Listen to "Show 9: Herbal Wines and Beers" on Spreaker.
Nolina, bear grass
I'm having trouble understanding what MM said about the plant this one is similar to.... then he started talking about fish poisoning and elderberries... so the thread was lost. I pulled some info from a website... going to have to research this one more.
Medicinal Uses
The roots have agents that check bleeding by contracting blood vessels, and were used for this purpose by the Blackfoot and Kashaya Pomo Indians. A poultice of the chewed root was applied to wounds. A decoction of the grated root was used as a wash on bleeding wounds, sprains and broken limbs. The washed roots have been rubbed to make a lather and then used to wash sore eyes.
The wild varieties, like tree tobacco, are often very strong. Topically good for pain and swelling. Good in hemorrhoid salve. Leaves in a bath are good for sprains, strains, bruises... but only for short bath; it can make you can pass out or get dizzy. Great for bee stings and such. Diminishes inflammation.
From SPECIFIC INDICATIONS FOR HERBS IN GENERAL USE Third edition Michael Moore:
NICOTIANA
Topical in arthritis. Muscular pain, as a poultice or fomentation.
Tree Tobacco
Latin name: Nicotiana glauca
Family: Solanaceae (Nightshade Family, Potato Family)
Medicinal use of Tree Tobacco: A poultice of the leaves can be applied to cuts, bruises, swellings and other wounds. The plant has been used as a poultice for removing the pus from scrofulous sores or boils. A poultice of the leaves has been applied to inflamed throat glands. An infusion of the leaves has been used as a steam bath in the treatment of rheumatism.
Wild Tobacco
Latin name: Nicotiana rustica
Family: Solanaceae (Nightshade Family, Potato Family)
Medicinal use of Wild Tobacco: All parts of the plant contain nicotine which is a strong narcotic. The leaves are antispasmodic, cathartic, emetic, narcotic and sedative. They are used externally as a poultice and a wash in the treatment of rheumatic swelling, skin diseases and scorpion stings.
Tobacco
Latin name: Nicotiana tabacum
Family: Solanaceae (Nightshade Family, Potato Family)
Medicinal use of Tobacco: Tobacco has a long history of use by medical herbalists as a relaxant, though since it is a highly additive drug it is seldom employed internally or externally at present. The leaves are antispasmodic, discutient, diuretic, emetic, expectorant, irritant, narcotic, sedative and sialagogue. They are used externally in the treatment of rheumatic swelling, skin diseases and scorpion stings. The plant should be used with great caution, when taken internally it is an addictive narcotic. The active ingredients can also be absorbed through the skin. Wet tobacco leaves can be applied to stings in order to relieve the pain. They are also a certain cure for painful piles. A homeopathic remedy is made from the dried leaves. It is used in the treatment of nausea and travel sickness.
medicinal herbs: TOBACCO - Nicotiana tabacum (naturalmedicinalherbs.net)
Tonic to endometrium or meatus impairment.
From SPECIFIC INDICATIONS FOR HERBS IN GENERAL USE Third edition Michael Moore:
MITCHELLA
Dysuria with dysmenorrhea; or with congestive prostate enlargements in sedentary males. Polyuria, from urethritis or prostatitis. Cervicitis with dysmenorrhea and dysuria. Subacute/chronic prostatitis, with urethritis. Primipara, with history of first or second trimester miscarriage; or with irritability, distress last trimester.
One of my favorite shrubby trees! They are very pretty, smell wonderful, a leguminous and nitrogen fixing, the flowers have pain relieving, slightly narcotic properties, the who plant helps with allergies and the root even contains DMT (which I don't use)! Mild astringent. Tea is good for indigestion and sore throat.
The flowers taste like fish! It is usually called mountain bluebells where I live. Leaves used as tea for impacted, painful lungs, bronchitis, etc.
Good for major mucus membrane inflammation. Source of coumarin. Good for edema, protein leakage. Coumarin is not coumadin... coumarin is anti-inflammatory and very good for really extreme inflammation, bogy, soggy, dying tissue. Coumadin is heparin, a blood thinner/anticoagulant.
From SPECIFIC INDICATIONS FOR HERBS IN GENERAL USE Third edition Michael Moore:
MELILOTUS OFFICINALIS
Pain from renal and bladder colic. Acute mastitis (as soothing poultice). Pain, general, in the asthenic, with sense of cold.
