Southernwood (Artemisia abrotanum), from Hortulus

 

Rue, from Hortulus

 

Sage, from Hortulus

 

Wonderful old book - Hortulus

 Among my most interesting finds in exploring old herbals and horticultural books is Hortulus by a monk named Walahfrid Strabo. His Latin moniker meant something like :the squint eyed" and he only lived to be 40. Most likely, he was a bookish and frail gardener and herbalist, who composed his work somewhere around 840 AD. Yes, that is a LONG time ago! What makes his writing so very unique is that he wrote everything in poetry. After the fall of Rome, the knowledge of the ancients was preserved by Catholic monks, mainly in the area we now know as Poland and Germany.... France and England were still fairly primitive frontiers comparatively. Brother Strabo's education at this time stands in amazing contrast to the rest of the world... he wrote a manual of herb gardening in the style of Homer! I'm going to post a page or two a day of his brief masterpiece, in English. I know y'all will enjoy this as much as I do! Hortulus means "little garden". 

Is that not the most beautiful description of gardening you've ever read?!!!

"Winter, image of age, who like a great belly, eats up the whole year's sustenance and heartlessly swallows the fruits of our unstinted labor".... "Some plants we grow from seed, some from old stocks.. We try to bring back the youth they knew before."

Gosh, that touches my old hillbilly heart more than a Hank Williams song... even Townes Van Zandt never wrote anything so pretty!

Here is a brief bio I found online:

Walafrid Strabo (808-849 CE), is remembered in large part because he has given us one of the very few first-hand descriptions of an early medieval garden.

Walafrid was sent as a child to the monastery of Reichenau (at left), located on an island in Lake Constance, just north of the border between Germany and Italy. A remarkable student and writer, at the age of 18 Walafrid went to Fulda to study with renowned scholar Rabanus Maurus. From there, he was called to the court of King Louis, son of Charlemagne, to tutor 6-year-old Prince Charles. When Charles reached adulthood, Walafrid returned to Reichenau as its abbot.

Walafrid's Hortulus

Though he authored a number of scholarly works, Walafrid is best remembered for his Hortulus, or "Little Garden." Written in Latin verse, it begins with an explanation of how Walafrid gained his knowledge of gardening:

I myself learned this, not solely from opinion, common report, nor from searches of books and early writings, but by work and hands-on study to discover proven methods -- which considerably postponed my leisure at the end of each day!

Hortulus begins in early spring, when Walafrid is dismayed by rampant nettles "pushing up everywhere in my small plot." After hours of weeding, he carefully "surrounds the oblong beds with planks, slightly raised" to keep the rain from washing away the soil. He grows some plants from seed, some from cuttings. He hauls water in a bucket, pouring it "drop by drop, careful not to float the seeds away."

One part of his garden is beneath the edge of the roof where it gets little rain; another is deeply shaded by a high wall. But even so, "the garden traps no plant beneath its soil" and soon new growth pokes through.

What did his garden look like? Walafrid lists the plants he cultivates in his little garden, and perhaps -- we don't really know -- his list reflects the layout of his garden. A drawing in the  Plan of St. Gall, a manuscript created at Reichenau at about the time that Walafrid arrived there as a boy, shows two monastery gardens. One, the physic garden, lies just beyond the door of the monastery infirmary. It is laid out in orderly rows of rectangular beds, each labeled in the manuscript so that we know what plants would be cultivated there.

Walafrid kept a notebook, or Vademecum, in which he documented his lifelong interest in the medicinal uses of plants. For every plant in his garden except the rose, he provided at least one therapeutic use, and it may be that his "little garden" was a physic garden, laid out along the same lines as the garden we see below in the Plan of St. Gall. Drawing upon that, we can imagine Walafrid's garden, taking into account the plants themselves, companion plant strategies, needs for sun or shade, and plant height.

One part of his garden is beneath the edge of the roof where it gets little rain; another is deeply shaded by a high wall. But even so, "the garden traps no plant beneath its soil" and soon new growth pokes through.

http://wyrtig.com/EarlyGardens/Continental/Walafrid/Hortulus.htm

Materia Medica Lesson 5-16? This should have 5-12. . Cephalanthus, Buttonbush

It is not in the links for the player - you have to download it: 5-12 

Bitter. Good for gastric, mouth and duodenal secretions.  MM says elegant bitter and good tonic - just harvest a branch in flower. Moderately astringent. Substitute for gentian. Doesn't just stimulate secretions, but stimulates blood supply to organs that secrete.

