Names: Purple Coneflower

Typical Places Found: Throughout North American prairies, plains, and open woodlands.

Part Used:  The root

Anti-microbial, immunomodulator, anti-catarrhal, alterative

Echinacea is one of the primary remedies for helping the body rid itself of microbial infections. It is often effective against both bacterial and viral attacks, and may be used in conditions such as boils, septicemia and similar infections. In conjunction with other herbs it may be used for any infection anywhere in the body. For example in combination with Yarrow or Bearberry it will effectively stop cystitis. It is especially useful for infections of the upper respiratory tract such as laryngitis, tonsillitis and for catarrhal conditions of the nose and sinus.

In general it may be used widely and safely. There are many ailments that this fantastic herb can be used for such as:

• As a mouthwash for the treatment of pyorrhea and gingivitis
• An external lotion to help septic sores and cuts

It seems to prevent infection and repair tissue damaged by infection, partially through inhibiting the activity of the enzyme hyaluronidase. Echinacea inhibits the action of hyaluronidase by bonding with it in some way, resulting in a temporary increase in the integrity of the barrier. This all points to the conclusion that its actions relate to immune system functioning on some level, helping deal with infections and stimulating the immune response. It activates the macrophages that destroy both cancerous cells and pathogens, increases the level of phagocytosis by raising levels of white blood cells such as the neutrophils, monocytes, eosinophils, and B lymphocytes. It also has an effect on properidin levels, indication an activation of the complement system.

Preparations & Dosage: Decoction: put 1-2 teaspoonfuls of the root in one cup of water and bring it slowly to boil. Let it simmer for 10-15 minutes. This should be drunk three times a day.

Tincture: Take 1-4 ml of the tincture three times a day. Echinacea is often, inappropriately, used as a daily immune support.

Names : Knitbone

How to Collect This Herb: The roots should be unearthed in the spring or autumn when the allantoin levels are the highest. Split the roots down the middle and dry in moderate temperatures of about 40-60 degrees C.

Part Used: Root and rhizome, leaf.

Vulnerary, demulcent, anti-inflammatory, astringent, expectorant.

The impressive wound-healing properties of Comfrey are partially due to the presence of allantoin. This chemical stimulates cell proliferation and so augments wound-healing both inside and out. The addition of much demulcent mucilage makes Comfrey a powerful healing agent in gastric and duodenal ulcers, hiatus hernia and ulcerative colitis. Its astringency will help hemorrhages wherever they occur. It has been used with benefit in cases of bronchitis and irritable cough, where it will soothe and reduce irritation while helping expectoration.  Comfrey may be used externally to speed wound-healing and guard against scar tissue developing incorrectly. Care should be taken with very deep wounds, however, as the external application of Comfrey can lead to tissue forming over the wound before it is healed deeper down, possibly leading to abscesses. It may be used for any external ulcers, for wounds and fractures as a compress or poultice. It is excellent in chronic varicose ulcers. It has a reputed anti-cancer action.

Combinations: For gastric ulcers and inflammations it combines well with Marshmallow and Meadowsweet. For chest and bronchial troubles use it with Coltsfoot, White Horehound or Elecampane. For wound healing use with Calendula.

Preparations & Dosage:

Decoction: put 1-3 teaspoonfuls of the dried herb in a cup of water bring to the boil and let simmer for l0-l5 minutes. This should be drunk three times a day.

Tincture: take 2-4 ml of the tincture three times a day.

Typical Places Found: Cultivated widely, particularly in Europe and America.

How to Collect This Herb:  The aerial parts are collected just before the flowers open.

Part Used: Aerial parts.

Carminative, anti-inflammatory, anti-spasmodic, aromatic, diaphoretic, anti-emetic, nervine, anti-microbial, analgesic.

Peppermint is an excellent carminative, having a relaxing effect on the muscles of the digestive system, combats flatulence and stimulates bile and digestive juice flow. It is used to relieve intestinal colic, flatulent dyspepsia and associated conditions.  The volatile oil acts as a mild anesthetic to the stomach wall, which allays feelings of nausea and the desire to vomit.  It helps to relieve the nausea & vomiting of pregnancy and travel sickness.  Peppermint can play a role in the treatment of ulcerative conditions of the bowels. It is a traditional treatment of fevers, colds and influenza.  As an inhalant it is used as temporary relief for nasal catarrh.  Where headaches are associated with digestion, Peppermint may help.  As a nervine it eases anxiety and tension. In painful periods, it relieves the pain and eases associated tension.  Externally it is used to relieve itching and inflammations.

Combinations: For colds and influenza it may be used with Boneset, Elder Flowers and Yarrow.

