Sweet Basil Ocymum basilicum
Bush Basil Ocymum minimum LABIATAE
Basil has been called the king of all the herbs. Its name has been attributed to two different origins, some writers saying it comes from basileus, Greek for “king”, but basilicus—basilisk, the old name for serpent—could refer to its reputation for counteracting poison from the bite or sting [...]
Food for the young plants is best put into the soil before they are set out, particularly with a perennial bed, which will not be disturbed again for several years. I have found the only fertilizers to use are the natural organic manures and compost. All my own herbs are organically grown, with no chemical [...]
Dry the leaves, crumble them, and store with woollens to keep the moths away. Its ether-like smell is repugnant to them. Southernwood tea is also prescribed when people are convalescing from the flu: it helps combat the bodily weakness and pains in the limbs suffered with this wretched illness. It can tone up the skin, [...]
Levisticum officinale UMBELLIFERAE
Lovage is a very difficult herb to grow in its germination and seedling stage, and also a very slow starter, and this seems to have discouraged many herb fanciers from cultivating it in their gardens.
The seeds take weeks and sometimes months to germinate and, unlike other herbs, need cool conditions for the best [...]
The comfrey plant is a vigorously growing one. Its roots will forage deep down into the subsoil, dredging up the stores of minerals and nutrients often sadly lacking in depleted topsoil. It has been used by farmers to break up new heavy ground before planting foodcrops. After the foliage is ploughed in to decompose and [...]
Cuts, Wounds and Grazes
A good all-purpose remedy for cuts, wounds and grazes is made as follows:
1 part Marigold flowers (antiseptic/vulnerary)
1 part Plantain leaves (haemostatic/antiseptic/vulnerary)
1 part [...]
Uterine and Ovarian Problems
For uterine haemorrhage or bleeding:
Shepherd’s Purse herb
Decoction of the fresh or dried plant: 1/2-1 cup every 15-30 minutes until the bleeding is checked (in most cases bleeding is arrested after the first or second cupful)
3 parts [...]
Verbena officinalis
Action: Nervine, antispasmodic, diaphoretic, antipyretic, cholagogue, galactagogue, tonic, vulnerary.
Systems Affected: Nerves, circulation, liver, gall-bladder, stomach, intestines, uterus. Preparation and Dosage (thrice daily): Dried leaves and flowers, dose 2-5 grams by infusion.
Vervain, native to Europe and introduced elsewhere, is a perennial herb growing up to 80 centimeters or so in height. It prefers nutrient-rich soils. [...]
Leonurus cardiaca
Action: Sedative, antispasmodic, cardiac tonic, hypotensive, emmenagogue.
Systems Affected: Nerves, heart, circulation, uterus.
Preparation and Dosage (thrice daily): Dried flowering plant, dose 2-5 grams by infusion.
There are several species of Leonurus throughout the world, all with similar cardiotonic, sedative and emmenagogue properties. The Asian species L. artemisia is an important herb in Chinese medicine and the [...]
Tussilago farfara
Action: Expectorant, antitussive, anti-catarrhal, pectoral, antispasmodic, demulcent, emollient.
Systems Affected: Lungs, mucous membranes.
Preparation and Dosage (thrice daily): Dried leaves, dose 0.5-3.0 grams by decoction.
Named after its leaf shape, Coltsfoot is one of the most important herbal remedies for respiratory problems. Used by the ancient Greeks and Romans, its Latin name Tussilago means ‘cough plant’, from [...]