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Motherlove Herbal Information
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Fenugreek
is an annual that grows 12-18" high with
branched, trifoliate leaves. Fenugreek is in the legume
family as are peanuts and garden peas. It produces
"pea pods" that contain yellow-brown seeds.
These seeds are mucilaginous when cooked and smell like
maple syrup. Fenugreek is used to flavor imitation maple
syrup. Externally, they can be used as a poultice on
wounds and sores. Drinking tea made with the seeds aids
digestion, and gargling with the tea relieves a sore
throat. The seeds are also known for increasing breast
milk. Fenugreek is a popular spice in East Indian
cooking. Not for use during pregnancy; can reduce blood
sugar levels.
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Blessed
Thistle has fuzzy leaves and stems with yellow
flowers. It is a "bitter" that aids digestion
and works on a congested liver. It increases breast milk
and is an emotional ally to uplift spirits. Not for use
during pregnancy.
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Nettle
has dark green serrated leaves and short hairs that
cause burning and blistering when touched. It grows in
moist soil usually near streams and ditches. Even though
it may sting when gathered without gloves, it is an
excellent spring green in teas and meals, but don't eat
it uncooked. It makes a wonderful substitute for spinach
in any dish and an excellent lasagna filling. Nettle is
an herb worth using on a regular basis. This spring
tonic is loaded with nutrition and strengthens many body
systems. Nettle is a rich source of iron, calcium and
folic acid, and supports the kidney and adrenals. It
helps clear up anemia, skin problems, and increases
breast milk. A nettle hair rinse stimulates growth and
removes dandruff.
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Fennel
is a licorice flavored, feathery, aromatic herb. It
grows to be several feet tall with umbels of small,
yellow flowers that look very similar to a dill plant.
This digestive herb relieves heartburn, gas, colic, and
an upset stomach. The seeds can be chewed to sweeten
breath and help a toothache, and a gargle will relieve a
sore throat. Fennel also increases breast milk. To use
as a compress, put crushed seeds in hot water for relief
of swollen, tender, nursing breasts.
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Raspberry
is a prickly shrub with sharply toothed leaflets. The
white, cup-shaped flowers turn into red berries that are
delicious fresh or made into jam or syrup. The leaves
contain calcium, magnesium, and iron, and relieve
diarrhea and nausea. This is one of the best herbs for
women to take -- often used during pregnancy to relieve
morning sickness, to strengthen uterine muscles for
labor, and to slow bleeding after birth. Raspberry also
increases breast milk.
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Alfalfa
is a many-branched plant with square stems and leaves
composed of 3 leafets. Blue to purple flowers turn into
spiral coiled seedpods. The deep taproot brings up many
minerals, including trace minerals, from the soil.
Alfalfa is rich in chlorophyll and vitamin K, which
promotes clotting. The leaves and flowers make a mild
tasting, nutritious tea that stimulates the appetite,
aids digestion, and increases breast milk. The seeds can
be sprouted to add to salads and sandwiches.
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Goat's
Rue grows 2-3 feet tall with branching stems and
oval, opposite leaves. The long flower stalk produces
many light purple to pink flowers similar to those in
the pea family. The leaves stimulate development of
mammary glands, and it is one of the most potent herbs
to increase breast milk. It also increases sweating to
bring down a fever. Because it can lower blood sugar
levels, it can be useful for diabetics who are not on
insulin, or have an effect on the amount of insulin
needed.
Motherlove Herbal: Goat's Rue
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Sage
is
a very aromatic herb with a square stem and oblong, grey-green
leaves that are opposite along the stem. The blue to
purple flowers grow in terminal spikes. Gather the
leaves in early flowering to soothe a sore throat. Use
for a mouthwash on bleeding gums. It reduces secretions
such as sweating, hot flashes, and breast milk. Do not
use during pregnancy.
Motherlove Herbal: Sage
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