Medicinal plants Pt 3 Wild Strawberry

It seems that more and more people are getting environmentaly concious. Cars are using less gas, people are starting to chose other means of transportation such as, the bus, bike or even using their feet to get places. Where people seem to be less informed is in the medicin department. Many health problems ranging from headaches to colds and cuts and bruises can be resolved by the oldest method known to man; plants. Indeed Medicinal plants have been around for ages, and surprisingly to many, they actually work. In this series I will present to you some plants that can cure, or help those of you who wish to feel better without resorting to laboratory medicin. These plants are very easy to find, and in some cases grow, and are all natural.

Fragaria vesca can seem unknown to most if not everybody. But when it is called by its common name, nobody can deny the fact that they know what it is. Indeed, the wild strawberry is a very tasty fruit, what is less known is that it has natural healing ingredients.

At one time, the wild strawberry was a highly-esteemed folk remedy. American Indians used its roots to make tea for stomach ailments, jaundice and profuse mensus. It is also said that the wild berries were used to relieve gout. However, until recently the delicate plant’s medicinal uses were forgotten.

The plant grows in North America where both native plants and those from Europe may be found in lightly wooded forests and their edges, on slopes and in clear-cut areas. Parts of the plant that can be used are the leaves, berries and roots. You must always keep the dried plant part away from humidity.

The leaves and roots of the wild strawberry contain tannin, which has an astringent action. The leaves are also composed of triterpence alcohols, flavanoids, citral and traces of essential oils. The berries contain very much vitamin C (60 milligrams per 100 grams fruit) as well as fruit acids and minerals, like potassium, magnesium, zinc, manganese, calcium and iron.

The leaves can be used to make tea which reduces inflamed mucous membranes in the mouth. On the other hand fresh strawberries can soothe gastritis and is also helpful in curing anemia.

Methods of administration that can be used with wild strawberries are, fresh root decoctation, infusion for gargling, a soothing bath with dried leaves and poultice for sunburned areas.

Whether you decide to make use of your wild strawberries for medical care, always be sure to know how to prepare it the way it is suppose to be. If your not sure, consult your natural-food stores.