E - G
Echinacea
Echinacea angustifolia & purpurea
Constituents: Volatile oil, glycoside, echinaceine, phenolics
Actions: Antimicrobial, alterative
Indications: A great herb for microbial type infections. Effective against bacterial and viral attacks. Usually combined with other herbs for a more specific body system. The roots and the whole plant are considered particularly beneficial in the treatment of sores, wounds, burns, etc, possessing cortisone-like and antibacterial activity. It works by increasing macrophage T-cell activity, thereby increasing the body’s first line of defense against colds, flus and many other illnesses.
Precautions: Use with caution if you are allergic to ragweed.
Dosage: Decoction: 1-2 tsp of root per cup boiling water, simmer 10-15 min, 3x/day. Infusion: 1tsp per cup boiling water, steep 10-15 min, take 3x/day. Tincture: 1-4ml, 3x/day.
NOTES: Wildcrafted Echinacea angustifolia is an AT RISK PLANT. The plant was used by North American Indians as a universal application to treat the bites and stings of all types of insects. To date the Echinacea angustfolia is presumed to be more effective than the purpurea or pallida.
Constituents: Volatile oil, glycoside, echinaceine, phenolics
Actions: Antimicrobial, alterative
Indications: A great herb for microbial type infections. Effective against bacterial and viral attacks. Usually combined with other herbs for a more specific body system. The roots and the whole plant are considered particularly beneficial in the treatment of sores, wounds, burns, etc, possessing cortisone-like and antibacterial activity. It works by increasing macrophage T-cell activity, thereby increasing the body’s first line of defense against colds, flus and many other illnesses.
Precautions: Use with caution if you are allergic to ragweed.
Dosage: Decoction: 1-2 tsp of root per cup boiling water, simmer 10-15 min, 3x/day. Infusion: 1tsp per cup boiling water, steep 10-15 min, take 3x/day. Tincture: 1-4ml, 3x/day.
NOTES: Wildcrafted Echinacea angustifolia is an AT RISK PLANT. The plant was used by North American Indians as a universal application to treat the bites and stings of all types of insects. To date the Echinacea angustfolia is presumed to be more effective than the purpurea or pallida.
Elder
Sambucus nigra
Constituents: Flowers: Flavonoids including rutin, isoquercitrine and kampherol; the hydrocyanic glycoside sambunigrine; tannins; essential oil. Berries: Invert sugar; fruit acids; tannin; vit c and p; anthrocyanic pigments; traces of essential oil.
Actions: Flowers: Diaphoretic, anti-catarrhal
Berries: Diaphoretic, diuretic, laxative. The complex sugars of the berries are the immune-active fraction.
Indications: Flowers are mostly used for colds and influenza. Good for inflammation of the upper repiratory tract such as hayfever and sinusitis. Causes sweating and therefor can lower fevers. The berries have been used for myriad of complaints the most common use is shortening the duration of colds and flus.
Precautions: Excessive use may cause nausea, vomiting and loose stools. Some sources say elder should not be taken while pregnant.
Dosage: Tea/Flowers: 2 tsp dried blossoms per cup of water, take up to 3 times a day. Berry syrup can be taken a tsp every 2 hours to help with cold or flu. For prevention, 2 tsp per day.
NOTES: Dr. Madeleine Mumcuoglu, of Hadassah-Hebrew University in Israel found that elderberry disarms the enzyme viruses use to penetrate healthy cells in the lining of the nose and throat. Taken before infection, it prevents infection. Taken after infection, it prevents spread of the virus through the respiratory tract. In a clinical trial, 20% of study subjects reported significant improvement within 24 hours, 70% by 48 hours, and 90% claimed complete cure in three days. In contrast, subjects receiving the placebo required 6 days to recover.
Constituents: Flowers: Flavonoids including rutin, isoquercitrine and kampherol; the hydrocyanic glycoside sambunigrine; tannins; essential oil. Berries: Invert sugar; fruit acids; tannin; vit c and p; anthrocyanic pigments; traces of essential oil.
Actions: Flowers: Diaphoretic, anti-catarrhal
Berries: Diaphoretic, diuretic, laxative. The complex sugars of the berries are the immune-active fraction.
Indications: Flowers are mostly used for colds and influenza. Good for inflammation of the upper repiratory tract such as hayfever and sinusitis. Causes sweating and therefor can lower fevers. The berries have been used for myriad of complaints the most common use is shortening the duration of colds and flus.
