Everything Herbal - Main Page - PS-Survival.com

Herb Uses R, S, T Herbs
Showy Milkweed (Asclepias speciosa ) The milky latex has been used as an antiseptic for treating ringworm, cuts,
and sores and to remove corns and calluses. The latex is used as a cure for warts. The latex needs to be applied at
least once a day of a period of some weeks for it to be effective. After the seeds have been boiled in water, the victim
of a rattlesnake bite bathes in the water. A tea made of boiled roots has been used to treat measles, coughs, and
tuberculosis, and has been applied warm to rheumatic joints. The mashed roots have been used as a poultice to
reduce swellings. The root is either chewed when fresh, or dried, ground into a powder then boiled, and used in the
treatment of stomach ache. A decoction of the roots has been used in small doses to treat venereal diseases and also
to treat coughs, especially from TB. Indian women used an infusion of the entire plant to treat sore breasts. A
decoction of the plant tops can be strained and used to treat blindness and snow-blindness. Some caution should be
employed when using the root since there is a report that it can be poisonous in large quantities.
Siberian Ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus) There has been much research into Siberian ginseng in
Russia since the 1950s, although the exact method by which it stimulates stamina and resistance to stress is not
yet understood. Siberian ginseng seems to have a general tonic effect on the body, in particular on the adrenal
glands, helping the body to withstand heat, cold, infection, other physical stresses and radiation. It has even
been given to astronauts to counter the effects of weightlessness. Athletes have experienced as much as a 9%
improvement in stamina when taking Siberian ginseng. Siberian ginseng is given to improve mental resilience,
for example, during exams, and to reduce the effects of physical stress, for example during athletic training.
Siberian ginseng is most effective in the treatment of prolonged exhaustion and debility, resulting from
overwork and long-term stress. The herb also stimulates immune resistance and can be taken in convalescence
to aid recovery from chronic illness. As a general tonic, Siberian ginseng helps both to prevent infection and to
maintain well-being. It is also used in treatments for impotence. Eleuthero root happens to be anti-yeast and
immune supportive.
Silk Tree (Albizia julibrissin ) The flower heads are used internally in the treatment of insomnia, irritability,
breathlessness and poor memory. The stembark is used internally in the treatment of insomnia, irritability, boils and
carbuncles. Externally, it is applied to injuries and swellings. A gummy extract obtained from the plant is used as a
plaster for abscesses, boils etc and also as a retentive in fractures and sprains. It is gaining a reputation among
western herbalists as a fast and highly effective treatment for depression, anxiety, insomnia, poor memory and
irritability.
Silver Birch (Betula pendula (B. verrucosa, B. alba)) An infusion made with silver birch leaves hastens the
removal of waste products in the urine, and is beneficial for kidney stones and bladder stones, rheumatic
conditions, and gout. To obtain the full diuretic effect herbalists add a pinch of baking soda to the infusion
which promotes the extraction of the diuretic hyperoside. The leaves are also used, in combination with diuretic
herbs, to reduce fluid retention and swelling. Silver birch sap is a mild diuretic. Preserved with cloves and
cinnamon, the sap was once taken to treat skin diseases like acne as well as rheumatism and gout. A decoction
of silver birch bark can be used as a lotion for chronic skin problems. The bark can also be macerated in oil and
applied to rheumatic joints. A decoction of the bark has been used to allay intermittent fevers. Dry distillation
of fresh birch wood yields birch tar, which is used in soothing ointments for skin ailments.
Silver Fir (Abies alba (A. pectinata) ) Both the leaves and the resin are common ingredients in remedies for colds
and coughs, either taken internally or used as an inhalant. The resin is also used externally in bath extracts, rubbing
oils etc for treating rheumatic pains and neuralgia.
Silverweed (Potentilla anserine) The dried flowering stems are used medicinally. The drugs contain chiefly
flavonoid compounds and catechol tannins as well as constipating, anti-inflammatory and anti-spasmodic
properties, which also determine their use in the treatment of chronic nonspecific diarrheas, especially when
accompanied by indigestion. They are used primarily for those who do not tolerate sulfa drugs. It used to be
found in formulas for uterine and stomach spasms and was added to douche formulas. Their occasional
recommended use to relieve menstrual pains is, however, ineffective. The dried flowering stems are prepared in
the form of a briefly steeped infusion—one teaspoon of the crumbled drug to one cup boiling water. The
alcohol extract from the roots of both species (20-30 drops in a glass of water) is used externally with success
for gargling to relieve sore throats or for swabbing inflamed gums and to tighten spongy gums and loose teeth
and where there is inflammations of the mouth such as gingivitis or apthous ulcers. Both hemorrhoids and
poison oak can be treated topically with the tea.
Simaruba (Simaruba amara (syn Simarouba officinalis) ) Simaruba is one of the best tonics for persons suffering
from debility and loss of appetite. It restores the lost tone of the intestines, promotes the secretions, and disposes the
patient to sleep. It is only successful in the latter stage of dysentery, when the stomach is not affected. In large doses it
produces sickness and vomiting. On account of its difficult pulverization, it is seldom given in substance, the infusion
being preferred, but like many bitter tonics, it is now seldom used. From its use, it has been called 'dysentery bark.'
Skirret (Sium sisarum) Fresh young shoots are said by Culpeper to be a “wholesome food, of a cleansing
nature, and easy digestion, provoking urine.” May also help relieve chest complaints. The root is diuretic and
cleansing, and useful for removing obstructions from the bladder. It is serviceable against dropsy by causing
plenty of urine and helps liver disorders and the jaundice. The young shoots are a pleasant and wholesome food
of easy digestion.
http://www.herbnet.com/Herb%20Uses_RST.htm (13 of 26) [5/17/2004 9:23:18 AM]