Alder – a deciduous tree; the European alder can reach 100 feet. The branches spread to a rounded crown. Broad, sharply toothed leaves, up to 4 inches long, are dark glossy green on top, pale and sticky below. Greenish-yellow male and reddish female flowers (March) are borne in separate cone like clusters (catkins). The fruits grow in roundish cones, green in summer and brown and woody in fall. The red alder resembles the European tree but has elliptical, bluntly toothed leaves.

So indestructible is the wood of the European alder that it was used to make the piles on which the city of Amsterdam and Venice’s famed Rialto section were raised. The tree’s remarkable resistance to wet rot made it a prime choice for posts and pilings in the construction of bridges and sluice gates, for water conduits, and for wooden shoes.

Herbalists through the centuries have used brews made from the bark and leaves of the alder as an astringent and a quinine substitute, and to fight inflammations and fevers. The leaves and branches also have a reputation as natural pesticides. The inner bark, boiled in vinegar and rubbed on the body, reportedly kills lice and scabies mites and dries up scabs.

The red, or Oregon, alder looks like its European cousin, which now grows wild in parts of eastern North America, and has similar properties. Alders are also valued for the nitrogen-fixing bacteria that colonize their roots and thereby enrich the soil.

PARTS USED

Bark, leaves.

USES

The astringent alder is employed most often as a mouthwash and gargle for tooth, gum, and throat problems. The drying action of a decoction of the bark helps to contract the mucous membranes and reduce inflammation. A decoction may also be used to staunch internal or external bleeding and to heal wounds. Alder is also used as a wash for scabies. In Spain, alder leaves are smoothed and placed on the soles of the feet to relieve aching. Leaves are used to help reduce breast engorgement in nursing mothers.

Both species supply natural materials for dyers and tanners and wood for smoking meats and fish and for making pilings used in wet locations. The red alder is used for furniture. Medicinally, the trees have fallen into general disuse.

HABITAT AND CULTIVATION

Alder is native to Europe, Asia, and North Africa. Alder thrives in damp places and along riverbanks. The bark and leaves are gathered in spring.

CONSTITUENTS

Alder contains lignans, tannin (10 to 20%), emodin (an anthraquinone), and glycosides.

Source: Herbs2000

Also Known As:

Polygonum bistorta
Adderwort
Bistort
Dragonwort
Easter Giant
English Serpentary
Osterick
Passions
Patience Dock
Red Legs
Sweet Dock

Bistort – a hardy perennial with slender stems, growing up to 30 inches tall. Each stem is topped by a dense cylindrical cluster of tiny white or pinkish flowers (May-August). Lower down the stem grow long bluish-green leaves that are lance shaped; higher up, the leaves become smaller. The rhizome of bistort (underground stem) is dark brown to black, thick, knobby, and twisted into an S or double-S shape.

Dense clusters of tiny pink blossoms atop slender stalks in a forest clearing or in a meadow-that is bistort, a common summer sight in the wild throughout the temperate Northern Hemisphere. Two species native to the Old and New Worlds, P. bistorta and P. bistortoides respectively, are closely akin. The name bistort comes from Latin word elements meaning “twice-twisted.” This refers to the gnarled appearance of bistort’s dark brown rhizome, or underground stem.

Traditional uses of bistort in herbal medicine are varied. In Shakespeare’s day the juice of the bistort served as a remedy for nasal polyps. The rhizome of bistort, boiled in wine, was used for diarrhea and dysentery. The same decoction reportedly checked heavy menstrual bleeding, stopped vomiting, and healed mouth and throat inflammations. Bistort also had a reputation as a mouthwash that would fasten loose teeth. A common thread unites most of these uses-namely, bistort’s high tannin content, which makes it astringent and therefore effective in checking bleeding and diarrhea. Because the rhizomes are starchy, they served as famine food, roasted, boiled in soup, or ground to make flour. Young bistort leaves may be cooked and eaten like spinach.

PARTS USED

Root, rhizome, leaves.

USES

One of the most strongly astringent of all herbs, bistort is used to contract tissues and staunch blood flow. It makes a valuable mouthwash and gargle for treating spongy gums, canker sores, and sore throats, and is also useful as a wash for small burns and wounds, a douche for excessive vaginal discharge, and an ointment for hemorrhoids and anal fissures. Internally, bistort may be taken to treat peptic ulcers, ulcerative colitis, and conditions such as dysentery and irritable bowel syndrome that give rise to diarrhea. Bistort is occasionally used in cases of urinary problems such as cystitis and for upper respiratory congestion.

HABITAT AND CULTIVATION

Native to Europe, Asia, and North America, bistort prefers damp conditions. The leaves are gathered in spring, the rhizome in autumn.

