47 HERBAL REMEDIES
AcneEqual parts: Butternut, Burdock, Echinacea and Cleavers to 5ml of tincture applied three times a day.
Altitude SicknessIn a pot of boiling water, steep Cloves, Allspice, Bay Leaf, Celery Seed, Cinnamon and Marjoram in quantities to taste. Mix in the following mints: Basil, Savory and Thyme. Should be taken in advance of anticipated travel or hike.
Alzheimer’s DiseaseThis disease affects four million Americans. It strikes about 10 percent of people over 65 and about half of those who live beyond 85. Acetylcholine is a brain chemical known as a neurotransmitter. Acetylcholine is a key ingredient to cognition and reasoning. People with Alzheimer’s often have a deficiency of Acetylcholine. The problem with experimental and FDA approved drugs is their toxicity which carry a potential for liver disease. Since the premise is to slow the degeneration of Acetylcholine and preserve what is already in the brain, there are herbs that can help. It just makes sense to look at herbal alternatives, specifically those herbs that contain compounds that prevent the breakdown of Acetylcholine. Horsebalm, Rosemary, Brazil Nut, Dandelion, Fava Beans, Fenugreek, Ginkgo, Sage, Stinging Nettle, Willow and Gotu Kola are all beneficial for the treatment of Alzheimer’s. Those herbs that can be added as dietary supplements are encouraged. Horsebalm helps to prevent the breakdown of Acetylcholine. Add a few droppers of Horsebalm to a favorite herbal shampoo. Research has also shown that adding foods high in lecithin is promising. Plant foods such as Dandelion Flowers, Poppy Seeds, Soybeans and mung beans should also be added to the diet.
ArthritisThe term Arthritis literally translates to “joint inflammation.” If you suffer from Arthritis, chances are you have taken drugs to combat the effects or tried other “home remedies.” If you haven’t yet tried “Urtication,” it might be helpful. The term “Urtication” comes from the botanical name, Urtica dioica and dates back some 2,000 years to biblical times. Urtica dioica is “Stinging Nettle. The treatment is to grasp the nettles in a gloved hand and swat the sore joints with the nettles. This may seem bizarre, but the practice has proven to be so effective for some sufferers of arthritis that they now maintain a nettle plant on their window sill.
AsthmaEphedra sinica (Ma Huang) is an excellent bronchodilator. The natural form of Ephedra is better tolerated than the synthetic “edphedrine” causing fewer negative heart symptoms.
Gumweed 24 parts tincture
Pill Bearing Spurge 24 parts tincture
Lobelia 12 parts tincture
Wild Cherry 12 parts tincture
Licorice Root 12 parts tincture
Motherwort 12 parts tincture
Ma Huang 10 parts tincture
Aniseed 1 parts e.o.
5ml. of mixture taken 3 times a day. If Pill Bearing Spurge proves difficult to obtain then double the amount of Gumweed to make up for it.
Athlete’s FootFungicidal essential oils are the most effective topical treatment. Examples are Myrrh, Ti-Tree and Garlic. The treatment will be smelly but will also show dramatic results.
Bad BreathChewing on parsley will eliminate bad breath. Chewing on Cardamom is very effective as Cardamom actually kills bad breath bacteria.
BronchitisTry two teaspoons of horehound per one cup of boiling water. Add lemon and licorice to taste.
BruisesCrush and chop chilled parsley and apply to bruised area. Parsley will pull the color from the bruising very quickly. Possible to have the discoloration gone within 24 hours.
BurnsThere are three levels of burns. First degree only hurts the outer layer of skin, like a sunburn. Second degree burns will develop blisters indicating the burn has penetrated deeper into the skin and is more painful. The worst type of burn is a third-degree burn and is a medical emergency. For minor first and second degree burns, use a leaf from an aloe plant for instant relief.
