COMMON FENNEL - CURRY TREE
COMMON FENNEL / Wild Fennel / Fennel /
COMMON GREEN MINT / Spearmint / Mint /
COMMON SOW THISTLE / Milk Thistle - Senchus Oleraceus. Actions: Cathartic, Diuretic, Cooling, Febrifuge, Galatogue (For promoting Milk secretion) Refreshing and Tonic. Constituents: Extremely rich in Minerals. Product: the Leaves picked at anytime and used in Salads or as a cooked. Vegetable. Great for Birds. Sow Thistle Salad: Use young Leaves and Shoots and some larger Leaves with soft spines trimmed away and add French Dressing. Tea: 1 Cup of boiling water to 3 x teaspoons of the herb and Infuse for 10 minutes and drink 3 times a day. Used to Treat: Breast Feeding: Great for nursing Mothers and take 1 x glass x 3 times a day. Bruises: Fresh bruised Leaves. Fevers: Dissolves Acid in the Bloodstream and allays. Inflammation: Fresh bruised Leaves. Well - Being: General Tonic as they are full of Minerals.
COMMON THYME / Garden Thyme / Thyme /
CONDURANGO - Marsdenia condurango. South America. A nondescript climbing vine in heavily forested areas. Product: the Bark alone. Actions: Alterative and Stomachic. Used to Treat: Duodenal Ulcers: Specific.
CORIANDER / Chinese Parsley / Cilantro - Coriandrum sativum. Carrot Umbelliferae - Apiaceae. Spice / Culinary herb / Thailand, Near East / Southern Europe. N.B: Only use in Culinary amounts if Pregnant or Breastfeeding. Actions: Anti - Spasmodic, Aromatic, Carminative and good for the Appetite / Digestion. Cultivation: An annual diminutive herb 30 - 60cm high with parsley - like Leaves and a thick Taproot with single, flowering stalk branches that form terminal clusters of pink - white flowers with small ripe Seeds that are oval shaped and yellow to light brown in colour. Likes full Sun or semi - shade and protection from winds and a light, well drained moderately rich soil. Rub the Seeds and separate into halves and pre - soak them for 2 days and sow several seeds direct in clumps 30cm apart in Spring or early Summer and thin out to 2 - 3 seedlings per clump. Weed regularly and ensure plenty of moisture and liquid fertilizer to promote growth of foliage. Products: the Fruit - Seeds (whole or ground) harvested before the heads shatter - when half of the Seeds are brown. They have an Aromatic flavour and are used in Fish, Meat and Poultry dishes or added to biscuits, bread, cakes or pastries and in pickles. The fresh Leaves are either cut or in a bunch used in Asian foods. Tie the Stems into bunches and hang upside down inside paper bags to catch the Seeds or harvest the foliage to use fresh when the plant is mature. Coriander Salad chop two medium sized Onions into small pieces and add 4 Tablespoons of chopped fresh Coriander Leaves and 2 Tablespoons of freshly squeezed Lemon Juice. To reduce the bitterness of the Lemon add chopped fresh Leaves of Lemon Balm and leave some of the Lemon Juice out. Spicy Coriander Salad: Same as above and add 2 Tomatoes chopped. 1 x Tablespoon of grated fresh Ginger Root, a Red Chilli Pepper chopped and with the Seeds removed with a teaspoon and do not allow direct contact with the Eyes or Skin. Serve on a bed of Lettuce. Prolong cooking destroys the flavour of the Leaves - add just before serving. Roast the Seeds to enhance their flavour or grind to thicken Curries and Stews. Used to Treat: Amenorrhoea: Appetite: as a Stimulant to restore. Asthma: Breath / Bad: Add a few ounces of fresh Coriander to 2 cups of water and boil for a few minutes, strain