While it is common to learn of the uses of the many herbal remedies on the market, you rarely hear those lesser-known juicy tidbits of information that make you appreciate these natural wonders even more. For example, while yarrow helps to ease the symptoms of high blood pressure, do you know which famous Greek hero that the herb is named after? This interesting trivia and facts about burdock, fennel, eucalyptus, and hyssop are included.
Yarrow
With a proper reference that takes its name from the Greek war hero, Achilles, yarrow (Achillea millefolium) is considered an important herb for the treatment of wounds. How ironic, huh? Anyways, the plant is also considered significant within the world of fortune telling. The stalks of the yarrow plant are still used in China when it comes to completing a particular type of predictions. In the herbal treatment realm, the aerial parts and the essential oil are used for high blood pressure, digestive problems, urinary disorders, menstrual discomfort, as well as fevers.
Burdock
It might be a troublesome bother to detach from your clothing, but the burdock that latches itself onto pant legs in crowded fields is also an herbal remedy. The leaves, root and seeds of the plant is considered good for cleansing the body, as well as treating arthritis and other skin problems. The plant is known to stimulate the digestive system, and even serves as a mild laxative. Within Chinese medicine, the seeds are used to treat colds with fever. When mixed with dandelion, cordials of this herbal treatment still grace the shelves of stores.
Eucalyptus
Not only do koala bears have a real weakness for this plant, but also in Australia, the Aborigines considered this plant a cure-all for most of their pressing health issues. Today, eucalyptus is used to ease the symptoms of infections, as well as treat chest ailments. There are also current studies being conducted to prove whether or not the plant possesses antibacterial properties, which could be quite potent in nature. When considering the use of this natural treatment, you should know that external use (essential oils made from fresh leaves) is known to create the best results.
Fennel
In Ancient Greek times, fennel was thought to possess the power to make one thin. Today, the plant serves as a popular garden item that makes salads sparkle with taste. The seeds are still used to treat digestive problems. During medieval times, individuals in church carried the seeds to ease the tension of sitting through a less-than-desirable sermon. They chewed the seeds on hopes to relieve the rumbling of uneasy stomachs. The herbal remedy also treats indigestion, nausea, respiratory concerns, as well as increases the milk flow in nursing mothers.
Hyssop
Hyssop has a history that weaves in and out of Ancient Greek times, as well as the Bible. The Greeks used hyssop as a cure for asthma and catarrh. When you read the Bible (Psalm 51), the plant is mentioned as “purge me with hyssop and I shall be clean.” In the past, some variations of epilepsy can be treated using this plant. In the garden, the shrubby plant has been used to keep away butterflies from the cabbage. The aerial parts and essential oil of hyssop make for a great respiratory treatment, as well as digestive disorder.
