Blackberry, leaves
Blackberry
Rubus, many varieties from around the world
Rubus fruticosus (a common European variety)
Rubus villosus (a common American variety)
Brief
Astringent, tonic, helps treat wounds, burns, mouth sores, sore throat, diarrhea, hemorrhoids, menstrual cramps
Medicinal Properties
There are said to be at least 40 European varieties of Rubus and numerous American varieties. These include many species of blackberry, raspberries, dew berries, cloud berries and thimble berries. Most people are familiar with many of these berries for their eaten fruit which may also be useful in syrups to soothe sore throats.
Rubus leaves, roots and bark are also used medicinally. Rubus is an astringent that is naturally high in tannins that give the plant many healing properties. This astringent action is helpful in treating diarrhea and dysentery. The astringent tannins help promote the constriction of blood vessels that can help stop minor bleeding and taken internally, to treat hemorrhoids.
Rubus is also used to relax the uterus and sooth menstrual cramps and excessive menstrual bleeding. It has been used in pregnancy to prevent spotting in the first trimester and increase uterine muscle tone. Drunk after giving birth it can help decrease uterine swelling and reduce post-partum bleeding.
Blackberry bark and roots are higher in tannin than the leaves of the plant. Since too much tannin may be irritating to the gastrointestinal system teas made with the leaves are preferred to those made with bark or roots for internal consumption.
To make a blackberry leaf tea infuse 2-3 teaspoons of leaves per cup of boiling water and drink up to 3 cups per day.
If you are making a decoction with the roots use only 1 teaspoon of powdered root per cup of boiling water and drink up to 1 cup a day diluted with a little bit of milk.
To treat external wounds or hemorrhoids soak a clean cloth in a strong infusion or tincture and apply externally.
Parts Used
leaves, bark, roots, berries
Contraindications
Medicinal doses of blackberry should not be given to children under the age of two. Older children or people over 65 should start with low strength preparations, the strength can be increased if necessary.
Ingesting too much tannins may cause stomach distress, nausea and vomiting. People with chronic gastrointestinal problems such as colitis should not use the roots. Otherwise blackberry is safe for healthy, non-pregnant adults in the recommended doses.
Lore
Ancient Greeks used blackberry to treat gout. Ancient Chinese used unripe berries to treat kidney problems, incontinence and impotency. During the 10th century Arab physicians considered blackberry fruit to be an aphrodisiac. It isn’t, but what is there not to love about luscious blackberries?
Sources Cited
Castleman, Michael. The Healing Herbs, The ultimate Guide to the Curative Power of Nature’s Medicines. Rodale Press, Emmaus, Pennsylvania,1991.
Grieve, M., Mrs. A Modern Herbal. Dover Publications, New York, 1971.
Kloss, Jethro. Back to Eden. Lotus Press, Twin Lakes, WI, 1939.
Moore, Michael. Medicinal Plants of the Mountain West. Museum of New Mexico Press, Santa Fe, NM, 1979.
Chamomile or Camomile
Matricicaria chamomilia – German Chamomile
Anthemis nobilis – Roman Chamomile
Brief
Stress reliever, sleep aid, digestive aid, antibacterial, liver tonic, anti-inflammatory, anti-spasmodic
Medicinal Properties
Chamomile has a well established reputation at a remedy to strengthen digestion, it is useful to calm stress, relieve colic and promote restful sleep. It is safe for all ages and can be used as to prevent or as a remedy for children’s nightmares.
As a digestive aid, chamomile works to relax the smooth muscles lining the digestive tract and is useful to prevent and heal ulcers. Chamomile can be used to reduce a fever and to rid the body of bacteria. It may also be effective in killing Candida Albicans which causes vaginal yeast infections.
Because it is an anti-spasmodic it may be useful to soothe menstrual cramps and reduce the possibility of premature labor. It also may be effective to promote the onset of menstruation.
