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Featured Herb This Month - Marigold
Marigold - Calendula officinalis
Herb of healing and protection, love, divination, prophecy, protection.
Placing Marigold petals under a bed it said to aid restful sleep and also provide protection.
Midsummer, garlands of Marigolds were spread around the dwelling place to ward off evil spirits.
Medical uses :- Headaches, fevers, sores, burns, bleeding, haemorrhoids, wounds, vaginal infections and in oil for ear aches. Can strengthen heart muscles and increase circulation.
Typically an Autumn flower, can be used to dress altars for Samhain.
MARIGOLD CUSTARD
2 cups milk
1 cup unsprayed marigold petals
1/4 tsp. salt
3 tbsp. sugar
1 to 2-inch piece vanilla bean
3 egg yolks, slightly beaten
1/8 tsp. allspice
1/8 tsp. nutmeg
1/2 tsp. rose water
whipped cream
Using a clean mortar and pestle reserved for cooking purposes, pound marigold petals. Or, crush with a spoon. Mix the salt, sugar and spices together. Scald milk with the marigolds and the vanilla bean. Remove the vanilla bean and add the slightly beaten yolks and dry ingredients. Cook on low heat. When the mixture coats a spoon, add rose water and cool.
Top with whipped cream, garnish with fresh marigold petals.
(I do not know where this recipe comes from, if you are the author please let me know so I can credit you for the recipe).
Basil
Some cultures associate Basil with hatred and misfortune, while others regard it as a love token.
Uses
Antidepressant, Antiseptic, Prevents Vomiting, Expectorant, Soothes itching.
Side Effects
Do not use with essential oils externally or internally during pregnancy.
Bilberry
Bilberry is a near relative to the Bearberry an important urinary antiseptic.
Uses
Astringent, Lower Blood Sugar, Tonic, Antiseptic, Prevent Vomiting, Urinary Antiseptic
Side Effects
Leaves lower blood sugar levels so should not be used by insulin-dependant diabetics without professional guidance.
Borage
Stimulate the adrenal glands, encouraging the production of adrenaline.
Uses
Adrenal Stimulant, Promote Lactation, Diuretic, Anti-rheumatic, Promote Sweating, Expectorant, Regulate Menstruation, Relieve Eczema.
Side Effects
Not known.
Black Cohosh
Native to North America, the plant is found in rich shady woods. Used for Kidney ailments, malaria, rheumatism, sore throat and conditions specific to women, such as menstrual irregularities and childbirth.
Uses
Premenstrual Discomfort, Dysmenorrhoea
Side Effects
Occasional gastric discomfort, not to be used during pregnancy.
Bladderwrack
Bladderwrack is a form of seaweed; known to used for treating goiter a swelling of the thyroid related to lack of iodine. It was also used as a thyroid stimulant to counter obesity by increasing the metabolic rate.
Uses
Metabolic stimulant, Nutritive, Thyroid tonic, Anti-rheumatic, Anti-inflammatory
Side Effects
Bladderwrack can be prone to heavy metal pollution,
Burdock
Burdock was a traditional blood purifier, often combined with dandelion and burdock wine. Burdock also lowers blood sugar levels.
Uses
Alterative, Mild Laxative, Diuretic, Promotes Sweating, Antibiotic, Anti-inflammatory, Lower Blood Sugar.
Side Effects
None known.
Cabbage
Cabbage has been used as a digestive remedy, a joint tonic, and for skin problems and fever
Uses
Anti-inflammatory, Antibacterial, Anti-rheumatic, Liver Decongestant
Side Effects
None known
Cayenne
Popular in the 19th Century for chills, rheumatism and depression because of its warming properties.
Uses
Circulatory Stimulant, Promotes Sweating, Gastric Stimulant, Antiseptic, Antibacterial, Nerve Tonic
Side Effects
Seeds can be toxic, excessive consumption can lead to gastro and liver damage. Avoid during pregnancy.