Related to neem. Kills intestinal worms. Large doses are narcotic and emetic.... sleepy, dizzy and throwing up, passing out. Several minutes of this audio file are damaged.
Wild is high in minerals
From SPECIFIC INDICATIONS FOR HERBS IN GENERAL USE Third edition Michael Moore:
MEDICAGO SATIVA
Phosphaturia in general. Menopause, with early osteoporosis symptoms (as a tea with Equisetum and Angelica sinensis). Lactation, poor quality and quantity. Appetite poor, nervous, weak. Malnutrition, recuperation from major illness, surgery. Nutritional malabsorption in moderate parathyroid imbalances.
Good for childhood asthma. MM likes to use capsules of horehound combines with echinacea and passion flower.
From SPECIFIC INDICATIONS FOR HERBS IN GENERAL USE Third edition Michael Moore:
MARRUBIUM
Intrinsic humid asthma. Chronic bronchitis.
White horehound is a well-known and popular herbal medicine that is often used as a domestic remedy for coughs, colds, wheeziness etc. The herb apparently causes the secretion of a more fluid mucous, readily cleared by coughing. The leaves and young flowering stems are antiseptic, antispasmodic, cholagogue, diaphoretic, digestive, diuretic, emmenagogue, strongly expectorant, hepatic, stimulant and tonic. Horehound is a very valuable pectoral, expectorant and tonic that can be safely used by children as well as adults. It is often made into a syrup or candy in order to disguise its very bitter flavour, though it can also be taken as a tea. As a bitter tonic, it increases the appetite and supports the function of the stomach. It can also act to normalize heart rhythm. The plant is harvested as it comes into flower and can be used fresh or dried. The root is a remedy for the bite of rattlesnakes, it is used in equal portions with Plantago lanceolata or P. major. medicinal herbs: WHITE HOREHOUND - Marrubium vulgare (naturalmedicinalherbs.net)
European or Asian mandrake, not American mandrake or may apple. mandragora is a datura.... lots of legend and mystery. Plant is narcotic toxin.... henbane, but stronger and more toxic. Nasty stuff. Legend says it would scream when pulled from the ground and kill the person who dug it up... and that the root is a little living human type creature that will make a person crazy through terror...! So, we are talking about a seriously hallucinogenic, poisonous plant.
Leave, stems and bark can be used same as root. Leaves and stems are easiest to use. Great bitter!
Emollient, astringent, antimicrobial, makes good poultice, good for diarrhea. Tincture or tea. Can be used in most ways one would use mallow or cleavers. Good eye wash. Good for bruises and abrasions.
This a somewhat common Appalachian plant... that basically looks like an alien pod. I don't like the smell or taste, but basically know it mostly because people who try to forage it often end up eating false hellebore and getting poisoned. But, it does have herbal uses. Tincture of fresh root is sedative, good for insomnia and pain. Good for spasmodic cough.
Herb: Skunk Cabbage
Latin name: Symplocarpus foetidus
Synonyms: Dracontium foetidum, Spathyema foetida
Family: Araceae (Arum Family)
Medicinal use of Skunk Cabbage: Skunk cabbage was much used by the native North American Indians primarily for its expectorant and antispasmodic properties to treat bronchitis and asthmatic conditions, a use that is still employed in modern herbalism. The plant should be used with some caution, however, and preferably under professional supervision. Handling the fresh leaves can cause skin to blister whilst excessive doses of the root can bring on nausea and vomiting, headaches and dizziness. The root is antispasmodic, diaphoretic, diuretic, emetic, expectorant and slightly narcotic. The rootstock is harvested in late autumn or early spring and dried for later use. It should not be stored for a long time because it loses its medicinal virtues. The rootstock has been used internally in the treatment of respiratory and nervous disorders, including asthma, whooping cough, catarrh, bronchitis and hay fever. It is occasionally used to treat epilepsy, headaches, vertigo and rheumatic problems. Externally, it has been used as a poultice to draw splinters and thorns, to heal wounds and to treat headaches. The root hairs or rootlets have been applied to dental cavities to treat toothache. A tea made from the root hairs has been used externally to stop bleeding. An inhalation of the crushed leaves has been used in the treatment of headaches. The leaf bases have been applied as a wet dressing to bruises. medicinal herbs: SKUNK CABBAGE - Symplocarpus foetidus (naturalmedicinalherbs.net)
From Torey: Just to clarify. There are two species commonly called skunk cabbage. Eastern Skunk Cabbage is Symplocarpus foetidus. It has a purple flower/spathe and is more useful medicinally than Western Skunk Cabbage, Lysichiton americanus, which has a yellow flower. I think the other difference is that Western Skunk Cabbage flowers with the leaves while the Eastern variety flowers before any leaves come up. I've never seen one but it really must look like an alien pod without any leaves.
