Lady Victoria Eclectic Pagan's blog: "Herbal Information"

Oak Magical properties: Ancient tree of the Druids and one of the Fairy Triad: "oak, ash and thorn." To protect your house, tie two twigs of oak with red thread to form an equal-armed cross and hang it in the house. Acorns placed in the window guard against lightning. Burning oak in a fireplace will draw off illness. Planting an acorn in the dark of the Moon will bring you money.
Passion Flower Magical properties: Placed in a house, it calms problems and troubles and brings peace. Carried, it attracts friends and popularity. Placed beneath the pillow, it aids in sleep.
Peppermint Magical properties: Peppermint has long been used in healing and purification spells. It raises the vibrations of the area. Placed under the pillow, it can aid in sleep and sometimes offered glimpse of the future in dreams.
Rose Homeopathic properties: (infusion) headaches/ dizziness, w/ honey heart&nerve tonic, (decoction of petals) mouth sores, and uterine cramps, (w/ wine as mouthwash) toothache, (cold compress) headache, (trickled into ear) ear ache, (rose honey) sore throat. Magical properties: Used in love and harmony spells. Roses planted in your garden will attract fairies. Rose petals sprinkled around the house will calm stress and reduce household upheavals.
Snapdragon Magical properties: Place a vase of fresh snapdragons on the altar while performing protective rituals. If someone has sent you negativity energy (hexes, curses, etc.), place some snapdragons on the altar with a mirror behind them to send the negative energy back to the sender.
St. John's Wort Homeopathic properties: Constitutes a good tonic for the nervous system; a good remedy when stomach acidity appears, specially in the treatment of gastric ulcer, diarrhea and vomiting. Magical properties: wards off fevers and cold when worn; burn to banish evil spirits; gather it on a Friday and wear it to cure melancholy -- (also known as Hypericum).
Sunflower Sunflowers growing the garden guard it against pests and grant the best of luck to the gardener.

Elder Homeopathic properties: It is very helpful against respiratory diseases, cold sore throat and otitis. It also works as a diuretic, laxative and purgative. Magical properties: hang over doorways and windows to get out evil; carry the berries to protect from negativity; sacred to the Mother Goddess; grow near your home to bring prosperity; excellent wood for making wands; bad luck to burn elder wood
Fennel Homeopathic properties: It favors the digestion, contributes to expel the flatulence and opens the appetite. Diuretic. It is very appropriate in case of bronchitis or cough, as well as when one has a pain in the chest. It favors the menstruation and alleviates the pains associated with it. External use: Eyewash, relaxant and hair tonic. Magical properties: Grow around the home for protection. Hung up at windows, it will ward off evil spirits. Used in purification sachets.
Hawthorne Magical properties: If there is Hawthorne growing on your property, no evil ghosts will enter. It also protects against lightning and damage from storms. Hawthorne is sacred to fairies and is part of the Fairy Triad: "oak, ash and thorn"
Hazel Magical properties: Twigs of hazel placed against the window frames will guard against lightning and three pins of hazel wood driven into the house will protect it from fire. Present a bride with a batch of hazel nuts to wish her good fortune. Hazel is used to make magical wands and for dowsing.
Hibiscus Magical properties: Red Hibiscus flowers are used in love potions and placed in wreaths in marriage ceremonies.
Holly Magical properties: One of the best protection herbs, holly guards against lightning, poison and evil spirits. Plant it around the house. Since it is a male plant, men should carry holly for luck (Women should carry the female plant Ivy). After midnight on a Friday, in silence, gather nine holly leaves (the smooth kind) and wrap these in white cloth using nine knots to tie the ends together. Place this under your pillow and you will have prophetic dreams that night.
Lavender Homeopathic properties: Sedative. Oil can be used migraines (dab on temples), fainting and dizziness. Leaves can be used for nausea and/or vomiting Magical properties: Used in love spells. Rub lavender on your clothing to attract love. Also protects against cruel treatment at the hands of a spouse if worn. Place lavender under your pillow for a good night's sleep.
Marigold or Calendula Homeopathic properties: stomach cramps and diarrhea, fever, vomiting, salves, sores Magical properties: Add marigold to your bath to win the respect and admiration of your peers. String garlands of marigold around the outside doors to stop evil from entering the house.
Mint Homeopathic properties: Sedative to part of the body suffering from rheumatic aches. It can also be applied in case of insect stings. An infusion made with the leaves increases perspiration and makes fever go down. To stop palpitations you can drink a glass of hot water with some drops of its essence. Magical properties: Mint is used in travel spells and the bright green leaves can be used in money and prosperity spells. Fresh mint laid on the altar will call good spirits.
