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ALLSPICE (Pimento dioica)
To grow:
No directions to grow
Uses:
Allspice will ease flatulence and dyspeptic pain. It may be applied as a
compress for rheumatism and neuralgia. It is mainly used as a spice in the food
industry.
Parts used:
The berries are the part of the plant that are used. They should be picked while
still green. When they are dried they will turn a reddish-brown.
Infusion:
The dried berries should be bruised just before use to release the oils. Pour
one cup of boiling water over 1 teaspoon of the berries and let stand for 5-10
minutes. Drink warm to ease the symptoms of abdominal distress as needed.
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ANISEED (Pimpinella anisum)
To grow:
Annual herb with bright green, toothed, basal leaves. Tiny white flowers appear
in umbrella-like clusters on 2 ft. stems in June. Start in place when ground
warms up in spring. This plant does not transplant easily. Grow in light soil in
full sun. Water it regularly.
Uses:
Aniseed oil is the basis for its internal use to ease griping, intestinal colic,
and flatulence. It also has a marked expectorant and anti-spasmodic action and
may be used where there is persistent coughing, and in whooping cough. The oil
may be used externally in an ointment base for treating scabies. The oil by
itself will help in the control of lice.
Parts used:
The seeds of Anise are the part used. The ripe dry fruits should be picked
between mid-summer and early fall.
Infusion
The seeds should be gently crushed just before use to release the oils. Pour one
cup of boiling water over 1-2 teaspoonfuls of the seeds and let it stand for 5-
10 minutes. Take one cup three times daily. To ease flatulence the tea should be
taken slowly before meals.
Oil
One drop of the oil may be taken internally by mixing it into 1/2 teaspoonful of
honey.
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BALM (Melissa officinalis)
To grow:
Perennial herb. Grows to 2 ft. It's leaves are heavily veined, light green
leaves with a lemony scent. It's white flowers are unimportant and need to be
cut occasionally to keep compact. Spreads rapidly. Grow in rich, moist soil in
sun or part shade. Balm is very hardy and you can propagate from seed or root
divisions. Self sows.
Uses:
Balm is an excellent carminative herb that relieves spasms in the digestive
tract and is used in flatulent dyspepsia. The gently sedative oils relieve
tension and stress reactions, therefore, acting to lighten depression. It has a
tonic effect on the circulatory system and heart, thus lowering blood pressure.
It can be used in feverish conditions such as flu.
Parts used:
Dried aerial parts or fresh in season. Pick the leaves two or three times a year
between early summer and early fall. Cut off the young shoots when they are
approximately 12 in long. They should be dried in the shade at a temperature not
more than 95 degrees Fahrenheit.
Infusion:
Pour a cup of boiling water onto 2-3 teaspoons of the dried herb or 4-6 fresh
leaves and leave to infuse for 10-15 minutes, well covered. Drink a cup in the
morning and the evening or when needed.
Tincture:
Take 2-6 ml of the tincture three times a day.
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BAYBERRY (Myrica cerifera)
To grow:
Deciduous or partly evergreen shrub. Dense, compact growth to 9 ft. Leaves are 4
inches long, narrowish, glossy green, dotted with resin glands, and fragrant.
Flowers are inconspicuous with tiny roundish fruit covered with wax. You can
plant Bayberry in almost any soil in full sun. Water occasionally.
Uses:
Bayberry is a valuable astringent in diarrhea and dysentery. It can be used as a
douche for leucorrhea and can be gargled for sore throats. It can also be used
in the treatment of colds.
Part used:
bark of root. It should be dug up in spring or fall and it's bark pared off and
dried.
Decoction:
Put 1 tsp. of the bark in one cup of cold water and bring to a boil. Leave for
10-15 minutes. This should be drunk three times a day.
Tincture:
Take 1-3 ml of the tincture 3 times a day
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BLACK HOREHOUND (Ballota nigra)
To grow:
No directions to grow
Uses:
Eases nausea where it is caused by the nervous system rather than the stomach.
Good for motion sickness, vomiting of pregnancy, and nervous vomiting. A
normalizer of menstrual function and also a mild expectorant.
