Health conditions starting with C and herbal remedies used to treat them

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Cancer Chilblains Colitis/Colon Cramps, Spasms/Internal

Cankers Cholesterol Constipation Cramps, Muscle

Chicken Pox Circulation Convulsions Cuts & Abrasions

Childbirth Colds/Congest/Cough/Flu Corns, Callouses, Warts Cystitis

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.

CANCER A difficult topic to address since there are so many different kinds of cancer and no one method will give uniform results. As in standard medical practice the battle has to be waged on many different fronts and tailored to the individual case. There are guidelines though, which tend more to be supportive of overall health of the body and its ability to fight back, and substances which can block nutrition to the tumors, thus preventing their growth.

The following list of books may prove helpful.

The Cure for All Cancers (Dr. Hulda R. Clark)
The Cure for All Advanced Cancers (Dr. Hulda R. Clark)
Beating Cancer with Nutrition (Dr. Patrick Quillan)
The Cancer Recovery Eating Plan (Daniel W. Nixon, MD)
Cancer Salves (Ingrid Naiman)

PREVENTION
LIMONENE
Found in the oil of citrus rinds, especially lemon, orange and grapefruit. Findings show shrinkage of mammary tumors in lab animals on high doses.

LINOLENIC ACID Omega-3 is found in high concentrations in stabilized flax seed and also found in lesser concentrations in leafy vegetables, walnuts and canola oil.

LIGNANS May prevent colon and breast cancer and inhibit tumor growth. High amounts are available from stabilized flax heads (800ppm) and is also available in buckwheat and wheat. Vegetables contain small amounts.

BETA CAROTENE Effective against nitrosamine formed when nitrates are exposed to high heat. Available in carrots, winter squash and sweet potatoes.

PROTEASE INHIBITORS Excess protein is believed to be one cause of cancer. P.I.'s prevent protein digestion so can block natural carcinogens from forming tumors. Available in kidney beans, chickpeas and tofu and other soy products.

ELLAGIC ACID
Counteracts naturally occuring and human-made cancer-causing agents. Available in cherries and strawberries.

GERANIOL In tests only 0.1% of Geraniol increased the survival rate of rats with malignant tumors. Abundant in ginger and rosemary and to a lesser amount in corn and peas.

ESCULETIN Ingesting animal fats can increase production of cellular hormones. This accelerates cell reproduction leading to the increased possibility of an aberrant cell being formed. This substance prevents acceleration and is available in grapefruits, carrots, basil and blueberries.

RESEARCH
Research has been, and continues to be, done on herbs. Over the years projects have included the following.

GILL-OVER-THE-GROUND
a.k.a. Gill-over-the-Ground and Ground Ivy
(Nepeta hereacea)
Explored as a possible skin cancer remedy and exhibited some tumor-inhibiting activity.
ASTRAGALUS
(A. membranaceus)
[HUANG-QI]
The extract stimulates T-cell activity and restores immune function. Considered a T-cell restorative and is used as supportive therapy for chemo and radiation.

PECTIN
(from apples) Can reduce the incidence of colon cancer. Pectin and cellulose of eating apples appear to halt progression of cancer by interfering with carcinogens that harm genetic material within cells.

COFFEE ENEMAS
Used to determine the individual response to a cup of coffee in determining correct dosage for chemo.
BURDOCK
(Arctium lappa)
[NIU-BANG-ZI]
Inhibits cancer causing agents.
ASHWAGANDA
(Withania somnifera)
Strong tumor-inhibiting activity.
SUMA
(Pfaffia paniculata)
Used in Brazilian hospitals as part of treatment.
TAXOL
From the Pacific Yew is now well-known for its cancer fighting abilities against breast and ovarian cancers.
SHARK CARTILEGE
Contains AIF (angiogenesis inhibition factor). Angiogenesis = to slow the growth of new blood vessels. The blood vessels feed the tumor, thus the value of researching shark cartilege. It does apparently make a difference just exactly what type of shark cartilege you take. They are not all equal. Shark cartilege taken orally is usually destroyed by the process of digestion. However, amino acid chelated shark cartilege is said to be taken into the blood stream before digestion has a chance to render it ineffective.

