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Contributed by Chicahua Necahual
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Feb 13, 2006 at 05:34 AM |
Herbs And Herbal Healing
Written by Chicahua Necahual
The Creator's Gift to Us
Aloe
Physical Description: Aloe looks much like a succulent cactus. Its
leaves are usually elongated , frequently pointed, sometimes blotched
or mottled. Some of them have spiny teeth on the leaves, and the
flowers tend to be found on a single leafless stalk in clusters.
Depending on the species, they can be in simple or in branched
clusters. Also depending on the species, they can range from miniature
house plants to a species which grows to 65 feet. Note, there is a
plant referred to as American Aloe which is not a true aloe but a
member of the agave family. Medicinal Properties: Aloe is most well
known for its use in soothing burns by using its fresh juice. Note it
also can soothe some insect bites. It can also be used externally as a
dried powder which is applied to open running wounds (thickly) then
covered with clean gauze. It absorbs the fluid, and encourages healthy
tissue growth. Internally it can be used as a cleanser. Aloe should not
be used internally by pregnant women or by folks with hemorrhoids.
Basil
Physical Description: Basil grows to about 2feet tall. Its leaves are
oval, its flowers nestle in the axils (where the leaf stems join the
stem), and it has a squarish stem. Some varieties the leaves may
exhibit slightly toothed edges. Medicinal Properties: Basil contains an
aromatic and volatile camphor bearing oil, which accounts for its use
in cooking as well as in potpourris. Basil is thought to help allay
mild nervous tension headaches and nausea. It is also known as a
carminative (relieves gas) and to have some effect inhibiting the
organisms that cause dysentery. Additionally, it was used during
childbirth (sometimes in conjunction with nutmeg) to ease childbirth
and the dispelling of the placenta. This was used as a tea, a teaspoon
of leaves used per cup of water, generally no more than two cups of tea
used per day. Mystical Properties: Basil is believed to help create
harmony. People wear it (one can use essential oil in a perfume, or
crushed leaves in a pouch) to attract sympathetic responses and to help
avoid clashes. (some say it will attract love) It was also common to
grow the plant in pots to ensure a harmonious home.
Burdock
Physical Description: Burdock grows from 2 to 5 feet tall, with stout
spreading branches, and heart shaped leaves. It flowers in July and
August with purple flowers. After the flowers have passed, they are
replaced by the spherical burr. Medicinal Properties: Burdock is a
diaphoretic and a diuretic. It is an excellent blood purifier. Its root
(and sometimes the seed) is used in tea. Consequently it is prescribed
to be taken as a tea for swollen lymph glands, liver ailments, kidney
problems, rheumatoid arthritis, gout and skin problems. The fresh
leaves are often used in a poultice applied to forehead and soles of
feet for fever and gout. Fresh leaves shredded finely and mixed with
stiffly beaten egg white creates a mixture used for burns. Mystical
Properties: The roots of the burdock were gathered in the waning moon,
cut into disks, dried and strung on red thread as beads to be used to
ward off evil and negativity. It was also used in incenses for such.
Catnip
Physical Description: Catnip is in the mint family, and it has the same
squareness to its stem (cross section) as other mints. It can grow up
to 3 feet tall the leaves are grayish downy almost heart-shaped oval
leaves. The flowers are pale lavender to pale pink, and are found at
the top of the plant. Medicinal Properties: Catnip has many uses. It is
known to help prevent and dispel gas, and has been used for colicky
babies (candied catnip leaves were used as an after dinner mint at one
time). As a tea, it is best cooled before ingested as some people find
it an emetic when drunk warm (emetic is something used to induce
vomiting). When used medicinally, it is made as an infusion (tea made
with water that is hot but NOT boiling, in an enclosed container, as
the oils are very volatile). It is also thought to be calming. As a
sedative one uses an ounce of the dried leaves per pint of water. Once
cooled an adult dose is two tablespoons of the infusion, and the
child's dose is 2 to 3 teaspoons. For an For upset stomach, use one
teaspoon of the herb in a cup of water. Catnip is also used as a
diaphoretic, which means it promotes sweating without inducing a fever.
