BRACKEN FRONDS - BUTCHERS BROOM
BRACKEN FRONDS / Pteridium esculentum / Wild. Used to Treat: Bull Ant Bite: take the Root and break it in half and rub the juice on the bite.
BRAHMI / Bacopa / Thyme - Leafed Gratiola / Water Hyssop / Bacopa monniera - Scrophulaceae. N.B: Do not use if Pregnant or Breast Feeding. Cultivation: A ground hugging spreading perennial with oval Leaves arranged in opposite pairs, smooth - edged and Bitter tasting and slightly succulent bearing small five - petalled white flowers tinged blue on the back of the petals over many months to 7.5cm high that loves constant moist conditions, light shade and moderate fertilising. Ideal for pots to 30 cm to hang in the shade and protect from frosts. Fruit is small and flat capsules. Can be sown from seed, the creeping roots and when detached form new plants if potted and tip cuttings but has shallow roots and needs constant water and diluted Seaweed fertilizer. Harvest Leaves & Stems when 5 months old leaving 5cm on the Stems to regenerate and dry the Leaves in shade at room temperature and store in airtight containers. Product: Whole Plant above the ground. Dosage: Take 3 Sprigs 10cm long twice a day or add to sandwich or make into a Tea and sweeten if required. Tea: similar to and combines with Green Tea. Use 6 Sprigs x 10cm long per cup and brew for 8 minutes.
Used to Treat: Anxiety: as a Nerve Tonic. Memory: as it improves Concentration, recall, and learning ability, as a Brain Tonic for students and the Aged and Mentally fatigued. ( May take up to 12 weeks to realize.)
Nervous - Exhaustion: as a Nerve Tonic.
BRAN is the high fibre portion of Whole Wheat that is usually lost in milling, which would be naturally digested if the Whole Wheat itself were digested. The modern western Diet of a high intake of Meat and processed Carbohydrates together with a low intake of Fruit and boiled Vegetables reduces the Fibre content in the Intestines. This results in a slow transit time of sluggish assimilation, and a build up of Toxic material. Although indigestible, Fibre is essential for the Body's health and inner cleanliness and Whole Grain, Fruit and Raw Vegetables create natural protection. Constituents: Minerals and Vitamins. Dosage: 2 x Tablespoons Bran and pour 1/2 Litre boiling water over it and bring to the boil and simmer for 15 minutes and cool, strain and take 1 x cupful 3 to 5 times a day.
Used to Treat: Debility / Weakness: Diverticulitis: in the early stages. Illness: as it assists with recuperation. Joint Conditi Muscle Conditions: Poultice: Pour boiling water over Bran and place on warm, either in a bag or cover with a small towel. Skin Conditions: assists with Mineral deficiency. Weight: fewer Calories are absorbed if Bran is available in the food digested.
BRAZIL NUT / Bertholettia excelsa. Anti - Oxidants.
Used to Treat: Alzheimer's Disease: these are the richest source of Lecithin that contains Choline a building block for Acetylcholine. Arthritis: contains Sadenosyl - Methionine that has pain relieving and anti - Inflammatory properties. Cataracts: Psoriasis:
BREWER"S YEAST: See under Health - Therapies.
BROCCOLIi / Brassica oleracea. Used to Treat: Aging: Arthritis: contains the compound, Glutathione. Grave's Disease: Hyper - Thyroidism: Blood Pressure / High.
BROOM - Irish Broom / Sarothamnus Genista / Cytisus scoparius. Wild / Europe. N.B: Use under Professional advice. Actions: Cathartic and Diuretic. Cultivation: A small graceful arching shrub with a profuse floral display. Product: Tips only used.
Used to Treat: Blood Pressure / Low: with Arrhythmia as it has Vaso - Constrictive and Cardio - Active effects and also acts as a Diuretic. Fluid Retention: Gout: Heart Conditions: Liver Conditions:
Oedema: Palpitations: as it has Vaso - Constrictive and Cardio - Active effects and also acts as a Diuretic.
BROOMWEED / Sida rhombifolia. Used to Treat: Fainting:
BRYONY - Black / Tamus communis. Wild / British Isles. Actions: Also used as a Diuretic. Cultivation: An untidy climbing plant with alternate leaves. Product: the Roots.
Used to Treat: Arthritic - Pain: as a Rub to relieve. Bruises: used Externally. Eyes / Black: used Externally. Gout: as a Rub to relieve. Rheumatic Pain: as a Rub to relieve.
BRYONY - White / Lady's Seal / Mandragora / Bryonia dioica. Wild / Europe. N.B: Should only be prescribed by Professionals as it can be dangerous. Actions: A very strong Hydrogogue with Cathartic properties. Cultivation: A large leaved climbing plant of the Cucumber Family. Product: the Roots only, which are very large, fleshy and white. Used to Treat: Chest Conditions:
BUCHU / Bucco / Agathosma / Barosma betulina / Rutacea. Wild / West - coast of South Africa. *One of the most beneficial herbs. Actions: Diuretic, Diaphoretic and Stimulant. Cultivation: A small, procumbent herb growing in dry places. Product: the Leaves are collected when Flowering or Fruiting. Infusion: 1 to 2 x teaspoons of the Leaves per cup and drink 3 times a day. Tincture: 2 to 4ml 3 x times a day.
