Tag: Cymbopogon

HERBAL COMBINATIONS for ILLNESSES

HERBAL COMBINATIONS for ILLNESSES

Healing herbs are often used in combinations when combatting an illness. Herbs are combined to give the benefits needed from each, some to give a boost to others, some to boost the body with healing energies. Below are some of the more popular herbal combinations. The herbs can be taken singly for these illnesses as well, although the suggested combinations are best. Don’t fret if you don’t have all of the suggested herbs for any given combination – use what you have, and add the rest as soon as you can. These combinations can usually be in any form you choose – teas, tinctures, capsules, etc. You will want to use equal parts of each herb, or use more of the herb most needed, with equal parts of the booster herbs.

Remember that in any herbal healing undertaken, diet is also very important. These combinations are not meant to be used in the place of a doctor’s advice. Also realize that you should not take herbs continually over a long period of time on a daily basis, as your body may build an immunity to the herb itself, or you may experience side effects. The exception to this would be when treating a chronic illness, but even then, there should be time off for your body from the herbs on a regular schedule. Herbs are medicine, and should always be treated as such.

Often, when taking antibiotic herbs, or prescription antibiotics, the natural bacteria in our digestive system is destroyed, making digestion difficult (and sometimes causing constipation) for several days to several weeks. To combat this, eat fresh real yogurt daily (not the stuff with lots of sugar and flavors, and make sure it has active cultures), or take acidophilus or probiotic capsules, to restore the natural digestive bacteria. This can also help to alleviate vaginal yeast infections in women.

When using an herb or herbal combination to combat an illness or strengthen various systems in the body, it is best to start with a small amount, and then wait a few hours to be sure you are not going to have an adverse reaction, before continuing with the therapy. Stop any ingestion of herbs at the first sign of any adverse reaction.

This is of course not a complete list, this is only to give you a general idea of what may be needed for common ailments. My book has more information on additional illnesses, and there are plenty of naturopathic doctors available, including myself, to answer questions about other ailments. This listing is not meant to diagnose, only to inform. Your body and medical history may dictate that you need very different combinations from these to treat your specific ailments.

 

ACNE

Herbs Used: Evening Primrose Oil, Raspberry Leaf, Nettle, Dandelion, Lemon Grass     Recipe for Acne Help     Bring to a simmer in a non-metallic pan 2 quarts water, 3 tablespoons Witchhazel bark, 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon, 1 tablespoon ground cloves; let simmer  for 5 minutes. Then add 1/2 cup chopped fresh thyme, 1 cup fresh chopped peppermint leaves, and 1/2 cup fresh chopped marjoram. Simmer 5 more minutes, set  aside until cold. Mix 1/2 cup of the simmered mixture with 2 teaspoons cider vinegar, 2 ounces grain alcohol(vodka is best), 4 drops lemon oil, and enough  water to make one pint. Apply with cotton to acne prone areas after washing. A good aloe moisturizer afterwards is recommended.

ALLERGIES

Herbs used: Blessed Thistle, Scullcap, Goldenseal, Cayenne, Marshmallow, Lobelia, Burdock.        

Other uses: Colds, Hay Fever, Upper respiratory infections

ANEMIA

Herbs Used: Red Beet, Yellow Dock, Lobelia, Burdock, Nettle, Mullein    

Other uses: Energy, Fatigue, Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson’s Disease

ARTERIOSCLEROSIS

Herbs Used: Cayenne, Garlic, Hawthorne, Parsley                

Other Uses: Blood Pressure, Heart

ARTHRITIS

Herbs Used: Yucca, Comfrey, Alfalfa, Yarrow, Cayenne, Lobelia, Burdock, Chaparral, Black Cohosh, Cat’s Claw, Lemon Grass                    

Other uses: Bursitis, Rheumatism, Gout, Blood Cleanser

CHRONIC FATIGUE SYNDROME

Herbs Used: For the acute phase of CFS, a combination of Echinacea, goldenseal, and licorice. If this combination is needed for more than seven days, add potassium-rich foods and/or herbs to your diet. For the chronic phase, a combination of goldenseal, astragulus, licorice, ginseng, and evening primrose oil. One month on, one month off is the recommended usage frame.                        

