ALL ABOUT HERBS

ALL ABOUT HERBS




-------ALLSPICE (Pimento dioica)To grow:No directions to growUses:Allspice

will ease flatulence and dyspeptic pain. It may be applied as a compress for

rheumatism and neuralgia. It is mainly used as a spice in the food

industry.Parts used:The berries are the part of the plant that are used. They

should be picked while still green. When they are dried they will turn a

reddish-brown.Infusion:The dried berries should be bruised just before use to

release the oils. Pour one cup of boiling water over 1 teaspoon of the

berries and let stand for 5-10 minutes. Drink warm to ease the symptoms of

abdominal distress as

needed.-----------------------------------------------------------------------




---------ANISEED (Pimpinella anisum)To grow:Annual herb with bright green,

toothed, basal leaves. Tiny white flowers appear in umbrella-like clusters on

2 ft. stems in June. Start in place when ground warms up in spring. This

plant does not transplant easily. Grow in light soil in full sun. Water it

regularly.Uses:Aniseed oil is the basis for its internal use to ease griping,

intestinal colic, and flatulence. It also has a marked expectorant and

anti-spasmodic action and may be used where there is persistent coughing, and

in whooping cough. The oil may be used externally in an ointment base for

treating scabies. The oil by itself will help in the control of lice.Parts

used:The seeds of Anise are the part used. The ripe dry fruits should be

picked between mid-summer and early fall.InfusionThe seeds should be gently

crushed just before use to release the oils. Pour one cup of boiling water

over 1-2 teaspoonfuls of the seeds and let it stand for 5-10 minutes. Take

one cup three times daily. To ease flatulence the tea should be taken slowly

before meals.OilOne drop of the oil may be taken internally by mixing it into

1/2 teaspoonful of

honey.------------------------------------------------------------------------




--------BALM (Melissa officinalis)To grow:Perennial herb. Grows to 2 ft. It's

leaves are heavily veined, light green leaves with a lemony scent. It's white

flowers are unimportant and need to be cut occasionally to keep compact.

Spreads rapidly. Grow in rich, moist soil in sun or part shade. Balm is very

hardy and you can propagate from seed or root divisions. Self sows.Uses:Balm

is an excellent carminative herb that relieves spasms in the digestive tract

and is used in flatulent dyspepsia. The gently sedative oils relieve tension

and stress reactions, therefore, acting to lighten depression. It has a tonic

effect on the circulatory system and heart, thus lowering blood pressure. It

can be used in feverish conditions such as flu.Parts used:Dried aerial parts

or fresh in season. Pick the leaves two or three times a year between early

summer and early fall. Cut off the young shoots when they are approximately

12 in long. They should be dried in the shade at a temperature not more than

95 degrees Fahrenheit.Infusion:Pour a cup of boiling water onto 2-3 teaspoons

of the dried herb or 4-6 fresh leaves and leave to infuse for 10-15 minutes,

well covered. Drink a cup in the morning and the evening or when

needed.Tincture:Take 2-6 ml of the tincture three times a

day.--------------------------------------------------------------------------




------BAYBERRY (Myrica cerifera)To grow:Deciduous or partly evergreen shrub.

