Tag: Echinacea

Herbal First Aid Kit c. 2012

Please note that this is in no way meant to take the place of regular medical advice or treatment.
Please see a doctor if conditions persist or worsen

Contents and Instructions

* Calendula Ointment – Use for minor cuts and grazes, red rashes and any minor skin rash.
* Comfrey Ointment – Suitable for all bruises and minor damage to external blood vessels and veins.
* St. Johns Wort Oil – Beneficial for itchy skin and irritable psoriasis. Also good for sunburn when applied at night.
* Liver Mixture – Has mild laxative properties and helps with the digestion of rich food. Take one teaspoon at night or 30 minutes before your main meal.
* Parasite Mixture – Effective against some common internal parasites. If  infestation is suspected abstain from all food for 24 hours. Then take one tablespoon of the mixture in a little water and repeat this dose after four hours and then once again after another four hours. Your parasites should by then have died. You should be able to recommence eating four hours after the last dose, (Gasp!). May also be used as a skin wash for external parasites.
* Nervine and Sedative Mixture – Take 25 drops 3 x daily on an empty stomach as a general sedative. If you have trouble sleeping at night take one teaspoon in a little water 30 minutes before bed-time.
* Astringent Mix. – Good for internal bleeding and also as an effective remedy for occasional diarrhea. If you are stricken with “the runs” take one teaspoonful in a little water every two hours until symptoms subside. Follow up with Echinacea and Goldenseal tincture.
* Echinacea and Goldenseal – Similar in effect to an anti-biotic. Use only in the event of serious infection etc. Take 25 drops in a little water 4 x daily half an hour before meals. Continue for at least two weeks. May be used externally as an antiseptic and anesthetic lotion.
* Echinacea Tincture – Similar to the previous mixture but more suitable for use over a long period when taken internally. May be taken for up to one month in order to boost the overall effectiveness of the immune system.
Important – These remedies are in no way intended as a substitute for proper medical care and attention. If your symptoms persist please consult with a reputable health care practitioner.

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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Crone’s Corner – WILDCRAFTING

Crone’s Corner – WILDCRAFTING

November brings on thoughts of mushroom hunting, gathering walnuts and digging medicinal roots. In my wandering

along the creek and surrounding areas, I have located two walnut trees. The nuts are easy to gather but it
will take some time to clean off the black outer casing. I soak the nuts for a short time and then begin scrubbing with a stiff
brush. You don’t want to soak walnuts for a long time as water will absorb through the shells and possibly spoil the meat inside.
I dry them thoroughly in a mesh bag (such as onions come in) by the woodstove. Walnuts are a good source of protein and
shelling them can be a great family pastime.

Digging up medicinal roots such as Echinacea and Oregon Grape is best done in the fall after the plants are dormant. Echinacea
is grown in the garden. The root systems are somewhat fine though they can be rather large in older plants. It’s best to
harvest plants that are 3 years old as they have reached their maximum potency. Clean the dirt off thoroughly then layer loosely
on paper in an open box to dry or you can chop them into small pieces, put in a jar, and cover with 100 proof Vodka to make your
own tincture. Keep covered and shake daily for 2-3 weeks. Then strain and save for use.

Oregon Grape is an evergreen shrub that grows very prolifically and is quite common. It’s coarse red and green leaves are very
similar to Holly and I have used them in Christmas greenery displays. Oregon Grape’s medicinal qualities are much the same
as Goldenseal and can be substituted as such. Wild Goldenseal is becoming increasingly hard to find and becoming an endangered species so using Oregon Grape instead can help to let the species repopulate.

Oregon Grape’s roots are very woody. I suggest you use it right away. Long ago I harvested some, dried it and stored it away.
They became rock hard pieces of wood. Use Oregon Grape the same as you would Goldenseal, for infections, as a blood purifier,
liver conditions, and skin diseases.

Both Echinacea and Oregon Grape can be grown and harvested as cash crops.

By Tony Frohnauer www.nfbotanicals.com (c)2002