Medicinal Uses of Arrowroot

Disclaimer.  I am not a licensed health practitioner.  This is just another post on an item you might wish to have available if needed so that a physician can treat you and your family as best as possible.  No medication, including those available over the counter, should be taken without consulting a physician.  Information shared here is for educational and entertainment purposes only.  It is not medical advice nor a substitute for licensed medical care.  A qualified, licensed physician or other medical provider should be consulted before beginning any herbal or conventional treatment.


Arrowroot, Maranta arundinacea, is a tropical plant native to the Americas.  It is most often used today as a thickener for food, a non-GMO alternative to cornstarch.  Arrowroot isn't commonly used at home as food in our society today, except by those individuals who are on gluten-free diets and/or needing an alternative to cornstarch.

Unfortunately, it is highly unlikely that you are able to grow arrowroot in your area.  That fact alone is often a deal-killer for me, but I have been known to make exceptions, especially for medicinal items with a respectable shelf life.  If you can grow it in your area, you'll have a powerhouse of nutrition at your fingertips.  A one-cup serving of arrowroot contains impressive amounts of several vitamins and minerals, including vitamins B1, B3, and B9, calcium, potassium, magnesium, and phosphorus.

As you do your own research into arrowroot powder and determining whether this is something you want in your stores, keep in mind that arrowroot powder and arrowroot flour and arrowroot starch are all the same thing.  Also, when using arrowroot to replace cornstarch, start with substituting 1/3 to 1/2 of the amount of cornstarch the recipe calls for.   Be sure to make a slurry, you know, like you do with cornstarch or flour, mixing the arrowroot powder with a small amount of water or other liquid, before stirring it into the soup or gravy or whatever.  Also, be sure to stir the arrowroot slurry into the soup right before serving, as high heat breaks down the thickening qualities of the arrowroot.

Arrowroot has a shelf life of at least 3-4 years when properly stored.  

However, the culinary uses of arrowroot are not the focus of this post today.  Honestly, I probably wouldn't bother with arrowroot for its uses in food.  No one in my immediate family is bothered by gluten issues, and while I do try to avoid all the genetically-modified food I can, I don't stress too much over cornstarch as we really don't use it that often.


Historically, arrowroot was highly valued for its medicinal effects, and that's what we're interested in today.  Arrowroot especially developed a reputation for its efficacy against poison arrow wounds and snake and spider bites, but it's got a lot of other interesting uses, too.  Fortunately for those readers living in tropical areas, the active constituents of arrowroot are also found in other plants:  Florida arrowroot (Zamia integrifolia, cassava (Manihot esculenta), and kudzu (Pueraria lobata).  The rest of us will have to buy it.

INTERNAL USAGE
Arrowroot is mixed into juice, water, or some other drink, about two teaspoons per cup of liquid, and then taken to relieve the following conditions:

• Gastrointestinal conditions, including:
• Upset stomach
• Diarrhea and dysentery
• Food poisoning, to treat and as a preventative, may be added to soups, gravies, and other liquids.
• Irritable bowel syndrome
• Urinary tract infection.  
• Bladder infections and cystitis
• Also, may be taken daily to prevent recurrence of these infections.
• Teething pain in infants.
• Arrowroot biscuits have been around for ages.  Arrowroot powder may be applied directly to the gums, or it may be used as flour and baked into biscuits for teething.  
• Boost immune system.  
• Venomous snake and spider bites.  Arrowroot juice or tea was historically administered to treat these bites.  However, I could find no mention of modern usage. 

EXTERNAL USAGE
Historically, arrowroot powder was mixed with a little bit of water to make a paste and then applied directly or in a poultice to treat the following:

• Venomous snake and spider bites.  
• Smallpox
• Poison arrow wounds, infected wounds, including gangrene.

Contraindications:  None.  Safe for babies and pregnant and nursing women, when used in normal quantities.  Sitting down to a meal of arrowroot only is not a good idea.  Just like eating a cup of salt is not a good idea.