Fresh green catnip leaves bruised and applied to hemorrhoids or catnip
juice made into an ointment for the same purpose is reputed to provide
some relief. This plant was also used to bring on delayed menses.
Roman Chamomile
Physical Description: Roman chamomile is a low growing perennial herb,
but it can shoot up to 12 inches high when producing flower stems. The
flowers look much like miniature daisies with large central golden
discs. The leaves are light green finely divided (some herbals describe
the leaves as feathery). Note German chamomile is a taller annual which
grows two to three feet tall, and its flowers are smaller than the
Roman chamomile. Medicinal Properties: Chamomile is used for upset
stomachs, as an anti-inflammatory, and as a tranquilizer (some older
herbal medicine books will call it a nervine because of its calming
effect on the nerves). Mothers used to make this tea to drink and to
pass the calming agent on to cranky babies through their milk.
Chamomile is also reputed to increase menstrual flow. The flowers are
the part of the plant used. They contain calcium, glycoside, tannic
acid, and anthelmic acid. Because the essential oil in chamomile is so
volatile, it is steeped (10 to 15 minutes) in a covered container so
not to have its essences lost to the atmosphere. 1 teaspoon of the
flowers is used per cup of tea. (it is really a yummy tea, good with
honey) Though this is not considered medicinal per se, it is also
supposed to help repel insects (sponge the unsweetened tea over your
body and let it dry) and to be an excellent rinse to bring out blonde
highlights in hair. Mystical Properties: Chamomile's tranquilizing
effect made it commonly used in incenses for relaxation into a
meditative state (though sleep could also result). It was also used in
prosperity charms to draw money - discs of gold, the idea of like draws
like.
Black Cohosh
Physical Description: Black Cohosh is a 3-9ft tall perennial herb, with
a simple stem and irregular leaves. It blooms May to August with small
white flowers on wand-like racemes Blue Cohosh is a 1-3ft tall
perennial found in moist areas. The leaves are 1 -3 inches long, is
purple when young. It flowers in May and June, with yellowish green
flowers. The seeds found on it in August were used to make a coffee
like beverage. Medicinal Properties: Black cohosh was traditionally
used as an emmenagogue, but was also known to be used as a astringent,
diuretic, and diaphoretic (inducing sweating). Besides being used for
"womb troubles" it was used for kidney and digestive system, as well as
for coughs (expectorant) and for slowing the pulse. Black Cohosh was
also known as bugbane for its use as an insect repellent. Some believed
it also to be helpful as an antidote to snakebite, and thus it also
earned the name of Snakeroot. Blue cohosh was most known for its use as
an aid to parturition. It was used as an emmenagogue.
Coltsfoot
Physical Description: Coltsfoot is a perennial which has dandelion-like
flowers which precede the growth of leaves. The flower stalks have
upward pointing scales. The leaves are rounded, slightly heart shaped
(indentation by the heel of the colt's foot), leaf edges are a little
serrated, and there are downy hairs on the underside of the young leaf
(the down disappears as the leaf gets older). The plant sends out
runners. It is found mainly in the northeast parts of the United
States. Medicinal Properties: Coltsfoot contains mucilage (as well as
some vitamin C, calcium and potassium). Historically in Europe it was
used in an herbal smoking mixture which contained buckbean, eyebright,
betony, rosemary, thyme, lavender and chamomile. It also was made into
a cough syrup (one ounce of dried leaves in a quart of water, then
boiled down to a pint of water, strained then sweetened with honey, no
more than a cup a day was to be taken). Coltsfoot tea acts as an
expectorant. To make it, steep 1 teaspoon full of leaves per cup of
water (steep for a half hour). Strain and flavor with honey (note: a
horehound candy drop melted into the tea is also a good flavoring which
enhances its expectorant properties). This tea can be taken two or
three times daily. The aforementioned methods were used to alleviate
coughs, asthma and bronchial congestion. The bruised leaves are were
also used on skin wounds as a poultice. Mystical Properties: Coltsfoot
was sometimes added to smoke mixtures used in ceremony, generally when
a person was being introduced to the practice of ceremonial smoke. This
was done to reduce the probability that the person would be embarrassed
by coughing.