Mistletoe Homeopathic properties: It diminishes high blood pressure and regulates the heart beat Magical properties: carry or wear for aid in conception; protection against lightning, fires, and misfortune; burn mistletoe to banish evil; placed at the head of the bed, it gives restful sleep and beautiful dreams
Morning Glory Magical properties: Morning Glory seeds under your pillow will stop nightmares. Grown in the garden, blue morning glories will bring peace and happiness.
Nettle Magical properties: Nettle can be used to remove a curse and send it back, by stuffing a poppet with it or carrying it in a sachet. A pot of freshly cut nettle placed beneath a sickbed will aid in recovery. Used in purification sachets.

Aloe Homeopathic properties: Internal use: inflammation of the stomach, gastritis and gastric ulcers; external use: cures wounds, ulcers, burns, stings of insects Magical Properties: Living plants guard against evil influences and prevent household accidents
Anise Homeopathic properties: the seed promotes digestion, stimulates appetite, helps with cramps/nausea; relieves flatulence and colic, helps promote lactation, insomnia Magical properties: sleep on anise seeds to ensure sleep free from nightmares; fresh anise leaves protects the magic circle and ward off evil
Ash Magical properties: The representation of Ygdrasill, the world tree, and one of the Fairy Triad: oak, ash and thorn. Ash represents the power which resides in water for use in sea rituals. Carrying a piece will protect against drowning. A staff of ash hung over a doorway will ward off malignant influences. Scatter the leaves in the four directions to protect a house. Ash attracts lightning so it will not protect against that.
Basil Homeopathic properties: appetizer, stomach cramps, vomiting, constipation Magical properties: used in love spells and purification baths
Blackberry Homeopathic properties: The root makes a remedy for diarrhea, chew leaves for bleeding gums Magical properties: used in money spells; vines are protective; sacred to Brigit
Black Cohosh Homeopathic properties: the rootstock is used to stop diarrhea in children, also used for menopause Magical properties: used in love spells and gives courage to the meek if carried
Bloodroot Homeopathic properties: the root is used as an expectorant, sedative, and relieves skin problems such as eczema Magical properties: the root draws love and avert negativity; place on doorways and windows for protection
Calendula or Marigold Homeopathic properties: stomach cramps and diarrhea, fever, vomiting, salves, sores Magical properties: Add calendula to your bath to win the respect and admiration of your peers. String garlands of calendula around the outside doors to stop evil from entering the house.
Catnip Homeopathic properties: safe to take for morning sickness Magical properties: used in love spells in conjunction with rose petals; grown near the home, it will attract good spirits and luck
Chamomile Homeopathic properties: fever, restlessness, insomnia, rashes Magical properties: used in money spells (wash hands in chamomile tea before gambling); used to remove curses and spells
Cinquefoil Homeopathic properties: diarrhea, dysentery, cramps (mix with balm leaves and chamomile) Magical properties: the five points of the leaves symbolize love, money, health, power, and wisdom; suspended from the bed will ensure restful sleep; carry when asking favors of officials (especially good in court cases)
Cowslip Homeopathic properties: Ideal for the flu treatment, bronchitis and catarrh, with strong cough and mucus. It is very suitable in cases of arthritis and rheumatism. It's also used as analgesic. Magical properties: the fragrance has healing properties

If you suffer from migraines, these debilitating headaches need no introduction. You might feel better, though, knowing that 28 million other Americans–the overwhelming majority of them women–are also searching for something safe to make the pain go away. Scott Greenberg, M.D., a physician at the Magaziner Center for Wellness and Anti-Aging Medicine in New Jersey, says the classic migraine begins with an aura – a warning sign such as blurred vision or lines in your visual field–followed by intense pain across your head. It can also occur without any warning at all, however. “Sensitivities to light and noise set in next,” Greenberg says. “Then come the nausea, vomiting, and pain.” Migraines can last from two hours to two days, says Greenberg, “with the majority of them passing after six to eight hours.” They occur as infrequently as two to three times a year or as often as four to five times per week. Common migraine instigators include foods containing tyramine (like chocolate and aged cheeses), changes in the weather, strong odors, and air pollution. Alternative treatments Most neurologists prescribe betablockers, triptan prescriptions like Imitrex, or nerve injections for this type of headache. But, Greenberg warns, they all come with serious side effects. “Taking triptans brings an increased risk of heart attack or stroke; beta-blockers cause fatigue, weight gain, and insulin sensitivity; and nerve injections only mask the pain.” Luckily, many alternative remedies have gained ground in the fight against migraine symptoms. Here are a few natural remedies that may help ease your headache pain. Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium) This herb treats migraine pain by interrupting its main cause: Inflammatory reactions in your head that aggravate nerve endings and cause the blood vessels to expand. When taken daily, feverfew can prevent migraines, according to Gene Bruno, a nutritionist in New York City, as well as “reduce their severity, duration, and frequency.” Be patient: The results can take four to six weeks. But if you stop taking it, your migraines might return. Dosage: Bruno suggests 500 to 600 mg of standardized feverfew daily to treat or prevent migraines. Take two equal portions of feverfew on an empty stomach in the morning and evening. GLA (gamma-linoleic acid) In a study conducted in Berlin, the anti-inflammatory effect of GLA, an omega-6 essential fatty acid, reduced the severity, frequency, and duration of migraines in 86 percent of the participants. By reducing inflammation in the brain, GLA significantly lessened nausea and vomiting, allowing patients to switch from harsh prescriptions to aspirin and acetaminophen. Dosage: Bruno says a dose of 1,300 to 1,600 mg of GLA from borage oil or evening primrose oil works best. Don’t use GLA if you take an anti-seizure prescription. “GLA may interact with these medicines,” he warns. Take it on a full stomach in two divided doses, equally spaced during the day. Magnesium A recent Italian study found a strong correlation between migraines and hormonal fluctuations. In fact, 60 percent of the women studied got migraines right before, during, or immediately after their period. Estrogen hormones can block the body’s absorption of magnesium, leading to low blood levels of the mineral. Dosage: “To treat or prevent a migraine, take 200 mg of magnesium twice a day,” says Bruno. Take with meals to ensure optimal absorption. Calcium and vitamin D A calcium deficiency can exacerbate migraine symptoms, says New York City endocrinologist Susan Thys-Jacobs, M.D. Scientists speculate that women suffer from migraines more often than men because “women are more prone to calcium deficiencies than men,” says Thys-Jacobs, a leader in hormonal research. Most women experience low calcium levels during the premenstrual or ovulatory phase of their menstrual cycle. “The hormones that regulate calcium react negatively with high levels of estrogen and progesterone, which causes a deficiency that can trigger migraines,” she says. Dosage: Since vitamin D improves calcium absorption, Thys-Jacobs recommends taking the two supps together. “Take 100 mg of calcium and 1,000 to 2,000 IU of vitamin D on a full stomach.”

An herb garden can be a place of enchantment on a summer’s day. You can watch the hummingbirds feeding on the bright-red bergamot flowers, bees sipping nectar from the pale pink thyme blossoms, inhale the fragrance of mints and lavender and delight in the butterflies dancing around the Echinacea. Then comes the question... "How do I start one of my own?" Herb Gardening is perfect for the beginning gardener and the experienced. Herbs need very little special care and they resist disease and pests naturally. In fact some herbs when brushed up against or rubbed on skin keep mosquitoes away. But more about that some other time. Herb Gardens are as varied as the personalities of their gardeners. From traditional knot gardens to wild and wonderful natural landscapes. In fact the hardest part of herb gardening may be choosing the style and the kinds of herbs you want to plant. Designing your garden Time your willing to spend in the garden - This is a good question. Take a realistic look how much time you not only want to spend but have to spend, even though herbs may change your attitude. If you’re a weekend gardener than a little patch of kitchen herbs or a nice tea/fragrance garden near the back door may be the best for you. You can always enlarge next year. You can also just tuck a few herbs in with the veggies or flowers for now and see if you like them. Let’s take a good look at designing. Where to Put Your Garden Most herbs need five or six hours of sunlight. They like it slightly on the dryer side. If you live in a very cold climate as I do you may want to think about winter winds and find a spot they are more protected. And if you have many areas you can plant then think about common sense. A culinary or kitchen garden near the back door for convenience when you’re cooking. A fragrance garden near a window or next to the patio so you may enjoy the sights and scents. Lay out your garden on paper You need to decide what kind of garden style you might want. Informal groupings lush and undisciplined or a formal edged garden laid out precisely. Keep in mind when planning to include walking paths so you can reach to weed and harvest your herbs and keep your feet dry when the ground is wet. Usually no more than a two and half foot reach, which means five feet between paths. Your paths can be bare soil, straw, mulch, brick or walking stones. Your imagination is the only limit. Decide if you'd like a fence or wall around the perimeter too. And keep in mind the occasional decoration you might like to add later like a stone figure, or small bird bath or even a garden bench if space permits. With all this in mind measure your new garden area and transfer it to graph paper. You can then draw your plants on this later. What to Plant If you intend to cook with the herbs make a list of the ones you use most common. If you want to use herbs for crafts make a list of these. You can also make a tea garden, or a medicinal herb garden or one for dyeing or a collection of one type of herb such as