Practice the pronunciation of the following words and word combinations. Translate them:
1. seedn. [si:d]
2. berryn.[‘beri]
3. rootn.[ru:t]
4. leafn.[li:f]
5. barkn.[ba:k]
6. conventionalmedicineadj+n.[kən’venʃ(ə)n(ə)l ‘meds(ə)n]
7. purposen.[‘pɜ:pəs]
8. dandelionn.[‘dændilaiən]
9. budn.[bʌd]
10. petaln.[‘petl]
11. edibleadj.[‘edəbl]
12. burdockn.[‘bɜ:dɒk]
13. chamomilen.[‘kæməmail]
14. tincturen.[‘tinktʃə]
15. toinfusev.[in’fju:z]
Read the text: Herbal medicine
Herbal medicine - also called botanical medicine or phytomedicine refers to using a plant's seeds, berries, roots, leaves, bark, or flowers for medicinal purposes. Herbalism has a long tradition of use outside of conventional medicine. It is becoming more mainstream as improvements in analysis and quality control along with advances in clinical research show the value of herbal medicine in the treating and preventing diseases.
Herbal medicine is used to treat many conditions, such as asthma, eczema, premenstrual syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, migraine, menopausal symptoms, chronic fatigue, irritable bowel syndrome, and cancer, among others. Herbal supplements are best taken under the guidance of a trained health care provider. Be sure to consult with your doctor or pharmacist before taking any herbs. Some common herbs and their uses are discussed below.
Dandelions are one of the most multipurpose herbs. The leaves are eaten as a tasty spring green. The blossom is used to make jelly, fried in the bud stage as a delicious side dish. The delicate petals are added to salads and as a lovely edible flower addition to summer dishes. The root is also used, dried and ground as a substitute for coffee. As a medicinal plant, the blossom is added to oil and infused, to relieve aching muscles. The leaf and root are used in teas, tinctures, salves and oils as a liver tonic, soothing skin and muscle herb.
Calendula is an important addition to a healer's garden. Its striking orange flowers are used as a soothing skin wash, tea and salve. They are edible for a cheerful addition to a salad as well. Because it is so gentle, calendula is often an ingredient in diaper salves and other baby related skincare items. The flowers will readily reseed themselves, so consider this when planting.
Burdock is a common herb that is overlooked in American gardening. Its root used as a blood purifier and an overall medicinal vegetable. The leaf can be applied as a poultice to draw out infection. The seed is a much stronger medicine, and should be used with caution.
Chamomile is a sweetly scented, light tasting herb. Chamomile is a gentle soother for teas and skin washes. There has been some discussion about contraindications of this well known herb. As a disclaimer, if an individual has an allergy to ragweed, they may react to chamomile with the same symptoms. This is rare, but should be mentioned. Another effect that should be at least mentioned, is that there is some proof that chamomile is a blood thinner. This would not apply to an occasional cup of tea used as an evening treat, however, if someone was on blood thinning medication, they should bring their tea use to their medical provider's attention.
