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DISCLAIMER: These pages are presented solely as a source of INFORMATION and ENTERTAINMENT and to provide stern warnings against use where appropriate. No claims are made for the efficacy of any herb nor for any historical herbal treatment. In no way can the information provided here take the place of the standard, legal, medical practice of any country. Additionally, some of these plants are extremely toxic and should be used only by licensed professionals who have the means to process them properly into appropriate pharmaceuticals. One final note: many plants were used for a wide range of illnesses in the past, but be aware that many of the historical uses have proven to be ineffective for the problems to which they were applied.


ABCESS ROOT
(Polemonium reptans)
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PROPAGATION: Found in moist woods and damp ground. Can be propagated by seed or by root division in spring.
NEEDS: Humus-rich soil in sun to part shade. The flowering stems should be cut back after the flowers have finished.
PART USED: The slender rootstock is lifted in fall and winter and dried (bitter and acrid).

MEDICINAL:
Astringent, alterative, diaphoretic and expectorant. Has been used for fever, inflammations, scrofulous conditions, bowel complaints (requiring an astringent action), insect bites, as an alterative for bronchitis and laryngitis, colds, coughs, and skin conditions (with inflammation present).

DOSE = TRADITIONAL DOSAGES FOR PROFESSIONAL NOTE ONLY
All others buy commercial preparations and follow directions carefully.
For respiratory complaints, an infusion of the root in wineglass size amounts several times daily.
Also: As a tincture prepared in whisky - 1 to 3 tsps daily.



©2000 by Ernestina Parziale, CH

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