Other Uses: The combination of herbs for the chronic phase is being studied for the treatment of Multiple Sclerosis.

COLDS

Herbs used: Chamomile, Slippery Elm, Cayenne, Goldenseal, Myrrh, Peppermint, Sage, Lemon Grass, Rose Hips, Garlic                            

Other uses: Bronchitis, Ear infections, Fevers, Flu, Tonsillitis

COLIC

Herbs Used: Alfalfa, Peppermint, Fennel, Catnip                                

Other uses: Digestive disorders, Heartburn, Appetite

CONSTIPATION

Herbs Used: Aloe Vera, Slippery Elm, Barberry                                    

Other uses: Cleansing, Colon

COUGHS

Herbs Used: Elecampane, Wild Cherry Bark, Licorice, Comfrey Root, Lobelia                                        

Other uses: Hay fever, Sore throats

DRUG WITHDRAWAL

Herbs Used: Chamomile, Ginseng, Licorice, Cayenne, Gotu Kola            Other uses: Endurance, Energy, Memory

EARACHES

Herbs Used: Oil of Mullein, Garlic Oil, or Lobelia Extract drops directly into the ear.

ENERGY

Herbs Used: Cayenne, Ginseng, Gotu Kola  Also add: Bee pollen, bee propolis, royal jelly                                                    

Other uses: Endurance, Fatigue, Memory

EYE PROBLEMS

Herbs Used: Goldenseal, Bayberry, Eyebright                                                         Other uses: Eyewash, Allergies, Hay fever, Cataracts

FEMALE PROBLEMS

Herbs Used: Black Cohosh, Ginger, Raspberry Leaf, Blessed Thistle, Dong Quai                                                            

Other uses: Hormonal balance, Vaginal problems, Uterine infections

FLU

Herbs Used: Ginger, Cayenne, Goldenseal, Licorice      

Other uses: Nausea, Motion sickness

FRACTURES

Herbs Used: Comfrey, Horsetail, Alfalfa, Slippery Elm               

Other uses: Fingernails, Hair, Joints, Teeth

GALL BLADDER (TO CLEANSE)

Before bed, mix together the juice of 2 lemons, 4 ounces olive oil, 6 ounces Coke Classic; drink. Upon rising, take 10 ounces of magnesium citrate (available in drug stores). Do not eat until you have had your first bowel movement. Bowel movements will continue sporadically for several hours, so do this on a day you are at home!

GUM DISEASE

Herbs Used: Goldenseal, Myrrh (both internally and as a mouthwash)

HEART

Herbs Used: Hawthorne, Cayenne, Garlic                                                                 Other uses: Arteriosclerosis, Cholesterol, Circulation

HEARTBURN

Herbs Used: Anise seed, Fennel seed, Peppermint, Cinnamon, Lavendar

IMMUNE SUPPORT

Herbs Used: pau d’arco(taheebo), Echinacea, Burdock, Spirulina, Kelp, Cat’s Claw

INFECTIONS

Herbs Used: Echinacea, Goldenseal, Cayenne, Myrrh                 

Other uses: Colds, Earaches, Fevers, Flu, Measles, Mumps

INSECTS, REPELLING

For repelling insects on skin: Mix 1 teaspoon each of essential oils of pennyroyal, citronella, eucalyptus,  rosemary, and tansy. Shake oils in 1 cup of vegetable or olive oil. Store away from light in a sealed container. Use by rubbing a small amount between the palms of your hands, and then apply to any exposed skin. Avoid applying to the face to prevent eye contact. Reapply as necessary. Discontinue using if a rash develops(some people are sensitive to pennyroyal oil. Test on a                                small area first). Also safe for animal use. DO NOT INCLUDE THE PENNYROYAL OIL IF PREGNANT OR NURSING!!                                

