Page 125 - Lost Book Remedies

The Lost Book of Herbal Remedies

effects can include dizziness, constipation, and weak- Tie the herbs up in muslin or cheese cloth and dampen
ness. The safety of self-heal in pregnancy has not been the bag and herbs. Fill the jar with cold water and place
determined. the tied muslin bag into the water. Secure the string so
that the herbs will float in the upper third of the water.
Recipes. Self-Heal Tea (Cold Water Infu- Cold steep the herbs for one to two days or until the tea
sion). 1-ounce dried self-heal herb, 1-quart (liter) of is to your taste. Remove the tea bag and store the re-
cold water, 1-quart (1 Liter) jar and lid. A cold infusion maining tea in the refrigerator until needed.
extracts some components that are destroyed by heat.

medicinal preparations. There are better options for
Pulsatilla, most of the maladies below. Use with great care.
Anemone pulsatilla and Skin Problems: For skin diseases, try a blended

A. occidentalis wash of Pulsatilla and Echinacea. Echinacea is an anti-
biotic and antiviral, and it stimulates the immune sys-
tem. It works well with Pulsatilla to relieve skin prob-
This lovely flower is also known as anemone, Easter lems related to inflammation and infection.
flower, Wild Crocus, Windflower, Pasqueflower, and
Prairie Smoke. It is in the Ranunculaceae (Buttercup) Menstrual Problems: Pulsatilla is very effective
Family. for menstrual pain, premenstrual tension, restarting
menstruation, and menstrual cramping. It also relieves
symptoms of menopause such as headaches, hot
flashes, and moodiness.

Childbirth and Postpartum Depression:
Pulsatilla stimulates the uterus and makes childbirth
easier. It also has analgesic properties, which help with
labor pain. It is also given after childbirth to relieve
symptoms of depression. Either the tea or the tincture
is used. Do not take earlier in pregnancy.
Headaches and Sleep Problems: Pulsatilla re-
laxes an overstimulated nervous system and treats
Pulsatilla, Bernard DUPONT, CC by SA 2.0 headaches and insomnia. It calms the body and spirit
allowing people to sleep soundly when taken in small
Identification: Pulsatilla is a perennial that grows doses. Note that Lemon Balm also accomplishes this
6 to 24 inches (15 cm to 60 cm) tall. The leaves are without the dosing risks of Pulsatilla.
feathery, delicately divided, and covered with silky
hairs. Each plant produces a single light purple or Mental Disorders and Panic Attacks: Be-
white flower with yellow stamens. The stamens pro- cause of its actions on the nerves, Pulsatilla is useful
duce feathery, hair-like seeds. These are one the first
flowers to arrive in the spring, sometimes pushing
through snow to make an appearance. The taproots
run 3 feet (0.9m ) or more into the ground. When the
fruit head matures, the hair-like threads blow in the
wind, giving the impression of smoke in the wind.

Medicinal Use: Use Pulsatilla leaves and flowers as
either an infusion or a tincture. Pulsatilla must be used
carefully and in small doses. In large amounts, it can
be harmful or deadly. Avoid touching the fresh plant
and only use dried flower heads and leaves in

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