CEPHALANTHUS (Button Bush) BARK and TWIGS. Tincture [Fresh Plant, 1:2, Dry Plant, 1:5, 50% alcohol] 10-30 drops, to 3X a day. Best for short term use. STATUS : W/A

Here is the link to the Southwest School of Botanical Medicine Course

https://www.swsbm.com/school/

Materia Medica Lesson 5-15: Cionanthus

 This is another one that grows around here, but I don't know much about. It is sad that his class seems to have no knowledge of Tennessee Williams! I'm sure they don't know Faulkner... and there is no such thing as an educated person who knows no Faulkner, America's Shakespeare! "The past is not dead... it is not even past." If you think I favor ellipses ... you don't know Faulkner!

Fringetree is good for liver. Good for liver pain, especially pain felt from liver to navel.

Most gall stones resolve on their own.

CHIONANTHUS (Fringetree) BARK. Cold Infusion, 2-4 ounces. Tincture [Fresh Bark, 1:2, Dry Bark, 1:5, 65% alcohol] 30-60 drops. LEAF. Cold Infusion, 2-4 ounces. STATUS : W/LA

From  SPECIFIC INDICATIONS FOR HERBS IN GENERAL USE Third edition Michael Moore:

CHIONANTHUS Cholangitis with light stools, cloudy or dark urine, steatorrhea, pain in right hypochondrium to navel. Cholecystitis - "catarrhal"; with occasional jaundice. Cholelithiasis, preventative. Alcoholic cirrhosis with portal congestion. Hepatitis with Jaundice, light frothy stool, scanty urine, right hypochondrium pain. Functional Jaundice. Glycosuria from hepatic hyperglycogenolysis or diet. Hemorrhoids, from any venosities, especially with leg or cervical varicosities. Steatorrhea, from overindulgence in fats. Blood serum levels:SGOT, SGPT elevations with elevated bilirubin, no active hepatitis. Headache, in digestive dysfunction, following meals. 

Here is the link to the Southwest School of Botanical Medicine Course

https://www.swsbm.com/school/

Materia Medica Lesson 5-14: Chimphilla/ Solanum Dulcamara, philosophy of alteratives

 Dried Pipsissewa is urinary tract disinfectant. Fresh is alterative. Fresh plant is heating tot he skin, dilates blood vessels in the skin. Good for arthritis, rheumatism and psoriasis or eczema - dry skin with arthritis. Bittersweet stems do the same thing... bittersweet fruit is psychotropic, similar to henbane or jimsonweed, but more mild...still toxic but mildly narcotic in very small doses. If you mis-use anything in the deadly nightshade family, it can make you bats@#t crazy!

From  SPECIFIC INDICATIONS FOR HERBS IN GENERAL USE Third edition Michael Moore:

CHIMAPHILA Renal albuminuria, subacute, early, or incipient. Chronic cystitis or urethritis with brick (urate) dust, scanty urine. Chronic acidic dysuria with mucopurulent, scanty urine. Nephritis with edema and arthritis or autoimmune-type symptoms (fresh tincture). Chronic pyelitis with mucopurulent alkaline urine. Acute pyelitis from ascending cystitis with boggy mucosa. Pyelitis with mucopurulent urine with RBC's and leukocytes.

CHIMAPHILA (Pipsissewa, Prince's Pine) HERB. Tincture [Fresh Plant, 1:2, Dry plant, 1:5, 50% alcohol), 20-50 drops, to 4X a day. Standard Infusion 4-8 ounces. STATUS : W/LA

From  SPECIFIC INDICATIONS FOR HERBS IN GENERAL USE Third edition Michael Moore:

SOLANUM DULCAMARA 

Epilepsy, to reduce force and lessen frequency. Dry eczema. Eczema, endogenous, metabolic. Eczema, obstinate, not reactive to any measures, with short "honeymoon". Chronic psoriasis with distinct metabolic causes. Skin ulcers with faulty circulation (internal and as a bath). Vasoneurosis, impaired circulation to extremities.

SOLANUM DULCAMARA (Bittersweet Twigs) STEMS. Tincture [Fresh Stems 1:2, Dry Stems, 1:5, 60% alcohol] 10-20 drops. This is best used in formulas. USE WITH MODERATION. STATUS : W/A

Here is the link to the Southwest School of Botanical Medicine Course

https://www.swsbm.com/school/

Materia Medica Lesson 5-13: Chelidonium majas, greater celandine

 Use above ground part of the plant. Use fresh. Has yellow/orange sap. I don't recognize this one, but it should grow where I live, given his description - I'll plan to plant some next spring. Good vulnerary - topical application for injury, sore joints, sprains, broken bones, etc... better than arnica or prickly poppy tincture. If it hurts when you move it, put arnica on it. If not, use celandine - god combined with lobelia. Evacuates gallbladder and stimulates liver bile.

