MINT (SPEARMINT & PEPPERMINT)
Mint tea aids upset stomachs, flu, and can be used to ease hiccups and headaches, particularly pre menstrual headaches. Inhalations of the leaves in boiling water is recommended for head colds and asthma. Nervous headaches can be relieved lying in a dark room with fresh peppermint leaves on the forehead. Aids skin irritations, rheumatism, toothache, and general fatigue.
MUGWORT (St. John's herb, Moxa)
Mugwort is valued for its regulating effect on the menstrual cycle and a mugwort compress was used in childbirth to aid expulsion of the placenta. Externally mugwort eases aching muscles, and relieves rheumatic pain. Acupuncturists burn cones made from mugwort fibers close to the skin to stimulate acupuncture points. The mugwort adds its warming properties to the heat of combustion, resulting in a very stimulation therapy.
MULLEIN (Torches, donkey's ears)
Mullein has antispasmodic and expectorant properties and was used in the treatment of asthma. Drops made by macerating the blossoms in warm olive oil are a remedy for earache.
MYRRH
Excellent insect repellent and as a tincture it is used as a remedy for bad breath and gum problems.
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(N)
NETTLE
Nettle tea can ease asthma and is said to aid in weight loss.
Footbaths made with nettle tea are a treatment for rheumatism. Steep 1 cup of fresh nettle leaves in 1 pint of just boiled water for 10 mins. Strain off the leaves and pour into a ceramic basin, add 3 cups of hot water and soak feet for 8-10 mins. Caution must be used in harvesting nettles and wearing gloves is recommended. The mature nettle plants are covered with stinging hairs that can cause dermatitis if touched.
NUTMEG
Nutmeg has digestive properties that can alleviate nausea and flatulence. In small doses nutmeg is mildly sedative and can be added to warm milk just before bed. Use nutmeg sparingly, as large doses can be fatal.
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(O)
OAK
A decoction of oak bark can be used to treat diarrhea or
dysentery, sore throats, mouth inflammations or infections.
A poultice made from bruised oak leaves to prevent infection and aid in the healing of wounds and bruises.
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PENNYROYAL (European pennyroyal, pudding plant)
The powdered leaves of this herb make a good flea repellent. The oil of the pennyroyal makes an excellent repellent for small insects. The fresh leaves of the plant can be rubbed on the forehead or temples to relieve headaches. Native Americans drank a tea made from pennyroyal for cramping pains and to alleviate cold symptoms. Pennyroyal causes contractions of the muscles of the uterus and should be avoided during pregnancy.
PERIWINKLE
Periwinkle is an astringent, healing herb. The fresh leaves can be applied to wounds and inserted into the nostrils to stop nosebleeds. Periwinkle infusions are recommended for heavy menstrual bleeding.
PLANTAIN (Waybread, White Man's foot, Snakeweed)
The crushed leaves of plantain applied to wounds speeds up their healing. Plantain is also and excellent treatment for skin inflammations, burns and insect stings. An ointment of plantain is reputed to relieve the itching caused by poison ivy.
POPLAR (Aspen, Quaking Aspen)
A decoction of poplar bark has been used to treat urinary tract infections, irritations of the bladder and prostate gland, and weakness due to chronic illness. A tea made from the bark can be used both as a beverage and a compress to relieve arthritic pain.
Poplar bark, as does willow bark, contains salicin, a substance related to the active ingredient in aspirin.
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(Q)
QUINCE
Quince was held sacred to Venus, who is often depicted with a Quince in her right hand, the gift she received from Paris. The 'golden Apples' of Virgil are said to be Quinces, as they were the only 'golden' fruit known in his time, oranges having only been introduced into Italy at the time of the Crusades.
The fruit, being dedicated to Venus, was regarded as the symbol of Love and Happiness, and Plutarch mentions the bridal custom of a Quince being shared by a married pair. Quinces sent as presents, or shared, were tokens of love.
A syrup prepared from the fruit may be used as agrateful addition to drinks in sickness, especially in looseness of the bowels, which it is said to restrain by its astringency.
The seeds may be used medicinally for the sake of the mucilage they yield. When soaked in water they swell up and form a mucilaginous mass. This mucilage is analogous to, and has the same properties as, that which is formed from the seeds of the flax - linseed.
The seeds somewhat resemble apple-pips in size and appearance. They are of a dark brown colour, flattened on two sides, owing to mutual pressure and frequently adhere to one another by a white mucilage, which is derived from the epidermal cells of the seedcoats. The seed contains two firm, yellowishwhite cotyledons, which have a faintly bitter taste resembling that of bitter almonds.
