| Marshmallow, comfrey and gotu kola heal skin, stimulate skin-cell growth and soothe skin that is irritated from being dry and flaky. For centuries, lavender, neroli, rosemary, rose and fennel have been called anti-aging herbs. These herbs are listed in many old recipes, including one from the diary of the duchess of Alba, whose beauty was recorded in Goya's late nineteenth-century portraits of her. |
| Chamomile, lavender, jasmine, elder flowers, red clover and soothing herbs such as Irish moss, calendula, comfrey, marshmallow root and violets soothe and heal the irritation that so easily develops as outer layers of dry skin flake off. The essential oil of carrot seed soothes extremely raw skin. Elder flowers improve the complexion's tone and texture. In France, dry complexions are treated with an elder-flower water called eau de sureau.
If you have a dry complexion, always use as little soap as possible most soaps dry out your skin. Avoid foaming cleansers, which are far too drying. |
| Steam with fragrant herbs (nonfragrant herbs like comfrey or strawberry leaves contain no essential oils and are therefore useless in a steam) or essential oils. A steam won't remove dirt and grime, but it will soften the skin's surface enough to help cleanse and unclog pores. The heat increases circulation and relaxes facial muscles while the combination of steam and essential oils acts as a moisturizer. exfoliation
I know exfoliation sounds like a term more suited to reforestation than beauty, but aestheticians consider it one of their most important tools. |
Sharol Tilgner, N.D.
See book keywords and concepts |
 This is the reason mucilaginous plants, like comfrey or marshmallow, are preserved with a low concentration of alcohol.
Strength of Liquid Extracts
Liquid extract strengths are measured in a weight to volume ratio. The first number is always the herb and the second number is always the fluid. A 1:1 strength means 1 part herb by weight was mixed with 1 part of fluid by volume. A1:5 strength means 1 part of herb by weight is mixed with 5 times that amount of liquid by volume. The strength should also list whether it is 1 part of fresh plant (1:1 fresh) or 1 part of dry plant (1:1 dry). |
| Examples:
comfrey (Symphytum officinalis)
Corn silk (Zea mays)
Flax seed (Linum usitatissimum)
Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra)
Marshmallow (Althea officinalis)
Oat (Avena sativa)
Plantain (Plantago spp.)
Slippery elm (Ulmus spp.)
Deodorant: Removes or corrects foul odors.
Diaphoretic: Induces perspiration. Used in febrile conditions.
Examples:
Boneset (Eupatorium perfoliatum)
Cayenne (Capsicum spp.)
Elder (Sambucus nigra/canadensis)
Ginger (Zingiber officinale)
Hyssop (Hyssopus officinalis)
Linden flower (Tilia spp. |
| Examples of soothing expectorants:
comfrey (Symphytum officinalis)
Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra)
Marshmallow (Althea officinalis)
Plantain (Plantago spp.)
Slippery elm (Ulmus spp.)
Violet (Viola spp.)
Examples of stimulating or irritating expectorants:
B\oodroot(Sanguinaria canadensis)
Elecampane (Inula helenium)
Flag (Iris versicolor)
Gumweed (Grindelia spp.)
Horehound (Marrubium vulgare)
Ipecac (Cephaelis ipecacuanha)
Lobelia (Lobelia inflata)
Lungwort (Stictapulmonaria)
Poplar buds (Populus spp. |
| Examples:
comfrey (Symphytum officinalis)
Corn silk (Zea mays)
Flax (Linum usitatissimum)
Marshmallow (Althea officinalis)
Oats (Avena sativa)
Plantain (Plantago spp.)
Slippery elm (Ulmus spp.)
Mucolytic: Reduces the viscosity of the mucus. Narcotic: Produces a stuporous condition. Nervine: Calms the nerves. Examples:
Black cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa)
Blue cohosh (Caulophyllum thalictroides)
Chamomile (Matricaria recutita)
Damiana (Turnera spp.)
Motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca)
Lavender (Lavandula officinalis)
Linden flower (Tilia spp. |
| Calendula (Calendula officinalis)
Chickweed (Stellaria media)
Cleavers (Galium aparine)
comfrey (Symphytum officinalis)
Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum)
Plantain (Plantago spp.)
Herbal Medicine
From the Heart of the Earth
For detailed directions on making these preparations, see "How to Make Herbal Preparations."