Chamomile compresses or ointments can be applied externally to treat inflammation and to quicken the healing of wounds.
Chamomile tea can be made by steeping 2 teaspoons of dried or fresh flowers for 5 to 10 minutes in a cup of boiling water. Adults may take 1 or 2 cups daily. The amount for children is 1 or 2 tablespoons two or three times a day.
As a relaxant, chamomile oil or tincture can be added to massage oil or to bath water.
Parts Used
Flowers
Contraindications
People who are allergic to ragweed or yarrow should avoid chamomile as it could trigger a severe and possibly fatal allergic reaction. As with any herb, it should be used in moderation especially during pregnancy.
Lore
The German and Roman varieties of Chamomile are unrelated but have traditionally been used interchangeably as they have the same medicinal properties.
The botanical name of the German variety, Maticaria, means “beloved mother” and the plant was traditionally consecrated to St. Anne, the mother of The Virgin Mary.
Sources Cited
Castleman, Michael. The Healing Herbs, The ultimate Guide to the Curative Power of Nature’s Medicines. Rodale Press, Emmaus, Pennsylvania,1991.
Lucas, Richard M. Miracle Medicine Herbs. Prentice Hall, Englewood Cliffs, NJ, 1991.
Trivieri, Larry, Jr and John W. Anderson, editors. Alternative Medicine, The Definitive Guide. Celestial Arts, Berkeley CA, 2002.
Photo credit: www.herbgarden.co.za, German Chamomile
Echinacea Purpurea
Purple Coneflower
Echinacea Purpurea, Echinacea Angustifolia
Brief
Antibacterial, antiviral, immunostimulating, antiseptic, antifungal, antinflammatory
Medicinal Properties
Several species of Echinacea are native to the American Great Plains. They were the most widely used medicinal plants used by Native Americans. Scientific studies have shown that Echinacea boosts immunity by increasing the body’s production of T-cells and by boosting white blood cells’ abilities to destroy germs. Echinacea is useful for use in treating infections of the respiratory and urinary tract systems. It is commonly used to prevent and treat colds and flu as well as vaginal yeast infections. It is used in treating progressive systemic disorders such as tuberculosis, leucosis, connective tissue disease and multiple sclerosis. German researchers have successfully used it to treat rheumatoid arthritis. The herb helps with arthritis by lubricating the joints and by decreasing inflammation. It also may be useful to treat cancer but has not been adequately tested for cancer treatment. Applied topically Echinacea helps heal wounds and boils including those that have gone septic.
To make Echinacea tea boil 2 teaspoons of Echinacea root per cup of water and drink up to 3 cups per day. In a tincture take 1 teaspoon up to 3 times a day.
Parts Used
Roots
Contraindications
Echinacea is generally recognized as safe for short term use, but as with any herb some people may experience allergic reactions. Some people report that their mouth tingles after ingesting it but this is generally temporary and not harmful.
Lore
Echinacea was at the heart of the battle between the American Medical Association and alternative healers in the early 20th Century. Since it had been used to help heal snake bites, blood poisoning and many ailments it was a common ingredient in many popular patent medicines and was called “snake oil” by both the physicians who wanted to outlaw alternative & patent medicines and by those who were making and selling the formulas. Due to the AMA’s campaign efforts, use of the herb waned after WWI until it was rediscovered in the 1970s.
Sources Cited
Castleman, Michael. The Healing Herbs, The ultimate Guide to the Curative Power of Nature’s Medicines. Rodale Press, Emmaus, Pennsylvania,1991.
Grieve, M., Mrs. A Modern Herbal. Dover Publications, New York, 1971.
Lucas, Richard M. Miracle Medicine Herbs. Prentice Hall, Englewood Cliffs, NJ, 1991.
Trivieri, Larry, Jr and John W. Anderson, editors. Alternative Medicine, The Definitive Guide. Celestial Arts, Berkeley CA, 2002.
