Page 261 - Lost Book Remedies

The Lost Book of Herbal Remedies

Identification: For arthritis, a weak tea is prescribed several times a
At up to 200 feet day until the joint pain is relieved.
(60 meters) tall Treat Dandruff: For dandruff relief, use a decoc-
and up to 20 feet tion of the twigs and leaves. It improves the scalp and
(6 meters) in di- stops the itching and flaking of dandruff.
ameter, this tree
stands out. You Warts, Fungal & Yeast Infections, and Viral
probably already Infections of the Skin: Red cedar has strong an-
know if there is tiviral properties that kill the virus that causes warts.
one in your area. It Apply a leaf tincture or oil infusion 3 times a day until
is a distinctive ev- the wart falls off. It also treats fungal infections of the
ergreen with a skin and nails and other viral infections of the skin. Ap-
wide base, fluted ply Western Red Cedar Oil directly to the affected area
trunk and gray to several times a day and continue to apply it for at least
cinnamon-red a week after all symptoms are gone. Couple this with
bark. The leaves internal use as a tincture. A brew of the leaves can also
are greenish-yel- be used as a douche for vaginal infections.
low with flat, op-
posite scales. Foot Fungus: For foot fungus, use a salve or soak
Branches are often your feet in cedar tea. Make your external tea with one
J-shaped curving Abdallahh from Montréal, Canada cup of red cedar leaves in 10 cups of boiling water. Let
toward the sky. In late autumn, the tree fills with round the tea cool until it is the right temperature for a warm
flowers that give the tree a golden appearance, espe- soak. Place it in a basin and soak your feet for 10 to 15
cially when the pollen is released in a thick yellow minutes.
cloud. The flowers become small seed cones with 8 to Stimulates the Immune System: Red cedar
12 scales. Each cone is about 1 1/2 inches (3.75 cm) improves immune function by stimulating white blood
long. cells to fight infection, clean up debris, and attack can-
Medicinal Use: Western red cedar is an antifungal, cer cells.
antiviral, antibacterial, and antioxidant. It has been Respiratory Infections: Respiratory infections
used for centuries by Native Americans and continues readily respond to steam infused with red cedar bark
to be used today. or oil. Cedar improves the blood flow to the lungs and

Treating Skin Problems: Red cedar bark is use- allows the body to take in more oxygen. Place chopped
ful to treat boils, ringworm, fungal skin infections, cedar leaf in your steam vaporizer and breathe the
sores, and swellings. Make the powdered bark into a steam deeply for at least 5 minutes per sitting. Use the
paste for application directly onto an infection. You steam up to 5 times daily to clear the respiratory tracts.
can also use dry bark powder to cauterize sores and
stop bleeding. An infusion of the inner bark works as a
wash to soothe irritated skin. A poultice of ground in-
ner bark is useful for carbuncles and boils.
Healthy Tonic: Red Cedar Tea is a good medi-
cine to support the health of the heart and body. I make
tea from the bark and twigs for a good overall body
tonic. Do not use if you have weak kidneys and if it
causes stomach upset try a tincture instead.
Reduces Inflammation, Pain, and Swell-
ing: A strong decoction of red cedar leaves applied di-
rectly to the skin helps relieve sore muscles and joints.
Leaves and cones of Red Cedar, Walter Siegmund CC3.0
260