Dandelion, Taraxacum officinale, is a powerful blood and liver cleanser. It energizes liver functions, thus digestive bile production is increased. As a result, cholesterol is decreased. It is helpful in the treatment of jaundice, hepatitis, and liver cirrhosis, but it is not recommended for gallstones. Its diuretic property assists in eliminating water retention and uric acid, but it should not to be used along with diuretic medication. The green performs stimulating actions on the kidneys, spleen, pancreas and digestive tract. It may also have a detoxifying effect on rheumatism and breast tumors and cancer.

Dandelion’s cleansing properties come from the following powerful phytochemicals: Beta-carotene, beta-sitosterol, caffeic acid, cryptoxanthin, lutein, mannitol, p-courmaric acid, saponin, and stigmasterol. Each one has different actions. Some act on infections; others on inflammation and others on cancer. Mannitol produced by dandelion leaves and roots assists in regulating hypertension. The chopped roots should be simmered for one minute and chopped leaves should be left to steep in the liquid for 40 minutes. The dose is two cups per day.

Dandelion’s diversified minerals like calcium, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium and zinc nourish the blood, prevent anaemia and bolster the immune system. The green also offers essential fatty acids valuable to health.  According to a medical journal, the antioxidants and vitamins A and B2 in dandelion flower infusion help night blindness.

Due to dandelion’s high insulin content, the supplement can exercise a balancing effect on blood sugar, regulating sugar and insulin levels in diabetics.

For liver cleansing and healing, the leaves, stems and roots should be boiled and reduced considerably. Three tablespoons of the concentrate should be taken six times a day. Dandelion supplement produces similar benefits. The milky sap in the stem can be rubbed on warts three times a day; it helps eliminate them. It seems to work on liver spots on the hands as well.

Dandelion is known as hindiba in Arabic. The young green leaves make a healthy filling salad. In Lebanese cuisine, they are wilted in olive oil with chopped onions and garlic to make a delicious and healthy vegetable dish. Alternatively, they can be boiled or steamed and dressed with lemon and virgin olive oil. 

Peppermint, Mentha piperita, is a potent green. Its healing effects come from the many phytocompounds in the plant. These are composed of acetic acid, alpha-carotene, alpha-pinene,azulene, beta-carotene, beta-ionone, betaine, caffeic acid, carvacrol, carvone, chlorogenic acid, coumarin, eugenol, hesperetin, limonene, linalool, luteolin, menthol, 1,8-cineole, p-coumaric acid, rosmarinic acid, rutin, tannin, thymol and vanillin.

The aromatic green provides protecting nutrients like pectin, choline, calcium, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, selenium, and zinc and the nourishing vitamins B1, B2, B3, and E.

Due its content of the pungent menthol and others, peppermint essence and oil are typically used for therapeutic purposes to relieve digestive disorders like indigestion, nausea, spasms, irritable bowel syndrome, diarrhea and poor appetite. They soothe colic through their mild anaesthetic effects on the mucous membranes. They help the digestive process, furthermore, by aiding in the secretion of stomach acids. 

The green’s medicinal and calming effects alleviate headaches and rheumatism pain. Peppermint essence or oil should only be ingested in very few drops on a lump of sugar or with honey for medical conditions only.

On the other hand, peppermint and its oil should not be used in the presence of acid reflux and allergic reactions; they aggravate the conditions. Nursing mothers should not take them either as they interfere with iron uptake. The green leaves should not be consumed in their pure form, but as a tea instead.

Traditionally in Arabia, peppermint leaves, habaq known locally, are infused in boiling water to relieve digestive disorders. Otherwise, peppermint or spearmint (its milder green ‘sister’), with its flowering tops are enjoyed mixed with tea leaves after a copious meal. The habaq madini, grown in Al-Madina Almunwarah, the holy city of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), is known for its very powerful aroma and medicinal effects on insomnia, indigestion, flatulence, sore throats, colds, cough, headaches, abdominal and menstrual pain, and bad breath. In his books of medicine, Al-Kindi, the 9th century physician, recommended the use of peppermint for the above disorders. 

Ginseng, Panax ginseng and Panax quinquefolius, is a root known for its energizing and healing properties. The first kind comes from China and Korea; that is the one most people know. The other is grown on American soil. The different species give different effects and complement each other. The Siberian ginseng is not of the same family, but it has similar characteristics.

Ginseng potency on the body comes from phytochemicals such as beta sitosterol, campesterol, caryophyllene, cinnamic acid, escin, ferrulic acid, fumaric acid, ginsenosides, kaempferol, oleanolic acid, panaxic acid, saponin, stigmasterol and vanillic acid. The nutrients in the root are quite impressive, too. They consist of calcium, choline, fiber, folate, iron, magnesium and manganese, phosphorus, potassium, silicon, and zinc.

Both ginseng nutrients and phytocompounds work in a synergy to bolster the hormonal system and adrenal and reproductive glands, increasing fertility and sexual activity while reducing sexual dysfunctions. By enhancing the immune system, they give energy, increase stamina and endurance, lower fatigue and stress, and stimulate the appetite, making them ideal for athletes. They have balancing effects on blood sugar and insulin levels.

With the use of ginseng, the functions of the lungs are improved and bronchitis conditions are relieved.  The root promotes good blood circulation; controls diabetes; and helps liver dysfunction due to alcohol abuse and medical drug overuse. Its immune-lifting properties protect against exposure to radiation in astronauts and others. The healing part is the root, which should be steeped in hot water for 20 minutes like most remedial herbal infusions. Ginseng comes in supplement for those who do not have access to the root.

Due to its sugar lowering effect, ginseng should be avoided in the presence of hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar). The other medical conditions, which the root is not recommended for, are hypertension, heart disorders, asthma, and insomnia. Pregnant and nursing mothers, too, should keep away from the root.  

Some of the readers must feel burdened by so many scientific names. The purpose of citing and writing the details of the scientific and Latin names of these plants is for the reader to become familiar with them. In case of allergic reactions to one or more of their components, it is important to avoid taking the carrier plant, which is contraindicated for the condition. The other reason is when a medical disorder arises the reader would be well informed of the effective phytocompounds, which can act as healers to his or her condition. 

Herbs, spices, flowers, gums and aromatic seeds offer us a wealth of medicinal, cosmetic, protective and flavoring qualities. If used reasonably and without excesses, they can bring about excellent curative results without side effects, plus they offer the bonuses of detoxification, rejuvenation, good sleep, mental clarity, vitality and exceptional wellness. To heal and prevent many disorders, you need not go outside your kitchen or suffer the damaging side effects of pharmaceutical drugs. Remember, herbs and spices can be enjoyed in health and in sickness!