Page 155 - Lost Book Remedies

The Lost Book of Herbal Remedies

Harvesting: Like all plants, the ginseng root needs
to be treated with great respect. Do not harvest the
roots before the berries ripen and the seeds set, in late
summer or early autumn. When uncovering the neck
of the root, look for four or more leaf scars, one scar for
each year of age. Roots less than four years old do not
contain enough beneficial properties to be effective.
Note the location of younger roots and leave them in
the ground or dig them up for relocation. The root
branches underground, so dig carefully, and excavate
a large area. Use the root fresh and dry some for future
use. Photo by Drginseng, CC by SA 3.0

Warning: Avoid American Ginseng if taking warfa- Recipes. American Ginseng Tea: Here is a simple
rin or other blood thinning therapies. Not recom- ginseng tea with cooling properties. It keeps the body
mended for pregnant or breastfeeding women. Gin- balanced and improves mental alertness. Avoid taking
seng should not be taken if someone has a hormone- ginseng tea close to bedtime. You’ll need 1/2 ounce of
related condition such as endometriosis, fibroids, or American Ginseng root fibers, 3 cups of water, a few
cancers of the breast, ovaries, uterus, or prostate. Do grains of salt (optional). Bring the water to a boil. Add
not use ginseng for people with heart disease except ginseng and simmer for 5 to 10 minutes. Season with
under the close supervision of a healthcare profes- salt, if desired. Strain the tea and allow it to cool. Serve
sional. Ginseng may decrease the rate and force of at room temperature or cold.
heartbeats. American Ginseng Extract: See Section on Tinc-
Occasional side effects include headaches, anxiety, up- tures and Extracts. Use 8 ounces (230g) of American
set stomach, and sometimes trouble sleeping. ginseng root, pounded into fibers or ground, with 1-
quart (1 Liter) of 80 proof or better alcohol and infuse
it for 6 to 8 weeks.

Angelica archangelica that is used medicinally. It is in
Angelica, the Apiaceae/Umbelliferae (Carrot/Celery) Family.

Angelica archangelica Identification: Angelica is a biennial plant that dies
after it sets its seed in its second year. During the first
According to legend, an angel revealed in a dream how
to use angelica to cure the plague. It was reverently
called “The Root of the Holy Ghost” and was believed
to ward off witchcraft and evil spirits. It is also called
Wild Celery.
Angelica is a useful medicinal plant, but care must be
taken to identify the plant correctly before using it. It
is similar in appearance to other poisonous plants like
water hemlock and giant hogweed. Please note the dis-
tinguishing features listed below and be sure you have
the correct plant before harvesting.

The plant is found in the North Eastern parts of North
America and in Northern Europe and grows in moist,
cool woodlands, along stream banks, and in shady
places. It is widely cultivated as an ornamental and me-
dicinal plant. There are many varieties, but it is the Photo By H. Zell, CC by SA 3.0

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