Acne

4 parts Burdock root

4 parts Dandelion root

1 part Red Clover flowers

1 part Yellow Dock root

1 part Liquorice root

1 part Lemon Balm leaves

Combined decoction and infusion: 3 cups per day - may be continued for extended periods of time with suitable breaks in treatment

Burdock is one of the principal herbs used by professional herbalists for treating chronic skin problems. It can be used alone or in combination with any of the above herbs.

For external use:

Burdock root or leaves

Ointment or infusion applied as wash or compress: apply to affected areas

2 parts Elder flowers

1 part Marigold flowers

1 part Eucalyptus leaves

Infusion prepared in bowl or open vessel: cover the head with a cloth or towel and lean over the bowl for 5-10 minutes, allowing the skin to obtain full benefit from the aromatic steam and volatile oils.

Boils and Abscesses

For abscesses, boils, styes and carbuncles:

Burdock root or leaves

Chickweed herb

Comfrey root or leaves

Marshmallow leaves

Mullein leaves

Plantain leaves

Poultice, compress or ointment of any of the above, alone or in combination: apply directly to affected area, renewing 2-4 times daily

Bruises

Marigold flowers

Mullein leaves

Comfrey leaves

St John's Wort herb

Poultice, compress or ointment of any of the above, alone or in combination: for optimum effect apply a hot poultice, renewing at least 4 times per day

Aloe Vera leaves

Fresh gel expressed from leaves: apply to affected area, renewing 2-4 times daily

For a black eye - to soothe the pain and help remove discoloration from cuts and bruises around the eyes, apply a hot poultice of Hyssop (Hyssopus officinalis) leaves, fresh or dried. Renew frequently.

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Cystitis

2 parts Couchgrass rhizomes

2 parts Plantain leaves

1 part Meadowsweet herb

1 part Cleavers herb

2 parts Burdock root

2 parts Marshmallow root

Infusion: 1/2-1 ñuð every 2-3 hours for acute conditions, otherwise 3 cups per day

1 part Cleavers herb

4 parts Marshmallow herb

Infusion: 3 cups per day

1 part Blackberry leaves

2 parts Burdock root or leaves

Infusion: 3 cups per day

Essentially herbs with diuretic, antiseptic and demulcent properties are used to treat urinary tract problems, and other herbs with these properties may be combined to treat the problem if the above herbs are not on hand.

Female Corrective Tonics

An excellent female corrective tonic, useful for irregular, painful or excessive menstruation, and for uterine and ovarian pain or dysfunction:

4 parts Cramp Bark

4 parts Motherwort herb

2 parts Raspberry leaves

2 parts Shepherd's Purse herb

2 parts Angelica root

1 part Ginger root

Combined decoction and infusion: 3 cups per day

For general use from time to time:

2 parts Motherwort herb

2 parts Raspberry leaves

1 part Lemon Balm leaves

Infusion: 3 cups per day

Menopause

During menopause, for tension, hot flushes and fluid retention:

4 parts Motherwort herb

2 parts Raspberry leaves

1 part Cleavers herb

1 part Parsley root or leaves

2 parts Marshmallow root

1 part Vervain herb

1 part Lemon Balm leaves

3 parts St John's Wort herb

Infusion: 3 cups per day

As a general tonic during menopause:

2 parts Motherwort herb

1 part Vervain herb

1 part Lemon Balm leaves

1 part Yarrow herb

Infusion: 3 cups per day

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Thymus vulgaris

Action: Antiseptic, antibacterial, antispasmodic, diaphoretic, carminative, vermifuge, rubefacient, fungicide.

Systems Affected: Lungs, stomach, intestines, general effects on the whole body.

Preparation and Dosage (thrice daily): Dried flowering plant, dose 1-5 grams by infusion.

Thyme has a long history of culinary, medicinal and other uses. Native to the Mediterranean region, it was used by the ancient Egyptians as part of their embalming process for the dead. The Greeks burnt it on their altars and used it in cooking. The Romans did the same and also used it as a cosmetic. The Arabs still use it daily as a condiment: Za'atar, made from powdered Thyme mixed with roasted sesame and coriander seeds and salt, is eaten with bread.