Caution:  Do not take arrowroot powder in conjunction with any other medications or supplements to alleviate diarrhea.  You risk extreme constipation.  

For further reading:
https://draxe.com/arrowroot/
https://www.yourhealthremedy.com/medicinal-plants/arrowroot-powder-uses-health-benefits-side-effects/
https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/other/arrowroot.html
http://www.scielo.br/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S0004-28032000000100005&lng=en&nrm=iso&tlng=en  (diarrhea treatment in IBS)
https://parenting.firstcry.com/articles/arrowroot-for-babies-benefits-and-recipe/
https://www.thehealthsite.com/diseases-conditions/prevent-recurrence-of-uti-with-arrowroot-powder-bs915/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15453588
https://draxe.com/homemade-probiotic-deodorant/moistening and a nourishing effect on the body.
https://downshiftology.com/5-things-you-need-to-know-about-arrowroot-powder/
https://stilltasty.com/Fooditems/index/16412


© 2019, PrepSchoolDaily.blogspot.com  

19 jul 2021

17 june 2024

Medicinal Uses of Plantain

Disclaimer.  I am not a licensed health practitioner.  This is just another post on an item you might wish to have available if needed so that a physician can treat you and your family as best as possible.  No medication, including those available over the counter, should be taken without consulting a physician.  Information shared here is for educational and entertainment purposes only.  It is not medical advice nor a substitute for licensed medical care.  A qualified, licensed physician or other medical provider should be consulted before beginning any herbal or conventional treatment.

This article is on the medicinal uses of the weed plantain (Plantago spp,), rather than the fruit that looks like a banana.

Harvest:  For fresh use, pick when you need it.  To dry for later use, gather plantain leaves after the flower spike has formed. Plantain leaves are eaten fresh in salads or cooked and eaten like spinach.  The seeds from the flower stalks can be sprinkled on food to add fiber to the diet.  However, plantain's greatest value comes from its medicinal properties.

Medicinal Use:  Plantain in its various forms has been used historically to treat:

• asthma, bronchitis, emphysema
• fever
• bladder problems 
• hypertension
• rheumatism
• venomous bites or stings (snake bites, bee stings)
• contact dermatitis (poison oak, ivy, sumac)
• sores and wounds
• burns

SPIT POULTICE:  

• Insect bites and stings.  Everyone in the family should know where plantain is growing in the yard and how to make a spit poultice with it in an emergency.  Pick the leaves, chew them a bit, and slap them on to relieve the pain and itching from bug bites and stings and poison ivy, oak, and sumac.  Secure in place with gauze and tape.  If you're using this on another person who is going to be squeamish about having your saliva on his body, crush the leaves in your hands or with a rock and then apply directly to the skin.  It takes a little longer, but squeamishness has its price.  While you're treating the patient, especially if the patient is young, distract him from the pain by telling him how the poultice works.  Something along of the lines of, "Crushing the leaves releases the mucilage, which soothes the pain.  The anti-inflammatory effect reduces swelling.  Because the spit poultice also draws out toxins, the venom that makes you itch, the sooner it is applied, the faster and better it works."  Replace as needed to relieve pain.
• Contact dermatitis (poison oak, poison ivy, poison sumac).  Apply a poultice immediately and leave on for 30-60 minutes.  Then wash the area with plantain tea (see below).  Finally, apply a plantain sludge.  Replace as necessary.  
• Burns.  After cooling in running water for 10-15 minutes, apply a poultice and secure with gauze and tape.  Two hours later, follow up with a plantain salve (see below).   

INFUSION
In most of the country, plantain is a weed that grows in abundance, and as such can be used for chronic conditions.  We have so little of it that we're saving it for insect bites and stings.  However, if you've got a lot of it, here's how it can be used.

