Page 174 - Lost Book Remedies

The Lost Book of Herbal Remedies

powder and rubbed into wounds, folds of skin, or any- ripened, though the spores can also be harvested while
where that you prefer not to use oil. The powder ab- still green. For a ripe plant just cut off the plant and
sorbs moisture and helps heal wounds. spread them on a sheet to dry until the cones open.
Shake them and collect the spore powder. To collect
Rheumatoid Arthritis: A decoction of the entire the spore heads from green cones, cut off the cones and
plant is said to help rheumatoid arthritis symptoms.
break them open. Place the cones in a paper bag and
Flatulence: Both constipation and flatulence can be place them in a cool, dry place to open. When the cones
treated with spores from club moss. As little as 1/4 tea- open, shake out the spores and remove the remaining
spoon mixed with water eases symptoms and resolves plant material.
the problem.
Warning: Club moss contains small amounts of al-
Kidney Diseases: Club Moss Decoction made from kaloids, which are a toxic substance and can cause pa-
the whole plant is used to treat kidney disease and re- ralysis to the motor nerves if consumed in large
lated disorders. It works to eliminate kidney stones amounts.
and cleanse the system.
Recipes. Club Moss Decoction: 1 ounce of
ground or finely chopped club moss plant, 2 cups of
water. Bring the water to a boil and add the club moss
plant. Turn the heat down to a slow simmer and sim-
mer the decoction for 15 minutes. Allow the decoction
to cool and strain out the herb. Keep the decoction in
the refrigerator and use within 3 days. Use a maximum
of one cup daily, split into 4 or more doses.

Club Moss Salve. 5 ounces (150ml) of organic olive
oil or other carrier oil, 1 ounce (28g) of shaved bees-
wax, 1 tablespoon of club moss spore powder. Heat the
olive oil gently over very low heat in a double boiler.
Add the club moss spore powder. Keep the oil on very
low heat for 20 to 30 minutes while the spores release
Wound Treatment: Open wounds and sores that their medicine into the oil. Add the shaved beeswax
refuse to heal are well served by the application of club and stir until the salve is thoroughly mixed. Do not
moss spores. Apply the spores as a powder and rub it strain out the spores. Pour the salve into a sanitized jar
into the affected area. and cover it tightly. Keep the salve refrigerated if in a

Harvesting: Harvesting of club moss should be very hot climate. Apply 2 to 3 times daily, as needed.
done when the spore heads are dry, mature, and

Coltsfoot,

Tussilago farfara

Coltsfoot is in the Aster/Daisy Family, and is closely
related to Butterbur. It is native to Eurasia but has nat-
uralized in the US and Canada. It is also known as
coughwort, podbel, and son-before-the-father.

Identification: Coltsfoot is a rather unusual peren-
nial. The flowers look like dandelion, but they appear
early, in April, and die before the leaves appear. It
grows between 4 and 6 inches (10 cm to 15 cm) tall and
is usually found in open areas with disturbed soil.

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