Archaeological evidence indicates that the use of herbal medicine dates to Palaeolithic age approximately 60.000 years ago, with the first written evidence of usage of herbal medicine dating back 5000 years ago [1]. Making herbal medicine the ‘original’ medicine, rather than ‘alternative’ medicine. This article will examine the use of three famously & widely used herbal remedies; Yellow Dock, Bayberry and Chamomile. Linking all three of these herbs to usage around the globe indiscriminately in different cultural backgrounds as well as the herbs’ classifications and personality irrespectively.
Yellow Dock
(Rumex Crispus R. obtusiolius; Polygonaceae)
Classifications
Yellow dock is a powerful alterative as well as tonic, depurative, astringent, cathartic, anti-scorbutic, anti-syphilitic, detergent, anti-scrofulous and nutritive (leaves).
Personality in context of classifications
Alteratives
Blood Cleanser, the cleansing of the lymphatic system, and the overcoming of morbid processors.
Laxatives
Cleansing of the bowels
Tonic
Aids in digestion, permanently increases systematic tone, energy, vigour and strength.
Depurative
Purifying agent in general for the terrain
Astringent
Dries up mucus in extreme cases
Cathartic
Cleanses liver, gall ducts, alimentary canal excrete through bowls (for chamomile, in large quantities)
Anti-scorbutic
Prevention of scurvy
Anti-syphilitic
Effective against syphilis
Detergent
Cleaning, oil dissolving, anti-bacterial
Anti-scrofulous
Prevention of Scrofula a condition that causes Tuberculosis
Nutritive
Nourishing to the body tissues including vitamins, minerals, and trace elements
Usage
Within the Dock family, Yellow Dock is considered the most useful in terms of medicinal properties. Due to the roots of Yellow Dock containing in excess of 40% iron compounds it has earned its’ name as one of the best blood builders in the natural world. As well as blood building it also purifies the blood and aids in the lymphatic system.
Medicinal Conditions Bayberry can be used for;
Skin disorders
Running ears
Syphilis
Skin eruptions
Glandular Tumours
Liver Congestion
Scorbutic Disease
Swellings
Biliousness
Scorbutic
Leprosy
Ulcerated Eyelids
Cancer
Itch
Sour Stomach
Lack of Vitality
Intermittent fevers
Sores
Sores
Anaemia
Cough
Laryngeal Irritation
Arsenic Poisoning
haemorrhage
Diarrhoea
Why I was drawn to this herb
Yellow Dock, to me, seems to be an herb that despite its’ wide uses is overlooked quite often. I feel that Yellow Dock would be an excellent addition in almost all illnesses as thinning the blood would allow nutrition and oxygen to be transported with more ease to each vital organ allowing any dis-eased body to benefit from faster healing. I have Yellow Dock readily available on my farm to treat bacterial infections or intestinal infections, by bypassing modern medicine of anti-biotics or over counter medication, I feel that Yellow Dock has been a great aid in my own health as well as my loved ones.
Bayberry
(Myrica cerifera; M. Carolinensis; Myricaceae)
Classifications
Bayberry bark is an astringent, tonic, alterative, cholagogue, diuretic, sialagogue, emetic in large doses, hemostatic, styptic, vulnerary, errhine, sternutatory, and discutient.
Wax: Mildly astringent somewhat narcotic
Leaves: Astringent & aromatic
Personality in context of classifications
· Astringent Dries up mucus in extreme cases
· Tonic
Aids in digestion, permanently increases systematic tone, energy, vigour and strength.
· Cholagogues
Aids In discharging bile into duodenum by contracting bile ducts and produce purgation of bowels.
· Styptics
To be used on the wound and the stoppage of bleeding.
· Alteratives
Blood cleanser, clean lymphatic system and overcomes morbid processors
· Diuretic
Increases the flow of urine
· Sialagogue Promotes the secretion of saliva
· Emetic Induces vomiting (in large doses)
· Hemostatic Regulates bleeding especially shortening the process of clotting
· Styptic Contracts blood vessels on site of wound to stop bleeding
· Vulnerary Used in healing of wounds
· Sternutatory Causation of sneezing
· Discutient Causing pathological accumulation to disperse
Usage
Bayberry is considered to be the most useful herb in botanic medicine. Bayberry is the foundational herb for Composition powder which provides an all-round health benefit for all complaints. The herb heavily influences the alimentary tract, toning and aiding in glandular activity whilst bringing the volume of mucus secretion to a healthy function. Bayberry is an excellent liver cleanser, whilst promoting healthy circulatory system including the arterial and capillary circulation, with stimulation of tissues. Bayberry also has a tonic effect on the uterus especially during pregnancy, furthermore, used as a preventing method of haemorrhage on the uterus, lungs, and bowls. [6]
Medicinal Conditions Barberry can be used for;
Sore throat
Haemorrhage
Menorrhagia
Cold extremities
Emesis
Leukorrhea
Chills
Narcotics poisoning
Goitre
Diarrhoea
Dysentery
Ulcers
Spongy and Bleeding gums
Boils
Carbuncles
Gangrenous sores
Adenoids
Fever
Flu
Colic Cramps
Jaundice
Scrofula
Catarrh of Stomach
Dyspepsia
Weak Digestion
Sluggish Liver
Slow Healing Wounds
Burns
Polyps
Thrush
Trench Mouth
Inflamed Tonsils
Catarrhal Deafness
Alopecia
Dandruff
Tooth Powder
Why I was drawn to this herb
I find Bayberry to be the herb that all households must have, equally Bayberry was a widely used herb for many issues within my own upbringing, from ancient Persian wisdom my grandmother would treat my mother and later in life my mother to me, as generations passed the use of Bayberry never outdated itself. I am drawn to its’ powerful healing properties of its assistance to the terrains’ own ability of healing itself.