GRAPESEED EXTRACT The ability of wine to help fight heart disease is now well documented, but the antioxidant ability of wine and other grape products apparently helps fight cancer as well. Contains proanthocyanidins which are a type of bioflavonoid useful for their ability to scavenge free radicals, strengthen the vascular system and inhibit certain proteolytic enzymes and increase the effectiveness of vitamin C. Grapeseed extract and the bark of certain pine trees are the major sources for these particular antioxidants. A man once reported to me that his wife overcame ovarian cancer by the use of grapeseed extract and amino acid chelated shark cartilege along with other supporting nutrients. Such stories are anecdotal, but deserve to be followed up by serious researchers to determine their validity.

VENUS FLYTRAP In 1992 approval was pending by the German Food and Drug Administration on a standarized solution which was being used in the treatment of chronic diseases such as cancer, ulcerative colitis, Muscular Sclerosis, all types of herpes infections, chronic arthritis, immune deficiency states and AIDS. It was not found to be useful in cases of leukemia or blood abnormalities. It was said to shrink solid tumors and to be effective in helping to eliminate HIV from the blood. What happened to this product? No further mention has been made to my knowledge and it does not appear in the German E Commission Monographs.

SELF HEAL
(Prunella Vulgaris) Cancer research by the Chinese show that the extracts are promising in anti-AIDS activity. One factor, possibly the polysaccharide "prunellin" has been isolated by a California research team. It's antioxidant activity holds promise for heart disease and cancer.

ASTRAGALUS
An extract has been used by the Chinese to boost immune function and is also combined with chemotherapy to lessen liver damage.
ESSIAC
Many anecdotal stories but as yet no shred of proof. It may have some anti-tumor effects. Is made up of burdock, Indian rhubarb (Rheum palmatum), sheep sorrel, and slippery elm. In this herbalist's opinion, adding red clover and blue violet to the mix might be beneficial.

HOXSEY FORMULA A topic of much discussion and difficult to get to the truth of the matter...does it or doesn't it work. It contains potassium iodide combined with some or all of the following depending on the individual case: licorice, red clover, burdock root, stillingia root, berberis root, poke root, cascara, prickly ash bark and buckthorn bark.

Fighting cancer is best done from a base of boosting the immune system with nutrition and supplements and by also adding those substances proven to have the capability to reduce tumors. Some of the above herbs and supplements do have that capacity. If fighting for your life, get a second doctor to work your case...a Naturopathic Physician. Such a doctor can work together with your primary physician and will help you tailor a program to meet your specific needs and choices.

BREAST CANCER
A better chance of survival seems to occur when surgery is done between 7 to 20 days after the 1st day of menstruation.
SKIN CANCER
There is an alternative product out of Great Britain which is used in fighting skin cancer. The name is CURIDERM and information can be had by contacting Masters Marketing Co., No. 1 Marlborough Hill, Harrow, Middlesex, England HA11TW. My information is that it is legal to import up to 3 kits for personal use.

CANKERS
MOUTHWASH
Combine equal parts (by weight) of dried sage and dried calendula petals. Use 2 tsp per one cup of water just off the boil to make a strong infusion. Use as a gargle and mouthwash.

INTERNALLY If cankers are frequent, then combine equal parts (by weight) of the dried herbs echinacea, cleavers and vervain. Add 8 times as much (by weight) of 100 proof vodka and place all in a wide mouthed jar. Allow to steep for 2 weeks out of direct light, then strain and bottle. Use ½ tsp 3 times daily.
Alternatively you can purchase these 3 herbs in tincture form and combine equal parts.

CHICKEN POX Despite immunization, there are still plentiful cases of chicken pox each year. There is some belief that having chicken pox in childhood sets one up for possibly having shingles later in life. Shingles is very painful condition and most often strikes us when all our defenses are down and little able to fight the virus.
For itching, aloe gel has been used. Also, St. Johnswort oil applied to the pustules is said to relieve pain and itching and accelerate healing. Another good herb for any Herpes virus is lemon balm and a salve made of this would also be very beneficial. Lip balm made with lemon balm is very effective against cold sores.