thyme. As you make your list, note heights and colors of each kind, are they annual or perennial and how much space they will need. Planning the Garden Then arrange the plants on paper. You can draw each or another good idea is draw each on a separate piece of paper and cut them out so you can rearrange them until you decide. A few helpful guidelines when planning: When possible you might want to keep the annuals and perennials separate so when the end of the season comes you won't disturb the roots of the perennials when you plant or pull out annuals. Try to keep taller plants to the back of the border or in the center of your bed and smaller ones near the edges to form borders. For a more formal look you can use lavenders or satolina or germander to create small hedges for borders. Keep in mind textures and color of not only flowers but leaves as well such as purple basil or satolina with its silver leaves, or velvety lamb's ears and crinkled horehound and mints. Try to contrast the colors and or textures to add interest. If you feel your not an artist at all you can play it safe and just keep related colors together like blues, purples and whites, or yellows, oranges and reds. Planting Your Garden Transfer your main outline of your graph paper design to the site. Hammer stakes into each corner and use string to outline. If your garden is a circle put a stake in the center and use string looped around it and then pull it taunt and use lime to outline the edges by making a funnel from a plastic baggy. These things will help guide you as you dig your garden. Preparing the Soil When you first dig your new garden it is a good time to prepare the soil. Check the drainage and if needed you can add sand to clay soil or perlite to improve the drainage. Add compost or sphagnum peat moss into the top 12 inches. Humus added can benefit almost any garden. It helps to loosen hard clay soils and it helps hold the moisture of sandy soils but lets the water drain away and that gives the roots air and rooms to grow. Herbs like a fairly neutral or slightly alkaline soil. So if you know your soil is acid you can add some lime to this also. I like to dig in some organic matter in at this time too. I have very well rotted manure with compost and then I add a little lime to sweeten it. Herbs don't need to be fertilized the same as other more fussy garden plants. In fact too much will rob them of their scents and flavor. Just dig in some organic fertilizer each fall. Buying Your Plants Your local garden centers will have the more common herbs. Some may be in the perennial sections so ask if you don't see it. If you have a friend who is an herb gardener they most likely will be happy to give you some to help get you started. Herbs can be divided almost every year or so. If you plan on buying your plants here are some basic guidelines to follow: Look for plants that are branched with strong stems and new growth. The bigger or taller plant is usually not the best. The roots should not be running in circles in the bottom of the pot. Make sure the plant is free from insects and disease. Look at the leaves and under them also. You will bring home a whole new problem if you purchase someone else’s problems. It will quickly spread to your gardens. Make sure the plant is clearly labeled. Even this is not fool proof. I have seen plants with the wrong labels but if all of the plants in the garden center of the same kind have the same label you can be pretty sure that's what it is. If you're buying something totally new to you and you will be using it for culinary or medicinal make sure you KNOW what it is. Look in reference books or make sure you buy from a reputable herb farm. Planting It is best to plant any new garden plants either early in the morning or late afternoon because the hot midday sun can easily wilt newly planted. I also try to plant on a cloudy day and even when there is forecast of rain to come. Take care removing the herbs from their pots. Don't try to pull the poor little things out by their leaves or stems. Squeeze around the container if you can to loosen it from its pot, then turn it upside down onto your open hand with your fingers spread so the stem is between them. Gentle squeeze the pot or gently push the bottom so the plant pops right out. If the roots look crowed, gently loosen the outside edges. Place your plant into its prepared hole that should be twice the width of the new plant and the bottom soil has been loosened. Fill the hole with soil half way up the new plant and water. Let the water drain and fill in the remainder of the hole. The top of your new plant should be just barely below the finished grade. Pat the soil on top and water again. Keep an eye on the new plants and water daily (don't drench, but water to moisten the area) until your new plant shows signs of new growth which means the roots have established themselves. Taking Care of your Herb Garden Herbs are a lot simpler than the fussy hybrids and flowers most of us see. A good example would be a 10' by 10' plot planted with 50 herbs. You most likely will spend 15 minutes a week weeding (more if it is a brand new garden area). And 15 minutes a week harvesting your new herbs. Water if you get less than an inch of rain per week. (But remember herbs like it on the dryer side once they get established.) Keep tops pinched back in early summer to promote branching out. No need to fertilize, work in a little compost each spring and you'll do fine.