Part used:
Dried aerial parts. Collect just as it begins to bloom in midsummer.
Infusion:
Pour 1 cup of boiling water onto 1-2 tsp. of the dried herb and leave to infuse
for 10-15 minutes. Drink three times a day or as needed.
Tincture:
Take 1-2 ml of the tincture three times a day.
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CARAWAY (Carum carvi)
To grow:
Biennial herb. It has a mound of carrot-like leaves the first year and umbrella-
like clusters of white flowers above the foliage the second year. The Plant dies
after it's seeds ripen in mid-summer. Start from seed sown in place in fall or
spring. Plant in well-drained soil in full sun. Water average. Thin seedlings to
1 1/2 ft.
Uses:
A calming herb used to ease flatulent dyspepsia and intestinal colic. Stimulates
the appetite. Increases milk flow during pregnancy, relieves period pains, helps
diarrhea, as a gargle helps laryngitis, and can be used in bronchitis and
bronchial asthma.
Part used:
Seeds. Collect the flowering heads in mid-summer and leave to ripen. Shake the
seeds off when ready.
Infusion:
Pour a cup of boiling water over 1 tsp. of freshly crushed seeds and leave to
infuse for 10-15 minutes. Drink three times a day.
Tincture:
Take 1-4 ml of the tincture three times a day.
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CATNIP (Nepeta cataria)
To grow:
Perennial. Grows 2-3 ft high. Downy gray-green leaves and clustered lavender or
white flowers at branch tips in June. This plant is an easy grower in light
soil. Water regularly. Reseeds itself.
Uses:
Catnip is a traditional cold and flu remedy. A Powerful diaphoretic used in many
feverish conditions. It eases stomach upsets, flatulence, dyspepsia, and colic.
It has a sedative action which relaxes the nerves. Another well known use is for
cats. Sprinkle it's dried leaves over their food or sew it into a stuffed toy.
Parts used:
Leaves and flowering tops. Collect between early summer and early fall.
Infusion:
Pour a cup of boiling water over 2 tsp. of dried herb and leave to infuse for
10-15 minutes. Drink 3 times a day.
Tincture:
Take 2-4 ml of the tincture 3-4 times a day.
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CHAMOMILE (Chamaemelum nobile)
To Grow:
Evergreen perennial. Has soft-textured, bright green leaves that form a mat that
spreads 3-12 inches. Most common form has summer-blooming flower heads that
resemble small yellow buttons, others have daisy-like heads. Plant 1 ft apart in
full sun or light shade. Water moderately.
Uses:
An excellent, gentle sedative, safe for use in children. Used in anxiety and
insomnia. Use as a gargle for sore throats, a mouth wash for mouth
inflammations, or as an eye wash for sore eyes. Use as an inhalant over a steam
bath to speed recovery of nasal catarrh. Use externally to speed wound healing
and ease swelling.
Parts used:
Flowers and leaves. Gather the flowers between late spring and late summer when
they are not wet with dew or rain. Dry with care at not to high a temperature.
Infusion:
Pour 1 cup of boiling water over 2 tsp. of dried leaves and leave to infuse for
5-10 minutes. Drink after meals for digestive problems. Make a stronger infusion
for mouthwash. Add half a cup of flowers to 2L of water for a steam bath. Cover
your head with a towel and inhale the steam.
Tincture:
Take 2-4 ml of tincture three times a day.
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COMFREY (Symphytum officinale)
To Grow:
A Deep-rooted, clumping perennial that grows to 3 ft. Basal leaves are 8 inches
or more in length, shorter on top, and all furry with stiff hairs. Flowers are
1/2 inch long, usually a dose rose color, sometimes white, creamy, or purple.
Plant in full sun or partial shade. Water average. To keep leaf production high
cut out flowering stalks and mulch each spring with compost. Gardeners should
think hard before putting comfrey into your gardens. Plants spread freely from
roots and are difficult to get rid of. On the other side, some herb enthusiasts
claim it accumulates minerals and enriches compost.
Uses:
A Powerful healing agent in gastric and duodenal ulcers, hiatus hernia, and
ulcerative colitis. Will help hemorrhages when they occur. It will soothe and
reduce irritation while helping expectoration in cases of bronchitis and
irritable cough. May be used to speed wound healing and help guard against scar
tissue developing incorrectly.