Chamomile
Two species used medicinally - Roman and German - have virtually identical properties and applications. German chamomile is commonly known as 'Matricaria' referring to its role as a gynaecological herb.
Uses
Anti-inflammatory, Antispasmodic, Bitter, Sedative, Prevents Vomiting.
Side Effects
Do not use essential oils during pregnancy. Can cause dermatitis.
Chickweed
Chickweed grows in virtually all corners of the world, instead of rooting it out it is worth remembering that chickweed was traditionally harvested as a vegetable. It was also used to heal wounds and poultices for drawing boils.
Uses
Astringent, Anti-rheumatic, Heals Wounds, Demulcent
Side Effects
None Known.
Cinnamon
Cinnamon is good for all sorts of 'cold' conditions, from the common cold and stomach, chills to arthritis and rheumatism.
Uses
Carminative, Promotes Sweating, Digestive Remedy, Antispasmodic, Antiseptic, Uterine Stimulant.
Side Effects
Do not use during pregnancy, use with care in overheated or feverish conditions.
Cleavers
Cleavers or goosegrass is a vigorously growing weed that twines through hedges and garden shrubbery's producing long sticky stems. The young shoots make an excellent cleansing tonic.
Uses
Diuretic, Lymphatic Cleanser, Mild Astringent
Side Effects
None Known.
Coltsfoot
The plants Latin name means 'cough dispeller' and even now, herbal cigarettes often contain coltsfoot.
Uses
Relaxing Expectorant, Reduces Phlegm, Antispasmodic, Demulcent, Tissue Header, Emollient.
Side Effects
Use internally only under professional guidance. Can cause liver damage.
Comfrey
A country name for comfrey was knitbone, a reminder of its traditional use in healing fractures. The contains allantoin, which encourages bone, cartilage, and muscle cells to grow. When crushed herb is applied to injured limb, it is absorbed through the skin and speeds up healing.
Uses
Cell proliferater, Astringent, Demulcent, Heal Wounds, Expectorant.
Side Effects
Avoid using on dirty wounds, because rapid healing can trap dirt or puss.
Cowslip
The roots are high in saponins, irritating chemicals with expectorant properties. They are also rich source of salicylates which have a similar actions to aspirin.
Uses
Sedating Nervine, Astringent, Promote Sweating, Expectorant, Antispasmodic, Anti-inflammatory, Astringent.
Side Effects
Avoid the root if sensitive to aspirin, do not take during pregnancy because they are uterine stimulants. Do not take with blood thinning drugs.
Dandelion
So named by a 15th century surgeon who compared the shape of the leaves to lions teeth. In the West we separate the leaves and root; the Chinese use the whole plant.
Uses
Diuretic, Digestive Tonic, Promotes Bile Flow, Mild Laxative, Anti-rheumatic
Side Effects
None Known.
Devil's Claw
Devil's Claw is named for the hooks that cover its fruit. Medicinal preparations made from the secondary storage tubers of the tree have been used in folk medicines traditions of tribal Africa for the bitter analgesic actions. Devil's claw administered externally to the skin is said to heal sores, boils, and other skin lesions.
Uses
Dyspepsia, Headache, Gout, Rheumatism, Heartburn, Boils.
Side Effects
Gastric and duodenal ulcers. With gallstones, consult a physician before use.
Dong Quai
Also known as dang-gui in traditional Chinese medicine, dong quai is often referred to as the female ginseng. Often used in prescriptions for abnormal menstruation, suppressed menstrual flow, dysmenorrhoea (painful menstruation) and uterine bleeding.
Uses
Premenstrual Syndrome, Dysmenorrhoea, Infertility, Lowers Blood Pressure.
Side Effects
It may cause some fair skinned persons to become more sensitive to sunlight.
Echinacea
Used for preventing and treating the common cold, flu and upper respiratory tract infections. Also used to increase general immune system function and treat vaginal candidacies.
