Wortcunning and Natural Healing

Warning: All herbs and plants are potentially lethal! The information provided on this website is not intended to replace prescriptions or the information of a qualified healthcare provider. This information is for your personal consideration only. I am not a medical doctor and cannot legally diagnose or treat any type of disease or illness under such a title. All information here must be used, considered, and endorsed on an individual basis and by personal consideration, and/or conviction.

Notable Liquid Measures:

1 Minim = 60 Drams             1 Dram = 1/8 Ounce              8 Drams = 1 Ounce

Notable Measures of Mass (solids or powders):

7000 Grains = 1 Pound        1 Pound = 16 Ounces           1 Ounce = 437.5 Grains             1 Grain = 15.4 Grams

453.6 Grams = 1 Pound      28.35 Grams = 1 Ounce        109.4 Grains = ¼ Ounce          54.7 Grains = 1/8 Ounce

1 Grain = 64.7 Milligrams

Preparatory Terms:

Bath: Make a tincture from the herb and pour it into water to bathe it.
Compress: To do this take some linen and soak it in a tincture of the herb then apply it to the wound.
Decoction: This is the same as an infusion, but it requires more heat to extract from the roots, bark, seeds, etc. Infusion: This is commonly referred to as tea; it is the raw herb boiled in water.
Liniments: This is an infusion that is to be applied and rubbed into the skin.
Macerate: Macerate the herb by crushing, beating, chopping, tearing, etc to gain access to its cell structure. This will create a rapid release of the herbal chemical into the liquid. Macerated herbs are often applied directly on the skin as a poultice. Note that dried herbs may be used similarly.
Oil: The raw herb is either steeped in extra virgin olive oil for a period of a month or heated in oil, and then the herb is removed. . If you are mixing in oils, almond, grape, sesame, or other very pure vegetable oils are best to use. Use extreme caution in heating oils, they do not have the same boiling point as water and are often flammable, bursting into fire or smoking badly when too hot. It is best to heat oils in a double pot or in a larger pan of water, keeping the oil temperature to a safe level.
Ointment: Make this by melting 2 ounces of white wax with 3 ounces of lard, and add 3 ounces of whatever herb in oil form.
Poultice: Lightly boil the raw herb and place it on a wound. Wrap the area in linen. Tincture: Take the herb and steep it in a jar of either liquor or apple cider vinegar for two weeks.

Astrological Planting:

Waxing Moon: at this time plant leafy annuals that produce their yield above ground, such as: asparagus, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, celery, cress, endive, kohlrabi, lettuce, parsley, spinach, etc.

Full Moon: during this time plant vine annuals that produce their yield above ground, such as: beans, eggplant, melons, peas, peppers, pumpkins, squash, tomatoes, etc.

Waning Moon: now is the time to plant biennials, perennials, bulb, and root plants. Also, plant trees, shrubs, berries, beets, carrots, onions, parsnips, peanuts, potatoes, radishes, rhubarb, rutabagas, strawberries, turnips, winter wheat, grapes, etc.

New Moon: this is the best time to cultivate, turn sod, pull weeds, and destroy pests of all kinds, especially when the moon is in the barren signs of Aries, Leo, Virgo, Gemini, Aquarius, and Sagittarius.

Moon in Aries: Barren and dry, fiery and masculine. Used for destroying noxious growths, weeds, pests, etc., and for cultivating. Don't plant seeds.

Moon in Taurus: Productive and moist, earthy and feminine. Used for planting many crops, particularly potatoes and root crops, and when hardiness is important. Also used for lettuce, cabbage, and similar leafy vegetables.

Moon in Gemini: Barren and dry, airy and masculine. Used for destroying noxious growths, weeds and pests, and for cultivation.

Moon in Cancer: Very fruitful and moist, watery and feminine. This is the most productive sign, used extensively for planting and irrigation. Good for planting any seeds.

Moon in Leo: Barren and dry, fiery and masculine. This is the most barren sign, used only for killing weeds and for cultivation.

Moon in Virgo: Barren and moist, earthy and feminine. Good for cultivation and destroying weeds and pests. Good for all garden chores other than planting.

Moon in Libra: Semi-fruitful and moist, airy and masculine. Used for planting many crops and producing good pulp growth and roots. This is also a very good sign for flowers and vines. Also used for seeding hay, corn fodder, etc.

Moon in Scorpio: Very fruitful and moist, watery and feminine. Used for the same purposes as Cancer, especially good for vine growth and sturdiness.

Moon in Sagittarius: Barren and dry, fiery and masculine. Used for planting onions, seeding hay, and for cultivation.

Moon in Capricorn: Productive and dry, earthy and feminine. Used for the planting potatoes, tubers, etc.

Moon in Aquarius: Barren and dry, airy and masculine. Used for cultivation and destroying noxious growths, weeds, and pests. Limit garden chores to weeding and cleanup.

Moon in Pisces: Very fruitful and moist, watery and feminine. Good for planting all seeds. Used along with Cancer and Scorpio, especially good for root growth.

