Black Haw (itim haw in tagalog)

(Viburnum prunifolium) Part used: Bark of the root. Properties: Antispasmodic, emmenagogue, sedative, tonic. What it affects: Uterus, nerves, stomach and intestines.

Preparation and amount: Infusion: Steep 30 min. Take 3 oz. 3-4 times daily. Decoction: Take 1 oz. herb to 1 quart water. Simmer 30 min. Take 1 Tbsp. 3-4 times daily or as needed. Tincture: Take 1/2 - 1 tsp. 3-4 times daily. Fluid extract: Take 1/2 - 2 tsp. 3-4 times daily. Powder: Take 5-10 #10 capsules (30-60 grains) 3-4 times daily.

Purposes: Internally, black haw is another very helpful herb for female problems. It acts as a tonic and sedative to female reproductive organs. It eases cramps and constructions in the pelvic organs. It is excellent for painful menstruation, wherever due to nerve debility or congested tissue. It is extremely helpful for scanty menstrual flow accompanied by a severe bearing-down feeling with intermittent pain. It is valuable in chronic uterine inflammation, congested uterus and leukorrhea. Lastly, unlike some other “female herbs,” black haw can be used during pregnancy and gives a tonic effect.

Black Cohosh (itim cohosh in tagalog)

(Cimicufuga racemosa) Part used: Rhizome. Properties: Antispasmodic, emmenagogue, alternative, diuretic. What it affects: Uterus, nerves, lungs and heart.

Preparation and amount: Infusion: Take 1 tsp. every 30 min., up to 3 Tbsp. every 3 hours, according to need. Decoction (root): Simmer 5 -15 min. Take 1-2 oz. 3-4 times daily. Tincture: Take 1/2 - 1 tsp. 3 times daily. Fluid extract: Take 5-30 drops 3 times daily. Syrup: Take ½ - 1 Tbsp. 3-4 times daily. Powder: Take 1-5 #0 capsules (5-30 grains) 3 times daily.

Purposes: Internally, black cohosh is a helpful antispasmodic for all nervous conditions, fits, convulsions, spasmodic afflictions, cramps and pains. American Indians used it for all pelvic conditions, uterine troubles, to relieve the pains of childbirth and the menstrual cycle, including back pain. It will help to bring about menstrual flow that has been retarted by exposure to cold. It lowers blood pressure and cholesterol levels. It induces labor and aids in childbirth. Many herbalists recommended taking it 2 weeks before childbirth. It is good for morning sickness and pain.

• Black cohosh reduces mucous production. It is a potent remedy for hysteria and spasmodic problems such as whooping cough, consumption, and chorea (St. Vitus’ Dance). Both the infusion and decoction have been used for rheumatism and chronic bronchitis, as well as neuralgia and bronchial spasms. It has a sedative effect on the nervous system, but it also acts as a cardiac stimulant. Small doses are helpful for diarrhea in children. It has been used for dropsy, spinal meningitis, and as an emetic. It even helps in case of poisonous snakebites. It can be used for eruptive diseases, such as measles; and, by equalizing the circulation. It is an excellent remedy for high blood pressure. Combined in a tincture or in capsules with equal parts of elecampane  and wild cherry bark and taken with a tea of yerba santa, it is an excellent remedy for whooping cough, respiratory spasms, asthma and bronchitis.

Note: Black cohosh is often combined with blue cohosh, since they complement one another.

Warning: Large does can cause nausea and dizziness. Some herbalists say not to use either blue and cohosh or black cohosh in teas, because some of the active principles are not soluble in water.

Blackberry (duhat in tagalog)

(Rubus villosus) Part used: Leaves, root, bark. Properties: Astringent, hemostic, styptic, diuretic, tonic. What it affects: Stomach and intestines.

Preparation and amount: Decoction (root, bark): Simmer 5-15 min. Take 4 oz. 3-4 times daily. Tincture: Take 1/2 - 1 tsp. 3-4 times daily. Fluid extract: Take 1/2 – 1 tsp. 3-4 times daily. Powder: Take 2-5 #0 capsules (15-30 grains) 3-4 times daily.

Purposes: Internally, blackberry leaves and roots are a long-standing remedy for watery diarrhea, especially in children. Prolonged use of the tea is beneficial for enteritis, chronic appendicitis and leucorrhea. It has expectorant properties as well. The leaves made into an infusion are helpful for milder cases of diarrhea and for sore throats. Both root and leaves are good for poor digestive, when caused by deficient glandular secretions of the stomach and intestines. Made into a syrup, it is useful for children with weak stomachs, no appetite and skin pallor.

Bistort

(Polygonum bistorta) Part used: Root. Properties: Astringent, styptic, antiseptic. What it affects: Bowels, lungs and stomach.

Preparation and amount: Decoction: Simmer 5-15 min. Take 1 Tbsp. several times daily. Tincture: Take 5-15 drops several times daily. Fluid extract: Take 1/2 – 1 tsp. several times daily. Powder: Take 1-5 #0 capsules (5-30 grains) several times daily.

Purposes: Internally, bistort is a powerful astringent. A teaspoon of the powdered root in a cup of boiling water, steeped for 10 minutes and drinking freely several times a day., is a successful treatment for diarrhea, dysentery, and hemorrhages from the lungs and stomach, even bloody diarrhea. It can be used as a wash for internal sores and hemorrhage. A douche can be used for leucorrhea.

Externally, bistort is good for sprains, tonsillitis, wounds and hemorrhoids. The decoction can be used as a mouthwash for gum problems and for inflammations of the mouth (stomatitis). It can be used  as a gargle for throat infections. When directly applied to a wound, the powder will stop the bleeding.

Bayberry (bayberry in tagalog)

(Myrica cerifera) Part used: Root. Properties: Astringent, emetic, stimulant. What it affects: Circulation, stomach and intestines.

Preparation and amount: Decoction (root): Simmer 10-15 min. Take 1 Tbsp. as needed. Tincture: Take 15-30 drops as needed. Fluid extract: Take 1/2 – 1 tsp. as needed. Powder: Take 4-10 #0 capsules (25-60 grains) per day.

Purposes: Internally, bayberry is useful wherever an astringent  is required. White oak bark may be substituted, but it is does not have the stimulating qualities of the bayberry bark. Bayberry is a stimulating astringent that raises the vitality of the system. This valuable herb can be made into a tea using one teaspoon to a cup of hot water. Taken a warm infusion, bayberry will induce perspiration, improve circulation, and tone all the tissues it contacts. In large doses, it acts as an emetic. It may be used as a gargle of sore throat. A fomentation made from this tea can be applied externally at night to relieve, cure, and prevent varicose veins. Small amounts are used to aid digestion and treat chronic gastritis, enteritis, diarrhea, leucorrhea and dysentery. It will reduce fevers; and it is good for circulatory disorders and ulcers. It is also good for the eyes and the immune system.

• Bayberry can be used with all mucous membrane conditions and can be substituted for myrrh. It is used to treat prolapsed uterus; excessive menstrual bleeding; and may be used in a douche, to treat vaginal discharge. It will stop hemorrhage of the bowels, lungs ad uterus. The powder may be taken in gelatin capsules, two at a time as needed. Direct application of the powder to the gums is good for managing pyorrhea.

Externally, bayberry is good for canker sores, sore throat, varicose veins and leucorrhea.

Warning: Bayberry should not be used in large quantities or foe prolonged periods. It may temporarily irate sensitive stomachs. Do not confuse bayberry bark with bayberry bark; they are very different herbs.