CHILDBIRTH
The following herbs have been used traditionally to ease childbirth

Althea
Amer. spikenard
Bennet
Birthwort
Black Cohosh
Blind Nettle Blue Cohosh
Eur. Ragwort
Flax
Garden Raspberry
Garden Violet
Goat's Rue Horehound
Iceland Moss
Lady's mantle
Pansy
Primrose
Ragwort Shepherd's purse
Silverweed
Squawvine
Wild Red Raspberry
Wild Sarsaparilla
.

Basil and motherwort tea have been used to help clear the placenta.
The homeopathic preparation Arnica (6X) is used to repair stressed tissues afer childbirth.

CHILBLAINS Cramps and spasms and pain caused by cold can be helped by using 1 part ginger root and 2 parts cramp bark. Make a tea using 1 tsp of the mixed herbs to 1 cup of water. To be taken as needed. Ginger is very warming and can be used alone.

CHOLESTEROL Making olive oil your main "fat" of choice for cooking, eating and baking will get you off of the polyunsaturated fats and lower your cholesterol. A tablespoon or two of olive oil in the bottom of a non-stick skillet will give you the tasty base for french fries/home fries. You can even make pie crust using olive oil. For great recipes check out the Colavita web site. Eat poultry and fish and very lean (95% lean if possible) beef. Make as much of your food from scratch as you can manage. Eventually you will find that it takes very little effort to do this with all the great labor saving appliances we have today such as crockpots, microwaves, bread machines, etc. It is extremely difficult to get the bad (LDL) cholesterol down if the fats are not eliminated from the diet first. Things that can aid the process are: Oatmeal (one serving per day), Kelp, Lecithin granules, Garlic, Apples (particularly the pectin in apples), Fo-Ti (Polygonum multiflorum) said to be effective at lowering serum cholesterol. A product called Cholestin (Pharmnex Inc), consisting of fermented rice with red yeast, is touted as being a substance which lowers cholesterol. I have no personal knowledge of the product and feel diet and exercise are the keys to controlling this problem, but it never hurts to check things out.

CIRCULATION
Baths have been traditionally employed to stimulate circulation.

Steep 2 oz rosemary leaves in 1 pint boiling hot water for 10 minutes; add to bath.
Boil 1 lb shave grass thoroughly in 3 quarts water; add to bath.
Add 1 lb chopped sweet flag root to 5 quarts cold water; let stand 2 hours; bring quickly to boil; steep for 5 minutes.

Herbs with a history of use to assist and heal blood vessels are:

Buckwheat
Cayenne
Dandelion (diuretic with large amounts of natural potassium)
Ginger
Hawthorn
Horse chestnut
Lime (a.k.a Linden) blossoms
Scotch broom (diuretic)
Herbs used as cardio-vascular nervines are:

Balm
Hops
Lime flowers
Motherwort Pasque flowers
Skullcap
Valerian
.

INTERMITTANT CLAUDICATION A condition caused by narrowing of the arteries of the legs. Taking garlic daily as a supplement is believed to be helpful. The following tincture has been used to offer general support for this condition: Combine equal amounts of hawthorn, horse chestnut, ginkgo, prickly ash and cramp bark. Measure out 1/4 oz of the mixture and powder them in a coffee mill. Combine the powdered herbs with 2 oz of 100 proof vodka, cap securely, and allow to steep out of direct light for 2 weeks. Strain and use 1 tsp 3 times a day. While waiting for the tincture you can make a tea of these same herbs using 2 tsp per cup of boiling water, steeped 8 to 10 minutes and taken 3 times a day.

COLD HANDS and FEET
Drink ginger tea.

