( Atropa belladonna )
For colic-like pains in the digestive tract and gallbladder, belladonna was most useful. It was used as an anti-spasmodic, suppressing muscle spasms and bringing sweet relief to the patient. It was also said to reduce excessive perspiration, which could alleviate menopausal sweats.
However, only qualified medical herbalists could prescribe it, as it is highly poisonous. Today, it is more commonly known by the names Deadly Nightshade, Banewort and Devil's Berry, and there have been tales of tragic deaths related to the plant.
Ladies of ancient Rome used the juice in eye drops to dilate the pupils, which was thought to increase attractiveness. In fact, that's where the name belladonna comes from.
THE INFORMATION INCLUDED IN THE ONLINE APOTHECARY OR ELSEWHERE ON THIS SITE IS FOR PROMOTIONAL PURPOSES ONLY. IT IS NOT INTENDED TO SERVE AS MEDICAL ADVICE, SUBSTITUTE FOR A DOCTOR'S GUIDANCE OR TO BE USED FOR DIAGNOSING OR TREATING A DISEASE.
text via: http://www.starz.com/apothecary/apothecary.html
Friday, July 10, 2015
Ramsons
( Allium ursinum )
Ramsons were widely used in the Highlands to treat kidney stones. A tea made from the leaves could be drunk as a tonic, which cleansed and strengthened the blood. The leaves were also included in poultices for drawing out pus, and its anti-viral and anti-bacterial properties made it ideal for treating wounds and infections. It could also be included in salads and soups, or cooked as a vegetable. It was most effective when used fresh.
THE INFORMATION INCLUDED IN THE ONLINE APOTHECARY OR ELSEWHERE ON THIS SITE IS FOR PROMOTIONAL PURPOSES ONLY. IT IS NOT INTENDED TO SERVE AS MEDICAL ADVICE, SUBSTITUTE FOR A DOCTOR'S GUIDANCE OR TO BE USED FOR DIAGNOSING OR TREATING A DISEASE.
text via: http://www.starz.com/apothecary/apothecary.html
Ramsons were widely used in the Highlands to treat kidney stones. A tea made from the leaves could be drunk as a tonic, which cleansed and strengthened the blood. The leaves were also included in poultices for drawing out pus, and its anti-viral and anti-bacterial properties made it ideal for treating wounds and infections. It could also be included in salads and soups, or cooked as a vegetable. It was most effective when used fresh.
THE INFORMATION INCLUDED IN THE ONLINE APOTHECARY OR ELSEWHERE ON THIS SITE IS FOR PROMOTIONAL PURPOSES ONLY. IT IS NOT INTENDED TO SERVE AS MEDICAL ADVICE, SUBSTITUTE FOR A DOCTOR'S GUIDANCE OR TO BE USED FOR DIAGNOSING OR TREATING A DISEASE.
text via: http://www.starz.com/apothecary/apothecary.html
Garlic
( Allium sativum )
We all know garlic, the chef's best friend, and its most common side effect: bad breath. The sulfurous compounds in garlic are responsible for its notorious smell, but were once associated with its many healing properties. It is an anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-parasitic and anti-viral medicine, which made it a valuable remedy for a wide range of infections. It was also alleged to have cardiovascular properties, helping to lower blood pressure and cholesterol.
The cloves were eaten regularly to maintain healthy immunity or used at higher doses in the form of a decoction (a liquor made from concentrating the essence of the plant) or tincture. The Egyptians gave garlic to the pyramid workers and the Romans gave it to their soldiers in order to boost strength.
THE INFORMATION INCLUDED IN THE ONLINE APOTHECARY OR ELSEWHERE ON THIS SITE IS FOR PROMOTIONAL PURPOSES ONLY. IT IS NOT INTENDED TO SERVE AS MEDICAL ADVICE, SUBSTITUTE FOR A DOCTOR'S GUIDANCE OR TO BE USED FOR DIAGNOSING OR TREATING A DISEASE.
text via: http://www.starz.com/apothecary/apothecary.html
We all know garlic, the chef's best friend, and its most common side effect: bad breath. The sulfurous compounds in garlic are responsible for its notorious smell, but were once associated with its many healing properties. It is an anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-parasitic and anti-viral medicine, which made it a valuable remedy for a wide range of infections. It was also alleged to have cardiovascular properties, helping to lower blood pressure and cholesterol.
The cloves were eaten regularly to maintain healthy immunity or used at higher doses in the form of a decoction (a liquor made from concentrating the essence of the plant) or tincture. The Egyptians gave garlic to the pyramid workers and the Romans gave it to their soldiers in order to boost strength.