Preparations & Dosage:

Infusion: pour a cup of boiling water onto a heaped teaspoonful of the dried herb and leave to infuse for l0 minutes. This may be drunk as often as desired.

Tincture: l-2ml three times a day.

Typical Places Found: Cultivated worldwide

How to Collect This Herb:

The bulb with its numerous cloves should be unearthed when the leaves begin to wither in September. They should be stored in a cool dry place.

Part Used: Bulb

Anti-microbial, diaphoretic, cholagogue, hypotensive, anti-spasmodic.

Garlic is among the few herbs that have a universal usage and recognition. Its daily usage aids and supports the body in ways that no other herb does. It is one of the most effective anti-microbial plants available, acting on bacteria, viruses and alimentary parasites. The volatile oil is an effective agent and as it is largely excreted via the lungs, it is used in infections of this system such as chronic bronchitis, respiratory catarrh, recurrent colds and influenza. It may be helpful in the treatment of whooping cough and as part of a broader approach to bronchitic asthma.

In general it may be used as a preventative for most infectious conditions, digestive as well as respiratory. For the digestive tract it has been found that Garlic will support the development of the natural bacterial flora while killing pathogenic organisms. In addition to these amazing properties, Garlic has an international reputation for lowering both blood pressure, blood cholesterol levels and generally improving the health of the cardio-vascular system. The essential oil of Garlic possesses a distinct hypolipidemic, or fat reducing, action in both healthy people and patients with coronary heart disease. Garlic should be thought of as a basic food that will augment the body’s health and protect it in general. It has been used externally for the treatment of ringworm and threadworm.

Combinations: For microbial infections it will combine well with Echinacea.

Preparations & Dosage:  A clove should be eaten three times a day. If the smell becomes a problem, use Garlic oil capsules; take three a day as a prophylactic or three times a day when an infection occurs.

How to Collect This Herb:  The rootstock is dug up when the leaves have dried. The remains of the stem and root fibers should be removed. Wash thoroughly and dry in the sun.

Part Used : The rootstock

Stimulant, carminative, anti-spasmodic, rubefacient, diaphoretic, emmenagogue.

Ginger may be used as a stimulant of the peripheral circulation in cases of bad circulation, chilblains and cramps. In feverish conditions, Ginger acts as a useful diaphoretic, promoting perspiration. As a gargle it may be effective in the relief of sore throats. Externally it is the base of many fibrositis and muscle sprain treatments. Ginger has been used world-wide as an aromatic carminative and pungent appetite stimulant. In India, and in other countries with hot and humid climates, ginger is eaten daily and is a well-known remedy for digestion problems. Its wide-spread use is not only be due to flavor, but to the anti-oxidant and anti-microbial effects, necessary for preservation of food, essential in such climates.

Ginger Preparations & Dosage

Infusion: pour a cup of boiling water onto l teaspoonful of the fresh root and let it infuse for 5 minutes. Drink whenever needed. Decoction: if you are using the dried root in powdered or finely chopped form, make a decoction by putting l l/2 teaspoonfuls to a cup of water. Bring it to the boil and simmer for 5-l0 minutes. This can be drunk whenever needed.

Tincture: the tincture comes in two forms, weak Tincture B.P. which should be taken in a dose of l.5-3ml three times a day and the Strong Tincture B.P. which should be taken in a dose of 0.25-0.5ml three times a day.

Other Names : Queen-of-the-Meadow, Bridewort.

Typical Places Found: A common wild plant in Britain, throughout     Europe,  parts of Asia and an escape in North America.

How to Collect This Herb: The fully opened flowers and leaves are picked at the time of flowering, which is between June and August. They should be dried gently at a temperature not exceeding 40 degrees C.

Part Used: Aerial parts.

Actions: Anti-rheumatic, anti-inflammatory, carminative, antacid, anti-emetic, astringent

Indications: Meadowsweet is one of the best digestive remedies available and as such will be indicated in many conditions, if they are approached holistically. It acts to protect and soothe the mucous membranes of the digestive tract, reducing excess acidity and easing nausea. It is used in the treatment of heartburn, hyperacidity, gastritis and peptic ulceration. Its gently astringency is useful in treating diarrhea in children. The presence of aspirin-like chemicals explains Meadowsweets action in reducing fever and relieving the pain of rheumatism in muscles and joints.

Combinations: With Marshmallow and Chamomile it will be very soothing for a whole range of digestive problems. For muscular/skeletal conditions consider combining with Black Cohosh, Willow Bark and Celery Seed for its anti-inflammatory effects.

Preparations & Dosage: Infusion: pour a cup of boiling water onto l-2 teaspoonfuls of the dried herb and leave to infuse for l0-l5 minutes. This should be drunk three times a day or as needed. Tincture: take l-4ml of the tincture three times a day.