| |
| |
| Benefits and Medicinal uses of Aloe Vera |
| |
| |
|
Black Locust
Recommended in hyperacid gastritis, gastric ulcer, convulsive and asthmatic coughing, insomnia and headaches, this herb has proved its therapeutic qualities. At the same time, black locust is a wood of strong essence, resistant to moisture, used for the production of parquetry fillets or furniture.
Description
The scientific name for black locust is Robinia pseudoacacia - a melliferous tree originating in North America, with a trunk that can reach 30m tall and leaves that can reach lengths of 20-30cm. Its inflorescence has the form of a grape and the fruit is a brown-reddish flattened pod. Its blossom period lasts from May until June. Black locust is a species that grows spontaneously on almost any kind of soil and most especially in level areas with sandy sails. Owing to the fact that black locust is a tree with a strong essence, and very resistant to moisture, it is used in various types of construction, from naval industry to the production of parquetry. Being well-known for their therapeutic properties, only black locust flowers or leaves are used in natural pharmacy. These are picked and dried separately. After being dried, black locust can keep its curative properties for up to two years.
Treatments and mixtures
Dried black locust leaves help heal wounds produced by burns. Crushed flowers applied directly on the affected skin for two hours promote an aesthetical healing of the skin. The calming effect eases pains caused by light and medium burns.
Excepting its direct use, various brews can be obtained, as those we shall describe later on. The flowers can be dried artificially at high temperatures (35-50 degrees C) or by depositing them in thin layers in airy rooms.
Black locust infusion
It is prepared with the help of one spoon of flowers for a cup of water. Two or three cups a day are administered, recommended mostly after the important meals. Because of its properties of calming stomach burns, it is recommended to those who suffer from hyperacid gastritis, distensions, or in the case of consuming aliments that are hard on the stomach. The infusion is also good for eliminating coughs and hoarseness. In these cases, the tea should be consumed as hot as possible, up to one litre a day for cough. It can be sweetened with honey. By having emollient, anti-irritating and expectorant properties, tea is a miraculous remedy against asthma and bronchitis. For headaches (and especially those that appeared as a consequence to mental fatigue) a course of treatment can be followed based on black locust infusion. The best results can be accomplished by combining, in equal shares, black locust flowers with lime flowers. Thus, the prepared infusion has a relaxing effect on the nervous system. The oral and digestive candidosis can be fought with infusions prepared from black locust leaves and flowers.
For external use, the infusion can be added to baths for young children who suffer from insomnia. In this case, the infusion will be very concentrated - prepared from ten spoons of black locust flowers to a liter of water. The sedating and calming effect produces sleep. Also for external use, black locust infusions pulverized on dry and tired complexions have revitalizing effects.
The decoct of the black locust bark
Due to the fact that the bark of the black locust contains certain plant toxins, the recommended dosage in preparing decocts is not to be exceeded. The mixture is obtained from 30g of black locust bark, boiled in one liter of water. The resulting liquid has to be consumed before meals two times a day and it helps in disinfecting intestines.
Black locust flower powder
The black locust flowers are cut into small pieces until they become a fine powder and are then to be administered on an empty stomach five or six times a day in treating gastritis, gastric ulcer or duodenal. The treatment lasts a month and it can be resumed whenever needed. In case of constipation, honey is added to three spoons of black locust flower powder. This treatment has powerful results and is mild and recommended to women and children.
Tonic lotion
Black locust also has properties that are very well appreciated in cosmetics, as the emollient, calming and tonic ones. When preparing the tonic lotion, approximately 200g of black locust flowers are added to 200ml of alcohol. For a period between a month and a month and a half it is left to macerate in a dark and cool place. After filtering the liquid, it is supplemented with distilled water until the lotion has an alcohol concentration of 20%.
Warning
Black locust causes allergies to some individuals.
| |
| Other Medicinal Plants Articles |
| |
|
|
|
