antirheumatics

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"The greatest power is thought. Whatever we think, we build from invisible matter something that draws strength to ourselves to help or harm us, according to the nature of our thoughts. Therefore, the first step is to manage our thoughts through our reasoning. And the second step requires us to develop a habit of positive thinking. There is no doctor who can eliminate the diseases of the body and soul, for they are eliminated by joyful thought."

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These are very wise and insightful words uttered by the infamous Peter Dimkov the Healer [ref.1]. It would be very nice if a man like him could be among us in the midst of a severe pandemic of COVID-19, against which all branches of medicine join forces altogether.

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Petar Dimkov owns the nickname "The Healer". He has left us an incredible wealth in the form of thousands of recipes for a variety of health problems and valuable life lessons for faith, empathy and acceptance of higher thought. He has drawn inspiration from his mother Ekaterina Dimkova, who has long sought and recorded folk recipes for treatment and passed on the covenant to her son.

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What is the story of Petar Dimkov, what his daughter reveals about him and the books he left us, we will share with you in today's article.

Who-is-Petar-Dimkov

Who is Petar Dimkov

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Born in 1886, in the family of a priest and herbalist, Dimkov from a young age was brought up in patriotism and respect for the great mother Nature. At just 20 years old, he was appointed lieutenant in the Dragoman Regiment in the Caribrod.

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In 1899 he went to St. Petersburg (Russia), together with his older brother Dimitar, to study with a scholarship in the military academy. At the same time he attended lectures at the medical university, completed a course in homeopathy and also showed interest in lectures in traditional Tibetan medicine. During his studies, Dimkov read the books of Dr. Ignatz von Peczely, the father of iridology, which will later become the preferred diagnostic method for Dimkov.

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Petar Dimkov was also a participant in three wars - the Balkan, Second Balkan and First World Wars, and was repeatedly wounded. During his service in the army, he was awarded all the medals of valor that were once awarded in Bulgaria. As an acting officer in Karlovo in 1933, he rescued Levski's home and prevented it from destruction.

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How-does-he-get-the-nickname-"The-Healer"

How does he get the nickname "The Healer"

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Even in his childhood he was attracted to the healing power of herbs, following the family traditions and guidelines of his mother Ekaterina. In his book "Bulgarian Folk Medicine. Volume 1" Dimkov shares:

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In 1900, when I was 14-years old, she handed me her notebooks with advice to continue searching for and recording the methods and means by which our people had been treated over the centuries. That's what I've been doing for 75 years.'

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In 1936, due to his Republican beliefs and though character, Dimkov retired early from the army. Years of misery followed for his family. His friend, an immigrant to the United States, offered him a home in America. However, the proud Bulgarian firmly refused because of his belief that "our people are great and the land is amazing".

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In these years of poverty and hopelessness, Dimkov outlined a new path for himself - the herbal treatment. [ref.2]

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Dimkov traveled tirelessly in the country and abroad. He met Peter Deunov and became his ardent follower and disciple. Dimkov then started practicing traditional medicine, iridology and herbal treatment (phytotherapy). Besides all this, the Healer is a great supporter of the ideas of vegetarianism and life according to the laws of nature and space.

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About this side of him we are being told later by his daughter in an interview with Portal 12 - Dimkov and his entire family lived according to the canons of Christianity even in the troubled communist years and did not spare his powers to see everyone. Although the visits severely exhausted him, both mentally and physically, this did not in any way stop him from fulfilling the mission to which he devoted himself. Namely - to treat people according to folk medicine. The main principles Dimkov derives from it and observes in his treatment sessions with the people he treats tirelessly are:

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<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Healing occurs with natural native means.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">The final target of the treatment is general strengthening of the body by changing the way of eating and living.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Treatment should always be individual - according to the disease, the person and his condition.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">To impact not only the affected organ or system, but also the whole organism (which is the basis of holistic medicine).</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">With the help of suggestion and self-suggestion to create confidence in the patient for successful recovery. This is also confirmed by his daughter - the artist Lily Dimkova, adding that both healthy and sick people should practice self-suggestion, because thought has the power to change the subconsciousness.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">He denies using technical equipment and machines, instead studying the usefulness of means such as compresses, baths, massages, fasting, raw foodism and more.</li>
</ul>

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The-recipes-of-Petar-Dimkov

The recipes of Petar Dimkov

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No disease that cannot be cured is the Healer's only rule. And perhaps his unshakable faith is rooted in the healing power of his rule. And morale, according to Dimkov, is the only guarantee of good health. He adds: "Illness is the result of lying. Breaking the law of truth leads to illness. The truth brings health. It revives, renews, rejuvenates."