Geranium,Cranesbill, Wild
Wild Geranium (North American), Cranesbill, Alum root, stork’s bill
Geranium maculatum
Brief
Styptic, astringent, tonic
Medicinal Properties
Geranium is used to treat piles and to stop internal bleeding. Taken internally it can calm diarrhea or dysentery. It is used to treat cholera in children and is useful for gargling. The English variety of geranium can be used in a similar manner.
Dosages are 15 to 30 grains of herb. To make an infusion steep 1 ounce of herb in one pint of water.
Geranium oil is soothing to the skin, anti-inflammatory and used to treat dermatitis.
Parts Used
Dried rhizome and leaves
Contraindications
None listed
Lore
None listed
Sources Cited
Grieve, M., Mrs. A Modern Herbal. Dover Publications, New York, 1971.
http://www.dermalinstitute.com/au/library/glossary.html?l=G, International Dermal Institute
Raspberry Leaf
Rubus idaeus
Brief
A bitter and drying herb, extremely nourishing, used often in treating women’s ailments. Anti-inflammatory, antispasomdic, astringent, cardiotonic, hormone tonic, immune tonic, liver tonic, kidney tonic, mucous membrane tonic, oxytoxic, phytoestrogenic, postpartum tonic, prostate tonic, uterine tonic, stimulant.
Medicinal Properties
Very nourishing high mineral content. Great herb for men and women, although often praised as the ultimate tonic for pregnant women– tonifies the uterus, nutritive to the mother and developing baby, prevents miscarriage and false labor, facilitates birth and placental delivery. Supports the reproductive and nervous systems. Raspberry leaves can be used topically for a wide range of conditions, and it soothes oily or inflamed skin.
Parts Used
Leaf– raspberries, themselves, are high in antioxidants, but the only the leaf is used medicinally.
Contraindications
There are no known toxic levels. Once nursing has been established excess intake of raspberry leaf should be avoided. Astringent properties of the herb could lessen the amount of breast milk.
Lore
The curative powers of raspberry leaves were first recorded by the Roman historian Pliny in the year 37 A.D.
Sources Cited
http://www.natural-healing-guide.com/Therapeutic-Teas/Raspberry-Leaf-tea.htm
Mars, Brigitte. The Desktop Guide to Herbal Medicine, 2007.
Summer Savory
Satureja hortensis (Summer)
Winter Savory
Satureja montana (Winter)
Brief
The two varieties of savory are cooking herbs with a spicy flavor and smell that is similar to that of thyme. In addition to their use in cooking, they may be used medicinally as a cough remedy and to sooth stomach complaints. Because savory is mild and easily tolerated, it is especially useful for treating these complaints in children. The two varieties of Savory can be used interchangeably in recipes although the summer variety is often considered to have the superior flavor.
Medicinal/Culinary Properties
Savory works as an expectorant to soothe coughs. It also is useful to calm indigestion and diarrhea. To make an infusion to treat childhood ailments steep 1 to 2 teaspoons of dried herb per cup of boiling water. Steep 10 minutes and drink up to 3 cups per day. Adults may use 4 teaspoons of herb per cup.
Savory has a long tradition as a cooking herb. Savory has long been considered “the bean herb.” Its flavor goes well with beans and it has a great reputation for preventing the flatulence that makes beans so infamous. Savory is also used in stuffing, sausages and as a flavoring for soups, stews, salads, meats and vegetables.
Recipes
Navy Beans with Savory
2 cups dried navy beans
Water
1 onion peeled and chopped
½ teaspoon fresh or dried savory
salt to taste
Soak the beans in 2 quarts of water overnight, or boil for 2 minutes then cover them and let them stand for an hour.
Drain the beans and add fresh water to cover. Add the onion and the savory and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and simmer gently for 2 to 3 hours until the beans are tender. Add salt to taste and serve. Makes 4 to 6 servings.
Parts Used
Leaves
Contraindications
Savory is generally recognized as safe.
