Eyebright

(Euphrasia officinalis) Part used: All that is above ground. Properties: Alternative, astringent, tonic. What it affects: Eyes, liver and blood.

Preparation and amount: Infusion: Steep 5-15 min. Take 6 oz. frequently. Tincture: Take 30-60 drops frequently. Fluid extract: Take 1 tsp. frequently. Powder: Take 10 #0 capsules (60 grains) frequently.

Purposes: Internally, eyebright is the best single herb for the eyes. Drink the tea liberally and on a daily basis, to treat all eye problems. It aids in stimulating the liver to clear the blood and relieve those conditions that affects the clarity of vision. It relieves discomfort from eyestrain or minor eye irritation. It is good for itchy and or watery eyes. It has a cooling and detoxifying property that makes it especially useful in combating inflammation. It is also useful with inflammations of the nose and throat.

• Eyebright is also used for allergies, diabetes, cataracts, hay fever, impure blood, indigestion, nose and throat congestion, and upper respiration problems.

Externally, eyebright is used as an eyewash, especially combined with goldenseal, rue, or fennel for conjunctivitis, eye weakness, ophthalmia, burning and sore eyes, and other eye diseases. The infusion is made using 1 oz. herb to a pint of boiled water, steeped 20 minutes. A beverage tea can be made, using 1/2 oz. herb steeped in a pint of water.

Elecampane (elekampane in tagalog)

(Inula heminum) Part used: Root. Properties: Cholagogue, diuretic, expectorate, stomachic, astringent, stimulant. What it affects: Lungs, stomach and spleen.

Preparation and amount: Infusion: Steep 15-30 min. Take 1-2 cups daily, hot or cold. Decoction: Simmer 15-30 min. Take 1 Tbsp., as needed or 1-2 cups daily. Tincture: Take 30-60 drops (1/2 – 1 tsp.) 1-2 times daily. Fluid extract: Take 1/2 – 1 tsp. 1-2 times daily. Powder: Take 3-10 #0 capsules (20-60 grains) 1-2 times daily.

Purposes: Internally, Elecampane tea is frequently used to quite coughing, to stimulate digestion, and to tone the stomach. It is useful for all respiratory tract inflammation. For chronic lung ailments, combine with wild cherry bark, white pine bark, comfrey root and licorice. The oil is excellent for treating respiratory and intestinal catarrh, chronic diarrhea, chronic bronchitis and whooping cough.

• Elecampane promotes expectoration and is good for whooping cough, weak digestion, and poor assimilation. The decoction taken in 1 Tbsp. dosages will counteract stomach poisons and increase digestive power. The Chinese  use it to counteract ingested poisons. A decoction is made using 1 ounce of the root, simmered in a pint of water for 1 hour, then taken in doses of 2 tsp. as needed. The powdered root is taken in capsules (1 capsule) or 1/2 tsp. of the tincture of each dose, 3 times daily. The decoction or tincture also expels worms. When combined with Echinacea, it is excellent for tuberculosis.

Externally, elecampane can be used as a wash or fomentation for skin problems, such as scabies, itches and skin diseases.

Elder

(Black Elder) – (Sambucus nigra) Part used: Flowers, bark, berries and root. Properties: Diaphoretic, alternative, laxative, stimulant. What it affects: Blood, circulation, lungs, bowels and skin.

Preparation and amount: Infusion (flowers): Steep 15 min. Take 6 oz. 3 times daily. Decoction (bark, berries, root): Simmer 15 min. Take 1 cup at a time. Tincture (flowers): Take 15-30 drops 3 times daily. Powder (bark): Take 5-10 #0 capsules (30-60 grains) 3 times daily. Powder (leaves): 10 #0 capsules (60 grains) 3 times daily.

Purposes: Internally, both the bark of young branches and the root (the inner bark which is used) are purgative and diuretic in proper dosage. In large doses they are emetic, strongfly purgative, and can cause inflammation in the gastro-intestinal tract.

• Elder flowers taken warm induce sweating. They are used in the first stages of colds and flus. Combine equal parts of the flowers with peppermint, to make a tea (1 oz. per pint of water) and drink as hot as possible. Take the tea in bed or just before taking a hot bath; and then sweat out the cold or flu during sleep.

• For cases of neuralgia, sciatica, or lumbago, follow a juice cure regimen, taking about 2 Tbsp. warm or cold juice 2 times a day until results are obtained.