Uses
Anti-inflammatory, Antiviral (herpes simplex), Wounds, Headaches, Diaphoretic, Antiseptic
Side Effects
Chills, short-term fever reactions and nausea plus vomiting may occur. In rare cases immediate allergic reactions may occur.
Elder
This herb was used for cold, damp conditions, such as phlegm or excessive mucus. During the 18th century it was praised for whitening the skin and removing freckles.
Uses
Expectorant, Reduces Phlegm, Circulatory Stimulant, Anti-inflammatory, Laxative, Purgative, Emollient.
Side Effects
Do not take any parts of elder if the condition would be worsened by further drying or fluid depletion. Do not use the bark in pregnancy its a strong purgative.
Elecampane
Elecampane was regarded as almost cure-all for ailments as diverse as dropsy, digestive upsets, menstrual disorders and sciatica. Also used to treat skin disease, neuralgia, liver problems, and coughs.
Uses
Expectorant, Promotes Sweating, Antibacterial, Anti-fungal, Digestive Stimulant.
Side Effects
None Known.
Ephedra
Ephedra in Chinese medicine is the chief drug for treatment of asthma and bronchitis. Main component in Chinese medicine of multi-herb formulas used for bronchial, asthma, cold and flu, cough and wheezing, fever, chills, lack of perspiration, headache, and nasal congestion.
Uses
Nasal Congestion, Allergic Rhinitis, Sinusitis, Bronchitis, Fever, Chills, Headache.
Side Effects
Insomnia, motor restlessness, irritability, headaches, nausea, vomiting, disturbances of urination, tachycardia.
Eucalyptus
A traditional Aboriginal fever remedy. The properties of the oils from different species vary slightly but all are very antiseptic. Research suggests that some species counteract the influenza virus; others are anti-malarial or highly active against bacteria.
Uses
Antiseptic, Antispasmodic, Stimulant, Febrifuge, Reduce Blood Sugar, Expels Worms.
Side Effects
None Known.
Fennel
Romans believed that serpents sucked the juice of the plant to improve their eyesight. Also regarded as an early slimming aid. In medieval times, chewing the seeds was a favourite way to stop gastric rumbles during church sermons.
Uses
Carminative, Circulatory Stimulant, Anti-Inflammatory, Promotes Milk Flow, Mild Expectorant, Diuretic.
Side Effects
Fennel is a uterine stimulant, so avoid during pregnancy.
Fenugreek
One of the oldest herbs, it was used in Egypt to ease childbirth and to increase milk flow. Also used for gastric upsets
Uses
Anti-inflammatory, Digestive Tonic, Promote Milk Flow, Locally Demulcent, Uterine Stimulant, Lower Blood Sugar, Aphrodisiac.
Side Effects
This is a uterine stimulant so avoid during pregnancy.
Feverfew
Feverfew has been hailed as a "cure" and prophylactic for migraines. Also used for headaches but was largely applied externally. The name feverfew is a corruption of featherfew, referring to the plant's fine petals.
Uses
Anti-inflammatory, Relaxes Blood Vessels, Digestive Stimulant, Promotes Menstruation, Expels Worms.
Side Effects
Mouth ulcers are a common side effect of eating fresh leaves. Do not take if using blood thinning drugs.
Figwort
Figwort is a very cleansing herb used to treat abscesses, purulent wounds and scrofula.
Uses
Laxative, Heart Stimulant, Circulatory Stimulant, Anti-inflammatory, Heart Tonic, Lowers Blood Pressure, Sedative.
Side Effects
Stimulates the heart, so avoid in cases of abnormally rapid heartbeat.
Flax
Flax these days is grown for its oil. The medicinal properties of the seeds, or linseed, were known to the Greeks. Recommended for inflammation of the mucus membranes.
Uses
Demulcent, Antiseptic, Anti-inflammatory, Laxative, Anti-rheumatic
Side Effects
Do not use artists' linseed oil internally. Seeds contain traces of prussic acid, which is potentially toxic in large quantities.