CHELIDONIUM (Greater Celandine) WHOLE PLANT. Fresh Plant Tincture, [1:2] 10-25 drops. Alone, for short term use; safe for extended use as a low dose formula constituent. STATUS : W/A

From  SPECIFIC INDICATIONS FOR HERBS IN GENERAL USE Third edition Michael Moore:

Tongue pale, sallow, full, with slightly jaundiced skin; dull leaden coat. Acute bronchial pneumonia, primarily right lung. Cholangitis -light stools,cloudy or dark urine, pain in right hypochondrium to shoulder. Cholelithiasis, recurring without blockage. Cholecystitis - chronic with blockage. Biliary cirrhosis. Jaundice, post-hepatic, cholestatic. Hemorrhoids, subacute, from recent liver or portal congestion

Here is the link to the Southwest School of Botanical Medicine Course

https://www.swsbm.com/school/

Materia Medica Lesson 5-11: Centranthus and Valerian

 Valerian is an herb I use. It helps my tight muscles and loosens my lungs when asthma flares up, but it does cause agitation or sleeplessness for me some times, so I don't use it often. My mom uses it for blood pressure. This is one I find with my nose - there is no mistaking the smell of valerian... it smells like cat pee or dirty socks! That is why I am not using valerian in a bitter - no one wants to drink anything that smells like that. It can also cause nightmares for some people.

Stimulates heart, lungs and digestion, sedative to fore-brain. Good for fugue state freak outs. Good for restlessness from physical pain. MM says that it causes nightmares in folks with strong heart and lungs. Slows and strengthens pulse. Too much can cause paralysis and/or 12 hours deep sleep. Helps bring sleep with pains from injuries, strains and sprains. Can cause hangovers. Long term use can cause emotional irritation/agitation. Fewer side effects with fresh valerian.

From  SPECIFIC INDICATIONS FOR HERBS IN GENERAL USE Third edition Michael Moore:

VALERIANA 

Delirium tremens in asthenics. Insomnia in asthenic individuals or in atonic, debilitated states. Neuralgia in convalescence, debility. Flatulence with emotional depression, especially in the first hour after eating. Cough in infants, with spasms. Depression with sluggish neurologic and parasympathetic functions. Hysteria, in depressive states. 

VALERIANA (Valerian) PLANT. Tincture [Fresh Whole Plant 1:2, Dry Root, 1:5, 70% alcohol], 30-90 drops, to 3X a day. Capsules (root), #00, 2-3. Constant use of the dry root can induce mental agitation. STATUS : W/C

CENTRANTHUS RUBER (Red Valerian) SAME AS Valeriana STATUS : W/C

Here is the link to the Southwest School of Botanical Medicine Course

https://www.swsbm.com/school/

Materia Medica Lesson 5-12: Chelone, Turtle Head or Balmony

 I see this one a lot, but I didn't know its uses... so, that is cool!

Chelone is a bitter. Good for colic and cecum with lower right quadrant pain, pain when eating - ileocecal cramps. Inflamed cecum can cause mal-absorption of folic acid. Good GI tonic, especially after a fast, sickness or surgery. Good for recovering from stomach flu. Good for liver.

CHELONE (Balmony, Turtlehead) HERB. Tincture [fresh plant, 1:2], 10-20 drops to 3X a day. Cold Infusion, 1-3 ounces, to 3X a day. Dry Plant Tincture [ 1:5, 50% alcohol], 30-60 drops, to 4X a day. STATUS : W/LA

From  SPECIFIC INDICATIONS FOR HERBS IN GENERAL USE Third edition Michael Moore:

CHELONE 

Jaundice - mild, with simple unobstructed hepatic dysfunction. Anorexia nervosa, convalescence with ileocecal cramps. Colic in cecum with uneasy, distressing pain. Colitis from intestinal putrefaction and liver or portal dysfunction. Dyspepsia with sluggish liver and portal circulation. 

Here is the link to the Southwest School of Botanical Medicine Course

https://www.swsbm.com/school/

Materia Medica Lesson 5-10: Blue Cohosh

 Where to find it... MM just described my yard... 5,000ft elevation, 270+ days precipitation and fog every morning except the dead of winter! Use fresh roots, mechanically dehydrated quickly after picking and washing. Fresh root is caustic.

