Page 194 - Lost Book Remedies

The Lost Book of Herbal Remedies

Harvesting: Osha is very hard to cultivate in the Recipes. Osha Decoction: Add 2 ounces (56g) of
garden so please treat this plant with extra care and re- chopped osha roots and leaves to a pot containing 2
spect. Harvest the roots late summer to autumn from cups of water. Bring the water to a boil and simmer it
osha plants that are at least one year old and only take for approximately 20 minutes. Cool and store the de-
what you need. Dig up the older plants and let the coction in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Take 1 to 2
younger plants grow for harvesting another season. tablespoons of the decoction as needed.
Dig deeply. Dry for use. Seeds can be harvested after Osha Tincture: 1-pint (500 ml) of 80 proof vodka
they have ripened. Spread some seeds around to prop-
agate more osha. As always, tend the wild! or other alcohol, chopped roots of the osha plant. Place
the chopped dried roots into a glass pint (500ml) jar
Warning: Safety for pregnant and breastfeeding with a tight-fitting lid, filling the jar 3/4 full. Cover the
mothers is unknown. It may trigger menstruation so herbs with alcohol, filling the jar. Store the jar in a cool,
best to avoid during pregnancy. dark place such as a cupboard. Shake the jar daily for
6 to 8 weeks. Strain the herbs out of the liquid, cover it
tightly and use within seven years.

Parrot's Beak,

Pedicularis racemosa

Parrot’s beak has a unique flower. The petals are
shaped like parrot’s beaks, giving it its name. The plant
is also called leafy lousewort. It is in the Orobancha-
ceae (Broomrape) Family. It grows in coniferous for-
ests in Western North America at mid-elevations in the
mountains. All species of the genus Pedicularis have
similar medicinal properties.

Identification: Parrot’s beak flowers have petals
shaped like parrot’s beaks. The flowers grow in clusters
on a stalk and have a broad three-lobed lower lip and
an upper lip that curves over the lower lobes. Flowers
are white to cream-colored, yellow, or pink depending Thayne Tuason, Own Work, Wikipedia Commons cc 4.0
on location, and flower in the summer. The alternate Skeletal Muscle Relaxer: For muscle tension
leaves are narrow, stalkless (or with short stalks), and and small muscle tremors, parrot’s beak as a tea or
have toothed margins. The plant grows from 10 to 20 tincture works as an excellent muscle relaxer, relieving
inches (25 cm to 50 cm) high. pain by relaxing the muscles.

Medicinal Use: The leaves and flower petals are Massage therapists often give this to patients before a
medicinally active. They are relaxing and bring a feel- massage to release muscle tension.
ing of peace and contentment. You can use it as a tea,
tincture, or a smoking blend. All bring medicinal ef- Relaxation and Mild Sedative: This herb acts
fects. Smoking it does not produce a “high” feeling, but as a mild sedative, relieving pain, relaxing the body,
rather a peaceful feeling of well-being with occasional and bringing a sense of calm.
slight giddiness. My neighbor used to smoke it and Tension and Stress Headaches: Parrot’s beak
nicknamed it “Ridicularis” instead of “Pedicularis”, as is good for treating tension headaches and headaches
it worked so ridiculously well. caused by stress. Low doses are usually quickly effec-

Emotional Stress and Anxiety: Parrot’s beak is tive at relaxing the body and relieving a headache.
relaxing and helps people cope with emotional stress
and anxiety.

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