THE INFORMATION INCLUDED IN THE ONLINE APOTHECARY OR ELSEWHERE ON THIS SITE IS FOR PROMOTIONAL PURPOSES ONLY. IT IS NOT INTENDED TO SERVE AS MEDICAL ADVICE, SUBSTITUTE FOR A DOCTOR'S GUIDANCE OR TO BE USED FOR DIAGNOSING OR TREATING A DISEASE.
text via: http://www.starz.com/apothecary/apothecary.html
Valerian
( Valeriana officinalis )
When a patient was in distress, valerian was used. It acts to sedate the central nervous system, and provided great relief in cases of anxiety, panic, distress and insomnia. It also has a relaxing action on smooth muscles of the bowel and blood vessels, making it very useful for treating cases of stress-related irritable bowel syndrome and hypertension.
When valerian was included in love sachets, it was said to bring calm to an argument. It was also said to ward off evil—the Greeks traditionally hung a sprig of valerian under a window for this purpose.
THE INFORMATION INCLUDED IN THE ONLINE APOTHECARY OR ELSEWHERE ON THIS SITE IS FOR PROMOTIONAL PURPOSES ONLY. IT IS NOT INTENDED TO SERVE AS MEDICAL ADVICE, SUBSTITUTE FOR A DOCTOR'S GUIDANCE OR TO BE USED FOR DIAGNOSING OR TREATING A DISEASE.
text via: http://www.starz.com/apothecary/apothecary.html
When a patient was in distress, valerian was used. It acts to sedate the central nervous system, and provided great relief in cases of anxiety, panic, distress and insomnia. It also has a relaxing action on smooth muscles of the bowel and blood vessels, making it very useful for treating cases of stress-related irritable bowel syndrome and hypertension.
When valerian was included in love sachets, it was said to bring calm to an argument. It was also said to ward off evil—the Greeks traditionally hung a sprig of valerian under a window for this purpose.
THE INFORMATION INCLUDED IN THE ONLINE APOTHECARY OR ELSEWHERE ON THIS SITE IS FOR PROMOTIONAL PURPOSES ONLY. IT IS NOT INTENDED TO SERVE AS MEDICAL ADVICE, SUBSTITUTE FOR A DOCTOR'S GUIDANCE OR TO BE USED FOR DIAGNOSING OR TREATING A DISEASE.
text via: http://www.starz.com/apothecary/apothecary.html
Comfrey
( Symphytum officinale folia )
After a battle with the Redcoats or a lashing from the whip, comfrey was essential. Comfrey increases cell division, making it a rapid healer of both flesh and bone. In fact, it was called "knitbone" for this very reason. Comfrey was also said to heal ulcers and reduce bleeding from the stomach, throat, bowels, bladder, and lungs.
The plant has two parts: root and leaves. The leaves were used to remedy respiratory and urinary tract problems, and also assisted with inflammation of the sinuses and a dry cough. The root was more suited to the digestive system and bone healing. For the latter, the root was used in a poultice and applied to the affected area. If the skin was broken, the wound was cleaned thoroughly before application, as comfrey's quick healing action could lock in infection before the body had time to eradicate it. It could be combined with marigold, an anti-bacterial and anti-microbial herb, to avoid this problem.
THE INFORMATION INCLUDED IN THE ONLINE APOTHECARY OR ELSEWHERE ON THIS SITE IS FOR PROMOTIONAL PURPOSES ONLY. IT IS NOT INTENDED TO SERVE AS MEDICAL ADVICE, SUBSTITUTE FOR A DOCTOR'S GUIDANCE OR TO BE USED FOR DIAGNOSING OR TREATING A DISEASE.
text via: http://www.starz.com/apothecary/apothecary.html
After a battle with the Redcoats or a lashing from the whip, comfrey was essential. Comfrey increases cell division, making it a rapid healer of both flesh and bone. In fact, it was called "knitbone" for this very reason. Comfrey was also said to heal ulcers and reduce bleeding from the stomach, throat, bowels, bladder, and lungs.
The plant has two parts: root and leaves. The leaves were used to remedy respiratory and urinary tract problems, and also assisted with inflammation of the sinuses and a dry cough. The root was more suited to the digestive system and bone healing. For the latter, the root was used in a poultice and applied to the affected area. If the skin was broken, the wound was cleaned thoroughly before application, as comfrey's quick healing action could lock in infection before the body had time to eradicate it. It could be combined with marigold, an anti-bacterial and anti-microbial herb, to avoid this problem.
