SAINT JOHN'S WORT

St. John's Wort-Hypericum Perforatum, Hypericum Anagalloides, Hypericum Formosum

Also known as:  Klamath weed, goatweed, tipton weed, devil's scourge, rosin weed, god's wonder plant, amber, Mary's sweat, St. John's blood, etc.

Parts used:  Aerial parts
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Meridians/Organs affected:  liver, nervous system, digestive, respiratory

Properties:  sedative, anti-inflammatory, astringent, antidepressant, antiviral, antispasmodic, styptic, expectorant, anti-anxiety, vulnerary, nervine, diuretic, resolvent, antibacterial

This plant is in a class of its own.  That is the 'Hypericaceae' family.  The smooth upright stems on this mid-sized perennial are highly branched.  The leaves are arranged perpendicular to each other and are elliptical to oblong and covered with tiny translucent dots that are visible when held up to the light.  The top is covered with clusters of bright yellow flowers that bloom June to September.  Rubbing the flowers between one's fingers will produce a red stain.  The seeds germinate readily and can even germinate after long periods of being buried.  It grows best in rich soil and full sun although it can also be found in dry, sandy places.  It is common along highway banks, median strips, grasslands, vacant lots, stone walls, rock out-croppings, meadows, etc.  It is best gathered on hot sunny days if one is planning to use the plant fresh in oils and tinctures.  (The hot sun brings out the most medicinal components of this plant).  It can get up to 3 feet high and is found in almost every country.  By 1830 here in the states it was considered to be a serious weed as it would make animals that consumed it photosensitive.  There are 300 species of Hypericum worldwide but the most commonly used variety is the Hypericum Perforatum.

The Latin term 'hypericum' comes from the 'Hyper-Ikon' which was a term used to describe an image of this plant that was placed about the picture of John the Baptist which meant it could give one power over ghosts and evil spirits.  Indeed, hypericum in the Greek means "over the apparitions".  It was believed that one needed to ask the plant for help on the eve of St. John's day to ward off witches and demons.  It was considered to be a powerful sun herb that could dispel darkness which incidentally is where the 'perforatum' name comes from (referring to the translucent dots signature of St. John's Wort).  The sun is also believed to control the solar plexus in the body which is why it is believed St. John's Wort helps with digestive and nervous system issues.  As such it has been used for bed-wetting (especially in children), menstrual issues and menopause.

For centuries St. John's Wort has been known by herbalists as a vulnerary and was carried by the Crusaders when going to battle.  The red juice from the plant was believed to symbolize the blood of John the Baptist for whom the plant is named.  It is best known for its antidepressant abilities.  (St. John's Wort is also known as 'Nature's Prozac).  In fact, there have been a series of studies to that effect.  Twenty five double blind studies on a total of 1,592 patients were conducted using standardized St. John's Wort extract.  Fifteen of those were to compare it to a placebo and ten of those to compare it to other antidepressants on the market.  In the studies, St. John's Wort was shown to improve depression, apathy, insomnia, anxiety, anorexia, feeling of worthlessness and many other psychological issues.  The advantages of using St. John's Wort over a pharmaceutical are numerous some of which being that it is much cheaper to take, has far less side effects (aside from making one sun sensitive it can also cause minor stomach irritation) and it was found to satisfy the bulk of the patients who took it.  In one such study regarding SAD (seasonal Affective Disorder), patients were given 300 mg, 3 times daily of standardized extract of St. John's Wort for four weeks.  At the end of the study 60% of the people had seen a significant improvement in their symptomology.  It was even more so when combined with light therapy (72% improved).  However, St. John's Wort does far more than just help with depression and mood disorders.  It has been used for sciatica and rheumatism due to its anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic capabilities.  It is a well known anti-viral agent that is now being studied for possible applications in HIV and AIDS.  Due to its astringent affects it has been employed by many an herbalist for lacerations, deep wounds, severe burns and infections.  It also has a reputation for being hemostatic as it has been used to control bother external and internal bleeding.  It is also used as an expectorant to expel mucus from the lungs and respiratory system.  The oil has been used for bruises, sprains, surgical scars, burns, injuries caused by crushing or any kind of trauma or nerve damage, tennis elbow, sciatica and severe wounds.  When taken in tincture, tea or capsule form it has been used to relieve anxiety, shingles, nervous tension, bed-wetting in children and issues relating to menopause.  According to Jethro Kloss (author of Back to Eden), it is a powerful blood purifier.  It has been used over the millennia for boils, tumors, diarrhea, dysentery, jaundice, hysteria, chronic uterine issues, pains following childbirth, etc.  It has been used as a poultice for sores, ulcers, breast complaints and wounds in general.  Parkinson said of St. John's Wort, '...it is as singular and herbe as any other whatsoever, eyther for inward wounds, hurts or bruises, to be boyled in wine and drunke or prepared into oyle or ointment, bathe or lotion outwardly....it hath power to open obstructions, to dissolve tumours, to consolidate or soder the lips of wounds, and to strengthen the parts that are weake and feeble.'  If we follow the doctrine of signatures a yellow flowered plant is good for liver conditions.  It is said to be one of the very best herbs for shingles if one takes the oil and applies it to the painful areas while drinking the tincture at the same time.

