Eye Problems

For conjunctivitis and styes and for tired, red or strained eyes generally, bathe the eyes 2-3 times daily with a soothing lotion:

3 parts Eyebright herb

1 part Marigold flowers

Infusion: apply warm as a compress or eye lotion

Fennel, Chamomile, Elder flowers, Plantain and Raspberry leaves may be used in the same way.

For chronic eye problems or weak eyes, bathe the eyes with Eyebright, 15 minutes at a time, twice a day, for several weeks. Internal treatment may be used as well:

4 parts Eyebright herb

1 part Fennel seed

1 part Dandelion root

Infusion: 3 cups per day

Repeat the course of treatment from time to time.

Hayfever and Sinusitis

For relief from acute attacks of hayfever and sinusitis:

2 parts Sage leaves

1 part Elder flowers

1 part Eyebright herb

Infusion: 1/2-1 ñèð every 2-4 hours, not exceeding 4 cups per day

Treatment should not be used for more than one week at a time. Sage is the primary ingredient and can be used alone if necessary. This is a highly effective treatment and the limitations on its use are based simply on the ability of Sage to reduce the secretion of fluids: some caution should be made against excessive use of the herb otherwise it may slow secretions to a degree more than required (see entry on Sage in Section 2: Herbs).

For recurrent hayfever or chronic sinusitis:

1 part Elder flowers

1 part Eyebright herb

Infusion: 3 cups per day for 4 weeks — repeat if necessary after suspending treatment for 2 weeks.

*86/66/5*

Haemorrhoids

3 parts Shepherd’s Purse herb

3 parts Plantain leaves

3 parts Marigold flowers

1 part Fennel seed

Infusion: 3 cups per day

 

2 parts Witch Hazel leaves

2 parts Marigold flowers

2 parts Plantain leaves

2 parts Dandelion root

1 part Liquorice root

2 parts Marshmallow root

Infusion: 3 cups per day

Blackberry root bark

Decoction: 3 cups per day

For excessive haemorrhoidal bleeding:

2 parts Shepherd’s Purse herb

1 part Plantain leaves

1 part Yarrow herb

1 part Marshmallow root

Infusion: 1/2-1 ñèð every hour for acute conditions, otherwise 3 cups per day

 

As with many chronic conditions, extended treatment (with suitable breaks) may be required. For external use, Distilled Witch Hazel, combined 50/50 with an infusion of Marigold flowers and/or Plantain leaves, can be applied as a soothing and astringent lotion. Mullein oil is also useful, and an excellent all-purpose ointment may be prepared as follows:

1 part Witch Hazel leaves

1 part Plantain leaves

1 part Marigold flowers

1 part St John’s Wort herb

1 part Comfrey root

Ointment or oil: apply locally, renewing several times per day

Heartburn

12 parts Meadowsweet herb

1 part Fennel seed

1 part Anise seed

1 part Cinnamon bark

1 part Lemon Balm leaves

Infusion: 1 cup after every meal

Used for treating heartburn or hyperacid stomach, the above remedy is taken for its long-term effects rather than for immediate relief — hence treatment should extend over several weeks.

Alfalfa can also be taken long-term for its beneficial effect on hyperacidity of the stomach:

Alfalfa herb

Infusion: 1 cup after every meal

For more immediate relief:

6 parts Marshmallow root

2 parts Alfalfa herb

1 part Cinnamon bark

1 part Peppermint leaves

Infusion: 1/2 cup every hour, not to exceed 3 cups per day

*69/66/5*

Mentha spicata

Action: Aromatic, diaphoretic, stimulant, stomachic, carminative, cholagogue, antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, local analgesic, anti-emetic, diuretic.

Systems Affected: Stomach, intestines, kidneys, bladder, uterus, circulation, nerves.

Preparation and Dosage (thrice daily): Dried leaves, dose 1-5 grams by infusion.

Spearmint has been known and used for culinary and medicinal purposes since ancient times. Native to the Mediterranean region, the Romans were responsible for its distribution throughout northern and western Europe. It is now cultivated commercially and as a garden plant and is probably the most widely used of all mints. The plant was formerly classified as Mentha viridis, a reference to its bright green colour, whereas the modern botanical name and the common name both reflect the spear-like shape of its leaves.

The medicinal properties of Spearmint are similar to those of Peppermint (stimulant, carminative, antispasmodic, etc.) but less powerful. The taste is also milder and more pleasant than Peppermint, and for these reasons it is better adapted to children’s ailments.

Spearmint is particularly valued for its anti-emetic properties and is considered by many a specific for nausea and vomiting. It also relieves hiccough, flatulence and colic.

Unlike Peppermint it possesses some diuretic action and is a weak emmenagogue. It is used to treat inflammation of the kidneys and bladder and suppressed or painful urination.

A strong infusion of the herb was traditionally used as a local application for chapped hands. Long used as a culinary herb, Spearmint aids digestion, hence its use as a garnish, sauce, jelly or vinegar with such foods as lamb, peas and new potatoes.

