MYSTICAL REALM
HERBS
Disclaimer: I am not a medical practioner. If you are sick, I advise that you seek the professional assistance from a qualified medical practitioner...preferably one skilled in homeopathy.
TEAS
As a general rule, teas will be made by using one teaspoon of dried, powdered herb or two teaspoons of fresh herb. This will be added to one cup of boiling water. You then shut off the heat, cover the tea for twenty minutes, this is usually sufficient to reap the benefits of the herbs.
Any deviation to the above rule will be marked with this
symbol.
The greatest thing about many herbs, which you will soon learn, is that herbs may very well be those weeds you have been trying to get rid of. Generally plants seem to grow in areas where they best fulfil the needs of our bodies. For example, citrus fruits and watermelon grow best in the warmer southern regions of the US, whereas potatoes, spinach, and kale do great in the colder northern regions. Though these are obviously not herbs, they are common plants that you are familiar with. You should be aware of the risk of allergies as well. Herbs pose no greater threat than anything else that you may consume, and probably less than most. I have been using herbs for more than twelve years. Many medications, at least half, are either direct extracts of herbs or a synthetic reproduction of the herbs. For example aspirin is a synthetic preparation from the active ingredients of the inner bark of black willow, and digitalis is an extract of foxglove which is commonly used as a heart medication.
ALOE VERA
This is a great herb for burns, scalds, and dry, irritated skin. It is also useful for helping to heal wounds. Make a tea with dried leaves for a safe laxative.
BURDOCK
This is a common weed. You can use the leaves of this plant to stop bleeding, it is also good for drawing foreign matter from the skin. it is also good for healing sores and itchy scalps. Drink the tea for a mild laxative effect.
DANDELION
Another excellent plant, and another weed. This is a good general tonic, that is, it is beneficial to your whole system. A tea made from the root is especially good for the digestive tract and liver. Boiled flowers can be used as a yellow dye. And, of course, you can always make dandelion wine.
DAY LILLIES
Not to be confused with the poisonous tiger lillies. Day lilly flowers look great on a salad, and they have a mild, sweet orange taste. Just place the whole petals on the salad. The whole flower is edible, eat as many as you want. They are a better source of vitamin C than oranges.
INDIAN PIPE PLANT
This one grows in the woods, from decaying trees and pine needles. American Indians use it. I personally like it most for headaches and offer it to my friends if they have headaches. Great for migraines, epilepsy, and other nerve disorders.
Use the root and never exceed the recommended one teaspoon per cup, less often does the job more than adequately. This is very calming to the nerves, it is a good idea to rest after taking. Works within minutes.
GOLDENSEAL
An excellent antiseptic. The root is good for any sores, and stops even severe bleeding. Can be used as an eyewash for irritations. Drink the tea for upset stomachs and stomachaches. Root is used as a bright yellow dye.
Never take more than recommended.
GROUND IVY
This tea is an excellent blood purifier. Especially useful for professional painters to keep the toxins from buiding up in their system. Helps the body remove lead. Also good to relieve gas, and generally good for the digestive tract. Also helps with repiratory infections. It is high in vitamin C.
HOREHOUND
This tea has a very powerful taste with a strong aftertaste, but it works great. I got used to the taste, you may or may not. Excellent for coughs and colds, expels phlegm and opens all respiratory passageways. It has been used for over 2000 years. It is commonly used in cough drops. My favorite ones are 'Fisherman's Friend', they are 100% natural and really work.
MAYAPPLE
You can safely eat the raw berries, the rest of the plant can be used as a tea for constipation, to expel worms, and as an anticarcinogen.
I do not suggest using mayapple, I have used it in the past, but only because it happens to grow in my back yard. NEVER use recommended dose as above, this could cause death from dysentary. American Indians sometimes used this plant to commit suicide. I use only ONE TEASPOON of the powdered herb PER QUART to make the tea. Then the DOSAGE is ONLY ONE TEASPOON OF TEA PER 4-6 HOURS. Never exceed this dosage! There are two potential problems in harvesting the herb, which you will have to do if you want to use it, you are not likely to find it for sale anywhere. One problem you will encounter is that you will absorb it through your skin, producing strong laxative effects. The second problem you may encounter is getting arrested because it was, and probably still is, an endangered species.
MINT
RED CLOVER
SKULLCAP
SKUNK CABBAGE
VALERIAN
VERVAIN
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