Parts used:
Root and rhizome, leaf. Dig up the roots in spring or fall when the allantoin
levels are highest. Split the roots down the middle and dry in temperatures of
about 104-140 degrees Fahrenheit.
Decoction:
Place 1-3 tsp. of the dried herb in 1 cup of water and bring to a boil. simmer
for 10-15 minutes. Drink three times daily.
Tincture:
Take 2-4 ml of the tincture three times daily.
*CAUTION:
The external application of Comfrey to very deep wounds may lead to scar tissue
forming over the wound before it is healed, possible leading to abscesses.
NOTE:
Leaves have been used as food for people and livestock-but they contain a
poison, pyrrolizidine, and should not be eaten.
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CORIANDER (Coriandrum sativum)
To Grow:
Annual herb. Grows 12-15 inches high with delicate fern-like foliage and flat
clusters of pinkish white flowers. Plant in good, well-drained soil, in full
sun. Grows quickly and sows itself.
Uses:
Helps the digestive system get rid of wind and the spasm pain (colic) that
sometimes goes with it. Eases diarrhea. The oil acts as a stimulant to the
stomach, increasing secretion of digestive juices, therefore stimulating the
appetite.
Parts used:
Ripe seeds. Collect the flowering heads in late summer and leave to ripen. Shake
the flowers then and collect the seeds will fall off easily.
Infusion:
Pour 1 cup of boiling water on 1 tsp. of the bruised seeds and leave to infuse
for 5 minutes in a closed pot. Drink before meals.
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DILL (Anethum graveolens)
To Grow:
Annual herb grows 3-4 ft. It has soft-leathery leaves and umbrella-like clusters
of small, yellow flowers. The seeds and leaves have a pungent fragrance. Sow in
place in full sun several times during the spring and summer for constant
supply. Thin to 1 1/2 ft apart. Dill sprouts and grows better in the spring than
in the summer.
Uses:
An excellent remedy for flatulence and colic. This is the herb of choice in
colic in small children. It stimulates the milk flow in a nursing mother and
chewing the seeds will clear up bad breath.
Part used:
Seeds. Collect the seeds when they are fully ripe (have turned brown) Spread out
to dry in natural heat.
Infusion:
Pour 1 cup of boiling water over the gently crushed seeds and leave to infuse
for 10-15 minutes. For flatulence, drink a cup before meals.
Tincture:
Take 1-2 ml of the tincture three times a day.
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ECHINACEA (Echinacea angustifolia)
To Grow:
No directions to grow
Uses:
Echinacea is the number one remedy to help rid the body of microbial infections.
Works against both bacterial and viral attacks. It can be used for boils,
septicemia, or any other infection of that sort. If used with other herbs it can
be used for infections anywhere in the body.
Parts used:
cone flower and roots. Dig up the roots in the fall. It is said that fresh roots
are more effective than dried roots.
Decoction:
Put 1-2 tsp. of the root into 1 cup of water and slowly bring to a boil. Let
simmer for 10-15 minutes. Drink three times a day.
Tincture:
Take 1-4 ml of the tincture three times a day.
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FENNEL (Foeniculum vulgare)
To Grow:
Perennial herb, usually grown as a summer annual. Similar to dill, but coarser,
it grows to 3-5 ft high. It has yellow green, finely cut leaves with flat
clusters of yellow flowers. Grow in light, well-drained soil, in full sun.
Drought tolerant. Start from seed in place. Thin seedlings to 1 ft apart.
Uses:
An excellent stomach and intestinal remedy that eases flatulence and colic while
stimulating the digestive tract and appetite. It will increase the flow of milk
in nursing mothers. It may be used to ease rheumatism and muscular pains
externally. As a compress it will treat the conjunctivitis and inflammation of
the eyelids.
Part used:
Seeds. Harvest the seeds when they are ripe and split in the fall. Cut the brown
umbel off and comb the seeds to clean them. Dry slightly in the shade.
