This one is HUGE!
One hundred and twenty-four varieties of Prunus have been found
useful in Herbal Medicine!!!! Prunus alabamensis - Alabama Cherry,
Prunus alleghaniensis - Allegheny Plum, Prunus americana - American
Plum, Prunus americana lanata, Prunus andersonii - Desert Peach,
Prunus angustifolia - Chickasaw Plum, Prunus angustifolia watsonii -
Sand Plum, Prunus apetala - Clove Cherry, Prunus arabica, Prunus
armeniaca – Apricot, Prunus avium - Wild Cherry, Prunus besseriana
- Dwarf Almond, Prunus besseyi - Western Sand Cherry, Prunus bifrons,
Prunus bokharensis - Bokhara Plum, Prunus brigantina - Briançon
Apricot, Prunus buergeriana, Prunus campanulata - Taiwan Cherry,
Prunus canescens - Greyleaf Cherry, Prunus capsica, Prunus
caroliniana - American Cherry Laurel, Prunus cerasifera - Cherry
Plum, Prunus cerasifera divaricate, Prunus cerasoides - Wild
Himalayan Cherry, Prunus cerasus - Sour Cherry, Prunus cerasus
austera - Morello Cherry, Prunus cerasus caproniana - Kentish Red
Cherry, Prunus cerasus frutescens - Bush Sour Cherry, Prunus cerasus
marasca - Maraschino Cherry, Prunus cocomilia, Prunus consociiflora -
Chinese Wild Peach, Prunus cornuta - Himalayan Bird Cherry, Prunus
cortapico, Prunus davidiana - Chinese Wild Peach, Prunus dawyckensis
- Dawyck Cherry, Prunus dielsiana, Prunus domestica - Plum, Prunus
dulcis – Almond, Prunus emarginata - Bitter Cherry, Prunus
fasciculata - Desert Almond, Prunus fenzliana, Prunus fruticosa -
Mongolian Cherry, Prunus glandulosa - Korean Cherry, Prunus gracilis
- Sour Plum, Prunus grayana - Japanese Bird Cherry, Prunus
gymnodonta, Prunus hortulana - Hog Plum, Prunus humilis - Bush
Cherry, Prunus ilicifolia - Holly-Leaved Cherry, Prunus incana,
Prunus incisa - Fuji Cherry, Prunus insititia – Damson, Prunus
iranica, Prunus jamasakura – Yamazakura, Prunus japonica - Korean
Cherry, Prunus japonica nakai - Japanese Plum, Prunus jenkinsii,
Prunus kansuensis, Prunus korshinskyi, Prunus lannesiana - Oshima
Cherry, Prunus laurocerasus - Cherry Laurel, Prunus lusitanica -
Portugal Laurel, Prunus lyonii - Catalina Island Cherry, Prunus
mahaleb - Mahaleb Cherry, Prunus mandschurica - Manchurian Apricot,
Prunus maritima - Beach Plum, Prunus maximowiczii - Miyama Cherry,
Prunus media, Prunus mexicana - Mexican Plum, Prunus macrocarpa,
Prunus mira - Smoothpit Peach, Prunus mume - Japanese Apricot, Prunus
munsoniana - Wild Goose Plum, Prunus napaulensis, Prunus nigra -
Canadian Plum, Prunus nipponica - Japanese Alpine Cherry, Prunus
orthosepala, Prunus padus - Bird Cherry, Prunus pedunculata, Prunus
pensylvanica - Pin Cherry, Prunus persica – Peach, Prunus persica
nucipersica – Nectarine, Prunus pilosiuscula, Prunus prostrata -
Mountain Cherry, Prunus pseudocerasus - Cambridge Cherry, Prunus
pumila - Dwarf American Cherry, Prunus pumila susquehanae - Dwarf
American Cherry, Prunus rivularis - Creek Plum, Prunus rufa -
Himalayan Cherry, Prunus salicifolia - Capulin Cherry, Prunus
salicina - Japanese Plum, Prunus sargentii, Prunus serotina - Rum
Cherry, Prunus serrula - Birch Bark Cherry, Prunus serrulata –
Yamazakura, Prunus sibirica - Siberian Apricot, Prunus simonii -
Apricot Plum, Prunus Sogdiana, Prunus spinosa – Sloe, Prunus ssiori
- Japanese Bird Cherry, Prunus subcordata - Pacific Plum, Prunus
subhirtella - Rosebud Cherry, Prunus takesimensis, Prunus tangutica,
Prunus tenella - Dwarf Russian Almond, Prunus tomentosa - Nanking
Cherry, Prunus triloba - Flowering Almond Synonym:, Prunus triloba
simplex - Flowering Almond, Prunus umbellata - Black Sloe, Prunus
undulata, Prunus ursina, Prunus ussuriensis, Prunus virens - Wild
Cherry, Prunus virginiana – Chokecherry, Prunus virginiana demissa
- Western Chokecherry, Prunus virginiana melanocarpa - Rocky Mountain
Chokecherry, Prunus x cistena - Purple-Leaf Sand Cherry, Prunus x
dasycarpa - Black Apricot, Prunus x eminens, Prunus x fontanesiana,
Prunus x gondouinii - Duke Cherry, Prunus x sultana, Prunus x
utahensis, Prunus x yedoensis - Tokyo Cherry
Although
it would be wonderful to all that tasty fruit, I can honestly say
that it is somewhat of a relief that we only have eight varieties of
Prunus native to my region… I can’t imagine having to learn to
identify them all! Native are: Prunus alleghaniensis var.
alleghaniensis (Allegheny Plum), Prunus americana (American Plum),
Prunus angustifolia (Chickasaw Plum), Prunus caroliniana (Carolina
Laurelcherry), Prunus pensylvanica (Pin Cherry), Prunus serotina var.
serotina (Black Cherry), Prunus umbellata (Hog Plum, Flatwoods Plum),
Prunus virginiana var. virginiana (Chokecherry). Naturalized are:
Prunus avium (Sweet Cherry), Prunus cerasus (Sour Cherry), Prunus
glandulosa (Flowering Almond), Prunus mahaleb (Mahaleb Cherry),
Prunus munsoniana (Wild Goose Plum), Prunus persica (Peach)
Among
the Appalachian folks, wild Cherry bark is the most used of the
Prunuses, as a medicinal herb. It is used for coughs, congestion and
asthma. But, that is barely scratching the surface of these useful
trees. I feel safe in saying that if you have access to any member
of this family of trees, you will find an herbal use for it. So,
let’s dig into the history of the Prunus, as best we can.
Dioscorides
wrote of Almond Oil:
Amagdalinum
oil or metopium is made as follows. Having picked and dried four
quarts of bitter almonds beat them gently with a wooden pestle in a
mortar until they are pulped. Pour on them one pint of hot water and
let them absorb it for half an hour, from which time beat it strongly
again. Then press it on a board, squeeze it out, and take that which
sticks to your fingers into a spoon. Afterwards pour a half-pint of
water into that which was squeezed out, and allow it to be absorbed,
and repeat as before. Four quarts of seeds make one half-pint of oil.
It is effective against womb pains,constriction, the womb turning
around, and things that darken the same places, as well as headaches,
ear problems, resonance, and tinnitus. It helps inflammation of the
kidneys, illness meientes [urination], stones [urinary, kidney],
asthma and splenitis. Furthermore it removes spots from the face,
sunburn, and wrinkles on the skin mixed with honey, the root of lily
and Cyprian rosewax. With wine it mends moisture of the pupils of the
eye, and removes penetrative ulcers and dandruff.