Precautions: Excessive use may cause nausea, vomiting and loose stools. Some sources say elder should not be taken while pregnant.
Dosage: Tea/Flowers: 2 tsp dried blossoms per cup of water, take up to 3 times a day. Berry syrup can be taken a tsp every 2 hours to help with cold or flu. For prevention, 2 tsp per day.
NOTES: Dr. Madeleine Mumcuoglu, of Hadassah-Hebrew University in Israel found that elderberry disarms the enzyme viruses use to penetrate healthy cells in the lining of the nose and throat. Taken before infection, it prevents infection. Taken after infection, it prevents spread of the virus through the respiratory tract. In a clinical trial, 20% of study subjects reported significant improvement within 24 hours, 70% by 48 hours, and 90% claimed complete cure in three days. In contrast, subjects receiving the placebo required 6 days to recover.
Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus globulus
Constituents: Volitile oils: eucalyptol, also known as 1,8-cineol
Actions: Anteseptic, Decongestant
Indications: Eucalyptus oil acts on nerve receptors in the mucosa of the nose and sinuses in a way that causes release of mucus. In laboratory studies, eucalyptol (the main essential oil in the herb) is antibacterial against several strains of Streptococcus, the organism that causes strep throat. A combination of eucalyptus and mint may help relieve snoring.
Precautions: Oil should not be taken internally, excessive use can cause gastrointestinal upset.
Dosage: Tea, usually combined with another herb ½ to 1tsp per cup boiling water. Used in herbal steams you can use a few teaspoons. Essential oils should always be diluted with oil for topical use as a decongestant. Use a few drops of the essential oil for the same use.
NOTES: In the early nineteenth century, the crew of an Australian freighter developed intractable fevers they were able to cure with eucalyptus tree. Eucalyptus became well known in Europe as the Australian fever tree. American physicians used eucalyptus oil to sterilize surgical instruments and incisions, and also as a steam inhalation for asthma, bronchitis, colds and flu, emphysema, and whooping cough.
Constituents: Volitile oils: eucalyptol, also known as 1,8-cineol
Actions: Anteseptic, Decongestant
Indications: Eucalyptus oil acts on nerve receptors in the mucosa of the nose and sinuses in a way that causes release of mucus. In laboratory studies, eucalyptol (the main essential oil in the herb) is antibacterial against several strains of Streptococcus, the organism that causes strep throat. A combination of eucalyptus and mint may help relieve snoring.
Precautions: Oil should not be taken internally, excessive use can cause gastrointestinal upset.
Dosage: Tea, usually combined with another herb ½ to 1tsp per cup boiling water. Used in herbal steams you can use a few teaspoons. Essential oils should always be diluted with oil for topical use as a decongestant. Use a few drops of the essential oil for the same use.
NOTES: In the early nineteenth century, the crew of an Australian freighter developed intractable fevers they were able to cure with eucalyptus tree. Eucalyptus became well known in Europe as the Australian fever tree. American physicians used eucalyptus oil to sterilize surgical instruments and incisions, and also as a steam inhalation for asthma, bronchitis, colds and flu, emphysema, and whooping cough.
Fennel
Foeniculum vulgare
Constituents: Volatile oil 6% anethole and fenchone; fatty oil 10%
Actions: Carminative, aromatic, anti-spasmodic, stimulant, galactogogue, rubefacient, expectorant
Indications: Stomach issues such as flatulence, colic and griping pains. Stimulates digestion and appetite. Can be used as an antacid, which both neutralizes excess acids in the stomach and intestines and clears uric acid from the joints. Has a calming action on bronchitis and coughs, shortness of breath and wheezing. May be used to treat conjunctivitis and inflammation of the eyelid. Increases flow of milk in nursing mothers. May be used for morning sickness and heartburn during pregnancy. May be used to ease infant colic by nursing mothers. Combines well with Anise. *WW Herbal:Childbearing Year
Precautions: None known.
Dosage: Infusion: 1-2tsp slightly crushed seeds per cup boiling water for 10min. 3x/day. For flatulence, take one cup 30min before a meal. 2-4ml of tincture 3x/day.
