BISHOP"S WEED - BOXWOOD
BISHOP’S WEED / Ammi visnaga. Used to Treat: Psoriasis:
BISTORT / Adderwort / Dragonworth / Polygonum bistorta. Wild. Northern British Isles / Europe.
Actions: A strong Astringent and Highly Styptic. Cultivation: Low growing herb found in ditches and damp places. Product: the Root is used. Used to Treat: Incontinence: Specific. Throat / Sore: as a Gargle.
BITTER APPLE / Bitter Cucumber / Colocynth / Citrllus colocynthis. Wild / Middle East. Actions: A very Violent Purgative being so strong it is only used in combination with other herbs.
Cultivation: An annual plant resembling a Water Melon. Product: the Fruit Pulp is used.
BITTER GOURD / Momordica charantia. Used to Treat: Diabetes:
BITTER ROOT / Dogsbane / Fly Trap / Apocynum androsaemifolium - Wild / North America. (N.B: Not to be confused with Gentian also previously known by the same name.)
Actions: A safe Carthatic and Heart Tonic and also used as a Diuretic and Emetic. Cultivation: A woody herb with acuminate / pointed - leaves. Product: the Roots are used. Originally used for those bitten by mad dogs.
BITTERSWEET / Woody Nightshade NB: (Poisonous) Solanum dulcamara. Wild / British Isles. Actions: also used as a Diuretic with strong Narcotic properties.
Cultivation: A weak growing nondescript climber. Product: the Bark and Twigs are used. Used to Treat: Arthritic - Pains: as an Infusion to relieve. Rheumatic - Pains: as an Infusion to relieve.
BLACKBERRY / Rubus fructicosus - Wild Herb. Constituents: Berries are not medicinal but are rich in Vitamins and some Minerals, high in Vitamin C and Thiamine, some Calcium, Iron, Potassium, Riboflavin and Niacin.
Cultivation: the Leaves and Fruit used.
Used to Treat: Body: to rejuvenate in Spring use the Leaves in a bath. Diarrhoea: due to their Astringent property the Leaves are used as an Infusion. Eyes / Inflammation: due to Allergic reaction or strain.
Gastrointestinal Upsets: Internally with the Roots as an Infusion due to their Astringent properties. Gums: due to their Astringent property. Mouth - Infections: Skin: Externally as a Bath Tonic to freshen.
Tonsillitis: due to their Astringent properties.
BLACKBERRY NIGHTSHADE / Solanum nigran. Wild Herb. Product: Use the whole herb above the ground.
BLACK CHERRY / Prunus serotina. Used to Treat: Colds:
BLACK COHOSH / Black Snakeroot / Cimicifuga racemosa. A Circulatory anti - Spasmodic herb for Internal treatment of recurring Muscle Spasm and to assist the repair of Muscle damage or injury when taken on Professional advice. Usually taken as a Tea. N.B: Do not use if Pregnant. N.B: Only take under specialist direction. Actions: Strong anti - Spasmodic, Sedative and Oestrogenic effects.
Used to Treat: Amenorrhoea: has potent Oestrogen like activity. Dysmenorrhoea: Heart: Stimulant. Blood Pressure / High: Lowers. Hysteria: Menopausal Discomfort:
Menstrual Cramps / Discomfort / Pain: relieves. Muscular - Rheumatism: Rheumatoid Arthritis: Spasm: Sciatica: Tension: Tinnitus:
BLACK CURRANT / Ribes nigrum. Constituents: Calcium, Phosphorus, Potassium, Niacin, Riboflavin and Thiamine and a good source of Pectin and Vitamin C more then Oranges.
Used to Treat: Colds and Coughs: Juice and Syrup used. Fevers: Juice and Syrup used. Multiple Sclerosis: Throat - Sore: Juice and Syrup used. Tonsillitis - Quinsy: Juice and Syrup used. Tolerated by Children more then Acid Orange Juice.
BLACK - EYED - SUSAN / Rudbeckia. Used to Treat: H.I.V:
BLACK HAW / American Sloe / Sweet Viburnum / Viburnum prunifolium - Wild / U.S.A. N.B: If used in excess can cause Miscarriage so use only under Specialist advice. Main Use: Uterine relaxant. Actions: Also an effective Nervine, and also often used as a Sedative. Cultivation: A shrub with gamopetalous flowers and acuminate / pointed - leaves. Product: the Root Bark is used.
Used to Treat: Gynaecological Conditions: as a Tea. 2gm of the dried Bark up to 3 x times a day. Menstrual Cramps / Excessive Flow / Pain: as a powerful Astringent and anti- Spasmodic as a Tea. 2gm of the dried Bark up to 3 x times a day.
