Page 239 - Lost Book Remedies

The Lost Book of Herbal Remedies

Dogwood, Cornus florida

Flowering or American dogwoods are in the Cornaceae
(Dogwood) Family.
Identification: Dogwood grows as a shrub or as a
small deciduous tree. The opposite smooth leaves are
oval-shaped and have prominent parallel veins with a
pointed end. Leaves are deep green on the upper sur-
face and a velvety white on the underside and are 2 to
5 inches (5 to 12.5 cm) long. Their veins curve under as
they approach the leaf margins. White or pink flowers
appear in April or
May. The flowers
appear before the
leaves. The small Medicinal Use: The fruit, leaves, bark, and root
blooms are at the bark are used medicinally.
center of four Malaria and Fever Reduction: The bark of dog-
showy, creamy wood trees contains quinine, useful in treating ma-
white bracts that laria. The tea also induces sweating, which cools the
appear as petals. body.
Small red drupes
form containing Wound Care and Sore Muscles: For cuts,
one or two seeds burns, and other skin wounds, try a poultice made
Dogwood Leaves, KENPEI, CC by SA 3.0
each. from dogwood leaves. It is an anti-inflammatory and
an analgesic.
Edible and Other Use: The fruits can be eaten if
cooked. Peeled and chewed dogwood twigs make a Dogwood Bark Decoction is useful for easing the pain
good toothbrush and help whiten teeth. of sore muscles. Rub the decoction into sore muscles
or use it on sore joints.

skin and sweet flavor. The plants are either male or fe-
Hardy Kiwi, male. The small white flowers appear in May.

Actinidia arguta Edible Use: The hardy kiwi fruit has a flavor like the
true kiwi fruit, only sweeter. It can be eaten whole, with
The hardy kiwi is a perennial fruiting vine that is no need to remove the peel.
known for its vigorous growth and ability to withstand
the cold. It is also known as baby kiwi, arctic kiwi, cock-
tail kiwi, or kiwi berry. It is a popular cultivated fruit.
It is in the Actinidiaceae (Chinese Gooseberry) Family.
Identification: The plant is a deciduous twinning
vine with a woody stem. It easily climbs to heights of
25 to 30 feet (7.6m to 9.1m), but can reach much higher
if sufficient support is available.

The oval leaves are 3 to 5 inches (7.5 cm to 12.5 cm)
long. The leaves are bright green with reddish stems
and the fruits can be brown, green, or reddish. The
fruits are similar in size to a large grape with a smooth
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