Dandelion
Physical Description: Dandelion is a perennial herb with basal leaves
which are deeply toothed. The yellow flower is at the top of a hollow
stem, and opens wide during the day, closing at night. The flower heads
turn into downy balls which carry the seeds away in a breeze. There are
several varieties of dandelion. Medicinal Properties: Dandelion is a
aperient (mildly laxative) and a diuretic. It is also high in mineral
content and is considered to be a blood builder. The root is used as a
cleanser for kidneys, liver, pancreas and spleen. Being a blood and
gland cleanser, it is also used to help clear some skin disorders.
Mystical Properties: The roots of the dandelion were believed to
promote one's psychic abilities. It was also believed that blowing on
the seed head would divine the number of years one had left to live.
Dill
Physical Description: Dill is a hardy annual plant that looks much like
fennel in many ways. It has a spindly tap root similar to fennel, but
its root is not used. Dill has a round green main stem, with feathery
branches. At the top it gets a cluster of umbels (the clusters look
like up-side-down umbrellas) with yellow flowers at the tip of each
umbel. It grows from 2 to 3 feet tall. Medicinal Properties: Dill has
been used for insomnia due to indigestion, expelling gas (carminative),
relieving hiccups, easing swelling and pains (used in poultices), and
to increase milk production in nursing mothers. Its essential oils are
Limonene and Carvone. It was used by bruising 2 teaspoons of dill seeds
and leaves, then infusing them in a half pint of boiling water
(covered), strain when cool, then take 2 ounces every hour or two until
the condition is alleviated. Mystical Properties: Dill was believed to
be a powerful charm protecting one against witchcraft. A bunch of dried
dill was hung over the door for the purpose of protecting a household,
or the seed heads were worn in sachets. Some also used dill in love
sachets.
Echinacea
Physical Description: Echinacea has hairy leaves and stalk, and grows
to about 2 feet tall. The leaves are oblong, and the center of the
flower is a cone. Most species are a lavender or purple-rose color, but
the white swan alba) species has white petals. Medicinal Properties:
Echinacea root is used as an anti-inflammatory. The herb and the root
are used for stimulating the immune system and as an antiseptic. It is
also a diaphoretic (promotes sweating). The fresh leaves were chewed by
Native Americans to relieve the pain of a toothache. The juice from the
leaves is what causes the numbing (this is also purportedly why deer do
not eat this plant, therefore survives in gardens where deer tend to
destroy other plants). The numbing wears off fairly quickly. Mystical
Properties: Echinacea was used to strengthen spells.
Fennel
Physical Description: Fennel grows 4 to 6 feet tall with feathery
leaves. It has small yellow flowers with five petals which are in flat
topped clusters. The flowers are followed by grey green seeds which are
about a quarter inch long. Medicinal Properties: Fennel seed is an
appetite suppressant, anti-flatulent and expectorant. It is used for
coughs, colds and bronchitis, as well as for indigestion. Fennel also
promotes lactation in nursing mothers. The root is a diuretic and
anti-flatulent. The root is used for gall bladder and liver problems as
well as for rheumatism. Mystical Properties: Fennel was hung over
doorways to repel evil spirits. Fennel was also used in purification
rites.
Garlic
Physical Description: Garlic is a perennial bulb comprised of small
cloves. The plant can grow to two feet tall, and has flat long pointed
leaves. Its flowers can range from white to pink. Medicinal Properties:
Garlic contains vitamins A, B1, B2 and C. It also has a natural
antibacterial property due to its essential oil allicin. Allicin is
reputed to destroy the harmful bacteria (including staphylococci)
without destroying the beneficial bacteria. Garlic is a vasodilator,
thus helps relieve hypertension (high blood pressure). The 'recipes'
for its use are numerous, only a few will be included herein. For a
cold syrup, a pound of sliced garlic cloves were boiled in a closed
container for about 12 hours. A decoction of vinegar in which caraway
or fennel had been boiled was added to the mixture along with enough
honey to make it syrupy. Some also utilized raw garlic juice for cough.