Blue cohosh's main value is in giving tone to the muscles of the uterus. Good both preventative and tonic for female reproductive deficiency. Best to use slowly and gradually in tonic. Helps prevent prolapse. Can be slightly hypertensive. Increases tone of colon. Some alkaloids in the plant can be toxic in extremely high concentrations... way too high to actually get from using the plant naturally... like 25 gams per ton.

From  SPECIFIC INDICATIONS FOR HERBS IN GENERAL USE Third edition Michael Moore:

CAULOPHYLLUM Amenorrhea, chronic, with congestion, irritation. Cervicitis with congestion and poor venous circulation. Dysmenorrhea, with congestion, lengthy cycles (30 days or more). Endometritis/metritis, in general. Menopause, with pains and pelvic discomfort, referred down legs, no pathology; or with sense of pressure and pain in ovaries, uterus, sacrum, bladder with nervousness and sense of confusion. Endometritis, chronic, reoccurring, with inflammatory episodes. Uterus, inflammation. Acute vaginitis (internally). Labor, delayed, from fatigue, weak uterus with history of inflammation.

CAULOPHYLLUM (Blue Cohosh) RHIZOME / ROOT. Tincture [1:5, 60% alcohol] 5-20 drops, usually in formula context. STATUS : W/LA

MOTHER’S CORDIAL

Mitchella repens, 16 ounces

Helonias Root 4 ounces

Viburnum opulus (Cramp Bark) 4 ounces

Caulophyllum Root 4 ounces

Sassafras or Sweet Root 1 ounces (for flavor and optional)

Percolate with 50% alcohol until 3 pints are dripped. Percolate a second time with water until at least 4 pints are dripped. Add 2 pounds of sugar to the SECOND drip, and evaporate until 5 pints remain. Add the first percolation (3 pints at 50%) to the second percolation/sugar. Result is 1 gallon, or a 1:6 syrup (actually a sweetened tincture)

Dose: 2-4 ounces 1-2 times a day in pregnancy, the last 2-3 weeks. For a tonic in deficient reproductive conditions with emotional lability, or as an agent to strengthen the uterus when desiring pregnancy, but a history of frequent miscairrage, 2-4 ounces to 3 times a day.

Here is the link to the Southwest School of Botanical Medicine Course

https://www.swsbm.com/school/

Materia Medica Lesson 5-9: Cassia (Senna)

 Tea of the leave is commonly used for constipation - stool softener. The seed pods work much better. Pods are mildly tonic to mucosa. exlax and senokot ore made from the pods. Leaves cause cramping. Do not use long term.

CASSIA MARILANDICA (American Senna) LEAVES. Standard Infusion, 3/4 Senna, 1/4 Coriander Seed (antispasmodic), 4-8 ounces. Take in evening for morning effect. STATUS : W/LA

SENNA (Cassia angustifolia, Egyptian Senna, etc. ) LEAVES. Strong Decoction, 2-4 ounces. PODS. 10-20, steeped for an hour in a cup of water. Take both in evening. See also Cassia marilandica. STATUS : W/C

From  SPECIFIC INDICATIONS FOR HERBS IN GENERAL USE Third edition Michael Moore:

SENNA 

Chronic atonic constipation. Atonic colon without inflammation but with hard, formed feces. 

Here is the link to the Southwest School of Botanical Medicine Course

https://www.swsbm.com/school/

Materia Medica Lesson 5-7: Capsicum

 Yep, it is peppers... not sure why this one had to be an hour long. I can't imagine anyone doesn't know what a chili pepper is. He says the hot peppers with the thicker oil, those where the burn comes on slower, are more medicinal. I eat a LOT of hot peppers! Three or four drops of tincture in water will not burn the mouth, but will disperse in the blood stream and warm the body. Don't use if you have gastric ulcers or allergies to nightshades. Capsicum and red root are good to thin blood, help with some headaches and good for heart valve issues. Prevents constriction of capillaries and blood vessels. Helps with enlarged heart and sticky blood. Tincture also delivers other herbs internally, especially in the mucosa and absorption of herbs through skin externally. Increases blood supply to colon. Good for high triglycerides. Good in ointment for arthritis and such. It takes several days to work, but it eventually exhausts neuro-peptides and the pain goes away.

