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Materials of Medicine
(Home
Herbal Medicine)
By: Colin Hill
(Smiling Snake)
(The
Ditch Wizard or Herb and Food Shaman)
Links
and List of Herbs:
CREDITS:
Colin
Hill (Laughing Snake) has sourced his work from: Jethro Kloss (Author
of: ‘Back to Eden') and the Queensland Institute of Natural Science
for the course: ‘Herbal Medicine’. Sitting Owl has added just a little to this work by
cross-referencing from many sources, especially ‘Kitchen Pharmacy’
by Rose Elliot and Carlo De Paoli, and a variety of writings from Dr
Maurice Blackmore (founder of Blackmores Laboratories)
How
to Use the Herbs
As
the following information is simply a collection of information, it is
recommended that if problems persist or if there is any doubt you seek
advice from a professional medical or naturopathic practitioner. All the herbs in this book can be cultivated in a home garden,
and an organic garden is preferred.
Warning
on dosages
When in doubt don’t. Please check with one of the many herbalists available for
correct uses and dosages.
Tisane or Infusions
These are made by pouring boiling water on the fresh or dried herbs and
allowing a few minutes to infuse, usually from five (5) to twelve (12)
minutes. The strength varies
with different herbs, and can be sweetened to taste with honey, raw, or
brown sugar.
Brews
or Decoctions
These
are made by simmering the herb in water for ten (10) minutes. The proportions are the same as for the teas above. Boiling destroys the active principle or ingredient of some herbs
and these are better taken as teas or eaten raw in salads and other food
dishes.
Dosage
varies, but it is difficult to take an overdose of any of the herbs in
this book. Herbal medicines act gently and slowly. Instant miraculous cures are as unlikely as harmful side effects. The curative properties of these herbs have been known and
described for centuries, so are tried and true. It is recommended that you begin with a smallest dose and
gradually increase it This
is a hot or cold pack applied to the skin, often over a wound or other
damage. It is made by mixing hot water with chopped or ground herbs in a
muslin (cotton gauze) bag, often used to draw pus and other debris from
a wound. Onion, Linseed and Comfrey are particularly suited to this
technique
Parsley
for the Nerves
(Petroselinum)
Therapeutic
actions of the leaves and stems:
Neutral
to cooling (Slightly Yin)
DIURETIC:
To excite the secretion of urine, or the driving off (reduction) of
fluids.
STIMULANT:
Quickens the physiological processes.
NUTRITIVE:
High Vitamin and Mineral content.
CALMATIVE:
A mild sedative for calming the nerves and combating stress.
APPETITE:
Increases appetite for food.
DEPURATIVE:
To purify the blood (Chrophyill).
EMMENAGOGUE:
Promotes menstrual discharge.
CULINARY:
To give flavouring to foods, particularly salads and sauces.
Therapeutic
actions of seeds:
DIURETIC:
To excite the secretion of urine, or the driving off (reduction) of
fluids.
Helps
to prevent cancer.
CALMATIVE:
A mild sedative for calming the nerves and combating stress.
APPETITE:
Increases appetite for food. Helps
children in the growing process.
Parsley
cleanses and enriches the blood, which makes it good for helping to
reduce skin disorders; and the high content of iron along with
oestrogen-like substances make it good for weak anaemic women with
scanty periods.
Parsley also helps with digestion and Rheumatism.
Freshly
expressed juice: 1 Teaspoon to ½ a cup of water, vitamised with the
fibre strained off.
ONLY ONE (1) CUP PER DAY taken in the morning helps with voice
loss and asthma.
Also a remedy for intermittent fever.
Parsley
Tea: About 3 sprigs to 1 cup of boiling water.
Leave for 10 minutes, then strain and drink before retiring for
bed. This is an excellent
remedy for kidney and bladder troubles, menstrual colic, and relieves
rheumatism.
