Everything Herbal - Main Page - PS-Survival.com

Herb Uses R, S, T Herbs
decrease flatulence, and we know the roots are
antiseptic. All parts of the plant were used in medicine
and the roots were boiled until tender and given to the
elderly to eat, it was believed to strengthen the
digestion.
Sweet Grass (Hierochloe odorata) A tea made from the leaves is used in the treatment of fevers, coughs, sore
throats, chafing and venereal infections. It is also used to stop vaginal bleeding and to expel afterbirth. The stems can
be soaked in water and used to treat windburn and chapping and as an eyewash. Smoke from the burning leaves has
been inhaled in the treatment of colds.
Sweet Sumach (Rhus aromatica ) Sweet Sumach is a useful astringent that is especially indicated in the treatment
of urinary incontinence for both the young and old alike. It may safely be used wherever an astringent is called for,
such as in diarrhea or hemorrhage. It is a strong diuretic and used to clear up vaginal discharges. The leaves were
used in the treatment of colds, stomach aches and bleeding. An infusion of the root bark can be used in the treatment
of diarrhea, dysentery. It is used as a gargle for sore throats. Its use is contraindicated if inflammation is present. The
fruits have been chewed in the treatment of stomach aches, toothaches and gripe and used as a gargle to treat mouth
and throat complaints. They help reduce fevers and may be of help in treating late-onset diabetes by reducing blood
sugar..
Sweet Rocket (Eruca sativa (E vesicaria var sativa) ) The principal recorded medicinal use of rocket is as a form of
mild analgesic.
Sweet Vernal Grass (Anthoxanthum odoratum ) a tincture made from this grass with spirit of wine is an effective
and immediate cure for hay fever and as a nasal lotion. Externally used for painful joints, chilblains, nervous
exhaustion, and insomnia. Also a good scalp cleanser and hair tonic
Sweet Woodruff Galium odoratum (Asperula odorata): One reason that woodruff leaves were added to
wines was because they aid the digestion and are helpful in treating liver obstructions and hepatitis. At one
time, woodruff leaves made a popular diuretic and remedy to reduce bladder stones. Woodruff reduces
inflammation and the asperuloside it contains has been suggested as a starting point for manufacturing
prostaglandin drugs. The herb also provides coumarin, used to produce anticoagulant drugs. Considered a light
sedative, it comes in handy for treating nervous tension, especially in the elderly and children. Woodruff was
much used as a medicine in the Middle Ages. The fresh leaves, bruised and applied to cuts and wounds, were
said to have a healing effect, and formerly a strong decoction of the fresh herb was used as a cordial and
stomachic.
Sweetbay Magnolia (Magnolia virginiana (M glauca) ) Indians drank a warm infusion of the bark, cones
and seeds for rheumatism. In colonial times, the root bark was used in place of quinine bark to treat malaria. A
drink made of an infusion of bark and brandy was used to treat lung and chest diseases, dysentery, and fever. A
tea made of young branches boiled in water was a treatment for colds. The bark and fruit are aromatic and have
been used as a tonic. A tincture of the fresh leaves has been used to treat rheumatism and gout, and as a
laxative. A tea made from the bark is taken internally in the treatment of colds, bronchial diseases, upper
respiratory tract infections, rheumatism and gout. The bark has been chewed by people trying to break the
tobacco habit. A tea made from the fruit is a tonic, used in the treatment of general debility and was formerly
esteemed in the treatment of stomach ailments. The leaves or bark have been placed in cupped hands over the
nose and inhaled as a mild hallucinogen.
Sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua ) In Appalachia, water- or whiskey-soaked twigs are chewed to clean the
teeth, Native Americans used the resin to treat fevers and wounds. The gum was used by early settlers to treat
herpes and skin inflammations. It has also been applied to the cheek to ease toothache. The bark and leaves, boiled
in milk or water, have been used to treat diarrhea and dysentery. The boiled leaves have been applied to cuts and
used for treating sore feet. The aromatic drug resin storax, an expectorant and a weak antiseptic used for treating
scabies, comes from this tree. It forms in cavities of the bark and also exudes naturally. It is harvested in autumn.
Production can be stimulated by beating the trunk in the spring. The resin has a wide range of uses including
medicinal, incense, perfumery, soap and as an adhesive. It is also chewed and used as a tooth cleaner and to
sweeten the breath. It is also chewed in the treatment of sore throats, coughs, asthma, cystitis, dysentery etc.
Externally, it is applied to sores, wounds, piles, ringworm, scabies etc. The resin is an ingredient of 'Friar's Balsam', a
commercial preparation based on Styrax benzoin that is used to treat colds and skin problems. The mildly astringent
inner bark is used in the treatment of diarrhea and childhood cholera.
Syrian Rue (Peganum harmala) The seeds of which can be taken internally in minute doses, providing a
valuable Ayurvedic remedy against depression. They have also been taken to treat eye disorders and to
stimulate breast-milk production. In central Asia, harmala root is a popular medicinal remedy, used in the
treatment of rheumatism and nervous conditions.
Szechuan Pepper (Zanthoxylum piperitum (Xanthoxylum piperitum)) The berries of Zanthoxylum species
http://www.herbnet.com/Herb%20Uses_RST.htm (21 of 26) [5/17/2004 9:23:18 AM]