Solidago – Goldenrod – Kidney Tonic

August 1, 2023 by Jurgen

A bumblebee pollinating European Goldenrod – Solidago Virgaurea

USES: diuretic (fluid retention), improves renal function, kidney tonic.

HOW IT WORKS: Whilst Solidago has diuretic action, this is not the prime role of the plant. Solidago, aka. Goldenrod or Woundwort, has been shown to have important anti-inflammatory, anti-spasmodic and antiseptic action and seems to strengthen kidney function.

This makes it useful as an agent to counter inflammation and irritation of the kidneys, when an infection or stones are present. The diuretic action is also useful in helping to dissolve kidney stones.

European Goldenrod – Woundwort

Stinging Nettle and Arthritis

June 28, 2023 by Jurgen

Stinging Nettle has been treasured for a long time by Irish herbalists as an excellent ‘blood tonic’. Traditionally the young tips of nettles are gathered to make ‘nettle soup’.

Urtica urens

USES: Arthritis, Gout, Detoxification, and Allergic rashes (nettle rash).

HOW IT WORKS: Nettle has a cleansing action, attributed to flavonoids, which increase the excretion of a number of waste substances from the body, particularly the acid metabolites including uric acid. – It greatly benefits gout and arthritic conditions.

Nettles have a high nutritive value, containing Vitamin C, iron, calcium, potassium and silica, which explain its tonic action.

Insect repellent – Citronella

June 23, 2023 by Jurgen

Pure essential oils of Citronella and Lemongrass are insect repellents and can be used safely in the home, especially in the kitchen to eliminate odours or even outdoors. All 100% natural.

citronella

Simply clean a spray bottle thoroughly, add 10-12 drops of lemongrass and citronella to a pint of water, shake well and you have an eco-friendly insect repellent which smells pleasantly of lemons.
Alternatively use the mixture in an oil burner, diffuser or on a kerchief or necktie whilst gardening to keep those flies, bugs, midgets, and gnats away.

insect_repellant