Western Skunk Cabbage should never be taken internally. It is very high in oxalic acid and I have heard the poisoning has symptoms that are like you have eaten shards of glass. The medicinal uses for this plant are more about external applications as a drawing agent or poultice over sore joints. It is very common in coastal regions of my province as well as some of the interior semi-temperate zones around the bigger lakes.
It has been quite the education, Judson, learning about the plants that grow in your area. I had no idea that NC would have such a similar climate and plant life as we have here on the west coast.
Alright, there are 3 bugle weeds used herbally.... I think I should break this down a bit more than MM does. In fact, the one he is referencing is not one of the 3 mainly used - I believe he said it was Lycopus asperea. Good for thyroid stress, palpitations, pulmonary stress, good for PMS, etc. So, unless you live in Arizona, anything you buy or forage for may be:
Lycopus lucidus
Medicinal use of Bugleweed: The plant is cardiotonic, weakly diuretic and hepatic. It is said to stimulate the blood circulation, break up clots, and soothe the liver. A decoction is used in the treatment of abdominal distension, abscesses, menstrual pain, painful injuries, incontinence and various other ailments. The plant is harvested as it comes into flower and is dried for later use.
Lycopus uniflorus
Medicinal use of Bugleweed: The whole plant is antitussive and sedative.
Lycopus virginicus
Medicinal use of Bugleweed: Bugleweed has sedative properties and is used in modern herbalism principally to treat an overactive thyroid gland and the racing heartbeat that often accompanies this condition. The whole plant is used as an astringent, hypoglycaemic, mild narcotic and mild sedative. It also slows and strengthens heart contractions. The plant has been shown to be of value in the treatment of hyperthyroidism, it is also used in the treatment of coughs, bleeding from the lungs and consumption, excessive menstruation etc. It should not be prescribed for pregnant women or patients with hypothyroidism. The plant is harvested as flowering begins and can be use fresh or dried, in an infusion or as a tincture. The root has been chewed, a portion swallowed and the rest applied externally in the treatment of snakebites.
From SPECIFIC INDICATIONS FOR HERBS IN GENERAL USE Third edition Michael Moore:
LYCOPUS
Exophthalmic goiter from long-term functional hyperthyroidism with tachycardia and mild dyspnoea. Chronic epistaxis. Chronic bronchitis. Hemoptysis. Tachycardia with circulatory excitement, anxiety; supportive to other measures for anxiety syndromes in chronic cardiopathies; passive capillary hemorrhage; tobacco heart; chronic dilated cardiovascular hypertrophy; palpitations after febrile infection or from hiatus hernia or gastritis. General thyroid hyperfunction; functional exophthalmus hyperfunction. Chronic passive hematuria. Blood serum levels: creatinine, moderate elevation, renal cause.
In the Solanaceae family. Good for hay fever, stuffy nose and sudden, acute allergy attacks. Much more mild and safer than belladonna.
A thornless, button-like cactus. Peyote, mescaline. Pretty much wiped out by hippies... so any medicinal value it may have, most of us will never know thanks to the "Me Generation" that just cares so much about the earth and is so enlightened.
From SPECIFIC INDICATIONS FOR HERBS IN GENERAL USE Third edition Michael Moore:
LOPHOPHORA Functional neurocirculatory disorders; palpitations with hypotension asthenia, dyspnea.
Has insulin-like properties - used in Mexico. Extremely frost sensitive.
In the borage family. Prolactin inhibitor. Calms thyroid and pituitary excitability. Quiets hormonal stress..
Good liver tonic. Especially good for hepatitis and/or liver stress. Good for bad food, too much booze and not enough sleep. Good for hangovers. Better for short term use in younger folks who binge drink. Dried leaf is good as tea.
From SPECIFIC INDICATIONS FOR HERBS IN GENERAL USE Third edition Michael Moore:
LINARIA
Hepatitis with rebound elevations of bilirubin, SGOT and SGPT at a later time. Jaundice, general recuperative. Blood serum levels: bilirubinemia without active hepatitis. Blood serum levels: SGOT, SGPT elevations with elevated bilirubin, no active hepatitis. Hangover, liverish, dark circles under eyes.
