Page 69 - Lost Book Remedies

The Lost Book of Herbal Remedies

the pain. It is a diuretic that increases the production Jaundice: The anti-inflammatory properties and di-
of urine. It also works to dissolve kidney stones and uretic properties, combined with the benefits to the
gravel and treat cystitis and diseases of the gallbladder. urinary tract and gallbladder, make couch grass a good
Try using couch grass in combination with Usnea and choice for treating jaundice. It helps the body eliminate
bearberry to treat urinary tract infections. toxins and allows it to heal.

Swollen Prostate: The herb is effective for treat- Recipes. Couch Grass Decoction: Ingredients:
ment of swollen prostate glands, especially from gon- 4 ounces (113g) couch grass roots, chopped and 1-quart
orrhea. It is often combined with saw palmetto for this
use. (1 Liter) water. Bring the water and the roots to a boil
and reduce the heat to a simmer. Simmer the roots, un-
Gout: Try couch grass decoction for treating gout. covered, until the liquid is reduced by half, leaving ap-
proximately 2 cups of liquid. Store in the refrigerator
Rheumatoid Arthritis: The diuretic properties, for 3 days or freeze for longer periods.
anti-inflammatory properties, and analgesic proper-
ties of couch grass make it effective in treating rheu-
matoid arthritis.

dandelion wine. Leaves and roots are used to flavor
Dandelion, herbal beers and soft drinks.

Taraxacum officinale Medicinal Use: The entire dandelion plant is used
medicinally. The bitter roots are good for gastrointes-
Most children relish the opportunity to blow a puff of tinal and liver problems, while the leaves have a pow-
dandelion seeds into the wind. This wonderful plant is erful diuretic effect. The plant makes a great general
commonly regarded as a weed and can be found grow- tonic and benefits the entire body. It is high in vita-
ing in sidewalk cracks and across untended roadsides mins, minerals, and antioxidants. I use dandelion tea
and lawns. There are some look-alike flowers, so be and tincture for internal use.
sure of your identification before harvesting the plant.
It is in the Aster/Daisy Family. Digestion Problems, Liver and Gallbladder
Function: Dandelion root is used to aid digestion
Identification: Dandelion is a perennial herba- and benefits the kidneys, gallbladder, and liver. It
ceous plant native to North America. It grows from a stimulates bile production, helping with the digestion
tap-root that reaches deep into the soil. The plant of fats and toxin removal. Use it to treat jaundice and
grows up to a foot in height and flowers from April to raise energy levels after infections. It removes toxins
June. It produces a yellow flower head consisting of from the body and restores the electrolyte balance,
florets. Leaves grow from the base of the plant in an which improves liver health and function.
elongated shape with highly jagged edges. The edges
are said to resemble a lion’s tooth, giving the plant its I do a 2-week liver cleanse with my homemade Liver
name. Tonic – a Dandelion Root and Milk Thistle seed tinc-
ture blend – every 6 months for general health. It also
Edible Use: The entire plant is edible and nutri- helps prevent gallstones. Dandelion contains inulin, a
tious. The young leaves are best for greens, since the carbohydrate that
leaves grow more bitter with age. Young leaves can be helps maintain
cooked or eaten raw. Dandelion root is sometimes healthy gut flora
dried and roasted for use as a coffee substitute. The and helps to regu-
roots can also be cooked and eaten. They are bitter, late blood sugar
with a taste similar to a turnip. Dandelion flowers levels. The plant
make a nice salad garnish or can be battered and fried. is rich in fiber,
Unopened flower buds are prepared into pickles simi- which adds bulk
lar to capers. Flowers can also be boiled and served to the stool, re-
with butter. Dandelion leaves and roots make a pleas- ducing the
ant, but bitter tea. Flowers are fermented to make Dandelion FlowerGreg Hume, CC BY-SA 3.0
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