For external wounds, a sterilized pad was soaked in diluted garlic
juice and applied to the wound (note: sterilized sphagnum moss was used
in the pre-cotton pad era). Garlic juice is also used to eliminate
intestinal worms. To do so, one must first fast overnight and for the
morning hours, then either raw garlic juice or milk in which garlic has
been boiled is then ingested. Garlic also promotes sweating
(diaphoretic) and is a diuretic (kidney stimulating, i.e. increases
urination) and relieves gas pains (carminative - promotes expulsion of
gas from the bowels). Also it is reputed to be an insect repellent,
however you may find it repels your friends and loved ones too!
(seriously though, you may want to plant it in strategic parts of your
garden, but not next to roses, they do not like garlic). Parsley is
reputed to help clear the odor of garlic on the breath. Mystical
Properties: Garlic was believed to protect one from evil spirits (not
just vampires) and to prevent one from drowning. Some also believed
that carrying garlic on a journey ensured good weather for the trip.
Goldenrod
Physical Description: Goldenrod is a perennial herb that grows from 20 to 40
inches tall. It has very narrow smooth edged leaves which alternate up
the stem of the plant. The leaves may be up to 5 inches long, and when
crushed have a mild scent of anise. The odora species has upper
branches with tiny yellow flower heads in a single row along the
branch. Other species have larger clusters of flowers and may have
sub-branching on the flower branches. Medicinal Properties: To make
goldenrod tea, use one teaspoon of the flowers and/or leaves per cup of
boiling water, steep covered, strain, then add honey to sweeten to
taste. The goldenrod's flowers are known to be aperient (gently
laxative) , astringent (causes contraction) and a stimulant good for
eliminating kidney stones (generally for this purpose use both flowers
and leaves in a tea). The dried flowers are powdered to use on open
wounds that do not heal. The goldenrod's leaves are known to be a
stimulant, diuretic (increases urination) and carminative (gas
relieving), when ingested warm, it also promotes sweating
(diaphoretic). Goldenrod roots used as a poultice for toothache.
Golden Seal
Physical Description: Golden seal is a perennial with a hairy stem 6 to
18 inches high. The hairy leaves alternate on the stem, and have either
five or seven lobes. (he larger leaves being lower on the stem) The
flowers are greenish white, a single flower per stem. The fruit is a
red berry. Medicinal Properties: Fennel seed is an appetite
suppressant, anti-flatulent and expectorant. It is used for coughs,
colds and bronchitis, as well as for indigestion. Fennel also promotes
lactation in nursing mothers. The root is a diuretic and
anti-flatulent. The root is used for gall bladder and liver problems as
well as for rheumatism. Mystical Properties: Fennel was hung over
doorways to repel evil spirits. Fennel in the shoes was believed to
prevent wood ticks from biting. Fennel was also used in purification
rites.
Hyssop
Physical Description: Hyssop has a long thin leaf that is a shiny
green. The flowers are a blue to lavender color and are very attractive
to bees. Some species of Hyssop have white or pink flowers. Hyssop is
found in dry sunny areas, and grow to be 2 - 3 feet tall. Medicinal
Properties: Hyssop leaves were used to improve complexion and to help
coughs and colds when used as a tea. (as a tea it is fairly good
tasting, somewhat licorice-like).
Junipers
Physical Description: Junipers have grey green or blue green sharp
needles (1/2 inch to 3/4 inch long) with berry like blue fruits that
take 2 years to ripen. Many Junipers tend to be small or medium
evergreens mostly used as ornamentals. However, the California juniper
can reach the height of 40 feet. There are also forms of juniper that
are low growing ground covers. Medicinal Properties: Juniper stimulates
the appetite and digestion, helps eliminate mucus and thus helps
eliminate coughs. It has a diuretic effect (stimulates the kidneys and
bladder) and is a urinary antiseptic (therefore is useful in treating
cystitis). A strong tea of the berries is considered to be helpful
against the effects of bug bites (use the tea as a wash). For
ingestion, an infusion is made by first soaking a few tablespoons of
the berries in water, then adding them to a pint of boiling water, and
infusing for at least a half hour. The resultant infusion should be
divided into 4 equal doses to be taken in the course of a day. This
infusion is also useful as a carminative (expelling gas), and as a
vermifuge (deworming the intestine, ingest the infusion). Native
Americans used a hot pack of needles, twigs and berries to be applied
to aches. Note do NOT use juniper if pregnant as it is an emmenagogue
(promotes menstrual flow). The infusion can also be used (by non
pregnant women) as a douche to alleviate yeast infections. Also, if
juniper is ingested frequently, it MAY produce temporary sterility in
women. Mystical Properties: Juniper was regarded as protection against
accidents, devils, evil spirits and wild animals. Juniper was also
burned during childbirth to prevent fairies from substituting
changelings. The berries were also strung to create an attraction
love-charm. Others believe that the plant may protect a house from
thieves perhaps if it is under windows the sharp needles provide a
deterrent?