Infusion:
Pour 1 cup of boiling water over 1-2 tsp. of slightly crushed seeds and leave to
infuse for 10 minutes. Drink three times a day. To ease flatulence drink a cup
half an hour before meals.
Tincture:
Take 2-4 ml of the tincture three times a day.
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GARLIC (Allium sativum)
To Grow:
Perennial. In areas with mild winters, plant between October and December for
early summer harvest. Where winters are cold, plant early in spring. Break bulbs
up into cloves and plant base downward 1-2 inches apart in rows 1 ft apart.
Uses:
One of the most effective anti-microbial plant available, acting on bacteria,
viruses and alimentary parasites. Used in respiratory infections such as chronic
bronchitis, catarrh, recurrent colds and influenza. It is helpful in the
treatment of whooping cough and asthma. Can be used as a preventive agent
against most infectious conditions. Will support the growth of the natural
bacteria flora while killing pathogenic organisms in the digestive tract. Will
reduce blood pressure and blood cholesterol levels if taken over a period of
time. Externally it can be used for the treatment of ringworm and threadworm.
Part used:
Bulb. Dig up the bulb when the leaves begin to wither and fall over.
A Clove should be eaten three times a day. If smell is a problem, then switch to
garlic oil capsules. Take three once a day as a prophylactic or take one three
times a day when an infection occurs.
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HOPS (Humulus lupulus)
To Grow:
Perennial vine. Grow from roots (which are not easily found in nurseries)
planted in rich soil in early spring. Place thick end up just below soil
surface. Trellis's or supports will be needed for vertical climbing. Shoots
appear in May and grow quickly to 15-25 ft by mid-summer. Water roots a lot once
rapid growth starts. Light green hops appear in August-September and have a
fresh, piney fragrance. Regrowth comes the next spring.
Uses:
Used for the treatment of insomnia. Will ease tension and anxiety. Can be used
in conditions such as mucous colitis. They may be used for the treatment of
ulcers externally.
Part used:
Flower inflorescence. Gather the cones before they are fully ripe in late summer
or early fall. Dry with care in the shade.
Infusion:
Pour 1 cup of boiling water over 1 tsp. of the dried flowers and leave to infuse
for 10-15 minutes. Drink one cup a night to help induce sleep.
Tincture:
Take 1-4 ml of the tincture three times a day.
CAUTION:
Do not use in cases of marked depression
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HORSERADISH (Armoracia rusticana)
To Grow:
No directions to grow.
Uses:
Can be used in influenza and fevers as a rough equivalent to cayenne pepper. It
stimulates the digestive process while easing wind and griping pains. Also, for
urinary infections, rheumatism, and as a poultice in bronchitis.
Part used:
Tap root. Collect the roots in winter and store in sand.
Infusion:
Pour 1 cup of boiling water over 1 tsp. of chopped or powdered root. Leave to
infuse for 5 minutes. Drink three times a day or more when used to treat
influenza or fevers.
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HYSSOP (Hyssopus officinalis)
To Grow:
Perennial herb. Grows to 1 1/2-2 ft high. Has narrow, dark green, pungent leaves
and a profusion of dark blue flower spikes that appear July-November. There are
also white and pink-flowered forms available. Plant in full sun or light shade.
Fairly drought resistant.
Uses:
It is used in coughs, bronchitis, and chronic catarrh. It can be used for the
common cold due top its diaphoretic state. As a Nervine it may be used in
anxiety, hysteria, and petite mal (a form of epilepsy).
Part used:
Dried aerial parts. Collect the flowering tops in late summer.
Infusion:
Pour 1 cup of boiling water over 1-2 tsp. of the dried herb and leave to infuse
for 10-15 minutes. Drink three times a day.
Tincture:
Take 1-4 ml of the tincture three times a day.
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LAVENDER (Lavandula angustifolia)
To Grow:
Classic lavender grows to 3-4 ft high and wide. Leaves are 2 inches long, gray,
smooth on margins, and narrow. Flowers are lavender, 1/2 inch long on 1/12 to 2
ft spikes in July-August. Plant in good soil. Water regularly.
Uses:
An effective herb for headaches. Can be used in the clearing of depression,
especially when used with other remedies. It can be used to soothe and promote
natural sleep. It can help ease the pains of rheumatism when used externally as
an oil.