Thyme has a powerful antiseptic action. The volatile oil contains thymol, widely used in pharmaceutical and cosmetic preparations, mouthwashes and toothpastes (it is the chief ingredient of Listerine). It disinfects wounds, fights bacteria in the urinary tract and destroys intestinal worms (including hookworms and ascaridis).

Thyme controls nervous and spasmodic cough, clears out phlegm and is healing to respiratory passages irritated by inflammation and infection. An infusion (sweetened with honey) is frequently used for throat and bronchial problems such as acute bronchitis, whooping cough, sore throat and laryngitis. For coughs and spasmodic complaints the fresh herb is preferred. Thyme is also of benefit in stimulating appetite and for diarrhoea and chronic gastritis.

Externally its antiseptic action is useful as a mouth wash and as a cleansing lotion for the skin. It is often employed in baths to relieve respiratory distress and skin diseases, and to stimulate circulation in rheumatic subjects. A strong infusion (100 grams of the dried herb to a liter of water) is added to the bath water: the volatile oil is absorbed through the skin and by inhalation as it vaporizes from the water.

Thyme will destroy fungal infections of the skin such as athlete's foot and skin parasites such as scabies and pubic or head lice. For these purposes the tincture (prepared from 100 grams of the dried herb to 500 ml of brandy) or essential oil is used.

The dried leaves, powdered and applied as a snuff, are useful for treating nose-bleeds. The infusion is used daily as a tonic to the scalp to prevent or arrest falling hair.

Thyme can be used for a wide range of conditions where its antiseptic action is required. It is particularly beneficial in gastro-intestinal, respiratory and skin complaints.

Cautionary Notes: Thyme may be used freely externally but should not be taken in excessive doses internally, 15 or so grams of the dried herb being an adequate daily intake when prepared as an infusion. Very large doses taken for extended periods of time may produce toxic symptoms and possibly over-stimulation of the thyroid gland.

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Althaea officinalis

Action: Demulcent, emollient, vulnerary, diuretic, galactagogue.

Systems Affected: Lungs, stomach, intestines, kidneys, bladder, mucous membranes, general effects on the whole body.

Preparation and Dosage (thrice daily): Dried root, dose 2-5 grams by cold extraction or decoction. Dried leaf, dose 2-5 grams by cold extraction or infusion.

Marshmallow, which is grown in some parts of the world as a decorative Marshmallow, which is grown in some parts of the world as a decorative garden shrub, has a long medicinal and culinary history. It was regarded by the Greeks as a panacea (its botanical name derives from the Greek altho, meaning 'to heal') and the Romans considered it a delicious vegetable. An erect hardy perennial growing to 5 meters in height, it is native to Europe and the temperate zones of western Asia. It occurs wild and is also commercially cultivated, being widely used in both folk medicine and modern medicine.

Marshmallow is the best source of easily-digested mucilage. Renowned for its demulcent properties, it is a first class remedy for any irritation or inflammation of the respiratory system, alimentary tract or urinary organs. _ ,

Internally it is used to soothe and heal irritation and inflammation of the mucosa in bronchitis, colds, irritating cough, laryngitis, gastritis, enteritis, gastric and duodenal ulcer, constipation, cystitis, urethritis and bladder stones or gravel.

It is specifically indicated for the treatment of gastric and duodenal ulcer, and for respiratory catarrh with irritating cough.

Marshmallow combines well with Coltsfoot, Horehound and/or Liquorice for the treatment of pulmonary complaints. It can be used with laxative herbs for chronic constipation associated with dryness and lack of fibre. It is protective and healing in the irritations associated with diarrhoea and dysentery. Used in combination with other diuretic herbs such as Celery seed or Parsley root, it relieves irritations of the kidneys and urinary tract, its demulcent action aiding the smooth expulsion of stone and gravel.

