Herbalism

Introduction

Herbs have been used for their medicinal properties for centuries to treat ailments. One of the earliest - and certainly a well-known - works regarding herbs and their uses is Complete Herbal, by Nicholas Culpeper. In the modern age, herbalism is still being practised today, with countless books on the subject. And, interestingly enough, a large portion of pharmaceutical drugs were originally obtained from herbs, through extracting the properties from the plant and patenting them as a drug. For example, the drug, digitalis, is from the poisonous foxglove plant. Furthermore, willow bark was traditionally used to combat arthritis, amongst other ailments and, in fact, an extract from the bark itself is the drug used today for arthritis, called aspirin.

Herbal applications

There are different ways herbs can be used. They include poultices which are applied externally to wounds, etc. and also as infusions (herbal teas). Chamomile tea just before bed, for example, is recommended for those who suffer from insomnia.  ...

 
Herbal healers

Arnica - externally can be used "(though not on broken skin) as antiseptic ointment to discourage infection in wounds and promote healing, to treat torn muscles and bruising and for rheumatic problems. Also used as a gargle to treat inflamed gums and mouth and throat infections. Internally to improve circulation and treat venous problems." (Herbs and Healing Plants - by Dieter Podlech, Collins nature guides)

Dandelion - drunk as a tea, is a diuretic. In fact, one old name for the plant is 'Piss in the bed' due to this action! It also supposed to detoxify the kidneys, liver, blood and spleen.

Yarrow - "One of the best fever remedies, Yarrow produces copious sweating, lowering blood pressure. Take an infusion of the flowers and leaves in the bath, and also drink hourly until the fever subsides (combine with elderflower and peppermint). Yarrow tones the blood vessels and aids digestion. It is a specfic in thrombotic conditions associated with high blood pressure. ... " (Herbal Healers - by Glennie Kindred p.52)

Folk names

Many herbs have folk names, which are useful for remembering their traditional uses. The word "wort" means 'herb, plant'.

Bloodwort - Yarrow
Boneset - Another name (as well as 'Knitbone') for comfrey. Comfrey was traditionally used for treating bones, sprains and bruises.

Bruisewort - Another name for the daisy.  The daisy was traditionally called 'bruisewort' in recognition of it use for treating bruises, using externally-applied poultices.
Eyebright - Used for treating eye problems
Feverfew - Is used for treating fevers.
Heartsease - Used for treating the heart

Knitbone - See 'Boneset'.
Liverwort - Used for treating the liver
Lungwort - Used for treating lung problems

Motherwort - This plant was traditionally used for treating all womanly ailments.

Pilewort - This plant was traditionally used for treating piles.

Wormwood - This plant is used for treating internal parasites, including worms.

Ailments

Catarrh - Bayberry, Elderflower, Eyebright, Golden Rod, Plaintain, Echinacea, Golden Seal (Neal's Yard Natural Remedies - by Susan Curtis, Romy Fraser and Irene Kohler p.33)
Cellulite - Agnus Castus, Ash, Birch, Cascara Sagrada, Cayenne Pepper, Dandelion, Fennel, Poke Root, Red Clover, Yellow Dock (Neal's Yard Natural Remedies - by Susan Curtis, Romy Fraser and Irene Kohler p.35)

 

References

 

 Complete Herbal, by Nicholas Culpeper

Drugs, Grow Your Own - by James Wong

Healing Herbs - by William A.R. Thomson and Elizabeth Smith

Herbal Healers - by Glennie Kindred

Herbs and Healing Plants - by Dieter Podlech, Collins nature guides  
Magic of Herbs, The - by Riannon Ryall
Neal's Yard Natural Remedies - by Susan Curtis, Romy Fraser and Irene Kohler