| COLTSFOOT: Tussilago farfara Parts Used: Leaves, flowers, buds. Properties: Analgesic, Anticatarrhal, Anti-inflammatory, Antispasmodic, Antitussive, Astringent, Demulcent, Diuretic, Emollient, Expectorant, Immune Stimulant. Internal Uses: Asthma, Bronchitis, Colds, Cough, Diarrhea, Emphysema, Flu, Gastritis, Laryngitis, Lung Cancer, Tuberculosis, Wheezing, Whooping Cough Internal Applications: Tea, Tincture, Syrup. The soothing expectorant properties of Coltsfoot make it useful for treating a wide range of respiratory ailments. This is the one herb that is a must have in cough remedies! Topical Uses: Asthma, Insect Bites, Wounds Topical Applications: Leaves have been used as a poultice for wounds and insect bites. Coltsfoot has been recommended as a medicinal smoke since the days of Dioscorides, and is still smoked as a tobacco substitute and lung medicine for asthma. In Scotland, Coltsfoot has been used to stuff mattresses. Culinary uses: Fresh leaves have been eaten in salads. Flowers are used to make wine. The leaves have been burned and the resulting ashes have been used as a salt substitute. The leaves have also been used to wrap cakes of butter. Hence, the folkname Butterbur. Contraindications: It is best not to use during pregnancy and nursing until further research is conducted. Magikal Uses: Cleansing and clearing, rites honoring horses or Epona, balancing DANDELION (Taraxacum officinale) Parts Used: All parts. Properties: Antifungal, Cholagogue, Diuretic, Expectorant, Galactagogue, Hypotensive, Laxative, Lithotriptic, Liver Tonic. Internal Uses: Acne, Anemia, Arthritis, Boils, Constipation, Diabetes, Eczema, Edema, Gallstones, Hepatitis, High Cholesterol, Hypertension, Jaundice, Kidney Stones, Menstrual Problems, Obesity, Psoriasis, Pulmonary Edema, Rheumatism Internal Applications: Tea, Tincture Different parts of the herb have different properties. The leaves are a diuretic and hypotensive. The root is an antifungal, cholagogue, diuretic, expectorant, galactagogue, mild laxative, lithotriptic and liver tonic. Only the leaves are used for edema, while the root is used for diabetes. Both are used for hypertension. It is an excellent herb for weight loss as the leaves are diuretic and the root improves fat metabolism. Topical Uses: Fungal Infection, Warts, Wounds Topical Applications: Flowers are used as a poultice for wounds. Sap from the stem can be applied to get rid of warts. Use as a wash for fungal infections. Culinary uses: Leaves are eaten in the spring, before flowering, either raw or cooked. Roots can be cleaned and cooked like carrots or pickled. Roasted roots are made into a coffee substitute. Flowers may be added to muffins or battered and stir-fried. Dandelion wine, made from the flowers, is a delight! So is dandelion beer. Contraindications: Before using root, dry or cook it. Magikal uses: solar rites, cleaning, attuning to solar based planets, releasing sadness FEVERFEW (Tanacetum parthenium) Parts Used: Flowers, leaves. Properties: Anti-inflammatory, Antimicrobial, Antipyretic, Antispasmodic, Antithrombotic, Carminative, Diaphoretic, Diuretic, Emmenagogue, Febrifuge, Nervine, Tonic. Internal Uses: Arthritis, Colic, Fever, Flatulence, Migraine, Pain, Rheumatism, Vertigo Internal Applications: Tea, Tincture , Fresh Leaves (chew slowly for migraine) Topical Uses: Headache, Insect Repellent, Painful Menses, Vertigo Topical Applications: Fresh flowers are rubbed on the skin as an insect repellant. Applied as a compress to the head for headaches and vertigo. Sitz bath for painful menses. Contraindications: In rare cases, one may experience irritation of the mouth and tongue, but taking it with food can minimize this possibility. Avoid during pregnancy or if on blood thinning medications, as it can affect the rate of blood clotting. If one is very allergic to ragweed, use under the supervision of a health professional. Magikal uses: Honoring the Maiden aspect, cleansing and clearing, releasing fear of the unknown |
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