Part used:
Flowers. Collect just before they open in early summer and early fall. Dry
gently in a room not above 95 degrees Fahrenheit.
Infusion:
Pour 1 cup of boiling water over 1 tsp. of the dried flowers and leave to infuse
for 10 minutes. Drink three times a day.
Oil:
Do not take the oil internally. It can be inhaled, rubbed on the skin, or used
in baths.
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MARIGOLD (Calendula officinalis)
To Grow:
Annual. Flowers from late fall through spring in mild-winter areas and spring to
summer in colder winter areas. Plants, somewhat branching 1-2 ft high. Leaves
are long, narrow, round on the ends, sticky, and slightly aromatic. Sow seeds in
place or in flats in late summer or early fall in mild winter climates or in
spring elsewhere. Plant in full sun. Adapts to most soils with ample or little
water, as long as drainage is fast.
Uses:
Use marigold wherever there is inflammation of the skin, external bleeding,
bruising, and minor burns. Internally it can be used in the treatment of Gastric
and duodenal ulcers. It helps relieve gall bladder problems and indigestion as a
cholagogue. It also helps delayed menstruation and painful periods.
Part used:
Yellow flower petals. Collect the petals between early summer and early fall.
Dry with great care to insure there is no discoloration.
Infusion:
Pour 1 cup of boiling water onto 1-2 tsp. of the petals and leave to infuse for
10-15 minutes. Drink three times a day.
Tincture:
Take 1-4 ml of the tincture three times a day.
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MARJORAM (Origanum vulgare)
To Grow:
Perennial herb. Upright growth to 2 1/2 ft. Spreads by underground stems. Leaves
are medium sized and oval. Purplish-pink blooms. Plant in sun, medium-rich soil.
It needs good drainage. Water average. Keep it trimmed to prevent flowering.
Replant every 3 years.
Uses:
Often used in the treatment of colds and flu. Can be used as a mouthwash for
inflammations of the mouth and throat. It can be used externally for infected
wounds and cuts. The Infusion is used in whooping coughs and coughs. As an oil
rubbed on the forehead or temples or as a tea it may be used to relieve
headaches due to stress. The oil can also be used for areas of rheumatic and
muscular pain. A lotion of marjoram will soothe stings and bites.
Part used:
Aerial parts. Gather as soon as it flowers. Do not gather the larger, thicker
stalks.
Infusion:
Pour 1 cup of boiling water onto 1 tsp. of the herb and let infuse for 10-15
minutes. Drink three times a day.
Mouthwash:
Pour 1 PT of boiling water onto 2 tbs., of the herb. Let it stand covered for 10
minutes. Gargle for 5-10 minutes three times a day. Reheat to use again.
Tincture:
Take 1-2 ml of the tincture three times a day.
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MARSHMALLOW (Althaea officinalis)
To Grow:
No directions to grow.
Uses:
The root is used primarily for digestive problems, inflammations of the
digestive tract and on the skin. The leaves are used for the lungs and urinary
system. The leaf can also be used for bronchitis, respiratory catarrh, and
irritating coughs. Externally, the root is indicated in varicose veins, ulcers,
abscesses and boils.
Parts used:
Roots and leaves. Collect the leaves in summer after flowering and dig up the
root in late fall. Clean the root of root fibers and cork and dry immediately.
Decoction:
Put 1 tsp. of chopped root into 1 cup of water and boil gently for 10-15
minutes. Drink three times a day.
Infusion:
Pour 1 cup of boiling water onto 1-2 tsp. of the dried leaves and leave to
infuse for 10 minutes. Drink three times a day.
Tincture:
Take 1-4 ml of the tincture three times a day.
This herb can be used as a compress also.
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MISTLETOE (Viscum alba)
To Grow:
No Directions to grow but easily bought around Christmas time. If you do not
want to wait, you can find it easily in the Rocky mountains growing on trees.
You can probably find it anywhere in the U.S. growing on trees.
Uses:
Mistletoe will quiet, tone, and soothe the nervous system. It will reduce heart
rate while strengthening the wall of the peripheral capillaries. It will ease
blood pressure and ease arteriosclerosis. It has been shown to have some anti-
tumor activity.
