PEONY ROOT -  PLANTAIN

PEONY ROOT/ Baoi Shao / Chinese Peony / White Peony / Paeonia officinalis - lactiflora. Southern Asia. Actions: Anti - Spasmodic and Tonic.

Cultivation: Beautiful perennial that bears vivid double flowers in profusion. Product: the Root. Used to Treat: Ageing: Tonic for those past middle Age. Angina: Concentration: to enhance. Circulation: to improve by dilating the Blood Vessels. Epilepsy: Specific as an anti - Spasmodic as one of the best treatments. Intestinal / Griping: to reduce. Memory: to enhance. Menstrual Cramps: combine 25% of this herb with 25% Liquorice, 25% Dong Quai / Chinese Angelica and 25% Red Raspberry and divide into "00" Gelatin Capsules and take 2 Capsules 3 x times a day with meals. Menstrual Cycle: to regulate and relieve pain combined with Liquorice. Muscles: to relax. Night Sweats: to relieve. Reproductive Female Conditions: Spasms: Specific as an anti - Spasmodic as one of the best treatments. 

PEPPER HERB / Summer Herb / see Summer Savoury / Winter Savoury.  

PEPPERMINT / Curled Mint / see Mint / Mentha piperita / Labiatae. Europe / North America.n NB: Do not ingest the Oil as it is for External use only as an anti - Septic. N.B: Do not give Peppermint Tea to Children under 4 years of age. N.B: Do not use as a strong Tea if Pregnant. Main Use: To soothe Digestion and treat Gastro - Intestinal Conditions as a Tea, to stimulate Circulation. N.B: Not to be confused with Spearmint / Mentha spicata a herb used to make Mint Sauce that is also an anti - Spasmodic, Carminative, Stomachic and a Mild Diuretic, but it is not as good as Peppermint. Immune System herb. One of the finest flavouring agents known and can also be used as a Fresh Culinary Mint.     Actions: Analgesic, anti - Emetic, anti - Parasitic, anti - Septic, anti - Spasmodic, Aromatic, Astringent, Carminative - One of the most highly regarded as it is very relaxing especially to the Visceral Muscles, Diaphoretic, Nervine, Stimulant and Stomachic - One of the most highly regarded. Constituents: Bitter Principle, Cineol, Enzymes, Essential Oil, Lemonene, Menthene, Menthol, Menthyl Acetate, Resins, Sugar and Tannin. Cultivation: Easy to grow stately herb that is a hybrid between Spearmint and Water Mint with purple hued stems, grown easily from Slips anywhere there is sufficient moisture. The Aromatic Oil is at its peak just before Flowering and this is when the Leaves should be picked and dried. Grows rampant so is best in a pot. Product: Use the whole herb above the ground. Leaves and Oil used. Oil: macerate Fresh Leaves in a fine carrier Oil such as Apricot Kernel Oil or Almond Oil for up to 2 months and strain before use. Tea: Pour 1 x cup of boiling water into a heaped teaspoon of the dried or fresh herb and Infuse for 10 minutes and drink as often as desired. Tincture: Take 1 - 2ml x 3 times a day.  Horses: Many types of Mints who share the same constituents are used to encourage Picky Eaters, and to ease Flatulence and promote good Digestion. A handful of the dried herb added daily to the feed is sufficient for an average sized Horse of (450kg).

 Used to Treat: Ageing: relieves Indigestion and Gastro Intestinal distress with anti - Oxidants to prevent Cancer and Heart Disease. Aching Muscles: including in Lotions for massaging.  Agitation: relieves. Anxiety, Hysteria and Tension: as a Nervine as it acts as a Tonic. Aphids: 4 drops of the Oil added to 4 oz of water sprayed on may assist to rid. Appetite: Inhaling the fragrance may assist to lessen. Back Ache: contains Menthol to ease the Muscle tightness. Breath / Bad: the Tea is used for Halitosis or place a drop of the Oil on the Tongue. Bile Secretion: as Menthol distilled from Peppermint Oil.

Bowel / Nervous / Spastic: to calm.