Dense, compact growth to 9 ft. Leaves are 4 inches long, narrowish, glossy

green, dotted with resin glands, and fragrant. Flowers are inconspicuous with

tiny roundish fruit covered with wax. You can plant Bayberry in almost any

soil in full sun. Water occasionally.Uses:Bayberry is a valuable astringent

in diarrhea and dysentery. It can be used as a douche for leucorrhea and can

be gargled for sore throats. It can also be used in the treatment of

colds.Part used:bark of root. It should be dug up in spring or fall and it's

bark pared off and dried.Decoction:Put 1 tsp. of the bark in one cup of cold

water and bring to a boil. Leave for 10-15 minutes. This should be drunk

three times a day.Tincture:Take 1-3 ml of the tincture 3 times a

day---------------------------------------------------------------------------




-----BLACK HOREHOUND (Ballota nigra)To grow:No directions to growUses:Eases

nausea where it is caused by the nervous system rather than the stomach. Good

for motion sickness, vomiting of pregnancy, and nervous vomiting. A

normalizer of menstrual function and also a mild expectorant.Part used:Dried

aerial parts. Collect just as it begins to bloom in midsummer.Infusion:Pour 1

cup of boiling water onto 1-2 tsp. of the dried herb and leave to infuse for

10-15 minutes. Drink three times a day or as needed.Tincture:Take 1-2 ml of

the tincture three times a

day.--------------------------------------------------------------------------




------CARAWAY (Carum carvi)To grow:Biennial herb. It has a mound of

carrot-like leaves the first year and umbrella-like clusters of white flowers

above the foliage the second year. The Plant dies after it's seeds ripen in

mid-summer. Start from seed sown in place in fall or spring. Plant in

well-drained soil in full sun. Water average. Thin seedlings to 1 1/2

ft.Uses:A calming herb used to ease flatulent dyspepsia and intestinal colic.

Stimulates the appetite. Increases milk flow during pregnancy, relieves

period pains, helps diarrhea, as a gargle helps laryngitis, and can be used

in bronchitis and bronchial asthma.Part used:Seeds. Collect the flowering

heads in mid-summer and leave to ripen. Shake the seeds off when

ready.Infusion:Pour a cup of boiling water over 1 tsp. of freshly crushed

seeds and leave to infuse for 10-15 minutes. Drink three times a

day.Tincture:Take 1-4 ml of the tincture three times a

day.--------------------------------------------------------------------------




------CATNIP (Nepeta cataria)To grow:Perennial. Grows 2-3 ft high. Downy

gray-green leaves and clustered lavender or white flowers at branch tips in

June. This plant is an easy grower in light soil. Water regularly. Reseeds

itself.Uses:Catnip is a traditional cold and flu remedy. A Powerful

diaphoretic used in many feverish conditions. It eases stomach upsets,

flatulence, dyspepsia, and colic. It has a sedative action which relaxes the

nerves. Another well known use is for cats. Sprinkle it's dried leaves over

their food or sew it into a stuffed toy.Parts used:Leaves and flowering tops.

Collect between early summer and early fall.Infusion:Pour a cup of boiling

water over 2 tsp. of dried herb and leave to infuse for 10-15 minutes. Drink

3 times a day.Tincture:Take 2-4 ml of the tincture 3-4 times a

day.--------------------------------------------------------------------------




------CHAMOMILE (Chamaemelum nobile)To Grow:Evergreen perennial. Has

soft-textured, bright green leaves that form a mat that spreads 3-12 inches.