Garlic
Garlic has long been known to reduce blood cholesterol levels. Even orthodox medicine acknowledges that the plant reduces the risk of further heart attacks in cardiac patients; it is also a stimulant for the immune system and a antibiotic.
Uses
Antibiotic, Expectorant, Reduces Blood Pressure, Anticoagulant, Lowers Cholesterol, Anti-histaminic, Anti-parasitic.
Side Effects
Garlic is very heating and can irritate the stomach. Do not use during pregnancy, can cause strong odour through the skin and lungs.
Gentian
This herb takes its name from a king of IIIyria who discovered it ability to reduce fevers.
Uses
Appetite Stimulant, Anti-inflammatory, Febrifuge
Side Effects
None Known.
Ginkgo Biloba
Gingko biloba extract has been popular for its neuroprotective properties and ability to aid circulatory problems in the elderly especially cerebral insufficiency.
Uses
Memory Enhance, Depression, Dizziness, Tinnitus, Headache
Side Effects
Very seldom cases of stomach or intestinal upsets, headaches or allergic skin reactions.
Ginger
Ginger has been used as a medicinal herb in the West for 2000 years. Ginger was traditionally used to warm the stomach and dispel chills. It has also been added to remedies to modify the action and reduce the irritant effects on the stomach.
Uses
Circulatory Stimulant, Relaxes Blood Vessels, Promotes Sweating, Expectorant, Prevents Vomiting, Antispasmodic, Carminative.
Side Effects
Avoid excessive amounts of ginger if the stomach is already hot and over-stimulated. Use with respect in early pregnancy.
Ginseng
Ginseng has been used in China for over 5,000 years and has also been widely used by wealthy Europeans for exhaustion and debility.
Uses
Stimulant, Regulates Blood Sugar, Regulates Cholesterol, Stimulates Immune System.
Side Effects
Avoid during pregnancy it may have adverse effects on the foetus. Avoid other stimulants while taking.
Goldenseal
A traditional healing herb of the Native Americans. Goldenseal was used by the Cherokee for indigestion, local inflammations and to improve the appetite, while the Iroquois used it for whooping cough, liver disorders, fevers and heart problems.
Uses
Astringent, Bile Stimulant, Reduces Phlegm, Laxative, Raise Blood Pressure.
Side Effects
Uterine stimulant so do not use during pregnancy. Do not use if you have high blood pressure.
Gravelroot
Gravelroot was known as Joe-Pye weed after a New England medicine man who used it to cure typhus. Today it is often given for influenza.
Uses
Prevents Scurvy, Laxative, Immune Stimulant, Expectorant, Promotes Menstruation.
Side Effects
None Known.
Guelder Rose
Also known as cramp bark, used as a muscle stimulant. Used for mumps and other swellings.
Uses
Antispasmodic, Sedative, Astringent, Muscle Relaxant, Uterine Relaxant, Anti-inflammatory.
Side Effects
None Known.
Hawthorn
Hawthorn was used for diarrhoea, heavy menstrual bleeding, and in first aid to draw splinters. The plants considerable tonic action on the heart has been identified, today it is one of the most popular cardiac herbs.
Uses
Relaxes Blood Vessels, Cardiac Tonic, Astringent.
Side Effects
None Known.
Honeysuckle
Was once widely used for the treatment of asthma, urinary complaints and in childbirth.
Uses
Antispasmodic, Expectorant, Promotes Vomiting, Antibacterial, Anti-inflammatory.
Side Effects
Do not use honeysuckle berries they are toxic.
Hops
Used in brewing in Europe since at least the 11th century, hops were never included in traditional English ale. Hops contains a high proportion of estrogens and as a result, too much beer can effect a mans libido.
Uses
Sedative, Anaphrodisiac, Digestive Stimulant, Diuretic.