Note:
Because
it increases the menstrual flow, parsley should not be taken in the form
of tea during pregnancy or by women with heavy periods, although it can
still be used as flavouring in foods.
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Oregano for the Circulatory System
(Oreganum
vulgare)
Therapeutic actions of leaves, stems and roots:
Warming (Slightly Yang)
TONIC: Increases strength or improves the general tone of the whole system.
EXPECTORANT: Promotes discharges from the chest and lungs.
DIGESTIVE: Increases the tone of the stomach and aids digestion.
SUDORIFIC: Produces or increases sweat.
NERVINE: Acts as a nerve sedative, calming the nerves and combating stress.
PECTORAL: Helps remedy the complaints of the chest and lungs.
STOMACHIC: Strengthens the stomach and its digestive system.
ANTISPASMODIC: Remedy for muscle spasms attended with pain.
AROMATIC: Having an agreeable odour with a stimulating quality.
STIMULANT: Quickens the physiological processes.
DIURETIC: To excite the secretion of urine, or the driving off (reduction) of fluids.
CALMATIVE: A mild sedative for calming the nerves and combating stress.
Therapeutic action of oil:
RUBEFACIENT: (To rub in). Used as a liniment.
Oregano, as well as having a natural antibiotic action, also has a powerful action on the respiratory and digestive systems, so it therefore eases colds and flues of the cold shivery type. It is given to relieve cramps, for the relief of painful menstruation, and for catarrh (inflammation of mucous membrane) of the air passages, head colds, and asthma.
Tea of Oregano: 1oz (approx. 30 grams) of freshly picked or dried leaves to 1 pint (approx. ½ litre) of boiling water.
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Sage for the Lymphatic
(clear fluid) System
(Salvia
Officinalus)
Therapeutic action of leaves:
Neutral to warm (Tones both Yin and Yang)
TONIC: Increases strength or improves the general tone of the whole system.
VULNERARY: A remedy for wounds.
HAEMOSTATIC: Stops bleeding.
CORDIAL: Beneficial to the heart.
NERVINE: Acts as a nerve sedative, calming the nerves and combating stress.
DISINFECTANT: Cleanses infection by destroying or inhibiting the activity of disease producing
micro-organisms.
ASTRINGENT: Contracts organic tissue, reducing secretions or discharges.
FEBRIFUGE: Drives away or removes fever.
ANTISPASMODIC: Remedy for muscle spasms attended with pain.
DIGESTIVE: Increases the tone of the stomach and aids digestion.
AROMATIC: Having an agreeable odour with a stimulating quality.
STIMULANT: Quickens the physiological processes.
DIURETIC: To excite the secretion of urine, or the driving off (reduction) of fluids.
CALMATIVE: A mild sedative for calming the nerves and combating stress.
Sage is one of the finest prophylactics (antibiotics), fighting against infectious diseases. It is a thousand times more beneficial to the human cell than any synthetic antibiotic as it destroys the invading bacteria, but not the essential healthy bacteria, which protect against further infections. As a result Sage helps with almost any biological system especially the immune system and digestive
system.
Sage is an excellent remedy for all throat infections and the essential oil can also be rubbed around the throat area. And it is also a fine brain tonic, useful for concentration.
Sage Tea: 1oz (approx. 30 grams) of fresh or dried sage leaves to 1 pint (approx. ½ litre) of boiling water. Leave for 10 minutes, then strain. Drink when needed for all infections of the throat, tonsils, laryngitis etc. It is a remedy for pleurisy and pneumonia; hence it is good for the lungs. It relieves wind and cramps of the stomach and will help alleviate diarrhoea. Sage also quietens the nerves and makes for a sound sleep.
Sage Gargle: 30g of fresh or dried leaves to ½ l of water. Boil for five (5) minutes, strain and cool. Add some honey to improve the taste.
NOTE: Because it encourages menstruation, sage is not recommended as a tea or rub during pregnancy and heavy periods. As with all herbal preparations of teas, three (3) cups a day for three (3) weeks is sufficient, as overuse or abuse causes reverse effects.
