Herb News
There are a multitude of health issues which manifest in our world for we human beings . To my mind and what seems blatantly obvious is that we have been provided with an abundance of remedies from Mother Nature , reiterating again how interconnected we /everything is . Something we tend to forget in our rush and scurry lives . So use herbs on a daily basis for your food , medicine and body care .
Beth Root Trillium erectum
This three leafed herb which has a beautiful three petalled red or white flower was also called squaw root by North American Indians and was used to treat a number of female ailments . There are some 30 species in this genus of which several were used by the Indians . The white flowered species was considered best by the Indians who also used it as an aphrodisiac . Traditionally they used it externally to soothe sore nipples , internally to aid in childbirth, for irregular periods , as well as vaginal discharge . Smart people , we should follow their
example , as they used many herbs on a regular basis
Parts used : The rhizome and rootstock
Properties : Alterative, Antiseptic, antispasmodic , astringent , emmenagogue, emetic, expectorant , haemostatic, pectoral, uterine tonic.
Uses : I uses this herb post partum to stop any haemorrhaging , to tone the uterus and also for menorrhagia and metrorrhagia . Beth root contains tannins which give this herb it's astringent properties . It also contains steroidal saponins which are natural precursors of the female sex hormones . This accounts for its action on the female reproductive system and its action as a uterine tonic. It is used to treat bleeding that is associated with uterine fibroids as well as excessive blood loss which can occur during menopause . It can be used to facilitate childbirth so should not be taken during pregnancy. Externally it is used as a wash for chronic skin conditions and as a poultice or ointment for sores and ulcers . When there is vaginal discharge or thrush , Beth root can be used as a douche wash .
Other folk names are : Brown beth , birthroot, indian balm ,
indian shamrock, ground lily , lambs quarters, stinking benjamin , wake-robin .
Bilberry -Vaccinium myrtillus
These berries have been eaten for nourishment since prehistoric times . They are also used to colour wines and have been an official medicinal plant since the 16th century . There are some 150 species within this genus so correct plant
identification is necessary. Dioscorides , the ancient Greek physician spoke highly of Bilberries .
Parts used : Berries, leaves
Properties : Berry : Astringent, antidysenteric, antiscorbutic,
diuretic, haemostatic, nutritive, refrigerant, tonic.
Leaf: Antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, tonic.
Uses :Another example of how amazing and wonderful Nature is { I love
working with herbs } The ripe fresh berries are mildly laxative while
the dried berries are used for diarrhoea. The leaves have a mild
hypoglycaemic action and so can be used in conjunction with other herbs
like Jambul, Goats rue , Gymnema , for diabetes but obviously not as a
substitute for conventional medication. If you need a pleasant tasting
mouth wash, use a decoction of the berries . The are distilled to
flavour certain liqueurs and make a very nutritive jam , as well as being
used in syrups and conserves .
If you have a urinary tract infection the leaves may be taken for this
but for no longer than 3 weeks . The Berries contain a copmpound called
anthocyanin, which is very effective in treating varicose veins ,
haemorrhoids and weak capillaries . The berries were also used to stop
milk flow {antigalactogogue] in nursing mothers when needed .
If you like making your own natural dyes you can use the leaves and
unripened berries for a green dye . For those that suffer from day
blindness the skin of the fruit is used for treating this condition.
Other Folk names are : Airelle, Bleaberry, Black whortles, bluberries, huckleberry, hurts, trackleberry ,whinberry, whortleberry .
Well I hope you have gained some further insights into the wonderful
world of herbs and the bountiful pantry of Mother Nature .