Ways to Use Herbs for Healing and Medicine

8/13/2019 Ways to Use Herbs for Healing and Medicine

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Ways to Use Herbs for Healing and Medicine

INTERNAL

TEA~ Dried - 1TBPS:8 oz/5-6 min.

Fresh - qt:pack /cool enough to drink

INFUSION~ (leaves & flowers)

HOT- 1:16 / 10-20 mins.

COLD-1:32 / overnight

DECOCTION~ (hard roots, barks, & seeds)

Dried - Handful:qt /1hr. or overnight

Heat slowly to low boil then simmer 15 mins.

SYRUP~ 1 part extract(strong tea or decoction):2 parts sweetener (raw honey)/dissolved overgentle heat while stirring constantly

TINCTURE~Standard =4 oz’s dried herb justcovered with mentruum; add distilled water to1” float.

(Powders, Essential Oil , etc… )

FRESH FORM : calendula, catnip,dandelion, lemon balm, lovage, plantain,self-heal

COLD INFUSION : astragalus, blessedthistle, cleavers, marshmallow,peppermint, witch hazel

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EXTERNAL

CREAM/OINTMENT/SALVE

Cream- Water with fats and oils

Ointment- Oils or fats

Salve- Beeswax

INFUSED OIL

Fresh or dried herbs steeped in oil using gentleheat to assist extraction. Used externally* andmassaged directly into the skin.

COMPRESSCloth pad soaked in a hot herbal extract and

applied to area of concern/accelerates healing ofskin, tendons, joints, and throat. Replace whencool or dry.

POULTICE

Whole herb applied directly on skin (thickness of1”) to permeate the area with healing substances. Also pulls infected matter from swollen tissue,wounds, or cysts. Hot increases circulation, coldreduces swelling. Repeat every 2-4 hours or keepon overnight.

Making herbal oils/salves/creams:

BEST DRIED: arnica, calendula, comfrey…

(Crush or coarsely grind before adding to oil.)

BEST FRESH: elder, figwort, St. John’swort…

(Thinly slice, bruise, or coarsely grind beforeadding to oil.)



Actions or Characters of Herbs

(Differential diagnosis or match-making )Plant to Person OR Human to Herb

Alterative ~ Will gradually restore the proper function of the body and increase health and vitality.Alder, Chaparrel, Cherry, Cleavers, Echinacea, Oregon Grape Root, Peach, Redroot, Rose, Sarsaparilla, Violet, Yellow dock

Aromatic ~ Have a strong and often pleasant odor and can stimulate the digestive juices.Anise Seed, Basil, Bee Balm, Catnip, Chamomile, Fennel, Garlic, Ginger, Juniper, Mint, Rosemary, Sage, Sweet Clover

Astringent ~ Tighten tissue on contact and can help hold fluids in the body. Comfrey, Elm, Geranium, Goldenrod, Mullein, Plantain, Raspberry, Sage, Yarrow

Bitters ~ Taste bitter and stimulate activity of digestive organs, improving both appetite and digestion.Barberry, Blessed Thistle, Burdock, Catnip, Chamomile, Chaparral Leaf, Coltsfoot, Dong Quai, Elecampane, Eyebright, Feverfew, Gentian Root,Golden Seal, Hops, Hydrange, Yellow Dock.

Demulcent ~Rich in mucilage that moistens, cools heat, and lessens inflammation.Borage, cinnamon, comfrey, Elm, Evening Primrose, Fenugreek, Flax, Licorice, Mallow, Mullein ,Plantain, Violet

Diaphoretic ~ Increase perspiration but more importantly improve circulation which allow the bodyto regulate temperature and humidity.

Beebalm, Butterfly wed, Elderflower, Hot Peppers, Mustard, Vervain, Yarrow

Diuretic ~ Increase the flow of urine and help in the removal of toxins from the system. Alfalfa, Astragalus, Bilberry, Blue Vervain , Burdock, Butcher’s Broom, C leavers, Cornsilk,, Dandelion, Dill, Dong Quai, Elecampane, FalseUnicorn, Fennel, Golden Seal, Gotu Kola, Gravel Root, Hawthorn, Juniper, Marshmallow, Nettle, Parsley, Pleurisy Root, Red Clover, Safflower,Sarsaparilla, Saw Palmetto, Squawvine, Uva Ursi, White Willow, Yarrow