Colic: a cup of Tea normalises the Digestion and prevents. Colds: as a Tea combined with Boneset, Elder and Yarrow for as a Diaphoretic it is used to eliminate the Toxins in the Skin. Concentration: Diffuse drops of the Oil in the room to improve. Congestion: as Menthol distilled fro the Peppermint Oil. Cramps: drink the Tea and apply Externally as a wet mash to the affected area as its Camphoraceous Principles will also assist to relieve pain. Crohn's Disease:  

Diarrhoea: as it calms and also rub 4 - 6 drops of the Oil on the Palm and then over the Stomach and around the Navel . Digestive System: Specific as a Tea to aid Digestion by stimulating Bile and Digestive Juice Secretions and used as an Infusion if sluggish and is an Internal anti - Septic. Dyspepsia:

Ear Ache: Emphysema:

Face: as a steam - cleaning herbal treatment by adding 2 x Tablespoons of Leaves to boiling water in a large bowl or sink and hold the Face close to the steam and drape a towel over the Head and the rim of the bowl. Steam for 15 minutes and wipe with dampened cotton wool to remove impurities and close the Pores by splashing with cold water. For a total Face facial treatment apply a Face Mask and tone with a Mint Infusion. Feet / Hot / Tired: in Foot - Baths, or mix in a few drops of the Oil.  Fever: in Teas combined with Elder and Yarrow. Flatulence: with a cup of Peppermint Tea to normalise Digestion and prevent and rub 4 - 6 drops of the Oil on the Palm and then over the Stomach and around the Navel. Flavouring: Add a few drops of the Oil to food. Flu: with Boneset, Elder and Yarrow.

Gall Stones: Gastro Intestinal Conditions: as a Tea, to stimulate Circulation. Gingivitis: Head Ache: relieves. Head / Cold / Blocked: as an Infusion for a sluggish Digestion. Heart Burn: As a Tea or a drop of the Oil in a herbal Tea.

Hives: Hiccups: applying a drop of the Oil at the base of the Neck may assist to alleviate. Hot Conditions: Consume a drop of the Oil in a glass of cold water. Indigestion: due to Flatulence, Headaches, Migraines and Sickness. Also rub 4 - 6 drops of the Oil on the Palm and then over the Stomach and around the Navel. Influenza: in Teas combined with Elder and Yarrow for as a Diaphoretic it is used to eliminate the Toxins in the Skin.

Injury / Tender: Massage a few drops of the Oil on the area to reduce. Insect Bites / Bee / Wasp: by rubbing the affected area with the Leaves. Itching and Inflammation: Externally to relieve.

Joints / Tender: Massage a few drops of the Oil on the area to reduce.

Migraine: as an Inhalant when associated with Digestion. Milk Products: as a Tea is used to assist those who have difficulty digesting. Morning Sickness: Drink a cup of Peppermint Tea before getting out of bed, and a cup of Red Raspberry Tea at meal times for the rest of the day and take Ginger and 25mg of Vitamin B6 utilising the Raspberry Tea from the second trimester on. N.B: Do not take too strong a Tea as this can prove dangerous. Muscles / Sore: drink the Tea and apply Externally as a wet mash to the affected area as it is Camphoraceous principles will also assist to relieve pain.

Nasal Catarrh: as an Inhalant when associated with Digestion. Nausea: Rub 4 - 6 drops of the Oil on the Palm and then over the Stomach and around the Navel as this acts as an Anaesthetic to the Stomach Wall allaying the feelings and a desire to Vomit.

Pain:     Period Tension: Used to relieve. Pregnancy: relieves Vomiting. N.B: Do not take too strong a Tea as this can prove dangerous. Pests: Put 2 drops of the Oil on a cotton ball and place on the point of entry. Preservative: Add drops of the Oil to food. Scabies: contains Menthol that has Anaesthetic, anti - Septic and Cooling properties. Bath Tea: Mix the herb with Pennyroyal, Rosemary, Sage, Spearmint and Thyme in any proportions, but make enough to toss several cups into warm bath water and drink a cup or two to reduce Stress. N.B: Do not use if Pregnant.

Sickness: relieves. Sinusitis / Head Aches: The vapour helps to clear blocked Sinuses and Nasal Passages and relieve. Skin / Irritation: due to Poison Ivy or Poison Oak or similar, apply a drop of the Oil to soothe. Skin / Itching: Apply a drop of the Oil if the Skin is unbroken to assist. Skin / Sensitive: with a mild washing water made from Peppermint Leaves as a cooling Face Lotion as it has a temporary Anaesthetic effect on the Skin. Stomach Conditions: a cup of Peppermint Tea normalises the Digestion and prevents Colic and Flatulence as it relaxes and has an Analgesic effect on the Stomach Walls. Stomach Ulcers: as Menthol distilled from the Peppermint Oil to prevent. Tea: Two drops of the Oil may also be used in hot water.  Teeth / Toothpaste: with Peppermint Essence to clean.