Adapted from Healthy Digestion, by David Hoffman, B.Sc., F.N.I.M.H. (Storey Books, 2000). An upset stomach might seem like a small complaint in the grand scheme of health problems, but it can really affect your quality of life. In other words, it’s a total bummer. Luckily there are some very easy, quick and completely drug-free ways to get relief. Herbs to the rescue! Indigestion, also known as upset stomach or dyspepsia, is a painful or burning feeling in the upper abdomen, often, often accompanied by nausea, abdominal bloating, belching, and sometimes vomiting. Indigestion might be caused by a disease, but for most people it results from eating too much, eating too quickly, eating high-fat foods, or eating during stressful situations. Persistent indigestion calls for skilled medical diagnosis. Therapies from chiropractic adjustment to rolfing to psychological counseling often help. Diet is fundamental. The traditional simple, or tea made from a single fresh remedy, is best for correcting indigestion. Use an herb that has a taste and aroma you like. Ideally, choose a plant you can easily cultivate, thus providing a steady supply of fresh leaves. Indigestion Simple Chamomile, lemon balm, or peppermint Make an infusion and drink a cup either just before or after meals; experiment to see which time produces the best effect. Using the indigestion tea (above) and tincture formula (below) in conjunction will provide: • Anti-inflammatories (chamomile, lemon balm, peppermint) • Bitters to promote digestive secretions (chamomile, gentian) • Carminatives to reduce localized inflammation and muscular spasm (chamomile, lemon balm, peppermint • Nervines to help ease stress, anxiety, and tension (chamomile, valerian) Combination Indigestion Tincture Chamomile tincture Gentian tincture Peppermint tincture Valerian tincture Combine equal parts of the tinctures, up to ½ teaspoon (2.5ml) total, and take 10 minutes before each meal. Caution Because indigestion can be a sign of, or mimic, a more serious disease, consult a doctor if you experience: • Vomiting, weight loss, or appetite loss. • Black, tarry stools or bloody vomit. • Severe pain in the upper right abdomen. • Discomfort unrelated to eating. • Shortness of breath, sweating, or pain radiating to the jaw, neck, or one of the arms.

Adapted from The Natural Way To Heal: 65 Ways to Create Superior Health by Walter Last (Hampton Roads Publishing Co., 2004). If you are living too much in the past, maybe honeysuckle will help? Gloomy? Try some mustard flower! Flower remedies represent a combination of herbalism and homeopathy. Their main therapeutic effects are found on the emotional level. The best known flower remedies are the Bach flower remedies originated in the l930s by Dr. Edward Bach, an English physician. In recent times, Australian wildflower remedies and Californian flower essences have also become available; these are sold mainly in health food stores and by various practitioners. The usual dosage of a Bach remedy is two to four drops of the composite preparation in a teaspoonful (plastic) of water at least four times daily, taken before meals and especially as the first and last thing daily. Hold this solution in your mouth and under the tongue for some time; store remedies in a cool place. Reference guide for the selection of Bach flower remedies: • Agrimony: Suffering or worry hidden by smiling face. • Aspen: Apprehension, vague fears of unknown origin. • Beech: Intolerance, arrogance, tendency to be overcritical. • Centaury: Susceptibility to influence and exploitation, weak will, timidity. • Cerato: Lack of confidence, doubt, constant requests for advice. • Cherry Plum: Uncontrolled temper, desperation, fear of loss of mind. • Chestnut Bud: Slowness to learn, lack of observation, repetition of mistakes. • Chicor: Possessiveness, self-love, self-pity, attention seeking. • Clematis: Indifference, dreaminess, lack of interest. • Crab Apple: Feeling of being unclean, shame, self-dislike; the cleanser. • Elm: Occasional feelings of inadequacy, too much responsibility. • Gentian: Discouragement, self-doubt, negative attitudes, depression. • Gorse: Hopelessness, despair, despondency. • Heather: Self-centeredness, love of talking, inability to listen. • Holly: Envy, suspicion, revenge, hatred, jealousy. • Honeysuckle: Living too much in the past, homesickness. • Hornbeam: Mental and physical weariness. • Impatiens: Impatience, irritability, mental tension. • Larch: Lack of confidence, expectation of failure, feeling of inferiority. • Mimulus: Fear of known things, shyness, timidity. • Mustard: Deep gloom or depression of unknown cause. • Oak: Onward struggle despite despondency/despair. • Olive: Mental and physical exhaustion or weariness. • Pine: Self-blame, self-reproach, guilt, false humility. • Red Chestnut: Fear and anxiety for others. • Rock Rose: Terror, panic, extreme fear. • Rock Water: Self-criticism, rigidity, self-denial. • Scleranthus: Uncertainty, indecision, hesitation, lack of balance. • Star of Bethlehem: After-effects of shock and trauma. • Sweet Chestnut: Extreme anguish, hopeless despair, loss of faith. • Vervain: Over enthusiasm, fanaticism, nervous tension, strain. • Vine: Dominance, leadership, craving for power, ambition, inflexibility. • Walnut: Helps in changes, link breaking, protects. • Water Violet: Aloofness, reserve, pride. • White Chestnut: Unwanted persistent thoughts, worry, inner mental arguments. • Wild Oat: Dissatisfaction at not having found goal, uncertainty. • Wild Rose: Resignation, lack of interest, apathy. • Willow: Resentment, bitterness, “not-fair” attitude. • Rescue Remedy (a composite of Cherry Plum, Clematis, Impatiens, Rock Rose, and Star of Bethlehem): Use for shock, terror, upsets, fright, accidents; give frequently in all emergencies; apply externally on wounds.