Constituents: Volatile oil 6% anethole and fenchone; fatty oil 10%
Actions: Carminative, aromatic, anti-spasmodic, stimulant, galactogogue, rubefacient, expectorant
Indications: Stomach issues such as flatulence, colic and griping pains. Stimulates digestion and appetite. Can be used as an antacid, which both neutralizes excess acids in the stomach and intestines and clears uric acid from the joints. Has a calming action on bronchitis and coughs, shortness of breath and wheezing. May be used to treat conjunctivitis and inflammation of the eyelid. Increases flow of milk in nursing mothers. May be used for morning sickness and heartburn during pregnancy. May be used to ease infant colic by nursing mothers. Combines well with Anise. *WW Herbal:Childbearing Year
Precautions: None known.
Dosage: Infusion: 1-2tsp slightly crushed seeds per cup boiling water for 10min. 3x/day. For flatulence, take one cup 30min before a meal. 2-4ml of tincture 3x/day.
Flax
Linum Usitatissimum
Constituents: 30-40% fixed oil which includes linoleic, linolenic and oleic acids; mucilage; protein; the glycoside linamarin.
Actions: Demulcent, antitussive, laxative, emollient
Indications: Flax may be used as a laxative to relieve constipation. It is also helpful in pulmonary infections especially in bronchitis with much catarrh formed. Often used as a poultice for pleurisy with mustard. Good source of dietary fiber, and contains omega 3 fatty acids and phytoestrogens.
Precautions: Flax seed is likely safe for most people. May slow clotting for those with blood diseases, lower blood sugar in diabetics or cause too much bulk in the stools if the client is dehydrated.
Dosage: 2-3tsp per day. Infuse 20 min, added to foods, oil.
Constituents: 30-40% fixed oil which includes linoleic, linolenic and oleic acids; mucilage; protein; the glycoside linamarin.
Actions: Demulcent, antitussive, laxative, emollient
Indications: Flax may be used as a laxative to relieve constipation. It is also helpful in pulmonary infections especially in bronchitis with much catarrh formed. Often used as a poultice for pleurisy with mustard. Good source of dietary fiber, and contains omega 3 fatty acids and phytoestrogens.
Precautions: Flax seed is likely safe for most people. May slow clotting for those with blood diseases, lower blood sugar in diabetics or cause too much bulk in the stools if the client is dehydrated.
Dosage: 2-3tsp per day. Infuse 20 min, added to foods, oil.
Garlic
Allium sativum
Constituents: Volatile oil, mucilage, glucokinins, germanium.
Actions: Antispetic, anti-viral, diaphoretic, cholagogue, hypotensive, anti-spasmodic, hypoglycemic, vasodilator, decongestant
Indications: The daily use aids and supports the body, with an affinity for the respiratory and digestive systems. Used to support the development of natural bacterial flora while killing pathogenic organism. When used over time it can help reduce high blood pressure, blood cholesterol levels and a tendency to clotting, with helps prevent heart attacks and strokes. It opens up the blood vessels, increasing the flow of blood to the tissues, increasing circulation, relieving cramps and circulatory disorders. It’s effective anti-microbial action protects against bacteria, viruses and parasites. The volatile oil is effective for lung infections such as, chronic bronchitis, respiratory catarrh, recurrent colds and influenza. When used locally it is effective against worms, candida and thrush in the mouth or vagina.
Precautions: Do not apply to the skin for more than 2 weeks at a time. Avoid when there is fever in long-term deficiency conditions (AIDS, cancer, etc.). Do not take if you have blood disorders, unless under the care of a physician.
Dosage: One raw clove eaten, 3x/day. Can take garlic oil capsules, 3x/day as a prophylactic or when an infection occurs. Regular use is recommended for general health and prevention of cardiac problems.
NOTES: Raw garlic when crushed releases allicin, which has been shown to be more powerfully antibiotic than penicillin and tetracycline. The Greeks also used it extensively: Hippocrates recommended it for infections, wounds, cancer and leprosy; Dioscides for heart problems, and Pliny listed it in 61 remedies for a variety of ailments. Currently in the US and Western Europe, garlic is one of the most popular substances used to reduce various risks associated with heart disease.
Constituents: Volatile oil, mucilage, glucokinins, germanium.
Actions: Antispetic, anti-viral, diaphoretic, cholagogue, hypotensive, anti-spasmodic, hypoglycemic, vasodilator, decongestant
Indications: The daily use aids and supports the body, with an affinity for the respiratory and digestive systems. Used to support the development of natural bacterial flora while killing pathogenic organism. When used over time it can help reduce high blood pressure, blood cholesterol levels and a tendency to clotting, with helps prevent heart attacks and strokes. It opens up the blood vessels, increasing the flow of blood to the tissues, increasing circulation, relieving cramps and circulatory disorders. It’s effective anti-microbial action protects against bacteria, viruses and parasites. The volatile oil is effective for lung infections such as, chronic bronchitis, respiratory catarrh, recurrent colds and influenza. When used locally it is effective against worms, candida and thrush in the mouth or vagina.
