RAINBOW FARMS    AUSTRALIA                                            

 

RADISH / Raphanus sativus. Used to Treat: Graves' Disease: Hyperthyroidism:  

RAGWORT / Senecio jascobaea. Europe. Cultivation: erect slender herb with yellow flowers. Product: the whole herb is used. Used to Treat: Bronchial - Infections: Chest: as an Ointment. Gout: as an Infusion for quick relief. Lung - Infections: Rheumatic Pain: as an Infusion for quick relief.

RAISINS - Used to Treat: Arthritis:  

RASPBERRY / Rubus idaeus / Rosaceae Rose Family. N.B: The highest Vegetable source of Folic Acid. *The Leaves are beneficial for all Womb related Conditions from Childbirth to Menstruation and can be drunk daily. Actions: A powerful Astringent. Constituents: Vitamin A & C, Calcium, Iron, Phosphorus, & Thiamine. Cultivation: Produces prickly cane like growths up to 8' / 3 metres high with red profuse Fruit . Product: Leaves & Fruit are used. 

Horses: Used for Mares who habitually abort and bleed, Older Mares who have had a lot of foals or for an older Mare having her first foal. Should be given for at least a month prior to the Mare being joined. A good handful of the dried herb can be added to the feed daily for an averaged size horse (450kg.) 

Used to Treat: Diarrhoea: to relieve. Erysipelas - St. Anthony's Fire: Blossoms dipped in Honey. Eyes - Conjunctivitis - Sore: Blossom & Leaves used as an Eye Lotion. Fever: relieve and calm a fractious Child. Heart: steep the Berries in Apple Cider Vinegar or Wine to create a beneficial effect. Hiccoughs: with 10ml of the Syrup / Cordial - undiluted. Infertility: Menstrual Cramps: combine 25% of this herb with 25% Peony Root, 25% Liquorice, 25% Chinese Angelica / Dong Quai & 25% Red Raspberry and divide into "00" Gelatin Capsules and take 2 Capsules 3 times a day with meals. 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. Motion Sickness: Mouth Wash: Pelvic Pain: combined with other herbs to suite specific cause. N.B: Pain is a warning and it is the cause that needs fixing. Pregnancy: Juice of the Fruit used for Mothers & Babies. Pregnancy - Childbirth: Tea made from the Leaves used to speed delivery and assist to contract the Uterus after labour. N.B: during Pregnancy all medications should be under specialist supervision. Premenstrual Syndrome: Reproductive System: The Leaves are traditionally used as a Reproductive aid to strengthen and tone the Endometrium - Uterus Lining and Uterine Muscles and to increase the likelihood of Conception. Stomach Conditions: soaked in water as a draught to relieve. Tonsillitis: as a Mouth - Wash. Ulcers: to clean. Wounds: to clean.                                    

RED CLOVER  / Trefoil / Trifolium pratense / Papilionaceae Family. Europe. Main Use: Blood cleanser, first and foremost. One of the best herbs to use for Children. Actions: Alterative, Anti - Fungal, Anti - Spasmodic, powerful Alterative, Expectorant & Anti - Viral. Cultivation: Easy to grow and the whole plant is used and collect the sweet - smelling, honey - tasting Flowers when Flowering and to dry collect in full - Summer. Infusion: Has a delicate and pleasant flavour. 1 to 3 teaspoons of the dried Flowers per cup, more if fresh Flowers are used but clean out first as there may be insects inside. Tincture: 2 to 5ml x 3 times a day. Blood Cleansing Salad: Collect Blackberry, Catnip, Coriander, Dandelion, Greater Celandine, Nasturtium, Pansy, Primrose & Yellow Dock Leaves. Clean and wash and add the Leaves from a full head of Lettuce. Then add Pumpkin Seeds, some finely grated Ginger and toss with the Cleansing Salad Dressing. Put in a wooden bowl and decorate with the edible Flowers of Marigold / Calendula - Nasturtium, Borage, Chives & Red Clover.