Basic Growing Instructions:

Storing seeds: Wrap the seeds in several layers of coffee filters to absorb the moisture, and put them in a jar in the refrigerator.
Germinating: Pour your seeds into a jar, making sure to use different jars for each different kind of seeds, cover in water and set in the refrigerator. Every day for 2 weeks, strain out the water and add new. At the end of two weeks, any seeds that are floating are no good and should be thrown out.
Potting: Use trays and make sure you mark the different trays if you are growing more than one kind of plant, and then cover the seeds (three together) lightly with a layer of seed-starting potting soil. Keep the trays at a place where no animal will disturb them and water them daily. When sprigs start to show through, check to see if the plants you are growing enjoy full or partial sun and move the trays accordingly.
Transplanting: When the sprigs have grown to a hardy size, transplant them to the area you wish by using some kind of transplanting soil. Continue to water daily, unless otherwise indicated by the species of plant you are growing.

Additional Instructions:

The gathering of the herb is traditionally done on the night of the full moon with a white-handled, curved blade called a bolline. Ideally, the plant is taken when it is blooming.

After you cut the herb, you can either hang it upside down in some corner of the room to let it dry, or you can spread them thinly on a screen and let them dry in the full sun. Also, you can spread them thinly on a cookie sheet and cook them on a very low temperature till the herbs become are dry.

