Page 176 - Lost Book Remedies

The Lost Book of Herbal Remedies

middle and tapering at both ends (ovate). The leaves use a salve made from False Hellebore as a rub to re-
are feathery on the underside. The flowers are ar- lieve pain.
ranged on a large branched inflorescence approxi-
mately 1 to 2 1/2 feet (0.7m) long. The flowers are ¼ Other Uses: The roots of False Hellebore are slightly
to ½ inch (0.75 cm to 1.25 cm) long with six green to soapy and can be used to do laundry. Grate the root
yellow-green tepals. and add it to water.
Harvesting: Wear gloves when harvesting. Pick in-
The ovary is positioned above the sepal attachment
and produces flat, winged seeds. The fruit splits along dividual leaves and leave the plant intact. Dry the
two or more seams when dry to release seeds. The fruit leaves for storage. Harvest rhizomes only from mature
grows up to 1 1/4 inches (3.2 cm) long. plants. Collect the roots in autumn and dry them for
future use.
Medicinal Use. Treating High Blood Pres-
sure and Rapid Heartbeat: False Hellebore Warning: Take precaution and use only small doses,
Root contains chelidonic acid and other alkaloids. if you use it internally at all. False Hellebore is consid-
ered to be very toxic. Veratrum viride contains numer-
Some of the alkaloids expand peripheral blood vessels
and lower blood pressure by slowing the heartbeat. ous toxins that may cause vomiting and nausea. If the
poison is not evacuated, vertigo and cold sweats start,
Several pharmaceutical drugs for high blood pressure
and rapid heartbeat have been developed from False respiration slows, blood pressure and cardiac rhythm
falls, and the heart fails eventually leading to death.
Hellebore compounds.
This herb is highly effective, so only very small doses
should be used since an overdose is potentially deadly.
I prefer other home methods than this plant for lower-
ing blood pressure and heart rate, as the strength can
vary from plant to plant and in how it is made. If you
choose to use False Hellebore for this purpose, start
with very small doses of the decoction and have very
close medical supervision.

Reducing Fevers in Acute Diseases: In acute
disease situations such as peritonitis and acute pneu-
monia, a decoction of False Hellebore acts as a febri-
fuge (brings down the fever). However, do not forget
the other effects of the decoction and use it sparingly Walter Siegmund - Own work, CC by SA 3.0
under complete medical supervision. I much prefer
Yarrow to bring down a fever. Recipes. Indian Poke Leaf Decoction: 1
ounce chopped Indian poke Leaves, 1 pint (500 ml) of
Body Pain, Arthritis, and Muscle Pains: A
decoction of the leaves or roots, diluted with water, water. Cover the chopped leaves with water and bring
to a boil.
works as a wash to reduce or relieve shoulder pains,
intense arthritis pain, severe aches of the muscles and Turn off the heat and allow the leaves to steep for 10 to
body parts, pains at the rear portion of the neck and 15 minutes. Strain out the leaves and store the decoc-
fast electric shock in all parts of the body. Alternately, tion in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze.

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