Herb Reference

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Herb Reference

BURDOCK ROOT - (Arctium lappa) Blood purifier. Useful for any systemic

rash conditions, such as psoriasis. Antiseptic. Useful for bites,

stings, animal bites and boils. For rashes, use internally and externally.

Internally, burdock is also useful for arthritic conditions, rheumatism,

and many types of infections. It is the primary ingredient in ESSIAC

TEA, a Native American cancer formula. Burdock is a plentiful "weed" in

our area that we can harvest.

BLACK WALNUT HULLS - (Juglans nigra) Antifungal. Use for athletes foot

and other fungal infections, parasites, abscesses, and boils.

CALENDULA - (Calendula officinalis) This species of marigold is often

cultivated in gardens. Calendula helps to soothe inflamed tissues,

reduce pain and aids in quick healing of cuts and abrasions.

CHAPARRAL - (Larrea divaricata) Antibiotic and antiseptic. Useful

against bacteria, viruses, parasites, and warts. Relieves itching of

eczema, scabies and dandruff. Native Americans used chaparral to treat

cancer.

CHICKWEED - (Stellaria media) Cooling, antiseptic herb used to treat

inflammations, relieve itching, blisters, boils, and abscesses. Fresh

plant is edible in salads or as a cooked green. You can find chickweed

growing in your lawn, garden, or meadows.

COMFREY ROOT & LEAF - (Symphytum officinale) Prolific plant that is

valuable in the treatment of all types of skin, bone, and muscle

injuries. Comfrey helps wounds to heal quickly. Use for burns, blisters

, broken bones, and inflammations. Used both internally and externally.

Comfrey has a soothing effect on any organ it comes in contact with.

Also used for respiratory and digestive system disorders.

ECHINACEA - (Echinacea purpurea or E. angustifolia) This herb is the

most widely consumed herb in the world today. It is used internally to

activate the immune system when fighting colds and flu, or almost any

type of infection. Lesser known is the fact that echinacea is beneficial

for many topical applications. Echinacea can be used to treat infected

wounds, psoriasis, and eczema. Echinacea stimulates the bodies defenses

at the sight of the wound and aids in the development of healthy tissue.

Also used as a wash to remove poison ivy oils from the skin. I prefer to

use an alcohol based echinacea tincture if I need to remove poison ivy

oils from my skin.

The root is the most powerful part of the plant. If you want to purchase

echinacea for immune stimulation, avoid products that don't contain any

root, or ones that do not list the echinacea species on the label. Two

species, Echinacea purpurea and Echinacea angustifolia, are commonly

used. Both species are powerful, but it is best to choose E. purpurea

because it is the most abundant species. E. angustifolia is becoming

rare in the wild. Many people cultivate echinacea in their gardens,

commonly known as Purple Coneflower. To avoid further depletion of wild

echinacea plants, try to buy only cultivated plants or grow your own.

GOLDENSEAL - (Hydrastis canadensis) Antiseptic and astringent. Used for

cuts, wounds, infections, bites, and stings. Goldenseal is also widely

used internally for the treatment of sinus infections and other

inflammations of the mucus membranes, including the stomach and

intestinal tract. The medicinal part of the plant is the root.

Ohio used to be the most abundant habitat for goldenseal but

over-harvesting has depleted the wild populations. Goldenseal is now

scarce and should not be harvested from the wild. Try to buy goldenseal

roots that are cultivated or grow your own if you have a rich woods

MYRRH - (Commiphora myrrha) Antiseptic and astringent. Very effective

antiseptic used in salves. Combined with goldenseal, myrrh is good for

wounds, bedsores, abscesses, and hemorrhoids. Internally, myrrh is used

to treat fungal infections, congestion, ulcers, and as a wash for sore gums.

PLANTAIN - (Plantago spp.) Astringent, antiseptic, and emollient.

Plantain helps to relieve pain of insect bites and is a wonderful remedy

for cuts, and skin infections. For a quick relief, pick a leaf, chew it

and apply it to the insect bite or sting. Plantain is the source of

psyllium seeds, a bulk laxative found in many over - the - counter products.

Plantain can be found in lawns, meadows, and open woods. Plantain is

abundant and can be harvested from the wild.

ST. JOHN'S WORT - (Hypericum perforatum) The salve is good for burns,

wounds, bruises, sores, insect bites, fungal infections such as eczema,

and itching. This is my favorite herb to use in salves! St. John's Wort

is used internally for the treatment of depression and is currently

being researched for possible use in the treatment of AIDS.

St. John's Wort can be harvested from the wild if you find large patches

of it. I harvest a portion of the flower head and leave a portion on the

plant to produce seed. If you pick one of the yellow flowers and rub it

between your fingers it will stain your fingers red!

Animals develop photosensitivity when they consume St. John's Wort and

there is some evidence that humans consuming large amounts of the herb

may develop photosensitivity. When using a St. John's Wort Salve it is

best not to use it before long periods of sun exposure.

Essential Oils

Essential oils are steam distilled concentrates of the natural oils

present in plants, flowers, roots, and trees. They are 100% pure and

must be carefully used by the drop.

CAMPHOR - (Cinnamomum camphora) Used as a congestion clearing inhalant

and muscle liniment.

EUCALYPTUS - (Eucalyptus globulus) Used for rubbing on sore muscles, as

an inhalant, and chest rub for colds. Decongestant, antibiotic,

antiseptic and antiviral. Used as a topical antiseptic on sores and

fungal infections such as ring worm.

TEA TREE OIL - (melaleuca alternifolia) Very effective fungicide,

antibacterial and antiseptic. Michael Tierra, calls Tea Tree Oil, "the

first aid kit in a bottle." Use for cuts, pimples, boils, cold sores,

burns, stings, ticks, athletes foot and other fungal infections.

WINTERGREEN OIL - (Gualtheria promcumbens) Use as a salve to rub on sore

joints and muscles. Harmful or fatal if taken internally.

 

 

Miscellaneous Ingredients

BEESWAX - A naturally occurring wax produced by bees. Beeswax is used in

your salve to solidify the oil. Softens and protects skin.

VITAMIN E - Vitamin E also has the ability to preserve fats and aid in

the healing of wounds.

OILS - For salve, olive oil is the preferred choice of oil because it is

less likely to become rancid. It is better to choose cold pressed oils

because they retain some of the nutrients and enzymes. If you plan to

make a salve to use specifically on your face, then a light oil is best.

Apricot kernel and grapeseed oils are very light.

 

 

"A clean house is a sign of a misspent life"

 

 

 

 

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