Page 119 - Lost Book Remedies

The Lost Book of Herbal Remedies

Wounds, Bruises, Rashes, Fungal Infec-
tions, and Other Skin Diseases: Oxeye daisy
acts to soothe inflammation and irritations of the skin
and is a good ingredient for lotions and salves. Used on
the skin, it helps heal cuts, scrapes, bruises, insect bites
and stings, and fungal infections. The tea or decoction
can be used as a wash.
Eye Infections, Conjunctivitis: Boil the flowers
in distilled water and strain through a fine mesh or cof-
fee filter. Cool and use the sterile wash as an eye drop
in the treatment of eye infections.
Detoxing, Diuretic Properties: Oxeye daisy is
Chest Congestion and Coughing: Oxeye daisy a mild diuretic and promotes sweating. It helps the
is effective in relieving the coughing spasms of whoop- body remove toxins through the urine and skin.
ing cough and colds, and helping relieve congestion Insecticide and Flea Control: Dried flower
and mucous in the lungs. Try Oxeye Flower Tea or heads, pounded or ground into a powder, are useful as
Tincture for this purpose. a flea powder and as an insecticide.

Asthma: Oxeye daisy is an antispasmodic and helps Harvesting: Harvest the leaves, flowers, and stems
relieve spasms in the airway, helping people with while the plant is in bloom. Dry for future use.
asthma breathe easier.
Recipes. Oxeye Daisy Flower Tea: Boil oxeye
Tonic: Oxeye daisy is a mild tonic for the body, sooth- daisy flowers, leaves, and stalks together, reduce heat
ing irritation and inflammation in the body. and steep for 5 to 10 minutes. Strain and flavor with
raw honey.

Peppermint,

Mentha piperita

Peppermint is also called balm mint, curled mint, and
lamb mint. The plant is easily recognized by its classic
scent and flavor. Peppermint likes moist, rich soil and
spreads quickly. It is indigenous to Europe but can be
found worldwide. It is in the Lamiaceae (Mint) Family.
Identification: Peppermint is a perennial plant
that grows from 1 to 3 feet (0.3m to 0,9m) tall. It has
smooth, square stems and dark green opposite leaves Peppermint, Aleksa Lukic - Own work, CC by 3.0
with reddish veins.
Edible Use: Peppermint is edible and often used as
The leaves are 1 to 3 inches (2.5 cm to 7.5 cm) long and a tea.
about half as wide. Leaves have coarsely toothed mar-
gins, a pointed tip, and are covered in short hairs. Pur- Medicinal Use: Gastroenteritis, Indiges-
ple flowers bloom from mid to late summer and are tion, Flatulence, Stomach, Intestinal, and
about 1/4 inch (0.6 cm) in length. Liver Problems: Peppermint leaves and tea are
The flowers do not produce viable seeds and the plant well known as a treatment for indigestion, excess gas,
spreads by underground roots and rooting stems. nausea, and other stomach upsets.

118