QUEEN'S ROOT (Silver Leaf. Also Sapium Sylvaticum Yaw Root.)
The fluid extract combined with oils of anise or caraway, proves very beneficial in chronic bronchitis and laryngitis. Some pieces of fresh root chewed daily have permanently and effectually cured these troubles, it is also useful for leucorrhoea. The oil is too acrid for internal use uncombined with saccharine or mucilaginous substance, for internal use the fluid extract or syrup is sufficiently efficacious. As an external stimulating application in most cases the oil will be found very valuable. For croup 1 drop on the tongue three or four times daily, has been found successful for severe attacks. The dried root is said to be inferior in strength to the fresh one, but some chemists consider it more powerful. It may be given either alone or combined with sarsaparilla and other alteratives. It acts reflexly as a sialagogue and expectorant.
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(R)
ROSEMARY
Rosemary tea has been used in China as a treatment for headache, insomnia and mental fatigue. The Chinese version of rosemary tea combines rosemary, sage and peppermint. The addition of a pinch of powdered ginger to this tea makes it an effective treatment for nervous stomach.
ROWAN (Mountain Ash)
The juice of rowan berries can be used as a gargle for sore throats and laryngitis. The berries contain vitamin C and were used for the prevention of scurvy. Wearing a necklace of rowan berries was once preported to protect its wearer from the influence of witches.
RUE (herb of grace)
Rue was once believed to be a protection against poisoning, spells and witchcraft. Rue has been long associated with the eyes and small doses of this herb are recommended for strained eyes and the headaches associated with this. Externally, rue is used for rheumatic pain and sprains.
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SAGE
A strong infusion of sage tea is useful for washing wounds. A gargle made of sage tea is an excellent remedy for sore and bleeding gums, loose teeth, cold sores, sore throat and colds. Powdered sage sprinkled on a cut or wound after its been washed helps to stop the bleeding and aid in healing.
ST.JOHN'S WORT
The blood-like juice of this plant is useful for its antibacterial and astringent properties and makes and excellent wound dressing for burns, cuts ulcers and other skin irritations. Teas made from St.John's wort are useful in the treatment of mild depression.
SLIPPERY ELM (Indian elm, moose elm)
Slippery elm tea, made from the inner bark is useful for digestive problems and diarrhea. The powdered bark made into a tea is useful for those convalescing from a gastro-intestinal.
SOLOMON'S SEAL (sealwort, dropberry)
The root of the Solomon's seal has soothing, astringent properties. A wash made from the root of this plant makes and effective facial astringent and was used in the 17th century to clear the complexion of freckles and blemishes. Poultices of the bruised root can be applied to bruises and inflammations.
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TARRAGON ( Little dragon)
The root of this plant was once a popular cure for toothache as chewing the fresh leaves has a mild numbing effect. Once believed to ward off exhaustion, fresh sprigs of tarragon were put into the boots of travelers before long journey's. A tea made of tarragon is useful in flushing out toxins in the body released from the digestion of meats and other proteins.
A simple infusion of this plant can be used to stimulate the
appetite, relieve flatulence and colic, regulate menstruation, alleviate the pain of arthritis, rheumatism and gout. The fresh leaf or root may be applied to cuts or sores to act as a local anesthesia.
THYME (common thyme, garden thyme)
This herb is useful as germicide. Thymol, the essential oil of this plant, is strongly antibacterial and may be used as an antiseptic.Tea made from this plant, is useful in alleviating the symptoms of asthma, stomach cramps and whooping cough because of its antispasmodic qualities.
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(U)
UNICORN ROOT-True (Colic-root. Stargrass. Starwort. Star-root. Blazing Star. Ague-root. Aloeroot. Ague Grass. Black-root. Bitter Grass. Crow Corn. Bettie Grass. Devil's Bit. )
The fresh root in large doses is somewhat narcotic, emetic and cathartic; when dried, these properties are lost. In smaller doses it gives colic in hypogastrium, and a sense of stupefaction and vertigo. When dried it becomes a valuable bitter tonic and its tincture or decoction has been used in flatulence, colic, hysteria, and to tone up the stomach; of value in dyspepsia and where there is an absence of urinary phosphates. Its most valuable property is its tonic influence on the female generative organs, proving of great use in cases of habitual miscarriage and as a general tonic.
UNICORN ROOT-False (Starwort. Helonias)
Emetic, tonic, diuretic, vermifuge. In large doses a cardiac poison. Of the greatest value in female disorders of the reproductive organs. The indication for its use is a dragging sensation in the extreme lower abdomen. It is useful in impotence, as a tonic in genito-urinary weakness or irritability, for liver and kidney diseases. Especially in diseases due to poor action of the liver and not to weakness of the heart or circulation. It is a good remedy in albuminaria.