Medical Terminology and Herbal Treatments

Adaptogenic: Helping the human organism adapt to stressful conditions: Asian Ginseng, American Ginseng, Siberian Ginseng and Licorice.
Amenorrhea: Absence or suppression of menstruation: Angelica, Black Cohosh, Blue Cohosh, Cotton Root Bark, Parsley, Pennyroyal, Tansy and Yellow Cedar.
Analgesic: A pain-relieving medicine. Same as an aphrodisiac: White Willow (bark), Devils Claw, Chamomile and Rosemary.Anhydrotic: Stops sweating: Sage.
Anodyne: A pain-relieving medicine, milder than analgesic: Catnip, Skullcap and Valerian.
Antacid: Neutralizes the acid produced by the stomach: Apple (juice), Fig, Ground Ivy and Mint.
Anthelmintic: An agent that destroys and expels worms from the intestines. Same as vermifuge: Aloe, Garlic, Pomegranate, Tansy, Wormwood and Rue.
Anti-aphrodisiac: Suppressing sexual desire: Chaste Tree, Lavender and Water Lily.
Antibacterial: Destroys or stops the growth of bacteria: Echinacea, Garlic and Poke (root).
Antibilious: An herb that combats biliousness. The term biliousness refers to a group of symptoms consisting of nausea, abdominal discomfort, headache, constipation, and gas that are caused by an excessive secretion of bile: Balmony, Barberry, Dandelion, Golden Seal, Mugwort, Vervain, Wild Yam and Wormwood.
Antibiotic: An agent that inhibits the growth or multiplication of, or kills, a living organism; usually used in reference to bacteria or other microorganisms: Garlic, Echinacea, Chinese Ginseng, Licorice (root) and Wild Indigo.
Anti-convulsant: Reducing or relieving convulsions or cramps: Blue Cohosh, Camphor, Lady’s Slipper, Linden, Mistletoe, Passion Flower, Peony, Skullcap, Sweet Violet, Thorn Apple and Bedstraw.
Anti-emetic: Prevents or alleviates nausea and vomiting: Balm, Black Horehound, Cloves, Dill, Fennel and Ginger (root).
Anti-epileptic: An agent that combats the convulsions or seizures of epilepsy: Blue Cohosh, Camphor, Lady’s Slipper, Linden, Mistletoe, Passion Flower, Peony, Skullcap, Sweet Violet, Thorn Apple and Bedstraw.
Antifungal: An agent that inhibits the growth or multiplication of fungi, or kills them outright: Galangal.
Antigalactagogue: Prevents or decreases secretion of milk: Sage and Black Walnut.
Anti-histaminic: Neutralizing the effect or inhibiting production of histamine: Nettle, Eyebright, Horsetail, Ground Ivy, and Plantain.
Anti-inflammatory: Reducing or neutralizing inflammation: White Willow (bark), Bogbean, Chamomile, Devil’s Claw, Marigold, St Johns Wort, White Poplar (leaves) and Witch Hazel.
Anti-lithic: Aids in preventing the formation of stones in the kidneys and bladder: Bearberry, Corn (silk), Couchgrass, Gravelroot, Parsley, Sea Holly and Wild Carrot.
Anti-microbial: An agent that inhibits the growth or multiplication of microorganisms, or kills them: Cyan, Clove, Garlic, Juniper, Marigold, Myrrh, Peppermint, Plantain, Rue and Sage.
Anti-oxidant: Preventing oxidation; a preservative: Bilberry, Garlic, Ginger, St Johns Wort, Rosemary, Milk Thistle, Peppermint, Green Tea Tree and Grape (seeds).
Anti-parasitical: Destructive to parasites: Aloe, Garlic, Pomegranate, Tansy, Wormwood and Rue.
Anti-periodic: Prevents the periodic recurrence of attacks of a disease, as in malaria: Barberry and Green Tea.
Anti-phlogistic: An agent that counteracts inflammation: White Willow (bark), Bogbean, Chamomile, Devil’s Claw, Marigold, St Johns Wort, White Poplar (leaves) and Witch Hazel.
Anti-pyretic: Reduces fever. Same as febrifuge or refrigerant: Aloe and Ginger.
Anti-rheumatic: An agent that relieves or cures rheumatism: White Willow (bark), Nettle, Horsetail, Bitch (leaves), Cottonwood and Dandelion (root and herb).
Anti-scorbutic: An agent effective against scurvy: Pine and Lime.
Antiseptic: Preventing sepsis, decay, and putrefaction; also, an agent that kills germs, microbes: Lemon, Lime, Grapefruit and Orange.
Anti-spasmodic: Preventing or relieving spasms or cramps: Licorice, Peppermint, Spearmint, Black Cohosh, Evening Primrose, Lobelia, Motherwort and Nettle.
Anti-syphilitic: Herbs that improve or cure syphilis. Also called antileutic: Black Pepper, Cedar, Butchers Broom, American Spikenard, Iris (blue), Myrrh, Sassafras and Yellow Dock.
Anti-tumor: Preventing or effective against tumors or cancers: Dandelion, Ash, Blessed Thistle, Clivers, Fenugreek, Goldenseal, Mayapple, Mistletoe and Poke (root).
Antitussive: Preventing or relieving cough: Mullein and Coltsfoot.
