Another remedy for a sickly plant, where root disease is suspected, was given to me by a very knowledgeable “herb lady”. Make a circle of copper wire (fairly thick gauge, or several strands of thinner gauge) and place it round the base of the ailing plant and about 1\2-inch under the soil. This is a [...]
For information on the growing and use of plants beneficial to man, we can go right back to some of the earliest history recorded in the civilizations of Arabia and Egypt, as well as Greece and Rome. The George Ebers papyrus found in the ruins of Thebes, and the more recently discovered Edwin Smith papyrus, [...]
Like most so-called superstitions, the belief in rue’s great powers has a sound basis of practical common sense. Rutin, its most active ingredient, was found during the last World War to be of great value in the treatment of weakened bloodvessels, and it is this property that makes it so effective an eye-strengthener, by increasing [...]
Cochlearia armoracia CRUCIFERAE Authorities differ as to the correct botanical name for this herb; some of the confusion seems due to its variation in leaf shape and habit of growth, the Encyclopaedia Britannica referring to it as Armoracia rusticana, but Culpeper, and many later writers such as Clare Loewenfeld, who has the famous Chiltern Herb [...]
Anthriscus cerefolium UMBEIXIFERAE Chervil might be called a flavour catalyst amongst other herbs. It has the unique property of adding to the flavour of any other herb in a dish while keeping its own slightly aromatic parsleylike taste, and should always be added to a bouquet garni. It has no perfume and, being delicate and [...]
Nerve Tonics For chronic nervousness, muscular spasm or emotional instability: 4 parts Skullcap herb 1 part Valerian root 1 part Chamomile flowers 1 part Lemon Balm leaves 1 part Vervain leaves 1 part Cramp Bark 1 part Motherwort herb 1 part Hawthorn berries 1 part Ginger root 1 part Liquorice root Combined decoction and infusion: [...]
For local inflammation and swelling, as in sprains and bruises: Burdock root or leaves Chickweed herb Comfrey root or leaves Ginger root Marigold flowers Marsh mallow root or leaves Mullein leaves Plantain leaves St John’s Wort herb Vervain leaves Poultice, compress, ointment or oil of any of the above, alone or in combination: apply to [...]
Rosa canina Action: Tonic, astringent, laxative, diuretic. Systems Affected: Liver, gall-bladder, intestines, kidneys, adrenal glands, circulation, general effects on the whole body. Preparation and Dosage (thrice daily): Fresh or dried rosehips, dose 2-5 grams by infusion. The Dog Rose is native to Europe and western Asia but has been introduced and naturalized elsewhere, often growing [...]
Allium sativum Action: Diaphoretic, expectorant, antiseptic, antibacterial, antiviral, hypotensive, anthelmintic, carminative, stomachic, cholagogue, antispasmodic, tonic. Systems Affected: Lungs, heart, circulation, stomach, liver, gall-bladder, intestines, general effects on the whole body. Preparation and Dosage (thrice daily): Fresh or dried bulb, dose 2-5 grams (see below for methods of preparation). Garlic Oil capsules, dose 0.03-0.12 ml. Garlic [...]
Action: Astringent, tonic, alterative, haemostatic, diuretic. Systems Affected: Digestive tract, mucous membranes, blood. Preparation and Dosage (thrice daily): Dried root bark, dose 2-5 grams by decoction. Dried (or fresh) leaves, dose 2-5 grams by infusion or decoction. The Blackberry, native to Europe, now grows in almost all parts of the world, but far more abundantly [...]