Side Effects
Hops acts as a mild depressant on the higher nerve centre and should be avoided during depression. The growing of the plant can cause contact dermatitis.
Horsetail
Its brittle jointed stems are rich in healing silica and since the time of the Ancient Greeks horsetail has been used for wounds.
Uses
Astringent, Stops Bleeding, Diuretic, Tissue Healer.
Side Effects
Horsetail is banned in Canada except in products where thiaminase-like compounds present in the herb have been removed.
Iceland Moss
Iceland moss is a lichen harvested and prepared in Scandinavia and Europe as a medicinal agent to stimulate appetite and relieve dry cough and inflamed oral tissues.
Uses
Demulcent, Whooping Cough, Asthma, Laxative.
Side Effects
None Known.
Juniper
Long associated with ritual cleansing, juniper was burned in the temples as part of the regular purification rites. In Central European folk medicine, the oil was extracted from the berries was regarded as a cure-all for typhoid, cholera, dysentery, tapeworms, and other ills associated with poverty.
Uses
Urinary Antiseptic, Diuretic, Carminative, Digestive Tonic, Uterine Stimulant, Anti-rheumatic.
Side Effects
Uterine stimulant so avoid during pregnancy. May irritate the kidneys in long term use.
Kava
Kava is the most respected herb in the islands of the South Pacific. Kava has been used in native medicine for its relaxing qualities, for urinary tract infections, as a topical anaesthetic and other applications.
Uses
Muscle Relaxant, Analgesic, Sedative, Seizure Control, Cognitive Enhancement.
Side Effects
Extended continuous intake can cause a temporary yellow discoloration of the skin, hair and nails. In rare cases allergic skin reactions can occur.
Lavender
One of the most popular herbs since ancient times. In Arab medicine lavender is used as an expectorant and antispasmodic, while in Europe it is regarded as a useful wound herb and a warm remedy for children.
Uses
Relaxant, Antispasmodic, Circulatory Stimulant, Antibacterial, Analgesic, Carminative, Antiseptic.
Side Effects
Avoid high does of the herb during pregnancy, because it is a uterine stimulant.
Lemon Balm
Lemon Balm has the same healing and tonic properties as honey and royal jelly.
Uses
Sedative, Anti-depressant, Digestive Stimulant, Antiviral, Antibacterial, Antispasmodic.
Side Effects
None Known.
Licorice
Licorice has been used medicinally since at least 500 BC and still features in official pharmacopoeia as a "drug" for stomach ulcers. In China it is called the "great detoxifier" and is thought to drive poisons from the system. It is also an important tonic, often called "the grandfather of herbs".
Uses
Anit-inflammatory, Anti-arthritic, Soothes Gastric Linings, Cooling, Expectorant
Side Effects
Avoid if you have high blood pressure, it is believed to cause fluid retention. Do not take with digoxin-based drugs.
Mint
There are thought to be at least thirty different species of mint. All mints at one time were pretty much used in the same way, with little attempt to differentiate between varieties. Today peppermint is preferred medicinally in the West; the Chinese use field mint known as Garden Mint is usually spearmint.
Uses
Antispasmodic, Prevents Vomiting, Promotes Sweating, Cool Internally, Analgesic
Side Effects
Avoid prolonged use as an inhalant, can irritate mucus membranes and should not be given to Children for more than a week.
Motherwort
An important heart herb since Roman times, motherwort, or Lenurus cardiaca derives from a Greek word meaning lions tail. Chinese herbalists use a related species for menstrual disorders
Uses
Uterine Stimulant, Relaxant, Cardiac Tonic, Carminative
Side Effects
Uterine stimulant, so avoid use during pregnancy. Seek professional advice for all heart conditions.
Mugwort
Anglo-Saxons listed mugwort as one of the nine sacred herbs, given to the world by the god Woden. It was planted along roadsides by the Romans, who put sprigs in their sandals to prevent aching feet on long journeys. Mugwort is a bitter digestive remedy.