Part used:
Leafy twigs. Collect the twigs in the spring.
Infusion:
Pour 1 cup of boiling water over 1-2 tsp. of the dried herb and leave to infuse
for 10-15 minutes. Drink three times a day or as needed.
Tincture:
Take 1-4 ml of the tincture three times a day.
CAUTION:
Do not use the berries.
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MUSTARD (Brassica nigra)
To Grow:
No directions to grow.
Uses:
It can be used as a mild irritant to the skin, which when applied, stimulates
circulation to that area and relieves muscular and skeletal pain. May be taken
as a tea or ground and sprinkled into a bath to relieve fevers, colds, and
influenza.
Part used:
Seeds. Collect the ripe seed pods in late summer. Tap the seeds out and dry in a
thin layer.
Poultice:
Mix 4 oz of freshly ground black mustard seeds with warm water to form a thick
paste. Spread on a piece of cloth the size of the body area to be covered. Lay a
damp gauze between the poultice and the skin to prevent the paste from sticking
to the skin. Apply the cloth and remove after 1 minute. If the skin is reddened
it can be eased with olive oil.
Infusion:
Pour 1 cup of boiling water over 1 tsp. of mustard flour and leave to infuse for
5 minutes. Drink three times a day.
This may also be used as a footbath. Make an infusion using 1 tsp. of bruised
seeds to 1 L boiling water.
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OATS (Avena sativa)
To Grow:
No directions to grow.
Uses:
Oats can be used in cases of nervous debility and exhaustion when associated
with depression. It can be used with other nervines, both relaxant and
stimulatory to strengthen the whole nervous system. It can also be used as a
remedy for skin conditions.
Parts used:
Seeds and whole plant. Gather the seeds and straw in late summer at harvest
time. Cut and bound the stalks and leave to dry upright. Thresh out the fruit.
The straw is just the crushed dry stalks.
Fluid Extract:
Take 3-5 ml three times a day.
Bath:
Boil 2L of water and 1 LB of straw for half an hour. Strain the liquid and add
it to the bath.
The most common way to get oats is to eat them through porridge or oatmeal.
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PARSLEY (Petroselinum crispum)
See Coriander.
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PASSION FLOWER (Passiflora incarnata)
To Grow:
Perennial vine. Spreads prodigiously through root runners. It dies back at the
first frost. Flowers are 2 inches across with white and purple with white crown.
The fruit is 2 inches long, yellowish green, and edible. Grow from seed in any
soil with average water.
Uses:
Passion flower aids in the transition into a restful sleep without any
'narcotic' hangover. It may be used in Parkinson's' disease, seizures, hysteria,
and asthma as an anti-spasmodic. It can be used for nerve pain such as neuralgia
or shingles.
Part used:
Leaves. Collect the foliage alone before the flowers bloom between late spring
and mid-summer. It may also be collected with the fruit after flowering. Dry the
leaves in the shade.
Infusion:
Pour 1 cup of boiling water onto 1 tsp. of the dried leaves and leave to infuse
for 15 minutes. Drink one cup a night for sleeplessness and a cup twice a day
for other conditions.
Tincture:
Take 1-4 ml of the tincture and use the same way as the infusion.
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PUMPKIN (Cucurbita pepo)
To Grow:
For Jumbo-size, Halloween pumpkins, plant seeds in mid May or June. Plant is
sunny location. Allow a vine area of 8-12 ft in diameter. After the soil is
cultivated, dig a hole 4 inches deep where you will plant seeds. Put a shovelful
of manure in the hole and cover it with soil to level the ground. Plant 6-8
seeds, 1 in deep, within a circle 6 inches wide. If you want more than one set
of vines, plant the next circle 8 ft away. Water seeds after planting. When
plants are 4-6 inches high, remove all but the two best plants in the circle.
Water the pumpkins when you see the slightest sign of wilting, being careful to
not get the leaves wet. When the pumpkins are tennis ball size, remove all but 3
or 4 on each vine for a total of no more than 8 in each circle. If you want
extra large pumpkins remove all but one. Remove the pumpkins from the ends of
the vines, saving the ones closest to the main stem. Remove all flowers that
bloom after that. In late summer slide a wooden shingle under each pumpkin if
the ground is wet. If you have sandy soil you do not need to worry about this.
