Mindblown: a blog about philosophy.
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Bearberry
The fruit of a small shrub found in northern climates that is usually used in medicinal tea to treat a number of ailments, including bladder infection, water retention, and diarrhea. Available at health food stores and some pharmacies. Creeping evergreen shrub that presents pretty waxy-looking white flowers in drooping clusters. Infusion of dried leaves in…
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Bear’s garlic
An edible, medicinal herb related to chives. Also called ramsons, buckrams, or wild garlic. Available at health food stores. A consumable and healing herb that is a relative of chives, known by various names such as ramsons, buckrams, or wild garlic. It can be found at health food stores.
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Autogenic training
A meditative relaxation technique invented by German psychiatrist Johannes Heinrich Schultz in the 1930s that can be used to help relieve stress-induced disorders. A system of physical and mental relaxation that employs self-suggestion to effect a physiological change through changes in the autonomic nervous system. A form of self-regulation developed by Johannes Schulz (early 20th…
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Arnica
A medicinal herb belonging to the sunflower family that is often used in tinctures or creams. Available at health food stores and some pharmacies. Protected wildflower of Switzerland. Tincture is applied externally for bruises, burns and inflammations. A perennial herb, Arnica montana, used in ointments and as a homeopathic remedy to promote healing, for pain,…
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Alum
A water-soluble, nontoxic chemical compound often used in pickling and preserving. Available at grocery stores. A double sulfate of aluminum and potassium or aluminum and ammonia; used as an astringent and styptic. Alum, a compound of aluminum and potassium, forms a double sulphate salt that possesses a potent astringent impact. The salt manifests in the…
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Almond bran
Ground almond skin that is rich in anti-oxidants. Available at health food stores. Almond skin that has been ground and is abundant in antioxidants. You can purchase it at health food stores.
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Yucca
Semi-desert hardy plant. Roots contain two per cent saponin, a soapy substance valuable in shampoos, leaving a fine sheen to hair. Excellent for washing delicate fabrics. Easy to use; chopped roots are soaked in water and stirred to a lather. Spectacular towering spikes of creamy white flowers.
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Yew
An evergreen tree or shrub with dark green leaves that produces red, berry-like fruits.
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Yerba Mate
A form of holly that is grown in Paraguay. Mate tea is a popular South American beverage. More stimulating than coffee or tea but contains little caffeine. Very rich in vitamins and minerals. Has valuable restorative and sustaining properties. Indigenous to South America, a shrub of notable repute yields leaves that, once dried, are employed…
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Yellow-Dock
Perennial, herbaceous, green-flowered weed. Yellow-Dock also known as Curly Dock, Narrow-Leafed Dock, and Curled Dock.
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