Chamomile or Roman Chamomile
(Chamaemelum Nobile; Anthemis Nobilis; Compositae)
Classifications
Chamomile is excellent diaphoretic when consumed hot as well as stomachic, tonic whilst consumed cold, anti-spasmodic, stimulant, carminative, nervine, sedative, emmenagogue, anthelmintic, anodyne, bitter aromatic, emetic in warm dosages, and cathartic in large dosages.
Personality in context of classifications
· Tonic
Aids in digestion, permanently increases systematic tone, energy, vigour and strength.
· Stomachic & Carminative
Aids in healthy digestion and in general health of the stomach
· Diaphoretic
Assists in perspiration and eliminating toxins through perspiration.
· Stimulant
Stimulant to functional activity
· Anti-spasmodic
Preventative of muscle spasm
· Nervine
Assisting in healthy nervous system
· Emmenagogue
Female herb categories as it assists in period cramps and reducing excess menstrual flow
· Cathartic
Cleanses liver, gall ducts, alimentary canal excrete through bowls (for chamomile in large quantity)
· Emetics
Induces vomiting (for chamomile in large quantity)
· Anthelmintic
Use for parasites or worms
· Anodyne
Painkiller
· Bitter aromatic
Herbs that taste bitter
Usage
Chamomile Flowers are fantastic for bringing the flow of blood to the skin surface. Chamomile has an effective timely method on stomach issues, circulation issues and the uterus. Improves appetite as well as aiding in digestion by increasing the vascularity or fluid conveyance of the gastric mucous membrane. It is soothing to the body especially to the nerves as well relieving congestion and when taken cold it stimulates menstrual flow. Chamomiles also reduces swelling without drawing the poison to a head. It is also used as a hair wash which is an excellent way to keep the golden tint of hair. It is also used as a sleeping aid herb.
Medicinal Conditions Barberry can be used for;
Colds
Fevers
Painful Menstruation
Headache
Indigestion
Colic
Spasmodic Cough
Bronchitis
Pulmonary
Catarrh
Acute Dyspepsia
Hysteria
Nervousness
Torpid Liver
Delirium Tremens
Rheumatism
Ulcers
Appetite issues
Stomach weakness
Kidney issues
Spleen and Bladder issues
Expelling of worms
Ague
Dropsy
Jaundice
Sore and weak eyes (wash)
Open sores and wounds (wash)
Pains/Swelling (Poultice)
Gangrene
Preventative
Bruises
Sprains
Corns
Earache
Toothache
Neuralgia
[10]
Why I was drawn to this herb
Chamomile is the best kept secret of all traditions, it is the most healing plant I have come across, anywhere from a sickly feeling to stomach period cramps, chamomile is the go-to in our household for many generations. Consumed mostly in teas it is almost a monthly tradition to run to the chamomile cabinet whilst also waiting for a hot water bottle. I have terrible period pains, so much so that it prevents me from driving as the pain will suddenly buckle me and I may involuntarily take my eyes off the road and put myself in a position where I could be in an accident, so chamomile for many years has saved me from having to make excuses of why I am unable to be attend class in school and later on in life to my workplace. I am forever praising its anodyne properties. I also believe, for many years now, Chamomile has replaced the use of pain killers in my household.
The three herbs above fall under the same category of edible, digestible plants which falls under the same umbrella of food. It is important to draw the distinction between our consumption of food and illnesses, it is also vital to close the distinction between food and medicine.
It is vital as a species that human beings value these herbs more than just occasional medicine, these herbs above and many others should be considered as nutritive foods to be eaten with our daily meals to give our terrain the best possible ability of environment to heal itself when it needs to do so.
Happy Herbing!
- Earth Healer
Changing the world one blog at a time
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