THULASI

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THUŁASI THE HOLY POWER PLANT THE HOLY INDIAN BASIL IS A MIRACLE PLANT The 'Thułasi' plant or Indian basil is an important symbol in the Hindu religious tradition. The name 'Thułasi'

connotes "the incomparable one". Thułasi is a venerated plant and Hindus worship it in the morning and evening. Thułasi grows wild in the tropics and warm regions. Dark or Śyàma/Krishña Thułasi and light or Ràma Thułasi are the two main varieties of basil, the former possessing greater medicinal value. Of the many varieties, the Krishña or Śyàma Thułasi is commonly used for worship. THUŁASI AS A DEITY The presence of Thułasi plant symbolizes the religious bent of a Hindu family. A Hindu household is considered incomplete if it doesn't have a Thułasi plant in the courtyard. Many families have the Thułasi planted in a specially built structure, which has images of deities installed on all four sides, and an alcove for a small earthen oil lamp. Some households can even have up to a dozen Thułasi plants on the verandah or in the garden forming a "Thułasi-van" or "Thułasiththaŕa Vrindàvanam" - a miniature basil forest.

Places that tend to inspire concentration and places ideal for worship, according to the Gandharva Thanthram, include "grounds overgrown with Thułasi plants". The Thułasi Mànas Mandir at Vàràñasi is one such famous temple, where Thułasi is worshipped along with other Hindu gods and goddesses. Vaishñavites or believers of Lord Vishñu worship the Thułasi leaf because it's the one that pleases Lord Vishñu the most. They also wear beaded necklaces made of Thułasi stems. The manufacture of these Thułasi necklaces is a cottage industry in pilgrimages and temple towns. THUŁASI AS AN ELIXIR Apart from its religious significance it is of great medicinal significance, and is a prime herb in Àyurvèdic treatment. Marked by its strong aroma and a stringent taste, Thułasi is a kind of "the elixir of life" as it promotes longevity. The plant's extracts can be used to prevent and cure many illnesses and common ailments like common cold, headaches, stomach disorders, inflammation, heart disease, various forms of poisoning and malaria. Essential oil extracted from Karpoora

Thułasi is mostly used for medicinal purposes though of late it is used in the manufacture of herbal toiletry. According to Jeevan Kulkarñi, author of Historical Truths & Untruths Exposed, when Hindu women worship Thułasi, they in effect pray for "less and less carbonic acid and more and more oxygen - a perfect object lesson in sanitation, art and religion". The Thułasi plant is even known to purify or de-pollute the atmosphere and also works as a repellent to mosquitoes, flies and other harmful insects. Thułasi used to be a universal remedy in cases

of malarial fever. Prof Śrïnivàsa Thilak, who teaches Religion at Concordia University, Montreal has made this historical citation: In a letter written to The Times, London, dated May 2, 1903 Dr George Birdwood, Professor of Anatomy, Grant Medical College, Bombay said, "When the Victoria Gardens were established in Bombay, the men employed on those works were pestered by mosquitoes. At the recommendation of the Hindu managers, the whole boundary of the gardens was planted with

holy basil, on which the plague of mosquitoes was at once abated, and fever altogether disappeared from among the resident gardeners." THUŁASI IN LEGENDS Quite a few myths and legends found in the Puràñam or ancient scriptures point to the origin of importance of Thułasi in religious rituals. Although Thułasi is regarded as

feminine, in no folklore is she described as the consort the Lord. Yet a garland solely made of Thułasi leaves is the first offering to the Lord as part of the daily ritual. The plant is accorded the sixth place among the eight objects of worship in the ritual of the consecration of the Kalaśam, the container of holy water. According to one legend, Thułasi was the incarnation of a princess who fell in love with Lord Krishñna, and so had a curse laid on her by

his consort Ràdha. Thułasi is also mentioned in the stories of Meera and of Ràdha immortalised in Jayadèva's Geetha Gòvindam. The story of Lord Krishña has it that when Krishña was weighed in gold, not even all the ornaments of Sathyabhàma could outweigh him. But a single Thułasi leaf placed by Rugmiñi on the pan tilted the scale. In the Hindu mythology, Thułasi is very dear to Lord Vishñu. Thułasi is ceremonially married to Lord Vishñu annually on the

