Juniper Berries (enebrong ratiles in tagalog)

(Juniperus communis) Part used: Fruit. Properties: Antispasmodic, diuretic, anodyne, aromatic, astringent, carminative, lithotriptic, stimulant. What it affects: Kidneys and stomach.

Preparation and amount: Infusion: Steep 5-15 min. Take 3 oz. 1-3 times daily. Decoction: Simmer 5-15 min. Take 1-2 cups daily. Tincture: Take 5-20 drops 3 times daily. Fluid extract: Take 1/2 - 1 tsp. 3 times daily. Oil: Take 1-3 drops 2 times daily. Powder: Take up to 10 #0 capsules (up to 60 grains) daily.

Purposes: Internally, juniper berries acts as a stimulating diuretic and are beneficial in the treatment of urine retention, catarrh of the bladder, gravel, and pains in the lower back. It is also good for bladder discharges and uric acid buildup. Take 1-3 drops of the oil, plus honey, 2 times a day. It is usually taken internally by eating the berries or making a tea from them. The berries eliminate excess water. The tea is a good douche for vaginal infections. It is helpful in the treatment of asthma, fluid retention, and prostate disorders. It is also used for diabetes, cystitis, bladder diseases, allergies, arthritis, bed-wetting, hay fever, lumbago, and nephritis.

Juniper berries are used for gastro-intestinal infections and cramps, leucorrhea, gonorrhea, gouty and rheumatic pains. It is an excellent digestive tonic. It helps in cases of reduced production of stomach acid (hydrochloric acid) and in regulating blood sugar levels.

As a spice, the berries are used to enhance flavor, stimulate appetite, and counteract flatulence. The berries can be made into a jam or syrup as an appetizer. A few dried berries can be chewed and taste good.

Externally, juniper oil, derived from the berries, penetrates the skin easily and is good for bone and joint problems. Inhaled in a vapor bath, it is useful for bronchitis and infection in the lungs. The berries can be boiled and then sprayed in a room where sick people have been, to disinfect it. It is said that those who are nursing patients with serious diseases should show chew a few berries, to protect themselves from pathogenic substances which might be inhaled.

Warning: Large doses of juniper berries can be irritating to the kidneys and urinary passages. It may interfere with the absorption of iron and certain other minerals. It should not be used during pregnancy, nor by person with kidney disease. It should not be used for lengthy period of time by those with urinary tract or inflammatory diseases. The pure oil, placed on the skin in large quantities, can cause inflammation and blisters.

Irish Moss

(Chondius crispus) Part used: Whole plant. Properties: Demulcent, emollient, nutritive. What it affects: Lungs, kidneys and skin.

Preparation and amount: Infusion: Steep 5-15 min. Take 2 oz. 2-3 times daily, up to 2 cups daily. Tincture: Take 30-60 drops (1/2-1 tsp.) 2-3 times daily. Fluid extract: Take 1/2 -1 tsp. 2-3 times daily. Powder: Take 4-6 #0 capsules (20-40 grains) 2-3 times daily.

Purposes: Irish moss is a seaweed that grows among submerged rocks off the coast of France and Ireland. A significant factor in its healing qualities is its high nutritional mineral content.

Internally, it is a remedy for tuberculosis, coughs, bronchitis, and intestinal problems. Because it is very high in mucilage, it is an excellent demulcent for soothing inflamed tissues and is used in all lung and kidneys complaints. When making a decoction, you may wish to sweeten it with licorice root, honey, or an aromatic herb, Irish moss is also used for anemia, thyroid difficulties, goiter, and throat and stomach ulcers.

Externally, use irish moss in hair rinses for dry hair. It is also used for dry and burning skin diseases, and surface inflammations. It can be used externally, to soften skin and prevent premature wrinkles.

Note: Irish moss and other seaweeds (especially Nova Scotia dulse and Norwegian kelp) are rish sources of minerals and the best sources of trace minerals. Include a little every day in your diet.

Hyssop (hisopo in tagalog)

(Hyssopus officinalis) Part used: Leaves. Properties: Diaphoretic, expectorant, cholagogue, stimulant, vulnerary. What it affects: Lungs, sinuses and circulation.

