Herb Lore

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.

European herbalists frequently prescribe dandelion tinctures as a weight loss aid. Dandelion reduces water weight through its diuretic effect, but may also help the liver regulate blood sugars to avoid hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) which is frequently an immediate cause of binge eating. With the increase in bile flow that is stimulated by dandelion, fat metabolism in the body is also helped. In one laboratory study, animals that were given daily doses of dandelion extract for one month lost up to 30% of their body mass.

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 has long been used to boost immunity.  It’s considered an excellent supplement when one is sick with a cold or flu, fights infection, and can help speed the healing of wounds and reduce inflammation.  There are mainly two species of Echinacea used in herbalism:  E. angustifolia, and E. purpurea.  Since each of these species has s lightly different effects, specific disorders are usually best treated with one or the other, not both.  Immune-stimulating properties are due to a host of polysaccrinides and phytosterols which help to activate macrophages that are directly involved in the destruction of bacteria, viruses, and other infectious agents, as well as cancer cells.  Echinacea also increases production of interferon, an important part of the body’s response to viral infections such as colds and flu.  It has been specifically shown to activate an important class of white blood cells known as natural killer (NK) cells.

·         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:

http://www.webmd.com

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 Extract

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.

Shake the jar well and place it in a dark place.  Allow the herbs to soak (called ‘maceration’) for 4-6 weeks, shaking the jar every few days.  The alcohol will siphon and extract the active constituents from the herbs.  After 4-6 weeks, strain the herbs using a large sieve, strainer, press or potato ricer lined with fine mesh cloth or cheesecloth.  Then pour into another large bowl or container.  After you have done this, grab the soggy herbal material and place it in muslin, cheesecloth, or other fine cloth, and tightly squeeze the material to extract every last drop from the cloth.  The herbal material left over that is saturated is the strongest in terms of active medicinal constituents.  Now, funnel the material from your larger container into smaller bottles, preferably amber bottles, and store your extract in a cool dark place.  You’ve now made your own extract for a fraction of the price you would have paid in a store.  This will keep for 3-5 years.⁴

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.***

¹ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gentiana

²  Prescription for Herbal Healing by Phyllis A. Balch, CNC

³  http://www.bachflower.com/

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.

“The whole plant is medicinal as an alternative, antibacterial, antipyretic (fever reducer), antiseptic, antispasmodic (muscle relaxer), astringent (constricts body tissue), carminative (gas relieving), diuretic (for water retention), febrifuge (fever reducer), hypotensive (lowers blood pressure), stomachic (digestive aide), styptic (stops bleeding), tonic (providing a feeling of wellbeing), vermifuge (antiparasitic), and vulnerary (use in the healing of wounds).” [definitions added]. A cold water infusion of the freshly chopped or dried and powdered leaves makes a refreshing beverage, while a weak infusion of the plant can be used as a medicinal eye wash for sties and pinkeye. It is taken internally as a medicinal tea in the treatment of fevers, diarrhea, sore mouth and throat, internal bleeding, and weakness of the liver and heart.” – Wikipedia

Hunters and soldiers have used Lamb’s Ear leaves as field dressings for injuries. With its antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and super absorbent properties, it makes a perfect makeshift bandage as it can soak up quite a lot of fluid. It’s also attributed as being the very first toilet paper!

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.

I also use it in bath salts in my practice, and generally send some home with people after energy work.  It’s calming and centering and, when combined with the salt, will help clear residual energy. People have said that they sleep incredibly well after a warm bath using the lavender bath salt the evening immediately following energy work.

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

American Licorice root is a plant native to North America, and can found from Canada south through the united states to California, Texas, and Virginia, though it doesn’t grow in the more southern states.  It’s also common in the Mediterranean, parts of Russia, and in Asia Minor to Iran.  It grows in moist soils and has long tough brown roots which are said to be sweet and were even used  as food  and medicinal purposes by the Native Americans.  It’s still used medicinally, carrying many anti-depressant properties, and is also used in flavoring, including use as a sweetener in tobacco products.1

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:  

The liquor resulting from concentrating the essence of a substance by heating or boiling, especially a medicinal preparation made from a plant.

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

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
• 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

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.

Yarrow is one of the most common wildflowers in the western and prairie regions of the US, also growing throughout Canada. Native American tribes used yarrow to relieve pain and headaches, reduce fever, and help with sleep. “Excavation of a 40.000 to 60,000-year-old Neanterthal grave yielded yarrow (as well as the herbs althea, centauria, ephedra, and senecio).”

“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. ***