THE INFORMATION INCLUDED IN THE ONLINE APOTHECARY OR ELSEWHERE ON THIS SITE IS FOR PROMOTIONAL PURPOSES ONLY. IT IS NOT INTENDED TO SERVE AS MEDICAL ADVICE, SUBSTITUTE FOR A DOCTOR'S GUIDANCE OR TO BE USED FOR DIAGNOSING OR TREATING A DISEASE.
text via: http://www.starz.com/apothecary/apothecary.html
White Willow Bark
( Salix alba )
The many healing powers of white willow bark made it a treasured addition to any apothecary. White willow bark was used as an analgesic and an anti-inflammatory drug, alleviating the symptoms of rheumatism, osteoarthritis, gout, headaches, diarrhea and dysentery. If the patient had a fever, white willow bark could reduce or break it.
White willow bark also had more mystical properties. The leaves were used to attract love, while the leaves, bark and wood were used in healing spells. The wood was used to make magical wands dedicated to moon magic, and a witch's broom was traditionally bound with a willow branch.
THE INFORMATION INCLUDED IN THE ONLINE APOTHECARY OR ELSEWHERE ON THIS SITE IS FOR PROMOTIONAL PURPOSES ONLY. IT IS NOT INTENDED TO SERVE AS MEDICAL ADVICE, SUBSTITUTE FOR A DOCTOR'S GUIDANCE OR TO BE USED FOR DIAGNOSING OR TREATING A DISEASE.
text via: http://www.starz.com/apothecary/apothecary.html
The many healing powers of white willow bark made it a treasured addition to any apothecary. White willow bark was used as an analgesic and an anti-inflammatory drug, alleviating the symptoms of rheumatism, osteoarthritis, gout, headaches, diarrhea and dysentery. If the patient had a fever, white willow bark could reduce or break it.
White willow bark also had more mystical properties. The leaves were used to attract love, while the leaves, bark and wood were used in healing spells. The wood was used to make magical wands dedicated to moon magic, and a witch's broom was traditionally bound with a willow branch.
THE INFORMATION INCLUDED IN THE ONLINE APOTHECARY OR ELSEWHERE ON THIS SITE IS FOR PROMOTIONAL PURPOSES ONLY. IT IS NOT INTENDED TO SERVE AS MEDICAL ADVICE, SUBSTITUTE FOR A DOCTOR'S GUIDANCE OR TO BE USED FOR DIAGNOSING OR TREATING A DISEASE.
text via: http://www.starz.com/apothecary/apothecary.html
Pennyroyal
( Mentha pulegium )
A member of the mint family, pennyroyal has many similarities to peppermint. In small doses it could help with gas and bloating, encourage sweating, and ease the symptoms of colds, colic and indigestion. But its more famous, and most controversial, use was to bring on menstruation and/or cause a miscarriage.
These emmenagogic properties were only achieved with a dose that was close to a toxic level for the patient, and therefore it was very dangerous to administer. The oil is an irritant, toxic to both the liver and kidneys, and should be avoided at all costs during pregnancy.
Pennyroyal placed in the shoe was said to prevent weariness and strengthen travelers. It was also thought to be an herb of peace that could ward off evil if worn by an individual or added to a room spray.
THE INFORMATION INCLUDED IN THE ONLINE APOTHECARY OR ELSEWHERE ON THIS SITE IS FOR PROMOTIONAL PURPOSES ONLY. IT IS NOT INTENDED TO SERVE AS MEDICAL ADVICE, SUBSTITUTE FOR A DOCTOR'S GUIDANCE OR TO BE USED FOR DIAGNOSING OR TREATING A DISEASE.
text via: http://www.starz.com/apothecary/apothecary.html
A member of the mint family, pennyroyal has many similarities to peppermint. In small doses it could help with gas and bloating, encourage sweating, and ease the symptoms of colds, colic and indigestion. But its more famous, and most controversial, use was to bring on menstruation and/or cause a miscarriage.
These emmenagogic properties were only achieved with a dose that was close to a toxic level for the patient, and therefore it was very dangerous to administer. The oil is an irritant, toxic to both the liver and kidneys, and should be avoided at all costs during pregnancy.
Pennyroyal placed in the shoe was said to prevent weariness and strengthen travelers. It was also thought to be an herb of peace that could ward off evil if worn by an individual or added to a room spray.
THE INFORMATION INCLUDED IN THE ONLINE APOTHECARY OR ELSEWHERE ON THIS SITE IS FOR PROMOTIONAL PURPOSES ONLY. IT IS NOT INTENDED TO SERVE AS MEDICAL ADVICE, SUBSTITUTE FOR A DOCTOR'S GUIDANCE OR TO BE USED FOR DIAGNOSING OR TREATING A DISEASE.
text via: http://www.starz.com/apothecary/apothecary.html
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