Expectorant ~ Assist the body in expelling excess mucous from the respiratory system.Anise Seed, Blue Vervain, Chaparral Leaf, Chickweed, Chokecherry, Coltsfoot, Comfrey, Elecampane, Fennel, Fenugreek, Garlic, Golden Seal,Horehound, Hyssop, Licorice, Ma Huang, Marshmallow, Mullein, Nettle, Pleurisy Root, Red Clover, Slippery Elm, Thyme, Wild Cherry Bark

Lymphatic ~Increase and initiate movement of lymph; specific for immune depression.Alder, Cleavers, Redroot, Mullein

Nervine ~ Strengthen and tone the nervous system, easing anxiety and stress.

Black Cohosh, Blue Cohosh, Blue Vervain, Catnip, Chamomile, Cramp bark, Damiana, Feverfew, Ginkgo, Ginseng, Hops, Jamaican Dogwood,Lady’s Slipper, Motherwort, Oat Straw, Passion Flower, Periwinkle, Red Clover, Scullcap, Valerian, Wild Cherry Bark, Wormwood .

Troporestorative ~ Nutritive restoration to an organ or body system; true tonics that have no sideeffects and build up strength and function.Ashwagandha, Goldenseal, Hawthorn, Milky Oats, Milk Thistle, Nettle Seed, Scullcap , St. John’ s Wort, Yerba Mansa

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GETTING STARTED

Plant Approx.When toHarvest/Locally

Parts to Harvest Make Benefits

RaspberryRubus idaeus

Before bloom or early June Leaves/lay out on screens todry

Tea/Tincture Eases childbirth, gargle for sorethroats

MullienVerbascum thapsus

Leaves in early May/Flowers late June or earlyJuly in second year of

growth

Leaves while in rosettestage/Yellow flower heads

with green calyx but not stalk

Infused oil Upper respiratory infection,cough, croup, sore throat andbronchial catarrh.

Garlic Alium sativum

Late July Cloves fresh Infused oil/fresh rub

Earache, antibiotic properties,helps regulate blood sugarlevels

Lemon BalmMelissa officinalis

Watch your plant 6- 8” stalks cut 2”aboveground/hang stalks or dryleaves on screen.

Tea/Tincture Gentle sedative &calming/Improves taste &activity of other herbs

PeppermintMentha piperita

Throughout season Leaves Tea/Tincture Cooling, stimulating, digestivebeverage /Improves taste ofother herbs

RosemaryRosmarinus officinalis

Throughout season Leaves Tea/Tincture Digestive, nerve, & circulatorytonic /Improves memory, givescourage, lifts the spirit

Alfalfa

Medicago sativa

Before flowering Top 6- 8” of plant Tea/Tincture Alkalizes, source of chlorophyll,

cleans toxins from tissues

RosehipsRosa canina

After a couple offrosts/aroundThanksgiving

Hips Tea/Syrup Calms central nervous system,aids skin maintenance,strengthens digestive tract,improves blood circulation

HawthornCrataegus spp.

Spring & fall Flowers & leaves in spring,fresh or dried /Berries after1 st frost

Tea/Tincture/Decoction

Heart tonic from flowers/Improves circulation

Oregon Grape RootMahonia aquifolia

Fall or winter Root or root bark Tea of fresh ordried rootbark/Decoctionof dried root

Helps indigestion, acne &psoriasis, chronic constipation,builds blood, moves lymph

Dill Anethum graveolens

July thru September Leaves prior to flowering,fresh or dried/ Seed atmaturity then dried

Tea Aids digestion when takenduring or directly after meals

DandelionTaraxacum officinale

Whenever you find them. All parts except stems Tea Classic spring tonic/Improvesliver function

ComfreySymphytum officinalis

May thru fall Leaves and roots Poultice,oil/salve/cream

Speeds healing of cuts, bruises,broken bones, pulled muscles, &sprains

ChamomileChamaemelum nobile

As soon as bloomsappear/mid May and thrusummer

Flowers only, no stems Tea, Tincture Calms the stomach, helps withnervousness, mellowsoveractive children

Garden SageSalvia officinalis

Throughout season Anytime before or afterblooming

Tea, Tincture Aids memory, is nutritive tonervous system, stops greyinghair

PlantainPlantago spp.

