Tag: Bronchitis

Lung Tonic

Native Americans of the Midwest used this tonic to alleviate bronchial coughs and congestion.

2   tablespoons pleurisy root
1   tablespoon mullein root
2   tablespoons elecampane root
1   tablespoon cramp bark
1   teaspoon licorice root or ginger
2   tablespoons osha root, optional; take only if there is congestion or a productive cough
2   tablespoons yucca, dried and split, optional; take only if there is wheezing

Simmer in 2 cups of water, covered for 15 minutes.  Strain when cool and drink half a cup daily to facilitate the lungs or drink half a cup three times daily to alleviate congestion. For wheezing, add dried and split yucca, and add half a cup to coffee or drink alone up to 3 times daily.

Herb of the Day for March 29th – St. Johnswort

St. Johnswort

Hypericum perforatum
MEDICINAL:St. Johnswort is useful for bronchitis, internal bleeding, healing wounds, and for dirty, septic wounds. It is used to ease depression, headaches, hysteria, neuralgia, shingles, as well as symptoms that occur during menopause. It is useful in swellings, abcesses, and bad insect stings. Studies are showing that it may be effective in combatting AIDS by increasing the immune functions of the body. DO NOT GO INTO THE SUN if using this herb, as it causes blistering sunburns, especially in fair-skinned people.

RELIGIOUS:St. Johnswort is hung around the neck to prevent fevers. Wearing the herb aids you in war and other battles, including those of the will and indecision. Burnt it will banish evil and negativity. Hung in the home or carried, it will prevent spells of others from entering, and it is used in exorcisms. If you pick the plant on the night of St. John and hang it on your bedroom wall, you will dream of your future husband. The red juice of the stems was associated with the blood of John the Baptist, hence the plant’s name.

GROWING: St. Johnswort is a perennial reaching 32 inches tall. It is grown throughout much of North America. It prefers rich to moderately rich soils, and full sun. It is not long-lived, so replant every few years. Harvest the leaves and flower tops as they bloom and store in air-tight containers.

Resource:

THE HERBAL ENCYCLOPEDIA

Herb of the Day for April 15 is White Camphor

Herb of the Day

White Camphor

CAMPHOR, WHITE (Cinnamonum camphora) – When undiluted, familiar smell of Camphor – penetrating, slightly sweet or flowery, quite strong. Diluted, has a “fresh” type of scent, and is commonly used in various household cleaners, room sprays, and disinfectants. It has been used particularly against pneumococci (one type of bacteria which causes pneumonia), and is reported to be of benefit when applied to boils. Antispasmodic. Anti-inflammatory (used externally to soothe joint/muscle pain, and bronchitis). Feels cool to the touch. Numbs the local peripheral nerves, thus has a local analgesic effect..