The
root of the bitter almond tree bruised and boiled takes away spots on
the face caused by sunburn, as well as the almonds themselves,
applied as a poultice. Applied to the forehead or temples with
vinegar and rosaceum they drive out the menstrual flow and help
headaches. They are good with wine for epinyctides [pustules which
appear at night], rotten ulcers, and shingles [herpes], and with
honey for dog bites. Almonds if eaten take away pains and soften the
bowels, cause sleep and are diuretic. They are good for bloody vomit
taken with amyl [starch] and mint. They are good for inflamed kidneys
and pneumonia taken as a drink with water or as a linctus [syrup]
with resina terminthos. Taken with passum [raisin wine] they help
those troubled with painful urination and urinary stones. They help
diseased livers, coughs, and inflation of the colon, the amount of a
nut of the avellana [hazel] taken in a linctus [syrup] with milk and
honey. They keep away drunkenness if five to seven of them are taken
before indulging. It kills foxes when they eat it with something
else. The gum of the tree is astringent and heats, and is taken in
drink as a remedy for bloody vomit. Rubbed on with vinegar it takes
away impetigo [skin infection] on the surface of the skin. Taken in a
drink with diluted wine it cures old coughs, and it is good taken in
a drink with passum [raisin wine] for those troubled with urinary
stones. The sweet edible almond has a great deal less strength than
the bitter, yet that also reduces symptoms and is diuretic. Green
almonds eaten with their shells heal moistness of the stomach.
Of
the Cherry or Sour Cherry, he wrote:
Cerasia
that are eaten when fresh are good for the intestines, and dried they
stop discharges of the bowels. The gum from cerasia heals an old
cough taken with diluted wine. It causes a good colour, sharpness of
sight and appetite. Taken in a drink with wine it is good for those
troubled with kidney stones.
Of
Peaches:
The
fruit of persica are good for the stomach and for the intestines too
if ripe, but the unripe are astringent in the intestines. Dried they
are more astringent, and a decoction of them dried and taken stops a
stomach and intestines troubled with excessive discharges.
Plum
or Prune:
Coccymelia
is a known tree whose fruit is edible and bad for the stomach,
softening the bowels, especially fruit of those from Syria and those
growing in Damascus. Dried, it is good for the stomach and
therapeutic for the bowels. A decoction of the leaves (used or
prepared in wine and gargled) stops the excessive discharge that
falls on the uva [uvula], gingiva [gums] and tonsils. The fruit of
wild plums dried when it is ripe does the same. Boiled with sapa
[syruped new wine] it becomes better for the stomach and more
astringent to the bowels. The gum of the plum tree closes open cuts
and sores, and taken as a drink with wine breaks kidney stones.
Rubbed on with vinegar it heals lichen [papular skin disease] on
children
Cherry
Laurel:
Chamaedaphne
sends out single-branched rods a foot long — straight, thin and
smooth; the leaves of this are similar to the [other] bay but much
smoother, thinner and greener. The fruit is round and red, growing
near to the leaves. The leaves of this (pounded into small pieces and
smeared on) helps headaches and burning of the stomach. They cease
griping, taken as a drink with wine. The juice (given to drink with
wine) expels the menstrual flow and urine, and applied in a pessary
it does the same. Some have called this alexandrina, daphnitis, or
hydragogon, the Romans, laureola, some lactago, and the Gauls,
ousubim.
Saint
Hildegard von Bingen wrote of Almond:
The
Almond Tree is very hot and has a bit of moisture in it. Its bark,
leaves and sap are not much used in medicine, because all of its
power is in the fruit. One whose brain is empty, and whose face has
a bad color from a pain in the head, should frequently eat the inmost
kernels of this fruit. They fill his brain and give him the correct
color. Also, one who ails in his lungs, or whose liver is weak,
should often eat of these kernels, either raw or cooked. They give
strength to the lungs, since they in no way burden a person. Neither
do they make a person dry, but render him strong.
Of
Cherry:
Take
the inmost kernels of this fruit, when raw, and pound them well.
Dissolve bear fat in a small dish, and mix this with it, making an
ungent. Use it often to anoint one whose body has bad ulcers, which
are very like leprosy, but are not, and he will be cured.
One
who has wretching pains in his belly, although not from worms, should
often eat the kernels raw, and he will eb better. One who has worms
in his belly should place the kernels in vinegar and often eat them
on an empty stomach, and the worms will die.
One
who has pains in his eyes, so that they are red from the pain and
ulcerous, should take warm crumbs of rye bread and put the gum of a
cherry tree ont hem. He should tie them with a band, so the gum is
placed on the skin of the eyes. If he does this often, it will draw
the drips from his eyes and he will be cured.
If
some disease or bad humors fall upon one’s ears, so that he becomes
deaf and his ears ring, he should take the forenamed gum and dissolve
it in a small dish over the fire. He should pour it, thus warmed
over crumbs of rye bread and place this in the openings of his ears
at night. He should also cover his ears and temples with these
crumbs smeared with the gum and tie a linen cloth over them. If he
does this often, bad humors and ringing will be chased away, and he
will be cured.
Medlar:
The
medlar is very hot. It signifies sweetness. Its bark and leaves are
not much good as medicine, because all of its strength is in its
fruit. Nevertheless, a person who suffers from ague should, at the
onset of this infirmity, pulverize its root and drink this powder in
warm wine, before breakfast, with meals and at night. He should do
this frequently and he will eb cured. The fruit of this tree is good
and useful for healthy and sick people, however much they eat. It
increases their flesh and cleanses their blood.
Peach:
One
who is in various illnesses, has any kind of spots on his body should
take the inner bark of this tree before it fruit matures. He should
pound the bark, express its sap, and add a little vinegar to it, and
as much cooked honey as there is of the other two things. He should
place this in a new clay jar, and frequently anoint his body where
the bad spots are, until they are diminished.
When
one’s breath stinks badly, he should take the fruits of the peach
tree that are ripe. He should pound them, then take a handful of
licorice, a bit of pepper and some honey, and cook these things in
pure win, and so prepare a spiced wine. He should drink this often,
with a meal and at night. It will make his breath fragrant and take
rottenness away from his body and chest.
For
one with worms in his stomach or belly, the root and leaves of betony
should be pulverized. Add to this twice as much pulverized leaves of
the peach tree, taken when it has just sent out flowers. Cook this
in a new pot with good, pure wine. Drink it often, before breakfast
and at night, and the worms will die.
Take
also the raw, inmost kernels of the fruit and, having thrown away the
shell, pound them to a milk and squeeze five spoonfuls through a
cloth. Then pulverize three pennyweight of galingale, two of
licorice, and half a pennyweight of spurge, and add this to the
peach-kernel milk. Prepare a small cake of whole wheat flour and
garden spurge, and dry it gently in the sun or a warm oven. Then mix
this cake with a half pennyweight of the forenamed milk. Before
sunrise, take spoonfuls of this – equal to the weight of two and a
half pennies – after heating it on a fire. Then put yourself to
bed for a short while. This checks the gicht and carries congestion
away from your chest, and mucus away from your stomach. As a
pleasant potion, it gently purges you. If you need to, take it twice
a month, and on the day you take it, refrain from strong food, rye
bread, peas and lentils. Eat soft foods and drink wine.
One
who has pains in his chest, so that his throat is a bit constricted,
either because some bad thing is growing on it or there is some bad
vapor in it, with no ulcer or tumor, should take a paste of wheat
flour and dissolve it in the gum of the peach tree. He should often
place this, warm, over his throat for a little while, and he will eb
better. If, however, there is pain in his throat from an ulcer or
tumor, he should not place this on it, because it would be painful.
If a person has glands on his neck that are contracted or more
distinct than usual, and if there is no ulcer or tumor, he should
place the same prepared paste on them. If the neck were ulcerated or
tumescent, this paste would make it worse.
One
who has pain in his head should take the wheat paste, dissolve it in
the gum of the peach tree, and place it, warm, on the top of his head
for some time, and he will be better.
