Necessary Disclaimer
These recommendations and information are appropriate in most cases. However, the advice is general, not specific to individuals and their particular circumstances. Any plant substance, whether used as food or medicine, externally or internally, can cause an allergic reaction in some people. Do not try self-diagnosis or attempt self-treatment for serious or long-term problems without consulting a medical professional or qualified practitioner. Do not undertake any self-treatment while undergoing a prescribed course of medical treatment without first seeking professional advice. Always seek medical advice if symptoms persist.
Preparation Techniques
From: The Complete Medicinal Herbal by Penelope Ody
Infusion
Place the recommended amount of the herb in a cup or mug. Pour hot water into the cup. Place a saucer over the cup to prevent the steam from escaping. Use a strainer while pouring the infusion into another cup. Larger quantities can be made using a pot with a close-fitting lid. Store remainder in a cool place.
Decoction
Place the herb in a sauce pan and add cold water. Bring to a boil and simmer for about an hour. Strain through a sieve into a cup or other container. Store in a cool place.
Compress
Soak a clean piece of soft cloth in a hot infusion or decoction. Squeeze out the excess liquid. Hold the pad against the affected area. When it cools or dries, resoak in the liquid. Repeat.
Poultice
Boil the fresh herb, squeeze out excess liquid, and place the herb directly on the affected area. Smooth a little oil on the skin first to prevent the herb from sticking. Apply gauze or cotton strips to hold the poultice in place.
Ointment
Pour the mixture through cheesecloth into a pitcher or bowl. Wearing rubber gloves, squeeze it through the cheesecloth into the pitcher or bowl. Quickly pour the strained mixture while still warm into clean, glass storage jars.
Tincture
[Many thanks to Visitor John for providing the following information.]
Place one ounce of the dried herb in a glass jar and cover with twice its volume of a clear grain alcohol (vodka is the standard). Leave for two weeks, strain through filter, bottle in amber dropper bottles, date and label.
1 drop for every 10 pounds of body weight, every 3 hours. If symptoms are severe, double quantity. The only time dosage is critical is with the very young, very old, or the gravely ill.
If you want to follow the authentic Druidic tradition, add 1 drop of mistletoe tincture per dose to any of the following 16 standards. This will act as a energy catalyst, to trigger the healing power of the herb! (It’s up to you whether you want to include the part about the mistletoe, as it is a poison if taken in large quantities.)
These 16 Leeches (healing herbs) possess the following healing properties/remedies for the listed ailments: [Note from Morgana: Before using any herbal remedy, read up on it. Information on many of the herbs listed here by John can be found on this web site. See Planet Mars for an alphabetical list of individual herbs.]
Valerian: sedative, cramps, pain, coughs.
Skullcap: all nervous conditions, fevers, refrigerant.
Lady Slipper: nervine, indigestion, headache.
Wormwood: digestion, liver/gall bladder, worms; externally for insect bites, sprains, rheumatism, bruises.
Catnip: digestion/stomach ache or cramps, calmative (excellent for children), fevers, headaches,bronchitis and diarrhea.
Hops: sleep-aid, liver/digestive aid, gas/cramps; externally an for antibiotic for boils, tumors,swellings and skin inflammations, refrigerant.
Black Willow: pain, fevers, arthritis, kidney/bladder troubles, antiseptic, gargle, tonsillitis, refrigerant.
Echinacea: antibiotic [stimulates immune system], abscesses in teeth or body, lymph swellings, digestive aid.
Chamomile: stomach aches/digestion/gas, calmative versus insomnia, eye-wash and open sores, kidneys.
Marigold: externally for sores, burns, bleeding hemorrhoids and wounds; in oil for ear aches; vaginal infections.
Yarrow: internal bleeding (esp. lungs), gas, diarrhea, FEVERS! (as in measles, colds and influenza -- the flu); excellent antiseptic.
Vervain: colds, flu, coughs, upper respiratory inflammations, insomnia, pneumonia, asthma.
Goldenseal: antibiotic: for all internal/external health problems; eye-wash, female infections, sores, skin conditions, colds/viruses/infections.
St. John's Wort: nerves, bed-wetting, liver tonic, insomnia, depression -- when decocted in olive oil for 2 weeks: tumors, skin conditions, wounds, ulcers, burns, enlarged glands, bruises and muscular pain.
Buckthorne: laxative, digestive stimulant, gas, liver, gall bladder/stones.
White Oak Bark: internal bleeding, vaginal infections, SUPREME ANTISEPTIC for wounds/skin conditions, insect bites, hemorrhoids, swollen glands, tumors, poison oak/ivy, lymphatic swelling, varicose veins, mouthwash/gum problems; strengthener.
Mistletoe: vertigo, dizziness, headaches, heart problems/palpitations, high blood pressure, arteriosclerosis; nervine.
Phobos: Aloe to Mint
Deimos: Motherwort to Yarrow
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