Most common form has summer-blooming flower heads that resemble small yellow

buttons, others have daisy-like heads. Plant 1 ft apart in full sun or light

shade. Water moderately.Uses:An excellent, gentle sedative, safe for use in

children. Used in anxiety and insomnia. Use as a gargle for sore throats, a

mouth wash for mouth inflammations, or as an eye wash for sore eyes. Use as

an inhalant over a steam bath to speed recovery of nasal catarrh. Use

externally to speed wound healing and ease swelling.Parts used:Flowers and

leaves. Gather the flowers between late spring and late summer when they are

not wet with dew or rain. Dry with care at not to high a

temperature.Infusion:Pour 1 cup of boiling water over 2 tsp. of dried leaves

and leave to infuse for 5-10 minutes. Drink after meals for digestive

problems. Make a stronger infusion for mouthwash. Add half a cup of flowers

to 2L of water for a steam bath. Cover your head with a towel and inhale the

steam.Tincture:Take 2-4 ml of tincture three times a

day.--------------------------------------------------------------------------




------COMFREY (Symphytum officinale)To Grow:A Deep-rooted, clumping perennial

that grows to 3 ft. Basal leaves are 8 inches or more in length, shorter on

top, and all furry with stiff hairs. Flowers are 1/2 inch long, usually a

dose rose color, sometimes white, creamy, or purple. Plant in full sun or

partial shade. Water average. To keep leaf production high cut out flowering

stalks and mulch each spring with compost. Gardeners should think hard before

putting comfrey into your gardens. Plants spread freely from roots and are

difficult to get rid of. On the other side, some herb enthusiasts claim it

accumulates minerals and enriches compost.Uses:A Powerful healing agent in

gastric and duodenal ulcers, hiatus hernia, and ulcerative colitis. Will help

hemorrhages when they occur. It will soothe and reduce irritation while

helping expectoration in cases of bronchitis and irritable cough. May be used

to speed wound healing and help guard against scar tissue developing

incorrectly.Parts used:Root and rhizome, leaf. Dig up the roots in spring or

fall when the allantoin levels are highest. Split the roots down the middle

and dry in temperatures of about 104-140 degrees Fahrenheit.Decoction:Place

1-3 tsp. of the dried herb in 1 cup of water and bring to a boil. simmer for

10-15 minutes. Drink three times daily.Tincture:Take 2-4 ml of the tincture

three times daily.*CAUTION:The external application of Comfrey to very deep

wounds may lead to scar tissueforming over the wound before it is healed,

possible leading to abscesses.NOTE:Leaves have been used as food for people

and livestock-but they contain a poison, pyrrolizidine, and should not be

eaten.------------------------------------------------------------------------




--------CORIANDER (Coriandrum sativum)To Grow:Annual herb. Grows 12-15 inches

high with delicate fern-like foliage and flat clusters of pinkish white

flowers. Plant in good, well-drained soil, in full sun. Grows quickly and

sows itself.Uses:Helps the digestive system get rid of wind and the spasm

pain (colic) that sometimes goes with it. Eases diarrhea. The oil acts as a

stimulant to the stomach, increasing secretion of digestive juices, therefore

stimulating the appetite.Parts used:Ripe seeds. Collect the flowering heads

in late summer and leave to ripen. Shake the flowers then and collect the

seeds will fall off easily.Infusion:Pour 1 cup of boiling water on 1 tsp. of

the bruised seeds and leave to infuse for 5 minutes in a closed pot. Drink

before

meals.------------------------------------------------------------------------




--------DILL (Anethum graveolens)To Grow:Annual herb grows 3-4 ft. It has

soft-leathery leaves and umbrella-like clusters of small, yellow flowers. The

seeds and leaves have a pungent fragrance. Sow in place in full sun several

times during the spring and summer for constant supply. Thin to 1 1/2 ft

apart. Dill sprouts and grows better in the spring than in the summer.Uses:An

excellent remedy for flatulence and colic. This is the herb of choice in

colic in small children. It stimulates the milk flow in a nursing mother and

chewing the seeds will clear up bad breath.Part used:Seeds. Collect the seeds

when they are fully ripe (have turned brown) Spread out to dry in natural

heat.Infusion:Pour 1 cup of boiling water over the gently crushed seeds and

leave to infuse for 10-15 minutes. For flatulence, drink a cup before

meals.Tincture:Take 1-2 ml of the tincture three times a

day.--------------------------------------------------------------------------




------ECHINACEA (Echinacea angustifolia)To Grow:No directions to

growUses:Echinacea is the number one remedy to help rid the body of microbial

infections. Works against both bacterial and viral attacks. It can be used

for boils, septicemia, or any other infection of that sort. If used with

other herbs it can be used for infections anywhere in the body.Parts

used:cone flower and roots. Dig up the roots in the fall. It is said that

fresh roots are more effective than dried roots.Decoction:Put 1-2 tsp. of the

root into 1 cup of water and slowly bring to a boil. Let simmer for 10-15

minutes. Drink three times a day.Tincture:Take 1-4 ml of the tincture three

times a

day.--------------------------------------------------------------------------




------FENNEL (Foeniculum vulgare)To Grow:Perennial herb, usually grown as a

summer annual. Similar to dill, but coarser, it grows to 3-5 ft high. It has

yellow green, finely cut leaves with flat clusters of yellow flowers. Grow in

light, well-drained soil, in full sun. Drought tolerant. Start from seed in

place. Thin seedlings to 1 ft apart.Uses:An excellent stomach and intestinal

remedy that eases flatulence and colic while stimulating the digestive tract

and appetite. It will increase the flow of milk in nursing mothers. It may be

used to ease rheumatism and muscular pains externally. As a compress it will

treat the conjunctivitis and inflammation of the eyelids.Part used:Seeds.

