Tag: laxative

NZ Flax Herbal Recipe For Constipation And Cleansing

Natural Remedies

New Zealand Flax:  Phormium Tenax

Note:  NZ Flax is totally different and not related to the type of flax which linseed comes from.

I have just begun studying an old herbal from 1889, ‘The New Zealand Herb Doctor – A Book On The Botanic Eclectic System Of Medicine’, by James F. Neil, MD, USA.

‘It is no use denying the existence of the form of folly which despises things because they are cheap and easily got.’  Thus spake James F. Neil, MD., USA., on page 71 of his book, ‘The New Zealand Herb Doctor’.

James Neil was a graduate of the Eclectic College of Medicine and Surgery, Chicago, and also the Polyclinic Post Graduate College of New York.

James Neil’s powerfully informative book on herbal remedies was first published in Dunedin, NZ,  by Mills, Dick & Co., Printers And Lithographers, The Octagon.

The copy I have is one of 1000, reprinted in 1980 in Christchurch, NZ, by Capper Press.

New Zealand Flax: Phormium Tenax

James Neil writes in 1889 that flax ‘is becoming a valuable article of commerce, and is not now likely to be cut down and destroyed, as it was at one time.’

Over 120 years later, we can safely say that his prediction was true.  There has been a renaissance in Maori weaving, which makes predominant use of flax.  This renaissance of Maori weaving is mostly due to Rangimarie Puketapu-Hetet, who devoted much of her life to teaching and promoting the art of Maori weaving.

And so today, flax is nurtured in many groves of natural plantings around the country.

I have three flax plants in my own garden, which I keep to feed the birds, and for medicinal use.

I also like the idea of keeping flax growing, in the event where natural fibre clothing cannot be bought, that I can spin my own fibre. I  keep a spinning wheel, just in case.

The New Zealand native Tui bird is particularly fond of the nectar contained in the attractive, drooping fronds of rich yellow blossoms, and then, when the blossoms have all gone to seed, there remains a wealth of protein-rich seed for birds of many types to feed on.

If you love birds, then plant some New Zealand flax.

On page 58 of my copy of ‘The New Zealand Family Herb Doctor’ is the section on how to use flax root as a Cathartic, Aperient, Laxative medicine.

How To Make A Mild Laxative Using NZ Flax Root

James Neil’s method of using NZ flax root to make a laxative is more or less as follows:

Select your roots and wash them well.  Chop them finely and cover with water. Simmer for half an hour.

Strain when cold and sweeten if necessary.

Put into a clean dry bottle and store in the refridgerator.

Dose:  One tablespoonful to be taken once or up to three times a day as needed.

Note:  As with all constipation remedies, this herbal remedy should not be used for long periods at a time.  I would not use the remedy for longer than three days, after which, if constipation was still a problem, three days of eating only raw, grated apples should be done.  The raw apple diet is one of the best cleansing, tonic remedies to use, and it is very effective for curing constipation.

James Neil also recommends this same decoction for relief of chilblains.  Use to bathe the unbroken chilblains while the mixture is still warm.

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Olive Leaf Tea

Olive Leaf Benefits Health:

The value of olive oil in treating gall bladder and liver disfunction and in strengthening the heart is discussed on several other posts on this site. Olive oil is well known as having value as a detoxifier of these organs  and as a laxative. Olive oil is a natural liver cleanser.

But today, let’s look at the benefits to the health in using olive leaves as an infusion and as a tea.

Olive Leaf Is a Natural Antiseptic

Olive leaves are a natural antiseptic. Leaves of the species olea europaea, from the Oleaceae family, can be infused in boiling water to make an antiseptic solution. This infusion, once it has cooled, can be used to bathe sores and cuts and bruises.

Circulation: A well as lowering the blood pressure, this olive leaf infusion can help to improve circulation. It is therefore a good remedy for varicose veins. It can be used externally to bathe varicose veins and to use as a footbath. A footbath of olive leaf infusion can help relieve varicose veins and improve circulation to the legs.

Olive Leaf Tea can be taken internally to help lower blood pressure, and improve circulation, provided you are not already on any medication to alter your blood pressure. Check with your health professional before using olive leaves to lower your blood pressure.

Olive Leaf Tea is rich in nutrients, one of which is an antioxidant called Oleuropein. Olive leaf tea is a tonic which can help reduce free radical damage. It is also a relaxant which can soothe frayed nerves.

Olive leaf tea, and also olive oil itself, is a gentle and safe natural laxative.

Olive Leaf Tea can be made from any of the following varieties of olive tree:

Olea Arbequisa: This comes from Catalonia in Spain. It produces a small brown olive fruit.

Olea Kalamata: This variety comes from the Kalamata region in Greece. It has a large black fruit.

Olea Picholine: This variety is French. Its fruit is a longish green olive.