Balm: A healing or soothing medicine.
Bath: A bath is a water-based infusion or decoction, designed to treat the skin or deliver herbs through skin absorption. |
Simon Mills and Kerry Bone
See book keywords and concepts |
 For example, one strategy might be to start or rotate a course of treatment with a demulcent remedy like slippery elm or comfrey.
Chronic inflammatory diseases are often, almost by definition, accompanied by compromised defences and reduced vigour and there may be hotspots of relatively violent inflammations, for example rheumatic joints or skin eruptions. It is thus possible that treatments may be unduly provocative and exacerbations may occur. |
Gabriel Cousens, M.D.
See book keywords and concepts |
 Other good lung teas are burdock and comfrey. Coltsfoot is another good general lung herb to have occasionally. Licorice root is good for the adrenals and is a mild laxative to support the bowels. Grief is the emotion in the Chinese system that is associated with the lungs and large intestine. Repressed grief can inhibit the function of these organs, so the fall is a significant time to get in touch with one's grief and express it and release it.
Winter is a time of dampness and coldness. Damp and cold unbalance kapha and kapha-vata most strongly. |
Phyllis A. Balch, CNC
See book keywords and concepts |
 Do not take comfrey internally. Do not use it in any form during pregnancy. Avoid contact with unaffected skin to prevent irritation, and wash your hands after applying the cream. Especially avoid touching your eyes if there is any cream residue on your hands.
RECOMMENDATIONS
LI Try vitamin E. Dr. Earl Mindell recommends treating warts with 400 IU of vitamin E orally each day and also applying a vitamin E cream. WobeMugos E Ointment (Mucos) supplies both vitamin E and proteolytic enzymes that dissolve warts.
LJ Avoid pork products. |
| HERBS TO AVOID
LM People who have varicose veins should not apply arnica, balsam of Peru, balsam of tolu, black mustard, camphor, capsaicin, chaparral, comfrey, or white mustard to the skin over the affected veins. (For more information regarding these herbs, see the individual entries under The Herbs in Part One.)
RECOMMENDATIONS
LM Take a combination of Flavomin-C by Naturevite as directed on the label and 3,000 to 6,000 milligrams of citrus bioflavonoids daily. |
| Precautions for the use of herbs:
'Do not take comfrey internally. Do not use it in any form during pregnancy. Avoid contact with unaffected skin to prevent irritation, and wash your hands after applying the cream. Especially avoid touching your eyes if there is any cream residue on your hands.
2People who are allergic to celery or thyme should not use tea tree oil products. Do not take tea tree oil internally.
RECOMMENDATIONS
LM Use echinacea to help the immune system fight infected bites. Take lA teaspoon (2 milliliters) of E. |
| Do not use comfrey during pregnancy.
LM If using supplemental fiber, such as psyllium powder, be sure to increase your intake gradually. Taking too much right away causes painful bloating and gas, and may cause diarrhea.
LM To help stop bleeding hemorrhoids, eat foods such as alfalfa, blackstrap molasses, and dark-green leafy vegetables, which are high in vitamin K.
LM Use supplements that strengthen rectal blood vessels. Take 1,000 to 2,000 milligrams per day of a plant-based supplement called hydroxyethylrutoside (HER, or HER flavonoids) to heal hemorrhoids. |
| Precautions tor the use of herbs:
^o not use comfrey if you are pregnant. Avoid contact with unaffected skin; allantoin may cause skin irritation. Wash your hands after application. Be especially careful not to rub your eyes with allantoin on your hands.
2Do not apply sangre de drago unless the wound has been cleaned. 3People who are allergic to pineapple may develop a rash from bromelain. If itching develops, stop using it.
4Do not use gotu kola if you are trying to become pregnant.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Ll To prevent infection, allow the injury to bleed a little so that germs are expelled. |
Sharol Tilgner, N.D.
See book keywords and concepts |
| It is anti-inflammatory and a mild analgesic. comfrey hastens the healing process due to the constituent, allantoin, which enhances cell proliferation.257 It is very soothing and relieves the pain associated with hemorrhoids.
Vitamin E and vitamin A are included for their antioxidant effects and benefits on normal tissue growth and maintenance.
