Costmary

Tanacetum balsamita, also known as balsam herb, costmary or mint geranium, is a plant of the Asteraceae family, already known by the Egyptians, Greeks and Romans, nowadays is widely spread in Europa, Africa and America. It can also be called the Bible leaf, because flowers and leaves of this plant were used in the past as a bookmark in bibles. The plant is known for its balsamic properties, it has indeed a mint-like fragrance, it has also carminative, anti-fermentation, digestive, antispasmodic and diuretic properties. You can use this remedy for all stomach diseases, colic, cramps, swollen belly, bloating, flatulence but also water retention and urinary tract problems. This balsam herb also helps to reactivate the function of the liver. The leaves of this plant, harvested before flowering, can be used fresh to flavor dishes of vegetables, meat or omelette, however, you can also frozen them and use later. The dried herb that you can find in herbal medicine, instead, lends itself well to the preparation of infusions. Bring to boil a liter of water, remove from heat and leave to brew 20 grams of plant for ten minutes, filter and drink up to three cups a day. Attention to the use of this plant during pregnancy given the emmenagogue effect.