COLDS/CONGESTION/COUGHS/FLU The bane of man's existence continues to be the common cold and its many variations. More lethal, but nearly as common, are the annual influenza strains that bedevil our lives. We spend more money on cold and flu remedies than on any other type of over-the-counter medication with the possible exception of digestive remedies. However, there are a number of things we can do at home to ease our problems. The very best thing we can do is to stay at home, rest, and not carry our plague to everyone else. When I am sick, I stay at home, do not visit the elderly nor my grandchildren. It's a common sense thing to do. By resting and taking plenty of fluids you can actually cut short the number of days of suffering. There are many home remedies, herbal remedies, folks remedies that can be used to ease the symptoms. There are even a few things that will actually work to keep the virus from replicating, thus making the visitation of a very short duration.
Taking echinacea during cold and flu season can keep your immune system in top fighting condition. Elderberry syrup is known to keep the virus from replicating (commercial products are available at health food stores). Garlic and onions in abundance during the "nasty" season will also keep the virus from getting a foothold. A 90-something lady of my long acquaintance well remembers the Spanish Influenza that decimated so many people worldwide. Her father brought home large bags of onions and insisted that each of them eat one raw onion each day. None of her family caught that devastating flu (I don't imagine many friends visited either). Anecdotal, but worth considering.
Fo-ti (Polygonum multiflorum) is used for shortening the duration of a cold in many Chinese formulations. Another anti-viral is Osha root (Ligisticum porterii) and is available in health food stores as a tincture. A pleasant way to get your herbs is to lace the herb tea with the lemon and honey which are effective in soothing sore throats and coughs on their own. Another anti-viral herb is St. Johnswort.
The soothing and warming properties of ginger are well known and can definitely assist with cold and flu symptoms as a tea, in a capsule or as a syrup. Honey added to warm lemon juice (warm lemonade, if you will) is exceptionally good with sore throats, coughs, and congestion.

Herbs traditionally used for colds & flu
(Not all of these are specifically directed at the cold; some are what is termed "supporting" or "assisting" herbs)
**Comfrey is not recommended for internal use. Ma huang must be used with caution (in fact, it is no longer available for sale in the United States).**

Althea
Amer. angelica
Amer. elder
Amer. ivy
Amer. spikenard
Lemon balm
Basswood
Betony
Bilberry
Birch Black elder
Blue vervain
Boneset
Butternut
Chamomile (both)
Catnip
Coltsfoot
**Comfrey
Cyclamen
Eucalyptus Everlasting (all)
Feverfew
Fig
Galangal
Garden thyme
Ginger
Ginseng
Gray goldenrod
Ground ivy
Guiaiac Gumplant
Hedge mustard
Hollyhock
Horehound
Hyssop
Laurel
Lemon
Licorice
Lobelia
**Ma-huang Masterwort
Nasturtium
Peppermint
Prickly ash
Rose
Safflower
Sage
St. Benedict's thistle
Sarsaparilla
Savory Saw Palmetto
Senega snakeroot
Smartweed
Soapwort
Sticklewort
Sweet goldenrod
Valerian
White pine
Wild bergamot
Wild black cherry Wild daisy
Wild ginger
Wild sarsaparilla
Wintergreen
Witch grass
Wormwood
Yarrow
Yellow parilla
Yerba Santa
.

WARM LEMONADE
Wash and cut lemons; squeeze into a large pitcher; add the washed halves; add lots of boiling water; steep.
ELDERBERRY ROB
(not exactly the syrup, but effective)
Place 1 quart of elderberries in a saucepan with 1 tbsp of water to prevent burning; simmer slowly, crushing the berries until all the juice is extracted; strain and then add 1 lb of sugar for each of pint of juice. Boil for 20 minutes and bottle when cold. It should be of a thick syrupy consistency. Dose is 1 to 2 tbsp added to 1 cup of warm water.

FEVERISH COLDS Combine equal portions of Elderflower, Peppermint and Yarrow. Use 1 tsp per cup of water just off the boil and steep 10 minutes. Drink 2 or 3 cups per day.

FLU-TYPE COLDS and FLU Combine 2 parts boneset, 1 part elder flowers, 1 part peppermint, 1 part echinacea, 1 part yerba santa. Use 1 tsp per cup of water just off the boil and steep 10 minutes. Take 2 to 3 cups daily or sip throughout the day in mouthful doses.

