Comfrey

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Johnswort, along with calendula, chamomile, plantain, yarrow and comfrey. This product is based on an old Russian folk remedy for the same purposes and is available from Quest Vitamins of Vancouver, B.C. (see Appendix). A second consideration is a tincture of St. Johnswort available from a naturopathic supply house, Eclectic Institute of Portland, Oregon (see Appendix). About 15 drops a day in 1/2 cup of warm water is recommended. Both products may also give some relief in colon cancer, but won't necessarily reverse it any.

In case the inside bark of slippery elm isn't available, the same amount of dried, cut comfrey root may be substituted instead. Cover and simmer mixture for no more than 45 minutes at the most. Mixture should be fairly thick and slimy by this time. Strain immediately while still hot, then again through several layers of muslin material. For more rapid cooling, pour strained contents on a clean cookie sheet or layer pan covered with a clean piece of linen cloth of some sort. Set in the freezer for awhile to cool, but check it every so often to see that it doesn't become unduly stiff or frozen.

And for a terrific paste for burns, sprains and setting fractures, combine 3 parts of powdered comfrey root or leaves and 1 part powdered lobelia herb with 1/2 part of wheat germ oil and 1/2 part of honey. Store in a cool place until needed. Works great for the above problems. CORIANDER (Coriandrum sativum) Brief Description Coriander is a small annual plant that has been cultivated for several millenniums and is still grown in North and South America, Europe and the Mediterranean countries. The round, finely grooved stem grows almost 2 feet tall from a thin, spindly-shaped root.

In the first instance, an equal mixture of comfrey root and calendula brought healing relief to 19 patients with duodenal ulcers and 19 others suffering from gastroduodenitis. A tea made of both herbs (1 tbsp. of each herb in 1 quart boiling water, simmered 5 minutes, steeped 40 minutes) was administered to each patient (2 cups daily) with considerable success. In the second study cited, 24 patients with chronic nonspecific colitis were treated with a combination of herbs consisting of equal parts of dandelion root, St.

Alternative Medicine the Definitive Guide, Second Edition Larry Trivieri, Jr. See book keywords and concepts

Also enzyme cream, vitamin E cream, aloe vera gel, comfrey ointment, calendula cream. Leon Chaitow, N.D., D.O., suggests the "safest and oldest approach—application of raw honey or granulated sugar paste to open ulcers from bed-pressure sores— which has now been well-researched medically and shown to be at least as effective as medicated creams." Professional Care The following therapies should only be provided by a qualified health professional.

The Doctor's Vitamin and Mineral Encyclopedia Sheldon Saul Hendler See book keywords and concepts

The topical (external) use of comfrey should be safe, since the alkaloids require the liver for conversion to toxic metabolites. However, because of the herb's toxicity, I would recommend not using it internally at all. Cruciferous Vegetables (Cancer Fighters) Once again, your mother was right when she told you: "Eat your vegetables; they're good for you." Evidence is mounting that the cruciferous vegetables, in particular, are good for you, especially in terms of protecting against cancer. This family of vegetables includes cabbage, broccoli, brussels sprouts and cauliflower.

Eat To Beat Cancer: A Research Scientist Explains How You and Your Family Can Avoid Up to 90% of All Cancers J. Robert Hatherill See book keywords and concepts

Do not take any product that contains comfrey, which is toxic to the liver and has been banned in Canada, but regrettably, not in the United States. Twenty-Three Ways Off the Pesticide Treadmill 1. Use beneficial insects in your yard and garden, or insects that prey on pest insects, such as lacewings, ladybug beetles, predatory mites, parasitic wasps, and spiders. 2. To support beneficial insects, grow plants such as white lace flower, clover, evening primrose, cilantro, fennel, caraway, dill, flowering buckwheat, white yarrow, and tansy. 3.

The Practical Encyclopedia of Natural Healing Mark Bricklin See book keywords and concepts

Plain hot water may well be enough to soften and point a boil, but if you wish to use herbs, you can soak a cloth in some hot strong tea made from comfrey and flaxseed (linseed). Flaxseed should be crushed before using. In making a poultice, the concentration of the herb is much stronger than when making a tea. Traditional herbalism looks upon boils as a sign of internal impurities coming to the surface and recommends drinking teas made from such herbs as burdock, echinacea, goldenseal, barberry, yellow dock and cayenne (capsicum or hot red pepper).

