DANDELION
Latin name: Taraxacum officinale
Most
everyone in North America can picture this “weed” when it’s described. It grows
wild over the entire United States, and usually not in areas you want it to
grow! But in places like China, France, and Germany, dandelions are cultivated
as a useful medicinal and edible herb where the young leaves are harvested in
the spring to manufacture medicinal tea and tinctures. The roots of the
two-year-old plants are dug in the fall when they have their greatest concentration
of the complex carbohydrate inulin for use in tablets and tinctures.
Dandelion
leaves are a very strong diuretic. Dandelion root is also a blood purifier in
that it helps both the kidneys and the liver to remove toxins and poisons from
the blood. The roots have been used for centuries to treat jaundice, and also
works as a mild laxative, as well as improving ones’ appetite and
digestion. Because of its diuretic
effect, dandelion helps to relieve fluid retention with PMS and also
counteracts urine retention in bladder infections, as well as alleviating
muscle spasms and nighttime leg cramps. It contains high levels of potassium,
iron, vitamins, and contains more carotene than carrots! It has been used to
treat anemia for centuries due to its high levels of folic acid, iron, and
vitamin B12.
German
research shows that dandelion root is an appetite stimulant activating a reflex
that increases the secretion of digestive juices by the lining of the stomach.
Dandelion root has a significant cleansing effect on the liver by stimulating
the production of bile which ultimately results in increased transport of a
variety of potentially noxious compounds to the stool. Increasing the release
of bile also relieves constipation without causing diarrhea and stops spasms of
the bile duct. Dandelion should be avoided, however, if you have gallstones,
since increasing the flow of bile could increase pressure against the stones.
The increased bile production also makes dandelion useful for people with
sluggish liver function due to alcohol abuse or poor diet. It is restorative to
the liver and helps reduce the risk of developing gallstones, but should be
avoided if gallstones are already present in the body.
Bulgarian
studies of a five-herb combination including dandelion found that more than 95%
of people suffering from irritable bowel syndrome were pain-free after fifteen
days of treatment. This herbal combination also improved regularity. Because of
its rich supply of boron which helps to raise estrogen levels in the blood, it
also helps with osteoporosis, age-related bone loss. With its rich source of
calcium and silicon, some studies also suggest that it may help to strengthen
bone, as well.

In
China, “The ‘barefoot doctors”…use the whole dandelion plant in their healing
practices. The leaves and the tops are simmered together in a decoction, or
they are crushed as a poultice on breast abscesses (this poultice can be used
on boils or abscesses on other parts of the body, or added to honeysuckle flowers).2”
Source:
1Prescription for Understanding
Herbal Healing by Phyllis A. Balch, CNC
2Herbal Medicine by Dian
Dincin Buchman
Echinacea
Latin
name: Echinacea
Asteraceae
Common
Names: Purple Coneflower
Echinaceas
are part of a group of North American prairie perennials known for their purple
daisy-like flowers and leaves cove red with coarse hair. They grow to about 20 inches and are often
used in landscaping, prized for their ability to spread as well as their height
and bright purple colored petals with a large middle conus. It is native to the Rocky Mountains, but is
also grown in western states, as well as Canada and Europe. There are nine species of Echinacea, each
with their own properties. Several
species are used to make medicines from its’ leaves, flowers, and root. It’s used in traditional herbal remedies by
the Great Plains Indian tribes, and settlers later followed the Indians’
example and used echinacea for medicinal purposes, as well. For a time, echinacea enjoyed official status
as a result of being listed in the US National Formulary from 1916-1950. However, use of echinacea fell out of favor
in the US with the discovery of antibiotics.
However, people are becoming interested in it again due to the fact that
some antibiotics do not work as well as they used to against certain bacteria.

·
Echinacea
can treat:
·
Acne
and infected nails
· Cancer,
when combined with other agents, can extend the life expectancy of those with
advanced colorectal cancer by several months.
Depression of white cells during radiation and chemotherapy, stabilizing
the white blood cells.