Used to Treat: Bladder / Infections: as it contains Diosphenol. Bladder / Catarrh: as it is quickly effective. Bladder / Gravel: as it is quickly effective. Cystitis: Kidney / Infections: Specific as it contains Diosphenol
Kidney / Inflammation: Specific as it contains Diosphenol. Prostatitis: Urethritis: Urinary Conditions / Burning / Painful: as it is a quick effective and increases the flow and combines well with Couch Grass, Marsh Mallow and Yarrow.
BUCKBEAN / Bogbean / Water Trefoil / Menyanthes trifoliata. Wild / Europe. See also Bogbean. Cultivation: A small herb that grows in damp and marshy places. Product: the whole Plant.
Used to Treat: Gout: as a Tonic. Rheumatism: as a Tonic. Skin Conditions:
BUCKTHORN / Rhamnas cathartica. Wild / Europe / North Africa. N.B: Do not use the fresh Bark as it too strong. Used to Treat: Constipation / Chronic:
BUCKTHORN ALDER / Rhamnus frangula. Wild / Europe / U.S.A. Actions: Used as a Tonic and Cathartic, but it is liable to cause Griping Pains if taken too concentrated. Cultivation: A small tree of irregular growth. Product: the Dried Young Bark only.
BUCKWHEAT / Fagopyrum esculentum. Actions: Anti - Histamine, Constituents: Bioflavanoid, Rutin (high) Is a Seed not a Wheat that is a really healthy food containing 15% Protein, plenty of Fibre, Potassium and Rutin / Bioflavanoids and is used in Vitamin Capsules and Tablets. Used to produce delicious recipes, including Pancakes and Patties.
Used to Treat: Arteries / Hardening: Arthritis: as it strengthens and tones the tiny Blood Vessels in the Body. Blood Pressure / High: Capillary / Fragility: as it strengthens and tones the tiny Blood Vessels in the Body
Chilblains: as it strengthens and Tones the tiny Blood Vessels in the Body. Circulation: to strengthen and improve the flexibility of fragile Blood Vessels. Depression: as it has a stimulant effect on the Brainwaves.
Lungs / Bleeding: to control. Radiation: due to X - Ray exposure by applying. Varicose Veins: as it strengthens and Tones the tiny Blood Vessels in the Body.
Horses: N.B: contains a pigment Fagopyrin that can produce photosensitisation in Horses that blisters and reddens their Skin and should not be used on unpigmented Skin / white markings - or those unprotected from UV Light.
Laminitis: as it strengthens and tones the tiny Blood Vessels in the Body. Navicular Disease: as it strengthens and tones the tiny Blood Vessels in the Body.
BUGLE / Sicklewort / Ajuga reptans. Wild / European Woodlands. Actions: Used as an Astringent. Cultivation: A diminutive easy to grow herb with distinctive square stems and blue flowers. Product: the Leaves / the whole herb above the ground.
BUGLE WEED / Used to Treat: Grave's Disease: Hypo - Thyroidism:
BUGLOSS / Viper's Bugloss / Echium viulgare. Wild / Europe. Actions: Used as a Demulcent and Expectorant. Cultivation: A sturdy herb with blue flowers. Product: the Leaves.
Used to Treat: Bowels: to evacuate without Griping. Bronchial Tubes: to clear the Phlegm.
BURDOCK / Beggar's Buttons / Cockle Buttons / Great Burdock / Arctium lappa / Asteraceae - Compositae. Wild / Europe. *One of the best Blood Purifiers usually combined with other herbs. N.B: Do not use if Pregnant or Breast Feeding. N.B: Burdock can interfere with Iron absorption and should be taken at a different time of day to any Iron Supplements. N.B: Can stir up the Bowels so use Internally only on Professional advice. Actions: Alterative, anti - Bacterial, anti - Biotic, anti - Fungal, a Bitter and a powerful Diaphoretic, Diuretic, Hypoglycaemic and has Sedative properties, Demulcent and Soothing. Cultivation: A small strong growing biennial herb to 2.4 metres of distinctive appearance that is easy to grow in rich moist soil and full Sun with the Bitter- tender young foliage used as a Vegetable with large oval Leaves with numerous thistle - like purple flowers and dies back in Winter. Soak the Seed overnight in warm water before sowing in Spring or Late Autumn, cover and pat down and thin out seedlings to 15cm apart. To obtain long straight roots dig the ground down to 60cm and place well - rotted compost in before sowing. Keep the soil moist and remove weeds regularly and remove the burrs and flowers to promote Root growth. Collect young Leaves and Shoots Spring and lift the Roots in Autumn 100 days after planting to 30cm long. Dry the greyish - brown Roots which are white on the inside for medicinal purposes. Product: the Leaves, Seeds and Roots. Also combines well with Red Clover and Poke - Root. Decoction: 1 x teaspoon of the Root per cup and simmer for 10 minutes. Root: as a Cosmetic, as it is cleansing and soothing to irritated Skin in a bath. Tea: use the Leaf to cleanse the System and make the Hair shine from within. Tincture: 2 to 4ml x 3 times a day.
