Yarrow
19 Jul 2011 Leave a Comment
in antibacterial, Diaphoretic, Hemostatic, R-Z, Wind-Heat Releasing Herbs
Yarrow (Achillea mi
llefolium) is plentiful in Central Oregon right now (early to mid-July) and the best time to get it is when it goes into flower, harvesting the aerial parts. Yarrow has a long rich history of usage around the world. Yarrow has been used by the Chinese for I Ching, an ancient divining system describing changes and cycles. Its Latin name comes from the Greek hero, Achilles, who used it to stop bleeding. Native Americans also used yarrow for wound healing and treating fevers. The Paiute used it for several purposes including analgesic for headaches, crushed leaves for swellings. Decoction of leaves and stems in a liniment for skin sores, cold infusion of leaves for eye wash, and leaves chewed for toothache.
As a diaphoretic, it causes sweating, relieving the first sign of colds, flu, fevers, chicken pox and measles. It is an astringent and homeostatic that can be used to treat hemorrhoids, hemorrhages, inflammations, abscesses, burns, cuts, excess menstrual bleeding. The organs that it directly affects are the lungs (fevers) and liver (blood).
For fevers, combine one ounce Yarrow with once ounce Angelica. Simmer in one quart of water, reduced to one pint. Strain, Cool, Bottle and store in a cool place, combine with 1/4 c. alcohol for preservation. Take 2 fluid ounces (warm) every two hours until fever is abated.
For medicated oil, bruise yarrow leaves and flowers. Fill a mason jar and then cover with oil, masticate for several minutes with a wooden spoon. Cover and maintain at 110 degrees (in crook pot) or alternating sun during the days and crook pot at night) for one week.
For fresh tincture: weight out 100 grams of yarrow flower and leaves, bruise with rolling-pin. Put in jar, add 200 mill of alcohol. Shake daily for two weeks, then strain. For dry tincture the rate is 1:5 (100 grams yarrow, 500 millilitres of menstrum at a rate of 75% Alcohol and 25% water).
Damiana, turnera diffusa
06 May 2011 Leave a Comment
in D-G, Uncategorized
Damiana (Tincture at 1:1, 45% solvency rate)Mayans used it as an aphrodisiacs
- The shrub is said to have a strong spice-like odor somewhat like chamomile due to an oil present in the plant.
- The leaves have traditionally been made into a tea and incense which was used by native people of Central and South America for its relaxing effects.
- Spanish missionaries first recorded that the Mexican Indians drank Damiana tea mixed with sugar for use as an aphrodisiac.
- Native to North American, dry arid soils and found growing as Texas.
- Treats low libido, urinary and vaginal infections and menstrual problems.
- Men it is used for impotence, premature ejaculations, prostrate complaints.
- Women it is used for low libido, urinary and vaginal infections along with menstrual problems.
- Damiana is combined with saw palmetto in formulas that treat impotency or problems of the prostrate
- Contains alkaloids similar to caffeine that have stimulating effects, alkaloids stimulate blood flow and increase sensitivity. Damiana contains a mildly irritating oil that stimulation the genital tract. It also regulates hormonal activity and calms the nerves. Some people experience a mild euphoria.
- Damiana is used to tone, balance, and strengthen the central nervous system and for emotional stress, depression, and anxiety
- Combined with Ginseng and Ginkgo, for women over 55, university of Hawaii 72% expressed increased sexual desire.
Contraindications: Damiana has demonstrated mild hypoglycemic effects in animals. Persons with diabetes and hypoglycemia should use this plant with caution, as blood sugar levels should be monitored accordingly for this possible effect. Damiana has a traditional use as an abortive and is contraindicated during pregnancy.
Agrimony
06 May 2011 Leave a Comment
in A-C, Materica Medica
Agrimony is a herb that has fallen out of favor. Some herbs have so many uses that they lose their place in the pharmacopeia. Agrimony has many uses but is specific both external and interval uses related to liver functioning. Agrimony contains a particular volatile oil, which may be obtained from the plant by distillation and also a bitter principle. It yields in addition 5 per cent of tannin, so that its use in cottage medicine for gargles and as an astringent applicant to indolent ulcers and wounds is well justified. Dried, above-ground parts of the plant, harvested shortly before or during summer flowering. Research published as recently as April 2005 tends to confirm Culpepper’s use of agrimony to treat various environmental toxins. Agrimony extracts do seem to protect against viral infections in general and hepatitis B in particular, providing the tea is made with boiling, rather than merely hot, water. Agrimony prepared at any temperature may support liver function.
- anti-inflammatory [an agent to ease inflammation]
- antiseptic [an agent for inhibiting the growth of micro organism on living tissue or destroying pathogenic or putrefactive bacteria] – mild
- antiseptic activity against certain disease-causing bacteria and fungi
- astringent (mild) [an agent that contracts organic tissue, reducing secretions or discharges]
- deobstruant [an agent that clears away obstructions by opening the natural passages of the body]
- diuretic [an agent that increases the secretion and expulsion of urine]
- tonic [an agent that strengthens or invigorates organs or the entire organism]
- vulnerary [a healing application for wounds]
Zizyphus Seed-pacifies the spirit and calms the mind
21 Jan 2011 Leave a Comment
in Materica Medica, R-Z
Chinese: Suan Zao Ren
Semen zizphi spinosae
Energy: Neutral
Organs: Heart, Spleen, Liver, Gallbladder
Properties: nervine, sedative, tonic, astringent
Effects: This herb is a tonic to the heart and blood. It can be used in deficiency patterns with symptoms of insomnia, insomnia, irritability, palpitations, anxiety, spontaneous sweating and nervous exhaustion. This is the best of the Chinese nutritive sedatives, It is safe and effective for children, the week or the elderly,
Dosage 10-20 g.
Zizyphus seeds are usually stir-fried prior to use; the seeds are turned rapidly in a hot wok and then allowed to cool. The fried herb is said to be especially useful for nourishing the liver blood, calming the spirit, and stopping sweating; the raw herb may be used to drain the liver and gallbladder; it also calms the spirit, but is less nourishing. Pharmacology evaluations indicate that both the raw and fried seed have similar sedative actions.
Contraindications: not to be used in cases of extreme heat or severe diarrhea.
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Lungwort
14 Jan 2011 Leave a Comment
Diaphoretics
14 Jan 2011 Leave a Comment
Diaphoretics are herbs that promote perspiration and are best used to remove external pernicious influences such as wind, cold and dampness for example, colds, fevers, headache, stiff neck, flue like conditions. Contradictions are if someone is already perspiring heavily. Western herbology recognizes two classes of diaphoretics 1) stimulating/warming- increasing blood flow and 2) relaxing/cooling-relaxing pores. The major difference between the two is that warming diaphoretics are used to stimulate circulation and produce sweating, while relaxing diaphoretics help to break surface tension allowing perspiration. Knowing which one to use is the herbalists task.