·
Chronic
fatigue syndrome
·
Yeast
infections
·
Colds,
cough, influenza, and Strep throat
·
Ear
infections
·
Lyme
disease
·
Parasitic
infections
·
Urinary
tract infections
·
Bee
stings and mosquito bites
Echinacea
is commercially available in many forms including tablets, capsules, juices,
and teas. It seems to activate chemicals
in the body that decrease inflammation which might reduce cold and flu
symptoms. Laboratory research suggests
that echinacea can stimulate the body’s immune system, but there is no evidence
that this occurs in people. It also
seems to contain some chemicals that can attack yeast and other kinds of fungi
directly.
PRACTICAL USES IN CASE OF THE
ZOMBIE APOCOLYPSE
To
consume echinacea, you can use the petal, leaves, roots, or all of the above.
As the results of studies on the effectiveness of using echinacea medicinally
are up in the air, so is the question of which part of the plant is best. Many
believe that the roots contain the most active compounds. Harvesting the roots
is best done in late fall, after the flowers have gone to seed and after a
couple of frosts. Cut just a portion of the root so that the plant will come
back in the spring. Wash the root thoroughly and then cut it into small pieces
(about half-inch cubes). Lay the pieces on a screen in an area that is
well-ventilated, dry, and out of direct sunlight. It may take several days for
the root fragments to dry, but when they are, simply store them in an airtight
glass container.
The
flowers or leaves should be harvested right after the flowers begin to bloom.
Cut each stem right where the first set of leaves is growing. Rinse the flowers
and then hang them to dry or lay them flat on a screen. If hanging, tie a paper
bag around the flower, as the petals will drop. When the leaves and petals are
completely dry, store them in a sealed glass jar. Keep jars of both the roots
and petals or leaves in a cool, dark, and dry location.
To
consume echinacea, either make an infusion from the leaves and petals or a
decoction out of the dried roots. For petals and leaves, use one to two
teaspoons of the dry material per one cup of water. Steep in boiling water for
fifteen to twenty minutes. For a decoction, use two teaspoons of dried root and
simmer in one cup of water for twenty to thirty minutes. Strain out the leaves,
petals, and roots before drinking the tea. You can also combine echinacea with
other herbal tea elements.
Echinacea
is considered to be mostly a safe herb to consume, however, you should always
be cautious with supplements. Side effects are rare but can include abdominal
pain, nausea, diarrhea, or an itchy rash. In very rare cases, it may cause a
dangerous allergic reaction, so try a very small amount initially. And
remember, always consult your doctor before adding any supplements to your
diet.
People
with autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus, or chronic
infections such as HIV/AIDS, or TB should not use Echinacea as its stimulating
immune functions increase the production of T cells, the immune cells attacked
by HIV. When there are more T cells, the
virus has both more cells to infect and more opportunities to mutate into a
drug-resistant form.
Those
trying to get pregnant should not use echinacea, and those taking medications
for elevated liver enzymes should also avoid the use of echinacea. Echinacea should be used with caution by
people who are allergic to ragweed or to plants in the sunflower family, as
claims have been made that a combination of echinacea and goldenseal boosts the
immune system have been borne out by laboratory experiments with animals that
show that the two herbs augment different but complementary immune
globulins. Before taking an
echinacea-and-goldenseal combination, be sure to observe the precaution listed
for goldenseal.
Echinacea
should be avoided particularly before, during and after organ transplantation
if a drug such as cyclosporine or tacrolimus is prescribed to prevent rejection
of the transplanted organ.
***
FOR INFORMATION ONLY. BE SURE TO CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN BEFORE BEGINNING ANY
NEW HERBAL TREATMENTS. ***
SOURCES:
Prescription
for Herbal Healing,
but Phyllis A. Balch, CNC
http://www.offthegridnews.com/alternative-health/growing-and-using-echinacea/
Gentian
Latin name: Gentiana
lutea, Gentiana scabra, Gentiananceae
Common Names:
Gentian
Gentian
is a perennial plant with over 400 different species that grows up to three
feet tall. It can be
found in Asia, both
North and South America, and Europe, with some species also growing in Africa,
Australia, and New Zealand. They are
sometimes difficult to cultivate outdoors in the wild, but some species are
capable of cultivation.
