Herbal Health

Pliny, writing in ancient Rome, as well as Gmelin in modern times, noted that Artemisia derived its name from the ancient practice of lining the shoes with the leaves to prevent tiredness. It is also said that Roman soldiers put mugwort in their sandals in order to ease their march into Helvetia.

People who have spent their holidays in the canton of Tessin, Switzerland, must be familiar with mugwort, for it is one of the toughest and most widespread weeds in that district. It is easily recognised because it reaches a height of almost 2 m (5-6 feet). Anyone not well acquainted with the various members of the Artemisia family might mistake mugwort for wormwood, as it resembles the latter in taste and smell.

The claim that mugwort relieves tired legs can be proved quite simply. After a long walk, bathe your feet in an infusion of mugwort and discover for yourself its soothing effect.

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Not every high elevation has the same merits. The southern Alps enjoy many more hours of sunshine than the northern range. For this reason plants do much better in the more southern areas than in the northern regions. In some of the latter areas they have only stunted growth before dying. Naturally, medicinal plants are also affected by these regional and climatic differences. For example, Solidago that has been grown in the higher Engadine has a better and stronger effect on the kidneys than that grown in the lower region of Teufen and, interestingly, that grown in Teufen is still better than any grown in the districts below an altitude of 500 m (1,500 feet).

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As a rule, smooth skin is a sign of youthfulness and good health and it is not surprising that women in particular make a great effort to maintain this desirable condition for as long as they possibly can. But it is not simply a matter of giving nature a helping hand by applying plenty of powder, make-up and creams. In fact, the liberal use of such products may achieve just the opposite of what is desired. The real answer lies in taking care in one’s youth, living in a natural way and not worrying too much or constantly giving in to anxieties, for we know that stressful problems are wearisome and undermine the body’s reserves and well-being. They do indeed age us prematurely and foster the formation of wrinkles. Of course, constant tiredness on account of overwork or pursuing pleasures night after night can also harm one’s health and impair one’s youthful looks. It is understandable why so many people want to cover up these flaws in their faces by using all kinds of cosmetics.

What is less understandable is why some girls plaster their young and radiant faces with make-up. Make-up is supposed to hide what is ugly, but what could be more beautiful than glowing health, smooth and youthful skin, red cheeks and lips as nature coloured them.

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Unfortunately, it is possible to have dead teeth, and these could be likened to turrets without a crew. Their defences are gone and the enemies from outside are able to invade. No one is left to carry out repairs; no one is there to replace the damaged calcified tissue of the dentine or to take care of regenerating what becomes defective. Such a tooth may be repaired and closed up from outside, but if the dentist does not sterilise everything properly, bacteria may spread again inside the tooth and sooner or later cause its destruction. The only protection still left is the cementum around the root. Also surrounding the root is a network of nerves and blood vessels.

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In spite of all the new views about cancer, I am sure we are not mistaken in taking the cause to be a combination of factors, including nutrition, housing conditions, occupation, lack of oxygen and necessary exercise, as well as the mental state and attitude of the person. What is more, it can no longer be denied that an inherited predisposition contributes to cancer. The empirical fact that it is possible for therapies to be useless even if employed in the early stages of the disease, according to personal disposition and the reaction of the body, is a reason for sadness on the part of all therapists. No other illness presents more surprises to the doctor, even the specialist, than cancer. He may be successful in treating a severe case, but a seemingly mild one can suddenly take a turn for the worse against all expectations.

There is a practical lesson to be learned from this. It is absolutely necessary to take certain precautionary measures, particularly once you have reached the age of forty. You should be sure to avoid all carcinogenic influences. This means primarily tobacco, most chemical medicines, also colourings and flavourings in food and drinks. Another thing to avoid is constant or prolonged overtired-ness. Mental and emotional stress and strain, worries and constant feelings of depression are equally dangerous. They should be com-batted right away and every endeavour made to overcome them.

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