Lore
Ancient Romans considered summer savory an aphrodisiac and the winter herb a sexual depressant. This made summer savory the more popular variety. The British named this herb savory because they believed that it makes every food taste better.
Sources Cited
Castleman, Michael. The Healing Herbs, The ultimate Guide to the Curative Power of Nature’s Medicines. Rodale Press, Emmaus, Pennsylvania,1991.
Claiborne, Craig. Cooking with Herbs and Spices. Bantam Books, NY, 1970.
Grieve, M., Mrs. A Modern Herbal. Dover Publications, New York, 1971.
http://www.growing-herbs.com/herbs/savory.htm
Tulsi, Holy Basil
Holy basil, Tulsi
Ocimum Sanctum
Brief
Kills intestinal parasites, heals acne and other skin infections, stimulates the immune system, digestive aid, appetite stimulant, promotes lactation in nursing mothers. Used in Chinese medicine for stomach, kidney and blood ailments.
Medicinal Properties
Holy Basil has been used to treat a wide range of ailments for thousands of years. It is effective in killing intestinal parasites and has long been used to soothe the stomach and treat a broad range of intestinal ailments.
One animal study has shown that Holy Basil stimulates the immune system by increasing disease fighting antibodies. This explains its effectiveness in fighting a broad range of diseases.
Applied topically Holy basil kills skin bacteria making it effective to treat acne.
To make a tea or infusion use 2 to 3 teaspoons of dried leaves per cup of boiling water. Steep 10 to 20 minutes. Drink up to 3 cups per day. To use in a tincture ½ to 1 teaspoon may be taken up to three times a day.
A tincture or infusion may be used externally to fight acne or other skin infections.
Parts Used
Leaves and flower tops
Contraindications
Holy Basil is generally recognized as safe. Pregnant women, young children and people over 65 may want to start with low strength preparations and increase the dose if necessary.
Lore
In India Holy Basil has long been considered a sacred herb. It is associated with the Gods Vishnu and Krishna and believed to be a protector of life and death. The plant is kept in Hindu homes where it is believed to disinfect the air and protect the spirit of the family.
Sources Cited
Castleman, Michael. The Healing Herbs, The ultimate Guide to the Curative Power of Nature’s Medicines. Rodale Press, Emmaus, Pennsylvania,1991.
Grieve, M., Mrs. A Modern Herbal. Dover Publications, New York, 1971.
Vervain, Verbena, Wild Hyssop
Vervain, Verbena, blue hyssop, wild hyssop
Verbena hastata
Brief
Many herbalists consider vervain to be one of the most useful of medicinal plants to keep on hand. It is recommended for treating over thirty complaints. It is astringent, diaphoretic, antispasmodic. It is useful for treating fevers, ulcers, pleurisy, colds, respiratory inflammation. It is sedative and promotes a feeling of well being. It can calm nausea & vomiting. Used externally it helps heal deep sprains and bruises.
Medicinal Properties
Native Americans used vervain to treat fever, gastrointestinal problems and urinary infections. They also ground the seeds into flour for food.
During the Revolutionary War military doctors used it to relieve pain, treat bronchial problems and to induce vomiting. Since that time it has been used to treat fever, colds, cough, menstrual irregularities, inflammation, arthritis, headaches, toothaches, intestinal worms, bruises, depression, seizures, dental cavities and gum disease.
To make a vervain tea use 2 teaspoons of dried herb per cup of boiling water and steep for 10 to 15 minutes. Drink up to 3 cups per day. It will taste bitter but the flavor can be improved by sweetening it with honey and lemon or by mixing it with other herbs.
To apply vervain externally an infusion can be applied onto the skin by soaking a cloth in the infusion and applying it to the area to be treated or a paste can be made by mixing the herb with flour and water and applied onto the skin.