Miscarriage: as a Tonic to prevent due to an irritable Womb, only under Specialist dosage only. Pregnancy Conditions: Tinnitus:
BLACK HOREHOUND / Ballota nigra. Used to Treat: Morning Sickness:
BLACK NIGHTSHADE / Solanum nigrum. Used to Treat: Sunburn:
BLACK PEPPER: Used to Treat: Blood Pressure / High: Osteoporosis:
BLACK ROOT / Culver's Root / Physic Root / Leptandra virginica / crophulariaceae. Wild / U.S.A. N.B: Use with care as the fresh Roots are violent and can be used as an Emetic.
Main Use: Specific for the Liver and Gall Bladder and Conditions that are caused by their malfunction. Actions: Anti - Spasmodic, Mild Cathartic, Cholagogue and Diaphoretic.
Actions: the dried Root is mildly Cathartic and also used as a Diaphoretic as its action is always mild and pleasant and used as a Liver Stimulant. Cultivation: A low growing herb and dig up in the Autumn and store for a year before using. Product: Rhyzome only used. Decoction: 1 x teaspoon of the ground dried Root per cup and simmer for 10 minutes. Tincture: 1 to 4ml x 3 times a day.
Used to Treat: Blood: in purifying mixtures. Cholecystitis: Constipation: Gall Bladder Conditions: Specific. Gall Bladder / Inflamed: Liver / Congestion / Jaundice: Used with Barberry and Dandelion.
BLACK SUNFLOWER SEEDS: See under Sunflower.
BLACK WALNUT: Used to Treat: Fungal Infections:
BLADDERWRACK / Kelpware / Seawrack / Fucus vesiculous. Wild / British coastlines. Constituents: One of the most prolific sources of Iodine and Trace Elements. Cultivation: A very large trailing Seaweed, very dark green and with fronds made buoyant by paired oval bladders. Product: the whole Plant is used.
Used to Treat: Obesity: to cure. Kidneys: to clean out and Tone the System.
BLESSED THISTLE / Cnicus benedictus. Used to Treat: H.I.V:
BLOOD ROOT / Red Root / Sanguinaria Canadensis - Poppy Family. Wild / Canada / Northern U.S.A. Product:: Rhizomes only used.
Used to Treat Bronchitis / Chronic: Has strong quick acting properties and one of the best remedies for relief. Croup: In heavy doses it acts speedily to quell. Glaucoma: Gingivitis:
Pneumonia: has strong quick acting properties and one of the best remedies for relief. Ringworm: as a Tincture it clears it up . Tooth / Decay: Warts: Whooping Cough: In heavy doses it acts speedily to quell
BLUEBERRY / Vaccinium. Constituents: a good source of Vitamin C and Iron, Calcium, Magnesium, Potassium and Phosphorus and low in Sodium and Sugar.
Used to Treat: Bladder Infections: contains Arbutin an anti - Biotic and Diuretic that relieves excess Water Retention, and prevents Bacteria from adhering to the Bladder Walls. Cataracts: Coughs and Head Colds: as a Syrup.
Diarrhoea: Multiple Sclerosis: Ulcers:
BLUE COHOSH / Caulophyllum thalictroides. Used to Treat: Amenorrhoea: Stimulates Uterine contractions. Labor / Inducing:
BLUE FLAG / Flag Lily / Water Flag / Iris versicolor - Iridaceae. A Garden Plant used as the principle agent in most Blood Purifying Compounds as it improves elimination via the Colon and Kidneys, improves Liver function, good Blood Cleanser and improves the Skin and is an ideal herb for Detox.
Actions: Anti - Inflammatory, Alterative, Cathartic, Cholagogue, Diuretic and Laxative. As a gentle Laxative it increases elimination through the Bowels.
Cultivation: A plant with arching, strap like leaves and beautiful blue, yellow and white or multi - coloured flowers that grows in wet swampy ground. Collect in Autumn when the Flower has died. Product: the Rhizome is used as it is an excellent remedy. Infusion: 1/ 2 to 1 x teaspoon of the dried herb to a cup of boiling water. Tincture: 1 to 4ml x 3 times a day.
Used to Treat: Acne: combined with Burdock and Yellow Dock. Bile: as a Cholagogue it encourages proper function. Blood: as an Alterative cleans or Detox and combines well with Burdock and Yellow Dock.
Eczema: combined with Burdock and Yellow Dock. Liver: As a Cholagogue it encourages proper function. Psoriasis: combined with Burdock and Yellow Dock.