For
one whose eyes water, press gum from the peach tree, or from the
shell of a walnut, and warm it a bit on a hot tile. Then place it
around the eyes, until they grow warm. Do this once a day, every
four days, lest in doing it too often the eyes are harmed. The gum
of the peach tree has in it the first strength of the wood and draws
to itself natural moisture.
Plum:
If
some worms are eating the flesh of a person, take the upper bark of
that tree, down to the sap, and its leaves and pulverize them. Dry
them in the sun or in a pot by the fire. Put this powder in the
place where the worms are eating the person. When the worms begin to
move from there, so that the person feels it, take vinegar mixed with
a bit of honeyand pour it where the worms are, and they will die.
When they have fallen from the wound, d ead, dip a linen cloth in
wine and place it over the wounds. It will draw out the rotten
matter, and the person will become well.
Also,
make ashes from the bark of the leaves of this tree. From these
ashes make lye, and if your head is either pockmarked or withered,
wash it often with this lye. Your head will be cured and it will be
beautiful, will produce much beautiful hair.
If
someone through magic or by evil words is rendered insane, take the
earth which is around the roots of this tree and warm it vigorously
in the fire, until it burns a little bit. When it has burned a bit
by the fire, place rue and a little less pennyroyal on it. Let it
absorb their sap and odor. If you do nor have pennyroyal, place
fresh fenugreek on it. If it is winter, place on it the seeds of
these herbs, moderately warmed. After the person has eaten, place
this, with the herbs, on his head, naked stomach, and naked sides,
and tie it with a cloth. Put him in bed and cover him with clothing
so that he might sweat a bit with that earth. Do this for three or
five days, and he will be better. For when the ancient serpent hears
magic and evil words, he takes them up and sets traps for the one for
whom they were said, unless God stops him
Take
the gum of this tree and, if someone’s lips swell up, or if he
reports gicht springing up in them, heat this gum moderately and at
night when he goes to bed tie it, with a cloth, on his lips where it
hurts. Do this often and the pain will cease. One whose fingers and
hands are always moving from the tremor of the gicht should tie this
same gum, warmed, over his whole hand and the tremor will cease.
Whoever
has a dry cough should take the inmost kernels of this fruit and,
throwing away their covering, place them in wine. They should soak
in the wine until they have swelled a bit. Then, he should eat them
often and prepare a drink with good wine. He should consume this by
sipping, and he will quickly be cured. Every id of plum tree has
these powers in their bark and leaves, and the same nature in their
fruit, except the trees which are larger and bring forth larger
fruits with greater strength.
Gerard
wrote of Almond:
A.
Sweet almonds when they be dry be moderately hot; but the bitter ones
are hot and dry in the second degree. There is in both of them a
certain fat and oily substance, which is drawn out by pressing.
B.
Sweet almonds being new gathered are pleasant to the taste, they
yield some kind of nourishment, but the same gross and earthy, and
grosser than those that be dry, and not as yet withered. These do
likewise slowly descend, especially being eaten without their skins;
for even as the husks or branny parts of corn do serve to drive down
the gross excrements of the belly, so do likewise the skins or husks
of the almonds: therefore those that be blanched do so slowly
descend, as that they do withal bind the belly; whereupon they are
given with good success to those that have the lask or the bloody
flux.
C.
There is drawn out of sweet almonds, with liquor added, a white juice
like milk, which over and besides that it nourisheth, and is good for
those that are troubled with the lask and bloody flux, it is
profitable for those that have the pleurisy and spit up filthy
matter, as Alexander Trallianus witnesseth: for there is likewise in
the almonds an opening and concocting quality, with a certain
cleansing faculty, by which they are medicinable to the chest and
lungs, or lights, and serve for the raising up of phlegm and rotten
humours.
D.
Almonds taken before meat do stop the belly, and nourish but little;
notwithstanding many excellent meats and medicines are therewith made
for sundry griefs, yea very delicate and wholesome meats, as almond
butter, cream of almonds, marchpane, and such like, which dry and
stay the belly more than the extracted juice or milk; and they are
also as good for the chest and lungs.
E.
They do serve also to make the physical barley water, and barley
cream, which are given in hot fevers, as also for other sick and
feeble persons, for their further refreshing and nourishments.
F.
The oil which is newly pressed out of the sweet almonds is a
mitigator of pain and all manner of aches. It is given to those that
have the pleurisy, being first let blood; but especially to those
that are troubled with the stone of the kidneys; it slackens the
passages of the urine, and maketh them glib or slippery, and more
ready to suffer the stone to have free passage: it maketh the belly
soluble, and therefore it is likewise used for the colic.
G.
It is good for women that are newly delivered; for it quickly
removeth the throes which remain after their delivery.
H.
The oil of almonds makes smooth the hands and face of delicate
persons, and cleanseth the skin from all spots, pimples, and lentils.
I.
Bitter Almonds do make thin and open, they remove stoppings out of
the liver and spleen, therefore they be good against pain in the
sides: they make the body soluble, provoke urine, bring down the
menses, help the strangury, and cleanse forth of the chest and lungs
clammy humours: if they be mixed with some kind of lohoch or medicine
to lick on: with starch they stay the spitting of blood.
L.
And it is reported that five or six being taken fasting do keep a man
from being drunk.
M.
These also cleanse and take away spots and blemishes in the face, and
in other parts of the body; they mundify and make clean foul eating
ulcers.
N.
With honey they are laid upon the biting of mad dogs; being applied
to the temples with vinegar or oil of roses, they take away the
headache, as Dioscorides writeth.
O.
They are also good against the cough and shortness of wind.
P.
They are likewise good for those that spit blood, if they be taken
with the fine flour of Amylum.
Q.
There is also pressed out of these an oil which provoketh urine, but
especially if a few scorpions be drowned, and steeped therein.
R.
With oil it it singular good for those that have the stone, and
cannot easily make water: but with extremity of pain, if the share
and place between the cods and fundament be anointed therewith.
S.
Dioscorides saith, that the gum doth heat and bind, which qualities
notwithstanding are not perceived in it.
T.
It helpeth them that spit blood, not by a binding faculty, but
through the clamminess of his substance, and that is by closing up of
the passages and pores, and so may it also cure old coughs, and
mitigate extreme pains that proceed of the stone, and especially take
away the sharpness of urine, if it be drunk with bastard, or with any
other sweet potion, as with the decoction of Liquorice, or of raisins
of the sun. The same doth likewise kill tetters in the outward parts
of the body (as Dioscorides addeth) if it be dissolved in vinegar.
Of
Cherry:
A.
The best and principal cherries be those that are somewhat sour:
those little sweet ones which be wild and soonest ripe be the worst:
they contain bad juice, they very soon putrefy, and do engender ill
blood, by reason whereof they do not only breed worms in the belly,
but troublesome agues, and often pestilent fevers: and therefore in
well governed commonwealths it is carefully provided, that they
should not be sold in the markets in the plague time.
B.
Spanish cherries are like to these in faculties, but they do not so
soon putrefy: they be likewise cold, and the juice they make is not
good.
C.
The Flanders or Kentish cherries that are thorough ripe, have a
better juice, but watery, cold and moist: they quench thirst, they
are good for an hot stomach, and profitable for those that have the
ague: they easily descend and make the body soluble: they nourish
nothing at all.
D.
The late ripe cherries which the Frenchmen keep dried against winter,
and are by them called Morelle, and we after the same name call them
Morell cherries, are dry, and do somewhat bind; these being dried are
pleasant to the taste, and wholesome for the stomach, like as prunes
be, and do stop the belly.
E.
