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Ageless herbal newsletterApril 2000
Underneath is the main part of the newsletter that was sent out, excluding special offers or items that were being promoted during that month. To access any previous newsletters, please click here, or if you want to sign up for our free newsletter, please click here.
In this issue:
Gotu Kola (Centella Asiatica)This multi-facetted herb is also known as Gotu Kola, Indian Pennywort, Pai Kuo and Wild Violet - not to be confused with the African Violet, and has been used internally and externally since the 17th century in Africa, India, the Philippines, Java and France, whose people ate two leaves a day for anti-aging and also used it for “tired aching” skin, treating leprosy sores, syphilis, leg ulcers, slow-healing wounds, venereal sores, tuberculosis, skin lesions and psoriasis. In India it is also called the "tiger herb" – since wounded tigers are often found to roll themselves in it. Chinese physicians used it for longevity and to treat fevers, colds and influenza. This herb contains alkaloids and minerals that are beneficial in the treatment of a host of ailments such as eczema, psoriasis, thread and varicose veins. It helps to improve the venous blood supply from the heart, strengthening the walls of the arteries and veins, and pours energy, vitality, longevity and virility into our tired stress-filled systems. It is used for wound healing, varicose veins, insect bites, eczema, scalp problems and other skin conditions. People also use it for arthritis, headaches, tension, anxiety and sluggishness with great effect. Laboratory tests have proved that it contains compounds that exert a balancing effect on connective tissue. The net effect is improved function and integrity of the collagen matrix and supportive structures leading to remarkable wound healing activity. The traditional use of centella in the treatment of leprosy was supported by a study that showed that the asiaticoside in the herb dissolves the waxy coating of the leprosy bacteria, which then allows the body’s immune system to fight the bacteria. This waxy coating protects the leprosy bacteria against attack by the immune system. Excellent results were also obtained in the treatment of 2nd and 3rd degree burn wounds, where the extract limited the shrinkage and swelling of the skin caused by infection, and also assisted in inhibiting scar formation, increasing healing and reducing fibrosis. It is also great for elimination of excess fluids, energizing and helping with mental depression, improves sex drive, stimulates the central nervous system, is helpful in cardiovascular and circulatory problems and problems with connective tissue in the skin. Lentil and herb soup
Ingredients: ½ cup lentils (red or brown); 5 cups stock (chicken or beef); 1 onion; 1½ teaspoons olive oil; 1 clove garlic; ¼ lb spinach; sea salt and black pepper; 1½ cups chopped fresh mixed herbs – sorrel, parsley, chervil, tarragon, lovage and lemon thyme; juice of ½ small lemon (fresh), 1 cup unflavored yogurt or buttermilk. Instructions: Remove all impurities from lentils and wash very well. Place lentils and stock in thick-bottomed pot and bring to the boil, reduce heat and let simmer until soft. (Do NOT add salt at this point, as the lentils will then take longer to soften) Red lentils will take about 30 minutes to soften, while brown lentils will take a bit longer – approximately 45 minutes. Peel and chop onion and sauté in a skillet until soft and brown. While still busy browning add the minced garlic to it. If you cannot mince the garlic, pulverize it with the flat side of a knife – but please be careful. Add the washed spinach, cut into small pieces, to the softened lentils, add the salt and pepper, and simmer until the spinach is cooked and soft – which should take about 10 – 15 minutes. Then add the sautéed onions and garlic as well as the freshly chopped herbs to the lentil and spinach mix. Simmer for another 3 – 5 minutes, remove from heat and let cool. Puree the mixture in a blender and add the lemon juice, yogurt (or buttermilk). You can serve it immediately, or if you need to reheat – do it gently and do NOT let it boil again. Do it yourself manicureA common mistake made by many is to take good care of their facial skin, but to neglect looking after their hands. The problem with this is that our hands, with everyday working, washing and exposure to chemicals and environmental pollutants, show aging far quicker than our pampered facial skin. Men as well as women should have regular manicures to ensure well groomed hands, as neglected hands and nails – in men and women - do not make a good impression. Doing your manicure:
Nail and hand care tipsDisorders that can show on your nail bedWe have listed some problems below that may be indicated by your nails if they are:
Supplements for better nail growthPrevious newsletters
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