The combination of the heat and the marvelous soothing qualities of comfrey should prove very helpful. Flaxseed (linseed) poultices are another old favorite. While pouring a pint of boiling water into a warmed enamel basin, simultaneously sprinkle in a quarter pound of the crushed seeds. Stir until the mixture resembles a smooth dough, then stir in half an ounce of olive oil. When the mixture is comfortably warm, spread it on some clean linen that has been warmed in the oven, fold the linen over and apply to the sore area.

For psoriasis, he recommends external application of a strong comfrey root decoction and goldenseal. How to Use Herbs on Your Skin In applying herbs to the skin, he said, the usual method is the poultice. A strong tea is brewed and cooled somewhat, and then the mixture is used to soak a clean piece of white cloth. Some of the herbs may actually be placed in the cloth, which is then wrapped around the herbs and applied to the skin. The liquid and the vapor of the herbs soak through the cloth to the skin, while the herbs themselves are separated from the skin by the cloth.

Herbs of Life: Health & Healing Using Western & Chinese Techniques Lesley Tierra See book keywords and concepts

Externally, comfrey can be used safely and without concern. Knowing the Herbs To begin knowing herbs, it is best to learn a few herbs very well. Because each herb has several uses, it can often cover a wide range of conditions and situations. With time you'll find favorites which work for you, and you'll use them over and over again. Start by learning the herbs' energies and tastes, then actions, properties and special uses. Experiment with them, then try several projects. Go out and identify, harvest or grow them. Observe their growth patterns throughout the seasons.

Marshmallow, slippery elm, comfrey and licorice are good choices. Adding an antispasmodic herb to a formula is important to relieve any spasms or nervous tension associated with the ailment. This will further benefit the assimilation of the herbal formula. It also helps prevent a reaction to any strong effects of the formula; for instance, bitter herbs possibly causing stomach upset. Lobelia, valerian and scullcap are commonly used this way. A well-balanced formula won't cause any side effects.

Examples: marshmallow, comfrey, plantain, slippery elm. Alcohols: This vast class is often seen as constituents of volatile oils or in waxes which are found as the coating of leaves and other parts of plants. Resins: This is a plant secretion or excretion that is usually transparent or translucent and yellowish to brown in color. They are soluble in alcohol, fixed oils and volatile oils and insoluble in water. Example: myrrh. There are other plant components, such as vegetable oils, vitamins, trace elements, oleo-resins, gums, lipids, enzymes and other proteins, balsams and coloring matter.

Use equal parts: licorice, wild cherry bark and comfrey with honey added. Digestive Aid These pills stimulate digestion, aid assimilation, dispel gas and calm an upset or nauseous stomach. They can also be helpful for those who cannot stomach any food. Use equal parts: slippery elm and ginger. Plasters A plaster is an herbal mash that is wrapped up in a protective cloth or combined in a thick base material such as slippery elm, oil or Vaseline and then placed on the skin.

Alternative Medicine the Definitive Guide, Second Edition Larry Trivieri, Jr. See book keywords and concepts

Carrot and spinach • Carrot and celery • Carrot and radish • Radish, lemon, garlic, comfrey, and horseradish mixed with carrots and beets • Lemon juice and water first thing in morning • Grapefruit BRONCHITIS Acupressure / Fasting / Qigong and Tai Chi / Reflexology / Yoga AROMATHERAPY: • Steam inhalation with bergamot, camphor, eucalyptus, lavender, pine, sandalwood. • Clear mucus using bergamot, sandalwood, and thyme.

The Top Ten Herbs to Cure Big Diseases Dr. Richard Schulze and Sam Biser See book keywords and concepts

John Christopher, recommended all people keep a burn paste in their homes made up of 1/3 comfrey root powder, 1/3 raw honey, and 1/3 wheat germ oil. He told me of two boys whose hands were badly burned in a fire. One child went to the hospital, had skin grafts, and ended up with an ugly claw instead of a hand. The other child, by using this burn paste, regained full use of his hand. Dr. Schulze has gotten similar results with aloe and slippery elm.