It was included in Dioscoredes 'De Materia Medica' as a traditional use for wounds and ulcers.  It was used as a preservative for cheese and as a source for reddish dye.  The two main components in St. John's Wort, hypericin and pseudohypericin, were both found to inhibit the growth of retro viruses including HIV and AIDS in animals.  It was also found to be effective against tuberculosis and staphylococcus aureus.

St. John's Wort is not without its vices.  Anyone taking this herbs should not be out in the sun, especially those who are light skinned and prone to sunburn.  Also, St. John's Wort interferes with the absorption of many pharmaceutical medications including antidepressants, anti-anxiety drugs, psychotropic medications, anti-seizure medications, anti-hypertensive medications, heart medications, diabetic drugs, cancer drugs and anticoagulants (possibly because St. John's Wort competes for those as well).  Pregnant women, the elderly and small children should consult with a physician before using this herb.  It is also not recommended for long term use (again possibly due to the fact it makes one phototoxic).

The tincture of good quality dried leaves and flowers of St. John's Wort is one of the exceptions to the rule of sun maceration.  This tincture whether fresh or dried should be done in the dark. 

As with all of my postings I have included some links below for your benefit.  Use them as you see fit.  Be happy and stay healthy!

http://www.amazon.com/Natures-Way-Johns-Wort-Capsules/dp/B00016AICS/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1375401863&sr=8-1&keywords=st+johns+wort

http://www.amazon.com/Source-Naturals-Johns-300mg-Tablets/dp/B000GFSV6Y/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1375404875&sr=8-7&keywords=st+johns+wort

http://www.amazon.com/Natures-Answer-Johns-Flowering-1-Ounce/dp/B00014HOWM/ref=sr_1_15?ie=UTF8&qid=1375404875&sr=8-15&keywords=st+johns+wort

http://www.amazon.com/Yogi-Johns-Herbal-Supplement-16-Count/dp/B000CMF18W/ref=sr_1_18?ie=UTF8&qid=1375404968&sr=8-18&keywords=st+johns+wort

http://www.amazon.com/Johns-Wort-Herb-Sifted-Organic/dp/B00016XLKO/ref=sr_1_21?ie=UTF8&qid=1375404999&sr=8-21&keywords=st+johns+wort

http://www.amazon.com/Alvita-Johns-Wort-Caffeine-Free/dp/B000YBA06E/ref=sr_1_24?ie=UTF8&qid=1375404999&sr=8-24&keywords=st+johns+wort

http://www.amazon.com/Herb-Pharm-St-Johns-Wort/dp/B0014AWAH6/ref=sr_1_25?ie=UTF8&qid=1375404999&sr=8-25&keywords=st+johns+wort

http://www.amazon.com/Natures-Answer-Johns-Alcohol-Extract/dp/B001ECQ976/ref=sr_1_28?ie=UTF8&qid=1375404999&sr=8-28&keywords=st+johns+wort

http://www.amazon.com/St-Johns-Wort-Seeds-Perforatum/dp/B0032CU9UY/ref=sr_1_38?ie=UTF8&qid=1375405150&sr=8-38&keywords=st+johns+wort

http://www.amazon.com/The-Prozac-Alternative-Depression-Homeopathy/dp/0892817917/ref=sr_1_42?ie=UTF8&qid=1375405174&sr=8-42&keywords=st+johns+wort

DILL

Dill-Anethum Graveolens

Also known as:  dillweed, dilly, garden dill, dill fruit

Parts used:  Aerial parts

Meridians/Organs affected:  stomach, spleen, liver

Properties:  carminative, antiemetic, antispasmodic, stomachic, emmenogogue, diuretic, galactogogue, calmative, aromatic, stimulant, diaphoretic

Dill is a hardy, upright annual that has a smell not easily confused with any other plant.  (Personally the scent of dill sets my mouth to watering and my stomach to rumbling.)  It has ovate leaves divided into thread like segments and umbels of yellow flowers that appear in the summer followed by oval shaped seeds.  It can get up to 3 feet tall and is considered a wonderful companion plant to many a gardener.  It grows well with tomatoes, carrots, cucumbers, cabbage, onions and lettuce.  However, if growing with carrots it should be harvested before it matures as once mature it will impede the growth of the carrots.

