Goldenseal

(Hydrastis Canadensis) Part used: Rhizome. Properties: Alterative, antibiotic, antiseptic, emmenagogue, stomachic, tonic, laxative. What it affects: Stomach, intestines, spleen, liver, eyes, all mucous membranes.

Preparation and amount: Infusion (powered root): Steep powder until cold. Take 1-2 tsp. 3-4 times daily. Decoction: Simmer 15-30 min. Take 1-2 tsp. 3-4 times daily. Tincture: Take 20-90 drops (1/3 to 1 ½ tsp.) 3 times daily. Powder: Take 2-5 #0 capsules (10-30 grains) 3 times daily or 2-3 #00 capsules (5 is average dose) per day.

Purposes: Goldenseal is a powerful antiseptic (germ killer). Like Echinacea, it is good for nearly every disease. Taken with any herb, it increases the tonic effects on the specific organs being treated. Add it when giving eyebright for the eyes, squaw vine for the female genitor-urinary system, gotu kola for the brain, and cascara segrada for the lower bowel. Add it to salves for the skin, douches for vaginal infections, and reducing hemorrhoids. It especially acts on mucous membranes and can be used for all catarrhal conditions, including those in the intestines. Used at the first sign of possible symptoms, it can stop a cold, flu, or sore throat.

Internally, goldenseal is good for alcoholism, allergies, asthma, bad breath, bladder diseases, bronchitis, canker sores, chicken pox, colds, diabetes, eczema, hay fever, stomach ailments, heart weakness, hemorrhoids, herpes, indigestion, infections, inflammations, leucorrhea, liver problems, lymph congestion, measles, mammary and ovarian tumors, ulcers. It is a douche for vaginal infections. Used with cascara sagrada. It is a bowel tonic. As a retention enema, it will reduce swollen hemorrhoids. It is good for allergies, ulcers, and disorders affecting the bladder, prostate, stomach, or vagina. Small doses will relieve nausea (morning sickness) during pregnancy, but see the warning below. Combine it with myrrh when treating ulcers of the stomach. For hemorrhoids and prostate problems, combine 2 parts goldenseal and 1 part wild alum. It increases the effectiveness of insulin and strengthens the immune system. It reduces blood pressure, stimulates the central nervous system, regulates the menses and decreases uterine bleeding.

Externally, goldenseal is used for burns, canker, sores, eye inflammation, herpes sores, leucorrhea, mouth sores, ringworm, skin inflammation, tonsillitis, and wounds. Use it with a toothbrush or as an antiseptic mouthwash for bleeding gum or gum infections. Use it as a gargle for tonsillitis and other throat problems. Goldenseal can be used on open sores, inflammations, eczema, ringworm, or itchy skin conditions. It is a specific for all kinds of mucous membrane problems. Snuffed up the nose, the powder is good for nasal congestion or catarrh. For ringworm, wash it with the tea, then sprinkle powdered root on it. For a soothing eyewash, mix it with boric acid (1 tsp. powdered root and 1 tsp. boric acid to 1 pint boiling-hot water); stir; let cool; and pour off the liquid. Add 1 tsp. of the liquid to 1/2 cup of water for the eyewash.

Warning: Goldenseal is a powerful alkaloid and should not be overused. Two or three #00 capsules per day are safe and adequate for most conditions. Normally, do not use it more than a week at a time, then switch to Echinacea or another antibiotic herb (myrrh, chaparral, pau d’arco). Excessive use diminishes vitamin B absorption, by killing certain intestinal bacteria. Over a prolonged period, use no more than 2-3 #00 capsules a day. Do not use large amounts during hypoglycemia. Those with high blood pressure or insomnia should not use it. Eating the fresh plant produces ulcerations and inflammation of mucous tissue.

• Because large doses of goldenseal contract the uterus, women who have a tendency to miscarry should avoid the use of it unless, for morning sickness, it is used in this formula: Less than 1/4 tsp. goldenseal, plus 1/4 tsp. cloves; the powders taken in gelatin capsules are not to exceed 2 capsules per day and taken with spearmint tea.

Ginseng (ginseng in tagalog)

(Panax ginseng) Part used: Root. Properties: Alterative, stimulant, stomachic, tonic. What it affects: Heart and circulation, general effects on the whole body.