Gentian
is used in herbal medicine to treat digestive problems. It is also effective on fever, hypertension,
muscle spasms, and parasites. The leaves
and roots of Gentiana punctate has
been used in traditional Austrian medicine internally and externally, as liquor
or tea, to treat stomach issues, skin problems, rheumatism and gout among other
things. 1
Gentian
is a very bitter herb that has been in use over the world for over 3,000 years
to treat digestive disorders and stimulate appetite. It contains some of the most bitter
substances known and is used to improve digestive tone, help prevent
indigestion and gas, and stimulate the gallbladder and li ver. It is also an effective antioxidant that
helps prevent some age-related vision problems.
Other uses include cataracts and diabetes-related eye problems.
Gentian
is available for consumption in both capsules and as bitters. Most people find the neutral taste of capsules
preferable to the extremely bitter taste of the drink called Angostura bitters,
also called gentian bitters, which you may have heard in relationship to drinks
such as Martini’s, Manhattans, and “whiskey and bitters”. 2
Gentian
is one of the Bach Flower Remedies created by Dr. Bach 130 years ago consisting
of 38 Flower Remedies that are used to “correct emotional imbalances where
negative emotions are replaced with positive”.
Gentian’s BFR properties are said to treat discouragement and
depression.3 A traditional
Chinese herbal formula combines nine herbs, one of which is Gentian, in a
decoction to “drain the liver”. This
phrase refers to reducing excess “heat” generated by emotional tension. In the theory of Traditional Chinese Medicine
(TCM), anger, irritation, and stress lead to an unhealthy buildup of energy.
TYPES OF EXTRACTS
Liquid
Extract
Extracts
are concentrated preparations of herbs.
Liquid extracts, more commonly called “fluidextracts” (written as one word rather than two), combine one
part of the herb with one part of water or alcohol (ethanol), or one part of
the herb with one part of a mixture of water and alcohol.
Solid
extracts are made by dissolving the chopped herb in a chemical solvent such as
acetone or hexanol. After the herb is
soaked in the solvent, the liquid is filtered out and gently dried at low heat
for use in capsules or tablets. Drying
the herb removes all the solvent leaving only the desired constituents of the
herb behind.
The
chemical constituents of an herb are much more concentrated in a solid extract
than in the raw herb. The most widely
sold solid extract in the world, ginkgo biloba extract (GBE), has fifty times
the concentration of the biologically active ginkigolides found in ginkgo leaf. This concentration process makes it possible
to take several small capsules weighing about one-quarter of a gram for a daily
dose of ginkgo instead of the 10-15 grams of ginkgo leaf in teas. 2
HOW TO MAKE AN HERBAL
EXTRACT
Making
your own herbal extract is quite simple.
And it’s also very cost-effective way to continue to take the
supplements you enjoy, while knowing exactly from where your extract comes.
You’ll
need the following items:
·
A
clean glass jar with a tight-fitting lid
·
Herbs
of your choice.
·
Vodka
or strong grain alcohol
If
you can use fresh herbs, this is best.
Fresh is always preferred, though you may not be able to find or grow
everything yourself. If you can’t, be
sure to get good quality organic herbs from a reputable source. I’ve used Mountain Rose Herbs for years (link
below). It’s not useful to use powdered
herbs for extract.
Take
your fresh herbs and chop them fine. Put
them in the glass jar. Next, or a good
strong grain alcohol or vodka (the vodka can be cheap) over the herbs
completely covering the herbal material.
A good ratio for fresh material is about 1 part herb to 3 parts
alcohol. If using dried herbs, you will
need to add more alcohol over the next day or two as the dried herbs absorb and
expand. A good ratio for dried material
is about 1 part herb to 5 parts alcohol.
Once you’ve covered the herbs with alcohol, cover the lid opening with
some plastic wrap, and then place the lid.
This will prevent rust from the lid spoiling your extract.
CAUTIONS
Remember
that any extracts you consume should first be cleared with your physician. An herbal extract or herbs in general, no
matter in what form they are ingested, are just as powerful a medicine as
anything you will find in the pharmacy.
They will have drug interaction precautions of which one should be aware
before consuming, and can adversely affect the body if taken in combination
with another contraindicated prescription/over-the-counter medication/herb.