When pumpkins are the size you want, pick and do whatever it is you are going to
do with them. For smaller, regular pumpkins, plant in early spring in circles of
6-8 seeds with a diameter of 6 inches. Water well. Pick pumpkins when they are
the size
you want.
Uses:
The seeds have long been used as a remedy for worms and tapeworms.
Part used:
Seeds. Remove the seeds from the pulp inside the pumpkin.
Preparation:
Beat 2 oz of the seeds with as much sugar and milk to make a pint. Take this
fasting, in three doses, one every two hours. Drink castor oil a few hours after
the last dose.
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RASPBERRY (Rubus idaeus)
To grow:
Needs good drainage, dryish soil, and sun or light shade.
Uses:
Raspberry leaves have long been used to strengthen and tone the tissue of the
womb, assisting contractions, and checking any hemorrhage during labor. This
will happen if the herb is drunken continuously during pregnancy and taken
during labor. It can also be used in diarrhea, leucorrhea, and other loose
conditions. It is used in the easing of mouth problems such as mouth ulcers,
bleeding gums and inflammation. It will help sore throats.
Part used:
Leaves and fruit. Collect the leaves throughout the growing season. Dry slowly
in a well-ventilated area.
Infusion:
Pour 1 cup of boiling water over 2 tsp. of the dried herb. Leave to infuse for
10-15 minutes. You may drink this freely.
Tincture:
Take 2-4 ml of the tincture three times a day.
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RED SAGE (Salvia officinalis)
To grow:
Perennial herb. Grows 1 1/2-2 ft high. Leaves are 1-2 inches long, narrow, and
gray green. It has tall spikes of violet blue flowers. Can plant in poor, but
well-drained soil, full sun. It is fairly drought resistant. Cut back after
bloom and fertilize if you cut continually. Divide every three or four years.
Propagate from cuttings, layers, or seeds.
Uses:
It is most widely used as a remedy for inflammations of the mouth, gums, tongue,
throat, and tonsils. As a gargle it will help laryngitis, pharyngitis,
tonsillitis, and quinsy. It reduces sweating when taken internally and may be
used to reduce the production of breast milk. It stimulates the muscles of the
uterus and may be used as a compress to heal wounds.
Part used:
Leaves. Collect the leaves when the plant begins to flower in late spring or
early summer. Dry in the shade at a temperature not above 95 degrees Fahrenheit.
Infusion:
Pour 1 cup of boiling water over 1-2 tsp. of the leaves and leave to infuse for
10 minutes. Drink three times a day.
Mouthwash:
Bring 2 tsp. of the leaves and 1 PT of water to a boil. Let stand, covered for
15 minutes. Gargle deeply for 5-10 minutes several times a day.
Tincture:
Take 2-4 ml of the tincture three times a day.
CAUTION:
Avoid during pregnancy
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ROSEHIPS (Rosa canina)
To grow:
Try to plant where roses will receive full sun all day. Avoid planting where
other shrubs or trees will steal water from the roses. Plant in well drained
soil. Dig soil deep and incorporate organic matter such as ground bark, peat
moss, or compost. Add complete fertilizer to soil at the same time and dig
supplemental phosphorous and potash into planting holes. Before planting bare-
root roses, immerse them in water for several hours. Be sure to make holes large
enough so you will not have to bend the roots or cut them back. Before planting
cut broken canes and broken roots just below the break. Set plant in the hole so
that bud union (knob from which the canes grow) is just above soil level. After
the rose is planted and has been watered well, mound soil or damp peat moss
around the bud union and the canes. Remove gradually after the leaves begin to
expand. You must water regularly. Water deeply so that entire root system
receives water. Big, well established plants need more water than new plants.
Apply nutrients fairly regularly. Feed when a blooming cycle has just ended and
new cycle is beginning. Stop feeding about 6 weeks before first hard frost.
