Page 238 - Lost Book Remedies

The Lost Book of Herbal Remedies

Coughs, Colds, Bronchitis, and Tuberculo-
sis: Respiratory problems respond to an infusion
made with the inner root bark and stems. Try Devil’s
Club Tea, as needed, for respiratory symptoms. It helps
treat excess mucous and eliminates toxins. A decoction
of the inner root bark is used to treat tuberculosis and
other respiratory diseases.
Arthritis: Treat arthritis internally and externally
with Devil’s Club. Use a strong decoction as a wash on
painful joints. It can also be applied to joints as a poul-
tice of crushed bark. Use it carefully as it has a laxative
effect.

Head Lice: To get rid of head lice, mash the berries
into a pulp and massage the pulp into the scalp. It will Devil's club covered in spines
get rid of lice, dandruff, and leave the hair shiny and For medicinal purposes, harvest the inner bark of the
healthy. root and the stems that lie along the ground that have
Fever: A decoction of stems is useful for treating fe- lost their spines. The stems are also valuable, but the
vers. If the underlying cause is infectious, it will help spines must be stripped first. Dig around the roots and
get rid of the infection and heal the body. expose them, removing spiny branches. Cut any small
roots holding it in place on both ends.
Tooth Pain: Dried inner bark can be chewed or laid
into the tooth cavity to relieve the pain. Pull up the root. Tend the wild! Re-plant the cut end of
any stalks that you have cut back into the soil. They will
Cancer and Hormone Regulation: Devil’s grow roots and survive for the next year’s harvest. The
Club has been shown to kill cancer cells and regulate berries are poisonous to people, leave them to propa-
hormone levels. There are many new research studies gate the plant.
focusing on this.
Warning: The main hazard is the presence of spikes,
which are an irritant. Women should avoid this in their
first trimester of pregnancy.

Devil’s Club Decoction: You’ll need 4 table-
spoons Devil’s Club root bark, 2 cups spring water.
Chop or grind the root bark into very small pieces. Mix
with the spring water and bring to a boil. Reduce the
heat to a simmer and simmer for 20 to 40 minutes.
Cool. This is a strong decoction for external use or take
internally in small doses as needed.
Devil’s Club Tea or Infusion: Ingredients: 1 tea-
spoon Devil’s Club root bark, 1 cup boiling water. Pour
Harvesting: Wear heavy leather gloves and protec- the boiling water over the root bark and allow the tea
tive clothing to harvest Devil’s Club as the spines are to infuse for 10 to 15 minutes or until cool. Drink as
irritating. I harvest mid-autumn through early spring. needed.

237