Page 64 - Lost Book Remedies

The Lost Book of Herbal Remedies

Pseudomonas, E. coli, and Candida. Roots work to kill chicory infusion used as a wash nourishes the skin and
Staphylococcus, Bacillus, Salmonella, E. coli, and Mi- gives it a more radiant and youthful appearance. It can
crococcus as well as athlete’s foot, ringworm, and jock be used as a face and body wash daily.
itch. It can be taken internally and externally.
Harvesting: Only harvest plants that have not been
Anti-Parasitic and Malaria: Chicory root alco- exposed to car fumes and chemical spray along road-
holic extractions eliminate intestinal worms and the sides.
protozoan responsible for cerebral malaria (Plasmo- Leaves and flowers are easily picked throughout the
dium falciparum). The roots contain lactucin and lac- season. Harvest the roots in the late autumn. Loosen
tucopicrin, both anti-malarials.
the soil around the base of each plant, grab the plant at
Liver and Gallbladder Disorders: The leaves, the base, and pull up as much of the tap root as possi-
seeds, and roots of chicory are used to treat liver disor- ble. Clean and use them fresh or cut and dry them for
ders. They are hepatoprotective. They promote the se- future use.
cretion of bile, treat jaundice, and treat enlargement of Warning: Chicory can cause contact dermatitis in
the spleen. They help fatty liver and to detox the liver.
some people. It also causes skin irritations and rashes
Diabetes: Chicory leaf tincture, leaf powder, or a in some people if taken internally. Avoid chicory dur-
whole-plant alcoholic extraction helps regulate insulin ing pregnancy; it can stimulate menstruation. Chicory
levels, stimulate insulin secretion, and lower blood glu- can interfere with beta-blocker drugs for the heart.
cose levels.
Recipes. Chicory Coffee: Clean the roots and
Digestive Problems and Ulcers: Chicory coffee chop them into small pieces. Lay them out on a cookie
or tea made from the roots helps treat digestive prob- sheet to roast. Roast them in a very slow oven or over
lems and ulcers. a fire. When the roots are completely roasted and dried
throughout, grind them into a powder. Store the pow-
Skin Eruptions, Swellings, and Inflamma- der sealed in a cool, dry place. Brew like you would cof-
tions: For external use, wash blemishes with a chic- fee.
ory leaf infusion or apply crushed leaves as a poultice
to areas of inflammation. Many people report that

emergence of the flower. Chives have grass-like leaves,
Chives, which are shorter than the stems. The leaves are also

Allium schoenoprasum tubular or round in cross-section and are hollow,
which distinguishes it from garlic chives, Allium tu-
berosum.
Allium schoenoprasum belongs to the
Amaryllidaceae (Amaryllis) Family. Chives usually flower in April to May in
It is a close relative of garlics, shal- southern regions and in June in northern
lots, and leeks. These herbs are often regions. Its flowers are usually pale purple
cultivated in home gardens, but also and grow in a dense inflorescence of 10 to 30
occur wild in many areas. They are wide- flowers that is ½ to 1 inch (1.25 cm to 2.5 cm)
spread across North America, Europe, and wide. Before opening, the inflorescence is typ-
Asia. They are mostly used as a culinary herb. ically surrounded by a papery bract. Fruits are
small, 3-sectioned capsules. The seeds mature
Identification: Chives are bulb-forming in the summer.
plants that grow from 12 to 20 inches (30 cm to 50
cm) tall. Their slender bulbs are about an inch (2.5 Edible Use: The leaves, roots, and flowers are
cm) long and nearly 1/2 inch (1.25 cm) across. They all edible. Leaves have a mild onion flavor.
grow from roots in dense clusters. The stems are Medicinal Use: Chives have similar medical
tubular and hollow and grow up to 20 inches (50 properties to those of garlic but are weaker overall.
cm) long and about an inch across. The For this reason, it is used to a limited extent as a
stems have a softer texture before the

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