Anti-venomous: Acts against poisonous matter from animals and snakes: Pennyroyal and Skullcap.
Antiviral: An agent that inhibits growth or multiplication of viruses, or kills them: Aloe, Lysine, Licorice, Lemon Balm, Astragals, Garlic, Goldenseal, Juniper and Ginger.
Antizymotic: Herbs that can destroy disease-producing organisms: Aloe, Garlic, Pomegranate, Tansy, Wormwood and Rue. Aperient: Causes a gentle bowel movement: Rhubarb and Prune.
Aphrodisiac: Increasing or exciting sexual desire: Damiana, Horny Goat Weed, Ginseng and Yohimbe.
Astringent: An agent that causes tissue to contract: Ground Ivy, Oak (bark), Witch Hazel and Yarrow.
Calmative: An agent with mild sedative or calming effects: Chamomile and Lavender.
Cardioactive: Affecting the heart: Broom, Bugleweed, Cyan, Hawthorn and Motherwort.
Carminative: An agent that relieves and removes gas from the digestive system: Fennel, Flax and Dill.
Cathartic: A powerful purgative or laxative, causing severe evacuation, with or without pain: Prunes, Olive, Senna, Castor and Aloe.
Cholagogue: An agent that increases bile flow to the intestines: Balmony, Barberry, Dandelion, Golden Seal and Wild Yam.Counterirritant: An agent that produces inflammation or irritation when applied locally to affect another, usually irritated surface to stimulate circulation: Mustard, Cyan and Club Moss.
Demulcent: An agent that is locally soothing and softening: Coltsfoot, Lungwort, Licorice, Mallow, Mullein and Slippery Elm (bark).
Demulcent febrifuge: Reduces heat while building bodily fluids: Coltsfoot, Comfrey, Corn (silk), Couch Grass, Flaxseed, Irish Moss, Icelandic Moss, Licorice, Lungwort, Marshmallow, Mullein and Slippery Elm.
Deobstruent: Removes obstructions by opening natural passages or pores of the body: Butchers Broom and Prickly Ash.Depurative: Tends to purify and cleanse the blood. Same as blood purifier: Chicory, Angelica, and Burdock (root).
Detergent: An agent that cleanses boils, sores, wounds, etc.: Willows.
Detoxicant: Removes toxins: Licorice, Elder (berries), Soy and Corn (silk).
Diaphoretic: An agent that induces sweating: Bayberry, Black Cohosh, Boneset, Cyan, Elder and Yarrow.
Digestant: Contains substances (i.e. ferments, acids) that aid in digestion: Coriander and Cumin.
Digestive: An agent that promotes digestion: Coriander and Cumin.
Discutient: An agent that dissolves or causes something, such as a tumor, to disappear. Also called discussive: Arnica, Tobacco and Wheat.
Diuretic: An agent that induces urination: Clivers, Dandelion, Bladderwrack, Green Tea, Pumpkin (seed) and Yarrow.Drastic: A violent purgative: Ipecac.
Emetic: An agent that induces vomiting: Ipecac, Lobelia and Licorice.
Emmenagogue: A substance that promotes or assists the flow of menstrual fluid: Bethroot, Black Cohosh, Blue Cohosh, Blessed Thistle, False Unicorn (root), Motherwort, and Pennyroyal.
Emollient: An agent that softens and soothes the skin when applied locally: Borage, Chickweed, Coltsfoot, Comfrey, Licorice, Mallow, Mullein, Plantain and Rose (petals).
Estrogenic: A substance that induces female hormonal activity: Soy and Blue Cohosh.
Exanthematous: Refers to any eruptive disease or fever. An herbal remedy for skin eruptions such as measles, scarlet fever, etc: Elder (berry), Oat (straw), Lemon Balm, Peppermint and Licorice.
Expectorant: An agent that induces the removal (coughing up) of mucous secretions from the lungs: Coltsfoot, Garlic, Hyssop, Mallow, Lungwort, Skunk Cabbage and Mullein.
Febrifuge: That which reduces fever. Same as antipyretic or refrigerant: Blessed Thistle, Boneset, Borage, Eucalyptus, Peppermint, Plantain and Raspberry.
Fungicidal: An agent that kills fungi: Myrrh, Tea Tree and Garlic.
Galactagogue: Promotes secretion of milk: Anise, Blessed Thistle, Fennel, Goat’s Rue, Raspberry, Basil and Vervain.Hepatic: An herb that promotes the well-being of the liver and increases the secretion of bile: Clivers, Dandelion, Fennel, Golden Seal, Horseradish, Motherwort, Prickly Ash, Wild Yam, Wormwood, Yarrow and Yellow Dock.
Herpatic: A remedy for skin eruptions, ringworm, etc: Tea Tree and Walnut.
Hydrogogue: Promotes watery evacuation of bowels: Mandrake and White Byrony.
Hypertensive: Causing or marking a rise in blood pressure: Licorice.
Hypnotic: Tends to produce sleep: Hops, Jamaican Dogwood, Mistletoe, Passion Flower, Skullcap, Valerian and Wild Lettuce.
Hypotensive: Causing or marking a lowering of blood pressure: Hawthorn, Lobelia, Olive, Monkshood, Arnica, Hellebore and Mistletoe.