Uses
Digestive Tonic, Uterine Stimulant, Expels Worms, Antiseptic, Menstrual Regulator, Anti-rheumatic
Side Effects
Avoid use during pregnancy, it is a uterine stimulant and may cause foetal abnormalities.
Mulberry
The berries, bark, and leaves of the black mulberry were all used medicinally; the berries stop inflammations and stop bleeding the bark for toothache; and the leaves as an antidote to aconite poisoning. It is a Chinese remedy for coughs, colds and high blood pressure and as a yin tonic.
Uses
Antibacterial, Expectorant, Analgesic, Reduce Blood Pressure, Sedative, Diuretic
Side Effects
Avoid the leaves and bark if the lungs are weak; if in doubt seek professional advice
Mullein
The tall stems of mullein, covered in fine down, were once burned as tapers in funeral processions. The herb has been used for scorpion stings, eye complaints, toothache, tonsillitis and coughs.
Uses
Expectorant, Demulcent, Sedative, Heals Wounds, Astringent, Anti-Inflammatory
Side Effects
None known.
Myrrh
An oleo-gum resin collected from the stems of bushy shrubs growing in Arabia and Somalia, myrrh has long been regarded as one of the treasures of the East. Egyptian women burned myrrh in pellets to rid their homes of fleas. Myrrh was used to treat muscular pains .
Uses
Anti-fungal, Antiseptic, Astringent, Immune Stimulant, Expectorant, Reduces Phlegm.
Side Effects
Avoid in pregnancy because it is a uterine stimulant.
Nutmeg
First brought to Europe from the Banda Islands by sailors, nutmeg gained the reputation of a cure-all and was widely eaten. Its hallucinogenic properties were soon discovered. It was also taken to produce abortions and was acclaimed as a cure for the plague.
Uses
Carminative, Digestive Stimulant, Antispasmodic, Prevents Vomiting, Appetite Stimulant, Anti-inflammatory.
Side Effects
Large doses are dangerous producing convulsions and palpitations.
Oats
For medicinal purposes the whole plant is generally used and gathered when the grains are ripe. The herb is a good restorative nerve tonic, ideal for depression and energy deficiency.
Uses
Antidepressant, Promotes Sweating, Nutritive, Antithrombotic, Reduce Cholesterol Levels
Side Effects
None Known
Olive Leaf
The oil is symbolic of purity and goodness, while the Olive Branch represents peace and prosperity. Medicinal use of olive leaf has been for the treatment of fevers and for topical treatment of wounds or infection.
Uses
Hypertension, Antibacterial, Heal Wounds
Side Effects
Olive Leaf can be irritating to the stomach lining and should be taken with meals.
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Orange
The orange originated in China, the Chinese remain the greatest enthusiasts of medicinal oranges.
Uses
Carminative, Digestive Stimulant, Increase Blood Pressure, Expectorant, Diuretic, Energy Tonic.
Side Effects
Use bitter orange with caution in pregnancy; it can cause contractions.
Oregano
Oregano was extensively used by the Greeks for conditions ranging from convulsions to heart failure.
Uses
Indigestion, Antibacterial, Antifungal
Side Effects
Should not be used during pregnancy as it stimulates menstruation and may cause miscarriage.
Peony
Peony was used in the past to treat nervous condition which included epilepsy.
Uses
Antibacterial, Tranquillizing, Lowers Blood Pressure, Circulatory Stimulant, Sedative
Side Effects
None Known.
Plantain
Plantain is most commonly used today to treat bee stings. The seeds of related species are used in over the counter bulk laxatives.
Uses
Relaxing Expectorant, Reduce Phlegm, Antispasmodic, Demulcent, Laxative
Side Effects
None Known.
Pokeroot
Used by Native Americans as an emetic and externally for skin diseases. The Delaware Indians took it as a heart stimulant and in Virginia is was regarded as a strong purgative.