CancerLet’s make it perfectly clear that as of this writing there is no known cure for Cancer. In fact, the term itself is ambiguous and can be any type of malignant illness. What we will give you here is a Cancer and Blood Purifier:
4 parts Licorice Root
4 parts Red Clover
2 parts Burdock Root
2 parts Stillingia
2 parts Berberis Root
2 parts Poke Root
1 part Cascara Amarga
1 part Prickley Bark
1 part Buckthorne Bark
Fill gelatin capsules. Take 1 on the first day, 2 on the second until you reach 36 per day for 2 years. Avoid vinegar, pork and tomatoes.
Canker SoresMouth wash: Equal parts Marshmallow and Chamomile infused to be gargled often. Also consider Balm and St. John’s Wort.
Colds and FluAt the first sign of sniffles, immediately ingest Echinacea. There are over 200 viruses that can cause the common cold. They are shared by coughing, sneezing and by hand. Therefore, the first treatment is prevention! Wash hands often and well, using a good anti-bacterial soap. Eating garlic can help in the prevention of colds and flu. Here are a few other remedies:
Pour a cup of boiling water over a couple of tablespoons of fresh, shredded Ginger Root. Makes a good hot tea that is effective against the most common cold viruses.
ConstipationOne to three tablespoons of whole or crushed Flaxseed two or three times a day will help with chronic constipation. Be sure you get at least eight glasses of water a day to keep the bulk moving through the digestive system.
CoughingSlice a large onion into rings. Place in deep bowl. Cover the slices with organic honey. Allow to stand overnight. In the morning strain the liquid creating a simple cough elixir.
DandruffCreate an herbal scalp rinse.
Add one teaspoon of Potassium Chloride (find in salt section at the supermarket) into 6 cups of water. Heat until the Potassium Chloride dissolves. Chop four ounces of fresh Celandine (if fresh is not available use a half cup of the dried herb instead).Add Celandine to the solution. Allow to stand for two hours. Then boil slowly for 20 minutes. Strain out the plant material, and simmer reducing to one and one half cups. Add eight ounces of glycerin and continue simmering reducing the liquid slowly to two cups. Strain the result and bottle it. Store in cool place. Use once or twice a day as a hair rinse.
DepressionPersistent depression is a serious disorder and you should see your doctor for treatment. In the meantime you might like to try a Licorice tea. Simply add some to any of your favorite herbal teas. Using up to approximately 3 cups of tea a day or more or ingesting larger amounts can produce headache, lethargy, sodium and water retention, loss of potassium and high blood pressure. At least eight Licorice compounds are monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors which are compounds capable of potent antidepressant action.
DiarrheaUse two to three teaspoons of Agrimony (high tannin content) leaves to make a tea.
Apple pulp is rich in pectin. Try eating applesauce.
Use cooked carrots to treat diarrhea in infants. Will soothe the digestive tract while providing nutrients that are lost during the attack.
In all cases, drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration.
EaracheTaken internally, Garlic can help cure a middle ear infection. A few drops of Garlic oil in the ear can’t hurt either. You can also try using a teaspoon of dried Echinacea in tea.
FeverTwo to three teaspoons of Elder flowers a day in tea will help reduce feverish chills.
Try Ginger tea or eat candied ginger or sip ginger ale. Add peppermint to fever-fighting teas.
FlatulenceEver wonder why the instructions on packages of beans recommend soaking the beans overnight? It actually has nothing to do with the recipe, but everything to do with an anti-gas remedy. You can also deflate flatulence with a tea made up of Camomile, Caraway, Dill, Fennel, Lemon Balm and Peppermint. Sweeten with Licorice.
Gallstones and Kidney StonesThe best way to treat these diseases is with prevention and that begins with drinking six to eight glasses of water each day. This keeps the urine too diluted to create the stones in the first place. Drink several cups of Stinging Nettle Tea each day to prevent and treat kidney stones. To one cup of boiling water, steep one teaspoon of finely chopped dried herb.
GoutIt is purported that Celery Seed keeps uric acid below critical levels. Try taking two to four tablets of celery seed extract daily.
HeadacheNo single treatment works for all headaches. Feverfew is probably the best known treatment. Some people try ingesting the leaves directly, causing mouth sores. The good news is that you can also brew a tea with two to eight fresh leaves steeping in boiling water. Do not boil the leaves however, as it breaks down the effectiveness. Pregnant women SHOULD NOT take Feverfew nor should women who are breast feeding.