Virgin olive oil is the base used for this salve due to its own unique healing properties. Bees wax is used as a natural agent to solidify the preparation. |
Gabriel Cousens, M.D.
See book keywords and concepts |
| Researchers have found high concentrations of B12 in and on mung beans, bean sprouts, comfrey leaves, fermented soybeans, peas, peanuts, lettuce, alfalfa, rice pol-ishings, turnip greens, legume root nodules, and whole wheat. Each harvest seems to have variable amounts of B12 so that sometimes the same food may not have any B12 on it.
Research in the late '80s financed by the Maine Coast Sea Vegetables company at my suggestion has found that kelp, alaria (like wakambe), dulse, and laver (like nori) all have high amounts of human-utilizable B12. |
Frances Darragh and Louise Darragh Law
See book keywords and concepts |
 HERBS
Recurrent problems indicate a mineral imbalance, so drink herbs rich in Calcium, Magnesium, and Vitamins C and E: Valerian,
Dandelion, comfrey, Thyme, Chamomile, Yellow Dock, and Sage.
Stomach Cramps: Use one or more of the following: Peppermint, Chamomile, Fennel Seed, Catnip, and/or ground Cloves. Apply a few drops of Teatree oil externally to the affected area.
HOMEOPATHIC
Calc Carb 30c: Helps to remove a tendency to cramps. Cocculus 30c: Cramps in chest.
Colocynth 30c: Cramp in hip or stomach, causing child to bend double. Cupric 30c: For cramps in calves, soles, and palms. |
Earl Mindell, R.Ph., Ph.D.
See book keywords and concepts |
 Calendula
A homeopathic ointment made of calendula and other herbs (such as comfrey, arnica, or bee propolis) may be used on minor cuts and wounds. Calendula can help fight infection and speed healing.
Carbo Vegetabilis
If you're gassy no matter what you eat, and feel better after belching, this remedy is for you.
Chamolilla
Chamomilla is used in formulas designed to treat severe headache, insomnia, or indigestion. It is also recommended for menstrual cramps and for teething pain in babies.
Coffea
Are you too excited to sleep? |
Frances Darragh and Louise Darragh Law
See book keywords and concepts |
| EXTERNAL APPLICATIONS
Any of the following will soothe the burned surface of minor burns and complete the healing of major burns after critical period has passed: Calendula cream, Urtica Urens ointment or tincture, Aloe
Vera gel, Vitamin E oil squeezed from capsule, liquid Honey, comfrey or Chickweed ointment or leaves.
Ointments can be applied directly to burn and covered with cloth or bandage. Tinctures (5 drops to half-cup of water) can be used to moisten cloth or bandage to cover the burned area lightly. |
| HERBS
Combine your choice from the following lists:
For unhealthy, ulcerated, easy-bleeding gums, poor teeth and bad breath: Echinacea, Myrrh, or Poke Root To ensure healthy teeth in the long term: comfrey, Sage,
Myrrh, Plantain and/or Yarrow
To relieve acute pain: Lobelia, Clove, or Plantago tinctures 1-2 drops on cotton applied directly to painful tooth
HOMEOPATHIC
Aconite 30c: For throbbing, burning pain. Belladonna 30c: Throbbing gum, dry mouth, ulcerated gums. Kreosotum 30c: Early decay of teeth; teeth turn yellow then dark. |
| Echinacea and Golden Seal are especially helpful in this; Dandelion, Dock, comfrey, or Poke Root may also be added.
HOMEOPATHIC
Anthracinum 30c: Black and blue abscess that looks decomposed.
Arsen Alb 30c: Burning pain, worse after midnight; better for heat applied to swelling. Belladonna 30c: Sudden development, intense throbbing, bright red swelling. Hepar Sulph 30c: Sharp, sticking pain, beginning with chills, tender to touch. Mercurius 30c: Great redness with stinging pain. Follows
Belladonna after pus has formed. Pyrogenium 30c: If abscess is swollen, discolored, and inflamed. |
| Make hot compresses from comfrey leaves, Cabbage leaves, Mullein, or Lobelia.
For cracked nipples: Poke Root poultice. Rub with Wheatgerm oil.