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At the basics of folk medicine, which Peter Dimkov practiced, are the recipes for various health problems. In his books you will find recipes for the most trivial things like the cold and the flu, as well as for various problems such as muscle spasms, curvature of the spine, acute rheumatism, stuttering and pelting, headache, meningitis, reproductive problems, paralysis of limbs and many more.

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Those recipes have helped thousands of people to heal, and at a later stage numerous scientific works establish the effectiveness of the natural means used by the Healer. This is yet another proof that phytotherapy in particular and folk medicine in general can help with a wide range of health problems and more importantly: science supports their usefulness.

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Diving into the world of Dimkov's recipes, we find an inexhaustible source of knowledge, which is applied not only to the treatment of the sick organ, but also to achieve a general strengthening effect on the whole organism.

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Some of his most famous recipe books are:

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<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">"Hygiene and healing of the soul"</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">"Bulgarian Folk Medicine: Natural Treatment and Natural Life - Volume 1-3"</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">"Let's live one hundred years - Tips and recipes of the herb healer Petar Dimkov"</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">"Tips and recipes of Petar Dimkov for healing with fasting and treatment with water"</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">"Live for 100 years" and more.</li>
</ul>

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In 1944, the published "Handbook of Natural Healing and Living" by Petar Dimkov was included in the list of books banned in Bulgaria, and almost all of its specimens were destroyed. At the same time, the authorities officially forbid him from treatment. Dimkov, however, continues to do so, of course - secretly and in the following decades he saved hundreds of lives. After 1989 and the end of political censorship, Petar Dimkov's books and writings became very popular again, and people began to look for his knowledge and healing skills.

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The-twelve-"golden-herbs-of-Petar-Dimkov"

The twelve "golden herbs of Petar Dimkov"

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Through phytotherapy - treatment with herbs, the Healer discovers and applies his own unique combinations of herbs, to which one should treat with particular care. There are some golden rules that the Healer hands over to us regarding the collection, preservation and preparation of medicinal herbs in order to have the best preserved qualities and useful effect:

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<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Herbs should be picked fresh in early spring, and for winter, dried herbs should be prepared.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">The timing of picking is important according to when the concentration of medicinal active ingredients is highest. For example, the roots are digging up in early spring or autumn. The fruits are collected during their maturation.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Proceed very carefully with the collection and avoid the use of plastic bags that suffocate herbs.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Only visibly healthy and clean plants are picked, which do not get sick and do not have parasites on them.</li>
</ul>

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Here are these herbs and their applications in the folk medicine of Petar Dimkov:

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<ol>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Agrimonia (Agrimonia eupatoria) - a herb that is used for sore throat, upset stomach, mild diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), diabetes, gallbladder disorders, fluid retention. Petar Dimkov has also come up with a special recipe for blood purification, which includes all 12 herbs with 30 g. of each of them. Agrimony in his recipes is also recomended for losing excess weight.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Pine tips (Pinus sylvestris L.) - contains valuable essential oil, resinous substances, vitamin C and other useful components. They are found in recipes for bronchitis, atherosclerosis, cleansing blood from toxins and maintaining a normal weight.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Speedwells&nbsp;("chief healer") (Veronica, plantaginaceae family) - applied for cough, bronchitis [ref. 6], diarrhea, chronic eczema, healing action against neurosis induced by mental overload, etc. </li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Nettle leaf (Urtica Dioica) - nettle has a proven diuretic, hemostatic and tonic effect. Also in scientific publications,the antioxidant, anti-ulcer and analgesic property of nettle is proven: Antioxidant, antimicrobial, antiulcer and analgesic activities of nettle (Urtica dioica L.). [ref.3]. There is evidence of effectiveness of nettle in arthritis, which we find in Evidence for antirheumatic effectiveness of Herba Urticae dioicae in acute arthritis: A pilot study [ref.4]. It is also used as a tool against springtime lethargy and anemia. In Dimkov's recipes, nettle is found as an integral part of tinctures or cosmetic formulas, in decoctions to alkalize the body and accelerate hair growth.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">St. John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum) - the beautiful yellow herb is beneficial as a tincture for nervous disorders and nerve diseases, and these effects are described in a small number of publications [ref.5]. The herb can also be enjoyed as a tea or baths can be made on half the body.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Yellow yarrow (Achillea clypeolata) -this perennial plant promotes normal digestion, can be applied topically to relieve skin rashes and itching [ref. 7, 8], it also relieves allergy symptoms, lowers high temperature, counteracts menorrhagia (abnormally profuse or prolonged menstrual bleeding), muscle spasms and others.</li>
</ol>

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There are six more amazing golden herbs, which we will present to you in the second part of this topic. Now enjoy the majesty and beauty of St. John's Wort.

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Sources-used

Sources used

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<ol>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Post: Petar Dimkov: Real lives the one who does not live for himself!, <a href="https://portal12.bg/publikatsii/Petyr-Dimkov-Istinski-zhivee-onya-koyto-ne-zhivee-za-sebe-si-.p7904" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://portal12.bg/publikatsii/Petyr-Dimkov-Istinski-zhivee-onya-koyto-ne-zhivee-za-sebe-si-.p7904</a> </li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">The healing secrets of Colonel Petar Dimkov, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u0wjTH65Ngs" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u0wjTH65Ngs</a></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Gülçin I, Küfrevioglu OI, Oktay M, Büyükokuroglu ME. Antioxidant, antimicrobial, antiulcer and analgesic activities of nettle (Urtica dioica L.). J Ethnopharmacol. 2004 Feb;90(2-3):205-15. doi: 10.1016/j.jep.2003.09.028. PMID: 15013182. <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15013182/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15013182/</a></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Chrubasik S, Enderlein W, Bauer R, Grabner W. Evidence for antirheumatic effectiveness of Herba Urticae dioicae in acute arthritis: A pilot study. Phytomedicine. 1997 Jun;4(2):105-8. doi: 10.1016/S0944-7113(97)80052-9. PMID: 23195396. <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23195396/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23195396/</a></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Klemow KM, Bartlow A, Crawford J, et al. Medical Attributes of St. John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum) In: Benzie IFF, Wachtel-Galor S, editors. Herbal Medicine: Biomolecular and Clinical Aspects. 2nd edition. Boca Raton (FL): CRC Press/Taylor &amp; Francis; 2011. Chapter 11. Available from: <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK92750/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK92750/</a></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.herbal-organic.com/en/pubmed/Antioxidant_and_Antimicrobial_Properties_of_Veronica_spicata_L_Plantaginaceae_26028041?&amp;ap=h" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://www.herbal-organic.com/en/pubmed/Antioxidant_and_Antimicrobial_Properties_of_Veronica_spicata_L_Plantaginaceae_26028041?&amp;ap=h</a> </li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Saeidnia S, Gohari A, Mokhber-Dezfuli N, Kiuchi F. A review on phytochemistry and medicinal properties of the genus Achillea. Daru. 2011;19(3):173-186. <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3232110/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3232110/</a> </li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.herbal-organic.com/en/pubmed/achillea_filipendulina_lam_chemical_constituents_and_antimicrobial_activities_of_essential_oil_of_stem_leaf_and_flower_32239617?&amp;ap=h" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://www.herbal-organic.com/en/pubmed/achillea_filipendulina_lam_chemical_constituents_and_antimicrobial_activities_of_essential_oil_of_stem_leaf_and_flower_32239617?&amp;ap=h</a> </li>
</ol>

A measure of every meal and positive thinking on every issue. Cultivating kindness and preserving positive thoughts and actions. Faith in the natural healing and recovery of the body. Faith in the gifts of nature and medicinal herbs. Release anxiety and life without stress. Instead, a life of understanding and helping our neighbour - a legacy that Peter Dimkov left for all of us and we will always remember and pay it forward.