Do you know your medicinal herbs? See if you can name these 10 herbal remedies. (And don’t peek at the answers at the bottom until you’re done!) 1. This remedy is used as a liver or kidney tonic, as a diuretic, and for minor digestive problems. Its leaves can be eaten raw. It can be made into wine. 2. This herb has been used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, menopausal discomforts and PMS. It’s also been used during pregnancy to shorten labor. 3. This is used to prevent dental plaque and to treat urinary tract infections. 4. This remedy is used primarily as a laxative, and is thought to potentially ease menopausal hot flashes, and may even benefit people with heart disease. (Hint: It can also be eaten in salads.) 5. Used as a spice, this remedy treats heartburn, stomach ulcers and gallstones. It can also be made into a paste and applied directly on the skin to treat eczema. 6. Belonging to the legume family, this remedy has historically been used for respiratory problems. It is used to ease menopausal symptoms, to treat high cholesterol, osteoporosis and symptoms of prostate enlargement. 7. Used in cooking, this remedy eases motion sickness and nausea caused by chemotherapy. It is also used to treat joint and muscle pain. 8. Another well-known cooking herb, the plant that this remedy comes from is in the lily family. It’s used to treat high cholesterol, heart disease, high blood pressure, and also to prevent stomach and colon cancers. 9. Also known as “goat weed,” this herbal remedy is used to treat depression, sleep disorders and nerve pain. 10. Utilized in China for more than 400 years, this remedy may fight inflammation, suppress the immune system and have anti-cancer effects. ANSWERS: 1. Dandelion. 2. Evening Primrose Oil. 3. Cranberry. 4. Flaxseed. 5. Turmeric. 6. Red Clover. 7. Ginger. 8. Garlic. 9. St. John’s Wort. 10. Thunder God Vine.

Since antiquity, diabetes has been treated with plant medicines. Recent scientific investigation has confirmed the efficacy of many of these preparations, some of which are remarkably effective. Only those herbs that appear most effective, are relatively non-toxic and have substantial documentation of efficacy are covered here. Pterocarpus marsupium (Indian Kino, Malabar Kino, Pitasara, Venga) The tree is the source of the Kino of the European pharmacopeas. The gum-resin looks like dried blood (Dragon's blood), much used in Indian medicine. This herb has a long history of use in India as a treatment for diabetes. The flavonoid, (-)-epicatechin, extracted from the bark of this plant has been shown to prevent alloxan-induced beta cell damage in rats. Both epicatechin and a crude alcohol extract of Pterocarpus marsupium have actually been shown to regenerate functional pancreatic beta cells. No other drug or natural agent has been shown to generate this activity. Bitter Melon (Momordica charantia) Bitter melon, also known as balsam pear, is a tropical vegetable widely cultivated in Asia, Africa and South America, and has been used extensively in folk medicine as a remedy for diabetes. The blood sugar lowering action of the fresh juice or extract of the unripe fruit has been clearly established in both experimental and clinical studies. Bitter melon is composed of several compounds with confirmed anti-diabetic properties. Charantin, extracted by alcohol, is a hypoglycaemic agent composed of mixed steroids that is more potent than the drug tolbutamide which is often used in the treatment of diabetes. Momordica also contains an insulin-like polypeptide, polypeptide-P, which lowers blood sugar levels when injected subcutaneously into type 1 diabetic patients. The oral administration of 50-60 ml of the juice has shown good results in clinical trials. Excessively high doses of bitter melon juice can cause abdominal pain and diarrhea. Small children or anyone with hypoglycemia should not take bitter melon, since this herb could theoretically trigger or worsen low blood sugar, or hypoglycemia. Furthermore, diabetics taking hypoglycemic drugs (such as chlorpropamide, glyburide, or phenformin) or insulin should use bitter melon with caution, as it may potentiate the effectiveness of the drugs, leading to severe hypoglycemia. Gymnema Sylvestre (Gurmar, Meshasringi, Cherukurinja) Gymnema assists the pancreas in the production of insulin in Type 2 diabetes. Gymnema also improves the ability of insulin to lower blood sugar in both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. It decreases cravings for sweet. This herb can be an excellent substitute for oral blood sugar-lowering drugs in Type 2 diabetes. Some people take 500 mg per day of gymnema extract. Onion and Garlic ( Allium cepa and Allium sativum) Onion and garlic have significant blood sugar lowering action. The principal active ingredients are believed to be allyl propyl disulphide (APDS) and diallyl disulphide oxide (allicin), although other constitutents such as flavonoids may play a role as well. Experimental and clinical evidence suggests that APDS lowers glucose levels by competing with insulin for insulin-inactivating