Organic Solutions
Volume 10 Issue 9
Doc’s Herbal Companion (Part Seven)
Psyllium: Originally from India, Southern Europe and Northern Africa, the seeds and husks from this plant when mixed with water expand into a mucilaginous mixture to sooth and draw out toxins from the Bowel.
Preparation & Use: When moistened, these seeds swell up to lubricate the lower Intestinal Tract and stimulate normal Bowel activity. Psyllium is the handling for Dysentery, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, and is essential for getting rid of Crohn’s Disease. It also helps with Constipation and Diarrhea. The seeds and the husk are ground up into a powder and taken internally, usually with any kind of juice. After a short while, the moisture absorbed increases the volume by as much as ten times and this swelling expands the Bowel to in order to clean out Bowel Pockets while having a healing effect.
Raspberry: Found in all temperate climates, the delicious fruit of this herb is a wonderful source of Vitamin C and is one of the best antioxidants there is. The leaves are used in Teas by pregnant women to strengthen the womb in order to bring about an easy delivery.
Preparation & Use: An Astringent & Stimulant, the fruit is used as a rich source of Vitamin C which can be made into jams but Raspberries are best eaten raw or made into smoothies. The leaves are used in either infusions or decoctions to assist in the strengthening of the Uterus. Any woman considering Natural Childbirth should drink Raspberry Leaf Tea regularly.
Red Clover: Found all over the World, the Red Clover Flowers are one of the best remedies for handling every variety of Cancer.
Preparation & Use: An Alterative and a mild Sedative, Red Clover Blossoms are essential when addressing all Coughs and Lung complaints. This includes handling Lung Cancer. Modern Medicine is frightened of this herb due to its awesome reputation for assisting in getting rid of ALL Cancerous Conditions. It can be effectively used in Teas or in Tinctures.
Rhubarb (Turkey): Originally found in China, this miraculous herb can now be found throughout the World and the rhizome and roots are used in Intestinal Formulas to strengthen the Bowel.
Preparation & Use: Astringent, Tonic, Stomachic, and an Aperient (= used to handle Constipation), the Turkey Rhubarb rhizome and roots are dried and powdered and is mostly used in capsules to strengthen the Bowel, while handling Constipation. It is usually used in formulas that also contain Cascara and Senna.
Rosemary: Found in the Northern Hemisphere this culinary and medicinal herb can be used as a flavoring in cooking, and in herbal formulas to help with stomach problems.
Preparation & Use: A Tonic and Diaphoretic = makes you sweat, Rosemary is found in formulas to assist in getting rid of Headache while calming the stomach. It is also useful in treating Strokes and other Brain disorders such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. Those with Breast Tumors and other forms of Cancer should also take this herb because of its antioxidant properties. It can be used to make both Tinctures and Teas.
Saw Palmetto: The Berries of this Palm Bush are found in Southern Climates and are treasured for their ability to strengthen all Glandular Tissues, especially the Sex Organs, and bring them back to life and into a state of health.
Preparation & Use: A Tonic that rapidly brings nutrition to difficult areas such as the Prostate, this herb is used mostly in Tinctures. It has a soapy taste and fragrance, and is essential to handling all endocrine gland difficulties, but especially the Prostate, the Testes, the Mammary Glands, and the Ovaries. It fortifies.
Scullcap: Originally found in North America only, it is now cultivated in many places throughout the Northern Hemisphere.
Preparation & Use: A Tonic, Nervine and an Antispasmodic, Scullcap is one of the finest Nervines ever discovered and is used by Herbalists for all Nervous System and Sleep disorders. Used primarily in Tinctures and in Teas, it has a reputation for handling Hysteria, Anxiety, Depression, Migraines, and Convulsions, while also assisting in calming Epileptic Fits. Those who have problems sleeping will find Scullcap Tea to be a wonder.
Senna: Originally found in Southern Arabia, Senna is now cultivated in many Southern Climes. The parts of the plant used are the Leaves and the Pods.