Skin / Eruptions: combined with Burdock and Yellow Dock. Toxins: as a Diuretic it assists in getting rid of the increased flow of Urine.
BLUE MALLOW / The Mallow / Malva sylvestris. Wild / Europe. Actions: One of the best Demulcent. Cultivation: A boldly growing herb with alternate leaves and bright - blue many - petalled flowers. Product: the Leaves and Flowers are used.
Used to Treat: Coughs: in mixtures especially for Children.
BOGBEAN / Buckbean / Menyanthes trifoliata - Menyananthaceae Family. See also under Buckbean. N.B: Do not use if there is Diarrhoea or Blood in the Stools. Actions: Anti - Rheumatic, Aperient, Bitter, Diuretic and Cholagogue.
Used to Treat: Bile: as a Cholagogue to Stimulate the flow. Colon: as a gentle Aperient to stimulate. Digestion: as a Bitters to stimulate.
BOLDO - Boldu / Peumus boldo / Penmus bodus / boldus. Wild / Chile. Actions: Mildly anti - Septic, Cholagogue, Diuretic, Hepatic and Sedative. Cultivation: Medium sized shrub with dark oval evergreen leaves and a strong Lemon smell. Product: Leaves only used and can be picked anytime and dried. Fruit is eaten and the Bark is used for Tanning. Infusion: 1 x teaspoon of the dried Leaves to 1 cup of boiling water. Tincture: 1 to 2ml x 3 times a day.
Used to Treat: Bladder Catarrh: Cystitis: Specific, as it is mildly anti - Septic and Demulcent. Digestive / Acids: Stimulant. Gall Bladder: Stimulant. Liver : Stimulant. Pancreas: Stimulant:
Fluid Retention: Gall Bladder / Inflammation: works well with Fringe Tree Bark for this. Gall - Stones: works well with Fringe Tree Bark for this. Liver - Stimulant: Specific. Urinary Tract / Infections:
BONESET / Ague Weed / Feverwort / Thoroughwort / Eurpatorium perfoliatum / Compositae Family / Wild / Northern Hemisphere. N.B: This is not Comfrey! *Known as a herbal Aspirin. Use with Cayenne and Ginger to get a result quicker and with Elder and Yarrow for a more gentle approach. Actions: Anti - Spasmodic, Aperient, Diaphoretic, Expectorant, Laxative and Tonic.
Cultivation: A small low growing Perennial herb 3 - 4' / 1 metre high similar to Yarrow in appearance that likes damp ground. Product: the Leaves and Flowers are collected in Summer immediately the plant flowers with the whole plant used. Tea: 1 - 3gm of the dried herb up to 3 x times a day. Tincture: 2 to 4ml x 3 times a day.
Used to Treat: Arthritis: Specific to increase Perspiration and to reduce the severity of the Fever and relieve Body Aches and Pains. Catarrhal Conditions: Specific to assist to diffuse Fever from the Body.
Colds: Specific to increase Perspiration and to reduce the severity of the Fever and relieve Body Aches and Pains. Constipation: gives gentle relief. Fever: Leaves and Flower tops used specifically to increase Perspiration and to reduce the severity of the Fever and relieve Body Aches and Pains.
Decoction: 1 to 2 x teaspoons per cup and drink as hot as possible every 1 /2 hour or so until the Fever abates. Flu: Specific to diffuse Fever from the Body by increasing Perspiration and to reduce the severity of the Fever and relieve Body Aches and Pains.
Night Sweats: Specific to increase Perspiration and to reduce the severity of the Fever and relieve Body Aches and Pains. Respiratory / Fevers: Specific. Rheumatism: where Spastic Muscle is involved.
BORAGE - Starflower / Borago officinalis - Boraginaceae Family. 3 species, but only this one is used as a herb. Europe. Known as the Herb of Gladness. N.B: Do not use long term. Product: Leaves, Flowers and Oil.
Actions; Anti - Inflammatory it contains an Omega - 6 Fatty Acid similar to Primrose Oil. Constituents: Nutritious plant containing Alicic Acid, Allantoin, Calcium, Essential Oil, Gamma Linileic Acid, Mineral Salts, Silica, Mucilage, Nitrate of Potash / Potassium, Resin, Saponin and Tannin.