sites in the liver. This results in an increase of free insulin. APDS administered in doses of 125 mg/ kg to fasting humans was found to cause a marked fall in blood glucose levels and an increase in serum insulin. Allicin doses of 100 mg/kg produced a similar effect. Onion extract was found to reduce blood sugar levels during oral and intravenous glucose tolerance. The effect improved as the dosage was increased; however, beneficial effects were observed even for low levels that used in the diet (eg., 25 to 200 grams). The effects were similar in both raw and boiled onion extracts. Onions affect the hepatic metabolism of glucose and/or increases the release of insulin, and/or prevent insulin's destruction. The additional benefit of the use of garlic and onions are their beneficial cardiovascular effects. They are found to lower lipid levels, inhibit platelet aggregation and are antihypertensive. So, liberal use of onion and garlic are recommended for diabetic patients. Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) Experimental and clinical studies have demonstrated the antidiabetic properties of fenugreek seeds. The active ingredient responsible for the antidiabetic properties of fenugreek is in the defatted portion of the seed that contains the alkaloid trogonelline, nicotinic acid and coumarin. Blueberry leaves (Vaccinium myrtillus) A decoction of the leaves of the blueberry has a long history of folk use in the treatment of diabetes. The compound myrtillin (an anthocyanoside) is apparently the most active ingredient. Upon injection it is somewhat weaker than insulin, but is less toxic, even at 50 times the 1 g per day therapeutic dose. A single dose can produce beneficial effects lasting several weeks. Blueberry anthocyanosides also increase capillary integrity, inhibit free-radical damage and improve the tone of the vascular system. In Europe, it is used as an anti-haemorrhagic agent in the treatment of eye diseases including diabetic retinopathy. Asian Ginseng Asian ginseng is commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat diabetes. It has been shown to enhance the release of insulin from the pancreas and to increase the number of insulin receptors. It also has a direct blood sugar-lowering effect. A recent study found that 200 mg of ginseng extract per day improved blood sugar control as well as energy levels in Type 2 diabetes (NIDDM). Bilberry Bilberry may lower the risk of some diabetic complications, such as diabetic cataracts and retinopathy. Stevia Stevia has been used traditionally to treat diabetes. Early reports suggested that stevia might have beneficial effects on glucose tolerance (and therefore potentially help with diabetes), although not all reports have confirmed this. Even if stevia did not have direct antidiabetic effects, its use as a sweetener could reduce intake of sugars in such patients. Ginkgo Biloba Ginkgo biloba extract may prove useful for prevention and treatment of early-stage diabetic neuropathy. Cinnamon - Triples insulin's efficiency Barberry - One of the mildest and best liver tonics known. Dosage: tincture, 10-30 drops; standard decoction or 3-9 g. Herbal Combinations For all pancreatic problems: 1 part uva ursi 1 part goldenseal 1 part elecampane 2 parts dandelion root 2 parts cedar berries 1 part fennel part ginger Mix the powdered herbs and put them in #00 capsules. Take them after every meal.

I've always been fascinated by first aid kits. As a child I loved going to sporting goods stores where I would run to the camping department and would (clandestinely) open the first aid kits. I was always amazed at what was inside, and what wasn't inside. Always, the kits had Band-Aids, surgical tape, bandages, and an ointment. Some kits had a razor blade and suction cup for snake bite (I never met anyone who had used this). Some kits had aspirin. First aid seemed to mean cuts and scrapes and possible snake bite. I'm still fascinated by first aid kits, but have changed my question from "what's inside?" to "what do I need to be prepared?" Things I needed to be prepared for have included: - Cuts and scrapes - Burns - Bug bites - Contact rashes - Upset stomach - Diarrhea - Muscle aches - Bleeding and Bruises - Poison Ivy and Poison Oak rash - Sore throat, colds, upper respiratory problems - (So far, no snake bites) A great first aid kit, would handle more than just cuts and scrapes. Ideally, I would not include any chemical preparations. The medicines would be all-natural, potent and effective. I would include the following: 1. Antimicrobial healing salve. A comfrey based salve, including herbs such as plantain, St. John's wort, calendula and Echinacea, will soothe, accelerate healing, and disinfect. Essential oils such as lavender and rosemary strengthen the effects. Use for any breaks in the skin and for burns. (Do not use initially on puncture wounds, use an antiseptic such as Echinacea tincture instead) 2. Insect repellant. Essential oils (lavender, citronella, eucalyptus, cedarwood, lemon grass, pennyroyal) suspended in a base of water and alcohol, are pleasant smelling to