Dill is a Middle Eastern herb that has been around since Biblical times.  The leaves and flowers of dill were found buried with the mummified remains of Ameophis II (1425 BC) and were also used medicinally by the Copts (early native Christian Egyptians) and the Egyptians in general.  It is spoken of in the Talmud (Jewish text) as being subject to taxation and in ancient Rome, Pliny (23-79 AD) spoke of its multiple uses by the Romans.  It has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years for its carminative effects on the body.  In more recent centuries it has been used primarily for colicky babies.  It works very well for stomach aches in adults too.  It has been used to assist in insomnia related to indigestion (which happens more often than not in this day and age due to poor dietary choices and poor food combinations).  Taken as a tea by nursing mothers it can increase breast milk production.  The root has been boiled and used as a tea to combat flus, colds and coughs.  The English would steep fresh dill in white wine for several days and use it for flatulence and stomach cramps.  Extracts of dill are calming to the digestive system and works also as a mild diuretic.  Interestingly enough, dill is also recognized by herbalists as an anti-infective agent.  In colonial times mother would make something they called "dill cakes" for babies to chew on when teething (it was known to have a soothing effects on the gums and helped to alleviate the pain).  It has been used to relieve hiccups, prevent fermentation in the intestines (of foods that do not digest well), and to calm the nerves.  The seeds have been chewed to relieve or remedy bad breath.

Dill is a splendid herb with a lot of culinary applications aside from its medicinal uses.  It can be used for far more than just pickles.  Dill is great with fish, eggs, cucumbers, soups, sauces, meats, vegetables, seafood, etc.  Try using it more in your own kitchen or make yourself a cup of dill tea when you have indigestion and see how well it helps out.  Kitchen spices are far more than simple spices, one has a virtual medical lab right in the culinary kitchen cabinet.

As with all of my posts I have included some links here in regards to dill.  Enjoy!

http://www.amazon.com/Seeds-Change-06069-Certified-Organic/dp/B006OUILO2/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1375399665&sr=8-2&keywords=dill

http://www.amazon.com/Simply-Organic-Certified-0-81-Ounce-Container/dp/B000WR4SGI/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1375401539&sr=8-3&keywords=dill

http://www.amazon.com/Bouquet-Certified-Organic-Heriloom-Seeds/dp/B0006BHJ1Q/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1375401539&sr=8-7&keywords=dill

http://www.amazon.com/Frontier-Dill-Weed-Sifted-Ounce/dp/B001VNGHMA/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1375401539&sr=8-1&keywords=dill

http://www.amazon.com/Indus-Organic-Freshly-Packed-Non-irradiated/dp/B001FVJXUQ/ref=sr_1_17?ie=UTF8&qid=1375401709&sr=8-17&keywords=dill

http://www.amazon.com/RELEASING-DELICIOUS-POTENT-POWERS-ebook/dp/B00E6XPD7W/ref=sr_1_29?ie=UTF8&qid=1375401747&sr=8-29&keywords=dill

CLEAVERS

Cleavers-Gallium Aparine

Also known as:  bedstraw, gravel grass, maid's hair, cheese rennet, gosling weed, hedge-burrs, clivers, goose grass, coach weed, grip grass, goose's hair, scratch weed, milk sweet, poor robin, clabber grass, savoryan, cheese rent herb, cleaver wort, etc.

Parts used:  Aerial parts

Meridians/Organs affected:  bladder, gallbladder, kidneys, lymphatic

Properties:  refrigerant, diuretic, aperient, alterative, tonic, mild astringent, antiscorbutic, lithotriptic

This herb is a member of the Madder family.  It is also known as bedstraw and there are at least 13 different species of it in the Pacific Northwest alone.  There are both perennial and annual versions of this plant.  The annuals tend to be the ones with weaker taproots and have more delicate stems than those of their perennial counterparts.  Cleavers has 4 sided stems and slender leaves that grow in whorled clusters of 2-8 (depending on the variety) looking much like the spokes on a wheel.  The flowers are very tiny and white.  Cleavers is called such as it has thousands of tiny little hooks on the angles of its stems.  This allows the plant to propagate easily as it is transferred around by whomever or whatever passes by.  The perennial varieties do not share this trait.  It blooms from May to July but is best collected before it flowers in the spring.  It can be found growing in moist areas, along streams, shady ravines, dry, sunny areas and road margins.  Northern bedstraw is common across the usa and most of the northern hemisphere up to 6,000 feet.  It can get up to 3 feet tall. 

Bedstraw (one of its common names) is named due to the fact that in earlier times it was used to stuff pillows and mattresses.  Christian legend has it that it was used to provide a bed for Christ in the manger. 

Cleavers has been used for hundreds of years for any number of things.  It was used commonly as a hair dye but it take ALOT of cleavers to achieve this.  The leaves and stems provide a nice yellow shade while the roots provide a red color.  With this plant it appears you get a two for one deal.  Gerard said that people used it in his time to '...turne their milke and cheese, which they make of sheepes and goates milke...'  Hence another name for cleavers, cheese rennet.

The Elizabethan herbalists used cleavers for nosebleeds, internal bleeding and would often use the juice or tea on the feet of weary travelers to ease their discomfort.  John Parkinson wrote of cleavers, "....it serveth the country people instead of a strainer, to cleare their milke from strawes, haires or any other thing that falleth into it."  Indeed it has been used as such in the past, and when it is weaved together it does work fairly well in that capacity.