HeartburnCamomile is the best source for heartburn and stomach problems. Licorice might be a second choice, but take care. Too much Licorice will produce headache, lethargy, and a potential serious loss of potassium as well as the possibility of high blood pressure.
HemorrhoidsUse the following salve after each bowel movement.
One teaspoon Calendula
One teaspoon Camomile
One teaspoon Yarrow
One teaspoon Plantain
One teaspoon St. John’s Wort
Mix each herb in powdered form with enough emollient oil (almond) to form a paste then apply.
High Blood Pressure
Try vegetable soup. Yes, vegetable soup. Add any of the following: Celery, Garlic, Hawthorn, Kudzu, Onion, Tomato, Broccoli, Carrot, Purslane (any anything else that contains magnesium), Saffron, Valerian, Fennel, Oregano, Black Pepper, Basil and Tarragon. Consume on a regular basis. Eliminate pork, beef, and alcohol from your diet. Eat more plant foods and herbs and use a good vitamin regimen.
IndigestionCreate a tincture of:
A dash of Angelica, Anise, Camomile, Coriander, Fennel, Ginger, Rosemary and Turmeric along with two dashes of any mint herbs. Steep these herbs overnight in the refrigerator in a mixture of alcohol and water (one shot of vodka per cup of spring water). Drink as a tea or mix with juice.
Insect Bites/StingsTry using Citronnela Oil. Do not use without first diluting. Add several drops to vegetable oil and rub directly on your skin.
InsomniaLemon Balm is a sedative as well as a stomach soother. Try a tea made with two to four teaspoons of dried herb per cup of boiling water.
Liver Problems
Use Milk Thistle for all types of liver troubles. Available in capsule form at health food stores.
MenopauseBlack Cohosh is recommended for many “female complaints.” It contains estrogenic substances that relieve menopausal symptoms, especially hot flashes. Native American women knew to use it for childbirth and other gynecological problems. Try 2 parts Chasteberry, 1 part St. John’s Wort and 1 part Life Root. To 5ml of tincture taken three times a day.
Motion Sickness and Nausea
Raspberry leaf tea, used for morning sickness is also a good treatment for motion sickness. Ginger is another treatment for motion sickness. Munch it or buy Ginger capsules at the health food store.
OsteoporosisFew people know that high protein diets leech calcium from bone. Reduce protein intake and try this broth:
Place leftover fish bones in a large pot. Add a few quarts of water. Bring to a boil. Cover and simmer 30 minutes. Add a couple handfuls of finely chopped Cabbage, Dandelion Greens, Stinging Nettle greens, Parsley, Pigweed and Purslane. Season to taste with salt, pepper and any other seasonings you prefer. Remove fish bones before serving as a vegetable/herb soup or as a stock for hearty bean soup.
PainUse clove oil for toothache, applied directly to the painful tooth.
Red Pepper contains capsaicin that stimulates the release of endorphins. Use in recipes.
Willow bark contains salicin, the original aspirin. Start with a low dose tea. If you are allergic to aspirin, avoid this treatment.
PneumoniaThere is no substitute for your doctors recommendations, but you might enhance treatment with a tea comprised of Dandelion. Cook the greens and roots. And drink the juice that remains after the green are cooked. If fresh Dandelion is not available, use the dried herb.
Prostate EnlargementMake a spread of Saw Palmetto, Licorice and Pumpkin Seeds. Place a half cup of fresh Pumpkin Seeds in a food processor. Add one Saw Palmetto Capsule contents (without the capsule), and add a few drops of Licorice extract. Blend until smooth. You may add a little Brazil Nut oil to make it spread easier. Eat a couple of tablespoonfuls every day. Make small batches at a time to insure freshness.
PsoriasisFolk healers have recommended rubbing mashed Avocado on psoriasis patches. If nothing else, it is cool and soothing.