Generally all the kinds of cherries are cold and moist of
temperature, although some more cold and moist than others: the which
being eaten before meat do soften the belly very gently, they are
unwholesome either unto moist and rheumatic bodies, or for unhealthy
and cold stomachs.
F.
The common black cherries do strengthen the stomach, and are
wholesomer than the red cherries, the which being dried do stop the
lask.
G.
The distilled water of cherries is good for those that are troubled
with heat and inflammations in their stomachs, and prevaileth against
the falling sickness given mixed with wine.
H.
Many excellent Tarts and other pleasant meats are made with cherries,
sugar, and other delicate spices, whereof to write were to small
purpose.
I.
The gum of the Cherry tree taken with wine and water, is reported to
help the stone; it may do good by making the passages slippery, and
by tempering & allaying the sharpness of the humours; and in this
manner it is a remedy also for an old cough. Dioscorides addeth, that
it maketh one well coloured, cleareth the sight, and causeth a good
appetite to meat.
Peach:
A.
Peaches be cold and moist, and that in the second degree, they have a
juice and also a substance, that doth easily putrefy, which yieldeth
no nourishment, but bringeth hurt, especially if they be eaten after
other meats; for then they cause the other meats to putrefy. But they
are less hurtful if they be taken first; for by reason that they are
moist and slippery, they easily and quickly descend; and by making
the belly slippery, they cause other meats to slip down the sooner.
B.
The kernels of the peaches be hot and dry, they open and cleanse;
they are good for the stopB pings of the liver and spleen.
C.
Peaches before they be ripe do stop the lask, but being ripe they
loose the belly, and engender naughty humour, for they are soon
corrupted in the stomach.
D.
The leaves of the Peach tree do open the stopping of the liver, and
do gently loosen the belly: and being applied plasterwise unto the
navel of young children, they kill the worms, and drive them forth.
E.
The same leaves boiled in milk, do kill the worms in children very
speedily.
F.
The same being dried, and cast upon green wounds, cure them.
G.
The flowers of the Peach tree infused in warm water for the space of
ten or twelve hours, and strained, and more flowers put to the said
liquor to infuse after the same manner, and so iterated six or eight
times, and strained again, then as much sugar as it will require
added to the same liquor and boiled unto the consistence or thickness
of a syrup, and two spoonfuls hereof taken, doth so singularly well
purge the belly, that there is neither Rhubarb, Agaric, nor any other
purger comparable unto it; for this purgeth down waterish humours
mightily, and yet without grief or trouble, either to the stomach, or
lower parts of the body.
H.
The kernel within the peach stone stamped small, and boiled with
vinegar until it be brought to the form of an ointment, is good to
restore and bring again the hair of such as be troubled with the
alopecia.
I.
There is drawn forth of the kernels of peaches with Pennyroyal water,
a juice like unto milk; which is good for those that have the
apoplexy: if the same be oftentimes held in the mouth it draweth
forth water and recovereth the speech.
K.
The gum is of a mean temperature, but the substance thereof is tough
and clammy, by reason whereof it dulleth the sharpness of thin
humours: it serveth in a lohoch or licking medicine for those that be
troubled with the cough, and have rotten lungs, and stoppeth the
spitting and raising up of blood, and also stayeth other fluxes.
Plum:
A.
Plums that be ripe and new gathered from the tree, what sort soever
they are of; do moisten and cool, and yield unto the body very little
nourishment, and the same nothing good at all: for as Plums do very
quickly rot, so is also the juice of them apt to putrefy in the body,
and likewise to cause the meat to putrefy which is taken with them:
only they are good for those that would keep their bodies soluble and
cool; for by their moisture and slipperiness they do mollify the
belly.
B.
Dried plums, commonly called prunes, are wholesomer, and more
pleasant to the stomach, they yield more nourishment, and better, and
such as cannot easily putrefy. It is reported, saith Galen in his
book Of the Faculties of Nourishments, that the best do grow in
Damascus a city of Syria; and next to those, they that grow in Spain:
but these do nothing at all bind, yet divers of the damask damson
prunes very much; for damask damson prunes are more astringent, but
they of Spain be sweeter. Dioscorides saith, that damask prunes dried
do stay the belly; but Galen affirmth, in his books of the faculties
of simple medicines, that they do manifestly loose the belly yet
lesser than they that be brought out of Spain; being boiled with mead
or honeyed water, which hath a good quantity of honey in it, they
loose the belly very much (as the same author saith) although a man
take them alone by themselves, and much more if the mead be supped
after them. We most commend those of Hungary being long and sweet;
yet more those of Moravia the chief and principal city in times past
of the Province of the Marcomans: for these after they be dried, that
the watery humour may be consumed away, be most pleasant to the
taste, and do easily without any trouble so mollify the belly, as
that in that respect they go beyond Cassia and Manna, as Thomas
Iordanus affirmeth.
C.
The leaves of the Plum tree are good against the swelling of the
uvula, the throat, gums, & kernels under the throat and jaws;
they stop the rheum and falling down of humours, if the decoction
thereof be made in wine, and gargled in the mouth and throat.
D.
The gum which cometh out of the Plum tree doth glue and fasten
together, as Dioscorides saith.
E.
Being drunk in wine it wasteth away the stone, and healeth lichens in
infants and young children; if it be laid on with vinegar, it worketh
the same effects that the gum of the Peach and Cherry tree doth.
F.
The wild plums do stay and bind the belly, and so do the unripe plums
of what sort soever, whiles they are sharp and sour, for then are
they astringent.
G.
The juice of sloes doth stop the belly, the lask and bloody flux, the
inordinate course of women's terms, and all other issues of blood in
man or woman, and may very well be used instead of Acatia, which is a
thorny tree growing in Egypt, very hard to be gotten, and of a dear
price, and therefore the better for wantons; albeit our plums of this
country are equal unto it in virtues.
Culpepper
wrote of Cherry:
It
is a tree of Venus. Cherries, as they are of different tastes, so
they are of different qualities. The sweet pass through the stomach
and the belly more speedily, but are of little nourishment; the tart
or sour are more pleasing to an hot stomach, procure appetite to
meat, and help to cut tough phlegm and gross humours; but when these
are dried, they are more binding to the belly than when they are
fresh, being cooling in hot diseases, and welcome to the stomach, and
provoke urine. The gum of the cherry-tree, dissolved in wine, is good
for a cold, cough, and hoarseness of the throat; mendeth the colour
in the face, sharpeneth the eyesight, provoketh appetite, and helpeth
to break and expel the stone; the black cherries bruised with the
sotnes, and dissolved, the water thereof is much used to break the
stone, and to expel gravel and wind.
