Page 164 - Lost Book Remedies

The Lost Book of Herbal Remedies

Bleeding Heart,

Dicentra formosa

Bleeding heart is a calming herb and is useful for the
nervous system after a shock or an accident. It is also
known as Pacific Bleeding Heart and Western Bleeding
Heart. It is in the Papaveraceae (Poppy) Family and
grows in moist areas of coniferous forests in the Pacific
Northwest.
Identification: Bleeding heart is a perennial with
fern-like, lacy, divided leaves. It grows from a rhizome
and reaches 18 to 24 inches (45 cm to 60 cm) tall when
mature. Heart-shaped dangling pink flowers bloom in
clusters from mid-spring through autumn. Flower
stems reach above the leaves, each with 5 to 15 blooms.
Seeds form in pointed, pea-like pods. Depending on shock, loss, or trauma. The plant has sedative and nar-
the weather, the plant may go dormant during the hot cotic properties.
summer months. They have shallow rhizomes that are Muscle Tremors: Compounds in bleeding heart
easy to harvest but are also sensitive to foot traffic. are calming and relaxing for the nervous system. They

Medicinal relax the muscles and suppress muscle tremors exhib-
Use: Use bleed- ited in some nervous system disorders.
ing-heart with Diuretic: This diuretic herb helps flush toxins and
great care and in other poisons from the blood, liver, and kidneys. How-
small doses as it is ever, there are safer herbs for this use.
a very potent nar-
cotic and is toxic Increases Metabolism and Stimulates Ap-
in higher doses. petite: Bleeding heart calms the nervous system
The root is mostly while increasing the metabolic process, often giving
used, though the you more energy and an increased appetite.
flowers and leaves Cancer and Swollen Lymph Nodes: Bleeding
also have medici- heart tincture has been used traditionally for the treat-
nal properties. ment of cancer, swollen lymph nodes, and enlarged

Toothache: The glands.
root is good for re- Harvesting: Bleeding heart is a rare plant and is be-
lieving toothache pain. Chew the root and place it on coming endangered in some areas. Check the status in
the painful tooth. your area before collecting and do not overharvest. Use
Bruises, Sprains, Joint Pain, Nerve Pain: A it sparingly because it is rare in the wild, or, even bet-
compress made with Bleeding Heart Decoction or by ter, grow your own supply so that you do not disturb
heating root pieces in water and applying them as a the plants growing in the wild. Gather the roots of
poultice is effective in relieving nerve and muscle pain bleeding heart in the summer, if the plant goes
and helping bruises and sprains to heal. dormant, or in the autumn when the leaves begin to
change and after the seed pods have matured.
Shocks to the Nervous System, Anxiety,
and Nervous Disorders: Bleeding heart root de- Warning: Avoid using bleeding heart during preg-
coction and tincture are both effective in relieving anx- nancy or breast-feeding. Use bleeding heart sparingly,
iety and nerves. It is effective in calming people after a a little goes a long way. Do not use if you have liver dis-
ease. Do not use in combinations with other sedatives

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