Similar to alfalfa, a weedy legume. Dried herb tea is anti-oxidant, cools metabolic heat.
From SPECIFIC INDICATIONS FOR HERBS IN GENERAL USE Third edition Michael Moore:
LESPEDEZA
To lessen the tendency to sclerosis in chronic nephritis.
Foliage is diuretic. Root is diuretic. Seeds soothe coughing and mildly emollient as tea. Good for chest cold. Good for sore throat.
... okay, so this lesson is 5 minutes of info and 48 minutes of rambling time wasting. So, here is the the synopisis from Nartural Medicinal Herbs
Creosote bush was widely used by various North American Indian tribes. A decoction of the leaves was used to treat diarrhoea and stomach troubles whilst the young twigs were used to treat toothache and a poultice of the leaves was used to treat chest complaints and as a wash for skin problems. It continued to be widely used as a treatment for rheumatic disease, venereal infections, urinary infections and certain types of cancer, especially leukaemia until its sale was banned in North America due to concern over its potential toxic effect upon the liver. There have been a number of cases of acute or sub-acute hepatitis attributed to the use of this herb and so its internal use is not recommended until further research has been carried out. A tea made from the leaves is used as an expectorant and pulmonary antiseptic. Some N. American Indian tribes heated the shoot tips of this plant and dripped the sap (probably the resin) into tooth cavities to treat toothache. medicinal herbs: CREOSOTE BUSH - Larrea tridentata (naturalmedicinalherbs.net)
From SPECIFIC INDICATIONS FOR HERBS IN GENERAL USE Third edition Michael Moore:
LARREA
Chronic biliousness with symptoms of autointoxication, sluggish liver catabolism. Dyspepsia, aggravated by fats and proteins. Nausea in morning, after fatty breakfast. Steatorrhea with ileocecal irritability. Vomiting, from fats, pastry abuse. Eczema, with chronic poor fat digestion, dry skin. As a bath in arthritis. Leukorrhea, supportive to local itching and pain (with Anemopsis as a sitz bath). Blood serum levels: SGOT, SGPT elevations with elevated bilirubin, not active hepatitis. Nutritional malabsorption in conjunction with lipotropic therapies. Cancer, supportive in skin cancers (externally). Hangover, liverish, dark circles under eyes.
Discussion again on how it only works as a "lettuce opium" for a few, sensitive people. It has never done anything for me. But, after being on pain meds for a couple of years when I injured my back so badly I was partially paralyzed... neither does anything but straight morphine.. and even that stops working after a week or two. So, I can't use anything like that because in order to be strong enough to stop the pain, it would stop my heart.
MM Recommends harvesting whole plants, hanging them upside down to dry and then using the dried leaves as a tea for spasmodic coughing.
Strong astringent. Contains tannins and coumaria resins. Antimicrobial, good for sore throats, diarrhea. Leaf is more gentle than root. Use as tea or tincture. Rhatany root used to be in the medical formulary. Also astringent in the blood stream, so is tonic to the system. Good for kidney weakness. Hot plant, best for cold conditions. Good tonic for lower GI congestion.
From SPECIFIC INDICATIONS FOR HERBS IN GENERAL USE Third edition Michael Moore:
KRAMERIA
Aphthous stomatitis (as a wash and internally) Gums bleeding, sore and spongy, internally and as a mouthwash. Periodontitis, topically. Herpes, topically. Incontinence, general. Pain in lumbar region, flanks to navel. Chronic diarrhea with semi-formed feces, frequent evacuations and debility. Gastric ulcers with vomiting. Acute vaginitis (douche).
Member of caltrop family. Used as eye wash and for topical inflammation. Good for pink eye. Also helps with food poisoning.
Used as a tea for sore gums, hot and astringent. Good for esophageal ulcers and upper GI.
Whole plant can be used in tincture. Diminishes ureter irritation. Can be used in kidney irritation, urinary tract, etc. Good for kidney stones.
From SPECIFIC INDICATIONS FOR HERBS IN GENERAL USE Third edition Michael Moore:
HYDRANGEA
Cystitis, urethritis, with pain from gravel and alkaline, phosphatic urine; or with pain from gravel and acid, urate urine. Acute dysuria with pain in back, difficult urination from alkaline urine and passage of phosphatic urine. Hematuria with pain on urination; or with sediment in urine. Lithiasis with clonic spasms. Ureteralgia. Deep seated kidney pain accompanying primary treatment for nephritis. Pain in lumbar region only. Pain from renal and bladder colic. Phosphaturia with pain in kidneys. Blood serum levels: creatinine, moderate elevation, renal cause.