Immunostimulant: Stimulating various functions or activities of the immune system: Echinacea and Garlic.
Laxative: A mild purgative. An herb that acts to promote evacuation of the bowels: Buckthorn, Burdock, Flax (seed), Rhubarb, Castor, Cascara Sagrada and Senna.
Lithotriptic: Causing the dissolution or destruction of stones in the bladder or kidneys: Barberry, Corn (silk), Dandelion (root), Devil’s Claw, Gravelroot, Horsetail, Juniper (berry), Marshmallow and Parsley.
Maturating: An agent that promotes the maturing or bringing to a head of boils, carbuncles, etc.: Echinacea and Fig.Mydriatic: Dilates the pupil: Belladonna.
Narcotic: An addicting substance that reduces pain and produces sleep: Kava, Damiana, Lobelia and Skullcap.
Nauseant: An herb that causes nausea and vomiting. Somewhat similar to an emetic: Ipecac and Mustard.
Nervine: An agent that affects, strengthens, or calms the nerves: Damiana, Licorice and Skullcap.
Nutrient or Nutritive: Nourishing, increases weight and density: Nettle, Dandelion, Flax (seed), Burdock, Alfalfa, Red Clover and Spirulina.
Ophthalmic or Ophthalmicum: Healing for disorders and diseases of the eye: Eyebright and Goldenseal.
Oxytocic: stimulate the contraction of the uterus and can thereby help in childbirth: Bethroot, Blue Cohosh, Golden Seal, Rue and Squaw Vine.
Panacea: An agent good for what ails you, or what doesn't ail you. A "cure-all.”: Grapefruit (seed), Ginsengs and Garlic.Parturient: A substance that induces and promotes labor: Black Cohosh, Blue Cohosh and Squawvine.
Pectoral: Relieves disorders of the chest and lungs, as an expectorant: Coltsfoot, Garlic, Hyssop, Mallow, Lungwort, Skunk Cabbage and Mullein.
Prophylactic: Agent that wards off disease: Bladderwrack, Chickweed, Green Walnut, Garlic, Echinacea and Goldenseal.Purgative: An agent that causes cleansing or watery evacuation of the bowels, usually with griping (painful cramps): Ipecac and Mustard.
Refrigerant: Relieves fever and thirst. A cooling remedy. Lowers body temperature: Aloe and Ginger.
Relaxant: Tends to relax and relieve tension, especially muscular tension: Hops, Jamaican Dogwood, Mistletoe, Passion Flower, Skullcap, Valerian and Wild Lettuce.
Resolvent: Promotes the resolving and removing of abnormal growths, such as a tumor: St Johns Wort, Mandrake and Indian Strawberry.
Rubefacient: An agent that causes reddening or irritation when applied to the skin: Cyan, Cloves, Garlic, Ginger, Horseradish, Mustard and Nettle.
Sedative: Calms the nerves, allays excitement, induces relaxation, and is conducive to sleep: Cowslips, Jamaican Dogwood, Lobelia, Passion Flower, Red Poppy, Skullcap, Valerian, Wild Lettuce, Wild Yam and Kava.
Sialagogue: Promotes the flow of saliva: Bloodroot, Ginger and Prickly Ash.
Soporific: Herbs that help to produce sleep, same as a hypnotic: Hops, Jamaican Dogwood, Mistletoe, Passion Flower, Skullcap, Valerian and Wild Lettuce.
Stimulant: An agent that causes increased activity of another agent, cell, tissue, organ, or organism: Ephedra and Tobacco.
Stomachic: Substances which give strength and tone to the stomach. It is used to stimulate the appetite: Cumin and Senna.Sudorific: Herbs that cause heavy perspiration: Ephedra, Garlic, Coltsfoot (leaf), Chamomile and Hyssop.
Vasoconstrictor: An agent that causes blood vessels to constrict, or narrow the caliber: Witch Hazel, Ephedra, Butchers Broom, Yohimbe, Goldenseal and Bugleweed.
Vasodepressant: Lowers blood pressure by dilatation of blood vessels; having a depressing influence on circulation: Skullcap, Wood Betony, Black Cohosh, Corn (silk), Clivers, Goldenseal, Mistletoe, Rue and Sassafras.
Vasodilator: An agent that causes blood vessels to relax and dilate: Skullcap, Wood Betony, Black Cohosh, Corn (silk), Clivers, Goldenseal, Mistletoe, Rue and Sassafras.
Vermicidal: Having worm-killing properties; an agent that kills worms; a vermifuge. Also Vermicide: Aloe, Garlic, Pomegranate, Tansy, Wormwood and Rue.
Vermifuge: Having worm-killing properties; an agent that kills worms: Aloe, Garlic, Pomegranate, Tansy, Wormwood and Rue.
Vesicant: An agent that causes blistering: Poison Ivy, Buttercup and Clematis.
Vulnerary: An agent or herb used for healing wounds, fresh cuts, etc., usually used as a poultice: Aloe, Arnica, Black Willow, Burdock, Chickweed, Clivers, Daisy, Irish Moss, Marigold, Marshmallow, Plantain, Poke (root), Slippery Elm, Witch Hazel and Wood Betony.

