Page 142 - Lost Book Remedies

The Lost Book of Herbal Remedies

Skin Inflammations: Try a Thyme Leaf Poultice Harvesting: Harvest thyme leaves often during the
for skin inflammations and sores. Mash the leaves into summer. Frequent trimming keeps the bushes from
a paste, place it on the skin over the affected areas and becoming woody and increases yield. Use fresh leaves
cover it with a clean cloth. whenever possible and freeze or dry leaves for future
use.
Warts: Mix one drop of Essential Oil of Thyme with
a tablespoon of olive oil or coconut oil, or mix it full Warning: Thyme is safe for use in adults and chil-
strength into a pre-made salve. Place on warts daily dren. The essential oil is very strong and sometimes
until the wart is gone. causes skin irritations if used full strength. Always di-
lute the essential oil in a carrier oil before use.

residual drowsiness. It can become habit forming so
Valerian Root, only use when needed.

Valeriana officinalis Anxiety and Panic Attacks: Valerian root has a
calming effect that is beneficial to people with panic
Valerian is in the Caprifoliaceae (Honeysuckle) Fam- and anxiety disorders.
ily. There are many species of Valerian, most medici-
nal, but this is the species most commonly used medic- Depression and Obsessive-Compulsive Be-
inally. I grow it in my garden and it is my go-to occa- havior: Valerian root improves symptoms of depres-
sional herbal sleep aid. It is also called garden helio- sion and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) when
trope and nature’s Valium. used in small doses. In larger doses, it can have the op-
posite effect.
Identification: Valerian usually grows from 1 to 5
feet (0.3m to 1.5m) tall depending on the location and Epilepsy: Valerian has a relaxing effect on the mus-
the soil conditions. It has a straight round stem cles of the body. For regular use (to prevent at-
that is topped by an umbrella-like flower- tacks), usual dosage is between 100 mg to 1
head. gram of dried and powdered root.

Its opposite dark green leaves have a Start with a low dose, depending on the
pinnate blade with 6 to 11 pairs of person’s size and the severity of the
terminal leaflets. These leaflets disease, and increase it gradually un-
have prickly margins and are til you find a level that works. It can
hairy underneath. also be used for acute attacks.

Valerian flowers are in branched Menstrual Cramps: Because of its
batches and each flower is about analgesic properties and its ability to re-
1/5 inch long. They are tiny white lax the smooth muscles, this herb
to pink blossoms. The flower has makes a good treatment for pain
three stamens and a distinctive and cramping during menstrua-
scent. tion.

Edible Use: The seeds are Lowers Blood Pressure and
edible when lightly roasted. Pulse Rate: Valerian relaxes the blood ves-
sels to naturally reduce blood pressure and pulse
Medicinal Use: The root is most commonly rate.
used but the leaves may also be used for medicine
(though they are less potent than the roots). Quitting Smoking: Valerian root is calming and
helps lessen the effects of nicotine withdrawal.
Insomnia: I use Valerian as a sleep aid with excel-
lent results. People, including myself, report that they It especially helps with the irritability people often ex-
get to sleep faster and can sleep longer without waking. perience when quitting. Use in tincture form.
They also report that they awaken refreshed without

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