Fwd: ALL ABOUT HERBS

November 7, 2006

ALL ABOUT HERBS

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.

----

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.

----

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.

----

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

----

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.

----

----------

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.

----

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.

----

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.

----

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.

----

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.

----

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.

----

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.

----

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.

----

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.

----

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

----

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.

----

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.

----

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.

----

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.

----

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.

----

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.

----

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.

----

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.

----

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.

----

PARSLEY (Petroselinum crispum)

See Coriander.

----

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.

----

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.

----

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.

----

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

----

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 body's 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.

----

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.

----

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

Sign In

Fwd: ALL ABOUT HERBS

Recommended Posts

Guest guest

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Guest guest

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Join the conversation

Support the Ashram

Join Groups

Top Downloads