ShinglesTry using a mixed mint tea. Use lots of Lemon Balm plus ay other mints you would like: Hyssop, Oregano, Peppermint, Rosemary, Sage, Self Heal, Spearmint or Thyme. Add a little Licorice as well. Drink it, of course, but also try applying it directly to the rash.
SinusitisCreate your favorite vegetable soup. Add heaping amounts of Garlic, Onions, Horseradish, Hot Pepper and Ginger. Enjoy the dish while feeling your sinuses open.
Skin ProblemsIn addition to Aloe, the best known herb for skin treatment, try Evening Primrose Oil. Apply directly to the irritation. Should be available in your health food store.
Sore ThroatSlipper Elm capsules will do the trick for a raging sore throat. Just remember that it is probably a portent of a cold, flue or strep to come. Another treatment is a few teaspoons of crushed Euclyptus leaves per cup of boiling water for a soothing tea.
SunburnUse wet teabags to apply to sunburned areas. Aloe applied to the affected areas is always a good recommendation. Calendula speeds the healing of burns. You can probably find commercial creams that contain Calendula at your health food store.
SwellingOne of the active components in Ginger is Zingibain. One gram of Zingibain can tenderize as much as 20 pounds of meat. The most pleasant method of ingesting Ginger is to eat Ginger candy. Pineapple is also known to contribute to the reduction of swelling. Tastes good too! Dandelion is a potent diuretic and can remove some of the excess fluid that causes swelling. Youc an also purchase capsules.
TinnitusHands down, Ginkgo is the best treatment for Tinnitus. The best way to take it as an extract which you will probably only find in a health food store. When shopping look for 50:1 on the label. 40mgs per day is recommended to treat Tinnitutis.
TonsillitisEchinacea and Goldenseal are a good bet to treat Tonsillitis. Combine the two as a tea and gargle as well as ingest.
ToothacheAs mentioned earlier, Clove Oil is a good treatment for toothache. Another is a compress of Ginger and Red Pepper. Mix the powdered spices in enough water to form a paste. Use a small cotton ball to dip in the paste then apply the cotton directly to the tooth without letting it touch the gum. If it is too hot, rinse your mouth and try a different remedy.
UlcersYou may find this recipe too tasty to be called a treatment!
Bananas, Pineapple, Blueberries, Ground Cinnamon, Ground Cloves, Ground Ginger, Honey. Cut up the bananas and pineapple and place in a serving bowl. Add blueberries and season generously with the Cinnamon, Cloves and Ginger and sweeten with the Honey. Or, use above ingredients to create a anti-ulcer drink.
VaginitisCarefully peel a clove of Garlic so that no nicks are made in the meat. Wrap in clean gauze with a clean, unbleached string creating a small tampon like packet. Insert into the vagina each night for up to six nights. If this treatment does not cure the infection see your physician.
Yeast InfectionsMix two to three drops of Tea Tree Oil in a tablespoon of yogurt. Soak a tampon in the mixture. Insert the tampon at night for up to six nights. Care must be taken when using any plant extracts. They are extremely concentrated and even in small doses can cause harm.
HARMFUL EFFECTS AND THINGS TO AVOID
Herbs are good medicine. There is no doubt about that fact. However, there are over 300,000 higher plant species. A good herbalist may know of one or two thousand of them. This means that even an experienced herbalist can make mistakes. Let’s take a look at some of the most common problems.
Pregnant women should avoid barberry root bark, cascara sagrada, feverfew, juniper berries, mugwort, pennyroyal, pokeroot, rue, senna, southernwood, tansy, thuja and wormwood. All of those herbs can increased a risk for miscarriage. Safe herbs during pregnancy would be Manna, Butternut Bark or Root, Flax Seed, Slippery Elm and Lemon Verbena.
No matter what herb(s) you are taking, be mindful of anything unexpected. Stop taking whatever it is and consult an expert you can trust.
Make certain you have the correct diagnosis. Diagnosis is not easy and sometimes doctors make mistakes. Generally, however, a doctor is much better equipped to diagnose. Discuss any planned herbal discipline you plan to undertake with your physician.