Preparation and amount: Decoction: Simmer 15-60 min. Use about 1/4 oz. of herb to 1 pint water. Take 4 oz. 3 times daily. Tincture: 20-60 drops 3 times daily. Fluid extract: 1/2 – 2 tsp. 3 times daily. Powder: 2-5 #0 capsules (15-30 grains) 3 times daily.

Purposes: Internally, ginseng is especially used for feverish and inflammatory illness, for hemorrhage, and for blood diseases. Women take it for everything from normalizing menstruation to easing childbirth. It strengthens the adrenal and reproductive glands. It promotes lung functioning, enhances immune function, and stimulates the appetite. It helps digestive disturbances. It is mildly stimulating to the central nervous system and the endocrines. It is useful for bronchitis, diabetes, infertility, lack of energy, and stress. It protects against the effects of radiation exposure and helps in withdrawal from cocaine. Because it is a demulcent, the tea taken hot is effective for colds, chest troubles and coughs. It helps to normalize blood pressure, tone the heart, increase circulation and reduce cholesterol. It reduces blood sugar, which is helpful for diabetics. It nutritional qualities help alleviate anemia.

Note: Only use thoroughly dried roots. The value of ginseng is overblown, but it is still a useful herb. Do not take it at night, for it will keep you awake.

• Chinese ginseng (Panax ginseng) is thought to be far better than the North American variety. But, in reality, American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius) is essentially the same as the Chinese version! So much so, that the bulk of the U.S. crop (most of which is grown under cultivation in Wisconsin) is shipped to Europe and Asia, to supplement the supply from the Orient (which is primarily in Korea).

Ginger (luya or salabat in tagalog)

(Zingiberis officinalis) Part used: Rhizome. Properties: Aromatic, carminative, diaphoretic, stimulant, diuretic. What it affects: Stomach, intestines, joints, muscles and circulation.

Preparation and amount: Infusion: Steep 5-15 min. Take 1fluid oz. at a time. Decoction: Simmer 5-15 min. Take 2 oz. 3 times daily. Tincture: Take 15-60 drops 3 times daily. Fluid extract: Take 5-20 drops 3 times daily. Syrup: Take 1/2 - 1 tsp. 3 times daily. Powder: Take 2-4 #0 capsules (10-20 grains) 3 times daily. Take every 2 hours for nausea and vomiting.

Purposes: Internally, ginger promotes cleansing of the system through perspiration. Taken hot, the tea is good for suppressed menstruation and scanty urine. It brings heat into the system and stimulates digestion. Taken in frequent doses. It will raise body temperature. It is without a peer among herbs dealing with sea sickness, air sickness, and every other kind of motion sickness. It is helpful in reducing flatulent colic: and, when taken with laxative herbs. It makes their effect milder. It fights inflammation, cleanses the colon, reduces spasms and cramps, and stimulates circulation. Take it at the onset of a cold, to ease the effects of the usual symptoms. It is used for contagious diseases, coughs, cramps, indigestion, gas, headache, colon spasms, morning sickness, nausea, sinus congestion, and stomach spasms. It is a strong antioxidant and germ killer for sores and wounds. To stimulate the flow of saliva and soothe a sore throat, chew the rootstock as is. It protects the liver and stomach, and is useful for bowel disorders, arthritis, fever, hot flashes, indigestion, muscle pain and vomiting.

Externally, ginger is used as a fomentation in cases of mumps.

Gentian

(Gentiana lutea) Part used: Root. Properties: Cholagogue, stomachic, tonic, anthelmintic. What it affects: Stomach, liver, blood, spleen and circulation.

Preparation and amount: Decoction: Simmer 5-15 min. Take 1/4 - 1 tsp. 3 times daily to 1/2 - 1 cup daily. Tincture: Take 1/2 - 2 tsp. 3 times daily. Fluid extract:  1/4 – 1/2 tsp. 3 times daily. Powder: Take 2-4 # capsules (10-30 grains) 3 times daily.

Purposes: Internally, gentian primarily works on the liver and stomach. Because it is a bitter tonic herb, it quickens intestinal action and tends to overcome slow digestion. It improves the appetite, increases digestion, and improves circulation. It is good for pancreatitis, female problems, slow urination, colds and gout.

Note: Because of its bitterness, combine gentian with aromatic herbs, such as ginger, peppermint sassafras, spearmint, or wood betony.