Sitting Owl uses a sprinkle on the tomato along with the salt and pepper for his salad sandwiches.
NB: It was the Bear that gave man his knowledge of herbal medicine. Man observed the bear eating certain plants when he was suffering a particular problem.
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Peppermint for Digestion
(Mentha
piperita)
Therapeutic actions of the leaves:
STOMACHIC: Strengthens the stomach and its digestive system.
ANODYNE: Allays (represses), soothes or mitigates pain. Sooths or relieves pain (PAIN KILLER)
TONIC: Increases strength or improves the general tone of the whole system.
ANTISPASMODIC: Remedy for muscle spasms attended with pain.
CALMATIVE: A mild sedative for calming the nerves and combating stress.
AROMATIC: Having an agreeable odour with a stimulating quality.
ANTISEPTIC: Corrects putrefaction and destroys bacteria.
ASTRINGENT: Contracts organic tissue, reducing secretions or discharges.
STIMULANT: Quickens the physiological processes.
Peppermint is the best-known STOMACHIC, so it is a good remedy for indigestion, flatulence, and digestive disturbances. Gather just after flowering. The flowers can be eaten too.
Peppermint Tea: ½ oz (approx. 15 grams) of fresh leaves to 1 pint (½ litre) of boiling water.
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Rosemary for the Mental Faculties
(Rosmarinus
Officinalis)
Therapeutic actions of leaves:
Warm to Hot (Yang)
TONIC: Increases strength or improves the general tone of the whole system.
BRAIN TONIC: Beneficial to the memory.
NERVINE: Acts as a nerve sedative, calming the nerves and combating stress.
HEART TONIC: Beneficial to the strength of the heart.
ANTISEPTIC: Corrects putrefaction and destroys bacteria.
ASTRINGENT: Contracts organic tissue, reducing secretions or discharges.
DIURETIC: To excite the secretion of urine, or the driving off (reduction) of fluids.
EMMENAGOGUE: Promotes menstrual discharge.
STOMACHIC: Strengthens the stomach and its digestive system.
STIMULANT: Quickens the physiological processes.
SUDORIFIC: Produces or increases sweat.
ANTISPASMODIC: Remedy for muscle spasms attended with pain.
ABORTIVE: Produces premature childbirth.
Rosemary is an excellent brain tonic, which promotes memory; hence it is a good tea for anyone studying. It has a warming and moving (energy) action, so it raises the Yang. It is a proven remedy for digestive disorders, wind in the bowels, diseases of the abdominal organs, heart complaints, and dropsy. And it is a good tonic for the nerves.
Rosemary Tea: 1oz (30g) of fresh or dried leaves to 1pt (½ litre) of boiling water. Drink 1 cup 3 times daily. As a stomachic, for those suffering from mild digestive upset, it may be made from 1oz (30g) of Peppermint leaves. It is good to have 1 cup in the morning or at night made from 1 sprig of Rosemary to 1 pint (½ litre) of boiling water, a slice of lemon, sweetened with honey.
Note: Rosemary should not be used where high blood pressure, ‘bursting’ headaches, or any hot disease is present.
WARNING:
Rosemary should not be taken during pregnancy, due to its abortive quality.
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Thyme for Circulation and Infections
(Thymus vulgaris)
Therapeutic actions of the whole herb:
Hot and dry (Yang)
ANTISPASMODIC: Remedy for muscle spasms attended with pain.
ANTITUSSIVE: Relieves coughing.
TONIC: Increases strength or improves the general tone of the whole system.
EXPECTORANT: Promotes discharges from the chest and lungs.
CALMATIVE: A mild sedative for calming the nerves and combating stress.
ANTISEPTIC: Corrects putrefaction and destroys bacteria.
PECTORAL: Helps remedy the complaints of the chest and lungs.