INSOMNIA

Herbs Used: Valerian, Scullcap, Hops                                

Other uses: Headaches, Stress, Hyperactivity

KIDNEYS

Herbs Used: Juniper, Uva Ursi, Marshmallow, Ginger, Goldenseal, Dandelion                                                                

Other uses: Bladder, Urinary problems                                

LIVER

Herbs Used: Dandelion, Parsley, Horsetail, Blessed (or Milk) Thistle, Chamomile, Lobelia, Wild Yam, Ginger,  Sassafras, Kelp            

Other uses: Cleansing, Kidneys, Spleen, Gall Bladder                                

LUNGS

Herbs Used: Comfrey, Fenugreek, Marshmallow, Mullein, Chickweed                                                                

Other uses: Asthma, Bronchitis, Coughs, Hay Fever, Pneumonia                                

MEMORY

Herbs Used: Gingko Biloba, Gotu Kola, Ginseng              

Other Uses: Energy, Circulation, Tinnitus                                

MENOPAUSE

Herbs Used: Black Cohosh, Licorice, False Unicorn, Ginseng, Squaw Vine, Blessed Thistle        

Other uses: Hormone imbalance, Menstrual problems, Hot flashes, Uterine problems

MENSTRUAL CRAMPS

Herbs Used: Cramp Bark, Ginger root, Raspberry Leaf, Yellow Dock, Vitex, Wild Yam

MIGRAINES

Herbs Used: Fenugreek, Thyme, Lobelia, Wood Betony, Feverfew         Other uses: Fever, Flu, Headache

MORNING SICKNESS

Herbs Used: Wild Yam, Dandelion, Ginger, Vitex

NERVES

Herbs Used: Black Cohosh, Cayenne, Valerian, Ginger, St. Johnswort, Hops, Wood Betony                

Other uses: Headaches, Anxiety, Stress

POISON IVY/OAK

Herbs Used: Burdock, Mullein, Yellow Dock (bathing in a peppermint tea bath will relieve the itching as well as aid in drying up the          oak/ivy)                    

Other uses, Itching, Insect Bites          

PREMENSTRUAL SYNDROME

Herbs Used: Evening Primrose Oil, Dong Quai, Vitex                    

Other uses: Menstrual regulation, Painful breasts          

PROSTATE

Herbs Used: Black Cohosh, Licorice, Kelp, Gotu Kola, Ginger, Cayenne, Juniper, Uva Ursi, Taheebo, Saw Palmetto, Cat’s Claw                    

Other uses: Bladder, Liver, Spleen

REDUCING WEIGHT

Herbs Used: Chickweed, Licorice, Safflower, Echinacea, Black Walnut, Hawthorn, Papaya, Fennel, Dandelion                    

Other uses: Energy, Cleanser          

SEXUAL DESIRE

Stimulant:

Damiana, Ginseng, Saw Palmetto, Gotu Kola          

Depressant:

Hops, Scullcap, Valerian          

SKIN

Herbs Used: Horsetail, Sage, Rosemary                    

Other uses: Hair, Nails

SORE THROAT

Herbs Used: Marshamallow, Fenugreek                    

Alternate: Cayenne, Ginger mixed with honey and lemon          

STOP SMOKING

Herbs Used: Hops, Scullcap, Slippery Elm, Valerian, Lobelia                     Other uses: Cough, Nerves, Stress

THYROID

Herbs Used: Irish Moss, Kelp, Parsley, Black Walnut, Sarsaparilla       

Other uses: Fatigue, Glands, Lymphatic System             

TUMORS

Herbs Used: Chaparral, Red Clover, Taheebo (Pau d’arco)                         Other uses: Cleansing, Blood Disorders

ULCERS

Herbs Used: Cayenne, Goldenseal, Myrrh, Marshmallow, Calendula  

Other uses: Indigestion, Heartburn            

YEAST INFECTION

Herbs Used: Cayenne, Garlic, White Oak Bark, Marshmallow, Mullein (all mixed together and used as a bolus)                        

Other uses: Leuchorea, Vagina
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Energizing Tonic

This tonic will increase energy and enhance digestion.

1   tablespoon fresh peppermint leaves
1   tablespoon lemon grass leaves
1   teaspoon suma, optional

Steep peppermint and lemon grass leaves in 2 cups of boiled water for 15 minutes, covered. Strain and drink warm or cold.