UVA-URSI (Bearberry, Bear's Grape)
The dried leaves are the only part of the plant used in medicine. The British Pharmacopceia directs that the leaves should be obtained only from indigenous plants. They should be collected in September and October, only green leaves being selected and dried by exposure to gentle heat.
The usual form of administration is in the form of an infusion, which has a soothing as well as an astringent effect and marked diuretic action. Of great value in diseases of the bladder and kidneys, strengthening and imparting tone to the urinary passages. The diuretic action is due to the glucoside Arbutin, which is largely absorbed unchanged and is excreted by the kidneys. During its excretion, Arbutin exercises an antiseptic effect on the urinary mucous membrane: Bearberry leaves are, therefore, used in inflammatory diseases of the urinary tract, urethritis, cystisis, etc.
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VALERIAN (common valerian, garden heliotrope)
Valerian is an effective natural tranquilizer and is valuable for relieving nervous anxiety and insomnia. It is also useful for calming pre-flight nerves.
Animals are attracted by its scent and popular legend says that the Pied Piper of Hamlin carried valerian in his pockets to attract the rats.
VERVAIN (herb of grace, Holy herb, Enchanter's plant)
Vervain has long been associated with mysticism and magic. The Romans employed it as an altar plant and the Egyptians dedicated it to the sorceress-goddess Isis. The Druids included this herb in the purifying waters used in some rituals.
Poultices of vervain are useful in the treatment of headaches, particularly migraines accompanied by nausea.
VIOLET
Syrup of violet makes a useful treatment for insomnia, headaches
and sore throats. The leaves and flowers can be used in the treatment of coughs and bronchitis.
Violets are edible and make attractive decorations for cakes and candies.
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WILLOW (White willow)
Willow bark has been used since the first century CE for
treatment of pain and inflammation. Willow bark contains salicin, which is related to the active ingredient of the common aspirin. It has long been used for the treatment of heartburn.
WINTERGREEN (Mountain tea, teaberry)
The oil of this plant makes a soothing rub for stained muscles and joints. A poultice made of freshly pounded wintergreen leaves is also useful for painful joints, swellings and inflammations. Tea made from the leaves is useful for the treatment of fever, sore throats and stomach irritations. Wintergreen oil is most commonly used as a flavoring for gums and toothpastes.
WITCH HAZEL (snapping hazelnut)
Witch Hazel's forked twigs have been long used for water
divining purposes and Medieval witch hunters carried hazel rods.
Native Americans used poultices of witch hazel to ease swelling and ulcers. Witch Hazel tea can be drunk to alleviate sore throats and mouth ulcers. Witch hazel is also preported to be an excellent remedy for hemorrhoids and varicose veins as well as bruises and cuts.
WORMWOOD (Absinthe)
Wormwood is an old remedy for stomach ailments. Its bitter taste helps to improve appetite and alleviates a wide range of stomach ailments. Wormwood compresses were used to relieve painful joints, stimulate poor circulation and hasten childbirth.
Fresh wormwood scattered about the house makes an excellent insect repellent. Wormwood was also used in the brewing of beer before the advent of hops.
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YARROW (Milfoil, soldier's woundwort, carpenter's weed, nosebleed)
Yarrow is known for its ability to halt blood flow and therefore is an excellent styptic. Fresh yarrow leaves mashed or macerated and applied to wounds aids in stanching bleeding. Dried, powdered yarrow can be sprinkled over wounds, cuts, gashes and abrasions. A tea made from the plant's leaves, stems, or flowers is also beneficial to rashes, skin ulcers and hemorrhoids. The fresh root or leaves from the plant, applied to the gums or teeth, aid in relief from toothaches. Hot tea made from yarrow, elderflower and peppermint is a traditional remedy for cold symptoms.
Yarrow is also useful for breaking fevers. An infusion can be made of 1 pint boiling water, poured over 1 ounce of yarrow with the addition of 1 teaspoon of honey and 3 drops of tabasco sauce. This remedy will open the pores and cause profuse sweating.
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(Z)
ZEDOARY (Tumeric, Zitterwurzel)
Aromatic, stimulant. Useful in flatulent colic and debility of the digestive organs, though it is rarely employed, as ginger gives the same, or better results. It is used as an ingredient in bitter tincture of Zedoary, antiperiodic pills (with and without aloes) bitter tincture, antiperiodic tincture (with and without aloes).
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