STIMULANT: Quickens the physiological processes.
DIURETIC: To excite the secretion of urine, or the driving off (reduction) of fluids.
DEPURATIVE: A remedy to purify the blood.
NERVINE: Acts as a nerve sedative, calming the nerves and combating stress.
ANODYNE: Allays (represses), soothes or mitigates pain.
Thyme has been proven to be good at strengthening the heartbeat and increasing the metabolic rate. It also helps to get rid of bacteria and phlegm as well as cheering and warming the heart and lifting the spirit, so it is excellent for colds and bronchitis. Thyme put into a bath strengthens the body against infections and improves circulation. An old, tried and proven remedy for sprains, strains, swellings and bruising is to bath the affected body parts with an infusion of thyme.
Thyme Tea: ½ oz (approx. 15 grams) to 1 pint (½ litre) of boiling water, 3 times daily, or more if desired. This infusion is used for cramps in the abdomen, cramps due to period pains for women, colic, headaches, and catarrh conditions as well as stomach cramps. Double the dose for whooping cough.
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Marigold for Open Wounds
(Calendula
officinalis)
Therapeutic actions of flower petals:
Neutral to slightly warming (Tones both Yin and Yang)
DEPURATIVE: A remedy to purify the blood.
VERMIFUGE: Expels intestinal worms.
SUDORIFIC or DIAPHORETIC: Produces or increases sweat.
EMMENAGOGUE: Promotes menstrual discharge.
STIMULANT: Quickens the physiological processes.
COLOUR AGENT: Used in dyes.
Therapeutic actions of leaves, stem and root:
FEBRIFUGE: Drives away or removes fever.
TONIC: Increases strength or improves the general tone of the whole system.
ASTRINGENT: Contracts organic tissue, reducing secretions or discharges.
STYPTIC: Stops minor blood flow or arrests bleeding.
STIMULANT: Quickens the physiological processes.
SUDORIFIC: Produces or increases sweat.
Marigold or Calendula is a known preventative of cancer. Other known herbs that help the prevention of cancer are Beetroot, Horseradish, Angelica, and the Tree of Life.
It also soothes stagnant energy in the liver; and has a strong anti-inflammatory and healing action on the digestive system, so it is good for treating conditions like inflammation of the stomach and stomach ulcers, cysts, warts, gastritis, colic, diarrhoea, and irritable bowels. Marigold or Calendula is well known as beneficial to be added to all herbal combinations for all gynaecological problems, and the ointment form is good for rubbing on sore nipples as a result of initial breast-feeding. An infusion, or tea, of the flower petals is also used to remedy constipation, yellow jaundice, and scanty or delayed menstruation.
Marigold Tea: put 1oz (approx. 30 grams) of the petals in a teacup, fill with boiling water, leave for 10 minutes, cool, and drink 1 or 2 cups per day if necessary. For stomach ulcers, 1 tablespoon of the above tea every 2 hours.
The tincture (alcoholic solution of a medicine) of Calendula petals is the finest antiseptic known for open wounds; bleeding will stop and healing will start soon after application.
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Comfrey for the Bones
(Symphytum
Officinale)
Therapeutic actions of leaves and root:
ASTRINGENT: Contracts organic tissue, reducing secretions or discharges.
HAEMOSTATIC: Stops bleeding.
STYPTIC: Both ASTRINGENT and HAEMOSTATIC. (Both of the above).
EXPECTORANT: Promotes discharges from the chest and lungs.
VULNERARY: A remedy for wounds.
SEDATIVE: Allays (represses) irritability and irritations, and reduces pain.
DEMULCENT: Lessens the effects of irritation particularly of the mucous membrane.
Comfrey root preparation:
The root may be washed and boiled for 15 minutes, 1oz (approx. 30g) of fresh root to 1-½ pints (approx. ¾ litre) of water. 1 cup every 2 hours for broken bones, asthma, skin complaints, and lung infections. Of the dried root, 2oz (approx. 60g) should be used to 1½ pints (¾ l) of water.
