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Herb Uses R, S, T Herbs
of a salve for the removal of external cancer and indolent ulcers. A tea is also helpful to bathe the affected part,
making it fresh daily. It reduces the desire to smoke if chewed.
Red Maple (Acer rubrum ) The bark was used by Native Americans to make a decoction for treating eye ailments,
because of its astringency. The bark has been used as a treatment for worms, as a tonic, and in poultices for skin
abrasions. An infusion of the bark has been used to treat cramps and dysentery.
Red Sage (Salvia viridis (syn Salvia horminum) ) Red Sage is the classic remedy for inflammations of the mouth,
gums, tongue, throat and tonsils, its volatile oils soothing the mucous membranes. It may be used internally and as a
mouthwash, and as a gargle it will help laryngitis, pharyngitis, tonsillitis and quinsy. It is a valuable carminative used in
dyspepsia. It reduces sweating when taken internally and may be used to reduce the production of breast milk. As a
compress it promotes the healing of wounds. Red Sage stimulates the muscles of the uterus.
Redbud (Cercis canadensis, C.
siliquastrum) The redbud’ inner bark and
root can be made into a tea or decoction.
This was used by different Native American
Indian tribes to clear lung congestion, for
whooping cough, to prevent nausea and
vomiting, and to break fevers. It has also
been used for diarrhea, dysentery, and
leukemia.
Redroot Pigweed (Amaranthus retroflexus ) The leaves have been used to stop internal hemorrhaging, diarrhea,
and excessive menstrual flow. An infusion has been used to treat hoarseness. The stems have treated ulcers and
profuse menstrual flows. In a wash, the flowers, leaves, and roots have been used as an astringent for wounds and
sores, and used as a mouthwash for canker sores and sore gums.
Rest Harrow (Ononis spinosa ) For excess fluid retention, restharrow is best taken as a short-term treatment, in the
form of an infusion. The root contains a fixed oil that is anti-diuretic and an essential oil that is diuretic. If the diuretic
action is required then the root should be infused and not decocted or the essential oil will be evaporated. It is also of
value in treating gout and cystitis. An infusion is used in the treatment of dropsy, inflammation of the bladder and
kidneys, rheumatism and chronic skin disorders. A cough mixture is made from
Resurrection Plant (Bryophyllum pinnatum) Pounded fresh material is applied as a poultice for a variety of
conditions: Sprains, eczema, infections, burns; carbuncle and erysipelas. Usually not taken internally. For boils, the
whole leaf is pressed by hand, to and fro, until it becomes moist with the leaf extract. A small opening is made in the
middle of the leaf which is then placed on the boil with hole over the pointing of the abscess
Rhatany (Krameria triandra) Rhatany is a powerful astringent that was retained in the official pharmacopea until
recently. It may be used wherever an astringent is indicated, that is, in diarrhea, hemorrhoids, hemorrhages or as a
styptic. Rhatany is often found in herbal toothpastes and powders as it is especially good for bleeding gums. It can be
used as a snuff with bloodroot to treat nasal polyps. The plant’s astringency makes it effective when used in the form
of an ointment, suppository, or wash for treating hemorrhoids. Rhatany may also be applied to wounds to help
staunch blood flow, to varicose veins, and over areas of capillary fragility that may be prone to easy bruising. Gargle
the tea or diluted tincture for acute or lingering sore throat. It can be combined for this purpose with Yerba Mansa or
Echinacea. For diarrhea, combine with Silk Tassel (for cramps) and Echinacea (immunostimulant), and with either
Trumpet Creeper, Desert Willow or Tonadora (for Candida) and Chaparro Amargosa (Protozoas). For a hemorrhoidal
salve and rectal fissure ointment, use either alone or with Echinacea flowers as a salve.
Rhubarb Root (Rheum palmatum) For centuries the rhizome of the Turkey rhubarb was highly regarded by
the Chinese for its medicinal properties. Modern research has justified its reputation. It contains
anthraquinones, which have a purgative effect, and tannins and bitters which have the opposite effect. If taken
in small quantities the tonic, aperient effect predominates and it is therefore useful in cases of appetite loss and
acute diarrhea. Used to treat constipation, dysentery, hemorrhoids, portal congestion, pin/thread worms, skin
eruptions from faulty elimination, blood in the stool and duodenal ulcers. It has a truly cleansing action upon
the gut, removing debris, and then astringing with antiseptic properties as well. It is used externally to promote
healing, counteract blood clots and promote menstruation. Stronger doses are laxative after 8-10 hours and are
used to treat chronic constipation. Rhubarb is included in some proprietary preparations and is also a
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