Page 201 - Lost Book Remedies

The Lost Book of Herbal Remedies

Physical Endurance and Sexual Potency: clearly, and lifts the mood. It is not suitable for use with
Athletes take Rhodiola root to enhance their physical people who have manic episodes, but for others it is of-
strength and endurance. It increases energy levels and ten considered a cure. Warning: Do not take golden
decreases the effects of strenuous exercise on the body. root with prescription anti-depressants or SSRIs as
It allows the athlete to push harder without feeling the they can interact.
physical stress. It also promotes sexual health, libido, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD):
and stamina. It may increase fertility.
Rhodiola regulates the brain hormones that cause anx-
Fatigue and Adrenal Fatigue: Fatigue can be iety, flashbacks, and other symptoms of PTSD. Start at
caused by a number of factors, everything from anemia a low dose.
to generally poor health or even stress. The adap- Treatment of Tuberculosis: A combination of
togenic properties of Rhodiola root helps increase en- Rhodiola flowers and Astragalus root is used as a treat-
ergy and reduce fatigue in almost all of these cases.
ment for tuberculosis. Eat the raw flowers from the
Healthy Thyroid Function: Rhodiola root pro- golden root plant and take Astragalus root powder
motes healthy immune system function and regulates daily.
many of the hormones that allow the body to function Harvesting: Harvest golden root in the autumn af-
normally, including the thyroid. It promotes healthy ter the first frost when the plant is dying back. Look for
function of the thyroid and helps to balance the hor- older plants with large roots, as older roots have more
mones. This is part of the reason that it increases en- medicinal value. Slice them into thin slices before dry-
ergy, but it also does far more to help the thyroid func- ing. The roots will turn a light brown; this is ok. Store
tion properly.
them wrapped in a paper bag for up to three years.
Memory and Brain Function: Rhodiola in- Warning: Do not use if you have an autoimmune
creases the mental capacity of the brain and helps with disorder as it may cause a flare up. Do not use if on
mental clarity. It improves memory retention, boosts SSRIs or if you have bipolar. Do not use if you are on
the mood, reduces fatigue, and calms anxiety. This thyroid medications. Consult with a doctor if you are
calm and improved function helps people relax.
on anti-coagulants or ACE inhibitors.
Relieves Anxiety and Depression: For people It may have stimulating effects so best taken in the
suffering from anxiety and depression, Rhodiola can morning so as not to interfere with sleep.
be a lifesaver. It calms anxiety, helps the person think

Solomon's Seal,

Polygonatum spp.

Solomon’s seal grows in the temperate zones of the
United States, Europe, and Asia. It is a member of the
Asparagus family and the young shoots can be eaten
like asparagus. It is a different plant than False Solo-
mon’s Seal, also in this book. You can tell easily them
apart when in flower or seed as Solomon’s Seal carries
their bell-shaped flowers and dark blue berries on the
underside of their stem while False Solomon’s Seal has
terminal feathery flower clusters with red berries. leaves are large and oval shaped, growing alternately
Identification: Solomon’s Seal grows to 3 feet (0.9 on the stem. The leaf base clasps the stem and the
meters) in height and up to 10 inches (25 cm) across. leaves have parallel veins. Its white or yellow-green
The stems arch gracefully and the light green smooth flowers are tubular, growing in small clusters of two to
10 flowers that grow from the underside of the stem at
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