Cleavers is highly regarded as a lymphatic cleanser and a lymph tonic.  The fresh plant tea or juice is used to stimulate drainage of the lymph system.  In essence think of it as a pipe cleaner for the lymph system.  It is also used in that capacity for swollen glands, tonsillitis, earaches and other adenoid issues.  It also helps to shrink tumors and to remove growths on the skin.  The Austrian herbalist Maria Treben has used cleavers tea as a gargle to treat tongue and throat cancers.  It has been used by many natural healers for thyroid related issues, including goiter.  It is also one of the most effective diuretic blood purifiers we have.  It works for all urinary issues including cystitis, urethritis, prostatitis, kidney inflammation and bladder irritations.  It helps to push out deposits in those areas as well.  It has also been used to ease reproductive organ inflammation as well as for things like venereal disease and hepatitis.  It is great for skin issues as it nourished the skin through its cleansing process.  It makes a great poultice for burns and scalds.  It is a cooling herb and as such it is appropriate for such things as fevers, measles, scarlet fever, etc.  Herbalists also have used this for chronic fatigue and mononucleosis.

Cleavers is highly astringent and high in tannins (remember when taking herbs that are high in tannins that milk should be used with it to bind to the tannins making them inert for the most part).  As it is high in tannins one should only take this herb in 2 week increments (2 weeks on and 2 weeks off).  It also loses some of its effectiveness when dried so it is more potent when used as a fresh herb.

Cleavers is also a nutritive herb and is a rich source of vitamin C and chlorophyll.  They should be cooked before ingesting to soften the barbs on the plant (annual varieties).  It has been used as a hot compress to stop bleeding and to soothe sore muscles.  It has also been dried, ground and sprinkled onto wounds and cuts to stop bleeding and assist in the healing processes.  Cleavers extracts or tinctures have been shown to be useful in lowering blood pressure and to combat certain kinds of yeast.

For whatever the reason...this is an herb that deserves more attention.  It has the capacity to do amazing things in regards to healing the sick and keeping the healthy in an optimum condition.  Consider keeping some around as you never know when you might need it.

As with all of my posts I have included some links below that pertain to cleavers.  Please use them as you deem fit.  Be happy and stay healthy!

http://www.amazon.com/Natures-Answer-Cleavers-Herb-1-Ounce/dp/B0011DKKZ0/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1375396390&sr=8-1&keywords=cleavers+herb

http://www.amazon.com/Botanic-Choice-Alcohol-Extract-Cleavers/dp/B006OG2SEA/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1375399364&sr=8-2&keywords=cleavers+herb

http://www.amazon.com/Cleavers-Herb-Organic-Cut-Sifted/dp/B002DY1CF8/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1375399364&sr=8-3&keywords=cleavers+herb

http://www.amazon.com/Cleavers-Herb-Powder-Wildcrafted-SWB201290-51/dp/B008R25IN2/ref=sr_1_14?ie=UTF8&qid=1375399364&sr=8-14&keywords=cleavers+herb

http://www.amazon.com/Celebration-Herbals-Loosepack-Cleavers-Wildcrafted/dp/B001W3DI8K/ref=sr_1_26?ie=UTF8&qid=1375399518&sr=8-26&keywords=cleavers+herb

http://www.amazon.com/Cleavers-Herb-Premium-Encapsulated-100ct/dp/B00ANB0DP8/ref=sr_1_21?ie=UTF8&qid=1375399586&sr=8-21&keywords=cleavers+herb

LOBELIA

Lobelia-Lobelia Inflata

Also known as:  indian tobacco, puke weed, wild tobacco, asthma weed, gag root, vomitwort, eyebright, bladderpod, etc.

Parts used:  aerial parts (stems, leaves, flowers and seeds with the latter being much stronger than the others)

Meridians/Organs affected:  respiratory, liver, circulatory, nervous and digestive

Properties:  antispasmodic, relaxant (in large doses), emetic, stimulant (in small doses), antivenomous, emmenogogue, nervine, expectorant, astringent, diuretic, counter-irritant, diaphoretic, cathartic, bitter

This herb is one in which there is much controversy.  It is a member of the Bellflower family.  There are roughly between 360-400 species of lobelia also known as indian tobacco.  This is where it is vital to know the Latin terminology.  It is an annual with downy, oval-toothed leaves about 2-3 inches long and often followed with small stomach-looking like seed pods.  It grows in open fields, woods and near water.  It is native to North America (mostly the eastern and middle parts of the continental united states).  It is at its most potent between July and September between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.  In this case the most widely accepted and used form of lobelia is lobelia inflata.