Medical Conditions and Herbal Treatments:

Acne: Cleavers, Burdock (root), Yellow Dock, Oregon Grape and Black Walnut (hulls).
Adrenal Gland: Golden Seal (root), Juniper (berries), Cedar (berry), Dandelion (root), Bistort, Licorice (root) and Huckleberry.
Age Spots: Milk Thistle (seeds).
Alcoholism: Grape (seed) and Fringe Tree.
Allergies: Garlic, Astragalus, Echinacea, Ginseng, Wild Cherry (bark), Mullein (leaf) and Horehound.
Alzheimer’s and Dementia: Ginkgo, Ginseng and Butchers Broom.
Anemia: Nettle, Parsley (root), Yellow Dock, Dandelion (root), Gentian and Watercress.
Anorexia: Ginger (root) and Peppermint.
Arteriosclerosis: Cats Claw, Burdock, Yellow Dock, Horsetail and Sage.
Arthritis and Rheumatism: Cats Claw, Olive (leaf), Grape (seed), Alfalfa, Boneset, Burdock (root), Cyan, Devil’s Claw, Nettle, Prickly Ash (bark), White Willow (bark), Yucca, Aloe, Garlic and Flax (seed).
Asthma: Blood Root, St. John's Wort, Mullein, Saw Palmetto, Wild Cherry Bark, Goldenseal Root, Cayenne, Comfrey and Lobelia.
Athletes Foot: Cinnamon and Burdock.
Backache: Arnica.
Balding: Yellow Dock, Sage, Yarrow, Rosemary and Lemon (peel).
Bee Stings: Black Cohosh, Echinacea, Plantain and Yellow Dock.
Bilious: Barberry, Black Walnut (hulls) and Dandelion (root).
Bladder: Cleavers, Horsetail, Shepard’s Purse and Marshmallow.
Bone Cartilage Tissue: Alfalfa, Horsetail, Oat (straw), and Comfrey (leaf).
Bowels and Colon: Slippery Elm, Bay (leaf), Senna (leaf) and Turkey Rhubarb.
Bronchitis and Pneumonia: Cats Claw, Echinacea, Horehound, Wild Cherry (bark) and Peach (leaf).
Bruises: Comfrey, Cyan and Hyssop.
Cancer: Venus flytrap, Cats Claw and Mistletoe.
Candidacies: Garlic, Black Walnut, Oregon Grape and Chamomile.
Circulation: Butchers Broom, Cyan and Ginkgo Biloba.
Cold and Cancer Soars: Echinacea, Golden Seal, Aloe, Clover and Burdock (root).
Colds and Flu: Astragalus, Echinacea, Golden Seal, Ginger, Green Tea and Slippery Elm.
Cholesterol: Cyan, Ginger and Garlic.
Colic: Caraway (seed), Thyme and Wild Yam.
Constipation: Senna (leaf), Licorice (root), Turkey Rhubarb and Buckthorn (bark), and Fern.
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: Astragalus, Ginseng, Licorice (root), Tulip Poplar (bark), Echinacea, Garlic and Oat.
Depression: Oat (straw) and St Johns Wort.
Diabetes: Dandelion (root), Eyebright, Garlic, Ginger, Ginseng, Blueberry, Ginkgo, Hawthorn and Nettle.
Diarrhea: Slippery Elm, Borage (leaf), Barberry, Ginger (root), Plantain, Red Raspberry, St Johns Wort, Thyme, Tansy, Witch Hazel, Wormwood and Bistort.
Dysmenorrhea: Corn (silk), Green Tea, Aloe and Dandelion.
Ear Infection: Ginkgo Biloba, Bilberry, Echinacea, Cats Claw, Skullcap and Kava (root).
Eczema: Strawberry (leaf), Licorice (root), Black Walnut (hulls), Burdock, Dandelion (root), Plantain, Wormwood, Chamomile and Chickweed.
Edema: Dandelion (root), Peach (bark), Watermelon (seed), Parsley, Gravel Root, Kelp and Parsley (root).
Endometriosis: White Willow (bark), Chaste, Dandelion (root), Motherwort and Prickly Ash.
Energy: American Ginseng and Siberian Ginseng.
Eyes: Eyebright, Chamomile, Yellow Dock, Marshmallow (root), Golden Seal (root), Passion Flower (flower), Bilberry and Ginkgo Biloba.
Fever: Garlic, Cyan, Licorice (root), Eucalyptus (leaf), Thyme, White Poplar (bark) and White Willow (bark).
Gall Stones: Milk Thistle, Golden Seal, Oregon Grape, Dandelion and Gravel root.
Gastrointestinal: Aloe, Chamomile, Fennel, Ginger, Oats and Licorice.
Headaches: Valerian, Skullcap, Feverfew, Ginger and White Willow (bark).
Hemorrhoids: Aloe, Marshmallow, Slippery Elm, Witch Hazel and Plantain.
Hepatitis: Dandelion (root), Burdock (root), Evening Primrose, Clover, Echinacea, Oregon Grape (root), Barberry, Yellow Dock and Milk Thistle.
Hypertension: Devils Claw, Ginseng, Golden Seal, Hawthorn, Licorice and Yohimbe.
Impotence: Saw Palmetto, Flax (seed), Pumpkin (seed), Damiana, Yohimbe, Ginseng and Horny Goat Weed.
Insomnia: Hops, Passion Flower, Skullcap, Valerian (root), Blue Vervain and Ladyslipper.
Itching: Oat (straw) and Jewelweed (leaf).
Jaundice: Poke (root), Tansy, Black Cohosh, Dandelion (root), Hops, Mustard (seed), Parsley (root) and Yellow Dock. Kidney: Dandelion (leaf), Echinacea and Corn (silk).
Liver: Flax (seed), Milk Thistle, Fringe Tree, Bilberry and Yellow Dock.
Low Blood Pressure: Cyan, Ginger (root), Ginkgo Biloba, Butchers Broom, Dandelion (root), Yellow Dock, Yarrow and Kelp.
Lungs: Mullein (leaf) and Coltsfoot.
Lupus: Aloe, Cats Claw, Flax (seed) and Black Walnut.
Lymphatic: Burdock (root), Clover, Echinacea, Dandelion, Yellow Dock and Garlic.
Memory: Ginkgo Biloba, Flax (Seed) and Bilberry.
Menopause: Borage (leaf), Dong Quai, Wild Yam, Alfalfa, Black Cohosh, Blessed Thistle and Chaste Tree.
Menstrual Cramps: Black Cohosh and Motherwort, Dong Quai, Wild Yam and Black Haw.
Migraine: Ladyslipper and Feverfew.
Morning Sickness: Alfalfa, Ginger (root), Cinnamon (bark), Peppermint, Cyan, Red Raspberry and Kelp.
Mouth: Bayberry, White Oak (bark), Black Walnut (hulls), Cyan and Myrrh.
Muscles: Arnica, Lobelia, Wild Lettuce, White Willow (bark) and Valerian.
Nausea: Alfalfa, Black Cohosh, Blood Root, Blueberry (leaf), Huckleberry, Peppermint, Cinnamon (bark) and Ginger (root). Obesity: Green Tea and Bladderwrack.
Osteoporosis: Burdock, Nettle, Dandelion and Oat (straw).
Parasites: Garlic, Golden Seal, Black Walnut and Mullein.
Phobias: Valerian, Lady’s Slipper, Skullcap, Oat and Kava. PMS: Dong Quai and Dandelion (root).
Prostate: Saw Palmetto, Nettle, Marshmallow, Flax (seed), Ginseng, Licorice (root), Corn (silk), Hydrangea (root) and Pumpkin (seed).
Respiratory: Garlic, Mullein and Easter Lily.
Ring Worms: Garlic and Black Walnut (hull).
Sinusitis: Peppermint and Elder (flower).
Skin Cancer: Bloodroot.
Sore Throat: Sage, Bistort, Cyan, Witch Hazel, Poke (root), Comfrey, Garlic, Ginger (root) and Horehound.
Spasms: Mistletoe and Lobelia.
Spleen: Chamomile, Dandelion (root), Yellow Dock and Parsley (root).
Stomach Ache: Ginger (root) and Licorice (root).
Stomach Bleeding: Cyan, Marigold, Yarrow, Shepard’s Purse and Kelp.
Stress: Borage (leaf), Ladyslipper, Lobelia, Valerian and Passion Flower.
Swelling: Burdock and Comfrey.
Toxic Shock: Ginseng, Cyan, Ginger and Hawthorn.
Urinary Tract Infection: Golden Seal, Garlic, Marshmallow and Corn (silk).
Urinary Tract Infection Pain: Golden Seal, Oregon Grape (root) and Barberry (bark).
Varicose Veins: Cyan, Kelp, Garlic, Plantain and White Oak (bark).