Lavender
Physical Description: Lavender grows 2 to 3 feet tall, has gray green
narrow leaves that are opposite each other. The flowers are clustered
in 2 to 3 inch spikes at the tops of the stems and are Purplish Blue.
Medicinal Properties: Lavender oil may be toxic, it is best not to
ingest it, but if you feel you must, be sure not to take more than two
drops of undiluted essential oil. Lavender has long been recognized as
a sedative (used aromatically). Historically it was made into "Lavender
water" which was ingested to dispel intestinal gas and as a gargle.
Before the first world war it was also used externally as an antiseptic
on wounds, as well as a vermifuge (dewormer). It is also a repellant
for moths, flies and mosquitoes. Mystical Properties: Lavender has been
traditionally used in purification bath rituals and in purification
incenses. It is also reputed that carrying the herb will aid one in
seeing ghosts.
Lemon Verbena
Physical Description: Lemon verbena is a tender perennial herb which
must be protected from frost. If you bring the plant indoors to winter,
do not be alarmed if it loses its leaves, it is a deciduous plant.
Lemon Verbena's leaves are generally in sets of three on a woody stem.
The tiny flowers grow on spikes and are either pale lavender or white.
The plant is easily identified when one touches or crushes the leaves;
one will smell a strong lemon scent. Medicinal Properties: Lemon
verbena was used for digestion, however it is also a mild sedative and
febrifuge (cools fevers). It was most frequently used in a tea
(infusion), made by steeping 1 tsp. dried leaves in a cup of boiling
water (steep for 5 to 15 minutes) and drunk with honey after meals.
Magical Properties: Lemon verbena was believed to be helpful in
purification rituals (in bathwater for personal purification, and
either in incense or scattered around for area purification). It was
also worn to make oneself attractive to the opposite sex, or used in
love spells.
Meadowsweet
Physical Description: Meadowsweet grows up to 6 feet tall. Its leaves
are oval with teeth along the edges, and are paired along the stems.
The leaves at the termination of branches have 3 lobes. The tiny
creamy-white flowers grow in terminal clusters, have five petals, and
are somewhat almond scented. Medicinal Properties: Meadowsweet has
salicylates (think aspirin) and citric acid in the flower only and
tannin throughout the plant. The flowers and leaves make a pleasant
tasting tea. Meadowsweet is used for fevers, diarrhea, kidney problems,
prostate problems and rheumatism. Mystical Properties: Meadowsweet was
used in love spells.
Mugwort
Physical Description: Mugwort grows wild in North America. It grows 1
to 5 feet tall. The leaves are silvery white underneath and have 5 to 7
lobes. The leaves alternate up the stalk. The flowers are small, grow
in clusters and range from yellow to purplish. Medicinal Properties:
Taken internally as a tea, mugwort was used for colds, colic, kidney
inflammation, rheumatism, fever and to bring on suppressed menses. A
teaspoon of the leaves were used per cup of boiling water. Externally
it is used in poultices for wounds and for poison oak. Mugwort is the
ingredient in "moxi-sticks" used for moxibustion, which is a heat
treatment of the tsubo (acupuncture) points. Mystical Properties:
Mugwort tea was used before divinations, and the herb was used in
sachets kept in a pillow to promote prophetic dreams and astral
projection. Carrying mugwort was believed to prevent poisoning,
sunstroke or harm from wild beasts. However carrying it was also
believed to increase lust.