Of
Peach:
Lady
Venus owns this tree, and by it opposes the ill effects of Mars, and
indeed for children and young people, nothing is better to purge
choler and the jaundice, than the leaves or flowers of this tree
being made into a syrup or conserve. Let such as delight to please
their lust regard the fruit; but such as have lost their health, and
their children's, let them regard what I say, they may safely give
two spoonfuls of the syrup at a time; it is as gentle as Venus
herself. The leaves of peaches bruised and laid on the belly, kill
worms, and so they do also being boiled in ale and drank, and open
the belly likewise; and, being dried, is a far safer medicine to
discuss humours. The powder of them strewed upon fresh bleeding
wounds stays their bleeding, and closes them up. The flowers steeped
all night in a little wine standing warm, strained forth in the
morning, and drank fasting, doth gently open the belly, and move it
downward. A syrup made of them, as the syrup of roses is made, works
more forcibly than that of roses, for it provokes vomiting, and
spends waterish and hydropic humours by the continuance thereof. The
flowers made into a conserve, work the same effect. The liquor that
dropped from the tree, being wounded, is given in the decoction of
Coltsfoot, to those that are troubled with a cough or shortness of
breath, by adding thereunto some sweet wine, and putting some saffron
also therein. It is good for those that are hoarse, or have lost
their voice; helps all defects of the lungs, and those that vomit and
spit blood. Two drams hereof given in the juice of lemons, or of
radish, is good for them that are troubled with the stone, the
kernels of the stones do wonderfully ease the pains and wringings of
the belly through wind or sharp humours, and help to make an
excellent medicine for the stone upon all occasions, in this manner:
I take fifty kernels of peach-stones, and one hundred of the kernels
of cherry-stones, a handful of elder flowers fresh or dried, and
three pints of Muscadel; set them in a close pot into a bed of
horse-dung for ten days, after which distil in a glass with a gentle
fire , and keep it for your use. You may drink upon occasion three or
four ounces at a time. The milk or cream of these kernels being drawn
forth with some Vervain water and applied to the forehead and
temples, doth much help to procure rest and sleep to sick persons
wanting it. The oil drawn from the kernels, the temples being
therewith anointed, doth the like. The said oil put into clysters,
eases the pains of the wind cholic: and anointed on the lower part of
the belly, doth the like, and dropped into the ears, eases pains in
them; the juice of the leaves doth the like. Being also anointed on
the forehead and temples, it helps the megrim, and all other pains in
the head. If the kernels be bruised and boiled in vinegar, until they
become thick, and applied to the head, it marvellously procures the
hair to grow again upon bald places, or where it is too thin.
Plum:
All
plums are under Venus, and are, like women, some better, and some
worse. As there is great diversity of kinds, so there is in the
operation of Plums, for some that are sweet moistens the stomach, and
make the belly soluble; those that are sour quench thirst more, and
bind the belly; the moist and waterish do sooner corrupt in the
stomach, but the firm do nourish more, and offend less. The dried
fruit sold by the grocers under the names of Damask Prunes, do
somewhat loosen the belly, and being stewed, are often used, both in
health and sickness, to relish the mouth and stomach, to procure
appetite, and a little to open the body, allay choler, and cool the
stomach. Plum-tree leaves boiled in wine, are good to wash and gargle
the mouth and throat, to dry the flux of rheum coming to the palate,
gums, or almonds of the ear. The gum of the tree is good to break the
stone. The gum or leaves boiled in vinegar, and applied, kills
tetters and ringworms. Matthiolus saith, The oil preserved out of the
kernels of the stones, as oil of almonds is made, is good against the
inflamed piles, the tumours or swellings of ulcers, hoarseness of the
voice, roughness of the tongue and throat, and likewise the pains in
the ears. And that five ounces of the said oil taken with one ounce
of muskadel, drives forth the stone, and helps the cholic.
Mrs.
Grieves wrote of Almonds:
Fresh
Sweet Almonds possess demulcent and nutrient properties, but as the
outer brown skin sometimes causes irritation of the alimentary canal,
they are blanched by removal of this skin when used for food. Though
pleasant to the taste, their nutritive value is diminished unless
well masticated, as they are difficult of digestion, and may in some
cases induce nettlerash and feverishness. They have a special
dietetic value, for besides containing about 20 per cent of proteids,
they contain practically no starch, and are therefore often made into
flour for cakes and biscuits for patients suffering from diabetes.
Sweet
Almonds are used medicinally, the official preparations of the
British Pharmacopoeia being Mistura Amygdalae, Pulvis Amygdalae
Compositus and Almond Oil.
On
expression they yield nearly half their weight in a bland fixed oil,
which is employed medicinally for allaying acrid juices, softening
and relaxing solids, and in bronchial diseases, in tickling coughs,
hoarseness, costiveness, nephritic pains, etc.
When
Almonds are pounded in water, the oil unites with the fluid, forming
a milky juice - Almond Milk - a cooling, pleasant drink, which is
prescribed as a diluent in acute diseases, and as a substitute for
animal milk: an ounce of Almonds is sufficient for a quart of water,
to which gum arabic is in most cases a useful addition. The pure oil
mixed with a thick mucilage of gum arabic, forms a more permanent
emulsion; one part of gum with an equal quantity of water being
enough for four parts of oil. Almond emulsions possess in a certain
degree the emollient qualities of the oil, and have this advantage
over the pure oil, that they may be given in acute or inflammatory
disorders without danger of the ill effects which the oil might
sometimes produce by turning rancid. Sweet Almonds alone are employed
in making emulsions, as the Bitter Almond imparts its peculiar taste
when treated in this way.
Blanched
and beaten into an emulsion with barley-water, Sweet Almonds are of
great use in the stone, gravel, strangury and other disorders of the
kidneys, bladder and biliary ducts.
By
their oily character, Sweet Almonds sometimes give immediate relief
in heartburn. For this, it is recommended to peel and eat six or
eight Almonds.
Of
Cherry:
Astringent
tonic, pectoral, sedative. It has been used in the treatment of
bronchitis of various types. Is valuable in catarrh, consumption
nervous cough, whooping-cough, and dyspepsia.
Laurel
Cherry:
Sedative,
narcotic. The leaves possess qualities similar to those of
hydrocyanic acid, and the water distilled from them is used for the
same purpose as that medicine. Of value in coughs, whooping-cough,
asthma, and in dyspepsia and indigestion.
Peach:
The
fruit is wholesome and seldom disagrees if eaten ripe, though the
skin is indigestible. The quantity of sugar is only small.
All
Peaches have in the kernel a flavour resembling that of noyau, which
depends on the presence of prussic or hydrocyanic acid. Not only the
kernels, but also the young branches and flowers, after maceration in
water, yield a volatile oil, which is chemically identical with that
of bitter almonds, and is the cause of this flavour. Infused in white
brandy, sweetened with barley sugar, Peach leaves have been said to
make a fine cordial, similar to noyau, and the flowers when distilled
furnish a white liquor, which communicates a flavour resembling the
kernels of the fruit.
The
leaves, bark, flowers and kernels have medicinal virtue. Both the
leaves and bark are still employed for their curative powers. They
have demulcent, sedative, diuretic and expectorant action. An
infusion of 1/2 OZ. of the bark or 1 OZ. of the dried leaves to a
pint of boiling water has been found almost a specific for irritation
and congestion of the gastric surfaces. It is also used in whooping
cough, ordinary coughs and chronic bronchitis, the dose being from a
teaspoonful to a wineglassful as required.
The
fresh leaves were stated by the older herbalists to possess the power
of expelling worms, if applied outwardly to the body as a poultice.
An infusion of the dried leaves was also recommended for the same
purpose.
In
Italy, at the present day, there is a popular belief that if fresh
Peach leaves are applied to warts and then buried, the warts will
fall off by the time the buried leaves have decayed.
A
syrup and infusion of Peach flowers was formerly a preparation
recognized by apothecaries, and praised by Gerard as a mildly acting
efficient purgative. The syrup was considered good for children and
those in weak health, and to be good against jaundice.
A
tincture made from the flowers has been said to allay the pain of
colic caused by gravel.
Prune:
Dried
prunes are mildly laxative and are frequently employed in decoction.
They form a pleasant and nourishing diet for invalids when stewed;
they enter into the composition of Confection of Senna. A medicinal
tincture is prepared from the fresh flower-buds of the Blackthorn.
Some 20 per cent of oil is obtainable by crushing the Plum kernel -
this is clear, yellow in colour and has an agreeable almond flavour
and smell. It is used for alimentary purposes. The residue after
pressing is used in the manufacture of a brandy, which is largely
consumed in Hungary.
An
Irish Herbal states of Almond:
Bitter
almonds are used against all diseases of the lungs , liver and spleen
and is therefore good against shortness of breath, coughs,
inflammation and exulceration of the lungs. It should be taken in a
sweet wine, and is also an excellent cure against the headache when
it is applied to the forehead with the oil of roses and vinegar. It
is said that if a man takes five or six almonds, before breaking his
fast, that he will not become drunk that day.