Parts Used
Leaves, flowers, roots, seeds
Contraindications
Use a lower strength of the herb when treating children or the elderly and increase the dose if necessary. Because vervain may depress the heart rate anyone with a history of heart disease should not use it. It also may cause problems for people with asthma because of its effect on bronchial constriction. Because it stimulates the intestines it may aggravate chronic intestinal problems such as colitis. Pregnant women should avoid it as it may have a stimulating effect on the uterus. Those who experience unpleasant effects such as stomach distress should stop using it.
Lore
Ancient Egyptians had a myth that vervain first grew out of the tears of the Goddess Isis as she grieved for her murdered brother/husband. A Christian myth is that vervain was pressed to Christ’s wounds to staunch his bleeding when he was on the cross. The Druids of England used the herb in spells and ceremonies. Hippocrates used vervain to treat fever and the plague. In medieval times it was used to treat kidney stones, acne and dandruff.
Sources Cited
Castleman, Michael. The Healing Herbs, The ultimate Guide to the Curative Power of Nature’s Medicines. Rodale Press, Emmaus, Pennsylvania,1991.
Grieve, M., Mrs. A Modern Herbal. Dover Publications, New York, 1971.
Kirk, Donald R. Wild Eidble Plants of Western North America. Naturegraph Publishers, Happy Camp, CA, 1970.
Kloss, Jethro. Back to Eden. Lotus Press, Twin Lakes, WI, 1939.
Moore, Michael. Medicinal Plants of the Mountain West. Museum of New Mexico Press, Santa Fe, NM, 1979.
Peterson, Lee Allen. Edible Wild Plants. Peterson Field Guides, Houghton Mifflin Co. Boston, 1977.
Yellow Dock, Rumex crispus
Brief
Alterative, anti-inflammatory, antiscorbutic, aperient, antiseptic, astringent, blood tonic, cholagogue, depurative, diuretic, laxative, tonic
Parts Used
Roots
Medicinal Properties
Though introduced from Europe, yellow dock root was widely used by the Native Americans. This herb was included in the US Pharmacopoeia from 1863-1905. It clears toxincs, moves stagnation, promotes bowel cleansing and bile flow, reduces inflammation, and inhibits the growth of E. coli and staph. Yellow dock helps to free up iron stored in the liver, thus making it more available to the rest of the body. As a tea, it aids in the digestion of fatty foods.
Yellow dock is used in the treatment of acne, anemia, appetite loss, arsenic poisoning, arthritis, boils, cn cer, catarrh, constipation, dermatitis, eczema, glandular tumors, indigestion, jaundice, leprosy, liver congestion, lumbago, lymph node enlargement, malabsorbtion, psoriasis, rheumatism, scrofula, sore throat, and syphilis. It also is used to encourage convalescence.
Topically, yellow dock can be used as a poultice to soothe stings from nettle plants and as a poultice or salve to treat athlete’s foot, boils, eczema, hives, itchy skin, ringworm, scabies, skin infection, swellings, ucers, and wounds. It can be prepared as a tooth powder to treat gingivitis or a gargle to treat laryngitis. It also can be made into a douche or bolus to treat vaginitis.
Edible Uses
The leaves and peled stems are nutritive. Eat them in spring and late fall. The young leaves can be eaten raw or cooked as a pot-herb. Older leaves need to be soaked or cooked in two changes of water to remove bitterness. The leaves have a flavor similar to that of rhubarb and can be used in pie. The seeds are used as a grain; they are usually dried, threshed, and ground into flour. They can also be roasted and used as a coffee substitute.
Constituents
Calcium, iron, magnesium, sulfur, anthraquinones, glycosides (nepodin, emodin, chrysophanol), quercitrin, mucilage, tannins, resins, oxalates
Contraindications
Yellow dock leaves are high in exalate, which can impair calcium absorption and potentially aggravate kidney stones, arthritis, gout, and hyperacidity. Large amounts of the root or leaves may cause nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. In rare cases handling the plant may result in contact dermatitis.
The Desktop Guide to Herbal Medicine, Brigitte Mars, 2007