Lobelia had long been used by the Native Americans as a tobacco substitute before being adopted by herbalists in the late 1700's.  The first to really experiment with the herb was Samuel Thomson.  He came across the herb at a rather young age (4 years old) and tried a seed pod.  It cause him to have such a reaction that he never forgot it.  He didn't realize the healing propensity of the plant at that time but would often get other boys to chew it as a joke and watch them vomit afterwards.  One day while he was mowing in the field with a number of other men, he cut a sprig of lobelia and offered it to the man next to him.  The man began to perspire profusely and could not even make it to the well to drink before collapsing and vomiting violently.  He was helped to a nearby home where he rested for 2 hours and then consumed a hearty meal and went back out to work and completed a half days work, exclaiming he never felt better in his life.  Thomson used it many times after that and considered it to be his number one herb.  In 1809 he was prosecuted for prescribing a fatal dose of lobelia of which he was never convicted.  The allopathic physicians of the time had lost so much business to Thomson and after he was brought to trial and not convicted they decided to pass a law that in order to practice medicine one must have a license.  Since that time lobelia has been a source of much controversy.  Dr. Christopher considered it to be one of the greatest herbs given to man.  He also used it a great deal in his own practice.  In fact, most herbalists since Thomson's time have used lobelia to great effect with no harm done while allopathic medicine to this day considers it to be a poison.

Lobelia is what is known as a 'thinking' herb or rather a 'selective' herb.  When it enters the system it knows where to go and what needs to be done.  For instance, if a pregnant woman is having problems with her unborn baby and it has died or is weak, lobelia will cause the fetus to abort.  However, if the fetus is healthy and the mother is very sick, lobelia will cause the mother to be strengthened and nourished so she can deliver the baby properly without ever harming the baby.  Despite the controversy surrounding this herb, the native americans have used it for eons for a number of things aside from a tobacco substitute.  (As a side note, lobelia has been used for stop smoking workshops as it has some nicotine like properties without the addictive effects).  Dr. Christopher said lobelia tincture was very helpful for blood poisoning, earaches, convulsing babies and over-used muscles.  He gave an example of a man who was brought to him with chronic asthma.  He had not been able to sleep in his own bed for over twenty years as he couldn't lie down.  He slept sitting up in a chair.  He also had not been able to hold down a job due to his condition.  Dr. Christopher started by giving him some peppermint tea after which he began administering lobelia in teaspoon increments every 10 minutes.  The gentleman began to throw up phlegm to the point he filled an entire cup with it.  After that point his sons took him home.  Two days later he told his sons he felt well enough to lie down and went to his own bed and slept through the night.  He also went out and got a job as a gardener.  What an amazing recovery after 20 years condemned to sitting up and not being able to work!

Lobelia has been used across the board for any number of ailments including asthma, epilepsy, angina pectoris, colds, fevers, smallpox, scarlet fever, muscle spasms, pain, laryngitis, bronchitis, sore throat, colic, bruises, sprains, boils, tumors, cancers, insect bites, fainting, lockjaw, meningitis, poison ivy, ringworm, whooping cough, etc.  The best method of use is as a tincture made with vinegar.  Dried lobelia should also not be stored in anything paper-like as the volatile oils are lost on the paper.

Lobelia is named after a Flemish botanist, Matthias de L'Obel and was listed as a drug in the National Formulary until 1960.  (Clearly they knew how powerful an herb it was but didn't want people using it).  It also appears that all forms of lobelia (including the ornamental types) are medicinal in nature sharing some of the medicinal components of Lobelia inflata.  However, lobelia inflata is still to this day the preferred variety for medicinal purposes.  Lobelia is also best tinctured as a fresh herb as it is believed that it loses a lot of its medicinal potentcy when dried.  A stimulating herb should also always precede lobelia when being used internally as it helps lobelia to work its best.  (Generally cayenne or peppermint are most often used in that capacity with lobelia).  The first signs of overdose are profuse sweating, vomiting, hypotension, tachycardia, hypothermia, paralysis, stupor, convulsions and respiratory depression.  (This is believed to happen when between 2-4 grams of the herb are taken).  Given as lobelia is an emetic one should stop taking it at the first signs of nausea.  It is not an herb for self medicating if you are not used to using it. 

Ornamental Lobelia

This herb deserves a spot in a first aid kit, but know how to use it.  In this case, less is always more.  As with my usual posts please find some links to items involving lobelia below.  Be wise and be informed. 

http://www.amazon.com/Boiron-Homeopathic-Medicine-Lobelia-80-Count/dp/B001GCTWA0/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1375112326&sr=8-1&keywords=lobelia+inflata

http://www.amazon.com/Indian-Tobacco-Lobelia-inflata-Wildflower/dp/B003ADDGSM/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1375112326&sr=8-3&keywords=lobelia+inflata

http://www.amazon.com/Organic-Freshly-Dried-Lobelia-Inflata/dp/B006EXD2KC/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1375112326&sr=8-4&keywords=lobelia+inflata

http://www.amazon.com/Natures-Way-Lobelia-Herb-Capsules/dp/B000I4AIDM/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1375112326&sr=8-5&keywords=lobelia+inflata

http://www.amazon.com/Herb-Pharm-Large-Lobelia-Extract/dp/B00169ZZB8/ref=sr_1_10?ie=UTF8&qid=1375112326&sr=8-10&keywords=lobelia+inflata

http://www.amazon.com/Field-Guide-Medicinal-Plants-Herbs/dp/0395988144/ref=sr_1_16?ie=UTF8&qid=1375112326&sr=8-16&keywords=lobelia+inflata

BURDOCK

Burdock-Articum Lappa, Articum Minus

 

Also known as:  Lappa, thorny burr, clothburr, fox's cloth, beggar's buttons, hardock, hareburr, burrburr, turkey burr, bardana, etc.

