Page 166 - Lost Book Remedies

The Lost Book of Herbal Remedies

return. The bloodroot also has anti-inflammatory,
anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and anesthetic properties
that help the skin to heal while relieving pain. The
salve can be used to remove skin tags, warts, moles and
other unwanted skin lesions. Apply the salve directly
to the lesion, keeping it well away from the healthy
skin. If you decide to use this plant do so with great
caution and in small doses. I use a facial mask once a
month with a very small amount of bloodroot in it
(along with other ingredients). This is a good example
of my utilizing it in small and infrequent doses.

Treating Respiratory Problems: Bloodroot is
a bronchial muscle relaxant used to treat asthma,
whooping cough, influenza, and as a treatment for
croup. Dental Care: Extracts from bloodroot help fight in-
Gastrointestinal Problems: Bloodroot powder fections like gingivitis and prevent the formation cavi-
treats gastrointestinal bleeding, abdominal cramps, ties, tartar, and plaque. Add a drop of bloodroot decoc-
nausea, and vomiting. In large doses, it acts as an tion to your toothpaste for this purpose or use a diluted
emetic, causing the very problems it treats. Use with tea as a rinse.
great care or find an alternative herb. Harvesting: Wear protective gloves to protect your

Diphtheria, Tuberculosis, and Respiratory hands from staining red and to avoid the medicine be-
Illnesses: Small doses of bloodroot decoction are an ing absorbed through your skin. Best harvested in au-
antibacterial agent useful for the treatment of bacterial tumn when the strength of the plant is returning to the
diseases such as diphtheria, tuberculosis, asthma, root and the tops are dying back. Dig up the root and
bronchitis, and pneumonia. For respiratory illnesses, the surrounding area, removing the rhizomes. Leave a
it has the added benefit of cleaning out the mucus and few behind for next year’s plants. Dry for future use.
congestion and suppressing coughs. However, I prefer Warning: Great caution is advised. Bloodroot is a
other, safer remedies. For sore throats, you can dilute toxic plant that can cause tunnel vision, nausea, and
the decoction in a glass of water and use it as a gargle. death. Do not use bloodroot if you may be pregnant or
Menstrual Problems: Small doses of Bloodroot if you are nursing. It may also cause permanent scar-
Decoction are beneficial for treating menstrual prob- ring or disfiguration when used topically.
lems including excessive bleeding and cramping.
Again, I prefer other plants for this purpose.

Blue Cohosh,

Caulophyllum

thalictroides

Blue cohosh is also known as squaw root or papoose
root for its use to induce labor. It is a perennial mem-
ber of the Berberidaceae (Barberry) Family.
Do not confuse it with Black Cohosh. They are very dif-
ferent. It is found on the floor of hardwood forests in
eastern North America. It prefers moist soil, hillsides,
and shady locations with rich soil. Blue Cohosh, Biosthmors - Own work, CC by SA 4.0

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