation.
Mugwort’s life is very short, only an hour and a half.
Interactions: with grapefruit juice and with medicines that are metabolized by cytochromes (proteins of the liver).
CALENDULA
Scientific Name: Calendula officinalis.
Family: Asteraceae
Note: It is not possible to determine at this time if this disease to which the revelation refers is the same as the «disease that comes to humanity» listed above, so it is listed separately.
It is very beneficial for wounds and skin burns, reducing inflammation, calming the pain and stimulating the regeneration and recovery of the skin tissue.
It is used as an external remedy in the form of infusions, tinctures and ointments to treat dermatitis and eczema.
Calendula has anti-inflammatory properties (Calendula is applied to the skin to reduce pain and swelling), antiemetic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, antibacterial, fungicidal, cicatrizing, anti-ulcer, emollient, emmenagogue, choleretic, vulnerary (promotes the healing of damaged tissue and cell regeneration).
It is traditionally used to treat eczema, dermatitis, wounds, ulcers, burns, boils, acne, delicate skin, itching, sunburn. It is also used topically to treat haemorrhoids.
Other traditional uses:
Improves abscesses, boils, dermatitis and other skin problems such as stretch marks, dryness or sores.
Relieves insect bites
Helps to regenerate skin cells and promotes the production of collagen
It is used to eliminate viral warts
Improves skin conditions, recommended for cases of acne
Stimulates the secretion of bile
It is indicated for rheumatism
Calms indigestion and gastritis
It is recommended for stomach ulcer
Regulates menstruation and reduces pains
Helps to cicatrize and heal wounds
Doing an eye wash with calendula infusion relieves conjunctivitis
It is recommended to eliminate fungi
It is a natural remedy to prevent nausea and vomiting
Calendula is tonic for the liver, favoring its correct functioning
It is indicated to combat athlete’s foot and fungi
It helps in the recovery of gingivitis, laryngitis, tonsillitis and sores in the mouth.
The most common way of consumption is to make a tea with its dried or fresh flowers, one teaspoon per cup of hot water.
You can also gargle with the infusion to improve affections of the mouth and throat.
In the kitchen you can add the flowers and leaves to salads and other dishes for decoration, flavor or to add color (It’s an edible plant).
For its medicinal qualities the flowers are commonly used, but also the leaves and roots can be used.
Infusion
A Calendula tea can be prepared as follows:
1 Use about 2 to 4 grams (one teaspoon) of dried Calendula flowers for each cup of water.
2 Boil for a few minutes
3 Let it steep and strain the preparation
4 It can be stored in glass jars for later consumption.
5 Drink a cup twice to three times a day after meals.
External use
It is used externally applying a poultice made with the leaves and flowers. For example to remove warts, the leaves are crushed and applied to the area to be treated. Put a clean gauze over it, fix it with a piece of tape and leave it for an hour. This should be repeated twice a day.
The Calendula, in any of its uses, is contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity to the plants of the asteraceae family, since it has been found that it produces skin sensitization. Calendula may cause skin allergic reaction to sensitive people to ragweed.
It is also not advisable to take it during pregnancy and lactation period because there are not enough studies on its use under these conditions.
Calendula has interactions with sedative medications (CNS depressants). Taking Calendula together with sedative medications may increase the total sedative effect.
Surgery: Calendula may cause too much sleepiness and drowsiness if combined with medications used during and after surgery. Stop taking calendula at least 2 weeks before the date of surgery.
Just like in any other herbal medicines, moderation of use is recommended. Prolonged use is discouraged.
Don’t confuse Calendula with ornamental ‘marigolds’ of the Tagetes genus, which are commonly grown in vegetable gardens.
C. officinalis extract has been found to be non-toxic, non-mutagenic and non-genotoxic (Taylor and Francis Health Sciences, 2001) with no reports of toxicity and mortality (Silva et al., 2007, Lagarto et al., 2011).
ARTEMISIA ANNUA
Scientific Name: Artemisia annua.
Family: Asteraceae
To kill the malaria parasite, improve cases of psoriasis and leukemia.
It has antimicrobial activity.
It enhances the immune system, against Ebola, fever, hepatitis B and C, HIV, high blood pressure, antiinflammatory, antioxidant.
Infusion: four infusions per day for one week or one daily for prevention level. Place 5 to 10 gr. of the dried plant in 500ml of boiling water and leave 10 min. before using it.
Malaria: Tea should be taken for 7 days even sometimes for 12 days, and all precautions should be taken to prevent a new infection.
In high doses it can cause nervous disorders and even convulsions, especially in children due to the thujone.
Its consumption should also be avoided in pregnant or lactating women, it can interfere negatively in the development of the fetus.
Artemisia’s pollen can cause allergies.
Do not use for a long time, since it accumulates in nerves.
People who take anticoagulants, should have a previous medical consultation.
Mugwort’s life is very short, only an hour and a half.
Interactions: with grapefruit juice and with medicines that are metabolized by cytochromes (proteins of the liver).
EUPHRASIA
Scientific Name: Euphrasia officinalis
Family: Orobanchaceae
Euphrasia is used to fight conjunctivitis, pain and redness of the eyes and lacrimation. Also to make dark circles disappear.
In addition, Euphrasia is recommended for respiratory tract issues, including sinusitis (inflammation of the sinuses), cough, sore throat and stomach disorders.
It has mainly ophthalmic properties, although it also has astringent, analgesic, healing, stomach, digestive, tonic and bile juice stimulant properties. It is also popular against nervous disorders, headaches, cramps, insomnia and hysteria.
– In a clean container place 500 ml of water and two teaspoons of the herb (leaves and flowers). Boil for 10 minutes on low heat. Then cover and let stand, once warm, strain and apply cold compresses or as an eye bath.
– Another recipe to give relief and reduce inflammation: perform the decoction of the dried plant, at a rate of one tablespoon per 200 ml of water. The mixture is boiled a couple of minutes and allowed to stand, then filtered and allowed to warm. Soak warm compresses in the decoction and apply over closed eyes until the compresses cool.
There are no known contraindications.
However, it must be remembered that any application of ophthalmic preparations poses a potential risk of contamination in them.
Pregnancy and lactation. Its use is not recommended during pregnancy and lactation, as well as in pediatric patients.
Diabetic or hypoglycemia patients and those taking medications, herbs, or supplements that affect blood sugar should be cautious.
Side effects: Cases of pruritus (severe itching), redness and swelling of the eyes, changes in vision and photophobia (intolerance or fear of light) have been reported.
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How do we get these medicines in Uganda east Africa?
Hello Andrew, I think you should try to get help (or share efforts) with some local organization. Don’t expect to get every plant, just focus on one or two that you think could be needed most in your region. There are as well tablets or pills from plant extracts that could be used instead of the plants in case those are being hard to get, and that perhaps are found in local shops more easily.