COLDS and SORE THROATS
(to be taken at the first sign)
Combine 1 oz of fresh, sliced ginger root, with 1 stick of broken cinnamon stick, 1 tsp coriander seeds, 3 cloves, 1 slice of lemon and 1 pint of water. Simmer for 15 minutes and then strain off the liquid. Drink a cup of this hot every 2 hours. Also: An old remedy was a strong infusion of boneset which was once drunk hot every hour. See also Throat/Mouth

COLDS, GENERAL Combine 2 tbsp echinacea tincture, 2 tbsp thyme tincture, 2 tbsp licorice tincture, 2 tbsp lemon balm tincture, 2 tbsp garlic syrup (see recipe), 1 tbsp ginger syrup. Give ½ to 1 tsp 4 times daily.

CHEST COLDS Soak 2 tbsp Marshmallow (Althea) root, leaves and/or flowers in 1½ cups water for 8 hours. Combine ½ oz Coltsfoot, ½ oz lungwort, ¼ oz anise seed. Steep 2 tsp of this mixture in ½ cup of water just off the boil for 10 minutes and add to the Marshmallow infusion. Mix with some honey and take in mouthful doses throughout the day.

CONGESTION

Inhalation of chamomile flowers as steam for head congestion. Also inhaling fresh cut horseradish root.
Mustard powder added to foot baths helps to decongest sinuses
Inhalation of eucalyptus leaves as steam for head and lung congestion (or a few drops of eucalyptus oil can be used in the basin instead).
Herbal Inhaler: Fill a 1-oz bottle with cotton and add 5 to 10 drops of an essential oil such as eucalyptus, lavender, peppermint or rosemary. Sniff gently into each nostril several times a day to unstuff the nose and sinuses.

HERB FORMULA Combine 1 part lance-leaf plantain, 1 part mullein flowers, 1 part lungwort, 2 parts speedwell. Steep 1 tsp in ½ cup of water just off the boil. Take 1 to 1½ cups daily, (sweetened with raw sugar or honey) in mouthful doses.

MUCOUS CONGESTION This combination is known in Ayurvedic medicine as Trikatu and is considered an antihistimine. It can be combined with other herbal formulas wherever that action is needed.
Combine the powders of ½ oz black pepper, ½ oz ginger, 1 oz anise seed. Add a little honey to form a paste-like consistency and take ½ tsp of this 3 times a day before meals.

SINUS CONGESTION
Salt water snuffle This is an excellent way to drain those clogged sinuses and is used as a daily regimen in some Asian countries. There is even a device called a "nettie pot" that can be purchased for this (see Where to Buy It). Combine ½ tsp salt (preferably sea salt) in 1 cup of tepid water; pinch one nostril closed and pour a little of the solution into the palm of the other hand (hmmm...you might want to pour and then pinch). Snuffle the liquid up the open nostril until it runs down into the back of the throat. Repeat with the other nostril and then blow, VERY GENTLY as the ear drums will be very sensitive to air pressure.

FENUGREEK TEA Simmer 1 tsp of seed in 2 cups of water for 10 to 15 minutes. Combine with honey if desired and drink throughout the day in mouthful doses.

SYRUPS for COLDS and COUGHS
ONION SYRUP Cut up 6 white onions and place in the top of a double boiler with ½ cup of honey. Cook slowly over low heat for 2 hours and then strain (a crockpot on low would also work). Take 1 tsp (warm) at regular intervals throughout the day.

HERB SYRUP, GENERAL
Combine 2 oz of dried herb with 1 quart of water; boil down to 1 pint; add 1 to 2 oz of honey.
HERB SYRUP #1
Combine 1/3 oz each of Elecampane, wild cherry bark, licorice, comfrey root, coltsfoot and lobelia. Place in 1 quart of water and simmer until the liquid is reduced to 1 pint. Continue to cook down until a syrupy consistency is achieved. Dose is 1 tbsp every hour or as needed.
(!Caution note! Comfrey is no longer recommended for internal use).

HERB SYRUP #2 Combine ½ part rosemary, 1 part mullein, 1 part horehound (or coltsfoot); steep 1 tsp with 1 cup of water just off the boil; when cool, then strain. Add enough sugar or honey to make a syrup. Dose is 1 tbsp sipped slowly 3 to 4 times daily as needed.

HOREHOUND SYRUP Steep 1 oz of horehound leaves in 2 cups of water just off the boil for 5 minutes; strain off the leaves and measure the liquid. Add twice as much honey as liquid. Mix well and bottle for coughs. Take 1 tsp 3 or 4 times a day.