Precautions: Do not apply to the skin for more than 2 weeks at a time. Avoid when there is fever in long-term deficiency conditions (AIDS, cancer, etc.). Do not take if you have blood disorders, unless under the care of a physician.
Dosage: One raw clove eaten, 3x/day. Can take garlic oil capsules, 3x/day as a prophylactic or when an infection occurs. Regular use is recommended for general health and prevention of cardiac problems.
NOTES: Raw garlic when crushed releases allicin, which has been shown to be more powerfully antibiotic than penicillin and tetracycline. The Greeks also used it extensively: Hippocrates recommended it for infections, wounds, cancer and leprosy; Dioscides for heart problems, and Pliny listed it in 61 remedies for a variety of ailments. Currently in the US and Western Europe, garlic is one of the most popular substances used to reduce various risks associated with heart disease.
Ginger
Zingiber Officinale
Constituents: Volitile oil including: zingiberene, zingiberole, phellandrene, borneol, cineole, citral; starch mucilage; resin.
Actions: Stimulant, Carminative, diaphoretic and rubefacient. Antiseptic, expectorant, digestive, antioxidant, hypotensive, decongestive.
Indications: Ginger may be used to promote gastric secretion and assist with dypepsian, flatulence and colic. As a gargle it relieves sore throats. Good herb in Chinese medicine for the reproductive, respiratory and digestive systems. Hot ginger tea promotes sweating and brings down fevers and clear catarrhal coughs and chest infections. Helps improve circulation throughout the body and helps reduce menstrual cramps. Also used as a remedy for morning sickness and motion sickness. Good diaphoretic that opens pores and promotes sweating. Externally it can also be used to increase circulation and helps conditions such as fibrositis and muscle sprains. Ginger also inhibits clotting and thins the blood; it lowers blood pressure and cholesterol.
Precautions: Ginger is contraindicated in people suffering from gallstones as it promotes the production of bile. Not recommended for those who cannot tolerate heat or those with gastritis or peptic ulcers or are on blood thinners.
Dosage: Infuse 1tsp FRESH ginger to one cup of water, drunk whenever needed. For DRIED root, use 1 ½ tsp per cup water, simmer 5-10min, also whenever needed.
Constituents: Volitile oil including: zingiberene, zingiberole, phellandrene, borneol, cineole, citral; starch mucilage; resin.
Actions: Stimulant, Carminative, diaphoretic and rubefacient. Antiseptic, expectorant, digestive, antioxidant, hypotensive, decongestive.
Indications: Ginger may be used to promote gastric secretion and assist with dypepsian, flatulence and colic. As a gargle it relieves sore throats. Good herb in Chinese medicine for the reproductive, respiratory and digestive systems. Hot ginger tea promotes sweating and brings down fevers and clear catarrhal coughs and chest infections. Helps improve circulation throughout the body and helps reduce menstrual cramps. Also used as a remedy for morning sickness and motion sickness. Good diaphoretic that opens pores and promotes sweating. Externally it can also be used to increase circulation and helps conditions such as fibrositis and muscle sprains. Ginger also inhibits clotting and thins the blood; it lowers blood pressure and cholesterol.
Precautions: Ginger is contraindicated in people suffering from gallstones as it promotes the production of bile. Not recommended for those who cannot tolerate heat or those with gastritis or peptic ulcers or are on blood thinners.
Dosage: Infuse 1tsp FRESH ginger to one cup of water, drunk whenever needed. For DRIED root, use 1 ½ tsp per cup water, simmer 5-10min, also whenever needed.
Ginkgo
Ginkgo Biloba
Constituents: Leaves: Flavonglycosides, quercetin, proanthocyanidins, lactones, terpenes, sito-sterol
Seeds: Bioflavones, minerals, fatty acids.
