| 144 | 145 | 146 | 147 | 148 |
| 1 | 79 | 159 | 238 | 317 |
|
1
36
The Complete Home Guide ltiofeHesrtbasg, eNsatural Healing, and Nutrition
136
daughters, and sons tune in to what is going on and be more alert to any
uncomfortable mood swings that could be alleviated by foods, herbs, and
exercise. (For young women who are already menstruating, read the
section on menstruation for more ideas.)
Pau d’arco inner bark comes from a South American rain forest tree; it
influences both the liver and the endocrine system. It can safely be
taken over a period of time and is extremely rich in calcium, which is
useful for growing bodies.
Wild yam root beneficially affects the liver, digestive system, adrenals, co-
lon, and endocrine system. It is also a hormone precursor. It can be
safely taken over a period of time by both sexes.
Siberian ginseng root and Chinese licorice root are major endocrine
gland tonics and exhibit properties similar to adrenocortical hor-
mone; they will therefore help exhausted teenagers. They will also
generally detoxify and support the liver and bloodstream.
Dandelion root and burdock root make a great team as liver cleansers,
and the burdock really helps to get rid of teenage acne; both are su-
preme endocrine tonics. Teas made of these two herbs are excellent
with a little licorice to sweeten. The ratio should be three parts dan-
delion to one part burdock root.
Bladder wrack seaweed can be useful to the thyroid in underactive condi-
tions and can really help with growth spurts or unexplained patches of
tiredness.
Iron intake is vital, especially for girls, but adolescence generally increases
the need for this mineral. Weekly or daily nettle tea will generally
provide sufficient quantities for their needs.
All teenagers should avoid tea and coffee because they damage
hormone production, clog the liver, and encourage problem skin. They
also interrupt growth in children and adolescents, reducing the
absorption of iron and calcium, both of which are vital for growing
bodies. In addition, these much-used drinks can cause hyperactivity.
Herbalist James Green, author of The Male Herbal, is careful to point
out that in many ways, boys and girls, men and women are all quite
similar. He explains that the prostate can be interpreted as a male uterus
and, although it manifests no cyclic menstruation, it is dependent on the
endocrine system. Some would say it could also be considered the
counterpart to the breasts in the female. He points out that it is a
nourishing organ and says that testicles are ovarian tissue that has
dropped down. When a male suffers a blow to the testicles, he says, much
of the pain is felt in the vicinity of where the ovaries are located in a
Page
Quick Jump
|