11th bright day of the month of Kàrththika in the lunar calendar. This festival continues for five days and concludes on the full moon day, which falls in mid October. This ritual, called the 'Thułasi Vivàham' inaugurates the annual marriage season in India. HOLY BASIL (THUŁASI) Holy basil should not be confused with the more commonly known basil, though they are cousins. Whereas basil is a leaf used to enliven cooking, holy basil is a clove like plant with a hairy appearance that has special significance in Hinduism and can very often be found growing wild in thick clusters around temples in India, which is more of a healing product than a culinary ingredient. Traditionally anyway, as there is a growing fashion to use Holy basil in cooking, particularly in the USA where chefs pioneered this new found usage. Àyurvèdic prescribes Holy Basil as an agent of perspiration and as such it is recommended that the herb is taken having being brewed up into Kapha tea. It can then work in the body and sweat out feverish ailments such as the common cold and sore throats. When taken in this fashion it also has the effect of clearing blocked passageways and so is able to clear up bronchial disorders efficiently and safely. It also has particular qualities, which seem able to relax the body and give a feeling of the calm within a person when it is taken which enables Holy Basil to

be used successfully as an anti-stress supplement and it is in this way it should be used for greater effect. Indeed it has been proven to be more successful in relieving stress then the more commonly known, better available and thus more frequently taken ginseng and it is said to be safer too with no known side effects. Holy Basil is very much an emerging herb, certainly to the world outside of India and its' full benefits for a healthy lifestyle have yet to be fully explored, its' de-stressing attributes are beyond doubt, but increasingly there is some evidence that it can be equally effective when prescribed as a painkiller, an

anti-inflammatory medicine, a treatment for all bacterial, fungal and viral infections and perhaps what will become eventually its' most important usage, there is evidence that it can help lower and control blood sugar levels, which would not only make it a refreshing revitalizing tonic for all, but more specifically and significantly means that it could well end up being a common prescription in the treatment and alleviation of diabetes. It should be said that these treatments are only at the trailing stage at the moment but there does seem to be good evidence and proper hope that Holy Basil can become a first-class treatment and a naturally healthy one to boot for all of these afflictions and complaints. Maybe India is about to lose its' best kept herbal remedy to the whole world, which can only be a good thing for everybody else. Holy Basil – not to be confused with sweet (culinary) basil. Sanskrit: Thułasi English: Holy Basil Botanical Family: Lamiaceae (mint) Latin: Ocimum sanctum (“sacred fragrant lipped basil”) or Ocimum tenuiflorum (“basil with small flowers”) or Ocumum gratissimum (“very grateful basil”) Hardiness: USDA zone 7 - 11. Propagation: seeds. Culture: full sun / partial shade, well drained soil. Plant in frost-free locations VARIETIES: Krishña Thułasi, Ràma Thułasi, Vana Thułasi, Karpoora Thułasi Holy Basil - Thułasi has a long tradition of use in Àyurvèdic medicine and is a well-known sacred plant of the Indian subcontinent. Holy Basil has been called the “Incomparable One”, the “Queen of Herbs” and “The Elixir of Life.” It has many health benefits. In India, Hindus grow Thułasi as a religious plant in their homes and temples and use its leaves in routine worship. Thułasi aids meditation and

seems to be spiritually endowed and empowered to transform souls. It is also used by Àyurvèdic practitioners and laypersons for many health ailments and use of the herb has achieved positive results for thousands of years. Coming West to America the herb is being used primarily for physical health and well being. I would like to make a prediction [2004] that the consciousness of Westerners will become more receptive to Holy Basil – physically and then spiritually. Its time has come. This herb and other adaptogenic herbs will be among the healing arsenal for our time. These herbs will slow down the process of aging and increase vitality and health. Tea, dried leaf, extracts and supercritical extracts of Holy Basil are now available. This herb will allow the body to physically adapt to the many stresses of modern life. It will correct internal imbalances and strengthen the body’s biological disposition toward health and well-being. It will also aid meditation and psycho-spiritual well-being. The history of Holy Basil in the Western world is now being written and experienced. It will be documented by science. Believers and users of the herb will find increased health and vitality. BENEFITS OF THE HOLY BASIL (THUŁASI) MP Bhattathiri (Retd. Chief Technical Examiner to the Govt. of Kèrała) Holy Basil is a lovely branched herb, erect stout and aromatic

herb, which grows only annually. It grows up to the height of about 75cms and is hairy all over. The plant has tender leaves, usually smooth, up to 2.5cm in length. The herb is bitter and pungent. This herb has been known from as early as Vèdic period. The holy basil is native to India. It reached Western Europe in the 16th Century. It has now widely grown throughout the world. Fitting it's name perfectly Hindus believe Thułasi is a sacred plant. There are two types of Thułasi. The first is characterized by a stronger scent and is red and the other is green. While Holy Basil has much spiritual significance, it does have many medicinal qualities. Red holy basil Krishña/Śyàma Thułasi has a stronger smell. This plant, originally from India, grows abundantly in Suriname. This plant also has a place in

