When researching my chosen two medicinal plants I found limited information on the Daffodil. I came across an edible herb that I love and was very interested in what its medicinal use is. This is garlic. These are the bullet points I am going to read out on the podcast:

 

• ONLY FRESH GARLIC Effective its used against many fungal infections – can be used as an antibiotic as it kills a range of microbes in the viruses, bacteria or fungi. It helps conditions like athletes foot

 

•  Used to treat toothaches, earaches, cough and colds – if the smell does not make your body hold the strong odour , then the remedy was not very useful, the smell indicates the presence of the healing properties.

 

•  Reduces blood pressure by dilating blood vessels – prevents blood clots – reduces heart attack or strokes

 

•  Reduce heart disease,lowers cholesterol levels

• Some herbs with medicinal uses are edible and fun and safe to grow in school gardens (SCIENCE/CREATIVITY)

 

The doc leaf provided me with lots of facts, these are as follows:

• Resemble Rhubarb more of less, with similar general characteristics – All docks are edible – salad/herbal teas/ stir fries – natural iron in the human system.

 

Round-leaved dock

 

·         Known as the troublesome weed growing on good land however, used to as a remedy for burns and scalds and dressing blisters. It is most known for the popular cure for nettle stings (found growing with nettles)- instant relief.

·         The root of docks have a gentle laxative action, creating bowel movement and good digestion by stimulating the release of gastric juices. This is very similar to that of Rhubarb, but perhaps a little less active, the dock operates without pain or uneasiness. Use only the smallest dose to avoid cramping of the stomach, do not use any other laxatives in combination to the dock.

Sharp-pointed dock

·         The root has been used in drinks as a general blood cleanser/purifier – conditioner for the blood.

·         Both round-leaved dock and Sharp-pointed dock, together with their roots make a useful infusion against bleedings and fluxes in a tea form

• An infusion made from  their leaves and roots also make a curative of several chronic skin diseases that cause itching or sores for example. For this ypu put the leaves in blender with water & apply to itchy skin.

 

I came across a powerful picture on the social networking site called Twitter, which illustrated the negative effects global warming is having on people, the image shows a pregnant lady. It was fundamental to me that this image was somehow to be shown in our podcast.