calcium, magnesium, and potassium, it is an effective treatment for cramps, such as leg cramps. Three ounces of parsley contains


about 3 mg of boron, the dose suggested for bone health. In my clinical experience, a dose of about 2 ounces per day of pars- ley juice treats edema very well. Parsley leaf is widely available in capsule form, both as a single herb, and in combination. It works well as a digestive aid combined with turmeric. A typical dose would be 2-9 grams per day, but, of course, this herb is very safe at any dose.


Thyme Thyme contains anti-aging chemicals.


Historically, this herb has been used for headache. Thyme is known as a general antimi- crobial, especially for bacterial infection, and an expectorant, which also treats fever, so it is a well-known treatment for dis- eases like the flu. One ingredient, thymol, has antiviral properties, and is also antispasmodic, so it is used in headache and cramps. Use thyme as a tea, or gargle.


Basil leaf Originally from India, this spicy herb


has grown to great popularity around the world. There are many varieties of the plant, but they all basically have the same medicinal qualities. One famous variety, “holy” basil, is a standout in the Ayurvedic pharmacopoeia. Historically, basil has been used as a digestive aid, to relieve gas and speed digestion, and to warm up and mobilize stiff arthritic joints.


Basil is a pungent herb that increases


body heat. It is used to treat respiratory conditions, like the flu, and to lower fever by sweating. Since it’s also an expectorant, it can be used for conditions like emphy- sema and asthma.


A member of the mint family, basil


contains antibacterial compounds. Recent studies have shown that basil appears to prevent cancer. Basil lowers blood pressure. Basil


contains antiviral compounds. A common folk remedy for warts is to apply crushed basil directly to the wart. Use basil liberally in food, such as


pesto, or brew in tea. For a headache, try chewing several fresh basil leaves.


Black pepper The herb is known only as a humble


Daniel Lackey, FNP-C


www.RobinhoodIntegrativeHealth.com Daniel Lackey, FNP-C


Daniel Lackey, FNP-C is a board certified Nurse Practitioner. His background is in Emergency Medi- cine, with 5 years of experience as an ER nurse. His nurse practitioner degree includes specialties in fami- ly practice and adult gerontological acute care. Following his true pas- sion, however, he also obtained a certification in functional medi- cine. He finds it is truly rewarding and efficacious to address the root cause of illness instead of viewing the body as separate systems.


336.768.3335 MAY 2019 29


condiment here, but in Asia, it is consid- ered to be the foremost detoxifier and anti-aging herb. Black pepper is a warming digestive


remedy, which has a carminative action. It increases circulation, and lowers blood pressure. It also contains compounds that prevent osteoporosis. While black pepper has been es- teemed as a detoxifier, particularly in Ayurveda, recent research has begun to bear this out. At least in rats, pepper seems to increase release of carcinogens through the liver, reducing cancer. Piperine, a main active ingredient, protects against liver damage almost as well as milk thistle. This alkaloid is also getting a reputation for increasing bioavailability and absorption of nutrients. For example, in one recent study, scientists measured the absorption of turmeric active ingredients. Administer- ing the turmeric along with Piperine in- creased bioavailability by 154%, and re- duced the time for absorption by half. Black pepper reduces free radicals. It is antioxidant, and prevents the depletion of glutathione. It also prevents the destruc- tion of other antioxidants, such as vitamin A. Pepper is used in Ayurveda to release sinus congestion. Black pepper is available in the health


food store as a supplement. Use 50 mg per day or more of extract standardized to Piperine.


Use black pepper as a culinary spice.


An excellent Ayurvedic preparation for sinus congestion is to boil 10 peppercorns in milk, strain, and drink.


Nettles That’s right- the stinging nettles you dig out as a pesky weed. Even though less well-known as a food here, nettles are quite edible and tasty. The sting is neutral- ized when the plant is dried or cooked. This vegetable is prepared like spinach, and has a similar, but saltier, taste. Please don’t harvest this vegetable unless you know what you are doing- the sting, before being neutralized, is painful. Nettle is a favorite of European herbal-


ists, who use it as a general nutritive tonic, similar to the way alfalfa has been used in American herbalism. In addition, it has been historically used to treat childhood eczema, respiratory conditions, and to strengthen the circulatory tissue. Recently, nettle has been getting at- tention in natural healing circles for the treatment of allergic rhinitis (hay fever). You will find nettle in the health food


store in capsules. Most people find that about 2 grams will relieve an allergy at- tack.


Fenugreek seed This little legume is getting a lot of attention lately for its many medicinal virtues. It is a very rich source of soluble fiber. It is a very effective diabetes treatment, promoting substantial reductions in blood sugar, both from its fiber content, and the presence of other metabolically active components. Fenugreek seed lowers total choles-


terol, while increasing HDL. It contains very high amounts of cho-


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