Take
2 ounces of the oil of sweet almonds, the same quantity of fresh
butter, sugar candy and clarified honey, a quarter of grated nutmeg,
which mixed together and taken off a licorice stick, is an exceeding
good cure for the cough.
Of
Cherry:
Red
Cherry. This tree bears red cherries which are of a cooling, moist
nature. They purge and comfort the stomach, assuage thirst and ease
the condition of the stone, gravel and epilepsy.
Black
Cherry. These cherries are good for all uneasiness of the head and
nerves, such as epilepsy, convulsions and paralysis. They also
provoke urination and break up the stone, and in general, the
distilled water of these cherries is of great use in mediceine.
Medlar:
Medlars
have a cold, dry, astringent nature. When hard and green, they are
very useful in stopping diarrhea. If the crushed stones of medlar
are drunk in a solution, the break up the stones in the bladder.
Peach:
The
leaves open the liver and spleen and aid digestion. If applied to
the navels of young children, they expel worms, and if crushed and
applied to wounds, they cure and heal them. The kernels are
beneficial for the liver and chest, and if they are finely crushed
and boiled in vinegar until they dissolve and become like a pap, they
wonderfully restore the hair. The flowers are purgative and open
obstructions.
Fr.
Kneipp wrote of Almond Oil:
The
sweet almond-oil deserves one of the first places among the oils in
the apotheca. It operates on various infirmities and complaints ,
interior as well as exterior ones, in a softening, cooling and
dissolving manner. It dissolves phlegm in the wind-pipe, or in the
stomach, and in the latter case it restores appetite and digestion.
In inflammations, especially in the drea-ded inflammation of the
lungs, it cools. Such patients ought to take one tea- spoonful of
almond oil, three or four times a day. When applied externally, this
oil is of especial service to those who suffer from various diseases.
The almond oil is to my knowledge the best anodyne and dissolving
remedy for such complaints as humming in the ears, sharp pains in the
ears, cramps in the ears, obdurate ear-wax. Pour six or eight drops
into the suffering ear and stop it with cotton-wool. If your hearing
is becoming difficult through cold, draught, or rheumatism, pour
seven or eight drops into one ear, and on the next day pour the same
quantity into the other ear each time stopping the ear with cotton-
wool. After a few days you may wash the interior of the ear with hike
-warm water, and you will see the result. It would be better to let a
competent man syringe the ear with an ear-syringe. Tumours with great
heat (inflammation) should be rubbed softly with almond-oil ; it will
ease the piercing pain and cool the burning heat. The so-called,
often so painful “chinks" of country people, wounds
originating from sitting, lying or riding, etc., no matter on what
part of the body, they may be exceedingly well treated by a soft,
rubbing with sweet almond-oil.
Brother
Aloysius wrote of Almond
Almond
milk is particularly used for intestinal inflammation, bladder
complaints, gravel, dry cough hoarseness and fever.
…
the oil dissolves hardened ear wax, as well.
Of
Peach:
The
leaves are used medicinally. The infusion should contain ¼ to 1/3
cup per 2 cups water and is recommended for constipation; it has a
mild purgative action. One should never take more than the
prescribed dose; more would be dangerous and even fatal.
Resources
of the Southern Fields and Forests states:
Wild
Cherry: This is, undoubtedly, one of the most valuable of our
indigenous plants. The bark unites with a tonic power the property of
calming irritation and diminishing nervous excitability, adapted to
cases where the digestive powers are impaired, and with general and
local irritation existing at the same time." It is peculiarly
suited to the hectic fever attending scrofula and consumption, owing
to the reduction of excitability which it induces, it is supposed, by
the hydrocyanic acid contained in it. Eberle states that the cold
infusion had the effect of reducing his pulse from seventy-five to
fifty strokes in the minute. In a case of hypertrophy with increased
action of the heart, I tried the infusion of this plant, taken in
large quantities, according to Dr. Eberle's plan, but without very
satisfactory results. It was persisted in for three weeks; the
patient, a gentleman aged twenty-five, of nervous temperament,
drinking several ounces of it three times a day. The force of the
circulation was at first diminished; but the abatement was not
progressive; the individual was not made any worse by it. Tincture of
digitalis had been likewise used with no beneficial effects. Dr. Wood
speaks of the employment of the wild cherry in the general debility
following inflammatory fever. It is valuable, also, in dyspepsia,
attended with neuralgic symptoms. Mer. and de L. Diet, de M. Med. v,
159 ; Bull des Sci. Med. xi, 303. The bark is indicated whenever a
tonic is necessary, from impairment of the constitution by syphilis,
dyspepsia, pulmonary or lumbar abscess, etc. I am informed by a
correspondent that he finds equal parts of this bark, rhubarb, and
the gum exuding from the peach tree, (Amygdalus communis,') which
like- wise affords Prussic acid, when combined with brandy and white
sugar, an excellent remedy in dysentery and diarrhoea; one ounce of
each is added to one pint of brandy, with a sufficient quantity of
white sugar, a tablespoonful of which is taken every half hour. The
sensible, as well as the medicinal properties of this plant, are
impaired by boiling; cold water extracts its virtues best. The inner
bark is officinal. The bark of all parts of the tree is used, but
that from the root is most active. The bark is stronger, if collected
from the root in autumn, and it deteriorates by keeping. It is tonic,
sedative, expectorant. The officinal infusion is thus made: Bark
bruised, half an ounce to one pint of cold water; macerate for
twenty-four hours. Dose, two or three fluid ounces three or four
times a day. To make the officinal syrup: Take of wild cherry}' bark,
in coarse powder, five ounces; sugar, refined, two pounds; water
sufficient to moisten the bark thoroughly. Let it stand for
twenty-four hours in a close vessel; then transfer it to a
percolator, and pour cold water upon it gradually until a pint of
filtered liquor is obtained. To this add the sugar, in a bottle, and
agitate occasionally until it is dissolved. Dose one-half fluid
ounce. By Proctor's analysis, it contains starch, resin, tannin,
gallic acid, fatty matter, lignin, salts of lime potassa and iron,
and a volatile oil associated with hydrocyanic acid. This proved
fatal to a cat in less than five minutes. See Journal Phil. Coll.
Pharm. vi, 8 ; Am. Journal Pharm. x, 197. The leaves, also, are
sedative and anti-spasmodic; used in coughs, angina pectoris, etc.
The dose of the powdered root is from twenty grains to one drachm.
The infusion is the most convenient form. A syrup is also made;
beside several secret preparations. The method of making the “Cherry
cordial” by the Southern matrons in the lower country of South
Carolina, is as follows:
Fill
the vessel with cherries, (not washed, if gathered clean,) and cover
with whiskey. After several weeks pour off all the clear liquor and
press the cherries through a sieve. Put into the juice thus pressed
out five pints of brown sugar, and boil with syrup enough to sweeten
the whole. Pour five pints of water on the thick part; boil and
strain to make the syrup with the sugar. " Blackberry cordial "
is made in the same way; or it can be stewed, strained, sweetened and
whiskey added. In the above, the sugar is to be boiled in the water
which is obtained from the thick part as directed. Plum cordial is
thus made in S. C: Fill the vessel with plums after sticking each
one. Pour whiskey enough to cover them. After six weeks preserve the
plums in half their weight of. sugar. Put all together and shake the
jug well. The common wild plum is used. The gum which exudes from the
red cherry, the plum and peach, is used in place of gum arable in
increasing the brilliancy of starch and in sealing envelopes. The
wood of this tree is highly valuable, being compact, fine grained and
brilliant, and not liable to warp when perfectly seasoned. When
chosen near the ramifications of the trunk, it rivals mahogany in the
beauty of its curls. Farmer's Encyc.