Alum root. Saxifrage. Strong astringent with some antimicrobial. Homeostatic. Similar to oak bark in tanning quality. Foliage can be used same as root. First aid for diarrhea - not for long term.
From SPECIFIC INDICATIONS FOR HERBS IN GENERAL USE Third edition Michael Moore:
HEUCHERA
Chronic diarrhea with semi-formed feces, frequent evacuations and debility.
Topical antimicrobial. Antifungal.
From SPECIFIC INDICATIONS FOR HERBS IN GENERAL USE Third edition Michael Moore:
HETEROTHECA
Vasoneurosis of skin and mucosa. Topical in arthritis. As a bath in arthritis. Joint and muscle pain, especially in children (externally).
Stimulates saliva. Moderately antimicrobial
From SPECIFIC INDICATIONS FOR HERBS IN GENERAL USE Third edition Michael Moore:
HELIOPSIS LONGIPES
The root is chewed as a preventative for periodontitis.
Antimicrobial. Good topically for injuries like sprains and bruises. High in flavonoids.
Respiratory stimulant, helps with spasmodic coughing from tuberculosis. Respiratory tonic.
YARFAP... yet another rose family astringent.... and P... makes you puke. American ipecac.
A milder version of the other wild geraniums. Foliage can be used the same as the root. Good astringent for lower gut. Be careful not to confuse the leaf with aconite - don't pick if it doesn't have flowers. Good as mouthwash, sore gums, eye wash, etc - mild astringent.
Good edible seaweed. High in trace minerals. Good for thyroid if iodine deficient.
From SPECIFIC INDICATIONS FOR HERBS IN GENERAL USE Third edition Michael Moore:
FUCUS
Fatty degeneration of heart, as an adjunct therapy. Thyroid hypofunction with obesity, fluid retention. Malnutrition, in mineral deficiencies.
Relative to cocoa. Soothing, mildly astringent - used like slippery elm. Demulcent.
Bark is bitter tonic, good for weak intestinal function with inflammation. Mildly laxative and astringent. Can help with diarrhea.
From SPECIFIC INDICATIONS FOR HERBS IN GENERAL USE Third edition Michael Moore:
FRAXINUS
Bacillary dysentery with suppurations. Uterine subinvolution, with vertex and occipital headache.
Kidney tonic for inflammation. Also good as vinegar tincture for sunburn.
From SPECIFIC INDICATIONS FOR HERBS IN GENERAL USE Third edition Michael Moore:
FRANKENIA
Leukorrhea, hypersecretory, milky, little smell (as a douche, with Hydrastis inter.).
Rose family spirea. Good for skin deficiency. Makes you sweat more and pee less. Use fresh plant tincture or tea. Is a salicylate, like aspirin. Good for headaches, etc. Diaphoretic.
Leguminous tree. Good for kidney stones and other kidney problems. Tonic for kidney deficiency. Has strange effect on some folks - lightheadedness, nose bleed, sometimes calming, etc. Good for diabetes.
Good for urinary tract infection. Used in eastern Europe to limit free radicals in the liver due to industrial waste. Good ingredient for cured sausage - best antioxidant preservative.
From SPECIFIC INDICATIONS FOR HERBS IN GENERAL USE Third edition Michael Moore:
GERANIUM
As a mouthwash for bleeding gums. Chronic diarrhea with semi-formed feces, frequent evacuations and debility. Chronic dysentery. Gastric ulcers with vomiting. Leukorrhea, hypersecretory, milky, little smell (as a douche).
Tea is subtly astringent and anti-inflammatory. Good for dull kidney ache in low back (trucker's kidneys). Cools excess heat and irritably in the body - good for most inflammatory conditions of tissues. Good for rope burns topically, as a tea.
From SPECIFIC INDICATIONS FOR HERBS IN GENERAL USE Third edition Michael Moore:
ERIOGONUM
Topical eyewash for bloodshot eyes, conjunctivitis. Source of bioflavonoids.
These plants contain a lot of silica and calcium. If it has access to inorganic nitrates (fertilizer) it forms toxins. Good in mineral tea. Helps repair damaged tissues and worn out cells. Helps support cartilage. Can help prevent damage to lungs, kidneys, etc that are chronically inflamed. Helps with fractures.