Suriname's traditional medicine. Apart from the religious significance, it also has substantial medicinal meaning and is used in Àyurvèdic treatment. ÀYURVÈDIC – Regulator of thri Dòsham. HEALING POWER: The Thułasi plant has many medicinal properties. The leaves are a nerve tonic and also sharpen memory. They promote the removal of the catarrhal matter and phlegm from the bronchial tube. The leaves strengthen the stomach and induce copious perspiration. The seed of the plant are mucilaginous. FEVER & COMMON COLD: The leaves of basil are specific for many fevers. During the rainy season, when malaria and dengue fever are widely prevalent, tender leaves, boiled with tea, act as preventive against theses diseases. In case of acute fevers, a decoction of the leaves boiled with powdered cardamom in half a litre of water and mixed with sugar and milk brings down the temperature. The juice of Thułasi leaves can be used to bring down fever. Extract of Thułasi leaves in fresh water should be given every 2 to 3 hours. In between one can keep giving sips of cold water. In children, it is every effective in bringing down the temperature. COUGHS: Thułasi is an important constituent of many Àyurvèdic cough syrups and expectorants. It helps to mobilize mucus in bronchitis and asthma. Chewing Thułasi leaves relieves cold and flu. SORE THROAT: Water boiled with basil leaves can be taken as drink in case of sore throat. This water can also be used as a gargle. RESPIRATORY DISORDER: The herb is useful in the treatment of respiratory system disorder. A decoction of the leaves, with honey and ginger is an effective remedy for bronchitis, asthma, influenza, cough and cold. A decoction of the leaves, cloves and common salt also

gives immediate relief in case of influenza. They should be boiled in half a litre of water till only half the water is left and add then taken. UPPER RESPIRATORY INFECTIONS: Holy Basil (Thułasi) when combined with honey, salt, cloves, and lemon is a great resource for the relieving symptoms of cold, Flu, any upper respiratory infections, bronchitis, asthma, and cough. All ingredients are boiled down in one litre of water until half a litre remains and taken like

tea. KIDNEY STONE: Basil has strengthening effect on the kidney. In case of renal stone the juice of basil leaves and honey, if taken regularly for 6 months it will expel them via the urinary tract. HIGH CHOLESTEROL: Holy Basil

(Thułasi) much like the medication Lipitor, which is used to lower cholesterol, levels by several points. The great thing about Holy Basil is that it has none of the severe side effects of cholesterol medications like liver and kidney disease while still acting to lower cholesterol levels. It's anti-spasmodic properties, relieves abdominal pains and helps in lowering the blood sugar level. HEART & VASCULAR PROTECTION – Lowers stress-related high blood pressure, protects the heart & blood vessels, & has mild blood thinning qualities, thereby

decreasing the likelihood of strokes. Moderates blood glucose levels in diabetics. Protects against damage caused by foreign toxins in the blood (such as industrial chemicals). MOUTH INFECTIONS: The leaves are quit effective for the ulcer and infections in the mouth. A few leaves chewed will cure these conditions. CHILDREN'S

AILMENTS: Common paediatric problems like cough cold, fever, diarrhoea and vomiting respond favourably to the juice of basil leaves. If pustules of chicken pox delay their appearance, basil leaves taken with saffron will hasten them. DIGESTIVE TRACT: Holy Basil can stop all the nasty symptoms of food poisoning, stomach flu, and general children ailments including diarrhoea, and