Also,
extracts are what is called a nonstandardized extract, meaning that the exact
milligrams of dosage aren’t known. Until
you are aware of how this will affect your body and your health, all due
caution should be taken, and should not be taken without the supervision of
your physician.
***
FOR INFORMATION ONLY. BE SURE TO CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN BEFORE BEGINNING ANY
NEW HERBAL TREATMENTS.***
2
Prescription for Herbal Healing by Phyllis A. Balch, CNC
4
https://www.mountainroseherbs.com/learn/herbal-extracts
Lamb’s Ear
Latin name: Stachys byzantina
Other common names: Wooly
Lamb’s Ear, Wooly Betony, Wooly hedgenettle
Lamb’s Ear
is often seen as a common ‘weed’, but actually has a multitude of medicine and
every-day uses. It’s seen commonly found in US states Montana through Texas and
all states east and in
between, though it is origin was in Turkey, Armenia, and
Iran. It is now cultivated over much of the world as an ornamental plant, used
as a spreading bedding plant or in borders. It is recognized by its broad soft
leaves that feel very similar to a lamb’s ear. It’s often used as a landscaping
plant due to its perennial hardiness and beautiful silver-green leaves that
sprout bright purple flowers on long stalks in the late spring and early summer
months.
Lamb’s ear
is a perennial herb coming back year after year. The plants also multiply, so
if you decide to grow this useful herb, be sure to keep it contained as it will
take over your gardening space.


Lamb’s Ear
is also perfect to use on bee or wasp stings. Boiling the leaves in hot water
and then adding a fixative to the solution creates a soft, cream-colored dye
for wool. It’s also edible and can be used fresh in salads or gently steamed as
greens. Pick fresh young leaves when consuming the plant as they taste the
best.
*** FOR INFORMATION ONLY. BE SURE TO CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN BEFORE BEGINNING ANY NEW HERBAL TREATMENTS.***
Lavender
Latin name: Lavendula spicaCommon Names: Lavender
Lavender is a genus of 39 known species of flowering plants that are actually in the mint family, Lamiaceae. This perennial herb found almost world-wide with many members of the lavender family cultivated extensively in warm climates for use in gardens and landscaping.
The most common type of lavender grown is English Lavender, though a wide range of different species can be found. It grows best in dry, well-drained, sandy, or gravelly soils and in full sun. It’s quite easy to grow and requires no fertilizer.
Lavender is also cultivated for it’s essential oil which is used in many ways. You might first think of bath products which is a common use, as it is known to promote relaxation. It’s also used in perfumes, cosmetics, and lotions. But, it can also be used a as a great natural mosquito repellant.
Other uses include:
- Inhaling the essential oil for help with sleeping; it’s also lovely in a squirt bottle full of water with a few drops of oil in the water to spritz on bed linens just before bed. I used to do this with my boys when they were little and had difficulty sleeping.
- A drop of lavender oil on a bee sting or insect bite stops itching and swelling;
- 2-3 drops of lavender oil on a minor burn will help decrease pain;
- A drop on a cut stops bleeding and will kill bacteria;
- A drop of the oil can help relieve motion sickness;
- A drop or two on the hands, when rubbed together and then inhaling the scent will help alleviate symptoms of seasonal allergies;
- A few drops put into your hand and mixed into shampoo will help eliminate dandruff;
- A drop of lavender oil on a cold sore can reduce the healing time.

Lavender is also used as a culinary herb (used in cooking and baking). It’s often used in salad dressings, and the fresh flowers, which are edible, can also be found in salads. Lavender honey is prized for its rich sweetness. It can also be found in certain types of cheese, baked goods (think cupcakes!), and is especially delicious when paired with chocolate. You might also find it in the ingredients list of your favorite tea! We grow lavender in a pot in our kitchen, and I love to add it to my water bottle with a slice of lemon. Lemon and lavender together are delicious (though a little goes a long way!) It’s also nice to have a small bit cut in a vase sitting on the nightstand. Just touching the plant releases the oils. It’s pretty amazing.