Actions: Leaves: Stimulant, nervine, astringent, diaphoretic Seeds: Astringent, antifungal, antibacterial
Indications: Historical evidence from China suggest that the leaf can be used to improve brain function and is supported by more than 40 years of clinical research in Europe. Ginkgo leaf is one of the best herbs for enhancing memory, vitality and circulation. Rosemary Gladstar recommends it as a tonic for everyone over 45yrs old. Active constituent in ginkgo leaf improves circulation and vasodilation, most noted in the cerebral region. Can be indicated for age related declines such as Alzheimer’s, strokes, and short or long term memory loss. Serves as a cardiac tonic by increasing the strength of the arterial walls. It also reduces inflammation in the blood vessels and helps prevent platelet aggregation and blood clotting that can lead to blocked arteries. Also excellent for treating vertigo and is an effective remedy for tinnitus or ringing in the ear. It has also proved to be an good treatment for arterial erectile dysfunction.
Precautions: Not for people on blood thinners.
Dosage: Taken over a long period of time. 1tsp herb per cup boiling water, steep 10-15min. Drunk up to 3x/day. Tincture, ½ to 1tsp 3x/day. May also be taken as a standardized extract.
Constituents: Leaves: Flavonglycosides, quercetin, proanthocyanidins, lactones, terpenes, sito-sterol
Seeds: Bioflavones, minerals, fatty acids.
Actions: Leaves: Stimulant, nervine, astringent, diaphoretic Seeds: Astringent, antifungal, antibacterial
Indications: Historical evidence from China suggest that the leaf can be used to improve brain function and is supported by more than 40 years of clinical research in Europe. Ginkgo leaf is one of the best herbs for enhancing memory, vitality and circulation. Rosemary Gladstar recommends it as a tonic for everyone over 45yrs old. Active constituent in ginkgo leaf improves circulation and vasodilation, most noted in the cerebral region. Can be indicated for age related declines such as Alzheimer’s, strokes, and short or long term memory loss. Serves as a cardiac tonic by increasing the strength of the arterial walls. It also reduces inflammation in the blood vessels and helps prevent platelet aggregation and blood clotting that can lead to blocked arteries. Also excellent for treating vertigo and is an effective remedy for tinnitus or ringing in the ear. It has also proved to be an good treatment for arterial erectile dysfunction.
Precautions: Not for people on blood thinners.
Dosage: Taken over a long period of time. 1tsp herb per cup boiling water, steep 10-15min. Drunk up to 3x/day. Tincture, ½ to 1tsp 3x/day. May also be taken as a standardized extract.
Ginseng, American
Panax quinquefolius
Constituents: Steroidal glycoside called panaxosides; sterols; vitamins of D group.
Actions: Adaptogen, anti-depressive
Indications: Balances energy of entire body. Uses vary, but it is mostly used to treat general debility, mental clarity and to reduce the negative effects of stress upon the body. Also used to treat anemia, blood weakness, exhaustion, sexual vitality and to regulate hormones.
Combos: Astragalus, burdock, dandelion, fo-ti, ginger and nettle.
Precautions: Not for those with hypertension, use on a rotation, not for long term continuous use. May produce headaches in some.
Dosage: Root is often chewed. Decoction: ½ tsp powdered root per cup boiling water, simmer 10 min, taken 3x/day.
NOTES: AT RISK PLANT
Constituents: Steroidal glycoside called panaxosides; sterols; vitamins of D group.
Actions: Adaptogen, anti-depressive
Indications: Balances energy of entire body. Uses vary, but it is mostly used to treat general debility, mental clarity and to reduce the negative effects of stress upon the body. Also used to treat anemia, blood weakness, exhaustion, sexual vitality and to regulate hormones.
Combos: Astragalus, burdock, dandelion, fo-ti, ginger and nettle.
Precautions: Not for those with hypertension, use on a rotation, not for long term continuous use. May produce headaches in some.
Dosage: Root is often chewed. Decoction: ½ tsp powdered root per cup boiling water, simmer 10 min, taken 3x/day.
NOTES: AT RISK PLANT
Gotu Kola
Centella asiatica
Constituents: triterpenoid saponins (asiaticoside, madecassoside, and madasiatic acid), sapogenins
Actions: nervine, brain tonic
Indications: Memory loss, epilepsy, schizophrenic behavior and Alzheimer’s disease. Good for stress and debility, increases mental alertness and vitality by nourishing the brain and may improve the body’s resistance to disease. These saponins beneficially affect collagen (the material that makes up connective tissue), for example, inhibiting its production in hyperactive scar tissue. Due mostly to the actions of asiaticoside and madecassoside that it contains, gotu kola may prevent, delay and treat a condition known as chronic venous insufficiency. This occurs when valves in the veins that carry blood back to the heart are weak or damaged and blood collects in the veins of the legs. This collection of blood can lead to varicose veins, spider veins, or sores on the legs. More serious results can include blood clots in the legs. Asiaticoside and madecassoside may help keep veins and other blood vessels from leaking. Because it strengthens the walls of blood vessels, gotu kola may also be effective for slowing retinopathy, the gradual break down of the retina in the eyes. It may also help to relieve hemorrhoids. These same effects are thought to strengthen the lining of the gastrointestinal tract, making gotu kola potentially useful for treating ulcers.