Harvest the seeds when they are ripe and split in the fall. Cut the brown

umbel off and comb the seeds to clean them. Dry slightly in the

shade.Infusion:Pour 1 cup of boiling water over 1-2 tsp. of slightly crushed

seeds and leave to infuse for 10 minutes. Drink three times a day. To ease

flatulence drink a cup half an hour before meals.Tincture:Take 2-4 ml of the

tincture three times a

day.--------------------------------------------------------------------------




------GARLIC (Allium sativum)To Grow:Perennial. In areas with mild winters,

plant between October and December for early summer harvest. Where winters

are cold, plant early in spring. Break bulbs up into cloves and plant base

downward 1-2 inches apart in rows 1 ft apart.Uses:One of the most effective

anti-microbial plant available, acting on bacteria, viruses and alimentary

parasites. Used in respiratory infections such as chronic bronchitis,

catarrh, recurrent colds and influenza. It is helpful in the treatment of

whooping cough and asthma. Can be used as a preventive agent against most

infectious conditions. Will support the growth of the natural bacteria flora

while killing pathogenic organisms in the digestive tract. Will reduce blood

pressure and blood cholesterol levels if taken over a period of time.

Externally it can be used for the treatment of ringworm and threadworm.Part

used:Bulb. Dig up the bulb when the leaves begin to wither and fall over.A

Clove should be eaten three times a day. If smell is a problem, then switch

to garlic oil capsules. Take three once a day as a prophylactic or take one

three times a day when an infection

occurs.-----------------------------------------------------------------------




---------

HOPS (Humulus lupulus)To Grow:Perennial vine. Grow from roots (which are not

easily found in nurseries) planted in rich soil in early spring. Place thick

end up just below soil surface. Trellis's or supports will be needed for

vertical climbing. Shoots appear in May and grow quickly to 15-25 ft by

mid-summer. Water roots a lot once rapid growth starts. Light green hops

appear in August-September and have a fresh, piney fragrance. Regrowth comes

the next spring.Uses:Used for the treatment of insomnia. Will ease tension

and anxiety. Can be used in conditions such as mucous colitis. They may be

used for the treatment of ulcers externally.Part used:Flower inflorescence.

Gather the cones before they are fully ripe in late summer or early fall. Dry

with care in the shade.Infusion:Pour 1 cup of boiling water over 1 tsp. of

the dried flowers and leave to infuse for 10-15 minutes. Drink one cup a

night to help induce sleep.Tincture:Take 1-4 ml of the tincture three times a

day.CAUTION:Do not use in cases of marked

depression--------------------------------------------------------------------




------------HORSERADISH (Armoracia rusticana)To Grow:No directions to

grow.Uses:Can be used in influenza and fevers as a rough equivalent to

cayenne pepper. It stimulates the digestive process while easing wind and

griping pains. Also, for urinary infections, rheumatism, and as a poultice in

bronchitis.Part used:Tap root. Collect the roots in winter and store in

sand.Infusion:Pour 1 cup of boiling water over 1 tsp. of chopped or powdered

root. Leave to infuse for 5 minutes. Drink three times a day or more when

used to treat influenza or

fevers.-----------------------------------------------------------------------




---------HYSSOP (Hyssopus officinalis)To Grow:Perennial herb. Grows to 1

1/2-2 ft high. Has narrow, dark green, pungent leaves and a profusion of dark

blue flower spikes that appear July-November. There are also white and

pink-flowered forms available. Plant in full sun or light shade. Fairly

drought resistant.Uses:It is used in coughs, bronchitis, and chronic catarrh.

It can be used for the common cold due top its diaphoretic state. As a

Nervine it may be used in anxiety, hysteria, and petite mal (a form of

epilepsy).Part used:Dried aerial parts. Collect the flowering tops in late

summer.Infusion:Pour 1 cup of boiling water over 1-2 tsp. of the dried herb

and leave to infuse for 10-15 minutes. Drink three times a day.Tincture:Take

1-4 ml of the tincture three times a

day.--------------------------------------------------------------------------




------LAVENDER (Lavandula angustifolia)To Grow:Classic lavender grows to 3-4

ft high and wide. Leaves are 2 inches long, gray, smooth on margins, and

narrow. Flowers are lavender, 1/2 inch long on 1/12 to 2 ft spikes in

July-August. Plant in good soil. Water regularly.Uses:An effective herb for

headaches. Can be used in the clearing of depression, especially when used

with other remedies. It can be used to soothe and promote natural sleep. It

can help ease the pains of rheumatism when used externally as an oil.Part

used:Flowers. Collect just before they open in early summer and early fall.