LICORICE SYRUP Fill a pyrex container with pieces of the dried root; cover the root with water and simmer for 3 to 4 hours; strain and discard the root. Add 2 tbsp of honey for each cup of liquid; bottle. Dose is 1 to 2 tsp every few hours for sore throat, cough and congestion.
!Caution! Large doses of licorice are to be avoided by people with high blood pressure or hyper adrenal function.

QUICK LEMON SYRUP Place one washed lemon into a saucepan with 1 quart of cold water; bring to a simmer and simmer for 20 minutes. Use tongs to remove the lemon and set aside. Cut in half and spoon out the lemon, including the inner rind. Combine with ½ cup of honey for a quick cough syrup.

GARLIC COUGH SYRUP
(Expectorant - also used for asthma, hoarseness, coughs, breathing difficulties and other disorders of the lungs and especially useful for bronchitis) Pour a quart of water, just off the boil, over a pound of fresh sliced garlic. Allow to stand in a glass container, covered, for 12 hours. Add enough sugar to make the consistency of syrup. Vinegar and honey improve the taste. To cover the smell of the garlic, simmer bruised fennel seed in some vinegar and add it to the garlic.

ONION COUGH SYRUP 1 sliced medium-sized onion and 1 to 2 cups of raw sugar. Layer sugar and onion slices in a glass jar until it is full; let sit in a cool place for 1 to 2 days. Strain out the onion and bottle the liquid. Store in refrigerator or other cool place. Use ½ to 1 tsp 3 times a day.

MARSHMALLOW SYRUP
(good for dry cough or sore throat)
2 oz sliced or cut marshmallow root, 1½ cups sugar, 1 cup distilled water. Soak marshmallow root in water for 2 hours. Add sugar and heat to a boil; cool and strain. Bottle and store in refrigerator.

COLTSFOOT SYRUP Make 3 infusions, one after the other, of coltsfoot and each time use ½ lb of coltsfoot in the same 1 quart of water; strain after the last infusion and put it into a pound and a half of good sugar and boil to a syrup.

PARSLEY REMEDY Pour 2½ cups boiling water over 2 tbsp of dried agrimony flowers or leaves and 1 tbsp dried parsley; let infuse until it is cool; strain. Take 1 to 2 tsps 3 times a day or when coughing.

PLANTAIN GLYCERITE 1 lb fresh lance-leaved plantain leaves, vegetable glycerin. Either juice the leaves or add a small amount of distilled water and puree in the blender. Strain. Add ½ as much glycerin as there is juice. Store in refrigerator. (Also works with cleavers and dandelion). Useful as a base to add other tinctures to for respiratory problems. Good for conditions where copious amounts of mucous are being produced.

EXPECTORANT HERBS

Coltsfoot
Horehound
Mullein
Comfrey root Cowslip
Senega
Soapwort
Squill

HOREHOUND LOZENGES
Combine powdered horehound with sugar or honey and slippery elm powder; form a paste; roll into rectangular shaped cake on wax paper which is covered with slippery elm or sugar; cover the top with cornstarch; cut into small squares and let air dry; store in sealed containers when dry.

LICORICE COUGH DROPS Make a decoction of 1 oz of licorice root in 8 oz of water. Simmer uncovered for 20 minutes; strain out the herb; add 4 oz of raw sugar and simmer till thick. Remove from heat and sift in 2 tsp of slippery elm powder while stirring. Mix well and drop by the tsp onto wax paper to cool.

EXTERNAL HELP for CONGESTION or CHILLBLAINS Place 1 cup of fresh grated ginger root into a muslin bag (or create one with cheesecloth) and then place into 2 quarts of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes, covered. Allow to cool enough to be safe for skin. Then dip a cloth into the fomentation and apply where needed. Cover with a towel to retain the heat. As the cloth cools, redip as necessary and repeat the process.

VAPOR RUB In the top of a double boiler melt ½ cup petroleum jelly; remove from heat and add 1 tsp oil of eucalyptus. Mix well, pour into suitable jar and use like the commercial product. Test the skin reaction before using by placing a small amount on the inner fold of the elbow and watching for any reaction. Or (and this is the preferred method), place the product on an old diaper or other soft, thin fabric, fold it over, then place on the chest.