Used to Treat: Acne: by simmering a handful of Leaves in enough water to cover for 5 minutes then strain and dip a clean gauze pad or face cloth into the Tea to wash the affected area of Skin or double the potency and use as cleansing Facial steam or Tonic.
Arthritis: where there is a Rheumatism type of stiffness improved by exercise. Bile Secretion: as a Bitter and Diuretic. Blackheads / Pimples / Spots: add 50gm of the Root to 600ml of cold water and bring to the boil for 15 minutes and allow to cool, strain and apply as a wash to the infected area.
Blood: as a cleanser. Boils: Bruises: by using the Fresh Leaves, pulped. Cancer: due to its anti - Tumour action. Dandruff: Detox: as one of the main herbs to reduce Toxins.
Diabetes: to lower Blood Sugar levels. Digestive System: Stimulates. Eczema: by using the Fresh Leaves, pulped. Fever: by using the Fresh Leaves pulped to reduce. Gout: Hair: Externally.
Hair / Preparations: Root - as a Cosmetic, as it is cleansing and soothing to irritated Skin. Hair / Rinse: after - Shampoo cleanser and to remove all Soap and Conditioner. HIV: Joint Conditions: to remove Toxins
Joint / Rheumatic: Liver Conditions: a Tea made from the Leaves and Root taken *Internally is Blood cleansing and also has a Diuretic effect to cleanse the System of Toxins. Lymphatic System: Stimulates.
Premenstrual Syndrome: Psoriasis: Rashes: to remove Toxins by removing waste products from the Body. Rheumatism: Seborrhoea: Skin / Chronic Inflammatory Conditions: to remove Toxins and can also be used Externally.
Skin / Dry / Scaly: Skin / Flaking: Sores: by using the Fresh Leaves, pulped. Sprains: by using the Fresh Leaves, pulped. Stomach Conditions: as a Bitter and Diuretic. Swelling: by using the Fresh Leaves, pulped
Ulcers: to heal. Urinary Conditions: to increase the loss of waste water. Wounds: to heal.
BURNET / Sanguisorba minor - Rosaceae. Cultivation: Perennial herb that forms a rosette of compound leaves each with 6 - 10 pairs of small rounded serrated leaflets. Flowering stems grow in Summer from the centre of the rosette and bear clusters of pink or red thimble shaped flowers, and cut off the flower stalks as it scatters seeds freely. Height 20 - 30cm, flower stalks 50 - 60cm - full sun. Sow the seeds direct in clumps 30cm apart in spring or autumn and thin to the strongest seedling or divide plants in winter or early spring to replant. Has a Cucumber - like taste and use Young Leaves in Salads or garnish for sandwiches, Cheeses or cold dishes and add to Fruit drinks.
BURNET - GREATER / Garden Burnet / Salad Burnet / Chabairje / Poterium Sanguisorba officinalis - Rosaceae. Wild / British Isles. Actions: used as an effective Astringent with light Diaphoretic properties. Cultivation: an erect purplish flowered herb with the Leaves used. Summer Drink: add a few chopped Leaves to Iced Tea or fresh Fruit drinks especially with Strawberry Juice and Watermelon Juice.
Used to Treat: Abscesses: combine with Honey. Boils: combine with Honey. Bruises: combine with Honey. Cuts: can stem the flow of Blood. Diarrhoea: Dysentery: with a Poultice of pulped Leaves. Gout:
Plague: to ward off in hotter months. Rheumatism: Skin Conditions: with a Poultice of pulped Leaves. Sunburn: with a Poultice of pulped Leaves.
Temperature: encourages light Perspiration as a Diaphoretic to cool the Skin and reduce. Tonic: with a Tea made by steeping the Leaves. Wounds: can stem the flow of Blood.
BURNET SAXIFRAGE / Pimpertnella major. Used to Treat: Coughs and Colds: Throat / Sore:
BURR MARIGOLD / Water Agrimony / Bidens tripartite. Wild / Europe. Actions: especially good as a Diaphoretic with Astringent properties. Cultivation: Procumbent plant that forms large colonies. Product: the Whole Plant.
Used to Treat: Bleeding: to stem. Haemorrhages: to stem. Respiratory System Conditions:
BUSH BASIL / See Basil /
BUSH TEA / Red Bush / Rooibosch / Cycopia genistoides. Wild / South Africa. *Dried and drunk as a Tea. Cultivation: A small erect bush of striking appearance. Product: the Leaves.
Used to Treat: Kidney Conditions: Liver Conditions:
BUTCHER’S BROOM / Ruscus acuteatus. Used to Treat: Haemorrhoids: Varicose Veins:
Home Page Health Back to Herbs On to Cabbage - Caraway Seed