HOMEOPATHIC
After-pains: Mag Phos or Cimicifuga Racemosa 30c Exhaustion: China 30c or Cocculus 30c Hemorrhage: Ipecac 200c
Pain of Episiotomy: Hypericum or Staphysagria 30c
Puerperal Sepsis: Pyrogenium 30c
Shock and Bruising: Arnica 200c immediately after birth
FEEDING PROBLEMS
Belladonna 30c: Breasts swollen, congested, hard and hot with red streaks. Very tender. Abscess. |
Glenn W. Geelhoed, M.D. and Jean Barilla, M.S.
See book keywords and concepts |
 To make a poultice, use either fresh grated comfrey juice or boiled leaves and apply the liquid with a soft cloth.
HEAT A day or so after an injury, try putting heat on the bruise to speed blood flow and promote healing.
ICE Apply ice immediately after an injury to reduce the pain and swelling. And keep the afflicted area raised to decrease blood flow and minimize inflammation.
Lavender For centuries, lavender oil compresses have been used in France, Spain and other regions of Europe for soothing bruises. The oil has antibacterial properties. |
Grace Ross Lewis
See book keywords and concepts |
 Australia, Canada, Germany, and Great Britain restrict sales of comfrey.
Synonyms: NONE KNOWN. contugated linoleic acid__
Products and Uses: A fatty acid that occurs naturally in meat and dairy products.
Precautions: No negative side effects known. In some lab tests, high doses of CIA prevented some cancers and heart disease, boosted immunities, and reduced body fats.
Synonyms: CLA copper acetorarsenite__
Products and Uses: Found in wood preservatives, larvicides, and antifouling paints
Precautions: Toxic by swallowing.
Synonyms: CUPRIC ACETOARSENITE ? PARIS GREEN ? KING'S GREEN ? |
Gary Null, Ph.D.
See book keywords and concepts |
 Other anticancer herbs to consider include African cayenne, bilberry, blood-root, comfrey dandelion root, goldenseal, pau d'arco, and suma. Goldenseal should be taken for short periods of time, and not taken during pregnancy.
Ozone...Not to be confused with atmospheric ozone, medical ozone is pure and concentrated, and has unique healing properties. Unfortunately, medical use of this nontoxic molecule is legal in only a few of our states, although Europeans and Cubans have been benefiting from ozone treatments for years. |
Glenn W. Geelhoed, M.D. and Jean Barilla, M.S.
See book keywords and concepts |
| The list of herbs that help heal and soothe the irritation of dandruff include rosemary, thyme, burdock, comfrey, elderflowers and chamomile.
¦ Use that hair brush. Many people have found that an easy and pleasant way to condition the scalp is to get into the habit of brushing the hair vigorously each day.
DEPRESSION
Depression has always been recognized as part of the human condition. In fact, as far back as the 3rd century B.C. during the days of Hippocrates, the father of medicine, it was known as melancholia. |
Janet Zand, LAc, OMD, Allan N. Spreed, MD, CNC, James B. LaValle, RPh, ND
See book keywords and concepts |
 Make a poultice with a combination of chopped onion and comfrey (see preparing herbal treatments in Part Three) and apply it to the affected area. Overwrap it with a clean white cloth and allow the poultice to remain in place for at least an hour.
Note: Do not use this treatment if the skin is broken.
¦ Turmeric contains curcumin, a strong natural antiinflammatory. Take 300 milligrams of standardized extract two or three times daily.
HOMEOPATHY
¦ Arnica is useful for all sprains, strains, and pains that afflict the muscles. |
Arthur C. Upton, M.D.
See book keywords and concepts |
| For example, comfrey and mistletoe are just two of the hundreds of potentially dangerous drugs (see Box 17.11 and Table 19.1, p. 665).
No government agency regulates the safety and effectiveness of herbal or health food remedies. Yet everything from herbal teas, spices, capsules, and roots can be found in health food stores, various ethnic food markets, and even the local grocery store. Consumers take them for their healing powers but may not realize how unpredictable the benefits can be. Potency and purity are not regulated as with drugs. |
Gary Null, Ph.D.
See book keywords and concepts |
 ANTILUPUS: 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.
ANTIMEASLES: Camu-camu; Bitter Melon; Emblic; Bell Pepper; Cayenne; Horseradish; Cashew; English Walnut; Vinespinach; Guava; Sallow Thorn; Berro; English Walnut; Bitter Melon; Garden Sorrel; Chaya; Calamansi; Broccoli; Black Currant; Cassavra. |
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