SPIRITS
GINGER WINE for COLDS and CHILLS
1 pint brandy, several pieces of fresh bruised ginger root. Steep 1 to 2 tbsp of the bruised root in a bottle of brandy (whisky can also be used) for 7 to 10 days. Strain. Use in 1 tsp doses for a chill or for a cold.

VINO RON This is an old Spanish family recipe that may have more to do with seeing to it that you get plenty of rest during the first 24 hours than anything else. It's amusing really, but not without its value. If you do decide to try this one and your place of employment does regular drug testing, be aware that after ingesting this remedy you will test positive for heroin, morphine etc, since both are derived from the poppy plant. This is another remedy that is meant to be taken at the first sign of a cold or flu. Fill a 12-oz bottle 3/4 of the way with standard poppy seed. Then fill nearly to the top with the strongest rum available, but leave room for the juice from 2 or 3 lemons. Shake this mixture once or twice daily for about 2 weeks. Then strain through a coffee filter and discard the seeds. Measure the amount of rum liquid you have and then add an equal amount of a good burgundy wine. It can be used immediately, but is believed (according to the family tradition) to be better if aged in a dark, cool place for a few months first. At the first sign of a cold or flu take 3 measured tbsp.

COLITIS/COLONPROBLEMS A standard remedy is aloe. Ginger capsules or the juice can also aid in healing. For ulcerative colitis eating one clove of raw garlic daily and sipping on a warm tea of chamomile or vervain throughout the day can help the healing process. Also, purchase or make tinctures of the following: bayberry, wild yam, valerian, agrimony and chamomile. Combine 2 parts bayberry and 2 parts wild yam with 1 part valerian, 1 part agrimony and 1 part chamomile. Combined product of tinctures is taken 1 tsp 3 times daily.

CONSTIPATION The best product has actually been on the market for many years...SENACOT brand laxative has always contained a natural plant derived laxative from senna. The difficulty in taking senna or other plant laxatives is the amount of intestinal griping they produce without having just the right amount of buffers included to prevent this. It can be a tricky process and can be more uncomfortable than the actual constipation, so relying on the commercial brand is a safer and easier alternative.
For mild constipation there are a few old home remedies of which eating plenty of prunes has certainly always worked. Another is to put 2 tsp of salt in a quart of warm water and take immediately upon arising in the morning. Then do not eat anything until the intestinal tract has evacuated in a few hours. !! If you have high blood pressure AVOID this remedy!!
Suppositories are another safe way to deal with constipation. For very difficult constipation a warm water enema is a safe procedure. An interesting old remedy that is said to be quite effective is to combine 2 parts tomato juice with 1 part sauerkraut juice. An old yoga trick which I have found to be very effective is to use your right hand to gently rub the abdomen in a clock-wise direction for several minutes. It seems to jump-start the peristalsis movement and get things in motion.

CHICKWEED DECOCTION Boil 3 heaping tbsp of chickweed in 1 quart of water till 1 pint remains; take 1 cupful warm every 3 hours or more often until the bowels move.

PLANTAIN PURGE
Add 1 tsp seeds of plantain to 4 oz cold water and let swell for 2 hours; drink before the last meal of the day.
Herbs which have a history of use for this condition
It should be noted that many of these are not laxative at all, but are supporting herbs in formulations for constipation.

Agave
Alder buckthorn
Aloe
Asparagus
Basil
Black elder
Blackthorn
Boneset
Bryony (both)
Buck bean
Burdock Butternut
Cabbage rose
Calendula
Chickory
Common plum
Cucumber
Cypress
Flax
Fringe tree
Fumitory
Goldenseal Hedge bindweed
Hedge hyssop
Hemp agrimony
Hyssop
Jalap
Kidney vetch
Licorice
Mallow (both)
Mugwort
Mulberry (both)
Olive Peach tree
Pride of China
Primrose
Radish
Red elder
Restharrow
Rhubarb root
St. Benedict thistle
Senna (all)
Shepherds purse
Soapwort Sorrel
Sticklewort
Tamarind
Turtlebloom
White mustard
Wild clover
Wild daisy
Wild Oregon grape
Wild plum
Yellow dock
.