and drink or use as a Mouth - Wash. Body Odour: Coriander and Liquorice - both contain 20 Compounds, Oregano and Rosemary have 19, Ginger 17, Nutmeg 15, Cinnamon & Cumin 11, and Bay 10. Liquorice also contains up to 33 % Bactericidal Compounds, Thyme 21.3 %, Oregano 8.8%, Rosemary 4.8 %, Coriander up to 2.2 % and Fennel 1.5%. These could be Powdered and rubbed under the under arms, but a Tea would be better. Tea: make a strong Tea of the herb or herbs to suite and soak a cloth in it and apply as a Compress for a few minutes. Add plenty of Sage, or they could be used in a bath by placing in a cloth and run hot water over it. Bowels: as a Carminative to ease and soothe. Colic: in digestive compounds and a weak Infusion / Tea it is used for Children and the Aged for whom some foods repeat unpleasantly. Mix a handful of pounded Seeds with a teaspoon of Honey and steep in a cup of boiling water for 5 minutes and sip before and after meals. Cosmetics: to enhance fragrances in Creams, Lotions and Perfumes. Flatulence: Infuse the seeds. Essential Oil is anti - Septic, Bactericidal, Carminative, Fungicidal and a Muscle relaxant. Used to counter Stomach upsetting properties of Laxative herbs such as Buckthorn, Cascara, Rhubarb & Senna. Can be added to Beans to alleviate Flatulence. Food Preservative: Indigestion: infuse the seeds. Essential Oil is anti - Septic, Bactericidal, Carminative, Fungicidal and a Muscle relaxant. Used to counter Stomach upsetting properties of Laxative herbs such as Buckthorn, Cascara, Rhubarb and Senna. Can be added to Beans to alleviate Flatulence. Joint / Pain: with the Leaves used in Ointment. Nausea: Infuse the Seeds. Skin: to bleach and soften with the pounded Seeds mixed with Goat's Milk or with the Leaves used in an Ointment. Bitter Herbs used as a flavouring agent to disguise. Vigour: as a Stimulant to restore.
CORIANDER, PERENNIAL. Thailand.
CORN - Zea mays. Used to Treat: Ankylosing Spondylitis: pulverised Cornstarch for relief of any Chaffing Dermatitis if a cervical collar is required. Bed Wetting: by combining with Agrimony as a Tea. Body / Odour: with Cornstarch. Cystitis: Dermatitis: Scalp: as Cornmeal to cleanse by moisturising a handful and rub it in. Skin Care: as Cornmeal to cleanse by moisturising a handful and rub it in. Swelling:
CORNERGOT - Cornsmut / (Poisonous) Ustilago maydis / America / South Africa. A fungus that lives on Maize. N.B: Always use with great care. Product: A finely divided dark coloured powder is used. Highly regarded as an Emmenagogue and Parturient. Used to Treat: Menstrual Conditions:
CORN FLOUR: Used to Treat: Feet Conditions: due to pressure by applying an adhesive padding before they burst and until they have healed with Cornflour dusted over the Blisters to sooth and assist healing. Sunburn: to relieve the sting and discomfort. 1 cup of Cornflour, 1/2 cup of Rice Flour, 1/2 - 1 teaspoon Essential Oil to suite (Clove, Jasmine, Rose etc) combine the flours and stir in the Oil and store in a container with a tight lid with holes punched in the top and shake well before each use.
CORNFLOWER / Bluebottle / Centaurea cyanus. Blue flowered herb that is easily grown. Used to Treat: Dyspepsia: with the Flowers used as a general Stimulant and Tonic. Eyes / Infected / Inflamed: Externally with the Flowers used as Tea to sooth also used in Eye Gels or Eye Balms. Insect Bites: Externally with the Flowers used as Tea to sooth. Nerves: with the Flowers used as Tea to sooth.