Internally:  Steep 1/2 cup of fresh or 1/2 teaspoon of dried plantain leaves in 1 cup of boiling water, covered, for 10-15 minutes.  Strain to remove leaves.  Add honey or sugar if desired.  Drink three times per day to relieve:

• diarrhea, stomach ulcers, IBS, gastritis
• colds, hay fever, asthma, emphysema, bronchitis, influenza, fever, sinusitis, coughs
• hypertension
• rheumatism, goiter
• PMS, irregular menstrual flow
• bladder problems, cystitis, kidney stones,
• irregular liver and kidney function (only 1-2 times per day)
• blood sugar swings in diabetics

Externally:  Prepare the infusion as above, without adding sweetener.  Use the plantain tea in the following ways:

• wash wounds, rashes, eczema;
• gargle to reduce mouth ulcers and throat pain and infection (2 tablespoons 4 times per day);
• wash eyes to relieve irritation.

SALVE
Using the fresh leaves is generally the easiest way to go.  After all, you get just the right amount and you don't have to store it inside anywhere.  And then have to try finding it quickly.  But, we're preppers.  And sometimes you can't find plantain outside when you need it.  Like when winter lasts nine months. This salve combines the healing effects of plantain with the soothing properties of coconut or olive oil.  Use the salve for:

• rashes, eczema, psoriasis, contact dermatitis;
• burns and blisters;
• insect bites and stings;
• acne and boils;
• cuts;
• sprains;
• hemorrhoids;
• drawing out thorns or splinters;
• reducing scarring on more serious cuts and scrapes;
• dandruff (rub into scalp, leave on for an hour, wash hair).

Here's how to make your own plantain salve:

• Fill a glass jar to the top with washed, dried, and crushed fresh leaves, or half full with dried leaves.  
• Add in melted coconut oil or olive oil to cover the leaves.  
• Replace lid and let sit in the sun for two weeks.  
• Warm oil if necessary and strain out the leaves.  
• In a double boiler, melt one ounce of beeswax per seven ounces of infused oil to make a firmer salve.  
• Store in a cool, dark place. 

TINCTURE:
Use a plantain tincture for the following conditions:

• For internal use, 10 drops in 1 cup water, 3 times per day:
• upper respiratory infections (best if tincture is added to hot water with a spoonful of honey;
• gastrointestinal complaints;
• sore throat, 10 drops in 2 tablespoons water and gargle or swish for 30 seconds.
• For external use:
• dilute 10 drops in 1 tablespoon water and apply to boils, acne, and sores to prevent infection and promote healing.

Here's how to make a plantain tincture:

• Wash and dry fresh leaves, crush them, and put them in a glass jar.  Pour 100-proof alcohol into the jar, completely covering the leaves and filling the jar.  Replace the lid and shake the jar well.  Place the jar in a cool, dark place, and shake it every day for 6-8 weeks.  Strain out plantain leaves and pour tincture into a clean jar.  Label and date.  Your tincture should last for at least 2-3 years.  

DECOCTION:
 A decoction of plantain roots is used in treating everything listed above, so I'm not going to repeat the list here.  However, the roots are a little stronger in treating two important conditions.  Prepare a decoction by putting one tablespoon of washed plantain root in a small pan.  Add one cup of cool water and bring it to a boil.  Boil for 30 minutes.  Cool to drinking temperature and strain off the plantain roots.  Drink the decoction.  Use this decoction for the following:

• Smoking cessation as needed.  Apparently it causes a natural aversion to tobacco.  
• Venomous snake bites.  In addition to applying plantain spit poultices to the bite, also make this decoction for the patient to take internally.  
• Ringworm.

DRIED SEEDS:
The seeds can be dried and infused in water for a soothing eye wash (after the seeds are removed), as a laxative, and for intestinal worms in children.   Plantain seeds also help reduce nicotine cravings for those trying to quit smoking. 

Contraindications:  Plantain is considered a very safe her to use; however, it may cause minor dermatitis in some individuals.  Because there is no research indicating its safety, pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid using it.

