Uva Ursi

(Arctostaphylos uva ursi) Part used: Leaves. Properties: Astringent, diuretic, alternative, tonic. What it affects: Kidneys and urinary tract.

Preparation and amount: Infusion: Steep 30 min. Take 3 oz. as needed, up to 3 cups a day. Tincture: Take 10-20 drops 3 or more times daily. Fluid extract: Take 1/2 - 1 tsp. 3 times daily.

Purposes: Internally, uva ursi is a specific for kidney and bladder infection. When combined with marshmallow root, it will eliminate stones from those organs. It is useful as a postoperative medicine, to reduce hemorrhaging. Put a cup of leaves in a stocking and add to a hot tub of water as a good bath for just after childbirth. Also use this bath after inflammations, hemorrhoids, and skin infections. It is used as a douche for vaginal infections and other pelvic problems.

• It also helps restore the womb to normal size. Because of its astringent qualities, uva ursi leave are good as a tonic for chronic diarrhea, piles, and diabetes, dysentery, and profuse menstruation. Use it for gonorrhea. 

Note: Uva ursi is often used with buchu leaves; but do not boil buchu leaves or uva ursi, because their active principles are in their volatile oils.

Thyme, Mother of

(Thymus serpyllum) Part used: Leaf and flower. Properties: Antispasmodic, carminative, expectorant, rubefacient, tonic.

Preparation and amount: Infusion: Steep 1-2 tsp. herb in 1 cup water. Take 1 - 1½ cups daily. Bath additive: Add 3-4 oz. flowers for a strong decoction of the herb to the bath water. Alcohol cure: Add a handful for the herb to 1 qt. boiling-hot water. Steep in a covered pot for 30 minutes. Give (or take) 1 Tbsp. every 15 minutes.

Purposes: Internally, mother of thyme is useful for respiratory problems and helps clear mucous congestion from the lungs and respiratory passages.

• As a bath additive, it stimulant the flow of blood toward the surface, thus alleviating nervous exhaustion. An infusion of leaves relieves the headache of a hangover.

• A tonic for the stomach and nerves, it is used for gastro-intestinal problems – such as enteritis, stomach, cramps, and mild gastritis. It is also good for anemia, insomnia, and painful menstruation.

• Mother of thyme is useful in breaking the alcohol habit by inducing vomiting, diarrhea, sweating, thirst, and hunger, along with a revulsion for alcohol. This may have to be repeated several times (generally at longer and longer intervals), until he person is weaned from the habit.

Externally, mother of thyme is used for bruises, tumors, stab wounds, arthritis, and rheumatism.

Note: Except when used for gastro-intestinal problems, it can be sweetened with honey.

Thyme, Garden (tim in tagalog)

(Thymus vulgaris) Part used: Tops. Properties: Antiseptic, carminative, diuretic, antispasmodic, expectorant, parasiticide. What it affects: Intestines, lungs, throat, stomach, and skin.

Preparation and amount: Infusion: Steep 30 min. Take 1 oz. frequently, up to 2 cups a day. Tincture: Take 30-60 drops (1/2 – 1 tsp.) 2-3 times daily. Fluid extract: Take 1 tsp. 2-3 times daily. Powder: Take 5-10 #0 capsules (30-60 grains) 2-3 times daily.

Purposes: Internally, thyme is especially used in throat and bronchial problems, including laryngitis, bronchitis, croup, and whooping cough. It eliminates gas and reduces fever, headache, and mucus. A warm infusion promotes perspiration and relieves flatulence. It is used for all stomach and intestinal problems, including diarrhea, chronic gastritis, lack of appetite, and colic. It is also used for asthma, and fever. An infusion of the leaves will relieve headache. For coughs and spasms, use the fresh plant. It has strong antiseptic properties and lowers cholesterol levels.

 
Externally, thyme is used for itching of the scalp and flaking caused by candidiasis. A salve of thyme, goldenseal, and myrrh is good for herpes and other skin problems. Use it as a useful antiseptic wash for all wounds. The tincture or oil, diluted with vegetable oil (1 part thyme to 10 parts oil) is a helpful antiseptic for scabies, athlete’s foot, ringworm, crabs, and lice. For itchy skin, add 15 drops of tansy oil to a hot bath and soak 45 minutes.

Tea Tree

(Tee Tree) (Melaleuca alternifolia) – Part used: Essential oil. Properties: Disinfectant.

Preparation and amount: Pure or diluted oil, used in poultices, fomentations, and douches.

Purposes: Externally, tea tree oil is a powerful disinfectant of wounds. It is the “skin herb”, and heals all skin conditions, including cuts and scares, acne, boils, fungal infections, athlete’s foot. It is used for hair and scalp problems, herpes, scabies, warts, and insect and spider bites. Add it to water and use as a douche for vaginitis and a gargle for colds, sore throat, and mouth sores. But do not swallow it.

 
Warning: Only use tea tree oil externally. It can be toxic if swallowed. If irritation occurs, discontinue its use, or dilute it with distilled water, vegetable oil, primrose oil, or vitamin E oil. If irritation continues after its dilution, discontinue its use.

Tansy (tansi in tagalog)

(Tanacetum vulgare) Part used: Herb, seed, root. Properties: Anthelmintic, emmenagogue, stimulant, tonic. What it affects: Intestines.

Preparation and amount: Infusion (herb): Steep 30 min. Take 1 tsp. 3-4 times daily. Decoction (seed, root): Simmer 5-15 min. Take 3 oz. 3 times daily. Tincture: 1/2 – 1 tsp. 2-3 times daily. Fluid extract: Take 1/2 - 2 tsp. 2-3 times daily. Syrup (root): Take 1 tsp. 2-3 times daily. Powder: Take 5-10 #0 capsules (30-60 grains) 2-3 times daily.

Purposes: Internally, tansy is primarily used for expelling worms in children and adults. Take an infusion teaspoonful morning, noon, and evening. Pour 1 cup of the infusion over 1/2 cup raisins. Let the raisins swell with the liquid. The take 3 tsp. doses of the liquid daily.

• Tansy is used to promote suppressed menstruation, hysteria, kidney weaknesses, nervousness, and fever.

Externally, an infusion of leaves and flowers is a good wash for skin problems and blemishes, as well as for bruises and sprains. A hot fomentation is used for arthritic and rheumatism pains.

Warning: Tansy is a mild irritant when used in small doses. It can be poisonous, even when applied externally. An overdose of tansy oil or tea can be fatal. It would probably be best to avoid using tansy.