NUTRITION Nutrition can often provide the solution for sluggish bowels. Try to eat a breakfast cereal of warm, whole grains (wheat, millet or best if a combination of grains) which includes finely chopped dried fruits such as prunes, raisins, figs, dates, etc. Commercial products are available by way of grain cereals, but if you choose to make your own, then before retiring for the evening combine the grains with water and allow to sit overnight. The grains will swell and then can be cooked. Or..an alternative method is to cook your grains in a crockpot overnight and add the fruit at least 20 minutes before eating.

CONVULSIONS
GET IMMEDIATE PROFESSIONAL MEDICAL HELP!!!!
Tincture of lobelia is the first choice for an herbalist in this emergency, ONLY when professional help is unavailable, or when the cause and duration of the episodes are known. Tincture of Black cohosh can also be helpful.

CORNS, CALLOUSES, WARTS The milk sap of dandelion, applied regularly is said to remove warts. Using the inside of the skin of a banana overnight is also said to remove warts after a period of time. Cut a patch of the skin of a ripe banana and place on the wart overnight. Remove in the morning and again that evening go to bed with the banana skin poultice. This should be kept up until the wart comes off easily. The juice of celandine is useful in removing corns. Dr James Duke in his book The Green Pharmacy has a specific recipe for removing corns using celandine, salt substitute, glycerin and water.

CRAMPS & SPASMS, INTERNAL
The following is a list of herbs which have been used historically to relieve this condition.
Some are specific, but many are supporting in action.

Anise
Lemon balm
Bear's garlic
Betony
Black elder
Blind nettle
Blue cohosh
Burnet saxifrage
Calendula
. Chamomile
Caraway
Cayenne
Coriander
Cowslip
Dill
European angelica
Fennel seeds/leaves
Garden thyme
. Garlic
Lady's mantle
Lavender
Masterwort
Mother of thyme
Motherwort
Nerve root
Pasque flower
Peppermint
. Radish
Rose
Rosemary
Savory
Silverweed
Sweet marjoram
Wild marjoram
Wild yam
Winter savory
Woodruff

FOMENTATION Steep 3 to 4 oz of thyme in 1 quart of boiling water for 10 minutes. Use a soft cloth to dip into the solution and use as a warm compress over the area of cramping.

INFUSION
Mix equal parts of lemon balm, chamomile and silverweed. Steep 1 tsp of this mix in ½ cup of water just off the boil. Dose is 1 to 1½ cups per day in mouthful doses. Sweeten with honey.

CRAMPS, MUSCLE In particular for leg cramps that come in the night and ruin your sleep. Before retiring place 2 or 3 heaping tbsp of Old Fashioned oats in a large glass and fill glass with water. Stir well. Set in the refrigerator overnight and upon arising in the morning, drink the water (discard the oatmeal). This is also safe to take while pregnant and bothered by leg cramps.
Muscle cramps usually indicate a need for calcium. Even chewing on one or two TUMS® before retiring for the night can help keep the situation under control.

CUTS & ABRASIONS

Powdered root of marshmallow applied directly on cut.
Ointment of Lady's Mantle applied for abrasions.
Ointment of Comfrey leaves applied for abrasions.
Aloe gel for abrasions.

CYSTITIS
See also: Bladder Infection
An inflammation of the lining and the wall of the bladder. The main herbs used in dealing with this condition are Bearberry, Cornsilk, Couch grass and Marshmallow.

INFUSION Combine equal amounts of marshmallow root, corn silk, couch grass, horsetail, with half as much bearberry. Steep 1 tsp of mixture in a cup of water just off the boil for 10 to 15 minutes. Drink hot 4 to 5 times a day.

©1998 by Ernestina Parziale, CH

Cancer	Chilblains	Colitis/Colon	Cramps, Spasms/Internal
Cankers	Cholesterol	Constipation	Cramps, Muscle
Chicken Pox	Circulation	Convulsions	Cuts & Abrasions
Childbirth	Colds/Congest/Cough/Flu	Corns, Callouses, Warts	Cystitis