Dry gently in a room not above 95 degrees Fahrenheit.Infusion:Pour 1 cup of

boiling water over 1 tsp. of the dried flowers and leave to infuse for 10

minutes. Drink three times a day.Oil:Do not take the oil internally. It can

be inhaled, rubbed on the skin, or used in

baths.------------------------------------------------------------------------




--------MARIGOLD (Calendula officinalis)To Grow:Annual. Flowers from late

fall through spring in mild-winter areas and spring to summer in colder

winter areas. Plants, somewhat branching 1-2 ft high. Leaves are long,

narrow, round on the ends, sticky, and slightly aromatic. Sow seeds in place

or in flats in late summer or early fall in mild winter climates or in spring

elsewhere. Plant in full sun. Adapts to most soils with ample or little w

ater, as long as drainage is fast.Uses:Use marigold wherever there is

inflammation of the skin, external bleeding, bruising, and minor burns.

Internally it can be used in the treatment of Gastric and duodenal ulcers. It

helps relieve gall bladder problems and indigestion as a cholagogue. It also

helps delayed menstruation and painful periods.Part used:Yellow flower

petals. Collect the petals between early summer and early fall. Dry with

great care to insure there is no discoloration.Infusion:Pour 1 cup of boiling

water onto 1-2 tsp. of the petals and leave to infuse for 10-15 minutes.

Drink three times a day.Tincture:Take 1-4 ml of the tincture three times a

day.--------------------------------------------------------------------------




------MARJORAM (Origanum vulgare)To Grow:Perennial herb. Upright growth to 2

1/2 ft. Spreads by underground stems. Leaves are medium sized and oval.

Purplish-pink blooms. Plant in sun, medium-rich soil. It needs good drainage.

Water average. Keep it trimmed to prevent flowering. Replant every 3

years.Uses:Often used in the treatment of colds and flu. Can be used as a

mouthwash for inflammations of the mouth and throat. It can be used

externally for infected wounds and cuts. The Infusion is used in whooping

coughs and coughs. As an oil rubbed on the forehead or temples or as a tea it

may be used to relieve headaches due to stress. The oil can also be used for

areas of rheumatic and muscular pain. A lotion of marjoram will soothe stings

and bites.Part used:Aerial parts. Gather as soon as it flowers. Do not gather

the larger, thicker stalks.Infusion:Pour 1 cup of boiling water onto 1 tsp.

of the herb and let infuse for 10-15 minutes. Drink three times a

day.Mouthwash:Pour 1 PT of boiling water onto 2 tbs., of the herb. Let it

stand covered for 10 minutes. Gargle for 5-10 minutes three times a day.

Reheat to use again.Tincture:Take 1-2 ml of the tincture three times a

day.--------------------------------------------------------------------------




------MARSHMALLOW (Althaea officinalis)To Grow:No directions to grow.Uses:The

root is used primarily for digestive problems, inflammations of the digestive

tract and on the skin. The leaves are used for the lungs and urinary system.