Links to related posts:
Echinacea
Snake Bites
Spider Bites 
Kidney Stones
Cream of Tartar and Smoking Cessation  

For further information:
https://www.verywellhealth.com/plantain-benefits-4579819
https://www.healthbenefitstimes.com/plantain-herb/
https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-677/great-plantain
http://herballegacy.com/Ahlborn_Medicinal.html
https://wellnessmama.com/4638/plantain-herb-profile/
Sam Coffman, The Herbal Medic.
Dr. Patrick Jones, The HomeGrown Herbalist, pp 159-164.
Rosemary Gladstar's Medicinal Herbs, pp 190-191.

© 2019, PrepSchoolDaily.blogspot.com

9 october 2023

Brigham Tea/Squaw Tea/Mormon Tea

Disclaimer.  I am not a licensed health practitioner.  This is just another post on an item you might wish to have available if needed so that a physician can treat you and your family as best as possible.  No medication, including those available over the counter, should be taken without consulting a physician.  Information shared here is for educational and entertainment purposes only.  It is not medical advice nor a substitute for licensed medical care.  A qualified, licensed physician or other medical provider should be consulted before beginning any herbal or conventional treatment.


Mormon tea, the most common name for several species of North American plants related to the Chinese ma huang species, is found only in the western United States.  Ephedra nevadensis and Ephedra viridis are the most common species.  Brigham Young and the Mormon pioneers drank a lot of this, which accounts for one reason for the name.  Perhaps it's because the other names have connotations currently unacceptable in our society.  Squaw tea is one--the local Indians taught the Mormon pioneers about the uses of this plant.  And before that (and before the advent of penicillin), it was commonly referred to by frontiersmen, miners, explorers, and others as whorehouse tea, due to its use in curing syphilis and gonorrhea and reported efficacy in inducing miscarriage.  I'm happy with the term Mormon tea.

Time to harvest:  Mormon tea can be harvested at any time and dried for later use.  Most people have to make a special trip to collect it--it's not something you normally plant, and even if you could find it at a nursery, it grows too slowly to be used for medicine.  I have acres of it and juniper, so I can just walk outside a hundred feet and pick whatever I need.

Alternative:  Mormon tea is often touted as an alternative to Chinese ephedra, ma huang.  However, the North American species do not contain any ephedra and there is no risk associated with its use like there is with ma huang. Its stimulant properties are due to tannins and alkaloids.

Medicinal uses:  Mormon tea is an antihistamine and mild diuretic and it is high in calcium.  It is especially effective in drying up mucus secretions to alleviate runny noses and scratchy throats.  Historically, it has been used to treat:

• rheumatism;
• high blood pressure;
• colds and coughs;
• mild asthma;
• gonorrhea and syphilis;
• mild bladder infections and kidney ailments;
• osteoporosis. 

However, it is important to note that while Native Americans and others used Mormon tea to treat venereal diseases, there is no research to support the efficacy of this use.  Better stick with abstinence before marriage and fidelity afterwards.


Tincture:  According to Stephen Buhner, the dried herb is tinctured in a 1:5 weight to volume ratio, in 50% alcohol.  The dosage is 15-30 drops.  It is best used in conjunction with other herbs.

Infusion:  Pour boiling water over leaves (actually, they look a lot more like pine needles).  Steep 10 minutes, covered.  Strain, add sugar or honey, and drink. 

Contraindication:  Not for use by pregnant women in the first trimester.

Cautions:  Use as tea is safe in moderation. 

For further reading:
Stephen Buhner, Herbal Antibiotics, p 370.
Patrick Jones, The HomeGrown Herbalist, pp 103-105.
https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/herbs-and-spices/mormon-tea.html
https://www.fs.fed.us/rm/pubs_other/wo_AgricHandbook727/wo_AgricHandbook727_492_494.pdf
https://medicinalherbals.net/mormon-tea-brigham/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4594322/

© 2019, PrepSchoolDaily.blogspot.com  

13 march 2023