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(Arctium
lappa) Blood
purifier. Useful for any systemic rash conditions, such as
psoriasis. Antiseptic. Useful for bites, stings, animal
bites and boils. For rashes, use internally and externally.
Internally, burdock is also useful for arthritic conditions, rheumatism,
and many types of infections. It is the primary ingredient in
ESSIAC TEA, a Native American cancer formula.
BLACK WALNUT HULLS - (Juglans
nigra) Antifungal.
Use for athletes foot and other fungal infections, parasites, abscesses,
and boils.
CALENDULA - (Calendula
officinalis) This
species of marigold is often cultivated in gardens. Calendula
helps to soothe inflamed tissues, reduce pain and aids in quick healing
of cuts and abrasions.
CHICKWEED - (Stellaria media)
Cooling, antiseptic herb used to treat inflammations, relieve itching, blisters, boils, and abscesses. Fresh plant is edible in salads or as a cooked green. You can find chickweed growing in your lawn, garden, or meadows.
ECHINACEA - (Echinacea purpurea or E.
angustifolia) This herb is the most widely consumed
herb in the world today. It is used internally to activate the immune system when fighting
colds and flu, or almost any type of infection. Lesser known is the fact that echinacea is
beneficial for many topical applications. Echinacea can be used to treat infected wounds,
psoriasis, and eczema. Echinacea stimulates the body's defenses at the sight of the wound
and aids in the development of healthy tissue. Also used as a wash to remove poison ivy
oils from the skin. I prefer to use an alcohol based echinacea tincture if I need to
remove poison ivy oils from my skin.
The root is the most powerful part of the plant. If you want to purchase echinacea for
immune stimulation, avoid products that don't contain any root, or ones that do not list
the echinacea species on the label. Two species, Echinacea purpurea and Echinacea
angustifolia, are commonly used. Both species are powerful, but it is best to choose
E. purpurea because it is the most abundant species. E. angustifolia is becoming rare
in the wild. Many people cultivate echinacea in their gardens, commonly known as
Purple Coneflower. To avoid further depletion of wild echinacea plants, try to buy
only cultivated plants or grow your own.
MYRRH - (Commiphora
myrrha) Antiseptic and astringent. Very effective antiseptic
used in salves. Combined with goldenseal, myrrh is good for wounds, bedsores,
abscesses, and hemorrhoids. Internally, myrrh is used to treat fungal infections,
congestion, ulcers, and as a wash for sore gums.
CHAPARRAL -
(Larrea divaricata) Antibiotic
and antiseptic. Useful against bacteria, viruses, parasites, and
warts. Relieves itching of eczema, scabies and dandruff.
Native Americans used chaparral to treat cancer.
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GOLDENSEAL -
(Hydrastis canadensis) Antiseptic and astringent.
Used for cuts, wounds, infections, bites, and stings. Goldenseal is also widely used internally for the
treatment of sinus infections and other inflammations of the mucus membranes,
including the stomach and intestinal tract. The medicinal part of the plant is
the root. Goldenseal is now scarce and should not be harvested from the wild. Try to buy
goldenseal roots that are cultivated or grow your own if you have a rich
woods.
PLANTAIN - (Plantago
spp.) Astringent, antiseptic, and emollient. Plantain helps
to relieve pain of insect bites and is a wonderful remedy for cuts, and skin infections.
For a quick relief, pick a leaf, chew it and apply it to the insect bite or sting.
Plantain is the source of psyllium seeds, a bulk laxative found in many over the
counter products. Plantain can be found in lawns, meadows, and open woods. Plantain is abundant and
can be harvested from the wild.
ST. JOHN'S WORT - (Hypericum
perforatum) The salve is good for burns, wounds,
bruises, sores, insect bites, fungal infections such as eczema, and itching.
St. John's Wort is used internally for the treatment of depression and is
currently being researched for possible use in the treatment of AIDS.
St. John's Wort can be harvested from the wild if you find large patches of it.
If you pick one of the yellow flowers and rub it between your fingers it will
stain your fingers red! Animals develop photosensitivity when they consume St. John's Wort and there
is some evidence that humans consuming large amounts of the herb may develop
photosensitivity. When using a St. John's Wort Salve it is best not to use it
before long periods of sun exposure.
Essential Oils
Essential oils are steam distilled concentrates of the natural oils present
in plants, flowers, roots, and trees. They are 100 % pure and must be carefully
used by the drop.
CAMPHOR - (Cinnamomum
camphora) Used as a congestion clearing inhalant and
muscle liniment.
EUCALYPTUS - (Eucalyptus globulus)
Used for rubbing on sore muscles, as an inhalant, and chest rub for colds. Decongestant, antibiotic, antiseptic and
antiviral. Used as a topical antiseptic on sores and fungal infections such
as ring worm.
TEA TREE OIL - (melaleuca alternifolia)
Very effective fungicide, antibacterial and antiseptic. Often referred to as "the first aid kit in a bottle." Use for
cuts, pimples, boils, cold sores, burns, stings, ticks, athletes foot and other
fungal infections.
WINTERGREEN OIL - (Gualtheria promcumbens)
Use in a salve to rub on sore joints and muscles. Harmful or fatal if taken internally.
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