Herbal Medicine

Adder's Tongue - Erythronium americanus L.
Used for scrofula and other skin problems. Make a poultice for external application and take the infusion at the same time. Mix the expressed juice with cider for internal use if preferred, it probably tastes better. Poultice used for old or scrofulus ulcers, wounds, and tumors, draw out splinters, reduce swelling. Fresh root simmered in milk helps dropsy, hiccoughs, vomiting and bleeding from the lower bowels. Water extracts are active against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. Native Americans use the root tea for fevers.

Alfalfa - Medicago sativa
Eliminates retained water, relieves urinary and bowel problems. Used for treating anemia, fatigue, kidneys, peptic ulcers, pituitary problems.

Aloe - Aloe Vera
Emollient, purgative, vulnerary, tonic, demulcent, vermifuge, antifungal, alterative, emmenagogue. The leaf of the aloe contains a special gel or emollient that is used extensively in cosmetics and skin creams. Aloe gel is regarded as one of nature's best natural moisturizers. The juice is bitter and extracted for medicinal use.
One blade of aloe can be used for weeks. The severed end of the blade is self healing. The thin film can easily be broken with each use.

Aloe is used against radiation burns, thermal burns, chapped and dry skin, leg ulcers, skin disorders, a laxative, burns in general, and to help heal disorders of the stomach, liver, and spleen and to expel worms. It Cleans out the colon. It can be used for insect bites, skin irritations, and minor cuts. Aloe should not be used internally by pregnant women.

Black Cohosh - Cimicifuga racemosa
(Black Snake Root. Rattle Root. Squaw Root. Bugbane)
Part Used-Root.
Habitat-A native of North America, where it grows freely in shady woods in Canada and the United States. It is called Black Snake Root to distinguish it from the Common Snake Root (Aristolochia serpentaria).

Medicinal Action and Uses - Menopause, Hot Flashes, Astringent, emmenagogue, diuretic, alterative, expectorant. The root of this plant is much used in America in many disorders, and is supposed to be an antidote against poison and the bite of the rattlesnake. The fresh root, dug in October, is used to make a tincture.

In small doses, it is useful in children's diarrhoea. In the paroxyms of consumption, it gives relief by allaying the cough, reducing the rapidity of the pulse and inducing perspiration. In whooping-cough, it proves very effective.

The infusion and decoction have been given with success in rheumatism. Overdoses produce nausea and vomiting.

Borage - Borago officinalis
Used for treating bronchitis, rashes, and to increase mother's milk. The infusion is used as an eyewash.

Burdock - Arctium lappa
Burdock Root is used to treat skin diseases, boils, fevers, inflammations, hepatitis, swollen glands, some cancers, and fluid retention. It is an excellent blood purifier. A tea made of the leaves of Burdock is also used for indigestion. Used with dandelion root for a very effective liver cleanser and stimulator.

Cascara Sagrada - Rhamnus purshiana
Used in treating chronic constipation, and is a stimulant to the whole digestive system. It is a safe laxative, and is useful for treating intestinal gas, liver and gall bladder complaints, and enlarged liver.

Cayenne - Capsicum spp.
Cayenne (capsicum), is very effective for all sorts of arthritis and muscle aches when used externally. Internally it is good for the heart and circulation. It is also used to stimulate the action of other herbs. Capsicum is also used to balance blood pressure. It helps to stop bleeding, externally and internally. It is used for menstrual cramps.

Red Clover - Trifolium pratense
Red Clover is used as a nerve tonic and a sedative. It is good for children with coughs &, bronchitis. It is used in combination with many other drugs in the treatment of cancer. It is also used for acne.

Comfrey - Symphytum officinale
Comfrey heals wounds, burns, sores, and bruises. It is a powerful remedy for coughs, ulcers, healing broken bones and sprains, and is used in treating asthma. There are no problems with using it externally. Used internally, it is best and safest to use a tea, rather than capsules as it can can cause liver damage when taken in large doses.

Dandelion - Taraxum officinale
Dandelion is excellent for the liver. It clears stones and detoxifies the liver, spleen, and gall bladder. It will also promote healthy circulation. The white juice from a stem can be used for warts. Dandelion is a strong diuretic. It is a rich source of potassium, and contains vitamin A.

Echinacea - Echinacea purpurea
Echinacea is a natural antibiotic and immune system stimulator. It helps to build resistance to colds, flus, and infections. It increases the production of white blood cells, and improves the lymph glands.

Flax - Linum usitatissimum
Flax is a mild laxative. The seed and the seed oil are being studied as a possible cure for cancer.

Garlic - Allium sativum
Garlic is a very powerful & natural antibiotic. It stimulates cell growth, & reduces blood pressure. When using garlic as an antibiotic it does not destroy the body's natural flora like most pharmacutical antibiotics. It is good for colds, flu and infections.

Goldenseal - Hydrastis canadensis
Goldenseal is a powerful antibiotic. This herb goes straight to the bloodstream and eliminates infection. It is good with other combinations of herbs. However It should not be used by pregnant women.