From  SPECIFIC INDICATIONS FOR HERBS IN GENERAL USE Third edition Michael Moore:

CAPSICUM FRUTESCENS Tongue dry, scanty saliva. Dry mouth, with poor digestion. Onset of head cold, dry with tight membranes. Dry laryngitis. Acute early stage tonsillitis with dry membranes (also as a gargle). Dry cough, hectic, with dry mouth. Influenza, dry, hot, asecretory (combine with Lobelia). Acute pleurisy (as a plaster). Arteriosclerosis with confusion, sluggishness in aged. Delirium tremens in asthenics. Intercostal or cervical neuralgia (plaster). Anorexia nervosa, asecretory/achlorhydria. Atonic dyspepsia in alcoholics.  Asecretory dyspepsia. Flatulence without active inflammation. Alopecia (externally). Dry, hot skin. Senile asthenia. Chronic rheumatic pains, as a plaster. Uterine fibroids, with cyclic bleeding. Metabolic debility, with poor secretions. Cerebral vasodilator to increase site glucose availability, as opposed to real increase in serum glucose. 

CAPSICUM (Cayenne, African Bird Peppers) FRUIT. Tincture [1:5, 95% alcohol] 5-15 drops. Capsules, #0, 1-2 STATUS : W/C

EGO CAPSULES

Echinacea Root ........................... 2 parts

Garlic ........................................ 2 parts

Osha Root ................................... 2 parts

Cayenne ...................................... 1 part

2-4 capsules as needed for colds, flu, various viral junk.

Here is the link to the Southwest School of Botanical Medicine Course

https://www.swsbm.com/school/

Materia Medica Lesson 5-8: Cardamom

 Member of ginger family. Use the seeds. Simple stomatic. Upper intestinal tract anti-spasmodic. Calms stomach. Good for nausea - reverse peristaltic, especially combined with black coffee.

CARDAMOMUM (Elettaria cardamomum, Cardamom Seeds) SEEDS. Tincture [1:5, 50% alcohol] 5-10 drops...or chew a couple seeds, already. STATUS : W/LA/C

Here is the link to the Southwest School of Botanical Medicine Course

https://www.swsbm.com/school/

Materia Medica Lesson 5-6: Capsella, Trillium

 Whole plant of Shepherd's Purse can be used. Should be used fresh or recently gathered and dried. Primary use is hemostatic - reduces bleeding. Internally good for late menstrual hemorrhages, bleeding hemorrhoids, nose bleeds, blood in urine from impact injury etc. Good for inflammation of urinary tract as astringent. Not good for long term ulceration. Slightly lowers blood pressure. Slightly stimulates oxytocin. Not for use in pregnancy, but good for bleeding post birth.

I have tons of trillium in my yard that bloom around Easter- I have to mow some down every season to cut the grass.... I think it would be better to harvest those for sale. Every time I cut the grass, I think of the hundreds of dollars worth of valuable I'm cutting down... so many different herbs.. that has to change. I need to figure out how to turn the entire property into an herb garden and just get rid of the grass.

Fresh trillium is much more useful than dry. Dry root is just a moderate astringent.

From  SPECIFIC INDICATIONS FOR HERBS IN GENERAL USE Third edition Michael Moore:

CAPSELLA BURSA-PASTORIS Epistaxis. Passive capillary hemorrhage. Chronic cystitis or urethritis with brick (urate) dust, scanty urine. Chronic cystitis/urethritis with dark or mucopurulent urine, strained urination. Dysuria from heavy sexual activity. Hematuria, in general or with sediment in urine. Lithiasis, with irritation, inflammatory pain; or with hematuria, especially from lower tract; or with hyperuricemia. Phosphaturia with vesical irritation. Mild GI hemorrhage, acute, with sharp pain. Hemorrhoids, bleeding. Bleeding ulcers. Arthritis, diuretic. Gout, for the hyperuricemia. Menorrhagia, with heavy bleeding for the first several days. Vicarious menses. Post-partum hemorrhage, with good uterine tone. Miscarriage, impending, with moderate spotting as main symptom. Blood serum levels: uric acid elevation.

CAPSELLA BURSA-PASTORIS (Shepherd's Purse) WHOLE PLANT. Tincture (Fresh Plant, 1:2, recent Dry Plant, 1:5, 50% alcohol] 20-60 drops. STATUS : W/A

From  SPECIFIC INDICATIONS FOR HERBS IN GENERAL USE Third edition Michael Moore:

TRILLIUM 

Hematuria, in general or with sediment in urine. Mild GI hemorrhage, acute, with sharp pain. Menorrhagia, with heavy bleeding towards end of menses; or with fibroids. Uterus, inflammation. Uterine fibroids, with cyclic bleeding. 