CONSTITUENTS

Bistort contains polyphenols (including ellagic acid), tannins (15-20%), phlobaphene, flavonoids, and a trace of the anthraquinone emodin.

HOW MUCH TO TAKE

Decoction: pour a cup of water onto 1 teaspoonful of the dried herb, bring to the boil and simmer for 10 – 15 minutes. This should be drunk three times a day. For external use, this tea can also be used as a mouthwash or gargle.
Tincture: take 2 – 4 ml of the tincture three times a day.

COLLECTION AND HARVESTING

Roots and rhizomes of bistort are dug up in the autumn from the moist pastures where bistort thrives. The large roots should be cut longitudinally and dried in the sun.

Also Known As:

Achillea millefolium
Gandana
I-chi-kao
Milfoil
Millefoil
Noble Yarrow
Nosebleed
Old Man’s Pepper
Soldier’s Woundwort
Stanchgrass
Thousand-leaf
Thousand-seal
Yarrow

Yarrow is a perennial herb found the world over in waste places, fields, pastures, meadows and along railroad embankments and highways where it should never be picked on account of the chemical spraying that’s routinely done to keep the weeds down. The simple stem bears aromatic bipinnately parted and dissected leaves, giving a lacy appearance. Yarrow can grow up to a yard high, yielding pretty flower heads with white rays and yellow (turning to brown) disks in them. The light brown, creeping rootstock produces a round, smooth, pithy stem that branches near the top.

Yarrow is a highly versatile remedy, with anti-inflammatory and antiseptic volatile oils, and astringent tannins. The resins are also astringent and antiseptic, while silica promotes tissue repair. These properties promote healing of cuts and wounds, burns and ulcers, and inflammatory skin conditions. In the digestive system, yarrow stimulates the appetite, enhances digestion and absorption; its astringent properties curb diarrhea and dysentery, and stem bleeding from the lining of the gut. The antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties treat infections and inflamed conditions such as gastritis and enteritis, the bitters stimulate liver function, while its antispasmodics relax tensioning cramp, wind, colic or nervous dyspepsia.

Taken hot, yarrow is excellent for helping to throw off fevers and infections such as colds, flu, coughs, and sore throats. Yarrow clears heat and toxins from the system by causing sweating. As a tonic to the circulatory system, yarrow helps improve varicose veins, hemorrhoids, phlebitis and thrombosis, and reduces blood pressure. Yarrow’s diuretic action aids the elimination of fluid and toxins from the system via the urine. Yarrow also relieves cystitis, irritable bladder, stones, and gravel. Yarrow helps relieve painful joints and clear the skin. Yarrow contains sterols which have a hormone-like action and help to regulate the menstrual cycle. Yarrow reduces heavy bleeding and uteric congestion, and relieve heavy periods. Yarrow is also a tonic to the nervous system.

PARTS USED

Aerial parts.

USES

Healing wounds - Achilles reputedly used yarrow to heal wounds, hence its botanical name. Yarrow has been used for this purpose for centuries, and in Scotland a traditional wound ointment was made from yarrow.
Therapeutic properties – Chamazulene, present in some volatile oils, is markedly anti-inflammatory and antiallergenic. Sesquiterpene lactones are bitter and tonic, and achilleine helps arrest internal and external bleeding. The flavonoids are probably responsible for yarrow’s antispasmodic effect.
Gynecological herb – Yarrow helps regulate the menstrual cycle, reduces heavy bleeding, and eases menstrual pain.
Other medical uses - Abscess. Combined with other herbs, yarrow helps colds and flu. Its bitter tonic properties make it useful for weak digestion and colic. Yarrow also helps hay fever, lowers high blood pressure, improves venous circulation, and tones varicose veins. Make good herbal cleansers for skin wrinkles.

HABITAT AND CULTIVATION

Native to Europe and western Asia, yarrow can be found growing wild in temperate regions throughout the world, in meadows and along roadsides. Yarrow spreads via its roots, and the aerial parts are picked in summer when in flower.

RESEARCH

Despite its many uses, yarrow has been poorly researched.

CONSTITUENTS

- Volatile oil with variable content (linalool, camphor, sabinene, chamazulene)
- Sesquiterpene lactones
- Flavonoids
- Alkaloids (achilleine)
- Polyacetylenes
- Triterpenes
- Salicylic acid
- Coumarins
- Tannins

HOW MUCH TO TAKE

As a tea, yarrow can be taken with other herbs 200 ml (8 fl oz) three times daily. As a tincture, take 1 ml (20 drops) three times a day.