The recipes of Petar Dimkov the Healer - scientific reading (part 1)

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 The recipes of Petar Dimkov the Healer - scientific reading (part 1)

Бетина Цветкова

Author: Rositsa Tashkova, Master of Molecular Biology and Microbiology

Europe is extremely rich in medicinal plants and herbs. The aroma of thyme, linden and chamomile evokes sweet memories of childhood in everyone whose grandmother once made herbal tea for breakfast.

The herbs are deeply embedded in our traditions and are sometimes given a mystical and almost magical action. As science progresses, the secrets of their healing effects are revealed - encoded in a variety of active substances.

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In this article, we will look at 10 of the best medicinal herbs we can find in our nature or in the pharmacy.

Elderberry-(Sambucus-nigra)-and-danewort-(Sambucus-ebulus)

1. Elderberry (Sambucus nigra) and danewort (Sambucus ebulus)

Elderberry-(Sambucus-nigra)-and-danewort-(Sambucus-ebulus)_0_0

Elderberry is also called elder, black elder, European elder, European elderberry, and European black elderberry. It is a tree and should not be confused with danewort (Sambucus ebulus), which is a herbaceous plant. The fruits of the elderberry hang down, and the danewort is straightened upwards.

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The other names of the danewort are dane weed, danesblood, dwarf elder or European dwarf elder, walewort, dwarf elderberry, elderwort and blood hilder. Both herbs are sometimes called elderberry. But enough about the names, let's find out what the properties of these plants are.

Elderberry-(tree)

Elderberry (tree)

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The fruit of <a href="https://www.researchgate.net/publication/259696401_An_Evidence-Based_Systematic_Review_of_Elderberry_and_Elderflower_Sambucus_nigra_by_the_Natural_Standard_Research_Collaboration" target="_blank" rel="noopener"></a> elderberry contains the protein agglutinin Ivf (SNAIVf), which is homologous to the RIP type 2 lectin, as well as quercetin. The elderberry has the following medicinal properties&nbsp;[<a href="https://www.researchgate.net/publication/259696401_An_Evidence-Based_Systematic_Review_of_Elderberry_and_Elderflower_Sambucus_nigra_by_the_Natural_Standard_Research_Collaboration" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref. 1</a>]:

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<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Anti-inflammatory effect,</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Modulation of immune protection,</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Antioxidant effects thanks to the flavonoids,</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Antiviral effect - especially against influenza viruses type A and B, as well as against herpes simplex-1 virus,</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Potentially lowers blood pressure,</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Diuretic effect (elderberry flowers),</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Potentially stimulates glucose metabolism and increases insulin secretion from the beta cells of the pancreas,</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Potentially lowers cholesterol (fruit syrup),</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Potentially lowers the weight.</li>
</ul>

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Attention, attention! Poorly ripe fruits, bark, roots and leaves of S. nigra contain cyanogen glycoside sambungrin, which is toxic and its intake can lead to cyanide poisoning.

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Elderberry can adversely affect people with a variety of diseases and conditions, including: arrhythmia, cardiovascular disease, along with taking medications to lower blood pressure, diabetes, during <a href="https://www.sanat.io/bul/p/liechiebni_rastieniia_koito_obliekchavat_mchitielnitie_stranichni_iefiekti_ot_khimio_i_lchietierapiiata_0e97f0c5_6473_4c0a_bfd5_233383967f22" target="_blank" rel="noopener">chemotherapy</a>, diseases of the central nervous system, in gastrointestinal disorders, <a href="/p/anorieksiia_bulimiia_prieiazhdanie_kdie_sie_korieniat_khranitielnitie_razstroistva_499c17d9_4b0f_4506_8deb_16089dec54bf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer">eating disorders</a> and in particular anorexia, <a href="https://www.sanat.io/bul/p/6_bilki_koito_shchie_pomoghnat_na_stradashchitie_ot_mighriena_5f9f41dd_4a26_479a_b23f_06bf63bc6557" target="_blank" rel="noopener">migraines</a> and others.