Mullein
Physical Description: Mullein is a biennial which for the first year
does not flower but merely has the large fuzzy basal leaves. Second
year mullein has the very tall (frequently to 5 feet) stalk with pale
yellow (white and sometimes purple) flowers set closely around the top
of the stem. Medicinal Properties: Mullein’s chief uses are as a
poultice, demulcent (soothes mucus membranes), expectorant and
emollient, but it is also mildly sedative. If it was to be taken
internally, it was combined with a strong spice to mask its scent and
taste. It also has been used as a steam inhalant for clearing the
sinuses. Native Americans used it in an herbal tobacco combination as a
cough remedy (coltsfoot was one of the other ingredients). As a tea,
one teaspoon of leaves is used per cup of boiling water. Up to 2 cups a
day can be taken. It was sometimes boiled with milk instead of water.
As a poultice, the leaves are bruised or chopped. It can be used cool
or warm to apply to the affected area, depending on the type and age of
the injury. Modern laboratory testing has shown that there is some
anti-inflammatory agent in this plant. Steeped with olive oil, mullein
flowers were used to make a remedy for ear aches.
Parsley
Physical Description: Parsley is a many branched, bright green, smooth
stemmed herb which is a biennial. Its flowers are a greenish yellow.
The various species differ mainly in the shape of the leaves. Medicinal
Properties: Parsley is a diuretic used for kidney and bladder problems,
as well as for the liver, gall bladder and spleen. As an internal
cleanser, it is also useful in arthritis gout and prostate problems.
For this, the roots and leaves are taken as a tea (2 to 4 cups a day)
or in a tincture. It is also reputed to help the pituitary and thyroid.
The seeds contain apiol which is considered to be a safe emmenagogue
(used to bring on delayed menses). Some also believe that parsley is a
good cancer preventative. Parsley is mildly laxative. It is also used
as an expectorant, for coughs. As a hot poultice it is used to relieve
insect bites and stings. Mystical Properties: In Roman times, parsley
was used as a garnish to guard the food from contamination, or worn to
provide protection. It was also used in purification baths. It was also
believed that if eaten, it would promote lust.
Peppermint
Physical Description: Peppermint, like all mints has an erect,
branching square stem. The leaves are a dark green, and the purplish
flowers are on spikes. The perennial plants grow from 1 - 3 feet high.
They flower from July to September. Sometimes the veins are a little
'hairy' but otherwise the stem is smooth. It is best to harvest this
plant in the dry weather of August and September. Medicinal Properties:
Peppermints leaves and stems are the parts used. It is used for nausea,
vomiting and to help relieve intestinal gas. It is also used as a mild
stimulant. It can also be helpful in the case of suppressed
menstruation. Some say Peppermint is also helpful in cases of sea
sickness. Magical Properties: Peppermint has been used in healing and
purification spells, believed to raise the vibrations of an area. To
this end, it was rubbed against furniture, walls and floorboards. It
was used in pillows to promote sleep, and was believed to make the
dreams pre-cognitive. It was also believed to be useful in mixtures for
love spells.
Plantain
Physical Description: Plantain major has a rosette of basal broad oval
leaves and bears spikes of greenish flowers which turn to the familiar
seed stalks. Hoary Plantain looks similar to the common plantain except
the leaves are stalkless, and it has greenish pink flowers. English
Plantain has longer narrower lance shaped leaves and greenish white
flowers. The flower spikes can grow to be between one and two feet
tall. Medicinal Properties: The seeds of this plant are high in
mucilage, so they were made into a tea for diarrhea relief, bladder,
kidney and stomach problems. The leaves are also high in tannin which
acts as an astringent, and were used in poultices for cuts, sores,
burns and insect bites. The mucilage in the leaves also provided some
soothing. Some also used the leaf tea as a diuretic. Mystical
Properties: It was believed that carrying a piece of the plantain root
in one’s pocket prevented snake bites. The plant also was believed to
be a general protection against evil spirits.
Raspberries
Physical Description: Raspberries grow on prickly canes that are
generally erect, freely branched and about 3-4 ft long. The leaves are
green on the top and grayish on the underside. The leaves are about 3
inches long by 2 inches wide, rounded bottoms, and have serrated edges.
Medicinal Properties: Raspberries were considered an astringent,
stimulant and tonic to the digestive and urinary systems. Raspberry
liqueur was used as a cough syrup. The leaves of raspberries, used in a
tea, were believed to relieve painful menses and regulate the flow. The
tea was believed to help prevent miscarriages. Used in a douche it was
believed to relieve leucorrhoea.