The
Thomsonian System of Medicine states of Peach and Cherry
PEACH
MEATS. (Dr. Thomson.)
The
meats that are in the peach stones have long been used as medicine,
and need but little to be said about them, except that they are of
great value to strengthen the stomach and bowels, and restore the
digestion; for which purpose I have made much use of them, and always
to good advantage. Made into a cordial, with other articles, in the
manner as directed under No. 5, it forms one of the best remedies I
know of to recover the natural tone of the stomach after long
sickness. A tea may be made of the leaves and bark of the peach tree
and answers almost the same purpose as the peach meats. CAUTION. Do
not allow the infusion to stand over eight hours, as by fermentation
prussic acid will be formed and cause poisoning. It should be made
fresh every time it is used. The tincture, syrup or fluid extract can
be kept any length of time. The dose of the Tincture is from 30 to 60
minims.
CHERRY
STONES. (Dr. Thomson.)
The
meats of the Wild Cherry stones are very good, and may be used
instead of the peach meats, when they cannot be had. Get the stones
as clean as possible, and when well dried, pound them in a mortar,
and separate the meats from the stones, which is done with little
trouble ; take the same quantity as is directed of the peach meats,
and it will answer equally as well. A tea made of the cherries,
pounded with the stones, and steeped in hot water, sweetened with
loaf sugar, to which is added a little brandy, is good to restore the
digestive powers and create an appetite. Bitter almonds may be used
as a substitute for the peach meats or cherry stones, when they
cannot be had.
King's
American Dispensatory, 1898 tells us of wild Cherry:
Action,
Medical Uses, and Dosage.—Wild cherry bark has a tonic and
stimulating influence on the digestive apparatus, and a simultaneous
sedative action on the nervous system and circulation. It is,
therefore, valuable in all those cases where it is desirable to give
tone and strength to the system, without, at the same time, causing
too great an action of the heart and blood vessels, as, during
convalescence from pleurisy, pneumonia, acute hepatitis, and other
inflammatory and febrile diseases. Its chief property is its power of
relieving irritation of the mucous surfaces, making it an admirable
remedy in many gastro-intestinal, pulmonic, and urinary troubles.
Like lycopus, it lessens vascular excitement, though it does not
control hemorrhages like that agent. It is best adapted to chronic
troubles. It is also useful in hectic fever, cough, colliquative
diarrhoea, some forms of irritative dyspepsia, whooping-cough,
irritability of the nervous system, etc., and has been found an
excellent palliative in phthisis, the syrup being employed to
moderate the cough, lessen the fever, and sustain the patient's
strength. It has likewise been of service in scrofula and other
diseases attended with much debility and hectic fever. Wild cherry is
an excellent sedative in cardiac palpitation, not due to structural
wrongs. It is particularly useful in this disorder when there is
nervous fever, tuberculosis, or the debility consequent upon
irritative dyspepsia, anemia, chlorosis, or nervous diseases.
Externally, it has been found useful, in decoction, as a wash to
ill-conditioned ulcers and acute ophthalmia. Dose of the powdered
bark, 1 or 2 drachms; of the infusion, 1 ounce of bark to 1 pint of
cold water, and allowed to stand a few hours, from 1 to 4 fluid
ounces, 4 or 5 times a day, and which is the best mode of using it;
syrup of wild cherry, 1 fluid drachm. This agent may be used as a
vehicle for Fowler's solution and other medicines. Specific prunus, 1
to 20 drops.
Specific
Indications and Uses.—Rapid, weak circulation; continual irritative
cough, with profuse muco-purulent expectoration; cardiac palpitation,
from debility; dyspnoea; pyrexia; loss of appetite; and cardiac pain
Plants
for A Future states:
Medicinal
use of Almond: As well as being a tasty addition to the diet, almonds
are also beneficial to the overall health of the body, being used
especially in the treatment of kidney stones, gallstones and
constipation. Externally, the oil is applied to dry skins and is also
often used as a carrier oil in aromatherapy. The seed is demulcent,
emollient, laxative, nutritive and pectoral. When used medicinally,
the fixed oil from the seed is normally employed. The seed contains
"laetrile", a substance that has also been called vitamin
B17. This has been claimed to have a positive effect in the treatment
of cancer, but there does not at present seem to be much evidence to
support this. The pure substance is almost harmless, but on
hydrolysis it yields hydrocyanic acid, a very rapidly acting poison -
it should thus be treated with caution. In small amounts this
exceedingly poisonous compound stimulates respiration, improves
digestion and gives a sense of well-being. The leaves are used in the
treatment of diabetes. The plant contains the antitumour compound
taxifolin.
Medicinal
uses of Apricot: Apricot fruits are nutritious, cleansing and mildly
laxative. The flowers are tonic, promoting fecundity in women. The
bark is astringent. The inner bark and/or the root are used for
treating poisoning caused by eating bitter almond and apricot seeds
(which contain hydrogen cyanide). Another report says that a
decoction of the outer bark is used to neutralize the effects of
hydrogen cyanide. The decoction is also used to soothe inflamed and
irritated skin conditions. The seed is analgesic, anthelmintic,
antiasthmatic, antispasmodic, antitussive, demulcent, emollient,
expectorant, pectoral, sedative and vulnerary. It is used in the
treatment of asthma, coughs, acute or chronic bronchitis and
constipation. The seed contains "laetrile", a substance
that has also been called vitamin B17. This has been claimed to have
a positive effect in the treatment of cancer, but there does not at
present seem to be much evidence to support this. The pure substance
is almost harmless, but on hydrolysis it yields hydrocyanic acid, a
very rapidly acting poison - it should thus be treated with caution.
In small amounts this exceedingly poisonous compound stimulates
respiration, improves digestion and gives a sense of well-being.
Medicinal
use of Wild Cherry: The fruit stalks are astringent, diuretic and
tonic. A decoction is used in the treatment of cystitis, oedema,
bronchial complaints, looseness of the bowels and anaemia. An
aromatic resin can be obtained by making small incisions in the
trunk. This has been used as an inhalant in the treatment of
persistent coughs. Although no specific mention has been seen for
this species, all members of the genus contain amygdalin and
prunasin, substances which break down in water to form hydrocyanic
acid (cyanide or prussic acid). In small amounts this exceedingly
poisonous compound stimulates respiration, improves digestion and
gives a sense of well-being.
Medicinal
use of Damson: The bark of the root and branches is febrifuge and
considerably styptic. An infusion of the flowers has been used as a
mild purgative for children. Although no specific mention has been
seen for this species, all members of the genus contain amygdalin and
prunasin, substances which break down in water to form hydrocyanic
acid (cyanide or prussic acid). In small amounts this exceedingly
poisonous compound stimulates respiration, improves digestion and
gives a sense of well-being.
Medicinal
use of Peach: Antihalitosis. The leaves are astringent, demulcent,
diuretic, expectorant, febrifuge, laxative, parasiticide and mildly
sedative. They are used internally in the treatment of gastritis,
whooping cough, coughs and bronchitis. They also help to relieve
vomiting and morning sickness during pregnancy, though the dose must
be carefully monitored because of their diuretic action. The dried
and powdered leaves have sometimes been used to help heal sores and
wounds. The leaves are harvested in June and July then dried for
later use. The flowers are diuretic, sedative and vermifuge. They are
used internally in the treatment of constipation and oedema. A gum
from the stems is alterative, astringent, demulcent and sedative. The
seed is antiasthmatic, antitussive, emollient, haemolytic, laxative
and sedative. It is used internally in the treatment of constipation
in the elderly, coughs, asthma and menstrual disorders. The bark is
demulcent, diuretic, expectorant and sedative. It is used internally
in the treatment of gastritis, whooping cough, coughs and bronchitis.