Externally, elder flowers are also used in salves for the treatment of burns, rashes, and minor and serious skin ailment, as well as hemorrhoids, sprains and wounds.

Note: The “elder” described here is black elder (Sambucus nigra) Do not confuse it with three other “elder,” used less frequently by herbalists as “elder”: elder (Sambucus Canadensis), elder (Sambucus racemosa), and elder (Sambucus ebulus) – all of which are different herbs, less often used, and each containing different properties.

Warning: Because it is used by many herbalists, black elder is described here. But, because it can be difficult and toxic, the author advises that you use other herbs internally instead of black elder. Here are additional significant warnings about this plant: Only use black elder bark and root which has been grown in Europe. The bark and root in North America contain larger amounts of both hydrocyanic acid and sambuline, a nauseating alkaloid also found in fresh paint. The stems of the plant should always be avoided, since they contain cyanide and can be very toxic. North American black elder flowers appear safe, but other parts may cause a toxic reaction. Do not use any part of the elder herb during pregnancy. All parts of the fresh plant can cause poisoning. Fresh juice will cause vomiting and diarrhea. Children have been poisoned by chewing or sucking on the bark. Cooked berries are safe and are commonly used in pies and jam.

Echinacea

(Echinacea angustifolia) Part used: Root. Properties: Alternative, antiseptic, lymphatic, parasiticide, sialagogue. What is affects: Blood, lymph and kidneys.

Preparation and amount: Decoction: Simmer 5-15 min. Take 1 Tbsp. 3-6 times daily. Tincture: Take 30-60 drops 3-6 times daily. Fluid extract: Take 1/2 - 1 tsp. 3-6 times daily. Powder: Take 2-5 #0 capsules (15-30 grains) 3-6 times daily.

Purposes: Echinacea is the most effective blood and lymphatic cleanser of all the herbs: and it is tolerated by the system in fairly large amount. The plant is apparently nontoxic; although, in some people, it may cause mild dizziness and nausea for a time. But combining it with a small amount of licorice root, or making the tea with 2-3 dates, will reduce those symptoms.

• Use Echinacea internally and externally for acne, bad breath, boils, gangrene, infections, skin diseases, tonsillitis. It is said to be effective against all venomous bites from insects, snakes, other animals and reactions to poison oak and ivy. It is used for open wounds and painful surface swelling. 

Internally, Echinacea is used for bladder infections, blood poisoning, blood purifier, fevers, inflammation of mammary glands, intestinal antiseptic, leucopenia (reduction in blood leukocytes), lymphatic congestion, uremic poisoning, venereal diseases, and all chronic and acute bacterial and viral infections. It has been used for years for syphilis, gonorrhea, and in douches for all vaginal infections. Combine it with myrrh, to rid the body of pus, abscess formations, and for typhoid fever. The rootstock helps dispel flatulence. Echinacea aids digestion and is a digestive tonic.

• Echinacea is an excellent antibiotic, and ranks with goldenseal and red clover. For acute ailments, it must be taken every hours or two, as a tincture (one tsp.) or a powder in two #00 capsules.

Externally, Echinacea is used for acne.

Note: Do not use the rootstock once it has lost its odor.

Warning: It should be used with caution by those who are pregnant, or allergic to ragweed or plants in the sunflower family. Because it stimulates the immune system, it should not be taken for lengthy period by those with autoimmune disorders. Only take 1 week at a time.

Dong Quai

(Tang Kwei, Dong Kwei, Dang Quai) – (Angelica sinensis) Part used: Root. Properties: Diuretic, anti-spasmodic, anodyne, uterine alternative. What it affects: Uterus, blood and muscles.

Preparation and amount: Take 4-7 grams, several times a day.

Purposes: Internally, dong quai is useful for almost every female gynecological problem. It is especially useful for menstrual cramps, irregularity, delayed flow and weakness during the menstrual period. It also helps relieve the symptoms of menopause. It is useful in treating hot flashes, premenstrual syndrome and vaginal dryness. It strengthens the reproductive system and helps the body use hormones.

• Dong quai is useful for treating insomnia, hypertension and cramps. It nourishes the blood, helps treat anemia, and is a valuable blood purifier. It acts as a mild sedative, laxative, diuretic; and it relieves spasms and pain. It is warning to the circulation and is used to moisten the intestines and thus treat constipation.

Warning: It should not be used during pregnancy or with excessive menstrual flow.