TRILLIUM (Beth Root) WHOLE PLANT. Fresh Plant Tincture [1:2] 15-25 drops to 3X a day. STATUS : W/LA to W/Rare

UTERINE FIBROID HEMOSTATIC

Shepherd’s Purse Tincture (fresh).....2 squirts

Trillium Tincture (fresh)..................15-20 drops

Take with water every 8 hours as needed

Here is the link to the Southwest School of Botanical Medicine Course

https://www.swsbm.com/school/

Materia Medica Lesson 5-5: Cannabis

From  SPECIFIC INDICATIONS FOR HERBS IN GENERAL USE Third edition Michael Moore:

CANNABIS SATIVA Pain in eyeballs, increased intraocular pressure. Acute spasmodic cough with paroxysms, intestinal and uterine reflex. Frequent waking with nightmares. Neuralgia with spasms or tenesmus. Cystitis, urethritis, for pain. Chronic acidic dysuria, for pain. Acute cystitis/urethritis with irritability, more than pain. Phosphaturia with vesical irritation. Antispasmodic strangury. Anorexia from chemotherapy. Pruritus senilis, with itching. Muscular pain, in general. Endometritis/metritis, antispasmodic. Cough in infants, with spasms. Fever, delirium, frequent fitful waking. Anorexia from cancer therapy. Anorexia nervosa, mild, in adolescence; or iatrogenic from drugs. Depression with painful, spasmodic diseases.  

CANNABIS SPP. (Marijuana, Hemp) FLOWERING TOPS.Tincture [Fresh Herb, 1:2, Dry Herb, 1:5, 95% alcohol] 5-30 drops. Smokers need higher dose. ILLEGAL TO POSSESS AT PRESENT. STATUS : W/LA/C

PILOCARPUS (Jaborandi) LEAVES. Tincture [1:5, 60% alcohol] 15-30 drops in warm water. Standard Infusion, 2-3 ounces as a hair rinse. STATUS : U

COMPOUND TINCTURE OF CANNABIS (1910) Lupulin (Hops resin)................... 3 parts Valerian Root.............................. 3 parts Cannabis “shake”........................ 2 parts Tincture 1:4 in 65% alcohol. When finished, add enough fresh Pulsatilla Tincture to bring final strength to a 1:5 potency. A narcotic-analgesic, especially for referred visceral pain. Dose 15-45 drops as needed.

Here is the link to the Southwest School of Botanical Medicine Course

https://www.swsbm.com/school/

Materia Medica Lesson 5-4: Clendula

 For both Calendula and Chamomile, gather the flowers every few days as they bloom. Calendula should be used as fresh as possible, before orange/gold fades to yellow. Relaxes and paralyses small arteries to increase local circulation. Stimulates healing of injury. Warming. Diminishes chronic inflammation. Helps with pain topically. Stimulates epithelial and muco-epithelial cells to regenerate. Good combined with Comfrey for cuts and other wounds. Hound's Tongue can be used as substitute for Comfrey. Both contain allantoin, which speeds up regeneration of connective tissue. Calendula tincture in water helps with esophageal irritation from GURD.

From  SPECIFIC INDICATIONS FOR HERBS IN GENERAL USE Third edition Michael Moore:

Vasoneurosis of skin and mucosa. Abscess, acute, local (topically). Abscess, to stimulate granulation (topically). Decubitus, simple, uncomplicated (externally). Fissures, general orificial (external). Herpes simplex, with secondary bacterial infection. Skin ulcers, in general (external). Suppuration without pyogenic membrane, shallow (external). Cervicitis with ulceration (as douche, with Echinacea tincture and glycerine (1:4 ratio) as night-time suppository). 

CALENDULA OFFICINALIS (European Marigold) FLOWERS. Tincture [Fresh Flowers, 1:2, Dry Flowers, 1:5, 70% alcohol] 5-30 drops, to 4X a day. Dilute with several parts of water for topical use. Salve, as with Arnica STATUS : W/C

CYNOGLOSSUM OFFICINALIS (Hound's Tongue) HERB (in summer) ROOT (in fall). Standard Infusion,1-3 ounces, to 3X a day. For short term use; may irritate liver if used excessively. STATUS : W/A

SYMPHYTUM (Comfrey) LEAF and ROOT. Leaf, Standard Infusion 2-6 ounces. Root, Cold Infusion, 1-4 ounces, both to 3X a day,for short term use. Constant use of some cultivated strains can irritate or damage the liver. STATUS : C

HEALING TINCTURE

Calendula Tincture (fresh) 1 part

Symphytum Leaf Tincture (fresh) 1 part

Centella Tincture (fresh) 1 part

When used, dilute with 2-4 parts water and apply to wounds to stimulate epithelial, connective tissue and cartilage regeneration.

