NOTES AND DOSAGES
Standard doses. It is a pleasant drinking tea.
CAUTION
Do not use in pregnancy except under professional guidance, but otherwise a safe herb. Always seek medical advice for bleeding in mid-menstrual cycle.
ALLIUM SATIVUM
GARLIC
The familiar cooking herb. Garlic can be harvested about six to eight months after planting, in the summer. Bulbs not needed immediately can be dried in the sun and stored.
USES
Beneficial in cases of thrombosis, hardening of the arteries, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol.
For chest infections, asthma, flu, colds, and ear infections. Combines well with echinacea.
GARLIC OR ONION MILK
Put 1 onion or 3 cloves of garlic, thinly sliced, into a pan with 2 cups of milk (cow’s, goat’s, sheep’s, soy milk, or nut milk). Simmer over a very low heat for 20 minutes. Strain. Can be stored in a refrigerator for 2 or 3 days. Dose: Infants 2 to 4 teaspoons every four hours. Young children can drink freely if feverish and croupy.
PROPERTIES
Antiseptic
Antibiotic
Expectorant
Fungicide and antihistamine
Lowers blood pressure
NOTES AND DOSAGES
Tablets are easy to take. Follow the instructions on the box. Mix chopped garlic with an equal amount of honey and take 1 teaspoon 3 to 6 times daily. Half dose for children. The infused oil can be applied to the skin, ear, and chest, to fight infections. Regular dietary use benefits the circulation.
CAUTION
Safe to use but may be too hot for some constitutions, in which case use with milk. Enteric-coated tablets are available. These are easier on the digestion.
ALOE VERA
ALOE VERA
A succulent, tropical plant that has been used for centuries to heal both externally and internally. Aloes are resistant to drought, taking in water very easily and losing moisture very slowly.
USES
Applied to burns and sunburn, ringworm, infected cuts, acne, shingles, eczema, wrinkles, and areas of dry, itchy skin.
ALOE GEL
Wash the leaves. Cut into 2in. (5cm) lengths. Slice each piece in half, to expose the largest amount of gel. Wrap each piece in plastic wrap and date. To use: remove plastic and apply the gel side of the leaf to the skin; smear over the affected area, or hold in place with a bandage.
PROPERTIES
Soothing
Cooling
Antiseptic
Antifungal
NOTES AND DOSAGES
Aloes are easily grown as a house plant. Cut the leaf and apply the gel directly to the skin, or take 1 tablespoon, twice daily, as an internal medicine. The cut leaves will keep and can be used again. There are many excellent preparations of aloe in the stores—follow the instructions on the packet. The fresh aloe is unsurpassed for burns, irritable rashes, and sunburn. Keep some in the freezer for immediate use.
CAUTION
The gel is safe, but preparations of the whole leaf are strongly laxative and should not be used for long periods or in pregnancy.
ALTHEA OFFINCIALIS
MARSHMALLOW
A wild plant easily grown in gardens. Use the root and leaves. It grows up to 4ft. (1.5m) tall, with pale pink flowers. Its name comes from the Greek word altho, meaning “to cure.”
USES
For acid stomach, heartburn, ulcers, hiatus hernia, and irritable bowel.
Helps nonproductive and dry coughs.
Irritable bladder.
Dry skin, taken as a tea.
Powdered root mixed into a cream or added to water to make a paste for insect bites and weeping eczema.
MARSHMALLOW PASTE
This is an especially effective preparation for insect bites and stings. Take enough marshmallow root powder to cover the affected area, and add cold water to make a stiff paste. Apply thickly and allow to dry. Wash off and replace the paste every 2 or 3 hours.
PROPERTIES
Soothing
Mucilaginous
NOTES AND DOSAGES
Can be taken freely. For best results soak 1oz. (25g) cut root or leaf in 2 cups (500ml) cold water overnight. Strain and drink 3 cups daily.
ANGELICA ARCHANGELICA AND ANGELICA SINENSIS
ANGELICA ROOT
A tall, stately plant, popular in large gardens. The root should be dug up in the fall of the plant’s first year, dried quickly, and stored in an airtight container. It will retain its medicinal properties for several years.
USES
Tincture or decoction for convalescence, persistent fevers, indigestion, and weak digestion in general, colic and cramping pains, coughs, poor circulation, and general weakness with feelings of cold.
Chinese angelica (Dang Gui or Angelica sinensis) is an especially good tonic for women. In China it is called “women’s ginseng.” It is used for menstrual cramps and pains, anemia, and general debility in women.
CANDIED ANGELICA
Cut the stems into 1in. (2.5cm) lengths and simmer in sugar water until they are soft. Strain. Simmer in a sugar syrup (2 cups [500g] sugar in1 cup [250ml] water) for an hour. Strain and allow to dry. Sprinkle with powdered sugar and store in an airtight tin. Dose: 2in. (5cm) strip every few hours.
PROPERTIES
Warming and restorative
Antiseptic
Diuretic
Diaphoretic
Expectorant
CAUTION
Angelica root is contraindicated in diabetes, as it increases the sugar level in the blood. Avoid large doses in pregnancy, except as advised by a qualified herbalist. The amounts taken in food are harmless. Some people’s skin is sensitive to handling the fresh plant.
ARCTIUM LAPPA OR ARCTIUM MINUS
BURDOCK
A common wayside plant with large leaves and purple flowers. The root is commonly used.
USES
For “eruptive” and stubborn skin conditions, especially when hot and inflamed-looking—for example,