vomiting. INSECT BITES: The herb is a prophylactic or preventive and curative for insect stings or bites. A teaspoonful of the juice of the leaves is taken and is repeated after a few hours. Fresh juice must also be applied to the affected parts. A paste of fresh roots is also effective in case of bites of insect’s, spider, outside critter & leeches. Thułasi offers prophylactic or anti-allergic properties, which make sure that insects’ bites do not cause inflammation. The juice of the leaves is used against fever and as an antidote for snake and scorpion bites. SKIN DISORDERS: Applied locally, basil juice is beneficial in the treatment of ringworm and other skin diseases. It has also been tried successfully by some naturopaths in the treatment of leucoderma. TEETH DISORDER: The herb is useful in teeth disorders. Its leaves, dried in the sun and powdered, can be used for brushing teeth. It can also be mixed with mustard oil to make a paste and used as toothpaste. This is very good for maintaining dental health, counteracting bad breath and for massaging the gums. It is also useful in pyorrhea and other teeth disorders. HEADACHES: Basil makes a good medicine for headache. A decoction of the leaves can be given for this disorder. Pounded leaves mixed with sandalwood paste can also be applied on the forehead for getting relief from heat, headache, and for providing coolness in general. MIGRAINES: Holy Basil (Thułasi) can be hammered into a paste, which can then be applied to the head and neck to relieve the intense pain of migraines and

severe headaches. EYE DISORDERS: Basil juice is an effective remedy for sore eyes and night-blindness, which is generally caused by deficiency of vitamin A. Two drops of black basil juice are put into the eyes daily at bedtime. DISTRESS: While in ancient times it was

said that chewing Holy Basil (Thułasi) leaves helped reduce stress related disorders it has been modernized. Today, Holy Basil tea and bath soaks are often the best remedy to relieve tension and stress daily. ANXIETY & STRESS: Basil leaves are regarded as an adaptogen or anti-stress agent. Recent studies have shown that the leaves afford significant protection against stress. Even healthy persons can chew 12 leaves of basil, twice a day, to prevent stress. It purifies blood and

helps prevent several common elements. Holy basil calms the mind, improves both cellular and humoral immunity, enhances stamina and reduces fatigue, lowers blood pressure and increased heart rate due to stress, decreases stress-induced intestinal motility, reduces increased coagulation (thrombosis) occurring during stress, and protects against radiation, free radical damage, pollution, and bacterial, viral and fungal infections, cancer and improves oxygen utilization. Stressors -> CNS -> Hypothalamus /Pituitary /Adrenal -> Holy Basil helps deal with physical, biological, chemical and emotional stressors Obviously, Holy Basil is medicinal herb with many healing qualities. Just like any medication it should be taken under the supervision of a medical

professional. Modern scientific research indicates that Holy Basil has the following health promotion benefits: ADAPTOGENIC & STRESS RESILIENCE – Enhances the body’s natural bipolar adaptogenic homeostatic balancing capacity and helps return stressed physiological systems to normal. Increases the capacity to cope and adapt to changing and challenging environments, and reduces the negative physical and psychological effects of stress. Supports normal cortisol. ANTIOXIDANT & NUTRITION – Provides significant antioxidant and free radical scavenging protection. Neutralizes dangerous biochemical that contribute to premature aging, cancer, and degenerative diseases. Contains vitamins C & A, and minerals calcium, zinc & iron, as well as chlorophyll and many other phytonutrients. It also enhances the efficient digestion, absorption and use of nutrients from food and other herbs. IMMUNITY SUPPORT – Strengthens and modulates the immune system. Reduces allergic histamine, asthmatic and other adverse immune reactions. LIVER SUPPORT – Generally contributes to healthy liver function, improves the metabolic breakdown and elimination of dangerous chemicals in the blood, and counteracts various liver diseases. ANTIBIOTIC PROTECTION – Offers significant natural antibacterial, antiviral and anti-fungal properties and is, thereby, helpful in treating many serious systemic diseases, as well as localized infections. LUNG & BRONCHIAL SUPPORT – In addition to contributing generally to respiratory health, Holy Basil has been shown to be helpful in the treatment of a

variety of serious allergic, inflammatory and infectious disorders affecting the lungs and related tissues. Generally supports healthy pulmonary function. ANTI-AGING EFFECTS – Slows the biological aging process by reducing the impact of physiological aging factors – such as stress, free radicals and decreased immunity. RADIATION PROTECTION – Reduces the cell and tissue damage caused by harmful rays of the sun, TV, computers, X-rays, radiation therapy, high altitude air travel, etc. PSYCHOSPIRITUAL-Aids meditation & deliver nutrients to mind necessary for the experience of enlightenment ENERGY & PERFORMANCE – Improves stamina and endurance, and increases the body's efficiency in using oxygen. Enhances protein synthesis and strength. ALLOPATHIC MEDICINE COMPLEMENT – Enhances the effectiveness and reduces the negative and often dangerous side effects of many standard modern medical treatments. ANTIPYRETIC – Prevents, removes or reduces fevers. ANABOLIC EFFECT – Enhances protein synthesis, muscle mass and strength. BENEFITS SKIN – Reduces eczema, psoriasis and various other skin disorders. Holy Basil, Sacred Basil (Ocinum Sanctum) An erect much branched softly pubescent under shrub, 30-60cm high with red or purple sub quadrangular branches, leaves simple, opposite, elliptic, oblong, obtuse or acute, entire, serrate, or dentate, pubescent on both sides, minutely gland dotted, petioles slender, hairy, flowers, purplish in elongate racemes in close whorls, stamens exerted, upper pair with a small bearded appendage at the base, fruits

