Herbs

Diseases
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Body cleansing
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Cholesterol
Circulation problems
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Flatulence
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Digestion problems
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High blood pressure
Hemorrhoids
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Herbs useful for treating hemorrhoids: Chestnut, walnut, poplar.

Herb name: Chestnut, Castanea sativa

Family: Fagaceae

Useful plant parts: Fruit, leaves and flowers.

Description: Chestnut is a medicinal herb which one can recognize with ease; it is known to have leaves which are made up from several smaller parts, and it produces a characteristic fruit which is enveloped in a thorny shell. Chestnuts bloom during May, while the fruit ripens in fall. Chestnuts come from the central part of the Balkans, and from there it has been gradually introduced to other parts of the world as well.

Certain mushroom species are known to grow often near chestnuts: Amanita caesarea, Boletus aereus, Leccinum griseum, Lentinula edodes (shiitake), Russula heterophylla and many other.

Collecting period and locations: As we already mentioned, the fruit of the chestnut ripens in the fall, and then they can be collected; there are various techniques which can help one collect the seeds faster, however, using a simple wooden stick may already be helpful. Chestnuts can be found in most deciduous forests in Europe. Similar species can be found on other continents as well.

Medicinal properties and applications: Tincture made from certain parts of this plant is known to be an effective way of treating hemorrhoids. It generally has a positive effect on the whole cardiovascular system, especially on veins. It is known to help in water excretion. Chestnuts also have an anti-inflammatory effect.

Active compounds: Saponins, tannins, flavones, glycosides, phytosterols and various vitamins.

Recipe: This medicinal herb is mostly used in form of a tincture made from a large amount of dried flowers and leaves of this plant, which are left in ethanol for a certain period of time. Compresses made from the fruits of this plant have also been used historically, but nowadays, various types of creams, tinctures, capsules have replaced many traditional methods.

Herb name: Walnut, Juglans regia

Family: Juglandaceae

Useful plant parts: Leaves.

Description: Walnut is a relatively common tree which can be found in most forests; it is also cultivated often. Walnuts can grow up to 20 meters tall. The tree crown is usually pretty wide. Leaves are long, and are known to be a bit sticky and hairy when young, while they are smooth when older. At first, the fruits are green colored, but they later turn black, after which the walnuts usually drop put of their shell.

Certain mushroom species are known to grow often on walnuts: mainly oyster mushrooms (Pleurotus ostreatus), but also and many other species as well.

Collecting period and locations: Leaves contain most of the active substances. They can usually be picked during June, when the weather is warm and dry. It is recommended to dry the leaves as soon as possible. As we already mentioned, walnuts can be found in most deciduous forests.

Medicinal properties and applications: Walnuts are often used to treat various types of inflammations - of mucous membranes, mouth, gums, larynx, eyes and even inflammation of intestines. It can also treat various skin problems like eczema, acne, frostbites and similar. It is also known that baths prepared using walnut bark and leaves can be useful in treating hemorrhoids.

Active compounds: Tannins, essential oil, juglone and flavonoids.

Recipe: Two teaspoons of finely cut and dried walnut leaves are added to a 1/4 liter of cold water, after which the water can be heated until it starts to boil. After that, it is left for 5 minutes. Then it can be strained and taken a few times per day. By using the same method, one can prepare a solution which can be used for treating skin problems and hemorrhoids in form of baths and compresses.

Herb name: Poplar, Populus nigra

Family: Salicaceae

Useful plant parts: Leaf buds.

Description: Poplar is a middle sized deciduous tree which can be found in Europe and in certain parts of Africa and Asia. It can grow from 20 to 30 meters tall. The trunk can be up to 1.5 meters wide. Leaves are diamond shaped, they can be from 5 to 8 centimeters long and from 6 to 8 centimeters wide. The leaves are green colored and smooth on both sides.

Certain mushroom species are known to grow often near poplars: Leccinum aurantiacum, Leccinum griseum, Pleurotus ostreatus, but also and many other species as well.

Collecting period and locations: The main source of medicinal properties are the leaf buds which contain most of the active compounds. They can be picked during spring. These buds are mostly used for making various types of grease, cream and similar products. Poplars can be found on humid locations, near ditches, rivers, and on flooded areas.

Medicinal properties and applications: Medications based on poplar are known to be good disinfectants, and they can also contract mucous membrane tissue. The active compounds can help in treating hemorrhoids (in form of grease) and for healing burns. Poplar tea can also be made, it is effective in treating various conditions related to the urinary system and prostate.

Active compounds: Tannins, essential oil, resins, manitol, glycosides.

Recipe: The process of preparing poplar grease, creams and similar preparations is fairly complex, so we will not go into further details here. However, one can easily find natural products based on this medicinal herbs. As for the tea, it can be made by adding one or two teaspoons of dried poplar leaves and/or leaf buds to 1/4 liter of hot water. This is then left for 10 minutes, and after that, the tea can be strained and used.