Preparation and amount: Infusion: Steep 5-15 min. 1-2 cups daily or frequently. Tincture: Take 1/2 - 1 tsp. frequently. Fluid extract: Take 1-2 tsp. frequently. Powder: Take 10 #0 capsules frequently.

Purposes: Internally, hyssop is used in the treatment of lung ailments, especially chronic catarrh. It is a valuable expectorant, promoting expulsion of mucus from the respiratory and thus relieving congestion. It is used for coughs and colds, due to congestion.

• Hyssop is used the same as sage, with which it is sometimes combined, to make a gargle for a sore throat. It is used for colds, coughs, asthma, sluggish circulation, and weak digestion. It regulates blood pressure, dispels gas, and helps with breast and lung problems, nose and throat infections, mucous congestion in the intestines, asthma, scrofula, dropsy and jaundice. A warm infusion, mixed with equal parts of horehound, is good for asthma and heavy mucous conditions. The infusion of hyssop alone is helpful for gas and to promote sweating, when trying to break fevers. A decoction will help relieve inflammations. It is used for epilepsy, gout, and weight problems.

Externally, hyssop is used for the healing of wounds. Poultices from fresh green hyssop help heal cuts. A fomentation made from the leaves will relieve muscular rheumatism and bruises. A decoction can be used as a wash for burns, bruises, skin irritations, and as a gargle for sore throat or chronic catarrh.

Warning: Do not use extensively for extended periods.

Horsetail (horsetel in tagalog)

(Shavegrass, Scouring Rush) – (Equisetum arvense) Part used: Tops. Properties: Astringent, diuretic, lithotriptic, emmenagogue, galactagogue, nutritive, vulnerary. What it affects: Kidneys, blood, heart and lungs.

Preparation and amount: Infusion: Steep 45 min. Take a mouthful 4 times daily or 1-2 cups daily. Decoction: Simmer 5-15 min. Take 2 oz. 3-4 times daily. Tincture: Take 5-30 drops 3-4 times daily. Fluid extract: Take 5 drops 3-4 times daily. Powder: Take 5-10 #0 capsules (30-60 grains) 3-4 times daily.

Purposes: Internally, shaveness is a reliable diuretic and used for all urinary disorders. Take a decoction of 1 cup 2-3 times a day or 2 Tbsp. every hour. The early settlers used shaveness as a diuretic in kidney problems and dropsy. It is specific, not only for urine retention, but for internal bleeding. It stops bleeding by helping to coagulate the blood.

• Shaveness can be used for skin and eye conditions, and is good for glandular swelling and discharges of pus. It clears fevers, releases nervous tension, and calms an overactive liver. It strengthens the heart and lungs and removes gravel from the bladder and kidneys. Fractured bones heal more quickly when shaveness is taken. The Chinese use it as a healing eyewash. It can also be used for bed-wetting, gallbladder diseases, skin diseases, edema, and spitting of blood. Use it for muscle cramps and spasms. It used for bone diseases, including osteoporosis and rickets.

• Early settlers used shaveness to scour their pots and pans, hence its other name. Because it is ridged with silica, it is an outstanding scouring pad. Fine cabinetmakers use it for polishing wood finishes.

Externally, a fomentation can be placed on bleeding wounds, ulcers and burns.

Note: Early spring shaveness is the best to use.

Warning: Excessive use of shaveness will irritate the kidneys and intestines; so only take infrequently and in small doses for a short time. After 2-3 weeks, do not use it for a week. Then the treatment can be repeated. Continued use interferes with the absorption of thiamine (vitaminB1).

Horseradish

(Cochleria armoracia) Part used: Root. Properties: Diaphoretic, diuretic, expectorant, stomachic. What it affects: Sinuses, stomach, gallbladder and urinary tract.

Preparation and amount: Decoction: Simmer 5-15 minutes. Take 6 oz. 1-2 times daily, cold; or take warm, 2-3 Tbsp., 3 times daily.

Purposes: Internally, promotes stomach secretions. A syrup of horseradish is excellent for sinus congestion and promotes digestion. Good for dropsy, urine retention, and helps the pancreas. Used for colds, coughs, asthma, arthritis, dropsy, hoarseness, sciatica, worms.

Externally, it is used for liver and spleen swellings.

Warnings: Left in contact with the skin, it will cause blistering. Avoid contact with the eyes.