HOW IT WORKS IN THE BODY

The apigenin has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties, and the azulenes and salicylic acids are also both antispasmodic. The alkaloids have a hemostatic action, which confirms its usage as a remedy to stop bleeding. Chamazulene (as in chamomile) is anti-allergenic. This herb has an action in many different systems of the body. Primarily, it is probably best known for its action in the respiratory system, its diaphoretic (increases sweating) properties being used for colds and fevers. It can also be used for allergy for example, in hay fever. Its combined properties make it useful following flu or illness where there is little appetite as a tonic to promote digestion. In the cardiovascular system its antispasmodic and slightly diuretic action has made it valuable for lowering high blood pressure, and improving the venous circulation. In the reproductive system it is known as a menstrual regulator, which also helps to reduce heavy bleeding. Conversely, it can also bring on a period.

APPLICATIONS

FLOWERS:
INFUSION – Drink for upper respiratory phlegm or use externally as a wash for eczema.
INHALATION – For hay fever and mild asthma, use fresh in boiling water.
ESSENTIAL OIL:
MASSAGE OIL – For inflamed joints, dilute 5 – 10 drops yarrow oil in 25 ml infused St.John’s wort oil.
CHEST RUB – For chesty colds and influenza, combine with eucalyptus, peppermint, hyssop, or thyme oils, diluting a total of 20 drops oil in 25 ml almond or sunflower oil.
LEAVES:
FRESH – To stop a nosebleed, insert a leaf into the nostril.
POULTICE - Wrap washed, fresh leaves on cuts and grazes.
AERIAL PARTS:
INFUSION – Use to reduce fevers and as a digestive tonic.
TINCTURE – Use for urinary disorders or menstrual problems. Prescribed for cardiovascular complaints.
COMPRESS – Soak a pad in the infusion or dilute tincture to soothe varicose veins.

A STOMACH – FRIENDLY WINE

* 2 cups (120 g) yarrow flowers
* 6 cups (1 1/2 liters) dry white wine

Crush the flowers in a mortar or an electric blender. Let stand for 1 month in a glass jar away from light, then strain.
Bitter yet healthy for digestion, fighting stomach cramps and flatulence. As an aperitif or a digestive, take 1T(15 ml).

Also Known As :

Wormwood
Artemisia absinthium
Absinthe
Absinthium
Ajenjo
Common Wormwood
Green Ginger
Madderwort
Old woman
Wormwood

Wormwood is a shrubby perennial herb with grayish-white stems covered with fine silky hairs, and growing from 1-3 feet tall. The leaves are silky, hairy and glandular with small resinous particles and yellowish-green in color. The plant emits an aromatic odor and yields a spicy, somewhat bitter taste. Wormwood is native to Europe, northern Africa and western Asia, but now extensively cultivated.

Parts used are the leaves and flowering tops (fresh and dried), harvested just before or during flowering. Wormwood has been used in the manufacture of vermouth. Sweet wormwood, another species (A. annua), is often grown as an ornamental, but contains an essential oil that has strong antifungal and antibacterial activities.

Recently chemists from the Division of Experimental Therapeutics, part of the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research in Washington DC, have begun to conduct their own lengthy investigations into sweet wormwood’s ability to reduce fevers by killing intestinal parasites causing them. The previously mentioned tincture may be used here for internal purposes. Using an eye-dropper, put 10 drops of tincture in with 1 tsp. of dark honey or blackstrap molasses. Mix well before eating. The honey or molasses helps to alleviate the bitter taste of the tincture.

Crush a handful of fresh wormwood leaves into a soggy pulp, then mix in with some apple cider vinegar. Next put a small amount of this wet mixture in a 6-inch square piece of gauze. Draw up the end comers together and tie at the top. Then rub the skin thoroughly with this to keep horseflies, mosquitoes and gnats away from you while outdoors. The same mixture can also be rubbed directly onto household pets to keep flies, fleas and ticks away from them.

A study published in a recent issue of Planta Medica points out that species of wormwood have been employed on a clinical basis for the treatment of hepatitis and to protect the liver from lesions produced by the ingestion of harmful chemicals. Another journal (Chern. Phann. Bulletin) noted that wormwood is an important remedy for treatment of jaundice and inflammation of the gallbladder (cholecystitis). A tea might prove useful in these instances. Bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Remove from the heat and add 4 tsp. leaves or tops. Cover and steep until slightly lukewarm. Drink in 1/2-cup amounts morning, noon and night on an empty stomach. Sweeten with a little pure maple syrup to allay some of the bitterness. Or take 2 capsules of the powder twice daily for these problems, but on an intermittent basis. Remember that wormwood is an herbal medication, as are goldenseal root, chaparral and some of the other medicinal herbs. And they should be used with care only when needed, and not taken indiscriminately.