Rosemary
Physical Description: Rosemary is a tender perennial evergreen that
grows two to four feet tall (reputed to grow as tall as 6 feet in
Mediterranean climates). The evergreen leathery needles are dark green
on top and lighter (silvery) on the undersides. The creeping variety is
called Rosmarinus prostratus. The flowers form at the tips of the
branches in spring and range from light to dark blue depending on the
variety. Medicinal Properties: Rosemary is believed to strengthen the
memory (students wore sprigs of it in their hair while studying in
Ancient Greece), cure headaches, and help the restless to sleep (infuse
an ounce of fresh leaves or a heaping teaspoon of dried leaves in a
pint of water, add lemon and honey). Used externally it cures stiffness
of joints (a gallon of dark rum and a pound and a half of fresh
rosemary are let to stand all night, then over low heat distill off 5
pints, this mixture can be used internally or externally and is
referred to as Hungary Water, the dosage is a spoonful). Rosemary is
often combined with Lavender for use in creating insect repellants.
Additionally it is reputed to be effective against dandruff (for 24
hours infuse an ounce each of rosemary and sage in a pint of water,
strain and add a teaspoon of powdered borax). Pharmacological research
has validated the usage as a carminative (intestinal gas dispeller) and
antispasmodic. Mystical Properties: In Christian tradition, Rosemary is
used as a symbol of fidelity and remembrance in wedding and funerary
ceremonies. It was also used in sachet for safe passage over water. It
has also been used as an incense along with juniper for aiding in
recuperation.
Sage
Physical Description: Sage is an evergreen perennial that can grow to
about 2 feet high. Its leaves are grey-green and grow in opposite
pairs. The flowers are violet-blue and are found at the ends of stems
and branches. Medicinal Properties: Sage tea is used for reducing
excessive sweating/lowering fever (give cold, as an infusion) , as a
carminative (aids in gas expulsion), to bring on delayed menses and for
reducing mothers milk when she is weaning her baby. In earlier times it
was also reputed to help the memory, for head colds, also for joint
pain. Mystical Properties: Sage was used in sachets for healing and
prosperity. The smoke of sage, especially white sage, is said to be
pleasing to good spirits. It is often used in smudging, sweat lodges,
and many Native American rituals.
Slippery Elm
Physical Description: It has a rough bark (characteristic of the elm
family). The leaves of this particular species of elm are sometimes
rusty on the underside. The leaves are rough, serrated edges, and are a
deep olive green with a yellowish tinge on the top, a lighter green
underneath (except when tinged with rust). Medicinal Properties: The
innermost layer of the bark was the part used medicinally. It is very
mucilaginous and was used for soothing any inflamed surface of the
body, interior or exterior. Some of the herb based lozenges sold today
contain slippery elm.
Thyme
Physical Description: Thyme has a woody perennial root from which many
thin stems grow. The stems, if they survive winter, grow hard and twig
like with age. The leaves are paired and tiny ovals. The flowers are
pale purple. Note: Bees LOVE this herb. Medicinal Properties: Thyme has
an essential oil, thymol which is a powerful preservative and
antibacterial. Additionally Thyme is a diaphoretic (promotes sweating).
As a tea, thyme is used for asthma, cramps, diarrhea, digestion, fever,
flu, headache, heartburn, migraine headaches, nerves and lung problems.
Use one teaspoon of the herb per cup of boiling water. Steep covered
for 10 minutes. It is also sometimes included as an ingredient in
poultices (because of its antibacterial properties). Mystical
Properties: Thyme was believed to attract good health (it was either
worn or used in healing spells). It was put under the pillow to ensure
restful sleep. It was burned in temples and used in purification baths.
Also, carrying and smelling the herb was supposed to bolster one’s
courage.
Please be careful when using herbs, before using any herbs educate
yourself and don't try to subsititute herbs for seeing a professional
doctor at least once a year. Be safe, live well, eat healthy and
replace good foods like fresh vegetables, and fruits for junk foods and
snacks.
copyright © Adawehi
author(s) Adawehi
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Last Updated ( Feb 13, 2006 at 05:43 AM )
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