Throughout season Leaf and stem Tea, Tincture,Poultice

Skin problems, toothache,abscesses

General instructions : If leaves are small, harvest stalk with them for drying and strip off when dry tostore. If leaves are large, separate from stalk and dry individually on screens. Always dry out of directsunlight. Do not bruise or crush leaves until use. This will preserve their volatile oils. Spread flowers orroots on screens to dry. Store dried herb in paper bags or glass containers out of direct sunlight for up to1 year. Harvest new herb annually. Fresh herbs are best used immediately. They can be held for a shortwhile between moistened paper towels.

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LOVAGE (Levisticum officinale) In days gone by there were few conditions thatlovage wasn’t claimed cure. It was even used in ‘love’ potions. It is believed that is how it got it’s name. Lovage, though less popular remains a useful medicinal and culinary herb. Lovage is a dependable diuretic aiding in the reduction of water rete(edema) and swelling in the hands, feet, and joints and helps clean out the kidneys. Since it effects the smooth musclovage can alleviate both gastrointestinal and menstrual cramps. In the digestive tract, this fosters the release of gas; atsame time, the herb spurs the secretion of digestive juices, including bile, which then promotes fat digestion. The esseoil of the lovage plant is the reason it has both a diuretic action and the ability to stimulate gastric juices and bile. Thcoumarins contribute to relief of spasms; in addition, the oil may be slightly sedative, supporting this antispasmodic Lovage leaves contain vitamins A and C, and its seeds contain sodium, iron, and zinc. In the past, the roots and the leawere applied to boils, and a seed infusion was said to treat pinkeye. Tea can be made from the roots and leaves of lovaIt is recommended to reduce fevers, aid digestion, promote circulation and relieve flatulence, used as a diuretic, anuseful in helping the kidneys eliminate toxins. Lovage is perennial, grows in full sun, and makes a pretty landscape pContraindicated in pregnancy.

LEMON BALM (Melissa officinalis) Melissa is the Greek word for bee. Bees simply love the plant aftflowers. The ‘balm’ is an indication of its pleasing actions. It proves to be an herb that lifts the spirit, driving away sadnesand melancholy. It just seems to make everything, OK. I call it my“happy” herb. It eases anxiety and can keep you calm anfocused before and after stressful situations. Lemon balm also boosts the memory and can promote sleep. It is also nothat lemon balm improves the activity and even the taste of other herbs. Adding it to your home remedies can then probe of great benefit. Lemon Balm has a pleasant lemon scent and taste. Plant it where you can brush it with your handsvery therapeutic. Lemon Balm is perennial and makes a cute small hedge. With enough water it will grow in sun to pshade. Safe for general use.

CALENDULA (Calendula officinalis) One of my favorite garden plants. I love its vibrant yellow orange flowers. They are bright and warm and make one feel the same just looking at them. I consider this, in itself, a reason for growing the plant. Calendula is a fantastic first aid remedy. You can think of it as a natural ‘NeospPossessing antibiotic, antifungal, and antiseptic properties calendula tinctures, infused oils and ointments can heal bruburns, cuts, and scrapes and the minor infections they can cause .A must for hicking and camping enthusiasts. Internmodern-day herbalists recommend the use of Calendula for its anti-inflammatory effects in the digestive system, for gulcers and the many complaints that are commonly referred to as indigestion. It has also been used to help with gallblaproblems and as a normalizer of the menstrual process. Calendula is an annual and grows in full sun, is not too picky aits soil, and self-sows, without being pesty, each year.Safe for general use externally. Use internally at suggesteddoses only.



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Helpful References:

www.herballegacy.com Dr. John Christopher information website

www.learningherbs.com Herb Mentor John Gallagher

www.horizonherbs.com Operator, owner, and author Richo Cech

www.rosemountainherbs.com dried herbs and herbal recipe supplies

BOOKS:

Making Plant Medicines by Richo Cech /order from Horizon Herbs

The Complete Medicinal Herbal by Penelope Ode / Amazon

Growing 101 Herbs That Heal by Tammi Hartung / Storey Publishing

LOCAL:

The Boise Co-Op carries dried herbs and some supplies for making herbal remedies.

Glass jars and bottles, droppers and etc… www. container and packaging .com/ Eagle Idaho

http://www.herballegacy.com/


http://www.learningherbs.com/


http://www.horizonherbs.com/


http://www.rosemountainherbs.com/


http://www.containerandpackaging.com/














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Ways to Use Herbs for Healing and Medicine