Optional:  Suma may be steeped in the combination for an extra boost.

Nobody Loves Me Tonic

When life has let you down and no one seems to care; have a cup of tea and wait for things to come your way.

1    tablespoon skullcap leaves and flowers
1    tablespoon passionflower
1    teaspoon lavender flowers and leaves
1    teaspoon chamomile flowers
1    tablespoon lemon grass

Combine all and steep in 2 cups of boiled water, covered, 15 minutes. Strain and surrender.

Herbal Toner

Here’s a recipe for a simple toner to be used within 3 days

For sensitive and mature skin:

1/2     cup rose, lavender, or Calendula water infusion*

1         teaspoon vegetable glycerine

1/2     cup witch hazel

For oily skin:

1/2     cup sage leaves, or

1/2     cup lemon balm, lemon grass, and lemon verbena, or

1/2      cup rosemary

1           teaspoon vegetable glycerine

1/2       cup witch hazel

*For an infusion, steep 2 tablespoons fresh herb for a combination of herbs (to equal 2 tablespoons) in half a cup of boiled water in a covered glass or porcelain container for 10 minutes. Strain before using.

For sensitive and mature skin, combine rose water, lavender water, or Calendula water as an infusion with vegetable glycerin and witch hazel. Apply with a cotton ball. For oily skin, infuse any of the herbs in half a cup of boiled water for 10 minutes and strain. Add glycerine and witch hazel. Refrigerate after using. After the toner dries and sets, apply a moisturizing cream or lemon.

Body-Safe Dried Herbs for Soaps

There are a large number of body-safe dried herbs that you can include in your soaps, although some of them such as chamomile, sage, and teas, will blend over time. This doesn’t hurt the soap but may make your soaps unsightly. Adding 1/4 teaspoon of vitamin E to each pound of your soap mixture will help to retard this process by preserving the herb. Although some individuals add rose petals to their soaps, others don’t recommend it because rose petals have a tendency to turn black over time. Her’s a list of herbs you can include in your magickal soaps!

  • Allspice

  • Almond

  • Barley

  • Basil

  • Bergamot

  • Bladderwrack (sea kelp)

  • Brown sugar

  • Calendula (marigold)

  • Cardamom

  • Chamomile

  • Chocolate

  • Cinnamon (just a bit!)

  • Coffee

  • Coriander

  • Cornmeal (for garden and deep grime removal soaps)

  • Dill

  • Eucalyptus

  • Ginger

  • Ginseng

  • Green tea

  • Juniper berries

  • Lemongrass

  • Lemon peel

  • Lemon verbena

  • Lime peel

  • Mints

  • Neem

  • Nutmeg

  • Oatmeal

  • Oregano

  • Patchouli

  • Rose hips (purchase only those sold for health and beauty products)

  • Rosemary (finely ground)

  • Safflower

  • Sage

  • Thyme

  • Note: Take special care when making soaps for allergy-sensitive individuals. Ingredients like almonds, cinnamon, and honey may have adverse effects on some individuals.

 

Herbal Toner

Here’s  a recipe for a simple toner to be used within 3 days.

For sensitive and mature skin:

  • 1/2 cup rose, lavender or Calendula water infusion*
  • 1 teaspoon vegetable glycerine
  • 1/2 cup witch hazel

For oily skin:

  • 1/2 cup sage leaves, or
  • 1/2 cup lemon balm, lemon grass, and lemon verbena, or
  • 1 teaspoon vegetable glycerine
  • 1/2 cup witch hazel
  •  1/2 cup rosemary

*For an infusion, steep 2 tablespoons fresh herb (or a combination of herbs to equal 2 tablespoons) in half a cup of boiled water  in a covered glass or porcelain container for 10 minutes. Strain before using.

For sensitive and mature skin, combine rose water, lavender water, or Calendula water as an infusion with vegetable glycerin and witch hazel. Apply with a cotton ball. For oil skin, infuse any of the herbs in half a cup of boiled water for 10 minutes and strain. Add glycerine and witch hazel. Refrigerate after using. After the toner dries and sets, apply a moisturizing cream or lotion.