The leaf can also be used for bronchitis, respiratory catarrh, and irritating

coughs. Externally, the root is indicated in varicose veins, ulcers,

abscesses and boils.Parts used:Roots and leaves. Collect the leaves in summer

after flowering and dig up the root in late fall. Clean the root of root

fibers and cork and dry immediately.Decoction:Put 1 tsp. of chopped root into

1 cup of water and boil gently for 10-15 minutes. Drink three times a

day.Infusion:Pour 1 cup of boiling water onto 1-2 tsp. of the dried leaves

and leave to infuse for 10 minutes. Drink three times a day.Tincture:Take 1-4

ml of the tincture three times a day.This herb can be used as a compress

also.-------------------------------------------------------------------------




-------MISTLETOE (Viscum alba)To Grow:No Directions to grow but easily bought

around Christmas time. If you do not want to wait, you can find it easily in

the Rocky mountains growing on trees. You can probably find it anywhere in

the U.S. growing on trees.Uses:Mistletoe will quiet, tone, and soothe the

nervous system. It will reduce heart rate while strengthening the wall of the

peripheral capillaries. It will ease blood pressure and ease

arteriosclerosis. It has been shown to have some anti-tumor activity.Part

used:Leafy twigs. Collect the twigs in the spring.Infusion:Pour 1 cup of

boiling water over 1-2 tsp. of the dried herb and leave to infuse for 10-15

minutes. Drink three times a day or as needed.Tincture:Take 1-4 ml of the

tincture three times a day.CAUTION:Do not use the

berries.----------------------------------------------------------------------




----------MUSTARD (Brassica nigra)To Grow:No directions to grow.Uses:It can

be used as a mild irritant to the skin, which when applied, stimulates

circulation to that area and relieves muscular and skeletal pain. May be

taken as a tea or ground and sprinkled into a bath to relieve fevers, colds,

and influenza.Part used:Seeds. Collect the ripe seed pods in late summer. Tap

the seeds out and dry in a thin layer.Poultice:Mix 4 oz of freshly ground

black mustard seeds with warm water to form a thick paste. Spread on a piece

of cloth the size of the body area to be covered. Lay a damp gauze between

the poultice and the skin to prevent the paste from sticking to the skin.

Apply the cloth and remove after 1 minute. If the skin is reddened it can be

eased with olive oil.Infusion:Pour 1 cup of boiling water over 1 tsp. of

mustard flour and leave to infuse for 5 minutes. Drink three times a day.This

may also be used as a footbath. Make an infusion using 1 tsp. of bruised

seeds to 1 L boiling

water.------------------------------------------------------------------------




--------OATS (Avena sativa)To Grow:No directions to grow.Uses:Oats can be

used in cases of nervous debility and exhaustion when associated with

depression. It can be used with other nervines, both relaxant and stimulatory

to strengthen the whole nervous system. It can also be used as a remedy for

skin conditions.Parts used:Seeds and whole plant. Gather the seeds and straw

in late summer at harvest time. Cut and bound the stalks and leave to dry

upright. Thresh out the fruit. The straw is just the crushed dry stalks.Fluid

Extract:Take 3-5 ml three times a day.Bath:Boil 2L of water and 1 LB of straw

for half an hour. Strain the liquid and add it to the bath.The most common

way to get oats is to eat them through porridge or

oatmeal.----------------------------------------------------------------------




----------PARSLEY (Petroselinum crispum)See Coriander.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------