The root bark is used in the treatment of dropsy and jaundice. The
bark is harvested from young trees in the spring and is dried for
later use. The seed contains "laetrile", a substance that
has also been called vitamin B17. This has been claimed to have a
positive effect in the treatment of cancer, but there does not at
present seem to be much evidence to support this. The pure substance
is almost harmless, but on hydrolysis it yields hydrocyanic acid, a
very rapidly acting poison - it should thus be treated with caution.
In small amounts this exceedingly poisonous compound stimulates
respiration, improves digestion and gives a sense of well-being.
Medicinal
use of Nectarine: Antihalitosis. The leaves are astringent,
demulcent, diuretic, expectorant, febrifuge, laxative, parasiticide
and mildly sedative. They are used internally in the treatment of
gastritis, whooping cough, coughs and bronchitis. They also help to
relieve vomiting and morning sickness during pregnancy, though the
dose must be carefully monitored because of their diuretic action.
The dried and powdered leaves have sometimes been used to help heal
sores and wounds. The leaves are harvested in June and July then
dried for later use. The flowers are diuretic, sedative and
vermifuge. They are used internally in the treatment of constipation
and oedema. A gum from the stems is alterative, astringent, demulcent
and sedative. The seed is antiasthmatic, antitussive, emollient,
haemolytic, laxative and sedative. It is used internally in the
treatment of constipation in the elderly, coughs, asthma and
menstrual disorders. The bark is demulcent, diuretic, expectorant and
sedative. It is used internally in the treatment of gastritis,
whooping cough, coughs and bronchitis. The root bark is used in the
treatment of dropsy and jaundice. The bark is harvested from young
trees in the spring and is dried for later use. The seed contains
"laetrile", a substance that has also been called vitamin
B17. This has been claimed to have a positive effect in the treatment
of cancer, but there does not at present seem to be much evidence to
support this. The pure substance is almost harmless, but on
hydrolysis it yields hydrocyanic acid, a very rapidly acting poison -
it should thus be treated with caution. In small amounts this
exceedingly poisonous compound stimulates respiration, improves
digestion and gives a sense of well-being.
Medicinal
use of Sloe: The flowers, bark, leaves and fruits are aperient,
astringent, depurative, diaphoretic, diuretic, febrifuge, laxative
and stomachic. An infusion of the flowers is used in the treatment of
diarrhoea (especially for children), bladder and kidney disorders,
stomach weakness et. Although no specific mention has been seen for
this species, all members of the genus contain amygdalin and
prunasin, substances which break down in water to form hydrocyanic
acid (cyanide or prussic acid). In small amounts this exceedingly
poisonous compound stimulates respiration, improves digestion and
gives a sense of well-being.
Peterson
Field Guides Eastern and Central Medicinal Plants tells us:
Black
or wild Cherry: aromatic inner bark traditionally used in tea or
syrup for coughs, “blood tonic”, fevers, colds, sore throats,
diarrhea, long ailments, bronchitis, pneumonia, inflammatory fever
diseases, and dyspepsia. Useful for general debility with persistent
cough, poor circulation, lack of appetite; Mild sedative,
expectorant. Fruits used as poor man's cherry substitute. Warning:
bark, leaves and seeds contain a cyanide like glycoside, prunasin,
which converts when digested to the highly toxic hydrocyanic acid.
Toxins are most abundant in bark harvested in the fall.
Chokecherry:
non-aromatic bark similar to that of black cherry. Externally used
for wounds. Dried powdered berries once used to stimulate appetite,
treat diarrhea, bloody discharge of bowels. Warning: as with black
cherry, seeds, bark, and leaves may cause cyanide poisoning.
The
Physicians’ Desk Reference for Herbal Medicines 3rd edition states
of almond:
Sweet
almonds are used topically in skin care and liniments. No health
hazards or side effects are known in conjunction with proper
administration of design therapeutic topical doses of sweet almond.
Bitter almonds were used in the past as a remedy for coughs vomiting
and nausea in the form of bitter water almond water. Bitter almonds
to be used only under the supervision of an expert qualified in the
appropriate use of this substance. 10 bitter almonds are said to be
fatal for a child, 64 an adult a fatal dosage would presumably be
reached at a lower level, given advantageous conditions, E.G. Higher
cyanide levels in the almonds, intensive chewing.
Of
Cherry:
Wild
cherry bark is an astringent, antitussive and sedative. Unproven
uses: wild cherry bark is used for coughs, bronchitis and whooping
cough. It is also used in the treatment of nervous digestive
disorders and diarrhea. No health hazards or side effects are known
in conjunction with proper administration of designated therapeutic
dosages. Cyanide poisonings from the drug are unlikely, due to both
its low cyanogenic glycoside content and the lack of inclination to
digest it.
This article is an excerpt from The Medicinal Trees of the American South, An Herbalist's Guide: by Judson Carroll
His New book is:
Read About:
Medicinal Ferns and Fern Allies, an Herbalist's Guide
Available for purchase on Amazon:
His new cookbook is:
Read About The Omnivore’s Guide to Home Cooking for Preppers, Homesteaders, Permaculture People and Everyone Else"
https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2022/10/the-omnivores-guide-to-home-cooking-for.html
Available for purchase on Amazon:
His other works include:
Medicinal Shrubs and Woody Vines of The American Southeast An Herbalist's Guide
Read about Medicinal Shrubs and Woody Vines of The American Southeast An Herbalist's Guide: https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2022/06/medicinal-shrubs-and-woody-vines-of.html
Available for purchase on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B2T4Y5L6
Growing Your Survival Herb Garden for Preppers, Homesteaders and Everyone Else
Read About Growing Your Survival Herb Garden for Preppers, Homesteaders and Everyone Else: http://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2022/04/growing-your-survival-herb-garden-for.html
Available for purchase on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09X4LYV9R
The Encyclopedia of Bitter Medicinal Herbs:
southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2022/03/the-encyclopedia-of-bitter-medicina.html
Available for purchase on Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B5MYJ35R
Christian Medicine, History and Practice:
https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2022/01/christian-herbal-medicine-history-and.html
Available for purchase on Amazon: www.amazon.com/dp/B09P7RNCTB
Herbal Medicine for Preppers, Homesteaders and Permaculture People
southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2021/10/herbal-medicine-for-preppers.html
Also available on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09HMWXL25
Look Up: The Medicinal Trees of the American South, An Herbalist's Guide
http:///www.amazon.com/dp/1005082936
The Herbs and Weeds of Fr. Johannes Künzle:
https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2021/05/announcing-new-book-herbs-and-weeds-of.html
Author: Judson Carroll. Judson Carroll is an Herbalist from the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina.
His weekly articles may be read at judsoncarroll.com
His weekly podcast may be heard at: www.spreaker.com/show/southern-appalachian-herbs
He offers free, weekly herb classes: https://rumble.com/c/c-618325
Disclaimer
The information on this site is not intended to diagnose or treat any disease or condition. Nothing on this site has been evaluated or approved by the FDA. I am not a doctor. The US government does not recognize the practice of herbal medicine and their is no governing body regulating herbalists. Therefore, I'm just a guy who studies herbs. I am not offering any advice. I won't even claim that anything I write is accurate or true! I can tell you what herbs have "traditionally been used for." I can tell you my own experience and if I believe an herb helped me. I cannot, nor would I tell you to do the same. If you use any herb I, or anyone else, mentions you are treating yourself. You take full responsibility for your health. Humans are individuals and no two are identical. What works for me may not work for you. You may have an allergy, sensitivity or underlying condition that no one else shares and you don't even know about. Be careful with your health. By continuing to read my blog you agree to be responsible for yourself, do your own research, make your own choices and not to blame me for anything, ever.