Regular pest and disease control should be followed. Begin to control
aphids as soon as they appear. To prune, use sharp pruning spears. Remove wood
that is obviously dead or wood that has no healthy growth coming from it. Also
prune branches that rub against the plants larger canes or branches that cut
through the center. Each spring, remove 1/3 1/2 inch of the previous season's
growth. Cut flowers as a form of pruning. Cut enough stem to allow rose to stand
in a vase but do not cut to much foliage from the plant.
Uses:
A good source of vitamin C. They help in the bodies defense against colds and
flues. They help in cases of constipation and mild gall bladder problems as well
as conditions of the bladder and kidney.
Parts used:
Fruit (hips) and seeds of the dog rose. Collect the hips in the fall.
Decoction:
Put 2 1/2 tbs. of the cut hips in a cup of water and bring to a boil. Simmer for
10 minutes.
Tincture:
Take 2-4 ml of the tincture three times a day.
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ROSEMARY (Rosmarinus officinalis)
To grow:
Evergreen shrub, herb. Rugged and picturesque, grows 2-6 ft high. Leaves are
narrow, aromatic, glossy, and dark green above, grayish white below. Flowers
grow in small clusters and are lavender blue, 1/4-1/2 inch. They bloom in winter
and spring, and occasionally in the fall. It endures hot sun and poor soil. You
must have good drainage for this plant. Once established, water it sparingly in
the desert. In other areas the plant needs little or no water. Control growth by
pinching tips when plants are small and by pruning older plants lightly.
Uses:
Rosemary is a circulatory and Nervine stimulant. Can be used for headaches,
dyspepsia, or depression associated with debility. It can be used to ease
muscular pain, sciatica, and neuralgia externally. It's oil may be used on hair
follicles for premature baldness.
Parts used:
Leaves and twigs. Gather the leaves throughout the summer. The best time to
collect them is during their flowering time.
Infusion:
Pour 1 cup of boiling water over 1-2 tsp. of the dried herb and leave to infuse
in a covered container for 10-15 minutes. Drink three times a day.
Tincture:
Take 1-2 ml of the tincture three times a day.
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RUE (Ruta graveolens)
To grow:
Perennial herb. Grows 2-3 ft. It's leaves are aromatic, fern-like, and blue
green. Flowers are small and greenish yellow, with decorative brown seed
capsules. Sow seeds in flats and transplant to 1 ft apart. Grows in good soil
with additions of lime to strongly acidic soil. Plant in full sun, water average
or minimal.
Uses:
It's main use is the regulation of periods, where it is used to bring on
suppressed menses. It may be used to relax smooth muscles, especially in the
digestive system. It can ease spasmodic coughs. It increases peripheral
circulation and lowers elevated blood pressure. Chew the fresh leaf to relieve
headaches, ease palpitations, and other anxiety problems.
Part used:
Dried aerial parts. Collect the leaves before the flowers open in the summer and
dry in the shade.
Infusion:
Pour 1 cup of boiling water over 1-2 tsp. of the dried herb and leave to infuse
for 10-15 minutes. Drink three times a day.
Tincture:
Take 1-4 ml of the tincture three times a day.
CAUTION:
Rue's oil is a powerful abortifacient and therefore should be avoided during
pregnancy
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THYME (Thymus vulgaris)
To grow:
Shrubby perennial herb. Grows 6-12 inches high. Leaves are 1/4 inch long, narrow
to oval, fragrant, and gray green. It has tiny lilac flowers in dense patches
June-July.
Uses:
Makes a good carmative for use in dyspepsia and sluggish digestion. May be used
externally as a lotion for infected wounds, but also internally for respiratory
and digestive infections. Can be used as a gargle for laryngitis, tonsillitis,
easing sore throats and irritable coughs. It can be used in bronchitis, whooping
cough, and asthma. It can also be used in childhood diarrhea and bed-wetting.
Parts used:
Leaves and flowering tops. Collect the flowering stems between early summer and
late summer on a dry sunny day. Strip the leaves off the dried stems.
Infusion:
Pour 1 cup of boiling water over 2 tsp. of the dried herb and leave to infuse
for 10 minutes. Drink three times a day.
Tincture:
Take 2-4 ml of the tincture three times a day.
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