Guinea Hen Weed & Root
Guninea Hen Weed scientifically referred to as Petiveria alliacea is a rare plant with amazing pain-relieving, health-promoting, body-relaxing and disease-fighting properties. It grows to about 3ft, has small green flowers and the roots and leaves have a strong garlic smell, which is why it is also called garlic weed. It has also known by South Americans as Amasu, and locally also as Gully Root.
It is used as a insect repellent because of its strong garlic smell, and its wide range of phytonutrients have led to it being used in traditional medicine to treat many ailments. Guinea hen weed’s roots and leaves are used traditionally to make a tea, but the primary disease fighting compounds of found more in the root.
Many biologically active compounds have been discovered in the plant: flavanoids, triterpenes, steroids, and sulfur compounds. Further research found that of the 20 compounds isolated from the plant - several of which had never been identified in nature before - some were similar to compounds found in garlic, a plant known to have medicinal properties.
Traditionally, Guinea Hen Weed or Anamu has been used to fight colds, cough, pain, rheumatic pain, sinusitis, spasms, and anxiety. It is said to boost the immune system and has been proven to be effective against harmful organisms such as bacteria, fungi, and viruses. Guinea hen weed also kills cancer cells, leukemia cells and candida. It also expels worms, reduces fever, lowers blood sugar, reduces free radicals.
Inflammation often causes pain, soreness and redness around the body. As a natural anti-inflammatory, Guinea Hen Weed can reduce pain and swelling caused by inflammation, especially arthritis and rheumatism. The reason may be that the unique compounds in Guinea Hen Weed decrease white blood cell flow to inflamed areas. Without being fueled by blood, swollen areas can heal. Also, Guinea Hen Weed lowers body acidity that causes inflammation and does it so well that it shows similar properties to a popular arthritis medication.
Some of the other benefits include:
•It is rich in antioxidants.
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•It is a natural pain killer.
•It is used as a treatment for cold and flu symptoms and other respiratory conditions.
•It is effective in reducing fevers.
•It is an effective pain reliever.
•It lowers blood sugar.
•It has antispasmodic properties.
•It is effective in the treatment of cancer, as two of the phytochemical compounds in the plant are believed to destroy cancer cells while leaving healthy cells unharmed.
•It is a traditional remedy for arthritis and rheumatism — its leaves can be crushed and made into a paste which can be applied to soothe pains and aches.
• It can also be used to stimulate proper digestion and to relieve digestive problems such as bloating and flatulence.
•It fights infections and stimulates the immune system.
•It promotes the release of toxins through increased sweat and urine production.
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***PLEASE NOTE***
Pregnant women and those who are trying to conceive should avoid using Guinea Hen Weed as it may cause spontaneous abortions.
No more than a tablespoon should be used per litre of warm water, and the solution is best ingested on an empty stomach. You need no more than four ounces of guinea hen weed tea daily combined with a healthy diet and lifestyle for best results.
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