The Herbal Medicine-Maker's Handbook_ A Home Manual - James Green [15]
Marshmallow, due to its abundance of mucilage, is emollient when used in salves for external use. Used internally, it is a soothing demulcent indicated for inflamed and irritated states of mucous membranes. The root is used to treat all inflammatory conditions of the gastrointestinal tract, including the mouth, gastritis, peptic ulcers, colitis, etc. The leaves are diuretic, expectorant, and anti-inflammatory, and are used to relieve dryness of lungs and a burning or irritated urinary tract; its abundant mucopolysaccharides mildly stimulate the body’s immune function.
Mugwort is a bitter tonic and foremost digestive stimulant. It is anti-oxidant, which helps in the metabolism of rancid fats and protects the liver from damage from free radicals. It is cholagogue, giving a general stimulating effect on bile flow, helping to remove liver congestion, especially for those who have eaten (rancid) oily food. As a nervine tonic, it eases tension, and is antidepressant, as it aids in depression, particularly when this is due to liver congestion, a virus, and/or a sedentary lifestyle; it is emmenagogue.
Mullein is expectorant, an extremely beneficial respiratory remedy that tones the mucous membranes, reduces inflammation, and stimulates fluid production, thus facilitating expectoration. It is also demulcent, diuretic, nervine, anti-spasmodic, alterative, astringent, anodyne, vulnerary, and anti-inflammatory. The oil infusion of the fresh flowers is particularly effective for soothing and healing any inflamed surface and easing ear problems (pain). As a fomentation of leaves it is excellent for local application to any inflamed parts.
Nettle leaf is a spring tonic and a general alterative detoxifying agent which clears out waste products, strengthens the mucosa of the urinary, digestive, and respiratory systems, and when taken fresh works against the allergic response to hayfever. It prevents uric acid build-up in joints and is extremely helpful in cases of gout, rheumatism, and arthritis. It is an astringent, which is useful for relieving excessive discharge and bleeding, and is diuretic and hypotensive. Nettle root is tonic for the genito-urinary system. It is a good prostate tonic and quite helpful for benign prostatic enlargement. It is an excellent potherb cooked like spinach or any other fresh greens.
Peppermint is one of humanity’s favorite and most uplifting flavors. It is carminative and anti-spasmodic, having a relaxing effect on the muscles of the digestive system; it combats flatulence and stimulates bile and the flow of digestive juices. It is carminative, diaphoretic, and anti-emetic. As a mild anesthetic to the stomach lining, it often allays feelings of nausea. It is nervine, and anti-microbial. This plant (combined with Elder and Yarrow) is a traditional treatment for fevers, colds, and influenza and thereby has saved countless lives throughout the ages.
Pipsissewa (an at-risk plant, well substituted for by using an Uva Ursi and Marshmallow combination) Therefore, Uva Ursi (Bearberry) is diuretic; it has a specific antiseptic and astringent effect upon the membranes of the urinary system, which it can be relied upon to soothe and tone. With its anti-microbial action, it is wonderfully effective for treating bladder infection, gravel, or a stone in the kidney. It is helpful to blend this plant with Marshmallow root to increase the soothing and protectant demulcent action.
Plantain is a magnificent weed that grows everywhere and is readily available throughout the year. It is vulnerary, expectorant, demulcent, anti-inflammatory, astringent, diuretic, and anti-microbial, having excellent healing properties. It is a gentle expectorant that will soothe inflamed and painful membranes, ideal for coughs and bronchitis. Its astringency aids in diarrhea, hemorrhoids, and bladder inflammation where there is bleeding. It relieves inflammation of the skin and intestinal tract. It is a valuable treatment for diseases of the blood and glandular