Morning Sickness

There are several herb remedies which are effective in controlling or relieving vomiting during pregnancy, the choice of which is determined by individual preference and response.

6 parts Spearmint leaves

3 parts Cinnamon bark (cut or powdered)

1 part Clove buds (crushed or powdered)

Infusion: 1/2 ñèð every 30 minutes for acute conditions, not to exceed 3 cups per day

Lemon Balm leaves

Infusion: 1/2 ñèð as required, not to exceed 3 cups per day

Cinnamon bark (cut or powdered)

Infusion: 1/2-1 ñèð 3 times per day, taken an hour before meals

1 part Chamomile flowers

1 part Meadowsweet herb

1 part Raspberry leaves

1 part Spearmint leaves

Infusion: 1/2-1 ñèð as required, not to exceed 3 cups per day

Nappy Rash

Use a soothing and healing ointment such as Comfrey, Marigold, Marshmallow or Mullein.

Where the skin is very red and sore:

Chamomile flowers

Elder flowers St John’s Wort

Infusion of any of the above combination: apply cool as a moist compress on a gauze pad, or as a lotion between nappy changes

Exposure to fresh air is often the best treatment, though not always practicable.

For ‘cradle cap’ – apply a strong infusion of Chamomile flowers as a lotion. Apricot kernel oil is also useful.

Post-Natal Depression

Vervain is a specific remedy for convalescent and post-natal depression.

1 part Vervain herb

1 part Lemon Balm leaves Infusion: 3 cups per day

2 parts Vervain herb

1 part Rosehips

2 parts Lemon Balm leaves

1 part Dandelion root

1 part Rosemary leaves

1 part Stinging Nettle herb

1 part Motherwort herb

1 part Burdock root Infusion: 3 cups per day

Pregnancy and Childbirth

Raspberry leaf is an excellent tonic for expectant mothers. Taken regularly during the course of pregnancy, it will help to allay morning sickness and secure an easier delivery.

Raspberry leaf

Infusion: 1-3 cups per day during pregnancy

Chamomile is an excellent remedy for all kinds of complaints in babies and small children. Given in teaspoon doses, it will help to settle a baby suffering from teething, earache, colds, catarrh, colic, fright, crying, sleeplessness, etc. For infants and young children the dose is increased proportionately.

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Anaemia

2 parts Stinging Nettle herb

1 part Dandelion root

1 part Alfalfa herb

Infusion: 3 cups per day

 

3 parts Burdock root

1 part Angelica root

1 part Yellow Dock root

Combined decoction and infusion: 3 cups per day

 

Chives

Dandelion

Spinach

Stinging Nettle

Watercress

Include frequently in diet, as salad herbs or vegetables

Lack of Appetite

To stimulate appetite and promote digestion:

2 parts Burdock root

2 parts Chamomile flowers

1 part Angelica root

Infusion: 1 cup an hour before meals

1 part Dandelion root

1 part Horehound leaves

1 part Chamomile flowers

1 part Fennel seed

Infusion: 1/2-1 cup an hour before meals

2 parts Peppermint leaves

1 part Angelica root

Infusion: 1/2 ñuð an hour before meals

Alfalfa, Angelica, Dandelion and Fennel taken regularly over a period of time tend to promote appetite and normalize digestion. Make an infusion hour with equal parts of these herbs and take 1/2 cup an hour before meals for several weeks.

Bad Breath

Angelica root

Anise seed

Clove buds

Fennel seed

Parsley leaves

Peppermint leaves

Spearmint leaves

Thyme herb

Prepare an infusion from any of the above herbs, alone or in combination, and gargle frequently. Alternatively, chew a little of them from time to time. With persistent bad breath, consider the need for a laxative, dental care or attention to digestive function.

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Salvia officinalis

Action: Anti-sudorific, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, astringent, carminative, choleretic, tonic, emmenagogue.

Systems Affected: Brain, nerves, mucous membranes, liver, general effects on the whole body. Preparation and Dosage (thrice daily): Dried leaves, dose 0.5-2.0 grams by infusion.

There are several hundred species of Sage distributed throughout the world, several of which have culinary and medicinal use. The most important and best known is Salvia officinalis. Native to southern Europe, it is now cultivated commercially and as a kitchen herb in many parts of the world.

Well known and frequently employed as a culinary herb, Sage is also important as a medicinal plant with a wide range of applications.

Primarily astringent and anti-sudorific, Sage is of particular benefit in slowing the secretion of fluids. Thus it is used for treating sinusitis, excessive perspiration, night sweats, clear vaginal discharge and to stop the flow of milk. It is also useful in diarrhoea, dysentery, the early stages of colds and flu, and for infections and inflammatory conditions of the respiratory tract and urinary organs.