Personal Care, Hygiene, and Herbs:

Acne Powder: Mix and powder a combination of any of the following herbs to apply to the face:
Job's Tears seeds
Red Peony root
Goldenthread root
Licorice root
Elecampane root
Marigold flowers
Elder flowers
Speedwell
Dandelion
Red Sage root

Aftershave: Steep Bay leaves in rum for a week. For sensitive skin, simply use Aloe Vera gel.

Basic Lip Balm: 2.5 oz. oil 1/2 oz. beeswax Heat together in a double boiler, mix and pour into container to cool.

Body Scrub: 2/3 c. flaxseed (for dry skin) or gape seeds (for dry skin) 1/3 c. oatmeal or wheat powder 1/4 c. yogurt
Blend well and scrub body with a loofa.

Dandruff Wash: Add 10 drops of Rosemary oil to 1 ounce of water and wash hair daily.

Deodorant Powder: 3/4 c. arrowroot powder 1/4 c. cornstarch 25 drops essential oil Mix into a powder and apply to underarms.

Facial Exfoliate Scrub: Mix equal parts of brown sugar and honey. Rub this on your face and leave for an hour before washing it off.

Facial Toner Mask: 1/4 c. Carrot juice 1/4 c. Cucumber juice 1 tbsp. vinegar Mix well, apply to face and leave on for an hour before washing it off.

Foot Scrub: 1 c. honey 1 c. brown sugar 5 drops of jojoba oil Scrub feet with a loofa.

Hair Darkener: Wash hair daily in coffee or tea.

Hair Lightener: Put lemon juice in hair daily.

Insect Repellant: In 1/2 cup of water, add up to 1 tablespoon of a combination of any of the following herbs:
Tea Tree
Citronella
Eucalyptus
Rosemary
Pine Needle
Sage
Cedar wood
Orange
Peppermint
Eucalyptus
Citronella

Laundry Detergent: 1/2 c. baking soda 1/4 c. vinegar 2 drops essential oil

Liver Spot Removal Wash: Blend together some vitamin E oil, Aloe Vera gel, lemon juice, vinegar, Pineapple, Papaya, Witch Hazel; Lily root and Horseradish. Apply to area a few times a day.

Lotion: 1 c. lard 1/2 c. beeswax 8 drops of essential oil Heat ingredients, mix and let cool in a jar.

Mouthwash: Steep mints in a bottle of vodka, strain out the herbs and gargle with the liquor.

Skin Soothing Bath: Mix in your bath a combination of buttermilk, honey, flaxseed oil and Wild Jewelweed leaves.

Toothpaste: Heat a combination of any of the following herbs in 1/2 cup of water: Horsetail, Echinacea, Myrrh, Sage;
Add to 1 cup baking soda.

Lye Soap: 5 c. lard/grease 3/4 c. lye 1 c. water 3 drops essential oil(s) (of your choice; optional).
If you would like to add the juices of certain plants to the soap, such as Wild Jewelweed (to relieve Poison Ivy itch) and/or Plantain (to sooth skin), boil them in the water. In a large plastic bowl, combine the lard/grease, water and essential oil(s) then pour the lye over them. Stir with a wooden or plastic spoon until the lye liquefied the ingredients, but be careful, as both the lye and the fumes are deadly! After the mixture stops bubbling, pour the mix into plastic molds or a box that's been covered in wax paper. Let set for 6 weeks, and then cut into bars if necessary.

Herbal Dyes:

Black: Alder (leaf), Black Walnut (leaf) and Yarrow (root).

Blue: Elder (berries), Elecampane (bloom), Indigo (bloom), Oregon grape (fruit) and Woad (bloom).

Brown: Burdock, Cascara Sagrada, Comfrey (leaf), Fennel (left), Geranium (leaf), Hops (pods), Juniper, Madder, Onion (bloom), Pokeweed (berries), Poplar (leaf) and Tea.

Gold: Agrimony (bloom), Amaranth (leaf), Dock (bloom), Goldenrod, Lavender Cotton, Mullein (bloom), Onion (bloom), Plantain, Poplar (bloom), Ragwort (bloom), Safflower (bloom), Salsify (bloom) and Yarrow (bloom).

Gray: Elder (bark), Poplar (bark), Raspberry (stalk), Sunflower (root) and Yarrow (root).

Green: Agrimony, Angelica, Barberry, Bayberry, Betony, Coltsfoot, Comfrey, Dock, Fennel, Foxglove, Goldenrod, Horsetail, Marjoram, Mullein, Rosemary, Sage, Salsify, Sunflower, Tansy, Woad and Yarrow.

Orange: Bloodroot (root), Chicory (bloom), Golden Marguerite (bloom), Madder (bloom) and Sunflower (bloom).

Pink: Bloodroot (root), Pokeweed (berries), Sorrel and Woad.

Purple: Blackberry (berry), Geranium (stalk), Grape (berry) and Lady's Bedstraw.

Red: Dandelion (bloom and root), Dock, Hops (leaf), Lady's Bedstraw, Madder, Pokeweed (berries), Potentilla, St Johns Wort and Sweet Woodruff.