Marshmallow is high in minerals, especially calcium. The powdered root is excellent for enriching milk in nursing mothers and will increase the milk flow. Heat the powdered root in milk and drink freely.

Externally the decoction of the root is used as a mouthwash for abscesses and gingivitis, and as a gargle for sore throats and tonsillitis.

Applied as a poultice on a daily basis, Marshmallow root is highly effective in treating blood poisoning, septic wounds, suppurating ulcers, abscesses, boils, burns, bruises and eczema. The powdered root applied to moist surfaces draws out and absorbs all moisture.

Concerning harvesting preparation of the plant:

All parts of the plant (roots, leaves and flowers) contain mucilage, but the roots (which are strongest in effect) and leaves are generally preferred. The root is gathered in autumn, the leaf in midsummer when the plant is in flower. The root is normally peeled before drying but this is not essential.

Since the infusion and decoction tend to be gelatinous, the cold extract method can be used to prepare the herb: to make one dose place 1 or 2 tablespoons of the dried root or leaf in a cup of cold water. Let stand for eight hours, then strain. It may be taken cold or slightly warmed up.

Marshmallow is completely safe to use and is in fact consumed both as a medicine and as a vegetable. The roots are boiled and then fried with butter or oil. The young tops are eaten in spring salads.

Mucilage is used as a botanical, herbal and pharmacological term to describe substances which swell when water is added to form a viscous fluid. Mucilaginous plants are fairly widespread throughout the world, but only a few, such as Marshmallow, Mullein, Comfrey, Flax (Linum usitatissimum) seed and Iceland Moss (Cetraria islandica), contain sufficient quantities to be medicinally useful.

Mucilage forms a fine layer on the surface of the mucous membranes, thus protecting them from irritants and soothing inflammation. But because mucilage is not absorbed, its effects remain purely local. It is, however, highly effective in treating many inflamed and irritated conditions of the mucous membranes: for example, irritating cough, laryngitis and bronchitis in the respiratory system; heartburn, gastritis, colitis, enteritis and ulcers in the digestive tract; cystitis, vaginitis, urethritis and stones and gravel in the urogenital organs.

Mucilage also has a slightly laxative action, as it tends to loosen the contents of the bowels, absorbing water from them in the process. For this reason seeds with a high mucilage content such as Plantain and Flax are widely used as laxatives.

As Mannfried Pahlow points out in Living Medicine, one other effect of mucilage is to weaken the sense of taste, especially in relation to sour or acidic food. Thus, 'although raspberries contain less sugar and more acid than redcurrants, they are richer in mucilage and therefore taste sweeter'.

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Galium aparine

Action: Diuretic, antipyretic, alterative, astringent, vulnerary.

Systems Affected: Kidneys, bladder, blood, lymphatic system, skin.

Preparation and Dosage (thrice daily): Dried flowering plant, dose 2-5 grams by infusion.

An annual herb native to Europe, Cleavers is now widespread as a weed in many parts of the world. Of straggling habit, the plant is noted for the clinging nature of its stalks and seed capsules. Covered with fine bristles, they freely attach themselves to any animals or humans brushing past.

Cleavers is an excellent herb for all kidney and bladder complaints. It is recommended for painful urination associated with cystitis or urethritis, suppression of urine, and especially for obstructions of the urinary organs, such as stones and gravel.

A powerful diuretic and mildly laxative, it is useful in reducing weight and treating fluid retention.

Cleavers is also used internally for its alterative effects to treat skin diseases and eruptions (including psoriasis), and for its beneficial effects on the lymphatic system (being specifically indicated for enlarged lymph nodes).

The herb reduces body temperature and blood pressure slightly, antipyretic qualities which are useful in treating fevers.

Externally, Cleavers is used as a soothing and healing ointment tor wounds, ulcers, scalds and burns.

The roasted seeds provide an excellent coffee substitute and a permanent red dye is obtained from the roots.

Cautionary Notes: Cleavers is a powerful diuretic and therefore should not be used where there is any tendency to diabetes.

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