--PASSION FLOWER (Passiflora incarnata)To Grow:Perennial vine. Spreads

prodigiously through root runners. It dies back at the first frost. Flowers

are 2 inches across with white and purple with white crown. The fruit is 2

inches long, yellowish green, and edible. Grow from seed in any soil with

average water.Uses:Passion flower aids in the transition into a restful sleep

without any 'narcotic' hangover. It may be used in Parkinson's' disease,

seizures, hysteria, and asthma as an anti-spasmodic. It can be used for nerve

pain such as neuralgia or shingles.Part used:Leaves. Collect the foliage

alone before the flowers bloom between late spring and mid-summer. It may

also be collected with the fruit after flowering. Dry the leaves in the

shade.Infusion:Pour 1 cup of boiling water onto 1 tsp. of the dried leaves

and leave to infuse for 15 minutes. Drink one cup a night for sleeplessness

and a cup twice a day for other conditions.Tincture:Take 1-4 ml of the

tincture and use the same way as the

infusion.---------------------------------------------------------------------




-----------PUMPKIN (Cucurbita pepo)To Grow:For Jumbo-size, Halloween

pumpkins, plant seeds in mid May or June. Plant is sunny location. Allow a

vine area of 8-12 ft in diameter. After the soil is cultivated, dig a hole 4

inches deep where you will plant seeds. Put a shovelful of manure in the hole

and cover it with soil to level the ground. Plant 6-8 seeds, 1 in deep,

within a circle 6 inches wide. If you want more than one set of vines, plant

the next circle 8 ft away. Water seeds after planting. When plants are 4-6

inches high, remove all but the two best plants in the circle. Water the

pumpkins when you see the slightest sign of wilting, being careful to not get

the leaves wet. When the pumpkins are tennis ball size, remove all but 3 or 4

on each vine for a total of no more than 8 in each circle. If you want extra

large pumpkins remove all but one. Remove the pumpkins from the ends of the

vines, saving the ones closest to the main stem. Remove all flowers that

bloom after that. In late summer slide a wooden shingle under each pumpkin if

the ground is wet. If you have sandy soil you do not need to worry about

this. When pumpkins are the size you want, pick and do whatever it is you are

going to do with them. For smaller, regular pumpkins, plant in early spring

in circles of 6-8 seeds with a diameter of 6 inches. Water well. Pick

pumpkins when they are the sizeyou want.Uses:The seeds have long been used as

a remedy for worms and tapeworms.Part used:Seeds. Remove the seeds from the

pulp inside the pumpkin.Preparation:Beat 2 oz of the seeds with as much sugar

and milk to make a pint. Take this fasting, in three doses, one every two

hours. Drink castor oil a few hours after the last

dose.-------------------------------------------------------------------------




-------RASPBERRY (Rubus idaeus)To grow:Needs good drainage, dryish soil, and

sun or light shade.Uses:Raspberry leaves have long been used to strengthen

and tone the tissue of the womb, assisting contractions, and checking any

hemorrhage during labor. This will happen if the herb is drunken continuously

during pregnancy and taken during labor. It can also be used in diarrhea,

leucorrhea, and other loose conditions. It is used in the easing of mouth

problems such as mouth ulcers, bleeding gums and inflammation. It will help

sore throats.Part used:Leaves and fruit. Collect the leaves throughout the

growing season. Dry slowly in a well-ventilated area.Infusion:Pour 1 cup of

boiling water over 2 tsp. of the dried herb. Leave to infuse for 10-15

minutes. You may drink this freely.Tincture:Take 2-4 ml of the tincture three

times a

day.--------------------------------------------------------------------------




------RED SAGE (Salvia officinalis)To grow:Perennial herb. Grows 1 1/2-2 ft

high. Leaves are 1-2 inches long, narrow, and gray green. It has tall spikes

of violet blue flowers. Can plant in poor, but well-drained soil, full sun.

It is fairly drought resistant. Cut back after bloom and fertilize if you cut

continually. Divide every three or four years. Propagate from cuttings,

layers, or seeds.Uses:It is most widely used as a remedy for inflammations of

the mouth, gums, tongue, throat, and tonsils. As a gargle it will help

laryngitis, pharyngitis, tonsillitis, and quinsy. It reduces sweating when

taken internally and may be used to reduce the production of breast milk. It

stimulates the muscles of the uterus and may be used as a compress to heal

wounds.Part used:Leaves. Collect the leaves when the plant begins to flower

in late spring or early summer. Dry in the shade at a temperature not above

95 degrees Fahrenheit.Infusion:Pour 1 cup of boiling water over 1-2 tsp. of

the leaves and leave to infuse for 10 minutes. Drink three times a

day.Mouthwash:Bring 2 tsp. of the leaves and 1 PT of water to a boil. Let

stand, covered for 15 minutes. Gargle deeply for 5-10 minutes several times a

day.Tincture:Take 2-4 ml of the tincture three times a day.CAUTION:Avoid

during

pregnancy---------------------------------------------------------------------




ROSEHIPS (Rosa canina)To grow:Try to plant where roses will receive full sun

all day. Avoid planting where other shrubs or trees will steal water from the

roses. Plant in well drained soil. Dig soil deep and incorporate organic

matter such as ground bark, peat moss, or compost. Add complete fertilizer to

soil at the same time and dig supplemental phosphorous and potash into

planting holes. Before planting bare-root roses, immerse them in water for

several hours. Be sure to make holes large enough so you will not have to

bend the roots or cut them back. Before planting cut broken canes and broken

roots just below the break. Set plant in the hole so that bud union (knob

from which the canes grow) is just above soil level. After the rose is

planted and has been watered well, mound soil or damp peat moss around the

bud union and the canes. Remove gradually after the leaves begin to expand.

You must water regularly. Water deeply so that entire root system receives

water. Big, well established plants need more water than new plants. Apply

nutrients fairly regularly. Feed when a blooming cycle has just ended and new

cycle is beginning. Stop feeding about 6 weeks before first hard frost.