*52/66/5*

Melissa officinalis

Action: Sedative, diaphoretic, antispasmodic, carminative.

Systems Affected: Nerves, circulation.

Preparation and Dosage (thrice daily): Dried leaves, dose 2-5 grams by infusion.

Lemon Balm is native to the Mediterranean region and has been cultivated in the area for over 2000 years. For almost half this period, however, it was used primarily as a bee plant. The Arabs introduced it as a medicinal plant, extolling its merits in treating anxiety and depression (Avicenna said that ‘it makes the heart merry, and strengthens the vital spirits’), and it has been used as a sedative or tonic tea ever since.

Lemon Balm is used mainly for treating nervous conditions such as anxiety and depression. As the American herbalist Michael Tierra states: ‘This herb is widely used to cure melancholy and diseases that are the result of finding ourselves in places and life situations we are not ready to accept.’

The infusion is recommended for poor digestion, flatulent dyspepsia, colic, dizziness and buzzing in the ears, palpitations, insomnia, headaches and many of the various disorders (even nightmares) common to nervous states of mind.

It is particularly recommended (up to 5 cups of the infusion per day) for premenstrual tension and period pain. It is an excellent-tasting diaphoretic or anti-fever tea, and is useful at the first signs of a cold, flu or fever. It is a safe and effective herb for treating infants and young children. The plant is used as a poultice or ointment to dress open wounds and the fresh leaf is soothing when rubbed on insect bites.

Lemon Balm possesses a pungent oil from which the Arabs make a perfume. It is a common monastery herb in Europe and monks and nuns prepare from it fragrant colognes and healing salves. In France it is the main ingredient of the well-known Carmelite tonic waters. It is an important constituent of several liqueurs, including Benedictine and Chartreuse, and is used for its aromatic properties in potpourris. It may be used for culinary purposes where a delicate lemon flavour is required.

*35/66/5*

Chamaemelum nobile. Synonym, Anthemis nobilis

Action: Nervine, carminative, antispasmodic, sedative, analgesic, emmenagogue, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, diaphoretic.

Systems Affected: Brain, nervous system, stomach, uterus, general effects on the whole body.

Preparation and Dosage (thrice daily): Dried flowers, dose 1-5 grams by infusion.

One of the best-known of all herbs, Chamomile has been in continuous use since the time of the Egyptians. Its name derives from the Greek chamaimelon, meaning ‘apple on the ground’, since all parts of the plant have a peculiar apple-like scent.

It is a valuable calming drink for anxiety, restlessness, nervous indigestion and insomnia. It improves appetite and relieves indigestion, vomiting and nausea. It is especially recommended for flatulent dyspepsia associated with mental stress.

Chamomile will help relieve pain and cramping associated with the menstrual cycle and will bring on the period.

It is safely used with children in the treatment of colds and flu, digestive problems and restlessness. A teaspoonful of a weak infusion can be given at intervals, according to the age and size of the baby or child.

Chamomile contains the amino acid tryptophan, which works like a sedative in the body, inducing relaxation and sleepiness. (Tryptophan is present also in milk and in the herb Vervain.) It also contains phosphates of calcium, magnesium and potassium, all of which are essential for regular functioning of the physical, emotional and intellectual nerve centers of the body. Part of the herb’s effect is in calming the vagus nerve, which plays a large part in digestive and respiratory processes.

To make proper use of Chamomile the French herbalist Jean Palaiseul suggests the following formulas:

For indigestion, flatulence, restlessness, insomnia: an infusion (5 grams of dried flowers to 100 ml of water), to be drunk preferably before eating.

For fever, facial neuralgia, influenzal aches and pains, pre-menstrual tension, period pain: a concentrated infusion (5 to 10 grams of dried flowers to 100 ml of water; leave to infuse for an hour).

For cramp, rheumatic pain, gout pain: prepare Chamomile oil by placing 50 to 60 grams of dried flowers in a glass jar with 500 ml of olive oil; seal the jar; expose to the sun or warm by a stove or heater for two or three days; leave for two to three weeks, stirring from time to time; strain and press. Use very hot, as a friction, on the affected areas.

For inflammation of the eyes, skin irritations and infections, pr p an infusion of 50 to 60 grams of flowers to a liter of water and leave to draw for twenty minutes or so; strain through a fine cloth and bat e or apply on compresses to the affected areas. ,

Lastly, ‘blondes can take advantage of a beauty secret known to the women of central Europe’ – shampoo with a liter of water in which a sachet containing 100 grams of flowers has been infused for half an hour. This will impart golden lights to the hair.

As with any herb containing volatile oils, Chamomile flowers should never be boiled, as the volatile oil, which contains many of the active ingredients, will escape in the steam.

Cautionary Notes: Excessive dosages may produce vomiting and dizziness. Chamomile can produce adverse reactions in people allergic to ragwort pollen.

*18/66/5*