HERBAL TREATMENT OF DIGESTIVE AILMENTS: HAEMORRHOIDS AND HEARTBURN
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*
