Stoneroot (hilbas in bisaya)

(Collinsonia Canadensis) Part used: Root. Properties: Astringent, diuretic, hepatic. What it affects: Veins, liver and colon.

Preparation and amount: Decoction: Simmer 5-15 min. Take 1 Tbsp. 3 times daily or up to 1 cup during the day. Tincture: Take 30-60 drops 3 times daily. Fluid extract: Take 1/4 to 1 tsp. 3 times daily. Powder: Take 2 #0 capsules (5 grains) 3 times daily.

Purposes: Internally, stoneroot is primarily used in the treatment of hemorrhoids. Its astringency restores the tone of flaccid veins and is thus useful for both hemorrhoids and varicose veins. An infusion makes a good diuretic for urinary problems, constipation, and excessive water retention. It is often included with other herb as part of a urinary formula. Use it with bladder root in the removal of bladder stones. It is very good taken for pain after surgical operations of the rectum of piles, ulcers, or fistula. It breaks up mucus and is helpful for headache, cramps, indigestion, and bronchitis. Its continued use strengthens the heart through improvements in the circulation. It is especially good for the heart when it has been tired from sickness or fever.

Externally, in addition to taking stoneroot internally for varicose veins, apply it externally to them. Miz a salve with equal parts goldenseal and a small amount of tea tree oil. The fresh leaves of stoneroot can be used as a poultice or fomentation, to help heal bruises and wounds. Small amounts are good for a hoarse voice.

Note: The fresh rootstock of stoneroot is better than the dried herb.

 
Warning: If used in large doses, it may cause nausea.

St. John’s Wort

(Hypericum perforatum) Part used: Tops. Properties: Astringent, alternative, diuretic, nervine, sedative. What it affects: Stomach, bladder, blood, liver and nerves.

Preparation and amount: Infusion: Steep the leaves 5-15 min. Take 1 oz. when needed, up to 1 cup daily. Tincture: 10-20 drops as needed. Fluid extract: Take 1/2 - 1 tsp. as needed. Powder: Take 5-10 #0 capsules (30-60 grains) as needed.

Purposes: Internally, St. John’s wort purifies the blood and is used for diarrhea, dysentery, jaundice, boils, suppressed urine, as well as uterine and afterbirth pains. It is good for bed-wetting, hysteria, coughs, irregular menstruation, uterine disorders, muscle pains and bruises, tenderness and pain in the spine. It is a good expectorant for bronchial and lung problems. The herb should be taken close to meals.

Externally, Steep the flowers in olive oil for 2 weeks and then apply. The extracted oil of St. John’s wort can be applied to bruises, wounds, and other skin problems, especially those that are sensitive. Also apply the oil to hard tumors, ulcers, burns and swollen breasts.

 
Warning: St. John’s wort makes the skin more light-sensitive. Those who have light skin should avoid exposure of the area (where the herb has been applied) to strong sunlight and other sources of ultraviolet light, including tanning beds. If used to support treatment of depression, its effectiveness should be checked by a nutritionally oriented doctor after 4-6 weeks. It should not be used at the same time as prescription anti-depressants, or during pregnancy or lactation.

Squaw Vine (Patridge Berry)

(Mitchella repens) Part used: Whole plant. Properties: Emmenagogue, astringent, diuretic. What it affects: Uterus, bladder, colon.

Preparation and amount: Infusion: Steep 5-15 min. Take 3 oz. 3-4 times daily. Tincture: Take 15-60 drops 3-4 times daily. Fluid extract: Take 1/2 - 1 tsp. 3-4 times daily. Powder: Take 5-10 #0 capsules (30-60 grains) 3-4 times daily.

Purposes: Internally, American Indians used squaw vine throughout pregnancy and especially during the last few weeks, to make childbirth faster and easier. It was also used to improved lactation. It is used for the same purposes today. It is a uterine tonic and also relieves congestion of the ovaries. It is also good for painful or absent menstruation. As a fomentation for sore nipples, crush the berries, mix them with myrrh, boil, and then let steep for 3 days and strain. During pregnancy, combine it with raspberry leaf. Mix it with cramp bark, raspberry leaves, and a small portion of lobelia in order to prevent miscarriages. The same formula is good for vaginal discharges.

• Squaw vine (especially combined with witch hazel) is also used for leucorrhea. Also use this combination for dysentery and bleeding piles.

• As a diuretic, it can be used for gravel and urinary problems. It is also used for insomnia. For general use, make a decoction, using an ounce of herb in a pint of water. Take 1/2 cup 3 times a day.

Externally, squaw vine tea makes a good wash for sore eyes and skin problems.

 
Note: Squaw vine is similar in properties and effects of pipsissewa.

Spikenard (alabaster in tagalog)

(American) – (Aralia racemosa) Part used: Root-stock and roots. Properties: Diaphoretic, expectorant, stimulant.

Preparation and amount: Infusion: Steep 1-2 tsp. powdered rootstock and roots in 1 cup water. Take 1-2 cups daily.

Purposes: Internally, the powdered root of spikenard is for rheumatism, asthma, and coughs. Taking the tea for some time before labor will make childbirth easier. American Indians used the plant for backache.

Externally, Indians would pound the root into a pulp and use it for poultices. It is used for skin problems, wounds, swellings, bruises, and inflammations. A fomentation is placed over the chest, to reduce internal pains.

 
Note: Spikenard is a close relative of sarsaparilla. There is also a second herb called “spikenard” (Aralia nudicaulis), or wild sarsaparilla. Its properties are much like those of sarsaparilla, discussed elsewhere in this herb list.

Spearmint (yerbabuwena in tagalog)

(Mentha viridis) Part used: Leaves. Properties: Aromatic, carminative, diaphoretic, stimulate, antispasmodic, diuretic. What it affects: Stomach, intestines, muscles, and circulation.

Preparation and amount: Infusion: Steep 5-15 min. Take 6 oz. 3-4 times daily. Tincture: Take 1/2-1 tsp. 3-4 times daily. Fluid extract: Take 1/4 – 1/2 tsp. 3-4 times daily. Powder: Take 5-10 #0 capsules (30-60 grains) 3-4 times daily.

Purposes: Internally, the Mentha spicata species of spearmint shares many of the properties of peppermint. It is often given for common women’s problems and for suppressed or painful urination. An infusion combined with horehound is sometimes given to children for fever.

• The Mentha viridus species is also nontoxic, and similar to peppermint in its uses. This herb is mainly used during colds, flus, cramps, indigestion, gas, and slight spasms. Combined with horehound, it is used to break fevers in children. It is good to stop vomiting and excellent when used as an enema for restlessness. Combined with pleurisy root and skullcap, it is a good remedy for pneumonia and pleurisy.

Note: Do not boil the herb, for the volatile oil will be steamed off. Use it in bitter herb combinations, to add flavor. 

• The other mints are spearmint (Mentha spicata) and catnip (Nepeta cataria); both of these are dealt with elsewhere in this herb list.