Here is the link to the Southwest School of Botanical Medicine Course

https://www.swsbm.com/school/

Materia Medica Lesson 5-3: Caesalpina, Leaky gut, soluble fiber

 Bird of Paradise is an intestinal astringent. When colon is "thick and boggy", with dull pains (not sharp), tea of Bird of Paradise along with incorporating Psyllium and/or chia into the diet helps.

CAESALPINIA (Tabachin, Bird of Paradise) DRY STEMS. Weak decoction, 3-6 ounces twice a day

PLANTAGO OVATA (Psyllium Seed) SEED. Whole seeds, 2-3 tablespoons in 12 ounces warm water or fruit juice. HUSKS. 1-2 tablespoons in same, both to 3X a day, usually only once. STATUS : C

SALVIA COLUMBARIAE and others (Chia Seed) SEED. Whole seeds, 1-2 tablespoons in 12 ounces warm water or fruit juice. STATUS : C

LINUM (Flaxseed) SEEDS. Whole seeds, 1-2 teaspoons in cup of warm water, Ground seeds for a poultice. Only use freshly ground whole seeds internally; even several days is long enough to allow oxidative degradation, creating irritating lipids. STATUS : C

Here is the link to the Southwest School of Botanical Medicine Course

https://www.swsbm.com/school/

Materia Medica Lesson 5-2: Bryonia

 Bryonia can be used for intense visceral pain. This can occur with an intensely overworked liver, or from abdominal surgery, etc. Build up of fluid in the viscera. Bryonia simulates re-absorption. Use small doses of the fresh root. Good for sharp, cutting pains in lungs or chest, usually with fever or flushed face. Post op or hepatitis with sharp pains. Sharp pain in right face, scalp and shoulders - specific lymph drainage. Fluid retention for partial mastectomy on right side that caused fluid retention.

BRYONIA (Bryony) ROOT. Tincture [Fresh Root, 1:2, recent Dry Root, 1:5, 50% alcohol], 2-10 drops to 3X a day. USE WITH CARE; better in small, frequent doses. STATUS : W/LA

From  SPECIFIC INDICATIONS FOR HERBS IN GENERAL USE Third edition Michael Moore:

BRYONIA Rheumatoid iritis; pain in eyes secondary to any acute disorder; "hurts to move". Tongue dry, cracked, purplish-grey; translucent coat with liver pain. Bronchitis with scanty, blood-streaked mucus. Dry cough, hectic, aggravated by changes in temperature and humidity. Influenza with harsh hacking irritated cough with scanty blood-streaked mucus. Acute pleurisy with rapid perspiration, pain on movement, flushed face, frontal headache. Acute bronchial pneumonia with harsh cough, pain. Neuralgia, aggravated by movement, with asthenia. Cholecystitis - "catarrhal". Hepatitis - with Jaundice, headache, orange-colored urine. Peritonitis, post-operative. Aseptic synovitis. Orchitis/epididymitis, with tenderness upon pressure. Acute mastitis, with swollen lymphatics, marked inflammation. Endogenous infections, with serous membrane involvement. Fever, delirium, asecretory with nervous depression. Apathy, tired, weary with confusion. Headache, cervical-occipital, with confusion, aggravated by movement. Pain in serous membranes, with excessive perspiration. 

Here is the link to the Southwest School of Botanical Medicine Course

https://www.swsbm.com/school/

Materia Medica Lesson 5-1: Brickellia, Hamula or Prodigiosa and Optunia

 Primary use if for non-insulin dependent diabetes. Works better for diabetics who are not plump. Prickly pear works better for people are gaining new fat from becoming diabetic. Diminishes the synthesis of glucose out of stored material in the liver.

BRICKELLIA (Prodigiosa, Hamula) HERB Standard Infusion, 2-4 ounces, to 2X a day. Tincture [1:5, 50% alcohol], 30-60 drops to 3X a day. Use the infusion for Type II diabetes, tincture as tonic. STATUS : W/LA

From  SPECIFIC INDICATIONS FOR HERBS IN GENERAL USE Third edition Michael Moore:

OPUNTIA 

Lipid lowering in arteriosclerosis (juice). Source of bioflavonoids (fruit and flowers). Internal bruises. Adult onset, insulin resistant diabetes (juice). 