nutlets, smooth, not mucilaginous when wetted. Chemical Constituents: Eugenol, menthol ether & carvacrol, methyl chavicol cineole & linalool, Ursolic acid. Cosmetic Uses: Basil is widely used in

cosmetics, perfumes, shampoos and soaps. Formulated to restore luster, body and flexibility to limp and non-manageable hair. To strengthen and give volume without added weight. Contains Sea Alginate for a fine, gentle hair coating. Use in combination with Lemon Perfecting Rinse and ideally in conjunction with Holy Basil Conditioning Scalp Toner. Herbalists recommend basil tea for stomach aches, indigestion and constipation. They steep a teaspoon of dried basil leaves in a cup of boiling water to make a tea that soothes, relaxes and aids digestion. Use dried basil leaves in potpourris and sachets. Thułasi has been shown to be helpful in helping irritated skin feel better. Aromatic and used for drying, for fragrance in pot-pourris and sachets; cosmetic use in herbal bath mixtures and for bringing luster to the hair. Thułasi has anti-microbial properties since it is also anti-inflammatory due to the oil eugenol, present in the leaves.It is useful in respiratory tract infection. The Ursolic acid present in Thułasi has anti-allergic properties. Ursolic acid is one of the constituents of holy basil, which has anti ageing properties. Ursolic acid treatment improves the health of skin and hair. Ursolic acid and its derivatives form oil-resistant barriers on the skin & hair as they do in the waxy coating of fruits. Ursolic acid

has been used to treat photo-aged skin because it prevents & improves the appearance of wrinkles & age spots by restoring the skin's collagen bundle structures & its elasticity. Holy Basil Conditioning in case of dandruff and itching we recommend using Scalp Toner each time after a cleansing treatment. It was said to strengthen faith, compassion, and mental clarity. More recent clinical experience shows that Basil increases blood flow to the brain, relieving mental fatigue, enhancing clear thinking, and improving memory. Basil also

connects the thought process with speech, enhancing self-expression. Basil has been used as a sacred herb in India and Europe for many centuries. Basil is used in hair rinses to bring lustre to hair. Uses: The plant is bittern acrid, aromatic, stomatic, demulcent, diaphoretic, digestive, diuretic, expectorant, febrifuge, Vermifuge and alexeteric. It is useful in cardiopathy, homeopathy, leucoderma, asthma, bronchitis fever, otalgia, hepatopahty, vomiting, lumbago, hiccough, ophthalmia, gastropathy in children, genito-urinary disorders, ringworm, verminosis and skin diseases. Thułasi clears the sinuses, promotes digestion, & stimulates circulation, especially in the respiratory system. The herb has very important medicinal properties - notably its ability to reduce blood sugar levels. It also prevents peptic ulcers and other stress related conditions like hypertension, colitis & asthma. Basil is also used to treat cold & reduce fever, congestion & joint pain. A decoction of the leaves, with honey & ginger is effective remedy for cold. They should be boiled in water & then taken.

FEVERFEW Botanical Name:

Chrysanthemum Parthenium (BERNH.) Cultivation: Full sun in average to poor soil Colors: White, off-White Uses: Medicinal uses Regions: Europe, Australia, Southeast America Family: N.O. Compositae Synonyms: Pyrethrum Parthenium (Sm.). Featherfew. Featherfoil. Flirtwort. Bachelor's Buttons. USES: Dried feverfew is in great demand in floral industry. Dried leaves are also used in tea for a good flavour. It is also preserved and added to certain foods to give flavour to the foodstuff. Dried leaves of feverfew are uses in the treatment of migraine. DRYING FEVERFEW: Feverfew should be dried appropriately for subsequent processing while preserving the active ingredients. They can be easily dried by the method of air-drying. They should be cut just before the flowers are in full bloom. Then, hang them upside down in dry, dark, open, airy place. If required a fan can also be used to enhance the process of drying. After drying, store them in a air tight container until they are utilized. DESCRIPTION: Feverfew (a corruption of Febrifuge, from its tonic and fever-dispelling properties) is a composite plant growing in every hedgerow, with numerous, small, daisy-like heads of yellow flowers with outer white rays, the central yellow florets being arranged on a nearly flat receptacle, not conical as in the chamomiles. The stem is finely furrowed and hairy, about 2 feet high; the leaves alternate, downy with short hairs, or nearly smooth-about 4½ inches long and 2 inches broad - bipinnatifid, with serrate margins, the leaf-stalk being flattened above and convex beneath. It is not to be confounded with other wild chamomile-like allied species, which mostly have more feathery leaves and somewhat large flowers; the stem also is upright, whereas that of the true garden Chamomile is procumbent. The delicate green leaves are conspicuous even in

mild winter. The whole plant has a strong and bitter smell, and is particularly disliked by bees. A double variety is cultivated in gardens for ornamental purposes, and its flower heads are sometimes substituted for the double Chamomile. Country people have long been accustomed to make curative uses of this herb, which grows abundantly throughout England. Gerard tells us that it may be used both in drinks, and bound on the wrists is of singular virtue against the ague. Pyrethrum is derived from the Greek pur (fire), in allusion to the hot taste of the root. Cultivation: Feverfew is a perennial, and herbaceous in habit. When once planted it gives year after year an abundant supply of blossoms with only the merest degree of attention. Planting may be done in autumn, but the best time is about the end of April. Any ordinary good soil is suitable, but better results are obtained when well-drained, and of a stiff, loamy character, enriched with good manure. Weeding should be done by hand, the plants when first put out being small might be injured by hoeing. There are three methods of propagation: by seed, by division of roots and by cuttings. If grown by seed, it should be sown in February or March, thinned out to 2 to 3 inches between the plants, and planted out early in June to permanent quarters, allowing a foot or more between the plants and 2 feet between the rows, selecting, if possible, a showery day for the operation. They will establish themselves quickly. To propagate by division, lift the plants in March, or whenever the roots are in an active condition, and with a sharp spade, divide them into three or five fairly large pieces. Cuttings should be made from the young shoots that start from the base of the plant, and should be taken with a heel of the old plant attached, which will greatly assist their rooting. They may be

inserted at any time from October to May. The foliage must be shortened to about 3 inches, when the cuttings will be ready for insertion in a bed of light, sandy soil, in the open. Plant very firmly, surface the bed with sand, and water in well. Shade is necessary while the cuttings are rooting. Keep a good watch at all times for snails, slugs and black fly. For the latter pest, try peppering the plants; for the others use soot, ashes or lime. Toads will keep a garden free of slugs. 'A few pots placed on their sides may be dotted about the garden, and it will be found that the toads will sit in these when they are not hunting around for their prey. The creatures are not at all likely to leave the garden, seeing that if the supply of slugs runs short they will turn their attention to all kinds of insects.' (S. L. B.) Medicinal Action & Uses: Aperients, carminative, bitter. As a stimulant it is useful as an emmenagogue. Is also employed in hysterical complaints, nervousness & lowness of spirits, & is a general tonic. The cold infusion is made from 1 OZ. of the herb to a pint of boiling water, allowed to cool, & taken frequently in doses of half a teacupful. A decoction with sugar or honey is said to be good for coughs, wheezing and difficult breathing. The herb, bruised & heated, or fried with a little wine and oil, has been employed as a warm external application for wind and colic. A tincture made from Feverfew and applied locally immediately relieves the pain and swelling caused by bites of insects and vermin. It is said that if two teaspoonfuls of tincture are mixed with ½ pint of cold water, and all parts of the body likely to be exposed to the bites of insects are freely sponged with it, they will remain unassailable. A tincture of the leaves of the true Chamomile and of the German Chamomile will have the same effect. Planted round dwellings, it is said to purify the atmosphere and ward off disease. An infusion of the flowers, made with boiling water and allowed to become cold, will allay any distressing sensitiveness to pain in a highly nervous subject, and will afford relief to the face-ache or earache of a dyspeptic or rheumatic person. Preparations: Fluidextract: dose, 1 to 2 drachms. Other Species: Sweet Feverfew (Chrysanthemum Suaveolens) & C. maritima, found by the seashore, especially in the north, with leaves broader, more fleshy, succulent & smaller flower

heads than the Common Feverfew.

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