From SPECIFIC INDICATIONS FOR HERBS IN GENERAL USE Third edition Michael Moore:
EQUISETUM
Emphysema, to strengthen septum cartilage. Acute cystitis/urethritis with inflammation and irritation. Incontinence, while sleeping, from chronic cystitis (with Rhus aromatica). Incontinence in aged males with enlarged prostate, poor bladder control. Ureteralgia. Nephritis with edema. Rheumatoid arthritis. Menopause, with early osteoporosis symptoms (as a tea with Medicago sativa and Angelica sinensis). Prostatitis, with irritable bladder, dribbling. Blood serum levels: creatinine, moderate elevation, renal cause. Nutritional malabsorption in moderate parathyroid imbalances.
I used to use this one a lot for asthma, but after prescription asthma meds affected my heart, I avoid anything "speedier" than coffee. Contains ephedrine and pseudoephedrine (Sudafed). It also makes a pleasant incense, btw... found that out accidentally when a hot coal fell into some ma huang. I tried smoking some and it did help with asthma, and only took small amounts so there were fewer side effects; seemed to help with concentration/mental clarity, too. Mormon tea is less speedy, but really good for allergies. Mormon tea is good long term for asthma, good tonic for bladder and urethra, also prostate. Contains silica like horsetail - strengthens lungs, kidneys, etc. Helps with cell proliferation.
From SPECIFIC INDICATIONS FOR HERBS IN GENERAL USE Third edition Michael Moore:
EPHEDRA SINICA (MA HUANG)
Hay fever, in general. Middle ear decongestant. General decongestant. Hay fever, in general.
EPHEDRA VIRIDIS
General decongestant. Acute cystitis/urethritis with inflammation and irritation. Hay fever, in general; and in particularly sensitive individuals.
Calming, sedative, mood elevator... befuddling in large doses, stimulating for some. Alternative to lady slipper orchid where it grows plentifully.
Can be used like pine pitch. Stimulates secretions and moistens the lungs. Heating and drawing as salve. Numbs sore teeth or throat.. Dry herb diminishes allergic reactions such as hay fever and asthma as a tea - diminishes inflammatory/immune reaction.
From SPECIFIC INDICATIONS FOR HERBS IN GENERAL USE Third edition Michael Moore:
ENCELIA FARINOSA Acute allergic rhinitis. Acute sinusitis with runny eyes, nose. In children, eye and nose pain, sharp itching pain, hay fever. Hay fever with watery eyes, nasal membranes.
Aboriginal intoxicant plant, grows in Australia. It has both nicotine and sedative alkaloids.
See my earlier warnings on this family of plants... re: "bat-crap crazy waking nightmares". But, MM says that a few drops of a tincture of the leaves can be used in place of antihistamines for folks that can't use them. Good for severe sneezing/hay fever. Also good for major diarrheas cramping, in similar ways. It dries you up and stops the spasms. Traditional use is smoking the leaf just a tiny bit for asthma... mix with mullein, raspberry or coltsfoot and mint or pepper corn- stops the spasms and helps with inflammation.... but too much is "bat-crap crazy waking nightmares". Reference to Carlos Casteneda, who was a complete and total fraud, conman and cult leader who probably caused a lot of dumb kids to go "bat-crap crazy".. etc.
From SPECIFIC INDICATIONS FOR HERBS IN GENERAL USE Third edition Michael Moore:
DATURA
Spasmodic asthma (smoked).
Very poisonous, can look like comfrey or mullein in early spring. Slows and strengthens heart rate, but the plants are so variable that it is usually too dangerous to use. Lily of the valley is safer.
Rare plant. Has some value for rheumatism and joint pain. Seems like jack in the pulpit where I live - DO NOT EAT raw root!
Endangered now, shouldn't be used. Good for cramps, heat, emotions and hormones... women's herb. Used for swooning and excitability.
From SPECIFIC INDICATIONS FOR HERBS IN GENERAL USE Third edition Michael Moore:
CYPRIPEDIUM
Nervous tachycardia. Palpitations, arrhythmias with agitation, neurotic (with Cereus). Insomnia in asthenic individuals or in atonic, debilitated states. Neuralgia in convalescence, debility. Poison ivy/oak (externally and topically). Amenorrhea with depressions. Dysmenorrhea, in general. Menopause, with melancholia after hot flashes. Infant teething, in the otherwise nervous fretful child. Headache, migraine, antispasmodic.
