| The following herbs are some of my favorites to work with. In the ancient tradition of herbal Wise Women, I limit the number of herbs that I work with. I have found that knowing a few herbs really well is better than being slighly aquainted with a vast number of them. |
| ASTRAGALUS: Astragalus membranaceus Parts Used: Root. Properties: Adaptogen, Adrenal Tonic, Antiviral, Blood Tonic, Chi Tonic, Circulatory Stimulant, Digestive Tonic, Diuretic, Hypotensive, Immune Stimulant, Stimulant, Tonic, Vasodilator. Internal Uses: AIDS, Anemia, Cancer, Colds, Diabetes, Exhaustion, Fatigue, HIV, Hyperglycemia, Hypertension, Hypoglycemia, Immune Weakness, Immune Weakness, Incontinence, Lung Weakness, Night Sweats, Premature Ejaculation, Rectal Prolapse, Sperm Motility, Uterine Prolapse, Wasting Diseases, Weakness, Wounds Internal Application: Infusion, Tincture Patients undergoing chemotherapy and radiation live longer and are more resistant to secondary infections when using Astragalus. It can help ameliorate bone marrow depression and gastrointestinal toxicity resulting from those two protocols. It is considered beneficial for the wei chi, the body's inherent protective energy. It stimulates interferon production, macrophage activity and antibody response and also inhibits free radicals. Astragalus reduces T suppresser cells. It also enhances the function of the adrenal cortex. It helps to build the blood and lowers blood sugar levels in diabetics. Culinary uses: Cook Astragalus into immune building soups with garlic, onions, carrots, shiitake mushrooms and miso. Contraindications: Do not use by itself during extreme infection. It tends to hold infection in the body, so if using during cases of infection, combine with diaphoretic herbs. Best to avoid in cases of skin disease. Not for people who are tense and severely congested or who have overactive immune systems. Magickal Uses: Cleansing chakras/auras, clearing negativity, banishing BONESET: Eupatorium perfoliatum Parts Used: Above ground portion. Properties: Diaphoretic, Emetic, Expectorant, Febrifuge, Immune Stimulant, Laxative, Stimulant, Tonic. Internal Uses: Arthritis, Bronchitis, Catarrh, Chest Colds, Constipation, Cough, Dyspepsia, Fever, Flu, Indigestion, Malaria, Rheumatism, Rhinitis, and Tapeworm Internal Applications: Tincture, Infusion. Cold infusion is tonic and mildly laxative. Warm infusion is more diaphoretic. Inhaling vapors is used for catarrh. Boneset is both excellent for the aches and pains of the flu and fever. By inducing sweating, toxins are eliminated through the skin, and fever leaves the body. Boneset helps increase resistance to both bacterial and viral infections. When using as an infusion you must allow the brew to cool before consuming! For some reason drinking the brew hot causes you to feel very nauseous. Topical Uses: Feve: Wash entire body with warm infusion to lower fever. Contraindications: Do not use fresh (undried) plant. Large doses can cause vomiting and diarrhea. Do not use for more than two weeks at a time. Magickal Uses: Binding positively, clearing, spiritual/emotional pain release BURDOCK: Arctium lappa Parts Used: Root, seeds. Properties: Alterative, Antibiotic, Antifungal, Anti-inflammatory, Antipyretic, Antitumor, Aphrodisiac, Demulcent, Diaphoretic, Diuretic, Galactagogue, Hypoglycemic, Laxative, Mucilaginous, Nutritive, and Rejuvenative. Internal Uses: Abscess, Acne, Anger, Cancer, Candida, Chickenpox, Colds, Cough, Cystitis, Dandruff, Eczema, Edema, Fasting, Fever, Flu, Gout, Hives, Hypoglycemia, Indigestion, Irritability, Jaundice, Keratosis, Lymphatic Congestion, Measles, Mumps, Obesity, Pain, Pneumonia, Psoriasis, Rheumatism, Scabies, Sore Throat, Sprains, Staphylococcus, Urinary Infections, Uterine Prolapse Internal Applications: Infusion, Tincture It is a mild laxative. Burdock aids in the elimination of uric acid. The herb contains polyacetylenes that have antibacterial and antifungal properties. By improving the function of many organs of elimination (liver, kidneys, bowels) many health conditions can be improved. Slow acting so best used fora moon cycle or more! Topical Uses: Bruises, Dandruff, Glandular Swelling, Gout, Joint Pain, Knee Swelling, Oily Skin, Ringworm, Sprains Topical Applications: Bath for sore joints and gout. Compress for glandular swellings, knee swellings, sprains and bruises. Hair rinse for dandruff. Facial toner for oily skin. Bruised leaves are applied to ringworm. Culinary uses: Young leaves can be cooked in several changes of water and eaten as a potherb. Stalks (before flowering) may be peeled and eaten raw or cooked as a vegetable. Root is added to soup, stew, stir fry and sukiyaki. Roots can be roasted and used as a coffee substitute. burdock roots are one of my favorite vegetable substitutes! they are fabulous when floured and slow cooked with a bit of water and seasoning. Contraindications: Avoid seeds during first trimester of pregnancy. Magickal Uses: Protection, cleansing/clearing, strengthening intent, grounding oneself |
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