Page 157 - Lost Book Remedies

The Lost Book of Herbal Remedies

anti-seizure effects, probably due to the presence of Harvesting: While all the parts of the herb are use-
terpenes in the oil. able for culinary and medicinal purposes, they are use-
able only during certain parts of the year. The roots are
Sore Throats and Mouth Sores: The antibacte-
rial and anti-inflammatory properties of the root is best harvested in the fall or winter of the first year. The
useful in treating sore throats and mouth sores. Use an stem and leaves are best in the spring or early summer
Angelica Infusion as a gargle or wash several times a of the second year, before the flowers appear. Dry the
day. roots at or below 95 F and store in an airtight con-
tainer.
Menstrual Problems: Angelica regulates female
hormones, regulates the menstrual cycle, and controls Warning: Some people are allergic to Angelica.
menstrual discharge. Avoid using angelica with anti-coagulant drugs. Do not
use during pregnancy or breastfeeding. People with
Acne: Anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory com- Diabetes should not use Angelica
pounds in angelica help prevent and control acne. Use
an angelica decoction or angelica tea as a face wash. Recipes. Angelica Tea or Decoction: Add 1/2
teaspoon of powdered angelica root to one cup of boil-
Anxiety: Recent studies showed that angelica has an ing water. Simmer for 10 to 15 minutes. Turn off the
antidepressant and anti-anxiety effect. It reduces heat and let the tea steep for another 8 to 10 minutes.
stress and improves relaxation. Strain out the root and store the decoction in a glass jar
for later use. Use as a wash for skin problems or drink
Cancer: Angelica archangelica has been shown to be a cup after meals.
effective against breast cancer cells. It reduces prolif-
eration of the cancer cells and reduces tumor growth. Candied Angelica: Trim angelica shoots and cut
Research is ongoing into its anti-tumor properties. into strips. Blanch the strips in boiling water, then cook
them in sugar syrup, gradually increasing the amount
Anti-Fungal: Powdered angelica root is used to of sugar. Dry them and store in a sealed container.
treat athlete’s foot and other fungal infections.
Keep the syrup for other uses.
Improves Circulation: Angelica strengthens the
heart and improves blood circulation throughout the
body.

Arnica cordifolia,

Heartleaf Arnica and A.

montana

Heartleaf arnica, also known as mountain tobacco, is
one of the many Arnica species used for medicine. It is
a member of the Daisy/Aster Family. It grows in high
meadows, coniferous forests, and the western moun-
tains at elevations from 3500 to 10,000 feet. It is native
to western North American from Alaska to California
and New Mexico, and east to Michigan. It is relatively
easy to cultivate in the garden.
Arnica cordifolia, Pellaea, CC by 2.0
Identification: Arnica is a rhizomatous perennial are often produced on separate short shoots, are
growing from one or more erect stems. It grows be- coarsely toothed and wither when the plant flowers.
tween 12 and 20 inches (30 cm to 50 cm) tall. The leaves on the upper part of the plant are hairy, like

The stems are hairy with two to four pairs of heart- the stalk. Lower leaves have rounded tips. The flowers
shaped to arrowhead-shaped leaves. Cordate leaves are small and yellow, forming 1 to 5 daisy-like
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