Preparation & Use: A Laxative with a strong “gripping” effect, Senna is essential for strengthening the Bowel. The Leaves and Pods are powdered and can be used in Teas, and Tinctures, but are most commonly placed in Capsules to be ingested directly. Along with Turkey Rhubarb and Cape Aloe, this is a “must have” herb when it comes to handling all Constipation problems.
Slippery Elm: The Inner Bark of the Slippery Elm is one of the greatest healers out there. The finely powdered bark also makes an excellent porridge / breakfast food that is rich in nutrients.
Preparation & Use: A great softener and healer, the powder of this herb can be used in Poultices, and should also be taken directly into the body as a meal or in a drink to heal the entire intestinal tract. It heals every area of the body it comes into contact with. It makes a wonderful meal for infants because it is very rich in nutrients. Used in Poultices, it will handle ulcers, wounds, burns, boils, skin diseases, etc. and will actually assist in the re-growth of all bodily tissue. It has actually been known to re-grow tissue without even leaving any scars. One cannot speak too highly of this miraculous herb that belongs in every family’s Emergency Kit.
Uva-Ursi: Found throughout the Northern Hemisphere, this evergreen shrub is great for Kidney Conditions.
Preparation & Use: Used in Teas and Tinctures, this great herb handles Urinary Tract Infections, and will also help to dissolve Kidney Stones. It is also extremely effective in helping to handle Venereal Diseases of every kind, especially when used with other herbs such as Garlic and Echinacea.
Valerian: Another Northern Hemisphere Herb, Valerian Root is another of the great “relaxation” herbs
Preparation & Use: Anodyne (Pain Killer), Antispasmodic and Nervine, the root / rhizome of this plant is one of nature’s great herbs for relaxation. It will give to any herbal formula a strong, disagreeable odor, but it is extremely effective in handling Nervous Disorders, Hysteria, and Pain while promoting Sleep. Contrary to some beliefs, it has NO NARCOTIC EFFECTS WHATSOEVER.
Witch Hazel: Found in North America the bark of the Witch Hazel is used in many herbal formulas.
Preparation & Use: A Tonic and Astringent, Witch Hazel is very effective in the treatment of Hemorrhoids. It can be used as a Tea, an Ointment or in Tincture Form and is effective in also handling Poison Ivy, Poison Oak and Chigger Bites.
Wormwood: Found throughout the World, this Herb is probably the greatest killer of Parasites around.
Preparation & Use: Vermifuge (worm killer) second to none, Wormwood can be used in Tea or Tincture form for successfully getting rid of every form of parasite.
There are many other Medicinal Herbs that could have been placed in this Herbal Companion, but space and time have made it necessary to cover only those Herbs that are absolutely essential. It is recommended for those of you, who are interested in deeper study, to find works that are dedicated to this subject alone. However, the vital basics are covered herein.
Important Note for the use of all Herbal Remedies: Good Health is Holistic!!! In other words, one must address all pertinent factors at the same time in order to achieve excellent health for the whole body. One seldom fixes the Skin by addressing it alone. Example: When one treats Skin Disorders, one should also do a Kidney Cleanse at the same time. When there are problems with the Kidneys, the body will use the Skin as a back-up elimination organ. Behind all Skin Problems will be found difficulties originating in the Kidneys.
Yours in Knowledge, Health, Freedom and Love,
Doc Copyright © 2010 by Ian “Doc” Shillington N.D. (Retired) All rights reserved.
Disclaimer: The above information is for educational purposes only, is not intended to serve as medical advice, and has not been evaluated nor approved by the FDA or the AMA. The information provided should not be used for diagnosing or the treating any health problems or disease. No warranties, expressed or implied, are offered with any services, products or information supplied by Ian “Doc” Shillington N.D. his staff or Organic Solutions, Inc. If you are ill or suspect you may have a health problem, it is recommended that you seek the advice of your health care provider.
-- Ian "Doc" Shillington N.D. (Retired) Doc@AcademyOfNaturalHealing.com Rocky Mountain USA Club Organic Solutions 575-772-5888 Listen to Doc's FREE Audio Lecture on Natural Health at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OO84kxHrkBs&feature=channel