Page 87 - Lost Book Remedies

The Lost Book of Herbal Remedies

long-spiked inflorescence arrangement in upper leaves
with young flowers at the pointed end. Flowers are up
to 2 inches (5 cm) across. It flowers from June thru
September. The 5-lobed, urn-shaped fruit is 1 inch (2.5
cm). Each fruit is packed with hundreds of tiny black
seeds. The roots of henbane are whitish in color. The
main taproot is stout and branched. Henbane does not
tolerate waterlogged soils. It likes pastures along
fencerows and roadsides.

Medicinal Use: Because the plant is poisonous, it is
important that all medicines be made precisely and the
strength carefully regulated. I prefer to use this plant
externally, where there is no danger.
The plant has strong pain-relieving qualities, and is
used externally for muscle pains caused by strain or
sprain. It has some good applications internally, but I effectively treated with a poultice made from fresh
do not recommend using it internally without the close henbane leaves. Crush the leaves and place them di-
supervision of a medical professional. The above rectly over the painful area.
ground parts are used for medicine. Hemorrhoids: Try a poultice of crushed henbane
Internal Use: The plant is used to relieve irritable leaves to reduce the swelling and pain of external hem-
bladders and the pain of cystitis. It is a mild diuretic, orrhoids.
hypnotic, and anti-spasmodic. The hypnotic action is Harvesting: Collect the leaves, stems and flowers
the same as belladonna, but with milder effects. Use from the biennial plants when in full flower at the start
with great care or find an alternative! Use can be fatal. of summer.
Gout, Neuralgia, and Arthritis Pains: Exter- Warning: Henbane is poisonous. Use with great
nal pain from gout, neuralgia, and arthritis are care and do not use internally.

Holy Basil, whorls at the base of reddish or brownish-purple
stems. Tiny purple flowers grow on an elongated ra-
Ocimum tenuiflorum/ ceme above the leaves. The flower stems are red and
hairy.
Ocimum sanctum Edible Use: Holy basil is edible and can be used as

Holy Basil, also known as Tulsi, is a variety of basil in an herb, however its flavor is more bitter than other
the Lamiaceae (Mint) family. It is a perennial plant of- basils. It is often chewed or used in herbal teas. The
ten cultivated for religious and medicinal use. It is not dried and ground leaves can be used as a flavoring and
the same variety as Thai holy basil or Thai basil. stored for later use.
Holy basil is different from the sweet basil used as a Medicinal Use: Holy basil has many medicinal
cooking herb. Sweet basil also has medicinal proper- uses, both internally and externally. It is loaded with
ties but is a different variety of the plant. vitamins and antioxidants. In addition to treating
many diseases, it can prevent disease through its im-
Identification: Holy basil grows erect in shrub mune system benefits.
form up to 1 to 2 feet (0.3m-0.6m). The ovate leaves
are green or purple, petioled, and up to 2 inches (5cm) Holy basil can be taken as a tea, eaten as a vegetable or
long. The margin is usually, but not always, toothed. flavoring, or taken as a supplement. Dried and crushed
The anise scented leaves are strongly aromatic and holy basil is often placed in capsules for daily supple-
have a spicy, slightly bitter flavor. They grow in close ment use. For preventative use, take 300 to 2,000 mg

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