< previous page page_79 next page >

Page 79
In addition to the herbs recommended for diverticulitis, colitis, Crohn's disease and constipation, consider the lowly dandelion. Dandelion leaves and root are both therapeutic. A tonic to the liver and the entire digestive tract, dandelion is a bitter herb that is high in potash and inulin, a carbohydrate that is so easily assimilated, it is recommended for the nutritional support of diabetics. Fresh dandelion leaves in salad, dandelion leaf tea (infusion) and dendelion root tea (decoction) all benefit people with colitis, hepatitis, indigestion, irritable bowel syndrome and other digestive problems. Use 1 to 3 teaspoons dried herb per cup of water to brew dandelion tea. This herb combines well with other herbs, especially ginger root and licorice root. For a combination tea, blend equal parts of these dried roots and simmer 1 tablespoon herb in 2 cups water for 15 minutes. Drink as much of the tea as often as desired.
Ulcers
Ulcers don't just happen, they are caused by factors that need correcting even after herbs relieve their pain. Try avoiding common allergens like dairy products. Identify foods that don't agree with you, which probably include foods high in acid. Don't take digestive enzymes. Reduce the stress in your life and improve your nutrition. Drink fresh, raw juices as much as possible, especially cabbage juice, which Europeans consider a specific for ulcers. One quart per day for a week literally cures most ulcers, which a friend found hard to believe until I showed her medical reports substantiating this claim. She had been hospitalized for a bleeding ulcer once before, so she recognized the symptoms as soon as they appeared. Two days and two quarts of green cabbage juice later, she was tired of the taste but exclaimed she had never felt better. That was three years ago and her ulcer has not returned.
Another specific for ulcers is licorice root. Use any licorice root preparation for short periods; for therapy lasting more than one week, take de-glycyrrhinized licorice root tablets (chew before swallowing for best results) to prevent the

 
< previous page page_79 next page >

If you like this book, buy it!