In the 1970s, a blend of herbs called Herbs de Provence was made available and includes lavender in the mix a long with thyme, marjoram, summer savory, rosemary, mint, fennel, and sage. Herbs de Provence is most often used as a dried rub for meat and fish, and is also often used in vinaigrette dressings or marinades.
*** FOR INFORMATION ONLY. BE SURE TO CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN BEFORE BEGINNING ANY NEW HERBAL TREATMENTS. ***
Licorice Root
GENUS: GlycyrrhizaSPECIES: G. lepidota
HISTORY

USES
Literally hundreds of substances have been identified in licorice. “It’s key therapeutic compound, glycyrrhzin, which is 50 times sweeter than sugar, exerts numerous beneficial effects on the body making licorice a valuable herb for treating a host of ailments. It seems to prevent the breakdown of adrenal hormones such as cortisol, the body’s primary stress-fighting adrenal hormone, making these hormones more available to the body.” 2
As well as its effect on the adrenals, licorice root can also benefit the following medical issues:
- Ulcerative disease and heartburn
- Boosts immunity
- Pain relief
- Stress relief
- Digestive tract issues
- Fevers and headaches
- Allergies and asthma
- Sore throat
- Increases energy
- Eases irritability, bloating, and breast tenderness related to PMS
- Protects the liver, and is used intravenously to treat hepatitis B and C
- Lowers ‘bad’ cholesterol. 3
When my children were little, I used to make homemade cough syrup, in which licorice root played a large role. In combination with other ingredients, licorice soothes the throat and quiets cough.
HOW IT’S PREPARED
Licorice root is dug up in July and is sold mostly fresh for making extract with only a small amount of the root dried prior to sale, which is then sold abroad.
Extraction:
A liquid herbal extract is a concentrated solution made by extracting the herb’s chemical constituents out of the inert herb fiber with a solution of alcohol and water or glycerin and water.
Licorice roots are hung until almost dry. They’re then cut into slices and put into a clean canning jar until it is approx. 2/3 full. The licorice root is then covered with vodka or grain alcohol. Plastic wrap is placed tightly over the mouth of the jar which will keep the lid from rusting, and then the lid is screwed on tightly. It’s shaken well, and then placed in a dark place for six weeks. It must be shaken at least twice per week. After six weeks, the contents of the jar are then strained through cheesecloth over a bowl, squeezing the root in the cheesecloth to extract as much of the liquid as possible. The liquid is then transferred to a clean jar or container, and can be stored in a dark place for up to three years.
Decoction:

Licorice root can also be made into an infusion by placing a few teaspoons of the dried or fresh root into boiling water and allowing it to steep in the same way one makes tea. It is often found in herbal throat remedies such as Throat Coat’ tea made by Traditional Medicinals.
1 https://en.wikipedia.org
2 http://www.herbwisdom.com
3 http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements
4 https://www.leaf.tv
Additional Reading Material
Herbal Manufacturing - https://www.herb-pharm.com/faq/herbal-manufacturing
Wild Licorice - http://briefinsights.blogspot.com/2009/07/walk-in-field-part-30-wild-licorice.html
• Ginger mint
• Chocolate mint
• Apple mint
• Pineapple mint
• Bergamot mint
The most common mints cultivated are Peppermint, Native spearmint, cornmint, and apple mint, though a good nursery will sell a very large variety. Mint grows almost everywhere, growing 32-36 inches high with aromatic serrated leaves. The finest-quality mint is grown in the northwestern United States. The oil of the plant is 50% to 75% menthol, and it is this oil that is the basis of most medicinal preparations of mint.
All mints thrive near pools of water, lakes, rivers, and cool moist spots in partial shade. In general, mints tolerate a wide range of conditions and can also be grown in full sun. Mint grows all year round, are fast growing, and extend their reach along surfaces through a network of runners. Mint must be contained when grown outdoors or it will take over your garden, and are better controlled when planted in containers which will limit their spread, as they are quite difficult to eradicate once they’ve started taking over!
Mint is easily propagated through cuttings put in water. In this way, a parent plant can create an unlimited amount of new plants.