CORN MINT: Used to Treat: Hives:
CORN SILK / Zea mays. America / South Africa. * The protective covering around the Corn Cobs and inside the leaves. Actions: the most effective Diuretic, Demulcent and Tonic. Product: The Stigmas from the small female flowers of Maize are used. Easy to grow. Products: the Stigmas from the Female Flowers as an Urinary anti Septic produced from the Tassle of the Corn, one of the few plants with Medicinal uses that does not grow in the Wild. Can be chopped up and eaten with the rest of the Vegetables. Also available as Capsules and Tablets as a natural Diuretic. Tea: 25gm of the dried herb in 500ml of boiling water for 10 - 15 minutes, strain and drink as often as required between meals up to a litre a day. Used to Treat: Bladder / Irritation: Specific as it is high in Mucilage and also has Alkalising affects, producing excellent symptomatic relief. N.B: the actual cause needs to be treated concurrently with other herbs to suite. Blood Pressure / High: as a Diuretic. Burning / Itching: Externally: Cornsilk can be used as part of a Douche mixture with Calendula, 10 -15% diluted in water to relieve. Cystitis: Specific as it has a soothing and Demulcent effect on the Urinary Tract as it is high in Mucilage and also has Alkalising affects, producing excellent symptomatic relief. N.B: the actual cause needs to be treated concurrently with other herbs to suite. Internal Tissues: to cleanse. Kidney Tonic: using 1:1 fluid Extract 14ml of this herb combined with 14ml Parsley, 14ml Dandelion and 14ml Uva Ursi and add 28ml to 600ml of distilled water and simmer for 20 minutes. Dosage: 1/2 - 1 cup of Tea 3 times a day after meals. Used as a general Bladder and Kidney Tonic or a Diuretic to dissolve Kidney Stones. Pulmonary Conditions: Oedema: as a Diuretic. Overweight: to increase the flow of Urine. Respiratory Conditions: as a Tea or Inhalation especially a dry Cough. Toxins: encourages their loss in the Urine. Urinary Conditions: as it a Demulcent and Soothing. Vagina / Irritable: Specific as it is high in Mucilage and also has Alkalising affects, producing excellent symptomatic relief. N.B: the actual cause needs to be treated concurrently with other herbs to suite.
COTTON ROOT - Gossypium herbaceum / Mediterranean / USA. Product: the Bark is used medicinally in thin strips rolled into twists. Used to treat Women's Disorders as it contracts the Uterus and promotes the Menstrual Flow. Also used to aid Women whose sexual drive is lessened.
COUCH GRASS / Quackgrass / Twitchgrass / Agropyron repens or Elymus repens. Urinary System herb specific for toning the Sphincter or repairing Bladders that leak. *One of the most safest and effective herbal Remedies. Actions: Aperient, anti - Biotic, Diuretic rich in Potassium, anti - Microbial, anti - Septic, Diuretic and Demulcent. Cultivation: A strong growing grass with white fleshy roots. Product: the Medicinal part the Rhizome is dug up in Spring or early Autumn. Decoction - best: 2 x teaspoons per cup. Tincture: 3 to 6ml. Tea: Used to Treat: Bladder - Infections: Diuretic with a long history in use for Bladder and Kidney Infections. Bronchitis: Cystitis: Diuretic Diuretic - Slimming: as a herbal Tea combined with Peppermint. Gout: Gravel: Kidney Stones: Laryngitis: Nausea: Nephritis: Prostatic Hypertrophy: Prostatitis: combines with Hydrangea. Rheumatoid Conditions: Specific. Stomach Conditions: Urethritis: Urinary Infections: Combined with Buchu and Yarrow
COUNTRY MALLOW / Sida cordifolia. Used to Treat: Fainting: Impotence: Sciatica: Sores:
COWSLIP - Primula veris. Action: Cosmetic and a potent natural Sedative. Cultivation: has pink - edged yellow flowers that are fragrant and pretty. Used to Treat: Bronchitis / Chronic: with the Petals as a Tea. Cramps: with the Petals as a Tea. Dizziness: with the Petals as a Tea. Freckles: Externally with a diluted Infusion to bathe. Head / Aches: with the Petals as a Tea. Insomnia: with the Petals as a Tea. Nervousness: with the Petals as a Tea. Skin - Dry / Inflamed: Externally with a diluted Infusion to bathe or mix in with Creams or Lotions to better effect. Skin Freshener: simmer 1 Tablespoon of the dried flowers in water to cover for 5 minutes, stain and bottle. Wrinkles: Externally with a diluted Infusion to bathe.
