Page 159 - Lost Book Remedies

The Lost Book of Herbal Remedies

Arrowleaf Balsamroot, Stimulates the Immune System: Taken inter-
nally, arrowleaf balsamroot roots enhance the action of
Balsamorhiza sagittata the immune system, works as an antimicrobial, and

stimulates the activity of white blood cells.
Arrowleaf balsamroot, also known locally as the Ore-
gon Sunflower, is a tough plant. It grows in grasslands, Toothaches, Sore Mouths, and Body Aches:
steppe, and scrubland areas, often on hillsides, in the Traditionally used to treat toothache pain and sore
western part of North America. It is in the Aster/Sun- mouths by chewing on the root. Inhaling root smoke is
flower/Daisy Family. said to treat body aches.
Sore Throat, Bronchial Congestion,
Identification: Arrowleaf Balsamroot grows 1 to 2
feet (0.3 to 0.6 meters) tall. Its basal silver-green Coughs, and TB: Balsamroot Tincture made from
leaves grow up to 2 feet (0.6 meters) long and are ar- the dried or fresh root treats sore throats and loosens
row-shaped. Larger leaves are at the base of the plant phlegm. Try putting your tincture into warm water and
and the leaves get smaller toward the top of the stem. drink as a tea. You can also make cough syrup by sim-
Leaves are “wooly” and covered in fine white hairs. mering the root in raw honey (recipe below). Chew on
the root to ease sore throat pain. Root infusions are
used traditionally to treat tuberculosis and whooping
cough.

Soothes Skin Burns, Wounds, Eczema, and
Bruises: Use the balsamroot leaves as a compress on
the skin to relieve pain and help heal burns, wounds,
bruises, and rashes. Dry and powder the leaves or
bruise and mash fresh leaves and place them on the
skin or infuse them in oil for a salve.
Fungal Infections, Ringworm, Jock Itch,
and Athlete’s Foot: Use the dried and powdered
root as an antifungal to heal common fungal infections.
Apply the powder and leave in place to heal ringworm,
jock itch, and athlete’s foot.
Flower stems grow from the root crown to 6 to 30
inches (15 cm to 75 cm) tall. Each flower stem has one Stomach Problems: The root, leaves, and stems
flower head that resembles a sunflower with 8 to 25 are soothing for the digestive tract. Try a tea made
yellow rays surrounding a disc. This plant grows from from the entire plant.
a deep taproot reaching 8 feet (2.4 meters) into the Harvesting: Leaves and stems are easily harvested
ground. It also has deep lateral roots that extend up to by cutting the stem and leaf from the plant. The root is
3 feet (0.9 meters) around the plant. more difficult because there is a very deep taproot as

Edible Use: This plant is an excellent food source.
Its leaves can be eaten raw or cooked. Peel the stems
before eating to get rid of the tough exterior. The seeds
are nutritious and can be roasted like sunflower seeds.
The root is eaten steamed or can be dried and pounded
into a flour. The root can also be used as a coffee sub-
stitute.

Medicinal Use: The leaves, stems and roots contain
medicinally active compounds. It acts internally as a
disinfectant and expectorant.

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