The Practical Encyclopedia of Natural Healing Mark Bricklin See book keywords and concepts

If you wish, you can make an ointment that includes vitamin E and some strong brew made from the comfrey root. Oral supplements of zinc, 30 to 50 milligrams a day, may also speed the healing of varicose or any other kind of ulcer. The healing of leg ulcers in people who are on cortisone therapy can be greatly helped by direct application of vitamin A in ointment form, as well as by oral vitamin A. Vegetarianism The word "vegetarianism" has a kind of cultic ring to it.

Radical Healing: Integrating the World's Great Therapeutic Traditions to Create a New Transformative Medicine Rudolph M. Ballentine, M.D. See book keywords and concepts

In hopes of providing some help, he lay slivers of comfrey root along the leg before bandaging on the makeshift splints, since he was aware of its reputation in supporting bone healing. (One common name for it is "boneknit.") He felt pretty hopeless about the situation until about an hour later, when he heard the cat let out a sudden yelp. When he found her, both front legs were extended in front of her—rigidly straight. They went on to heal, he reported, with perfect alignment.

When acute: MP, FP, and/or tea of wild yam, chamomile, marshmallow, and comfrey thrice daily. Dry Skin: Anti-wzta regimen; minimize soaps, detergents, and baths/showers that deplete skin's oils; Urine topically daily to problem areas; increase water intake; mustard oil massage (then sweat to open pores and towel off excess) weekly; vits A and E, cod liver oil (may also use vit E and/or CLO topically). Dysmenorrhea: Conflict over expressing the yang (assertive) side of the feminine.

Slippery Elm and/or comfrey tea; if bleeding, take CPM: Yunnan Paiyao on the way to emergency room. Periodontal Disease: Anger at inability to make and/or back up decisions. Blotting toothbrush;13 vit C 1-3 g a day; vit A 10,000 IU a day; CoQIO 60?0 mg a day; also calcium 1 g a day, magnesium 500 mg; rinse mouth with dilute hydrogen peroxide (1 part 3% H2O2 to 4 parts water) and massage gums with fingertips; Elim: sugar, white flour, smoking. PMS: Anger at being caught in a mess made by men (see pages 293?4).

The Alternative Medicine Handbook: The Complete Reference Guide to Alternative and Complementary Therapies Barrie R Cassileth, Ph.D. See book keywords and concepts

Coltsfoot (for respiratory problems), comfrey (for arthritis, infections), and sassafras (a general tonic) caused liver problems and cancer in lab animals. ?Kombucha tea, made from mushroom culture (used as a cure-all), caused deaths from acidosis. ?Lobelia (used for respiratory congestion) caused respiratory system paralysis, and death. ?Pennyroyal tea made from leaves treats coughs and upset stomach, but oil is highly toxic to liver and inhibits blood clotting. ?Yohimbe bark (used as aphrodisiac) raises blood pressure and is associated with psychotic episodes. ?

The Natural Guide to Medicinal Plants and Herbs Frantisek Stary See book keywords and concepts

It is gathered in spring before the flowering period or in the autumn after the flowers have faded. comfrey grows in damp grassy places from lowland to submontane elevations, reaching a height of one metre. The stem is hollow, winged, and much-branched. The rather large, relatively thin leaves are oval spears in outline, wrinkled, and roughly hairy. The flowering period is from May until September. The flowers are arranged in nodding, broad, cone-shaped flower clusters in which the central flowers open first (3), growing from the upper leaf joints.

Common comfrey is a very old medicinal plant, one that was widely used particularly in the Middle Ages. It grows in Europe and western Siberia. More detailed investigation of the therapeutic properties of this ancient plant revealed that the constituents contained in the root, which is used medicinally even today, have excellent healing properties in the treatment of lesser as well as extensive bruises, thromboses, varicose ulcers, inflamed muscles as well as tendons, chronic diseases of the joints and bones, and stubborn wounds.