CRAMP BARK - Guelder Rose / Snowball Tree - Bush - Viburnum opulus. America / Europe. *One of the best anti - Spasmodics. Cultivation: A strong growing decorative wild bush with white ball shaped flowers. white and pale pink spring flowers followed by red berries in a crimson foliage. Fruits used in Preserves and a Spirit distilled from them. Combine with Blackberries, Elder and Rowan in Hedgerow Jam. Product: Dried Bark used. Reduces Spasm whatever the cause such as Constipation, High Blood Pressure, Period Pains or being Uptight. Specific Nervine to treat Convulsions and Spasms. Particularly safe medication for Children. Dosage: 1 teaspoon to a cup of boiling water.
CRANBERRY / Vaccinum macrocarpon. Actions: Astringent, Constituents: Vitamins A and C, Iron, Phosphorous and Potassium. Used to Treat: Asthma: Bladder Infections: contains Arbutin a compound that is anti - Biotic and Diuretic that relieves excess water retention by preventing Bacteria such as E. coli from adhering to the Bladder Walls. Cystitis: by eating the Berries regularly or drinking the Juice to Acidify the Urine to clear mild Infection and relieve Itching. Fever: Scurvy: due to the high Vitamin C content. Skin / Freckles / Tonic: due to the high Vitamin C content they are mixed with Buttermilk as a Paste to bleach as they have an Astringent and lightening effect as a natural Cosmetic. Or to lighten, crush the Berries and rub the pulp into the Skin. Yeast Infections:
CRANESBILL (American) Storksbill / Wild Geranium - Geranium maculatum. USA. Cultivation: Small shrubby herb with blue flowers. Product: the Root. Actions: Mild Astringent, has quick Styptic properties and a Tonic. Constituents: the Leaves are high in Tannin. Decoction: Tincture: Used to Treat: Body Deodorant: due to its Astringent and Mild effects. Bruises: with the Root as it has strong Astringent properties and when pulped is applied warm. Diarrhoea: as a natural remedy. Digestive Tract / Haemorrhaging: Haemorrhoids: as a strong Decoction or Tincture. Mouth Ulcers: as a strong Decoction or Tincture. Piles: Sores: with the Root as it has strong Astringent properties and when pulped is applied warm. Swellings: with the Root as it has strong Astringent properties and when pulped is applied warm. Throat / Sore: with the Leaves being used as an Astringent Tonic and Gargle. Thrush: Ulcers / Internal / Peptic: with the Root as it has strong Astringent properties and when pulped is applied warm.
CROSSWORT / Yellow Bedstraw / Galium crucita. British Isles. A small yellow flowering Herb. Product: the Leaves and Stem. Originally used to staunch the flow of Blood and to treat Wounds.
CUBEB / Tailed Pepper / Piper cubeba. Far East. Actions: Aromatic and Expectorant. Cultivation: A small, very quick growing vine. Product: the Unripened Fruit. Used to Treat: Catarrh: Specific. Intestinal Parasites: Lung Conditions: Specific.