    Used to Treat: Abscesses: Used as part of a mixture to heal and prevent their return. Acne: combined with Yellow Dock. Bath: Essence is in preparations for its scent. Blood: It will also raise the Red Cell count. Boils: combined with Yellow Dock. Cancer: Catarrh: as an Expectorant that combines well with other herbs to expel. Coughs - Tickling: used as a Sedative to clear up. Cysts: high in Copper & Cobalt. Fungal Attacks: Hair: Essence used for its scent in preparations. Lungs - Congestion: as an Alterative and for associated problems. Menopause: Menstrual Cramps: Mucus: as an Expectorant and combines well with other herbs to expel. Nervous Coughs: used as a Sedative to clear up. Pimples: Combined with Yellow Dock. Post - Viral Syndrome: Used as part of a mixture to heal. Skin Conditions: Sleep: the Tea promotes. Smoking: Viral Attacks: Tumours: high in Copper & Cobalt. Whooping Cough: used as a Sedative to clear up. Wounds - Minor: as an Infusion to cleanse and dress as it has mild Anti - Septic properties. Clean Salad Dressing: 3 Parts of Walnut Oil with one part Apple Cider Vinegar. Add Caraway & Celery Seeds and the Leaves of Dill, Fennel, Mint & Thyme to suite your taste and include Garlic. Tea: gather the fresh Flower Heads and Infuse to soothe the Nerves.

Horses: Used in stubborn cases of Fungal attack such as Greasy Heel. A powerful Alterative herb that can produce unruly results in some Animals. May have Oestrogenic effects on some Mares, especially those with Hormone Imbalances and also on some Geldings & Stallions. N.B: Must only be used on professional prescription!  

REDCURRANT / Ribes rubrum - Constituents: Vitamin A  & C, Calcium, Iron, Niacin, Phosphorus, Potassium, Riboflavin & Thiamine. *Used to flavour Fish and Meat dishes. Used to Treat: Fever: due to the Vitamin C content. 

RED PEPPER / See Capsicum. NB: Try a small area first to see if it does not irritate and wash hands thoroughly after applying and don’t put near the eyes. Used to Treat: Arthritis: interferes with pain perception in the Body and its pain relieving property, Capsaicin releases Endorphins, nature's opiates, and it also contains Aspirin like compounds, Salicylates. Make a Tea by mixing in water or cook it in Spicy dishes or Hot Pepper Sauce in Tomato Juice. Capsaicin Cream applied 4 times daily directly to the painful Joints also give pain relief. Back - Ache: contains the pain reliever Capsaicin and you mash the Pepper and rub directly on the painful area or mix in with white Skin Cream and turn it pink. Bunions: Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Emphysema: Fever: Head Ache: Heart Disease: Herpes Virus: Indigestion: Mouth - Dry: Pain: Psoriasis: Raynaud's Disease: Shingles: Tooth - Ache: Ulcers: Weight - Control:

RED ROOT - Used to Treat: Tonsillitis:

RED SAGE / Sage / Salvia officinalis. Europe & North America. Actions: Astringent. Cultivation: A small herb. Product: the Leaves are used. *Also a Culinary herb. Used to Treat: Laryngitis: Specific. Quinsy: Specific. Throat - Sore: Specific.

REISHI / Ganoderma lucidum. Mushroom. Asia. Used to Treat: Altitude Sickness: increases the Body's Oxygen consumption. Cardiac Arrhythmia:  

REST HARROW / Ononis spinosa. Britain. Actions: Diuretic. Cultivation: Common prickly herb 2'/ 60 cm high with small purple flowers. Product: the Root is used. Used to Treat: Rheumatism: to alleviate. 

RHATANY / Krameria triandra. Used to Treat: Gingivitis: 

RHUBARB / Rheum rhabarborum. Cultivation: Spreading perennial to 60cm high and requires generous fertilizer and moist conditions in Sun to part Sun. Flavour Partners: Angelica, Lemon Balm & Pineapple Sage. Food Partners: Fruit Compote, Pies, Souffles & Tats. Cooking: Use the Stalks only as the Leaves are inedible. 