The Woman's Encyclopedia of Natural Healing Dr. Gary Null See book keywords and concepts

A washcloth soaked in ginger or comfrey tea and applied to the area promotes healing of an episiotomy. Rosemary added to bath water relieves tension and back pain. Adding jasmine and clary sage to a bath has an uplifting effect, and prevents postpartum depression. HOMEOPATHIC REMEDIES Homeopathic physician Stephanie Odinov Pukit lists a variety of remedies for all stages of pregnancy. She begins with treatments for morning sickness, noting, "Along with the dry biscuit in bed with a hot beverage, homeopathic remedies can be extremely important at this time." Sepia.

Herbs of Life: Health & Healing Using Western & Chinese Techniques Lesley Tierra See book keywords and concepts

Use equal parts of: bayberry bark, chestnut bark, comfrey root, slippery elm and witch hazel bark. Compress/Fomentation A fomentation, sometimes called a compress, is an herbal fluid wrapped on the body and kept warm. It benefits swellings, pains, colds and flus, stimulates fresh blood circulation and warms the area where placed. Herbs that are too strong to be taken inside the body can be put on the outside, and the body will then slowly absorb the herbs in small amounts.

The Herbal Medicine-Maker's Handbook James Green See book keywords and concepts

To illustrate this banishment of an offending component (in this instance shmy mucdage by alcohol) from an herbal solution, make a strong water infusion of comfrey root, and when it is cool, pour some into a small container, add to it a substantial quantity of pure 190-proof ethyl alcohol, and therein you will behold the outcast. Add more water to this, thereby diluting the alcohol, and the mucilage will dissolve back into solution. Often, however, the mucilaginous component of an herb is exactly what one wants to draw into solution.

Alternative Medicine the Definitive Guide, Second Edition Larry Trivieri, Jr. See book keywords and concepts

JUICE THERAPY: • Carrot and celery with parsley, spinach, watercress, alfalfa, comfrey, or beet tops • Wheat grass juice • Green juice • Carrot, spinach, and cucumber • Haifa lemon in warm water each morning. NATUROPATHIC MEDICINE: According to Joseph Pizzorno, N.D, bad breath is far more often due to maldigestion and a toxic bowel than to poor oral hygiene. People who experience bad breath, abdominal bloating and gas, and tiredness after meals may be deficient in stomach acid. Professional Care The following therapies should only be provided by a qualified health professional.

Recommendations • Parasites tend to embed themselves in the intestinal wall, but over the course of several weeks, you can flush them out by using some of these natural substances (preferably in combination): psyllium husks, agar-agar, citrus pectin, papaya extract, pumpkin seeds, flaxseeds, comfrey root, beet root, and ben-tonite clay. • Eliminate all uncooked foods from your diet and cook all meats until well done; soak both organic and inorganic vegetables in salted water (one tablespoon per five cups) for a minimum of 30 minutes before cooking.

Feed Your Body Right: Understanding Your Individual Body Chemistry for Proper Nutrition Without Guesswork Lendon H. Smith, M.D. See book keywords and concepts

Apply to skin: comfrey gel and Calendula. Herbs: burdock root, dandelion root, Echinacea, kelp, alfalfa, chaparral, yellow dock root, red clover, lymph, Natrum muriaticum, Kalium bromatum Juglans nigra, Ledum palustre, Hepar sulphuris, Calcareum, garlic, fenugreek, red sage, Lactobacillus acidophilus. ADENOIDS Allopathic control: Surgical removal, usually including the tonsils. Natural control: Diet change, especially avoid milk. If infected, five grams of vitamin C plus Echinacea—ten days on, then ten days off. Other useful herbs: Hydrastis, Berberis.

Gary Nulls Ultimate Anti Aging Program Gary Null, Ph.D. See book keywords and concepts

Purslane; Wheat; Swamp Cabbage; Indian Mulberry; Nasturtium; Pokeweed; Garland Chrysanthemum; Garden Sorrel; Sensitive Plant; Perejil; Asparagus; Chinese Hibiscus; Da-Zao; Vinespinach; Spinach; Carrot; Barley; Comfrey; Huaco-Mullo. Grape; Lemon; Himalayan Mayapple; Wild Bergamot; Ajwan; Common Thyme; Asparagus Pea; Nude Mountain Mint; Horsemint; Small-Flowered Oregano; American Dogwood; Tonka Bean; Winter Savory; Portuguese Thyme; Agbo; Waldmeister; Autumn Crocus; Mayapple; Creeping Thyme; Da-Zao.

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