 

Parts used:  roots (first year's growth), leaves, seeds, stalk

 

Meridians/Organs affected:  circulatory, digestive, urinary, liver, kidney, lungs

 

Properties:  alterative, diuretic, tonic, diaphoretic, stomachic, aperient, depurative, antiscorbutic, demulcent, nutritive, antispasmodic, immune-stimulant

 

Burdock is a member of the Sunflower family although it bears no resemblance to the yellow daisy like plant.  It is a biennial that produces lovely heart shaped leaves in its first year.  The leaves can get up to 12-20 inches long and sometimes 8-16 inches wide.  Some will refer to the leaves as resembling an elephants ear as they are certainly large in nature.  The second year stems appear that have thistle like flowers that are reddish purple in nature with small hooks that readily attach themselves to anything that happens by.  There are a few different varieties of burdock but they can get anywhere from 6-9 feet tall.  It blooms July to October and the root is most often used from its first year stage.  As it is a taproot it grows strait down so a shovel and some work are required to get the finished product.  It grows in rich moist soil and can often be found in fields, roadsides, waste places, public parks, vacant lots, borders of fresh water wetlands, ponds and streams, median strips, edges of woodlands, etc.  It does best in partial to full sunlight.  The plant is best harvested (at its most medicinal) between September and October from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.  The root should be gathered at the end of its first season before the leaves die back completely (otherwise you will not be able to find it) or in early June when it starts greening up.  The seeds should be gathered as the plant matures in the fall of its second year and thereafter.

 

Burdock is a native of Europe and Asia but can be found in most places now with the exception of extreme mountain regions and desert areas.  It was commonly used by the early hunter-gatherers for food and is still popular in Asian countries as food, often referred to as 'gobo'.  Its flavor is said to be similar to artichokes, asparagus and celery depending on who you talk to. 

 

Burdock was the inspiration for Velcro actually.  One lovely day George de Mestral (Swiss inventor) was out with his dog and they had a run-in with this plant.  Upon further study Mestral found the hooks on the plant and how they attached themselves to anything that happened upon it.  He had an idea and thus Velcro was born.

 

 



John Parkinson (1567-1650) said it was helpful in regards to venomous bites.  Culpeper said that burdock is "cooling and moderately drying, whereby good for old ulcers and sores.....the seeds being drunk in wine 40 days together doth wonderfully help the sciatica....."  He also said the seed was beneficial for stone conditions and the root was good for "..consumption, stone and the lax."  Eighteenth century treatments for syphilis and gonorrhea contained burdock, and in fact was used by Henry VIII for the former.  His condition did improve although he was not cured of it.  It was also mixed with wine for leprosy, epilepsy and hysteria.  In the 1100's, Hildegard of Bingen had used it for those with cancer and to enhance the immune system.  Interestingly enough in modern research it has been said to be beneficial for both cancer and HIV.  In China burdock has been prized as a blood purifier for millennia.  It is also a powerful liver tonic and useful for many issues involving liver dysfunction.  It can also help to clear the skin of any infections or imbalances due to its blood purifying qualities.  The root has been used to break down excess uric acid in the joints helping with a  number of joint related issues.  Native americans used it for sores and scurvy amongst other things.  The Chinese have used it for a plethora of ailments including flu, abscesses, boils, measles and tonsillitis.  It is also an important herb when dealing with Yang (heat producing) conditions.  Extracts of the seeds have been shown to lower blood sugar levels and the boiled root has been shown to control bacterial infections, assist with heavy metal poisoning, reduce inflammation and treat skin maladies.  The whole plant has sweat-inducing (more as a fresh herb) and laxative properties as well as being a mild diuretic.  A conditioner made of the leaves or root and massaged into the scalp is said to be good for hair loss.  The seeds have also been used in washes and poultices for bruises, insect and snake bites, smallpox and scarlet fever.  The roots we boiled to make an antidote for food poisoning, especially from poison mushrooms.  It has also been used for vertigo and high blood pressure. 

Burdock was listed as a diaphoretic and a diuretic in the National Formulary from 1916-1947 and in the United States Pharmacopeia from 1831-1916.  It was also included in Dioscoredes 'De Materia Medica'.  It is both a food and a medicine.  It is highly nutritive as it contains iron, zinc, B-Complex, thiamine, B6, B-12, C, A and bioflavonoids just to name a few.  One will never starve with this plant nearby.

