Herb of the Day for December 28th is Cedar

Herb of the Day

Cedar



Medicinal Uses: A decoction of the leaves has been used to treat stomach troubles. Steam from an infusion of the leaves has been inhaled in the treatment of colds. Lummi people chew and swallow cedar buds for sore lungs while
Cowlitz people chew these same buds for toothache, and the Skokomish boil them for a gargle. Skagit people also boil the leaf ends for coughs. Nez Perce made a tea of the boughs for coughs and colds. Leaves were made into a tea to combat diarrhea. The leaves are mildly diuretic and a phagocyte stimulator, especially of macrophage activity. Cedar is said to contain the antitumor compound, podophyllotoxin.

All parts may be toxic

Magickal uses: Cedar chips used in rituals or burnt attracts money, and is also used in purification and healing. It is a symbol of power and longevity. Cedar is used for a purifying fumigation and to cure the tendency of having bad dreams. Some Native Americans use twigs of cedar, smoldering of made into incense, to heal head colds and on hot rocks in sweat lodges for purification. Hung in the home it protects against lightning. Placing a three-pronged cedar stick, prongs up, in the ground, will protect the home from evil. Juniper can be used in place of cedar.

Properties: diuretic, antitumor

Growth: There are many types of cedars that grow throughout the world. Cedar is found in all classes and conditions of soils — from acidic wetlands to dry, rocky ridges. The mature leaves average 1/16 inches in length and are opposite. They are smooth, shiny, dark green and glandular. On young foliage, leaves are somewhat needle-like: linear; pointed; and prickly. They occur in whorls of three. The fleshy fruit is round, 1/4 to 1/3 inch in diameter and, at maturity, a bluish color with a grayish-white, waxy covering. The tree commonly is 40 to 50 feet tall with a trunk diameter of 1 to 2 feet, but it may grow much larger. The short, slender branches form a compact, pyramidal crown, except on very old trees. The bark is light reddish-brown. It is thin and separates into long, peeling, fibrous strips.
Source:
Author: Crick