Rust: Pokeweed (stalk) and Safflower.

Tan: Barberry (bark), Onion (stalk), Oregon Grape (stalk), Raspberry (stalk), Sunflower (bloom) and Sweet Woodruff.

Yellow: Agrimony (bloom), Barberry, Broom, Chamomile, Dandelion (bloom), Dock, Fennel (bloom), Fenugreek, Golden Marguerite, Goldenrod (bloom), Grindelia, Horseradish, Lady's Bedstraw, Onion (stalk), Safflower (bloom), Saffron (bloom), Sage, St Johns Wort, Sunflower (bloom), Tansy (bloom) and Yarrow (bloom).

Herbal First Aid Kit:

A great first aid kit handles more than just cuts and scrapes. However, you do not need to include any chemical preparations. The medicines can be all-natural, and will still be potent and effective.

1. Antimicrobial healing salve: A comfrey based salve, including herbs such as plantain, St. John's wort, calendula and Echinacea, will soothe, accelerate healing, and disinfect. Essential oils such as lavender and rosemary strengthen the effects. Use for any breaks in the skin and for burns. (Do not use initially on puncture wounds, use an antiseptic such as Echinacea tincture instead).

2. Insect repellant: Essential oils (lavender, citronella, eucalyptus, cedarwood, lemon grass, pennyroyal) suspended in a base of water and alcohol, are pleasant smelling to humans and noxious to bugs. The combination works better than the single oils. Make your own or use the all-natural commercial preparations. Note that eating sugar and sweets increases your attractiveness to many insects! Furthermore, every good outdoors person knows that blue attracts mosquitoes.

3. Muscle aches and pains liniment for external use: Arnica, witch hazel and St. John's Wort tinctures in combination and essential oils of camphor, eucalyptus, rosemary and clove bud are all excellent. Note that some people are sensitive to arnica: STOP if adverse symptoms result. Do not use arnica on broken skin.

4. Poison Ivy and Poison Oak liniment for external use: Jewelweed neutralizes the Rhus toxin and works well. Use fresh or tinctured, but jewelweed can be hard to find. Other remedies include grindelia, combined with Echinacea, calendula and white oak bark.

5. Echinacea tincture: Don't leave home without it. Internal and external antibiotic that provides temporary boost to the immune system. Good in case a cold threatens. Antidotes poison.

6. Ginger capsules: Great remedy for upset stomachs, including motion sickness, morning sickness and gas. Helpful for menstrual cramps. Alternatives: fennel and peppermint.

7. Bentonite clay or charcoal tablets, for diarrhea: These are to assist with detoxification, in case of poisoning. (Of charcoal, take 4 every hour, of bentonite clay; take 1 teaspoon in water, 3-4 times per day). Drink a lot of water. To induce vomiting mix fire pit ashes with water and drink.

8. Meadowsweet tincture: Fast acting, anti-inflammatory, pain-killer. Willow bark tea works well.

9. Thyme essential oil: A "must bring" for camping. Two drops in 4 ounces of water for mouthwash for toothache or sore throat. Same recipe used externally for crabs, lice, and all external parasites. Three drops placed in recently boiled water, inhale the steam for cold, flu, or bronchitis.

10. Rescue Remedy: Outstanding emotional support for all trauma. Very safe. Don't leave home without it. Rescue Remedy is comprised of Cherry Plum, Clematis, Impatiens, Rock Rose, and Star of Bethlehem. It is a wonderful remedy for calming the nerves.

11. Cayenne capsules: Proven styptic. Open and apply externally to stop bleeding. (Yes, it does burn, but it works). It will also warm cold feet, sprinkled inside your boots. Alternative styptics: comfrey and yarrow. Comfrey is perhaps the finest internal anti-hemorrhage we have and is great externally as well.

12. Bug bite and itch relief: Witch hazel, plantain, grindelia, comfrey and St. John's Wort all provide relief from insect bites and general itching. Tinctured combinations of these seem to work best and are applied directly to the skin. Lavender essential oil may be applied directly to the skin and works well. It enhances any tincture combination.

13. Relief from bruises: Useful herbs, typically applied topically in tincture form, include Tienchi ginseng, hyssop, myrrh gum, prickly ash bark, cayenne, calendula, comfrey and arnica. Make your own, use the all-natural commercial preparations, or obtain a "dit dat jao" from a Chinese herbalist. Helichrysum italicum essential oil, applied neat, works very well and is non-irritating. Application of the tincture combination, jao, or essential oil immediately following the bruise may prevent the bruise from forming. Do not use these remedies on the eyes or mucous membranes and wash thoroughly after use.

14. The hardware: "Band Aids", Bandages, 1/2 inch surgical tape, small scissors, single edged razor blade, tweezers, cold pack (cools on impact), ace bandage, bandana. Eye cup (or shot glass). Carry case (soft sided), waterproof for the kit.

15. Snakebite: Echinacea, taken freely in large doses.

If you are sensitive to any of the suggested remedies, don't use them. Read, listen to your body, and educate yourself. Use common sense and seek additional assistance when necessary.

For appropriate measurements and applications visit the Herbal Cross Reference Page HERE

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