Extract added to tobacco for calming and enhancing perception. Bark and leaves are bitter tonic and analgesic, like aspirin. Good for lower GI deficiency/congestion, leaky gut.
From Torey: Other uses for Dogwood species. Eastern Flowering Dogwood (Cornus florida), was widely used to treat malaria when quinine was unavailable. Pacific Flowering Dogwood (C. nuttallii) has a history of use as a febrifuge during fever outbreaks circa 1830-1834 at the HBC outpost, Fort Vancouver (Washington).
One of the first medicines I learned about from indigenous elders was Red Osier Dogwood (aka Red Willow) (Cornus stolonifera). I will never forget one of its uses. Coughs, in particular, barking coughs. Barking coughs - Dogwood.
From SPECIFIC INDICATIONS FOR HERBS IN GENERAL USE Third edition Michael Moore:
CORNUS STOLONIFERA
Headache, from fevers.
Inhibits cancer tumor growth. Anti-angiogenic. Blocks new blood vessel growth in tumors. Here is a paper: www.aidanproducts.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/pgm-paper.pdf Tea of the leaves or a simple extract works best. Root is irritating laxative. Leaves are the anti-tumor part.
Has some effects like digitalis. Slows and strengthens pulse. Doesn't build up in the system like digitalis. Fewer side effects, but not as good for severe cardiac issues.
From SPECIFIC INDICATIONS FOR HERBS IN GENERAL USE Third edition Michael Moore:
CONVALLARIA
Palpitations, arrythmia with tachycardia.
The eastern version grows abundantly where I live. Can be used for ulcers and hemorrhages. It is astringent. Good for high fever with redness of the face. Similar to Coral Root. Calms feverish states. Brings on sweating and calmness.
You need to learn to identify this plant so that you never, ever mistake it for something edible or medicinal! It does have some traditional medicinal uses... but is way to dangerous to play around with. Here is more info: medicinal herbs: HEMLOCK - Conium maculatum (naturalmedicinalherbs.net) MM says a tea of the leaves is good for drug induced muscle spasms and rigidity. Dried leaves (only) made into tea for side effects from bad/cheap/tainted drugs/freak outs, etc.... sedative and anti-spasmodic.
It is a very toxic herb from which colchicine is derived. Colchicine is a prescription drug used for gout. More info here: medicinal herbs: AUTUMN CROCUS - Colchicum autumnale (naturalmedicinalherbs.net) Don't use this one unless you really, really know what you are doing... and probably not even then! "All parts of the plant, but especially the bulb, are poisonous. They cause vomiting, violent purging, serious inflammation of the stomach and bowels, and death. Handling the corms can cause skin allergies in some people."
A member of the buttercup family, somewhat like anemone. Good for migraines - cerebral vasodilator. Acrid and spicy. Somewhat sedative for some folks. Good for facial ticks. Also good for extremely bad hangover headaches.
From SPECIFIC INDICATIONS FOR HERBS IN GENERAL USE Third edition Michael Moore:
CLEMATIS Headache, migraine, vasodilator. Headache, migraine-like, in temples, with moisture on back of neck.
Bad sound quality on this one. It is a member of the Euphorbia family that slightly poisonous spikes. The family includes both bull nettle and the spineless chaya/spinach tree. Chaya is very nutritious. I ran into a bull nettle once... NOT fun! It stings like stinging nettle, but also made me feel like I had the flu.
Quinine from Chinchona is useful, the unrefined plant has nasty side effects... like deafness. Quinine is effective against traditional malaria. It also stimulates liver. The version of malaria that originated in Asia, in the 1960s isn't affected by quinine.... fevers, liver damage, sweats, nasty stuff.
Listen to "Show 8: The Herbal Medicine of Saint HIldegard" on Spreaker.
Here is an extra little Christmas gift for everyone. Saint Hildegard composed some of the most beautiful music imaginable. In fact, she is the first documented female composer and the most prolific composer of the middle ages! Try playing this in the background during your holiday gatherings and I'll bet everything will be a bit more peaceful and joyous... after al, this is literally the music of the angels!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v6qFCYRQKVA
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QqlOfDwwvjE
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ei88J4lERbk
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G8MGiPo5IxU
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hvfc9BYkXWw
Blechnum spicant I have found very little information on the fern, but Plants for A Future states: The leaflets have been chewed in the...