Cultivation: Bold, strapping Annual plant of strong growth 60cm - 100cm high - 1m 12cm with bristly and fleshy stems and large green Leaves covered with fine bristly hairs with exotic luminous small blue star shaped flowers and likes the Sun, shade and water and Seeds itself easily. Leaves, Flowers and Seeds / whole Plant above the ground is used and the Leaves and Flowers also used in Salads and drinks. The fleshy Leaves need to be dried quickly and best to heat gently in a cool oven until crisp. Easy to grow and sow in Spring and Autumn and its Siliceous nature assists other plants and tolerates all soils. To dry the Leaves collect singly when coming into flower in early Summer. The Flowers are pink and blue and a delight to eat as they are rich in nectar as well as Silica for Hair, Nails and the Lining of the Mucous Membranes. Can be sown at any time in clumps 60cm apart but do not thin as they need to support each other. Leaves have a Cucumber - like flavour and young Leaves finely chopped can be added to Salads used in sandwiches or cooked and eaten like Spinach. Flowers are used also in drinks to raise the Spirits or scattered over Salads just before serving. Also used as garnish for Ice Cream and cold summer Puddings. Companion to Strawberries and on Fruit Salad. Helps to absorb Iron. Increases Milk production in nursing Mothers. Usually used as a flavouring agent in cordials and drinks. Fresh Juice: contains 30% Nitrate of Potash. Fresh Leaves and Flowers: can be used for Culinary purposes and Tea. Tea: Refreshing and Uplifting and combines with Basil for a pick me up. Pour 1 x cup of boiling water onto 1 - 2 x teaspoons of the dried herb and Infuse for 10 - 15 minutes and drink 3 times a day or 2 x teaspoons of the fresh herb. Tincture: 1 - 4ml 3 times a day. Fresh: include in Salads with Calendula, Nasturtium, Rocket, Rosemary and Violet. General Tonic: for Farm Animals. Tonic Tea: Infuse 1 x Tablespoon of the chopped fresh Leaves in a cup of boiling Water for 10 - 15 minutes, strain and drink. A rosette of large ovate Leaves with a hollow flowering stem to 90 cm with a cucumber - like scent, hairy and can irritate sensitive Skin. Has a five - petalled flower with a white ring in the centre with a cone of black stamens. Will germinate in 3 to 5 days and plant at 45cm intervals in a sunny, well drained position in a well dug composted spot. Sow plants directly into the soil in Spring and Autumn or sow in pots, but plant out while still young due to their need for space for a large taproot and keep the soil moist and fertilize in the Spring. Mostly Pest and Disease free and can be harvested all year round as required and dry in a well aired position out of direct Sunlight. Deters Tomato Hornworm and Japanese Beetles and stimulates the growth of Strawberries. The Seed Oil is a rich source of Gamma - Linolenic Acid / GLA.
Oil : Skin / Dry / Itching: Eczema: Psoriasis: Combines well with Omega 3 Oil / Essential Fatty Acids such as in Flax Seed / Linseeds and Fish Oil.
Used to Treat: Adrenal Glands: as a Tonic over time as a restorative agent for the Adrenal Cortex to revive and renew after a treatment of Cortisone or Steroid. Blood: Purifier to clean away Toxic residue from the Tissues via the Bloodstream.
Breast Milk: as it stimulates the flow. Depression / Mild: as a Tea. Eyes / Inflamed: use 1 x teaspoon of the dried herb or 1 x Tablespoon of the fresh herb to a cup of water and steep for 5 minutes, cool slightly, strain and dip a clean cotton wool ball in the Infusion. Apply to closed Eyes for 10 - 15 minutes to cool and sooth.
Fevers: during convalescence. Infections: to assist. Kidneys: with the Leaves as a Diuretic. Piles: as an Ointment using a handful of fresh Leaves and 100ml of Glycerine. Pleurisy: as an anti - Inflammatory.
Raynaud's Disease: contains GLA the same as Evening Primrose Oil and can also be massaged into the Fingers. Rheumatism: Oil from the Seeds is an alternative to Primrose Oil. (Sometimes known as Star Fire Oil.)
Respiratory: to soothe. Skin: to soften and cleanse as an Infusion of the Leaves. Skin / Disease: Oil from the Seeds is an alternative to Primrose Oil. (Sometimes known as Star Fire Oil.)
Steriods: Improves the production of Adrenaline after Steroid medication. Stress: Improves the production of Adrenaline. Sweating: with the Flowers to encourage. Varicose Veins: used as a Compress applied to the Legs to relieve Congestion and prevent.
BOTTLE GOURD / Lagenaria siceraria. Used to Treat: Infertility: Liver Conditions:
BOXWOOD (American) Cornel / Dogwood / Cornus florida. Wild / U.S.A. Actions: Used as a powerful Tonic and Stimulant. Cultivation: A small tree with very rough bark and a profusion of pink flowers in Spring. Product: the Bark and Roots are used.
Used to Treat: Head - Aches: Specific. Migraines: Specific.
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