Uses
Stimulant, Reduces Phlegm, Causes Vomiting, Anti-parasitic, Immune Stimulant, Mild Analgesic
Side Effects
All parts of the fresh plant are toxic and can cause vomiting. The dried berries are toxic. Avoid during pregnancy.
Rose
In Roman times, the wild rose was recommended for bites of rabid dogs. In the 1930's is was prescribed for sore throats. Rose oil is extremely expensive and is one of the most important oils in aromatherapy.
Uses
Antidepressant, Aphrodisiac, Sedative, Expectorant, Antibacterial, Digestive Stimulant.
Side Effects
Only use the best quality genuine oil medicinally. Do not use garden hybrids for medicinal purposes.
Rosemary
A favourite herb both medicinally and as a symbol for remembrance. The plant is an excellent tonic and all round stimulant. It has always been regarded as uplifting and energizing.
Uses
Astringent, Nervine, Circulatory Stimulant, Restorative Tonic, Antispasmodic
Side Effects
Avoid during pregnancy because it is a uterine stimulant.
Sage
Sage has a reputation for restoring failing memory in the elderly.
Uses
Reduces Perspiration, Reduces Salivation, Reduces Lactation, Antibiotic, Sedative, Clears Heat
Side Effects
Avoid therapeutic doses during pregnancy. Sage contains thujone, which can trigger fits in epileptics, who should avoid the herb.
Saw Palmetto
Commonly recommended for various prostate conditions. Preliminary evidence suggests that the herb may reduce prostrate enlargement
Uses
Urinary Disorders, Testicular Atrophy, Sex Hormone Disorders, Prostrate Enlargement
Side Effects
In rare cases can cause stomach problems.
St. John's Wort
It is said that St. John's Wort takes its name from the Knights of St. John of Jerusalem who used it to treat wounds on the Crusade. It was also believed to dispel evil sprits. Also used to treat injuries and inflammations. The herb in tablet form has been used as an anti-depressant, in Europe it has been prescribed instead of drugs such as Prozac.
Uses
Astringent, Analgesic, Sedative, Anti-inflammatory. Anti-depressant
Side Effects
The herb can cause dermatitis after taking it internally, then exposing the skin to sun light.
Tea Tree Oil
Australian Aboriginals used the leaves to treat cuts and skin infections. Also used as a disinfectant.
Uses
Acne, Anti-fungal, Antibacterial, Wounds
Side Effects
Tea Tree Oil should never be swallowed as it may cause nerve damage and other problems.
Thyme
Thyme was recommended as an antidote for snakebites and headaches. It was also believed that by burning thyme is the fumes would repel scorpions.
Uses
Antiseptic Expectorant, Antispasmodic, Soothes Coughs, Heals Wounds, Antibiotic
Side Effects
Avoid during pregnancy; can act as a uterine stimulant.
Valerian
Valerian calms the nerves, it has a distinctive smell.
Uses
Tranquillizer, Antispasmodic, Diuretic, Carminative, Mild Anodyne
Side Effects
Do not take for more than 2 - 3 week without a break. Do not confuse with the garden plant, red valerian which has no medicinal properties.
Vervain
One of the Druids most sacred herbs. Its association with Magick and Ritual was still popular in the 17th century.
Uses
Relaxant, Nervine, Sedative, Antispasmodic, Uterine Stimulant.
Side Effects
Avoid during pregnancy; can act as a uterine stimulant.
Willow
Willow was widely used for fevers and other 'hot' conditions.
Uses
Anti-inflammatory, Reduces Heat, Anti-hydrotic, Analgesic, Antiseptic
Side Effects
None Known.
Witch Hazel
The aqueous infusion of the bark was used in the aboriginal medicine to treat haemorrhages, inflammations and haemorrhoids. Used in poultices for painful swellings and tumours.
Uses
Skin Injuries, Local Inflammation, Haemorrhoids, Varicose Veins.
Side Effects
None Known.
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