Regular pest and disease control should be followed. Begin to controlaphids

as soon as they appear. To prune, use sharp pruning spears. Remove woodthat

is obviously dead or wood that has no healthy growth coming from it. Also

prune branches that rub against the plants larger canes or branches that cut

through the center. Each spring, remove 1/3 1/2 inch of the previous season's

growth. Cut flowers as a form of pruning. Cut enough stem to allow rose to

stand in a vase but do not cut to much foliage from the plant.Uses:A good

source of vitamin C. They help in the bodies defense against colds and flues.

They help in cases of constipation and mild gall bladder problems as well as

conditions of the bladder and kidney.Parts used:Fruit (hips) and seeds of the

dog rose. Collect the hips in the fall.Decoction:Put 2 1/2 tbs. of the cut

hips in a cup of water and bring to a boil. Simmer for 10

minutes.Tincture:Take 2-4 ml of the tincture three times a

day.--------------------------------------------------------------------------




------ROSEMARY (Rosmarinus officinalis)To grow:Evergreen shrub, herb. Rugged

and picturesque, grows 2-6 ft high. Leaves are narrow, aromatic, glossy, and

dark green above, grayish white below. Flowers grow in small clusters and are

lavender blue, 1/4-1/2 inch. They bloom in winter and spring, and

occasionally in the fall. It endures hot sun and poor soil. You must have

good drainage for this plant. Once established, water it sparingly in the

desert. In other areas the plant needs little or no water. Control growth by

pinching tips when plants are small and by pruning older plants

lightly.Uses:Rosemary is a circulatory and Nervine stimulant. Can be used for

headaches, dyspepsia, or depression associated with debility. It can be used

to ease muscular pain, sciatica, and neuralgia externally. It's oil may be

used on hair follicles for premature baldness.Parts used:Leaves and twigs.

Gather the leaves throughout the summer. The best time to collect them is

during their flowering time.Infusion:Pour 1 cup of boiling water over 1-2

tsp. of the dried herb and leave to infuse in a covered container for 10-15

minutes. Drink three times a day.Tincture:Take 1-2 ml of the tincture three

times a

day.--------------------------------------------------------------------------




------RUE (Ruta graveolens)To grow:Perennial herb. Grows 2-3 ft. It's leaves

are aromatic, fern-like, and blue green. Flowers are small and greenish

yellow, with decorative brown seed capsules. Sow seeds in flats and

transplant to 1 ft apart. Grows in good soil with additions of lime to

strongly acidic soil. Plant in full sun, water average or minimal.Uses:It's

main use is the regulation of periods, where it is used to bring on

suppressed menses. It may be used to relax smooth muscles, especially in the

digestive system. It can ease spasmodic coughs. It increases peripheral

circulation and lowers elevated blood pressure. Chew the fresh leaf to

relieve headaches, ease palpitations, and other anxiety problems.Part

used:Dried aerial parts. Collect the leaves before the flowers open in the

summer and dry in the shade.Infusion:Pour 1 cup of boiling water over 1-2

tsp. of the dried herb and leave to infuse for 10-15 minutes. Drink three

times a day.Tincture:Take 1-4 ml of the tincture three times a

day.CAUTION:Rue's oil is a powerful abortifacient and therefore should be

avoided during

pregnancy---------------------------------------------------------------------




-----------THYME (Thymus vulgaris)To grow:Shrubby perennial herb. Grows 6-12

inches high. Leaves are 1/4 inch long, narrow to oval, fragrant, and gray

green. It has tiny lilac flowers in dense patches June-July.Uses:Makes a good

carmative for use in dyspepsia and sluggish digestion. May be used externally

as a lotion for infected wounds, but also internally for respiratory and

digestive infections. Can be used as a gargle for laryngitis, tonsillitis,

easing sore throats and irritable coughs. It can be used in bronchitis,

whooping cough, and asthma. It can also be used in childhood diarrhea and

bed-wetting.Parts used:Leaves and flowering tops. Collect the flowering stems

between early summer and late summer on a dry sunny day. Strip the leaves off

the dried stems.Infusion:Pour 1 cup of boiling water over 2 tsp. of the dried

herb and leave to infuse for 10 minutes. Drink three times a

day.Tincture:Take 2-4 ml of the tincture three times a day.~source unknown~