Page 209 - Lost Book Remedies

The Lost Book of Herbal Remedies

Stomach Problems, Diarrhea, Dysentery: Joint Pain,
Strawberry Leaf and Root Tea is beneficial in treating Arthritis,
dysentery, diarrhea, and other stomach disorders. The and Gout:
berries and juice of the plant treat gastritis. Wild straw-
Sore Throat: Try using strawberry tea as a gargle to berry leaves
cure a sore throat. One teaspoon of dried strawberry help treat ar-
leaves brewed with one cup of boiling water and thritic and
strained works well to calm irritation and inflamma- other joint
tion in the throat. pain. Try com-
bining them
Diuretic and Increased Urine Flow: The with St. John’s
leaves and roots of the wild strawberry have diuretic wort to drink Wild Strawberries, Yakudza, GNU FDL 1.2
and astringent properties that flush excess water and as a tea for this
toxins from the body. purpose. Strawberry fruit is anti-inflammatory and
helps prevent the formation of uric acid crystals in the
Burns, Cuts, and Wounds: The antiseptic and
mildly anti-bacterial properties of wild strawberry body. Eating a serving of strawberries daily is protec-
leaves work to heal skin wounds such as burns, cuts, tive.
and minor infections. Use the infusion as a wash to Recipes. Wild Strawberry and St. John’s Wort Infu-
clean and sanitize the wound then use fresh chopped sion:1 teaspoon dried wild strawberry leaves, crushed,
leaves as a poultice to reduce inflammation and help it 1 teaspoon fresh or dried St. John’s Wort flowers, 1 cup
heal. For sunburns, apply the crushed fruit on to the boiling water, lemon, and raw honey, as desired. Pour
skin. the boiling water over the wild strawberry leaves and
St. John’s Wort. Steep them for 10 minutes. Strain out
Toothpaste: Fresh strawberries can be rubbed on
teeth as a regular tooth cleaner and stain remover. the herbs and sweeten if desired. This tea is bitter.
Leave for 5 to 10 minutes and then brush off. Honey and lemon help the flavor.

Wild Yam,

Dioscorea villosa

Wild yam is in the Dioscoreaceae (Yam) Family. It is
found in wet, wooded areas in eastern and mid North
America. The plant has been overused and is becoming
harder to find, so be careful when harvesting to replant
tubers for future growth or find alternative herbs to
use.
Identification: Wild yam grows on a variable twin-
ing vine with smooth stems. Its alternate, heart-
shaped leaves have prominent veins radiating out from Wild Yam, Phyzome, CC by SA 3.0
the stem. They occur in whorls of three and are hairy
on the underside. Medicinal Use: Wild yam root is an anti-inflamma-
tory and pain-reliever and is good for digestive issues.
The vine produces separate male and female flowers Use wild yam either as a dried powdered root or as a
from May to August. Prominent three-winged fruit ap- tincture made from the root. Not for long term use.
pears in the fall. Roots are tubers.

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