Mint can be used fresh or dried. Primary use of the plant are the leaves. Fresh mint is usually preferred over dried mint when used in culinary dishes. The leaves have a warm, fresh, aromatic, sweet flavor with a cool aftertaste. American’s think of mint as a dessert taste or tea, whereas mint is used in the Middle East in more savory recipes such as lamb dishes. Mint oil is used in everything from candy to mouthwash. It’s also used in aroma therapy, and was strewn across floors to cover unpleasant smells. When stepped on or crushed, mint releases it’s essential oils filling a room with its crisp scent. 1 In aroma therapy, mint oil is used to treat headache, stress, and anxiety among other things.

Mint was originally used as a medicinal herb to treat stomach ache and chest pain. I grow three varieties year-round and use the bruised leaves in my water bottles along with fresh fruits, a delicious way to make your water more tasty and another option for your body to consume micronutrients.
Mint is a potent plant full of phytocompounds that plants manufacture to protect themselves against harmful bacteria, viruses, and other assaults from the environments they evolved in. Essential oils, tinctures, and concentrated extracts should be used with care, including both over-the-counter remedies and homemade remedies. Though mint has been used by traditional healers for centuries, phytocompounds can affect the endocrine system, sometimes dramatically.2
Mint is a general stimulant. A strong cup of mint tea circulates quickly and acts more powerfully than any liquor stimulant. This herb has a long history as a digestive aid and as a treatment for the symptoms of cough, colds, and fever. It kills microorganisms that can cause food poisoning, relieves the pain of sprains and strains, and helps freshen lingering bad breath. It’s also good for nausea and vomiting.3
5-10 fresh mint leaves
2 cups of water
First, boil the water. Wash and tear the mint leaves, removing any residual dirt or soil that might be on the leaves. Then tear the leaves to help them release their essential oils giving your decoction the strongest flavor. The mint leaves can then be placed into a tea infusion ball, French press, or straight into a mug. Pour the boiling water over the leaves. Mint is hardy, so it’s safe to pour boiling water over them with no concern that the leaves will fall apart further or be burned. Let the decoction sit for 10 minutes. It’s fine to leave it longer for a stronger decoction. The longer you leave in the leaves, the stronger the liquid will be. Use a strainer to remove the leaf material.
1 https://en.wikipedia.org
2 http://www.almanac.com/
3Prescription for Herbal Healing by Phyllis A. Balch, CNC
4 http://www.wikihow.com/
MINT
Latin name: Mentha spicata L.Common Names: Mint, peppermint, horse mint, garden mint, spearmint
There are about 65 genera of mints, and many more recognized hybrids that include:• Ginger mint
• Chocolate mint
• Apple mint
• Pineapple mint

The most common mints cultivated are Peppermint, Native spearmint, cornmint, and apple mint, though a good nursery will sell a very large variety. Mint grows almost everywhere, growing 32-36 inches high with aromatic serrated leaves. The finest-quality mint is grown in the northwestern United States. The oil of the plant is 50% to 75% menthol, and it is this oil that is the basis of most medicinal preparations of mint.
All mints thrive near pools of water, lakes, rivers, and cool moist spots in partial shade. In general, mints tolerate a wide range of conditions and can also be grown in full sun. Mint grows all year round, are fast growing, and extend their reach along surfaces through a network of runners. Mint must be contained when grown outdoors or it will take over your garden, and are better controlled when planted in containers which will limit their spread, as they are quite difficult to eradicate once they’ve started taking over!
Mint is easily propagated through cuttings put in water. In this way, a parent plant can create an unlimited amount of new plants.
Mint can be used fresh or dried. Primary use of the plant are the leaves. Fresh mint is usually preferred over dried mint when used in culinary dishes. The leaves have a warm, fresh, aromatic, sweet flavor with a cool aftertaste. American’s think of mint as a dessert taste or tea, whereas mint is used in the Middle East in more savory recipes such as lamb dishes. Mint oil is used in everything from candy to mouthwash. It’s also used in aroma therapy, and was strewn across floors to cover unpleasant smells. When stepped on or crushed, mint releases it’s essential oils filling a room with its crisp scent. 1 In aroma therapy, mint oil is used to treat headache, stress, and anxiety among other things.