Comfreys, having the above properties make it useful for any type of healing, particularly of cartilage and bone. As an ointment it is very good for healing wounds and external ulcers. Internally it is good for treating inflammatory conditions and ulcers of the gastro-intestinal tract. Asthma sufferers may chew a few fresh leaves every day to get relief and build up resistance. For anaemia, the fresh or dried leaves may be used in an infusion of 1oz (30g) to 1pt (½ l) of boiling water, 1 cup 3 times daily.
Comfrey Poultices:
These may be made by bruising the leaves with the back of a knife, put a slightly damp towel around the leaves. Apply to the wound, sore muscle or swollen joint and leave on for 2 hours and then renew the poultice or give the patient a break for about 6 hours and then repeat. One may also steep the fresh leaves in boiling water as an alternative to bruising. The leaves can then be removed from the water, cooled, and applied in the same manner.
Injuries to the eyes are treated successfully by Comfrey. 1 teaspoon of freshly expressed juice from the leaves may be used in an eye bath of boiled or distilled water. Take both internally and externally for eye injuries.
After an accident, whether or not bones have been broken, Comfrey should be used for a few months. It will clear up whatever internal injuries there are. One warning must be given however. Do not give Comfrey to a person who has been in an accident for the first four days, as it has the quality to congeal blood. This may cause a blood clot, which, if it were to lodge in an artery, it could be dangerous.
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Garlic for Colds and
Flu
(Allium
sativum)
Therapeutic actions of the whole herb:
Hot (Yang)
ANTISPASMODIC: Remedy for muscle spasms attended with pain.
TONIC: Increases strength or improves the general tone of the whole system.
EXPECTORANT: Promotes discharges from the chest and lungs.
STIMULANT: Quickens the physiological processes.
ANTISEPTIC: Corrects putrefaction and destroys bacteria.
SUDORIFIC or DIAPHORETIC: Produces or increases sweat.
DIURETIC: To excite the secretion of urine, or the driving off (reduction) of fluids.
CULINARY: To give flavouring to foods, particularly salads and sauces.
Garlic is now widely known for its antibiotic, antibacterial antifungal, and antiviral effects. These qualities combined with its powerful expectorant and its warming and strengthening action on the respiratory system, makes it excellent for treating colds and flu of the chilliness type. Garlic also helps to eliminate harmful bacteria created by putrefaction of food in the gut due to slow digestion; it increases circulation, warming cold limbs, helps unclog blocked arteries, and lowers blood pressure
When using garlic for treatment, as opposed to a preventative, take 1 clove (segment) twice a day with lunch and dinner for up to 3 weeks.
NOTE: Garlic should not be taken when there is an excess of heat or inflammation in the body, especially in the digestive system, as in gastritis or ulcers.
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Nettle
(Stinging
Nettle) for Everything
(Urtica Urens or Urtica
Dioica)
KEY CONSTITUENTS:
Neutral to warm (Increases Yang)
SEED: Secretin.
LEAF: Flavonoids (Quercetin); Amines (Histamine, Choline, Acetylcholine And Serotonin);
Glucoquinone; Minerals (Calcium, Potassium, Iron, Silicic, Acid); Vitamin C; Lecithin; Chlorophyll; Enzymes.
Therapeutic actions of the whole herb:
DEPURATIVE: A remedy to purify the blood.
ASTRINGENT: Contracts organic tissue, reducing secretions or discharges.
TONIC: Increases strength or improves the general tone of the whole system.
STIMULANT: Quickens the physiological processes.
DIURETIC: To excite the secretion of urine, or the driving off (reduction) of fluids.
DEPURATIVE: A remedy to purify the blood.
ANTINFLAMATORY: Reduces inflammation.
ANTIASTHMATIC and ANTIBRONCHIAL qualities.