RHUBARB / Rheum officinale. N.B: the Leaves are Toxic. Cultivation: edible Stems suitable stewed as a Dessert. Cut off the flower Stems to encourage leaf and Stem development and harvest outer Stalks as they mature with good stalk yield in second year. Full Sun position with 80 - 100cm spacing and water the punnet evenly and squeeze the cell at the base to remove seedlings and plant immediately into prepared area and water thoroughly. Used to Treat: Constipation: 

RHUBARB, Turkey / East Indian / Russian / Rheum palmatum - Polygonaceae Family / China. N.B: This is not the common Rhubarb found in the garden. N.B: Use a small amount first then increase to suite. Actions: Astringent, Bitter, Laxative, mild Purgative, Stomachic & Tonic. *Astringent Root in small doses is used for Diarrhoea while in large doses it acts as a Laxative. Cultivation: A very large grand variety. Product: the Rhizomes have remarkable properties. Added to Sweet Cicely that can be grown nearby with it and cooked together a lot less Sugar is needed. Urine may show up red or yellow. Decoction: 1/2 teaspoon of the dried herb per cup and increase gradually to double the amount. Tincture: 1ml x 3 times a day and increase gradually to double this amount. Used to Treat: Constipation: Specific. Diarrhoea: Astringent Root in small doses is used. Digestion - Sluggish: Specific. Griping Pains: if occur add a Carminative such as Aniseed, Caraway, Cardamon, Chamomile, Dill, Ginger or Peppermint.  Tooth - Ache: Ulcers:  

ROMAN LAUREL / Bay Laurel / Grecian Laurel / Noble Laurel / Royal Laurel / Sweet Bay.    

ROMAN WORMWOOD / Artemisia pontica / Similar to Wormwood, which see, A low growing plant to 40 cm with finely cut, scented leaves and is spread by Rhizomes.

ROOIBOS / Aspalathus linearis. Used to Treat: Colic: Is an effective Stomach Soother that is gentle enough to treat Infant Colic. Indigestion: Insomnia:

ROSE - Actions: The Essential Oil is Anti - Depressant, Anti - Septic, Sedative, Soothing. Massage Oil: add the Rose Essence or Oil to Oil of Almond or Olive Oil. Rosewater: Take a handful of Red Rose Petals in boiling water and simmer for 15 minutes and strain and cool before using.

    Used to Treat: Acne: Cosmetic: Eczema: Eyes: wipe diluted Rosewater 2:1 purified water / Rosewater over the Eyes with a clean cosmetic sponge to refresh and Tone. For a Compress soak a piece of clean lint or cotton in pure Rosewater and lay over Cheeks, Chin, Eyes & Throat for 10 minutes while lying down.  Fragrance:  add 2 - 3 drops of Rose Essence to the exhaust of the Vacuum cleaner to spread. Or dip cotton balls in Rose Oil for Baby's nursery, bathrooms or toilets and put under tables or behind cisterns. Or add 1 - 2 drops to a sponge and rub the skirting boards for a sweet smelling and relaxing atmosphere. Hands - Softener: blend 3 teaspoons of Cornflour with 125ml of Rosewater and heat gently and add the Juice of 1 Lemon and 2 Tablespoons of Glycerine and simmer, stirring until the mixture is thickened and pour into a sterilised glass or ceramic jar, then cool and cover. Store in a refrigerator and it will keep for a month. Herpes: Menstrual - Cramps: to soothe. Nervous Tension: to soothe. Skin - Burned - Inflamed - Sore: to sooth as a Lotion or Compress combined 50 / 50 with Witch Hazel as a Toner or all over Body splash. Skin - Sensitive: to soothe. Ulcers:

ROSEHIP GRANULES / Rosa canina . (The Fruit of the Rose.) An Immune System Booster. Another Portmanteau herb that should be included in a natural diet. Constituents: Especially high in Vitamin C as well as a vast array of other Vitamins and a high Minerals content including Copper & Cobalt. High in Bioflavonoids. Used to Treat: Aging: as it contains Bioflavonoids for Collagen Tissue that supports the top layers of Skin to keep it more elastic and youthful and deter Wrinkles. Capillaries - Dilated: Eyes - Strained: as a cooled Tea on a Compress. Rehabilitation: Used as a broad general Tonic and good for rehabilitation after Illness, Injury or Stress. Skin: as a Tea. Tonic: use the Syrup, Tablets or Tea due to their Vitamin C content.   Horses: Circulatory System: especially beneficial to the Bridge between the Arterial & Venous Circulation as it promotes strong healthy Hooves and is good for the Lungs. Dosage: High performance Horses of average size (450kg) should be fed 2 Tablespoons of Rosehip Granules twice a day that can also enhanced by making into a Tea used to dampen down the feed. One Tablespoon a day is sufficient for pleasure Horses, smaller Horses and Ponies. Used in Extract form in mixtures to treat a wide range of Conditions including Bleeders, Infections & Laminitis. Contains Copper and Vitamin C - Circulation, General Tonic, Immune System Booster, promotes strong healthy Hooves - Coat improver.

ROSELLE - Used to Treat: Amenorrhoea:

ROSEMARY / Herb of Rememberance / Dew of the Sea / Tuscan Blue / Rosmarinus Officinalis. Mint Family (Labiatae) Near East & Southern Europe. Prostrate Rosemary / R. Officinals prostratus. Main Uses: Used as a Tonic for the Brain & Nerves, and clears Parasites from the Digestive Tract as an Infusion. Actions: Leaves: Anti - Septic, Anti - Spasmodic, Astringent, Brain Tonic, Diuretic, Emmenagogue, Heat Tonic, Nervine, Purifying, Stimulant, Sudorific & Stomachic.  Constituents: Bitter Principle, Camphor, Resin, Tannin & Volatile Oil. Cultivation: An easy to grow perennial hardy evergreen small shrub to 100 - 150cm high with upright, branching stems with fragrant narrow leaves that are dark - green on the upper surface and grey - green underneath. Contain several Aromatic Oils and a profusion of rich lavender - blue flowers in Spring & early Summer that requires full Sun or partly shaded in well drained soil but retaining moisture and is frost susceptible. Prune in Winter to encourage it to bush up and plant the Seed in the Spring or take from Cuttings in early Spring & early Autumn or by layering in Spring, Summer & Autumn. Leaves can be gathered in Summer, but at their best during Flowering. Raise seedlings in pots or punnets in Spring, early Summer or early Autumn and transplant when 7 - 10cm high or take hardwood Cuttings in late Winter or tip cuttings in early Summer. Cut out old wood and prune occasionally to retain shape and promote new growth. Use the Leaves, fresh or dried to Beef, Lamb, Poultry, Soups, Stews, Veal & Vegetables. Add chopped Leaves to Bread or Scones or brew a Tea from the Leaves, or candy the Flowers. Prostrate Rosemary 20 - 40cm high has curving and twisting stems and smaller leaves that are less aromatic. Best propagated by cuttings or layering. Aromatic Leaves used to flavour Lamb, Poultry & Pork dishes. Externally used for its Essential Oils and Anti - Microbial actions and to reduce pain and clear the Head. Internally as a flavouring, Tea or Tincture. Oil: Carminative & Stimulant. Tea: Pour 1 cup of boiling water on to 1 - 2 teaspoons and Infuse in a covered container for 10 - 15 minutes. Dosage: 1 cup 3 x times a day. Tincture: Take 1 - 2ml 3 x times a day.  Used to Treat: Alzheimer's Disease: contains a couple of dozen anti - Oxidants to mop up Free Radicals - Toxins especially Rosmanic Acid and also contains 6 other compounds that may also prevent the breakdown of Acetylcholine. Rosemary Oil is also used to treat Alzheimer's Disease along with Oils of Balm, Fennel & Sage. Several of the Rosemary compounds that retard the Acetylcholine breakdown can be absorbed through the Skin so that in addition Rosemary can be added to herbal Shampoo. Aging: to ease the Aches & Pains of Diseases associated with. Amenorrhoea: Arthritis: rich in anti - Oxidants and the Oil is used in preparations and massage rubs for painful Joints. Baldness: nightly massage of the Scalp with one part Rosemary Oil and two parts Almond Oil. Bad Breath: as a Tea to Gargle, especially combined with Lemon Balm for daily use. Bath: use the Infused Oil or Tea to improve Circulation. Body Odour: Bruise: with a strong Tea of 1 part Rosemary to 5 parts boiling water to relieve. Cosmetic: for a natural Perfume, Potpourri & Toilet Water. Cataracts: Depression: relaxing and Anti - Depressive action for different problems of poor Circulation. Digestive - Aid - Mild Upsets: Peppermint Leaves can be added to the Tea. Eczema - Mild: as an Ointment. Fainting: Gut: eases Spasm due to poor Circulation. Hair - Baldness: if premature and to promote growth by massage with the Oil or Tea by rubbing it into the Scalp 3 - 4 times a week. Hair - Greying: with a strong brew to increase the Circulation in the Scalp and remove Dandruff and stimulates growth. Hair - Oily: with the Oil as a rinse to remove excessive oil secretions and promote thicker Hair. Head Ache - Migraine: with a fresh Tea or 15 - 30 drops of the Tincture as required as it is a most satisfying Nervine, especially for those that are persistent. Head: to clear as it increases the Blood supply. Heart Disease: Insects: lay the herb among wool clothing to deter Moths. Massage: use the Infused Oil. Memory: has a long history as an enhancing herb as it increases the Blood supply to deter forgetfulness. Pain: Paralysis: to cure. Preservative: Meat can be wrapped in the Leaves. Respiratory - Colds - Cough - Decongestant - Flu - Head Aches - Inhalant - Sinuses: by burning Rosemary Oil or Leaves in an incense burner or as a distillation of Rosemary Oil with other Decongestant herbs and Essences such as Camphor & Wintergreen. Rub Oil of Rosemary on a Child's Chest to ease a Cough. Skin: as a Tonic by boiling the Leaves in white Wine and use to wash the Face or the Body as a whole. Skin - Oily: with the Oil as a rinse. Womb: eases Spasm due to poor Circulation as it increases Blood supply. Wrinkles: to retard.  

ROSE RED / French Rose / Rosa gallica. Europe warmer regions. Actions: Astringent originally for Lovers. Used as a base for Perfume. Hips are prolific source of Ascorbic Acid. Cultivation: A medium sized bush with deep green foliage. Product: Flower Petals used.

ROYAL LAUREL / Also known as, which see, Bay Laurel / Grecian Laurel / Noble Laurel / Roman Laurel / Sweet Bay /  

RUE  / Garden Rue/ Herb of Grace / Ruta graveolens. Europe. N.B: Only taken in prescribed doses as it is Dangerous. Actions: Anti - Spasmodic, an Emmenagogue if taken for a few days. Cultivation: An easy to grow small hardy evergreen shrub with serrated blush green leaves. Product: the Leaves are used / Use the whole herb above the ground. Tea: crush the Leaves to make a refreshing but pungent Tea. Used to Treat: Amenorrhoea: Eye Conditions: Infection: used Externally in decrepit buildings to reduce the risk. Insect Bites & Stings: to relieve. Menstruation: Used to suppress. Plague: part of the Four Thieves Vinegar used also with Lavender to deter. 

RUSSIAN TARRAGON / see Tarragon /  

RUTIN - Used to Treat: Glaucoma:

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