Temperature / High: Rub a few drops of the Oil on the bottom of the Feet to lower. Ticks: Apply a drop of the Oil and wait for them to back out. Travel Sickness: As a Tea, or rub 4 drops of the Oil on the Chest and Stomach to relieve and alleviate Vomiting. Ulcerative Colitis:  Wind:

PERILLA / Beefsteak Plant / Chinese Basil / Shiso / Perilla frutescens. N.B: Do not use in larger then Culinary amounts if Pregnant or Breast Feeding.

Actions: Anti - Allergic, anti - Inflammatory.

Cultivation: A hardy branched annual to 1.2 metres with broadly ovate, serrated Leaves from green to red with tiny white to purple Flowers on the Spikes to 10 cm long in a moist to well drained soil enriched with Compost. Pick out Spikes early to encourage bushy growth. Plant the seed in the Spring and harvest Leaves in Summer to be used Fresh or Dried and harvest the Flower Spikes when fully developed and the Seed in Autumn and plant the Seed in Spring.

Products: Leaves and Seeds. Used to Treat: Appetite: if poor. Bloating: Colds and Coughs: Colic: Pickled Plums / Umboshi contain Perilla to counter or the salted Leaves may be eaten. Dermatitis: topically as a Cream. Digestion: if poor. Eyes / Itching / Watering: Flatulence: Pickled Plums / Umboshi - contain Perilla to counter or the salted Leaves may be eaten. Flu: Hay Fever: Nausea: Poisoning / Food: as it has a powerful Tonic effect on the Digestive System. Respiratory Conditions: 

PERITONE: Used to Treat: Constipation: Take 2 tablets with a large glass of water at bedtime.

PERIWINKLE / Vinca major. Europe / warmer regions. Actions: Mainly used as an Astringent and Tonic by Women. Cultivation: A small decorative herb with delightful blue flowers. Products: the Leaves and Stems. Used to Treat: Menorrhagia: Specific. 

PERIWINKLE: South Africa / Vinca rosa. Cultivation: A large trailing herb with profuse pink flowers. Products: the Leaves and Stems. Used to Treat: Diabetes: Specific.

PERSIMMON: Used to Treat: Tonsillitis:

PERUVIAN BALSAM / Myroxylon pereirae. South America. Actions: Stimulant. Cultivation: A very large tree. Product: the Wood. Used to Treat: Catarrh: Specific as an Infusion. Eczema: as a Lotion. Leucorrhoea: Specific as an Infusion. Ringworm: as a Lotion. Skin Conditions: as a Lotion.

PETTY SPURGE / Euphorbia peplus. Wild Herb. Cultivation: Use the whole herb above the ground.

PHYTOLACCA OCTANDRA / Inkweed / Wild. Product: the Root. N.B: Use only if properly trained.  

PHYTOLACCA: N.B: Should only be obtained from a Professional Herbalist.

PICHI / Fabiana imbricata. South America. Cultivation: A herb of moderate growth with tiny leaves. Product: the Leaves. Actions: Diuretic, a very effective Hepatic and Stimulant. Used to Treat: Catarrh: as a Diuretic and Stimulant. Kidney Conditions: as a Diuretic and Stimulant. Liver Conditions: 

PIGWEED / Amaranthus. Used to Treat: Ankylosing Spondylitis: the best plant source of Calcium to prevent. Heart Disease: Osteoporosis: Stroke:

PILEWORT / Lesser Celandine / Ranunculus ficaria / See also Celandine, Lesser.  

PIMPERNEL, SCARLET  (Poisonous) Anagallis arvensis. Northern Europe. N.B: Can be poisonous so use with respect. Cultivation: A small procumbent plant with vivid red flowers. Product: the Leaves. Actions: Diuretic and Expectorant.

PINE / Picea abies. *Essential Oil is used in warming Rubs and Liniments as it stimulates and is naturally anti - Septic. Used to Treat: Air Freshener: Bath: for its fragrance and to Tone. Muscles / Sore: used as an Oil to relax.  

