Sunday, November 15, 2020

Materia Medica Lesson 9-11: Pedicularis, Wood Betony, Lousewort, Parrot's Beak

 This is one of my favorite herbs! It is very relaxing. And, coincidentally, I just posted on this herb and excerpt from Hortulus. As MM said, "some people can get stoned on it", but like most things... for me, it is just a relaxant, mild sedative. The plant is usually parasitic, so be careful when picking it to make sure it isn't growing on a poisonous plant. Tea or tincture is a skeletal muscle relaxant. It works well combined with skullcap, especially for spasming or cramping muscles. Combined with prickly poppy, it is good for pain. Combined with passion flower, good for sleep. Good combined with anemone for "freak out" level stress/emotional upset. Can be smoked and leaves can be eaten. Good to take before a massage.

PEDICULARIS (Betony, Lousewort, Elephant Head, Parrot's Beak, Indian Warrior) HERB in FLOWER. Standard Infusion, 4-8 ounces.Tincture [Fresh Plant, 1:2, Dry Plant, 1:5, 50% alcohol] 1-2 teaspoons, all to 3X a day. Semi-parasitic, don't use Pedicularis growing on Senecio or toxic legumes. STATUS : W/A 

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

PEDICULARIS 

Insomnia from exhaustion following excitement. Muscular pain, in general. Sprains with sharp muscle spasms. Joint and muscle pain, especially in children. 

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

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

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