Name: Bayberry
Latin: Myrica cerifera)
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Parts Used: Roots and Bark
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Used for: Used as a poultice on sores. It is an astringent. Can be used to slow or stop bleeding. Tea can be used as a gargle for sore throat. It also improves circulation.
Use in tandem with:
Directions & Warnings: Be careful with dosage, as too much can cause nausea and vomiting.
Name: Licorice
Latin: Glycyrrhiza glabra
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Parts Used: Root
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Used for: Licorice acts as a stimulant for the immune system. It also decreases inflammation. It can be used for Laryngitis, and will help to clear the throat of mucous. It can be used as a mild laxative. As it is more soluble in water than milk thistle, it is sometimes more useful as a liver aid. Due to its innate sweetness, it can be useful in combination with bitter herbs, as it lends a natural sweetness beyond that of sugar.
Use in tandem with:
Directions & Warnings: Due to the way in which licorice effects the liver, it should be used with care, or avoided entirely, by dabetics.
Name: Yarrow
Latin: Achillea millefolium
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Used for: Taken internally it fights inflammation. Used externally, it can slow or stop bleeding, assist with pain, and promotes healing. Used internally or externally, it will fight or prevent infection. A spray in the back of the throat can help a sore throat. The same on an infected tooth can ease the pain. Spraying it on your feet can lessen aching. Used as an astringent, it can assist with acne. If made into a tincture and used as a spray, yarrow is an effective insect repellant. Studies done by the US Army indicated that it is more effective than DEET, although not as long lasting. Yarrow is actually more effective than the (now) classic combination of echinacea/goldenseal, and avoids the issues attached to those plants.
Use in tandem with:
Directions & Warnings:
Other Uses for: Folklore states that if used as a hair wash, it will promote curling.
Growing: Yarrow is said to make a good companion plant in the garden. Its root secretions strengthen other plants, and can actually make them more disease resistant. Yarrow is also said to keep ants and other harmful insects away.
Name: Violet
Latin:
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Used for: As a tea, it can fight depression. As an infusion, it can assist with a sore throat. As an ointment, can be useful for joint pain.
Use in tandem with:
Directions & Warnings:
Name: Garlic
Latin: Allium sativum
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Parts Used: Bulb
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Used for: Garlic is one of the “magic” plants as far as its health effects and uses. It mitigates the physical effects of stress. It can lower high blood pressure. A tea is good for sore throats, and can be used to lessen inflammation and infection in tonsilitis. If used as a poultice on your chest (often in conjunction with onion), it can help with bronchitis and other chest ailments. Along with being capable of lowering blood pressure, it can help to reduce your cholesterol, strengthen your heart, increase immune response, reduce stroke risk, and stabilize blood sugar. Garlic and its relatives are a source of phytoestrogens, which not only reduce the risk of cancer, they can assist with the passage through menopause. Garlic also has an antibiotic effect similar to penicillin, with the added benefit of not killing off the beneficial bacteria in the body. Used in a cold poultice, it can help to lower swelling; as a hot poultice, can be used to help snakebites and wasp or hornet stings. Crushed and packed in near a tooth, it can assist with toothache. Most of the folkloric and historic beneficial effects of garlic have been proven scientifically.
Use in tandem with: Hawthorn and Cayenne
Directions and Warnings: As garlic is a natural blood-thinner, you should consult with a doctor before increasing the amount of garlic you consume, or using it in supplement form if you are on blood-thinning medication.
Name: Hyssop
Latin:
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Used for: This tea is primarily useful during a cold or flu. It is a fever reducer, helps to expel mucous, and gargling it will ease a sore throat. As a tonic, it helps with regulating blood pressure. Used as a poultice, it can assist with healing bruising. If boiled in vinegar, it helps with toothache.