Gotu kola has long been used in topical, oral, and injected forms to treat leprosy. In addition to its ability to heal the sores associated with leprosy, gotu kola may also have anti-bacterial properties. Evidence from studies shows that asiaticoside may damage the cell walls of the bacteria that cause leprosy. The weakened bacteria are easier for the body’s immune system to eliminate.
Precautions: Those with mild to moderate depression might want to use caution. Some testing done in India indicates it may act as a very mild depressant.
Dosage:1/4 to ½ tsp twice daily of tincture, 1 to 2 caps/2x daily
Constituents: triterpenoid saponins (asiaticoside, madecassoside, and madasiatic acid), sapogenins
Actions: nervine, brain tonic
Indications: Memory loss, epilepsy, schizophrenic behavior and Alzheimer’s disease. Good for stress and debility, increases mental alertness and vitality by nourishing the brain and may improve the body’s resistance to disease. These saponins beneficially affect collagen (the material that makes up connective tissue), for example, inhibiting its production in hyperactive scar tissue. Due mostly to the actions of asiaticoside and madecassoside that it contains, gotu kola may prevent, delay and treat a condition known as chronic venous insufficiency. This occurs when valves in the veins that carry blood back to the heart are weak or damaged and blood collects in the veins of the legs. This collection of blood can lead to varicose veins, spider veins, or sores on the legs. More serious results can include blood clots in the legs. Asiaticoside and madecassoside may help keep veins and other blood vessels from leaking. Because it strengthens the walls of blood vessels, gotu kola may also be effective for slowing retinopathy, the gradual break down of the retina in the eyes. It may also help to relieve hemorrhoids. These same effects are thought to strengthen the lining of the gastrointestinal tract, making gotu kola potentially useful for treating ulcers.
Gotu kola has long been used in topical, oral, and injected forms to treat leprosy. In addition to its ability to heal the sores associated with leprosy, gotu kola may also have anti-bacterial properties. Evidence from studies shows that asiaticoside may damage the cell walls of the bacteria that cause leprosy. The weakened bacteria are easier for the body’s immune system to eliminate.
Precautions: Those with mild to moderate depression might want to use caution. Some testing done in India indicates it may act as a very mild depressant.
Dosage:1/4 to ½ tsp twice daily of tincture, 1 to 2 caps/2x daily
Gravel Root
Eupatorium purpureum
Constituents: .07% volatile oil, fellow flavonoid called euparin, resin
Actions: Diuretic, astringent, anti-lithic, anti-rheumatic, anti-inflammatory and febrifuge.
Indications: It’s most popular use is for kidney stones or gravel. It is also useful for urinary tract infections, rheumatism and gout. Helps break fevers by encouraging sweating.
Precautions: Not recommended while pregnant. It should not be used in the long term as it may cause damage to the liver or kidneys.
Dosage: Decoction: 1tsp per cup boiling water, let simmer 10 min, take 3x/day. Tincture: 1-2ml, 3x/day
NOTES: The Iroquois called a decoction of gravel root “little medicine water” because of its healing properties. Other Native American uses have included relieving constipation, washing wounds with a strong tea made from the root to prevent infection and as a general tonic taken during pregnancy and after childbirth.
Constituents: .07% volatile oil, fellow flavonoid called euparin, resin
Actions: Diuretic, astringent, anti-lithic, anti-rheumatic, anti-inflammatory and febrifuge.
Indications: It’s most popular use is for kidney stones or gravel. It is also useful for urinary tract infections, rheumatism and gout. Helps break fevers by encouraging sweating.
Precautions: Not recommended while pregnant. It should not be used in the long term as it may cause damage to the liver or kidneys.
Dosage: Decoction: 1tsp per cup boiling water, let simmer 10 min, take 3x/day. Tincture: 1-2ml, 3x/day
NOTES: The Iroquois called a decoction of gravel root “little medicine water” because of its healing properties. Other Native American uses have included relieving constipation, washing wounds with a strong tea made from the root to prevent infection and as a general tonic taken during pregnancy and after childbirth.