PINEAPPLE / Ananas comosus. Used to Treat: Amenorrhoea: Ankylosing Spondylitis: Arthritis: Bruises: Bunions: Bursitis: Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Corns: Gout: Heart Burn: Indigestion: Multiple Sclerosis: Sinusitis: Skin Conditions: Stroke: Swelling: Tendinitis: Ulcers: Warts: Worms: Wrinkles: Weight - Control:  

PINE BARK / Hemlock Bark / Tsuga canadensis. Canada. Cultivation: A tall coniferous tree. Product: the Bark. Actions: A very strong Astringent. Used also to tan high - grade leather. Used to Treat: Leucorrhoea: A very strong Astringent used by Women. 

PIPSISSIWA / Ground Holly / Chimaphila umbellata. Northern Hemisphere. Cultivation: A small tough shrub. Product: the Leaves.  Actions: A Tonic and valuable Alterative. Used to Treat: Debility: for those run down. Rheumatoid Conditions: to restore mobility quickly.  

PLANTAIN / Small / Greater / Rat - Tail / Plantage lanceolata and major / Plantaginaceae. Wild. N.B: do not use if Pregnant or Breast Feeding unless under Medical supervision.

Main Use: Disorders of the Respiratory Organs.

Actions: strong Astringent / Styptic, Bactericidal, Cleansing, Depurative, Diuretic (Specific), Expectorant, Prophylactic and Vulnerary.

Constituents: Aucubin, Fat, Gum, Manganese, Mucilage, Phosphor, Potassium, Resin, Silicic Acid, Starch, Tannin, Vitamin C and Wax.

Cultivation: Use the whole herb above the ground and gather during Flowering throughout Summer and dry as fast as possible to stop discolouring. Fresh: Eat young Leaves in Salads and Sandwiches. Fresh Juice: better then the Tea, as the Vitamin C is very high. Dosage: 1/2 teaspoon 3 x times a day. Ointment: Can be made instead of a Compress if Fresh Leaves are not available. Salve: combine 2 x teaspoons of Plantain Juice, made by pulping and sieving the Leaves, with 150ml of pure White Lard and melt together over low heat, strain and store in the refrigerator in a clean glass jar. Syrup: Put 2 x heaped double handfuls of washed Leaves through a juicer and add water so it does not burn. 300gm of Raw Sugar or 250gm Honey and stir constantly on a low heat until mixture is thick - flowing and bottle and keep in the fridge. Tea: Pour 1 cup of boiling water onto 2 x teaspoons of the dried herb and Infuse for 10 minutes and drink 3 times a day. Tincture: soak a handful of the leaves in enough Brandy to cover and store in a warm place for 2 weeks and strain and mix with distilled water. Take 2 - 3ml x 3 times a day. 

Used to Treat: Abscesses: to draw and heal. Anal Fissures: to soften stools. Asthma / Bronchial: Bath: use a Tea added for a soothing soak. Bladder Weakness: Blood: enriches especially the Lymphatic System and speeds up Cell division there. Boils: to draw and heal. Bowel: used as Psyllium Husks as a Bulk Laxative to be more regular.  Bowel / Catarrhal Colic: Bowel / Irritable: as Psyllium Husks. Bronchitis / Mild: Bruises: as an Ointment. Burns: Cholesterol: to lower. Colitis: Constipation / Chronic: as Psyllium Husks. Coughs: Cuts: as an Ointment. Cystitis: where there is bleeding as an Astringent. Dandruff: Diarrhoea: where there is bleeding as an Astringent. Eczema: with a Compress of bruised Leaves. Gastritis: Haemorrhoids: as an Ointment where there is bleeding as an Astringent. Infections: as a Prophylactic with the Fresh Juice. Insect Bites and Stings / Bees / Wasps: with a Compress of bruised Leaves. Laryngitis: Lungs: reduces Inflammation and Irritation and assists to remove Cartarrh. Mouth / Inflammatory: as a Mouth Wash. Poison Ivy: Skin Conditions / Weeping: with a Compress of bruised Leaves. Sores: with a Compress of bruised Leaves. Sunburn: Throat / Sore: as a Mouth Wash. Ulcers / Peptic / Intestinal: with a Compress of bruised Leaves. Weight Control: Whooping Cough: Wounds / Open Sores / Long Term: to heal with a washed Leaf and cover with a bandage and renew every hour or as a Tea.

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