Wormwood is a wonderful bitter tonic – in fact it is one of the most bitter herbs used in herbal medicine. Wormwood stimulates the appetite, and enhances digestion by increasing the secretion of digestive enzymes and bile from the liver and gallbladder and stimulating peristalsis. Wormwood can be used to expel worms, as its name suggests. Wormwood is an excellent remedy for those with weak, sluggish digestion, toxins and congestion in the gut, liver problems, those feeling run down and debilitated and during convalescence. The chamazulene in the volatile oil has an anti-inflammatory effect in the digestive tract.

Wormwood is a useful herb for treating fevers and infections. Wormwood boosts the immune system, detoxifies the body and clears heat and congestion. Wormwood can be taken in hot infusion (best mixed with mint to make it more palatable) for colds and flu, chronic fevers, food poisoning, catarrh, skin problems and arthritis. Throughout history wormwood has been a favourite herb used by women to stimulate uterine contractions during childbirth. Wormwood is particularly beneficial when the birth is slow in getting going and contractions are weak and ineffectual. Wormwood can also be used to bring on delayed or suppressed menstruation due to stagnation in the uterus, and for painful periods. Its diuretic action is useful for any fluid retention around period time.

 

PARTS USED

Aerial parts.

 

USES

Absinthe – Wormwood is the source of absinthe, an addictive and toxic drink favored in 19th- century France. Absinthe, now banned, was flavored with essential oil of wormwood, which, due to its thujone content, is toxic in excess.
Digestive stimulant Wormwood is an extremely useful medicine for those with weak and under active digestions. Wormwood increases stomach acid and bile production and therefore improves digestion and the absorption of nutrients, making it helpful for many conditions, including anemia. Wormwood also eases gas and bloating, and if the tincture is taken regularly, wormwood slowly strengthens the digestion and helps the body return to full vitality after a prolonged illness.
Worms – As its name suggests, wormwood is a traditional remedy for eliminating worms. Wormwood is moderately effective.
Traditional insect repellent – Wormwood is a good insecticide and insect repellent.
Other medical uses – The anti-inflammatory action of wormwood makes it useful for infections and it has occasionally been given an antidepressant.

HABITAT AND CULTIVATION

Wormwood is a wayside plant, native to Europe. Wormwood now grows wild in central Asia and in eastern parts of the US. Wormwood is also cultivated in temperate regions worldwide. Wormwood is propagated from seed in spring or by dividing the roots in autumn. The aerial parts are harvested in late summer.

RESEARCH

Bitter herb – Research into wormwood, mostly during the 1970s, has established that a range of the constituents within the plant contributes to its medicinal activity. Many are very bitter, affecting the bitter taste receptors on the tongue, which sets off a reflex action, stimulating stomach and other digestive secretions.
Other research – The azulenes are anti-inflammatory. The sesquiterpene lactones have an antitumor effect and are strongly insecticidal. Thujone is a stimulant to the brain. It is safe in small doses but toxic in excess.

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CONSTITUENTS

Wormwood contains volatile oil (inc. sesquiterpene lacrones and thujone), bitter principle, flavonoids, tannins, silica, antibiotic polyacetylenes, inulin, hydroxycoumarins.

 

HOW MUCH TO TAKE

A wormwood tea can be made by adding 1 teaspoon of the herb to 250 ml (1 cup) of boiling water, allowing it to steep for ten to fifteen minutes. Many people drink three cups each day. Tincture can be used, in the amount of 10-20 drops in water, taken ten to fifteen minutes before each meal. Either preparation should not be used for more than four weeks consecutively.

 

 

SIDE EFFECTS AND CAUTIONS

Long-term intake of the thujone – containing oil or alcoholic beverages (absinthe) made with the oil is strictly contraindicated – it is addictive and causes brain damage, seizures, and even death. Short-term use of the wormwood tea or tincture has not resulted in any reports of significant side effects. Longer-term use can cause nausea, vomiting, insomnia, restlessness, vertigo, tremors, and seizures. Wormwood is contraindicated during pregnancy and lactation.

 

APPLICATIONS

AERIAL PARTS:
INFUSION – Take a weak infusion (5-10 g herb to 500 ml water) for sluggish digestion, poor appetite, and gastritis. Prescribed for jaundice and hepatitis, and to expel intestinal worms.
TINCTURE – Use as the infusion, but do not exceed 3 ml daily.
COMPRESS – Soak a pad in the infusion to soothe bruises and bites.
WASH – Use the infusion externally for infestations such as scabies.

WORMWOOD MOTH BAGS

* 1 cup dried wormwood
* 1 cup dried spearmint
* 1 cup dried tansy
* 1 cup dried thyme
* 4 cinnamon sticks

In a bowl, combine all the ingredients, then crush them together. Divide the mixture among small muslin bags, tie securely, and place with the woolens.