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Herb Uses - A, B Herbs
similar purposes until 1882. An infusion of the root was used to treat diarrhea, and a leaf poultice for skin
abrasions. A teaspoon of the chopped root, boiled in water for 20 minutes, can be used for gastroenteritis,
particularly with symptoms of diarrhea and dry, bilious vomiting. The tea makes an excellent gargle for sore
throats, especially when combined with one-fourth teaspoon of golden seal root; a half cup drunk an hour before
every meal will stimulate the healing of regenerating ulcers of the esophagus and stomach, but of little use for
duodenal ulcers. The root is an old folk remedy for dysentery, a cup drunk every two hours for at least a day.
Since most astringents are precipitated before reaching the colon, obstinate dysentery should be treated by an
enema; a teaspoon of the chopped root boiled for twenty minutes in a pint of water,. The same quantity can be
used as a douche for vaginitis or mild cervicitis. The finely ground root is a good first aid for treating cuts and
abrasions, promoting almost instant clotting; if combined with equal parts golden seal root and Echinacea
angustifolia root, the mixture makes an excellent antiseptic powder.
Amaranth (Amaranthus hypochondriacus) Medicinally, amaranth gained favor in the 17 th century when the
Doctrine of Signature prevailed. To adherents of this doctrine, the bright crimson of the flowers signified
blood—a clear indication that the plant would stop any kind of bleeding. The herb does in fact possess
astringent properties and herbalists have recommended an amaranth infusion for diarrhea and as a mouthwash
for ulcers, to soothe inflammation of the pharynx and to heal canker sores. Amaranth has also been employed
to reduce blood loss and to treat diarrhea and dysentery.. A decoction is used to check excessive menstrual
flow, excessive vaginal discharge.. Also used for sponging sores and ulcers. It is a nutritional supplement and
nutritive tonic.
Ambrette Seed (Abelmoschus moschatus (syn Hibiscus abelmoschus) ): Internally as a digestive and
breath-freshener (seeds). Externally for cramps, poor circulation, and aching joints, and in aromatherapy for
anxiety and depression (oil)
American Centuary (Sabatia angularis) This herb, which should be gathered when in full bloom, is an active tonic,
of the more stimulating class, with moderate and somewhat diffusive relaxing qualities, allied to the American gentian,
but rather milder. Its chief power is exerted upon the stomach, gall-ducts, and spleen; and the general circulation and
uterus feel it moderately. A warm infusion gently promotes the menstrual secretion, in cases of debility. Cold
preparations increase appetite and digestion in weak and flaccid conditions of the stomach, and may be used for
chronic dyspepsia and general debility. By maintaining the portal circulation somewhat vigorously, it proves of
eminent service for the intermediate treatment of agues; and though not a nervine stimulant and antiperiodic as
cinchona is, it is of decided value against intermittents where the cinchona preparations (and similar antiperiodics)
prove too exciting to the nerve centers. In cases of this class, I have several times arrested ague paroxysms by the
fluid extract of this plant alone, with suitable daily hepatics; yet it is not strong enough to meet the chills of
deeply-prostrated or congested cases. It makes an excellent tonic addendum to such agents as fraxinus, angustura,
or euonymus, in treating chronic biliousness with indigestion; and may be used to advantage with caulophyllum,
convallaria, and similar uterine remedies, in chronic prolapsus, leucorrhea, hysteria, etc. Its sustaining influence is
shown to excellent advantage in the treatment of night sweats, exhaustion from excessive purulent discharges,
recovery from malignant scarlatina, and other prostrated conditions. Some use it for worms, as a tonic. Usually given
by infusion, made by digesting an ounce of the herb in a pint of hot water; of which a fluid ounce may be given every
two or three hours during the intermission of an ague, or half a fluid ounce every three hours as a tonic.
American Cranesbill: An astringent and clotting agent, American cranesbill is used today much as in earlier times.
The herb is often prescribed for irritable bowel syndrome and hemorrhoids, and it is used to staunch wounds. It may
also be used to treat heavy menstrual bleeding and excessive vaginal discharge. As a douche it can be used in
leucorrhea. Its powerful astringent action is used in secondary dysentery, diarrhea, and infantile cholera (Boil with milk
to which a little cinnamon has been added and the milk cooked down to half its liquid volume.). Troublesome bleeding
from the nose, wounds or small vessels, and from the extraction of teeth may be checked effectively by applying the
powder to the bleeding orifice and, if possible, covering with a compress of cotton. For Diabetes and Brights disease a
decoction taken internally has proven effective of Unicorn root and Cranesbill. One of the safest and most effective
astringent herbs for gastrointestinal problems.
American Ginseng (Panax quinquefolius): Similar to Panax ginseng only milder
American White Hellebore (Veratrum viride ) In standard medicine, Hellebore was employed for its irritant and
sedative action in a wide range of complaints, including pneumonia, gout, rheumatism, typhoid and rheumatic fevers
and local inflammations. American Hellebore preparations are well known to contain a complex mixture of steroid
alkaloids (including jervine, pseudojervine, and meratroidine) that are still used by the medical profession to treat
severe cases of high blood pressure and related cardiovascular conditions. It is a very potent drug plant. It is effective
only in selected types of high blood pressure, and has many side effects if used over a long period of time. It has been
used in the treatment of acute cases of pneumonia, peritonitis and threatened apoplexy. A decoction of the root has
been used in the treatment of chronic coughs and constipation. A portion of the root has been chewed, or a decoction
used, in the treatment of stomach pain. The root has been used to make a skin wash and compresses for bruises,
sprains and fractures. The powdered root has been applied as a healing agent to wounds and as a delousing agent.
The stems have been scraped and the powder snuffed to induce sneezing. An infusion of the leaves has been used as
a wash to treat aches and pains.
American Larix (Larix laricina) Tamarack was employed medicinally by a number of native North American Indian
tribes who used it to treat a variety of complaints. It is used in the treatment of jaundice, anemia, rheumatism, colds
and skin ailments. It is gargled in the treatment of sore throats and applied as a poultice to sores, swellings and burns.
A tea made from the leaves is used as an astringent in the treatment of piles, diarrhea etc. An infusion of the buds and
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