humans and noxious to bugs. The combinations work better than the single oils. Make your own or use the all-natural commercial preparations. Note that eating sugar and sweets increases your attractiveness to many insects! (Caution: Although pennyroyal essential oil is widely used for insect repellants, I recommend against this use. It can be toxic even in moderate doses and is specifically contraindicated for so many people - especially pregnant women. It is powerful and can affect people and pets in the vicinity of the user.) 3. Muscle aches and pains liniment for external use: Arnica, witch hazel and St. John's Wort tinctures in combination and essential oils of camphor, eucalyptus, rosemary and clove bud are all excellent. Note that some people are sensitive to arnica: STOP if adverse symptoms result. Do not use arnica on broken skin. 4. Poison Ivy and Poison Oak liniment for external use. Jewelweed (impatiens) specifically neutralizes the Rhus toxin and works well. Use fresh or tinctured, but jewelweed can be hard to find. Other remedies include grindelia, combined with Echinacea, calendula and white oak bark. 5. Echinacea tincture. Don't leave home without it. Internal and external antibiotic, provides temporary boost to the immune system. Good in case a cold threatens. Antidotes poison. 6. Ginger capsules. Great remedy for tummy upsets, including motion sickness, morning sickness and gas. Helpful for menstrual cramps. Alternatives: fennel and peppermint. 7. Bentonite clay or charcoal tablets, for diarrhea. These are to assist with detoxification, in case of poisoning. (Of charcoal, take 4 every hour, of bentonite clay; take 1 teaspoon in water, 3-4 times per day). Drink a lot of water. Helpful herbs include blackberry root or leaf (root is preferred for its greater astringency: simmer root for 20-40 minutes or steep leaf for tea for 10-30 minutes). Similarly, use wild strawberry root or leaf. Raspberry leaf provides a very mild remedy for diarrhea. Slippery elm tea also provides a fine remedy (but is still an endangered plant!). Blackberry and strawberry root and leaf also will reduce internal hemorrhaging. Cooked white rice works wonders at reducing diarrhea. 8. Meadowsweet tincture or aspirin. Fast acting, anti-inflammatory, pain-killers. Willow bark tea works well. 9. Thyme essential oil. A "must bring" for camping. Two drops in 4 ounces of water for mouthwash for toothache or sore throat. Same recipe used externally for crabs, lice, and all external parasites. Two drops placed in recently boiled water, inhale the steam for cold, flu, or bronchitis. 10. Rescue Remedy or Five Flower Formula. Outstanding emotional support for all trauma. Very safe. Don't leave home without it. 11. Cayenne capsules. Proven styptic. Open and apply externally to stop bleeding. (Yes, it does burn, but it works). It will also warm cold feet, sprinkled inside your boots. Alternative styptics: comfrey and yarrow. Comfrey is perhaps the finest internal anti-hemorrhage we have and is great externally as well, but it recently has come under FDA criticism (read some good herbal texts and decide for yourself. Me, I think it's a great herb). 12. Bug bite and itch relief. Witch hazel, plantain, grindelia, comfrey and St. John's Wort all provide relief from insect bites and general itching. Tinctured combinations of these seem to work best and are applied directly to the skin. Juice from the plantain is mildly effective and it grows throughout this region (just crumple the leaves and rub onto the skin). Lavender essential oil may be applied directly to the skin and works well. It enhances any tincture combination. 13. Relief from bruises. I think of these as wounds where the skin is unbroken, often accompanied by discoloration. Useful herbs, typically applied topically in tincture form, include Tienchi ginseng, hyssop, myrrh gum, prickly ash bark, cayenne, calendula, comfrey and arnica. Make your own, use the all-natural commercial preparations, or obtain a "dit dat jao" from a Chinese herbalist. Helichrysum italicum essential oil, applied neat, works very well and is non-irritating. Application of the tincture combination, jao, or essential oil immediately following the bruise may prevent the bruise from forming. Do not use these remedies on the eyes or mucous membranes and wash thoroughly after use. 14. The hardware: Band Aids, Bandages, 1/2 inch surgical tape, small scissors, single edged razor blade, tweezers, cold pack (cools on impact) ace bandage, bandana. Eye cup (or shot glass). Carry case (soft sided, waterproof) for the kit. So go ahead, assemble a kit for yourself, your friends, or your family. They make great gifts. Remember, these are suggestions only and are based upon the assumption that any first aid kit will have space and weight limitations. There are other choices for all of the categories given. If you are sensitive to any of the suggested remedies, don't use them. Read, listen to your body, and educate yourself. Use common sense and seek additional assistance when necessary. (Oh yes, the Echinacea is helpful when it comes to snakebite.)