HAEMOSTATIC: Stops bleeding.
ANODYNE: Allays (represses), soothes or mitigates pain (Pain Killer).
VERMIFUGE: Expels intestinal worms.
EMMENAGOGUE: Promotes menstrual discharge.
Nettle Tea with a sprig of Thyme is used for mild asthma relief and bronchial problems. The herb is also used as a remedy for kidney troubles and prevents scrofula, which is tuberculosis of the lymph nodes in the neck. Nettle will expel gravel from the bladder and increase the flow of urine. Used for neuralgia, a poultice of the fresh steeped leaves will relieve pain, but do not leave poultice on too long or over use for pain, this herb tends to blister the skin if over used. The tea of nettle increases the menstrual flow and it kills and expels worms. It is also used for diarrhoea, dysentery, piles or haemorrhoids, haemorrhages, gravel or stones, and anaemia. For chronic rheumatism, take the fresh bruised leaves and rub on the skin.
To make a decoction use one teaspoon to a cup of water and simmer on the stove for 10 minutes, strain and use. A tea made with the root of nettle will help in the first stage of dropsy. And it is used for haemorrhages from the urinary organs, lungs, intestines, nose, and stomach.
Use the boiled nettle leaves to stop bleeding almost immediately if applied externally.
Nettle tea is good for colds and flu, pleurisy, fever, and la grippe; is an old remedy for backache and is great for eczema. Use a tisane (tea) to help break up and expel phlegm from the lungs and stomach; clean out the urinary canal and the leaves alone increases breast milk production. It is good for acne and as a blood builder and purifier.
Use nettle tea or decoction for a skin, scalp, and hair tonic to bring back the natural colour of the hair; use as a last rinse when shampooing. Add a little apple cider vinegar to the fresh decoction for hair use, as it helps rid dandruff and brings back new life and natural lustre to hair.
To make a stronger decoction try making a decoction from the root and the leaves, as it reduces prostate enlargement. A strong decoction of this nettle herb can be used for atrophied parts of the body. Wash the herb all over the arms, legs, shoulders, anywhere there is wasted muscles. Bath in it for severe atrophy.
Use nettle tea for cleansing, detoxifying, hay fever, allergic rhinitis, mild asthma, nappy rash, insect bites, and the fresh expressed juice of the leaves to treat stinging nettle stings.
It is good to know that when the stinging varieties are dry it does not sting you! So please try not to stress about stinging nettle, use it, it has great medicinal virtues, the same as the non-stinging varieties.
Keep in mind that the herb nettle’s mineral content is high and is a great tonic for depleted and frayed nerves and is a restorative after long illness.
Also use the young freshly picked tender leaves with salad greens mixed with herb salad.
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Mulberry for Fevers and Thirst
(Morus Nigra Family:
Moraceae)
Therapeutic actions of the berry and juice:
Cooling (Yin)
NUTRITIVE: Serving to nourish.
REFRIGERANT: Cooling the body.
LAXATIVE: Relieving constipation.
DIURETIC: To excite the secretion of urine, or the driving off (reduction) of fluids.
ASTRINGENT: Contracts organic tissue, reducing secretions or discharges.
FEBRIFUGE: Drives away or removes fever.
The Mulberry tree is found in most states of Australia, as it is a very adaptable tree, which thrives in a cold climate as well as a subtropical one. The fruit or expressed juice makes an excellent tonic for those who are convalescing from febrile (fever) or infectious diseases, influenza etc. It is cooling to the blood and quenches thirst. In the sick room, when anyone has a fever, this drink is preferred for its tonic action and thirst quenching qualities over any other beverage. The leaves of the mulberry are used for rearing silkworms.
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Yours
Wholeheartedly
Colin Hill
(Smiling Snake)
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.GIF "Col's Cell Salts - Symptoms of Deficiencies")
.GIF "Col's Cell Salts - Foods High in Chart")