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As it becomes clear, elderberry is a very potent herb, and it is good to use it after consulting a doctor, especially in the presence of accompanying diseases or specific conditions, including in pregnancy and lactation.

Danewort-(herbaceous-elderberry)

Danewort (herbaceous elderberry)

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Unripe fruits of the danewort are also poisonous, and only ripe ones are used for medicinal purposes.

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Other effects are [<a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/2156587217701322" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref. 2</a>]:

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<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Antioxidant,</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Anti-inflammatory,</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Antibacterial,</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Analgesic,</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Antidepression,</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">For faster wound healing,</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Anticancer effect - demonstrated only in cells in laboratory conditions.</li>
</ul>

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As a herb used since ancient times, danewort has a long history of food and medicinal applications and is still widely used. Its high potential for therapeutic applications, due to its many bioactive phytochemicals, heralds a bright future for&nbsp;danewort.

Where-to-look-for-elderberry

Where to look for elderberry

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Both types of elderberry are found&nbsp;free-growing by the roads, settlements, in shrubs and forests.

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It can also be purchased in the form of various preparations, dried fruit and syrups from pharmacies and drugstores.

Common-yarrow-(Achillea-millefolium)---an-ancient-herb

2. Common yarrow (Achillea millefolium) - an ancient herb

Common-yarrow-(Achillea-millefolium)---an-ancient-herb_1_0

Common-yarrow-(Achillea-millefolium)---an-ancient-herb_1_1

The common yarrow is also called gordaldo, nosebleed plant, old man's pepper, devil's nettle, sanguinary, milfoil, soldier's woundwort, thousand-leaf, and thousand-seal. "Melifolium" means "thousands of leaves".

Common-yarrow-(Achillea-millefolium)---an-ancient-herb_1_2

The herb has attracted people's attention since ancient times and has become part of a variety of myths and legends - including the one about Achilles, according to which he used yarrow to heal his wounds.

Common-yarrow-(Achillea-millefolium)---an-ancient-herb_1_3

Besides yarrow, several other species of this genus are used to treat wounds, hemorrhages, headaches, inflammations, pain, spasmodic diseases, flatulence and <a href="/p/losho_khranosmilanie_dispiepsiia_prichini_simptomi_i_liechieniie_295123d1_141a_4a34_b5b4_38236707b61c" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer">dyspepsia</a>. Phytochemical studies of species of the genus Achillea reveal that they contain many components that are highly bioactive.

Common-yarrow-(Achillea-millefolium)---an-ancient-herb_1_4

The different effects of these plants may be due to the presence of a wide range of secondary active metabolites such as flavonoids, phenolic acids, coumarins, terpenoids (monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes, dieterpenes, triterpenes) and sterols, which are often reported to be found in Achillea species.

Common-yarrow-(Achillea-millefolium)---an-ancient-herb_1_5

Common-yarrow-(Achillea-millefolium)---an-ancient-herb_1_6

Here are the effects of yarrow of medical importance [<a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/bg/eng/research/pubmed/A_review_on_phytochemistry_and_medicinal_properties_of_the_genus_Achillea_22615655" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref. 3</a>]:

Common-yarrow-(Achillea-millefolium)---an-ancient-herb_1_7

<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Treatment of wounds - for faster healing, aqueous extract of the flowers.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Antioxidant properties - tea from the herb.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Estrogenic activity - traditionally yarrow is used as a means of regulating the menstrual cycle, <a href="/p/maghdanozt_tsielinata_i_drughi_bilki_koito_pomaghat_v_borbata_s_raka_431f42b9_91a1_4cb7_b9d4_e633b827af78" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer"></a> since it contains luteolin and <a href="../p/maghdanozt_tsielinata_i_drughi_bilki_koito_pomaghat_v_borbata_s_raka_431f42b9_91a1_4cb7_b9d4_e633b827af78" target="_blank" rel="noopener">apigenin</a> (luteolin and apigenin). Apigenin exhibits estrogenic activity, since it has the ability to bind to estrogen receptors.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Antispermogenous effect - it has been found that in rats, alcoholic yarrow extract disrupts sperm formation processes.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Anti-ulcer <a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/bg/eng/research/pubmed/In_vitro_susceptibility_of_Helicobacter_pylori_to_botanical_extracts_used_traditionally_for_the_treatment_of_gastrointestinal_disorders_16317658" target="_blank" rel="noopener"></a>activity - the aqueous extract of the <a href="/p/kak_da_razpoznaiem_iazvata_na_stomakha_prichini_simptomi_i_liechieniie_aca42d14_75a4_49dc_900a_1ec74f04c479" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer"></a> herb protects the disturbed mucous membrane of the stomach and promotes its recovery.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Effects on the immune system - yarrow is rich in substances called sesquiterpenes, which have an immunosuppressive effect (suppress the activity of the immune system). This effect is manifested by the use of essential oil from the herb.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Antibacterial effects - extract (hexane:ether:methanol = 1:1:1) of yarrow has shown [<a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/bg/eng/research/pubmed/In_vitro_antimicrobial_activity_of_extracts_of_four_Achillea_species_the_composition_of_Achillea_clavennae_L_Asteraceae_extract_15978758" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref. 5</a>] broad antibacterial activity against 5 bacterial species (Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Salmonella enteritidis) and 2 types of fungi (Aspergillus niger and Candida albicans).</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Antispasmodic effects - the use of yarrow infusion to relieve gastrointestinal problems, especially as an antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory agent, is quite common in folk medicine. Antispasmodic effects of the herb are probably due to flavonoids in the plant. The substances galangin, quercetin and eupatilin, which are common in this genus, have been reported to cause a powerful sagging of the ileum (the last part of the small intestine).</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Anti-inflammatory properties - the action is probably due to sesquiterpenes and alkamides.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Undesirable effects - hypersensitivity may occur in some people and there is not enough data to determine whether the intake of the herb during pregnancy and lactation [<a href="https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/herbal-report/final-assessment-report-achillea-millefolium-l-herba_en.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref. 6</a>] is safe. However, consultation with a specialist is necessary if we intend to use the yarrow for longer periods of time.</li>
</ul>

Where-can-you-find-yarrow

Where can you find yarrow

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The yarrow is found at an altitude of up to 2000 m above sea level. It grows in grassy places, meadows, shrubs.

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In pharmacies it is available in a variety of forms - tincture, dried herb, essential oil, capsules, ointments, floral water.

Europeanmistletoe-(Viscum-album)

3. Europeanmistletoe (Viscum album)

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European mistletoe, also called common mistletoe or simply mistletoe, is a semi-parasitic shrub that develops in the crowns of trees and gives specific white ball fruits.

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The plant is poisonous, its stalks and leaves also apply as a herb, but it should not be taken for a long time.

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Recently, white mistletoe has been more actively studied, as some of its potentially beneficial effects in the fight against cancer have been found.

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The plant contains phenols, terpenoids and lectins. Lectins may act as immune system modulators and anticancer agents.

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Various mistletoe extracts have anticancer, antiviral, antioxidant and proapoptotic effects (apoptosis is the programmed cell death or process in which the cell kills itself so as not to harm the body).

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In fact, both mistletoe extracts and purified mistletoe lectins have great potential as anticancer agents and have been shown to inhibit the growth of tumor cell lines such as B-cell hybridomas, P815, EL-4, Ke37, MOLT-4 and U937 in vitro. The mechanism by which they stop cell growth involves inducing apoptosis.