Sage is highly effective in reducing the secretion of fluids and should not be used to excess, as it may slow secretions more than desired. Hence, except where taken in small tonic doses, it should not be used for more than a week at a time, but during this period 3 or 4 cups of the infusion may be taken daily.

Sage has a tonic effect on the liver and digestive processes, and on the brain and mental functioning. It is sometimes used to treat loss of memory in senility and to counter the effects of mental fatigue and overwork in students or those engaged in prolonged mental activity. It is of benefit in nervous conditions such as anxiety and depression. Combined with Rosemary and Peppermint, it is used to treat headaches. A half cup of the infusion, made from equal parts of these herbs (25 to 30 grams per 500 ml of water), is taken every two hours until relief is obtained.

Externally Sage is effective as an antiseptic gargle for sore throat and mouth ulcers. It is used as a douche to treat vaginal discharge and in baths to treat skin problems.

Cautionary Notes: Sage should not be taken by women if pregnant or breastfeeding, as it may have undesired effects in stimulating the uterus or reducing lactation.

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Crataegus monogyna or C. oxyacanthoides

Action: Cardiac tonic, hypotensive, antispasmodic, sedative, diuretic.

Systems Affected: Heart, circulation, nerves, kidneys.

Preparation and Dosage (thrice daily): Dried berries, dose 0.3-1.0 grams by infusion.

Hawthorn is a shrub or tree growing up to nine or 10 meters in height. Native to Europe, in Britain it forms a part of many hedgerows. It is introduced in other temperate zones and often grows as a weed, as is the case in Australia. Its common name refers to a thorny bush producing fruit, the haw. The plant has many religious and magical associations. Hawthorn is highly regarded for its action on the heart and circulatory system. It is of specific use in high blood pressure associated with heart weakness, arteriosclerosis, palpitations and angina pectoris. Prolonged treatment is necessary but its regular use strengthens and regulates the heart muscle. For optimum effect it is usually combined with other herbs for the heart and circulation such as Cayenne, Motherwort, Garlic and Lime Tree (Tilia cordata) flowers.

Hawthorn is also of benefit as a sedative for nervous conditions (particularly insomnia), as a diuretic for fluid retention and kidney problems, and as a gargle for sore throats.

The tincture is a useful form of preparation for regular use: steep 100 grams of the dried berries in 500 ml of brandy for two weeks. Shake daily. Strain and bottle. The dose is 1-2 ml, 3 times daily.

A liqueur was once manufactured from the berries. The wood is extremely hard, has a fine grain and takes an excellent polish. It was formerly used for small boxes, combs and other items. It is an excellent fuel, reputedly making the hottest wood-fire known.

Cautionary Notes: Hawthorn has been declared a noxious weed in many locations and is sometimes subject to spraying and eradication programmes. If collecting wild Hawthorn berries, be extremely careful in checking that the plant has not been sprayed with toxic herbicides. Regulations concerning noxious weeds vary. Planting or cultivation of Hawthorn may be allowed in some urban areas but is usually prohibited in rural areas. (Consult the local department of agriculture for information on noxious weeds.)

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Nepeta cataria

Action: Nervine, diaphoretic, carminative, antispasmodic, anti-diarrhoeic, antiseptic, sedative, slightly emmenagogue, mildly stimulant.

Systems Affected: Nerves, stomach, intestines, circulation, uterus.

Preparation and Dosage (thrice daily): Dried leaves and flowering tips, dose 2-5 grams by infusion.

Catnip, a strongly-scented perennial, is a member of the mint family which has grown wild in Europe and Asia for centuries. As regards its name: some cats seem to relish it, eating the leaves or rolling about on the plant, some ignore it and yet others seem distressed by it, even going so far as to scratch it out and destroy it.

Catnip, taken as a hot infusion, produces free perspiration and is therefore useful in colds, flu and fever. The addition of a little Ginger will intensify the effect. In feverish colds, taken hot upon retiring, it will help to induce peaceful sleep.

The herb is a mild sedative and antispasmodic and is thus used for insomnia, colic, restlessness and irritability. It is a good treatment for diarrhoea, and is often used in enemas for its effect in gently relaxing and restoring tone to the bowels. It is sometimes included as a part of formulas for delayed menstruation.

An excellent herb for children, especially when combined with Chamomile, Lemon Balm, Raspberry Leaf or Spearmint, it is an important remedy in children’s insomnia, restlessness, nervous irritability, colds and fever. It is of particular benefit in infantile colic and diarrhoea. In such cases 2 or 3 teaspoons of an infusion made from 25 grams of the dried herb to 500 ml of water are given frequently.

Externally it may be applied to cuts, abrasions and bruises. Among other constituents it contains thymol, which has proven antiseptic properties and is also found in Thyme. Combined with ground Cloves, it was applied as a home remedy to aching teeth.

Cautionary Notes: Whereas most people experience a pleasant relaxation from the herb, some may find it has a mild depressive effect. Large doses are emetic.

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