OPUNTIA (Prickly Pear) FRESH JUICE, 2-4 ounces to 2X a day. DRIED FLOWERS, two or three as an infusion (strain VERY well). STATUS : W/A

Here is the link to the Southwest School of Botanical Medicine Course

https://www.swsbm.com/school/

Materia Medica Lesson 4-12: Baptisia, Thermopsis and Amorpha

 Indigo has a long history of being a cash crop in the Siuth, having been pioneered by a lady in South Carolina about 200 years ago.... But, there are the false indigos. They can be fermented to make a similar dye. MM uses foliage, mostly. Tincture is energetic. Good for skin or muco-epithelial infection, with immunological depression and low energy/chi. Especially good for when your immunity has become so weak that the natural bacteria in your system gets out of balance. Indicated for infection, with purple/dusky hue to mucosa.... purple, swollen tongue, grey and ashen complexion. Particularly good for lingering infections that can cause blood poisoning or tissue damage. Good for auto-toxicity or resistance due to low immunity. Good for congestive heart failure, because that is often caused by systemic infection. Good topically for gangrene or slowly healing wounds. Circulatory and liver tonic. Helps to clean out congestion. Baptisia is hot and irritating, astragalus is better as long term tonic. Thermopsis and Amphora can be used as substitutes for Baptisia. Thermopsis has a similar reproductive effect as blue cohosh. Amorpha is good as a tea if you are tired and sick. Good for viral infections. Baptisia is hot and exciting, Amphora is mild... Thermopsis is in between. Baptisia can make you puke.

Just an aside. At this point, MM no longer considered himself a trumpet player... after 25 years of being an orchestra musician, and could not even play the instrument. That is not surprising. Every retired classical musician I've known (except, maybe piano) has been the same. Classical music has an adrenalin intensity. You can get a sort of an obsessive, energetic high from playing classical music. That energy is an all or nothing sort of thing. You grind and practice obsessively to play that piece perfectly, and then all the fireworks go off! When you stop playing at that level, it is very hard to eve care about it enough to practice. I a jazz, blues and country musician, but I play some classical... and I can definitely identify that intense energy in the music - intense highs and lows. But, jazz and country players are more laid back, playing for fun... like breathing and talking and "laughing in rhythm". We don't play music for that obsessive intensity. We just play music for fun and passion.... not perfectly, rarely intensely... the music is just who we are. The obsessive, adrenalin personality can turn that focus to anything and do anything from science to math or gastronomy... they just need something to drive them and to obsess over to be happy. Guys like me just can't be happy without an instrument in hand for an hour or 12 a day. We can't forget how to play any more than we can forget how to talk... both are an expression of what is inside.... for guys like MM, the music doesn't come from inside, it is more like chemistry than poetry.. or catching a wild horse and jumping on... learning the skills to hold on.. its "a hell of a ride".

BAPTISIA (Wild Indigo Root) ROOT. Tincture [1:5, 65% alcohol], WHOLE PLANT. Fresh Tincture [1:2], both taken 10-25 drops, to 3X a day. USE WITH CARE; better long term in formulas STATUS : W/A

From  SPECIFIC INDICATIONS FOR HERBS IN GENERAL USE Third edition Michael Moore:

BAPTISIA Tongue full & deeply red with systemic infection; foul breath with cracked lips and phlegmy mouth. Inflamed gums from general immunosuppression. Purulent laryngitis with systemic effects. Chronic sinusitis with necrotic, foul discharge. Chronic tonsillitis with necrosis. Cardiovascular edema with vascular stasis and sepsis. Septic diarrhea. Bacillary dysentery with suppurations (with Echinacea). Shigellosis, supportive to primary therapy (with Echinacea). Abscess, with septicemia, swellings (with Echinacea). Abscess, as a moistening agent for stimulating poultice w/Althea pwd. as a base. Skin ulcers with septicemia, edema, fever (with Echinacea). Suppuration with necrosis, in weak individuals (w/Echinacea, externally). Endometritis/metritis, with fever (with Echinacea). Septicemia with ulceration, decay, swollen tissue; or w/weak immunologic vitality. Endogenous infections, in feeble individuals (with Echinacea and Phytolacca). Septic fevers (with Echinacea). To stimulate innate immunity. Extended immunosuppression, with congestion, edema (with Echinacea). Lymphadenitis, in chronic debility (with Ceanothus). 

THERMOPSIS (T. montana, Mountain Pea) ROOT or WHOLE PLANT. Same as above USE WITH CARE; better long term in formulas STATUS : W/A

AMORPHA (A. canescens, A. fruticosa, Lead Plant, False Indigo, Indigo bush) FLOWERING HERB. Standard Infusion, 2-4 ounces, 2 or 3 times a day STATUS : W/A

Here is the link to the Southwest School of Botanical Medicine Course

https://www.swsbm.com/school/