CUCKOOPINT / Lords & Ladies / Wake Robin / (Poisonous) Arum masculatum / Europe. N.B: Care must be taken and only used under Professional advice. A distinctive shield like single leaf encloses the bright red berries. Product: the Root. Actions: Diaphoretic and Expectorant
CUCUMBER - Cucumis savitus. Actions: Alterative, Aperient, Anthelmintic, Prophylactic. Constituents: Rich in Vitamin C and Minerals. Juice: wash thoroughly and cut up with the skin on into small pieces and put into an earthenware or porcelain dish and pour enough hot water over to cover and place on a low heat and simmer for 30 minutes and do not burn them. Strain through a colander or cut into small pieces and mash to a pulp and squeeze through a cheesecloth or sieve to get the pure fresh juice or essence or use a blender to extract. Cucumber & Salmon: 1 x long green Cucumber for 2 people and cut in half lengthways and scoop out the Seeds & Juice and save the Seeds and slice the Cucumber as thin as possible. Spread the slices over a large surface on a large plate or a tray and sprinkle the Cucumber with Salt and tilt the plate and allow the juices to drain off. After an hour or 2 drain off all the rest of the liquid and press the Cucumber to squeeze out the rest and mix a few teaspoons of Apple Cider Vinegar with the compressed Cucumber and serve with poached Salmon and new Potatoes. Decorate with sprigs of fresh Dill and dry the Seeds and nibble to ease Digestion. Used to Treat: Blood: cools and acts as an Alterative. Burns: included in an Ointment or Lotion. Constipation: as a Salad when fully ripe on the turn to yellow as it is an Aperient and prevents. Cosmetics / Toiletries: used in. Eyes: as a Vulnerary use as Eye Pads as they are Soothing. Gout: May also dissolve Uric Acid to reduce the risk. Hands / Chapped: Make 90ml of Cucumber Juice, 90ml distilled Witch Hazel, 45ml Rosewater and combine in a jar with a tight lid and shake well to mix and rub into the Skin thoroughly and then rinse off with tepid water. Or peel a half of a cucumber and put in a blender until a smooth liquid and then put through a sieve and combine with 250ml of whole Milk and blend well and will keep in the refrigerator for 3 days. Heart Conditions: due to its ability to eliminate water from the Body. Kidney Conditions: due to its ability to eliminate water from the Body and to dissolve Uric Acid accumulations such as Bladder and Kidney Stones. Menopause: 1 x small glass of Cucumber Juice daily cures Migraine due to this Condition. Mucous Membranes: Both the Fruit and the Seeds are Demulcent and Soothing to the Mucous Membranes. Skin Cosmetic: as a Juice applied to toning, refreshing Lotion or blended in a Cream. Skin - Chafing - Dry - Flaking: included in an Lotion or Ointment. Skin / Blemishes / Spots: to bleach away. To 100gm of Juice add 1 1/2 teaspoons of Glycerine, mix well and massage into the Skin before retiring. Sleep: creates. Sunburn: Swelling: Urinary Tract: cleanses. Worms and Parasites: to expel with the Seeds as they are Anthelmintic and should be eaten to remove or as a Prophylactic. Wrinkles:
CUDWEED / Cottonweed / Gnaphalium uliginosum / Europe. A small weed of prolific growth, preferring dry soil. Product: the Whole Plant. Actions: an Astringent to cure Quinsy. Also can be used as a Gargle.
CUMIN - Cuminum cyminum. Nile / North Africa. An erect and handsome herb with feathery foliage. Product: the Fruit. Whole or Ground Seeds for Curries. Anti - Spasmodic, Carminative, Stimulant. Used to Treat: Abdominal Cramps: Amenorrhoea: Body Odour: Bloating: Breast Enlargement: Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Flatulence: Stomach Cramps: Horses: that are blown from eating fresh Spring grass.
CURLED PARSLEY / Parsley /
CURRANT: Used to Treat: Asthma:
CURRY : Helichrysum italicum aka angustifolium. Cultivation: An upright semi - sprawling plant that grows to 60cm with needle - shaped Leaves covered in very fine hairs giving a silvered look. Plant in an open sunny place in well - drained soil. During Winter protect from frost and take tip cuttings in Spring and Autumn and on maturity give a light pruning. Constant moisture may lead to Fungus on the foliage so ensure to mulch around the plant to allow drainage and ensure adequate air flow. Product: Pick the Sprigs as required.
CURRY TREE: Murraya koenigii. India. Cultivation: A small tree 3 - 4 metres. Product: Use the Fresh Leaves before serving. Plant in full Sun to partial shade.
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