Alimony, Agrimony, Aloof Alligators-A,A,A!

ABC Wednesday is a word meme with participants from around the world. This fabulous meme was created and hosted by Mrs. Denise Nesbitt who hails from Great Britain. Over time, others have joined in to help host this wonderful and informative meme. We are now in our ELEVENTH round with 'Captain Roger' at the helm! Some of the participants have been with this from the very first round; others have joined in along the way. Each week we are taken across the globe to see the varied and exciting contributions people have taken the time to discover and capture. We start with the letter, "A" and each week we post something in regards to the next letter of the alphabet. This week's letter is, "A".

For the most part, I use naturopathic and homeopathic modalities for treatments of ailments instead of allopathic. I am not inclined towards Western modalities (allopathic) which is pharmaceutically based since it is chemically derived and only treats the symptoms and not the cause. It is not a holistic approach and it  does not offer support to the body healing itself.

AGRIMONY

 (image from therapeuticreiki)

Agrimonia is commonly known as agrimony. It is a native European herb commonly found in marshes, wet meadows, and in open areas. The medicinal use of this plant goes a ways back-Mithridates Eupator (d. 63 B.C.), King of Pontus in northern Turkey, was said to have had a profound knowledge of plant lore (from "The Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants" by Andrew Chevallier).

The aerial parts of this plant have long been used to heal wounds because it staunches bleeding and encourages clot formation-it's astringency and mild bitterness is also helpful as a remembered for diarrhea and aids in digestion. Other uses (in combination with other herbs) is for treatment of cystitis, urinary incontinence, kidney stones, sore throats, rheumatism and arthritis.

ANGELICA

(image from allnature.com)

Angelica-perhaps you don't have this plant name in your everyday repertoire, but I KNOW you've seen it many times. It seems to grow everywhere! The flowers are delicate, pretty and lacey.

Angelica root contains  a volatile oil (consisting mainly of betaphellandrene), lactones, and coumarins. Extract of the root is known to have anti-inflammatory properties.

The medicinal uses of angelica is as a warming and tonic remedy. All parts of the plant will help relieve indigestion, gas and colic. It is also used to aid poor circulation since it improves the blood flow to the peripheral parts of the body. It is  considered a specific treatment for Buerger's disease-an ailment that narrows the arteries of the hands and feet . It is also used to bring relief from bronchitis and debilitating chest conditions (by improving blood flow and stimulating the coughing up of phlegm).*

*from: "The Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants" by Andrew Chevallier

As with any medicinal/herbal treatment, protocol or therapy, always research things thoroughly before self administering! Whether it is a prescription from your doctor or an over the counter treatment-look it up first to find out the pros and cons.