Pregnant women are cautioned against using burdock as it can cause spotting and perhaps miscarriage.  It is also said to interfere with iron absorption when taken internally.  Also, it is often combined with dandelion as burdock alone can cause the skin to form pustules in its expulsion of toxins from the system but when combined with dandelion it promotes the excretion of toxins through the urinary system.

As with all of my posts I have included some links below. Please use them as you see fit.  Happy, healthy herbal hunting! 

http://www.amazon.com/STARWEST-BOTANICALS-Organic-Burdock-Root/dp/B001A1PX9G/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1374188301&sr=8-7&keywords=burdock%27

http://www.amazon.com/Alvita-Burdock-Root-Caffeine-Free/dp/B00142BX68/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1374188301&sr=8-6&keywords=burdock%27

http://www.amazon.com/Natures-Way-Burdock-Root-Capsules/dp/B0009ET9WC/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1374188301&sr=8-1&keywords=burdock%27

http://www.amazon.com/Russianshoppe-Burdock-Oil-with-Nettle/dp/B003R2LVJM/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1374188301&sr=8-5&keywords=burdock%27

http://www.amazon.com/AVEDA-Aveda-BENEFITS-BALANCING-SHAMPOO/dp/B001B1R6RC/ref=sr_1_13?ie=UTF8&qid=1374188301&sr=8-13&keywords=burdock%27

http://www.amazon.com/BURDOCK-Arctium-Burdock-Cockle-Button-Beggars/dp/B004ZG7H9M/ref=sr_1_14?ie=UTF8&qid=1374188301&sr=8-14&keywords=burdock%27

HOUND'S TONGUE

HOUND'S TONGUE-Cyanoglossum Officinale

Also known as dog's tongue, gypsy flower, dog bur, sheep lice, woolmat, beggar's lice.

Parts used:  roots and leaves

Meridians/Organs affected:  skin, respiratory, digestive

Properties:  sedative, anodyne, demulcent, astringent, anti-inflammatory, diuretic, emollient, antitumor

This plant is one that enjoys much fame, but in a bad way.  It might surprise you to know that hound's tongue has been used medicinally for centuries.

Hound's tongue is a member of the borage family although in some texts they refer to it being in the 'forget-me-not' family, which it isn't.  It is a leafy, stout tap-rooted perennial with lance-shaped basal leaves that can get as long as 12 inches.  The plant itself can get up to five feet tall.  The flowers are a magenta to purplish red in color and become hard teardrop shaped bristles that we all know and love as 'beggar's lice'.  The entire plant is covered in hairs and can be irritating to some people so it is best handled with gloves if you have skin sensitivity.  It flowers May to July and can most often be found along roadsides, waste places, meadows, and forest areas.  It seems to grow best in full to partial shade.

To most people, hound's tongue is a noxious weed that needs eradicating.  What most don't realize is that this amazing plant is the same species as comfrey and contains many of the same components as comfrey and in fact, can be used interchangeably with comfrey in any formula.  Hound's tongue contains the same abrasive alkaloids as comfrey as well as containing the much-touted allantoin used in so many skin treatments on the market today.  It also contains consolidin and cynoglossine, two alkaloids that are commonly used in pain relief.  As they are also known to depress the nervous system, it is best thought not to use it internally too often (interesting that both comfrey and hound's tongue get lots of flack but are two highly medicinal herbs).

Culpeper once said that he cured a person of rabies with hound's tongue.  It received it's name from this but also from the belief that sticking the leaves in one's shoes would stop dogs from barking at you.  (There is no evidence to support this but amusing nonetheless).  There is evidence that the root can help dispel mucus in the head, eyes, nose and upper respiratory area.  The leaves have been used in the same manner as comfrey for burns, scalds, hemorrhoids, wounds, punctures, gangrene and cancer (Incidentally, both comfrey and hound's tongue have been said to have carcinogenic components as well as being used to treat various cancers.  I find it interesting how the smear campaigns work in the alternative vs allopathic fields). 

According to the Herbalist Almanac, hound's tongue was used as a rodent deterrant.  It was said that if you gathered this plant when the sap was flowing and bruised it with a hammer and then placed it in the house, barn or wherever the rodent infestation might be, that the rodents would move their domiciles elsewhere.  Interesting thought....I might actually try this one and see how it works given I live in the deep woods.

Hound's tongue has been used internally for coughs, diarrhea, dysentery, neuritis, neuralgia, ulcers, urinary infections, catarrh, colic, indigestion, chronic bronchitis and other lung issues.  It has been used externally for bruising, burns, insect and snake bites, tumors, abrasions, boils, scrofula (abnormal growths on the lymph areas), goiter, scratches and difficult wounds that fail to heal.

The root is best gathered in the spring before the plant flowers and the leaves in the summertime as the plant comes into flower. 