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It should be taken into account that the use of mistletoe alone is not the best therapy against cancer and the results are influenced by the use of other treatments. Given all this, the best way to evaluate the anti-cancer properties of mistletoe is to evaluate its use as an adjuvant drug rather than as an alternative to chemotherapy. [<a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/B9780124078499000543" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref. 7</a>]

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In folk medicine, mistletoe is used in the form of a decoction for:

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<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">decrease in high blood pressure,</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">as a vasodilator agent with an effect on the lower extremities,</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">as a hemostatic agent,</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">in degenerative inflammation of the joints,</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">asthma,</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">vertigo,</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">diarrhea,</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">epilepsy,</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">anxiety.</li>
</ul>

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A curious fact is that the main toxic ingredients of the mistletoe are stomach-irritating alkaloids, heart toxins (viscotoxins) and lectins, as viscotoxins are physiologically similar to cobra snake poison. [<a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/B9780124165953000050" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref. 8</a>]

Where-can-you-find-mistletoe

Where can you find mistletoe

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As we said at the beginning, mistletoe is a semi-parasite that grows on the branches of various tree species, up to 2000 meters above sea level. Dried herb is sold in drug stores and it's not expensive.

Lemon-Balm-(Melissa-officinalis)---bees-love-it

4. Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis) - bees love it

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It blooms at the end of summer and is a honey plant attracting bees - it is also named after them. It's leaves smell like lemon.

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For healing purposes, the leaves of the lemon balm are used before flowering occurs.

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Phytochemical studies reveal that the herb contains volatile compounds, triterpenoids, phenolic acids and flavonoids.

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Raw extracts and pure compounds isolated from M. officinalis exhibit numerous pharmacological effects, of which only the following are shown in clinical trials:

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<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">anxiolytic (anti-anxiety),</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">antivirus,</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">antispasmodic activities of this plant, as well as its effects on mood, cognition and memory. [<a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/bg/eng/research/pubmed/Melissa_officinalis_L_A_review_of_its_traditional_uses_phytochemistry_and_pharmacology_27167460" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref. 9</a>]</li>
</ul>

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The herb has a potential positive effect in insomnia <a href="/p/kak_da_sie_spravim_s_biezsniieto_4a5e9367_3f8a_4aa7_bcf3_ecedac42f10c" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer"></a>as well as in the role of an&nbsp; antioxidant. [<a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5871149/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref. 10</a>]

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It is important to note that its intake with sedative and antipsychotic drugs is absolutely prohibited. Prolonged intake of lemon balm (30 days) can lead to a number of adverse effects.

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Where-can-you-find-the-lemon-balm

Where can you find the lemon balm

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The lemon balm grows in shrubs and small forests, courtyards, in grassy and rocky&nbsp; places - up to 1200 m above sea level.

Stinging-nettle-(Urtica-dioica)---the-hidden-treasure

5. Stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) - the hidden treasure

Stinging-nettle-(Urtica-dioica)---the-hidden-treasure_4_0

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Stinging nettle is also called common nettle or stinger. Leaves and stalks are collected from June to September, and the roots - in the autumn, in which case it is necessary to act responsibly and not destroy the entire bed, in order to have nettle in this place and the following year.

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The plant is well known by everyone because of the dermatitis it causes when touched, due to biochemical mediators such as histamine and acetylcholine. Nettle exhibits a number of strong biological activities such as: antirheumatic, anti-infectious, immunomodulatory, antihyperglycemic (lowers blood sugar) action, as well as for the relief of allergies.

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For a long time&nbsp;Urtica dioica has been used as a diuretic agent and for the treatment of arthritis and rheumatism in folk medicine. Today nettle is recognized as an important medicinal herb, and is also consumed as food due to its content of minerals, amino acids, lecithin, carotenoids and vitamins.

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А variety of valuable substances are found in nettle, such as flavonoids, tanins and sterols. Its roots contain other biologically active compounds such as scopoletin, fatty acids, polysaccharides and isolectins.

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Pharmaceutical studies also found additional medicinal applications of nettle [<a href="https://www.researchgate.net/publication/235672360_Phytochemistry_and_pharmacologic_properties_of_Urtica_dioica_L" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref. 11</a>]:

antirheumatics

Top 10 medicinal herbs in Europe