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HERBAL TREATMENT: NERVES, STRESS AND INSOMNIA
March 30, 2009
Anxiety
For general anxiety, nervous tension or worry:
1 part Chamomile flowers
1 part Lemon Balm leaves
1 part Skullcap herb
1 part Valerian root
1 part Vervain leaves
Infusion: 1/2-1 ñèð as required, not to exceed 3 cups per day
3 parts Skullcap herb
1 part Hop flowers
1 part Valerian root
Infusion: 1/2-1 ñèð as required, not to exceed 3 cups per day
For general use from day to day, any of the nervine or sedative herbs can be used. A useful formula for minor cases is:
1 part Chamomile flowers
1 part Lemon Balm leaves
1 part Vervain leaves
Infusion: up to 3 or 4 cups per day
For anxiety associated with indigestion or flatulence:
2 parts Chamomile flowers
1 part Hop flowers
1 part Lemon Balm leaves
1 part Meadowsweet herb
For anxiety associated with heart and circulation problems:
4 parts Motherwort herb
4 parts Skullcap herb
1 part Valerian root
1 part Hawthorn berries
Infusion: 3 cups per day
For anxiety associated with female problems:
2 parts Chamomile flowers
2 parts Cramp Bark
2 parts Lemon Balm leaves
2 parts Motherwort herb
1 part Valerian root
1 part Ginger root
Combined decoction and infusion: 3 cups per day
Depression
Lemon Balm leaves
Infusion: 3 cups per day
1 part Lemon Balm leaves
1 part Skullcap herb
1 part Vervain leaves
Infusion: 3 cups per day
The above herbs, useful in the treatment of depression, are most effective when taken for an extended period of time. A typical programme, for example, might be 4-6 week courses of the treatment alternated with breaks of 2-3 weeks during which no herbs are taken.
Oats, as well as being nutritious, also have an antidepressant effect, and should be included in the diet on a regular basis.
*79/66/5*
HERBAL TREATMENT: COLDS, FLU AND FEVER; CRAMP AND SPASM
Colds, flu and fever
The classic herbal treatment for colds and flu uses sweating therapy with diaphoretic herbs:
2 parts Elder flowers
2 parts Peppermint leaves
1 part Yarrow herb
Infusion: 1 cup every 4 hours during acute phase, otherwise 3 cups per day
Catnip or Lemon Balm (or any other diaphoretic herb) may be substituted for any of the above. Take one or more cups of the hot infusion and, if possible, follow immediately with a hot bath. Then rest in bed with warm covers, taking regular doses of the infusion every 4 hours.
Countless cases have shown that this treatment, begun at the first sign of a cold, flu or fever, will minimize symptoms and hasten recovery.
To the basic formula, highly effective in itself, can be added Garlic Oil (1/2 teaspoon every 4 hours) and Composition Essence:
1 part Cayenne Pepper (powdered)
1 part Cinnamon bark (powdered)
1 part Clove buds (powdered)
Decoction: 1 tablespoon every 4 hours during acute phase, otherwise 3 tablespoons per day
One of the famous formulations of the nineteenth century herbalists, Composition Essence is used for general debility and convalescence, and can be taken at the first sign of any acute illness, cold, flu or fever.
For colds in babies and small children, use only the mildest of herbs: Lemon Balm, Catnip, Chamomile or Raspberry Leaf, infused, sweetened with a little honey, and given a teaspoon at a time, keeping the child warm and well covered.
Cramp and Spasm
An excellent remedy for relieving all types of cramp and spasm, severe and mild:
1 part Ginger root
Decoction: 1/2-1 ñèð as required, not to exceed 3 cups per day
Other formulas which can be used:
Valerian root
Infusion: 1/2 -l cup as required, not to exceed 3 cups per day
3 parts Skullcap herb
1 part Hop flowers
1 part Valerian root.
Infusion: 1/2-1 ñèð as required, not to exceed 3 cups per day
3 parts Chamomile flowers
1 part Vervain leaves
1 part Ginger root
Infusion: 1/2-1 ñuð as required
Combining a small amount of a stimulant herb such as Cayenne Pepper, Cinnamon or Ginger with antispasmodic herbs will provide warming qualities and a quicker-acting effect.
*62/66/5*
HERBS: RASPBERRY
Rubus idaeus
Action: Uterine tonic, antispasmodic, astringent, diaphoretic.
Systems Affected: Uterus and female reproductive system, digestive tract, mucous membranes. Preparation and Dosage (thrice daily): Dried leaves, dose 1-5 grams by infusion.
Known and used since prehistory for its delicious fruit, the Raspberry is a native of Eurasia. Called Batos Idaia by the Greeks and Rubus Idaea by the Romans, its name reflects its origins, rubus being from the Latin for red and idaea, meaning ‘of Mount Ida’ referring to the mountain in Asia Minor where it grew in natural profusion.