As with all of my posts please find some links regarding hound's tongue below.  Use them as you best see fit.  Be happy and healthy!

http://www.amazon.com/Flower-Essence-Services-FES-Quintessentials/dp/B000VGCDQC/ref=sr_1_3?s=hpc&ie=UTF8&qid=1372896244&sr=1-3&keywords=hounds+tongue

http://www.amazon.com/Nuts-Cones-Wildflower-Hounds-Tongue/dp/B008C7G7UU/ref=sr_1_cc_1?s=aps&ie=UTF8&qid=1372898212&sr=1-1-catcorr&keywords=hounds+tongue

http://www.amazon.com/FLOWERS-Hounds-Tongue-antique-print/dp/B008D3SDZK/ref=sr_1_cc_3?s=aps&ie=UTF8&qid=1372898259&sr=1-3-catcorr&keywords=hounds+tongue

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CQlnVbjRl3c

HOREHOUND

HOREHOUND-Marrubium Vulgare

Also known as white horehound and marrubium.

Parts used:  flowers and leaves

Meridians/Organs affected:  respiratory, adrenals, digestive

Properties:  expectorant, tonic, stomachic, resolvent, hepatic, diaphoretic, emmenogogue, bitter, mildly diuretic, stimulant, pectoral, anthelmintic, aromatic, cathartic (in large doses) and culinary.

This plant is one of the most used for respiratory issues.  Native to England and a member of the mint family, horehound has found its way all over the globe.  Not surprising given its medicinal history.

Horehound is a perennial with opposite leaves that are coarsely textured with toothed margins.  The flowers are densely clustered at each leaf axil and are small and white.  It blooms from March to July depending on the climate in which it grows.  It gets up to 18 inches in height and does best in full sun and poor soil (kind of like yarrow in that regard).  After it gets established, very little effort is needed to keep it going.

Horehound enjoys the distinction of having crossed the globe several times over, touching so many cultures it dates back to the earliest of times.  It has been used quite alot as a culinary agent although today it is mostly used in candy and as an ingredient in many cough syrups.

Once upon a time horehound was served as a drink in Norfolk, England.  (I can just imagine someone sidling up to a bar and saying..."give me some horehound barkeep").  Ancient cultures believed that if you added it to milk that it would kill all the insects near it with one fell swoop.  (Where do they come up with this stuff?)  In the late 1700's and the early 1800's it was featured in various catalogues as a 'snuff-like' material.  The Egyptians called it many things...'the seed of Horus', 'bull's blood' and 'eye of the star' being just a few.  They would use it as an antidote to many poisons and to cure respiratory diseases.  The Greeks used it to counter rabid dog bites (something it shares in common with another herb known as Hound's Tongue) and as an antispasmodic.  Some references believe it was named after a small ancient town in Italy known as Maria Urbs.  Others say that its true name came from the Hebrew (marrob), which is a bitter juice consumed during the Feast of the Passover.
Gerard and Culpeper both recommended this herb for coughing, wheezing and mucus buildup in the respiratory system.

In different cultures, horehound has been used as an insect repellant, a worm killer, as a cure for snakebites, as an ointment for itches, rashes and wounds, and as a wash for the eyes.  Culpeper said of this valuable herb, "..purges away yellow jaundice, it openeth obstructions of both the liver and spleen and used outwardly, it cleanses, abates the swollen part and pains that come by pricking thornes..."  He also recommended it to increase menstrual flow and to assist in the expellation of afterbirth during childbirth.  It can also be used as a laxative in larger amounts.  Horehound has been used topically for eczema, shingles, herpes simplex, and other skin eruptions.  In more recent times it has been used for bloating, asthma, chest colds, sore throat, bronchitis and most any other respiratory ailment.

If you are trying to attract bees to your garden, this is a plant to keep around as bees love it.  They are drawn to the nectar of these plants and the honey that comes from it is very pleasant and full of flavor. 

CAUTION:  This is not something that should be used by pregnant women as it can stimulate blood flow.  Only to be used after the birthing process is over.

As with all of my posts please find below some links regarding Horehound.  Enjoy!  :)

http://www.amazon.com/Horehound-Herb-Cut-Sifted-Frontier/dp/B000UYFKLK/ref=sr_1_cc_1?s=aps&ie=UTF8&qid=1372880426&sr=1-1-catcorr&keywords=horehound+herb

http://www.amazon.com/Horehound-Marrubium-Packaged-Seed-Needs/dp/B003U1PN0S/ref=sr_1_cc_2?s=aps&ie=UTF8&qid=1372895931&sr=1-2-catcorr&keywords=horehound+herb

http://www.amazon.com/Claeys-Natural-Horehound-6-Ounce-Packages/dp/B000NPZUBG/ref=sr_1_cc_2?s=aps&ie=UTF8&qid=1372895991&sr=1-2-catcorr&keywords=horehound+candy

http://www.amazon.com/Horehound-Marrubium-vulgare-Extract-Tincture/dp/B00A75WXZI/ref=sr_1_cc_3?s=aps&ie=UTF8&qid=1372896141&sr=1-3-catcorr&keywords=horehound+tincture