Watch for any allergic reactions. Even though you may have never had any allergies in the past, if you are embarking on an herbal journey, watch carefully for any adverse reactions. If you experience difficulty in breathing within 30 minutes of trying a new herb, food or drug, call 911 immediately! You may be having an anaphylactic reaction which is the most severe form of allergic reaction. This condition can quickly become fatal unless treated promptly. This reaction is rare, but you need to be careful and be aware.
Watch for any interactions. Medicines often interact negatively with one another. So do herbs. Always be careful when taking more than one drug or herb or a combination of both. If you suspect an interaction consult your physician or pharmacist.
One interaction that you should be aware of is Antidepressants known as monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors. They interact badly with wine, cheese and many other foods. St. John’s Wort is also an MAO inhibitor so the same food restrictions apply. If you plan on using St. John’s Wort, discuss it with your physician or pharmacist.
Lastly, make certain that both your physician AND your herbalist are fully aware of all medications and/or herbal treatments you are using.
QUICK FACTS AND TIPS
Hemorrhoids:Cayenne will stimulate circulation. Nettles and Irish Moss increase blood circulation. A potato suppository (raw potato) inserted overnight brings healing to hemorrhoids. Slippery Elm or Flax Seed will do the same.
Diarrhea:Barley or rice water stop diarrhea. Boil one cup of rice or barley in 8 cups of water for on hour. Celery juice, coconut milk or lime juice can be added to cool colon. Blackberry root, Bush Monkey Flower or White Oak are antiseptic herbs.
Pain:3 parts Confrey, 1 part Lobelia and 1 part Cayenne.
Garlic:Externally for skin disorders such as ringworm, scabies, and lice. Make a strong tea 3 times a day for 2 weeks to ingest.
Syrup of Garlic for catarrh, asthma, tuberculosis, regulating blood pressure, heart weakness and internal ulceration.
To cover odor or tast of Garlic, use Oil of Anise, Caraway, Fennel Cinnamon or Peppermint.
Golden Seal:Removes B Vitamins from the body.
Stress:1 ounce Bayberry Bark, 2 ounces Ginger, 1 ounce White Pine, 1 dram Clover, 1 dram of Cayenne. Mix all together under stress. Put one teaspoon in a cup of boiling water for 15 minutes.
Antispasmodic Tincture:1 ounce Lobelia Seed, 1 ounce Skullcap, 1 ounce Skunk Cabbage Root, 1 ounce Black Cohosh, ½ ounce Cayenne.
Ad above to one pint of boiling water for ½ hour. Add 1 pint of Apple Cider Vinegar and bottle for use. Dose: 8 to 15 drops in cup of hot water every hour. For shock, cramps, epilepsy, hysteria, lock jaw, poisonous bites and stings.
Homemade Toothpaste:1 pinch powdered Sage
1 ounce powdered Myrrh
1 pound powdered Arrow Root
20 drops Oil of Clover
12 drops Oil of Bergamot
½ ounce powdered chalk
3 ounces powdered Oris Root
4 teaspoons tincture of Vanilla
15 drops Oil of Rose Geranium
Add honey to get desired consistency
Nerve Tonic:1 part Black Cohos Root
1 part Cayenne
1 part Hops
1 part Ladys Slipper Root
Powder and mix. Place in gelatin capsules. Take two capsules three times a day.
First Aid Kit:Charcoal for external drawing of poisons
Oil of Garlic
Antispasmodic tincture
Peppermint Oil for nausea
Sweating Herbs – ½ Elder Flower and ½ Peppermint
Liniment:2 ounces powdered Myrrh
1 ounce powdered Golden Seal
½ ounce Cayenne
1 quart Apple Cider Vinegar
Mix together, shake each day for seven days then strain and bottle.
Gout:Eat a minimum of four ounces of fresh Bing Cherries each day. If fresh cherries are not in season drink bottled or buy concentrate and have on tablespoon three times a day.
Hangover:Rub a wedge of lemon in each armpit.
Migraine Headache:At the first sign, dip a toothpick in Cayenne Pepper and sniff in each nostril.
Enjoy