Mint was originally used as a medicinal herb to treat stomach ache and chest pain. I grow three varieties year-round and use the bruised leaves in my water bottles along with fresh fruits, a delicious way to make your water more tasty and another option for your body to consume micronutrients.
Mint is a potent plant full of phytocompounds that plants manufacture to protect themselves against harmful bacteria, viruses, and other assaults from the environments they evolved in. Essential oils, tinctures, and concentrated extracts should be used with care, including both over-the-counter remedies and homemade remedies. Though mint has been used by traditional healers for centuries, phytocompounds can affect the endocrine system, sometimes dramatically.2
Mint is a general stimulant. A strong cup of mint tea circulates quickly and acts more powerfully than any liquor stimulant. This herb has a long history as a digestive aid and as a treatment for the symptoms of cough, colds, and fever. It kills microorganisms that can cause food poisoning, relieves the pain of sprains and strains, and helps freshen lingering bad breath. It’s also good for nausea and vomiting.3
HOW TO MAKE A MINT DECOCTION
You will need:5-10 fresh mint leaves
2 cups of water
First, boil the water. Wash and tear the mint leaves, removing any residual dirt or soil that might be on the leaves. Then tear the leaves to help them release their essential oils giving your decoction the strongest flavor. The mint leaves can then be placed into a tea infusion ball, French press, or straight into a mug. Pour the boiling water over the leaves. Mint is hardy, so it’s safe to pour boiling water over them with no concern that the leaves will fall apart further or be burned. Let the decoction sit for 10 minutes. It’s fine to leave it longer for a stronger decoction. The longer you leave in the leaves, the stronger the liquid will be. Use a strainer to remove the leaf material.
1 https://en.wikipedia.org
2 http://www.almanac.com/
3Prescription for Herbal Healing by Phyllis A. Balch, CNC
4 http://www.wikihow.com/
*** FOR INFORMATION ONLY. BE SURE TO CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN BEFORE BEGINNING ANY NEW HERBAL TREATMENTS. ***
YARROW
Latin name: Achillea mellifoliumOther common names: Bloodwort, milfoil, soldier’s wonded-wort.

“Traditional herbalists in Europe, China, and India have used yarrow to stop minor bleeding and to treat wounds and inflammation, especially in the intestinal and female reproductive tracts. It also has traditionally been used as a mild sedative.” (Prescription for Herbal Healing by Phyllis A. Balch, CNC.)
Yarrow is a very common “weed” that gets overlooked when it comes to its healing properties. Because it’s a prolific grower – as are most ‘weeds’ – it’s easy to find. It’s main season of growth is the spring and summer when you’ll see them growing in green spaces. If you harvest the leaves and flowers of this plant and plan to make an infusion (tea) of them to use medicinally, make sure that you find a place away from a main road and car pollution. Harvest the flowers and leaves as soon as they mature.
Other uses:
- It’s a great insect repellent! In tea (infusion) form, you can splash it on as an insect repellent, or you can rub the flowers on exposed skin to repel mosquitoes when you’re out in nature.
- Yarrow tea can be used as a mouthwash to treat canker sores.
- Crushed blossoms have been used for centuries on fresh cuts or bruises and can be added to a natural base oil or lotion (almond oil, coconut butter, etc.) to be applied on bruises to help them heal faster.
- Used in combination with other herbs such as peppermint and ginger, it can be taken internally as an infusion when you feel you’re beginning to get sick and will help you “sweat out” the illness.
- Winnebago Indians steeped the whole yarrow plant and poured the liquid into the aching ear to help with earache.
- It can be taken internally as a tea and has anti-inflammatory properties (not for use in pregnant women).
- Alcohol extracts of yarrow stop sperm production in laboratory mice, Men seeking to become fathers should avoid this herb.

The herb can be cut in long stems a day or two after it flowers when it is most potent. It can be hung upside down in bunches and left to dry as every part of the plant is used for infusions. It keeps well and retains its color well.
*** FOR INFORMATION ONLY. BE SURE TO CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN BEFORE BEGINNING ANY NEW HERBAL TREATMENTS. ***
No comments:
Post a Comment