Herbs and how they are beneficial to our health

Plants are an integral part of the most ancient medical practices and can be used to treat a multitude of maladies. We have talked previously about the herbs used in vermouth-making and of their importance in assisting digestion. Now we’d like to tell you something about the plants and roots that have a hand in improving poor circulation. During summer here in Spain and anywhere in the world where it gets hot, blood circulation can slow down and there is an increased risk of fluid retention. In addition to the better-known remedies such as: drinking plenty of water, exercising, putting our feet up and reducing salt intake, there are other ways of combating fluid retention and poor circulation. Vermouth formulas contain a wide variety of botanicals that are beneficial to our health. In addition to those which facilitate digestion, there are also herbs that improve circulation of the blood and help to reduce fluids. Boldo, juniper, linden, ginger and dandelion are some of the plants used in vermouth making and they all have active ingredients that are very interesting for our health:

1. Boldo: the leaves are used for their alkaloid, flavonoid and eucalyptol content (so, naturally occurring organic compounds and phytonutrients). The plant is also used for its diuretic properties and as an effective cholagogue (that’s an agent which increases the flow of bile) in bile-duct dysfunction.
2. Juniper: the scent of its berries is highly aromatic and balsamic. The leaves, fruit and the bark of the plant are all used, principally for: reducing fluid retention, alleviating urine infections and diabetes, eliminating uric acid and as a moderate blood-pressure reducer.
3. Linden: the flowers and branch bark are used in a range of treatments. The flowers have hepato- or liver-protecting and anti-spasmodic properties and are gentle sedatives. They also help lower blood pressure and reduce digestive spasms.
4. Ginger: one of the tubercles with most curative properties on the planet. To mention just of few of them, it improves circulation, facilitates digestion and acts as an anti-inflammatory and an anaesthetic.
5. Dandelion: is used as a choleretic or cholagogue and dissolves and eliminates gallstones. It’s also an excellent diuretic, can be used to alleviate constipation, arteriosclerosis, rheumatism and gout.

The best way of preparing these medicinal herbs and plants in order to ensure we get the most from them in terms of curative properties, is infusion.