Apart from the fruit, the leaves of the plant have long been esteemed as a female tonic, being especially of benefit when taken as an infusion during the course of pregnancy to ensure an easy, trouble-free birth. As the Australian herbalist Dorothy Hall explains in her Herb Tea Book:
A cup of this tea each day during the first few months of pregnancy can provide folic acid, iron and copper salts, plus vitamin A and Ñ in good proportion . . . During the last few months of pregnancy, raspberry leaf tea tones and strengthens the pelvic muscles and ligaments to help with an easy, normal birth. Should a rash appear around your pregnant middle, you could be taking too much . . . Curb your enthusiasm and reduce the number of cups you drink each day.
Taken regularly and in small doses as a tonic during pregnancy, it often serves to remove any tendency towards morning sickness. It regulates contractions and reduces pain during labour, providing easy and speedy parturition. It helps to prevent haemorrhage, assists milk secretion and hastens post-partum recovery.
Taken in larger doses, it is of benefit in painful menstruation, vaginal discharge (either as a tea or as a douche) and prolapse of the uterus, where its effect is to tone and strengthen the muscles and ligaments which support the uterus.
It is employed in treating a variety of female complaints, for which purpose it is often combined with other herbs. Part of its effect is attributable to fragarine and other substances, which act as both uterine muscle stimulants and relaxants.
Raspberry leaf will allay nausea and is useful in chronic and acute diarrhoea. It is also a reliable treatment for colds, flu and fever.
The herb is mild and safe to use with children. The expressed juice of the fruit is nourishing in convalescence and for weak stomachs.
*45/66/5*
HERBS: EYEBRIGHT
Euphrasia spp.
(E. rostkoviana, E. brevipila)
Action: Anti-inflammatory, anti-catarrhal, astringent, alterative, tonic. .
Systems Affected: Eyes, mucous membranes of the upper respiratory tract, liver, blood. Preparation and Dosage (thrice daily): Dried flowering plant, dose 2-5 grams by infusion.
Eyebright is the best known of all herbs used for treating eye conditions. The plant, native to poor meadowland in Europe, is partially parasitic on certain grass species and cannot easily be cultivated unless grown in close association with the grass roots from which it obtains nutrients. The Swedish botanist Linnaeus listed Eyebright as Euphrasia officinalis, but his classification is a mixture of a number of species and the term is an ambiguous name with no real standing. Only Euphrasia species possessing glandular hairs on the calyx have medicinal value.
An infusion of the plant is used as an eyewash or lotion for conjunctivitis, eye weakness, opthalmia and other eye complaints. For this purpose it is often combined with other herbs such as Fennel, Witch Hazel and Golden Seal (Hydrastis canadensis). The tea can also be taken liberally and on a daily basis as an adjunct to external treatment for eve problems.
Eyebright contains various glycosides, a volatile oil and astringent principles, the combined effect of which is anti-inflammatory for mucosae: the infusion, taken as a tea (or as a nasal douche), is an effective treatment for sinusitis, head colds and nasal catarrh.
*28/66/5*
HERBS: ANGELICA
Action: Tonic, stimulant, antispasmodic, emmenagogue, carminative, aromatic, expectorant, diaphoretic.
Systems Affected: Circulation, heart, lungs, stomach, intestines, uterus.
Preparation and Dosage (thrice daily): Dried rhizome and root, dose 1-2 grams by infusion.
Angelica, native to northern Europe and western Asia, is introduced and cultivated elsewhere. Used in earlier times in northern Europe for medicinal and magical purposes, its Christianized name hints at its deep associations with early Nordic magic. The plant appears to have come into more general culinary and medicinal use during the Middle Ages. Angelica improves the circulation and warms the body. It is one of the best herbs to use for coldness in winter. An excellent general tonic, it is used for anaemia, anorexia nervosa, loss of appetite, dizziness and faintness. Because of its warming and antispasmodic properties, it relieves spasms of the stomach and intestines and dispels gas; it also helps to make difficult menstruation easier and less painful.
Angelica is of great benefit in the treatment of colds, coughs, pleurisy and all lung ailments. A highly effective liquefacient and expectorant, it is recommended in cases of nervous asthma, chronic bronchitis, smoker’s cough and respiratory catarrh. Externally the leaves have an anti-inflammatory effect and are used in compresses, especially for pleurisy and bronchitis and also for rheumatism.
Angelica has wide culinary and confectionery use, and is an important ingredient of liqueurs such as Benedictine. Other species of the plant exist in various parts of the world, Angelica sinensis being an important emmenagogue and female tonic in Chinese medicine.
Cautionary Notes: Angelica is a strong emmenagogue and should not be taken by pregnant women. It should never be used by diabetics as it tends to increase blood sugar levels. Care should be taken not to exceed normal dosages, as too strong a dosage can over-stimulate the central nervous system and, especially if taken at night, may cause insomnia.
*11/66/5*
