Nettles, Urtica spp.

MEDICINAL: The plant is used for treating high blood pressure, gout, PMS, rheumatism, and ending diarrhea, scurvy, liver and prostate problems. Externally it is used as a compress to treat neuralgia and arthritis. It is a very high source of digestible iron. It also treats anemia, fatigue, edema, menstrual difficulties, eczema, enlarged prostate (especially when combined with Saw Palmetto), urinary tract problems, hay fever and allergies. It is very supportive during pregnancy. Use the infusion as a hair rinse to treat dandruff and to stimulate hair growth.

RELIGIOUS: Sprinkle nettle around the room to protect it. It is also burned during ceremonies for exorcism. Stuffed in a poppet and sent back to the sender of a curse or bad spell, it will end the negativity. Nettles gathered before sunrise and fed to cattle is said to drive evil spirits from them.

GROWING: As nettle is considered a bothersome weed, it is best to purchase this herb from a store. The spines on a nettle plant can cause painful stinging, so it is not a good idea to include it in your herbal garden.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Myrrh (Commiphora molmol specifically, but also C. africana, C. erythracea, C. madagascariensis, C. myrrha, and C. schimperi)

Myrrh

Myrrh (Commiphora molmol specifically, but also C. africana, C. erythracea, C. madagascariensis, C. myrrha, and C. schimperi) in the torchwood family (Burseraceae) are perennial trees and shrubs with gray-white bark, native to Northeast Africa and the Arabian Peninsula.1,2,3 The Commiphora species exude a resin or gum, also called myrrh, either naturally or from incisions made in the bark, that is collected for medicinal and consumer use.1,2,3

History and Traditional Use

Myrrh gum has been used in Middle Eastern medicine for treatment of infected wounds and digestive and bronchial complaints for over a thousand years. 4 It was also used as an embalming agent in the Middle East and Africa.4 It is mentioned in the earliest Jewish and Christian holy texts, and is a primary ingredient in incense used for religious rituals.5 Myrrh has been used as a stimulant, antiseptic, to prevent spasms, to induce menstrual flow, and to stimulate digestion.1 It has been used for many conditions such as cancer, leprosy, ulcers, sore throat, coughs, asthma, foul breath, gum disease, and loose teeth. From the seventh century forward, myrrh has been used in Chinese medicine for bleeding hemorrhoids, menstrual difficulties, sores, tumors, and arthritic pain.1

Modern Medicinal Use

The topical use of myrrh is approved by the German Commission E for minor inflammations of the mucous membranes of the mouth and throat.6 A tincture of myrrh is used in many dental remedies, mouthwashes and ointments.7 The British Herbal Compendium lists myrrh as beneficial in treating sore throat and tonsillitis, as a mouthwash for ulcers and gum disease, and externally for skin inflammations.8 It is reported to have antimicrobial activities as well as astringent properties on mucous membranes.1 In Saudi Arabia and eastern Africa, myrrh is used as an anti-inflammatory and rheumatism treatment.9 In France, the topical use is approved for nasal congestion caused by the common cold, and infections of the mouth and throat.10

Modern Consumer Use

Myrrh is used as an astringent in many mouthwashes and gargles.1 The oil is a fragrance component in soaps, detergents, perfumes, and creams. Myrrh can be found in balms to treat chapped lips, and in products used externally for wounds, hemorrhoids, and sores. Myrrh is used as a fragrance and fixative in cosmetics, and as a flavoring component in foods and beverages.1

References

1 Leung AY, Foster S. Encyclopedia of Common Natural Ingredients Used in Food, Drugs, and Cosmetics. 2nd ed. New York: Wiley-Interscience; 1996.

2 Blumenthal M, Goldberg A, Brinckmann J, editors. Herbal Medicine: Expanded Commission E Monographs. Austin, TX: American Botanical Council; Newton, MA: Integrative Medicine Communications; 2000.

3 Foster S, Tyler VE. Tyler’s Honest Herbal. 4nd ed. Binghamton, NY: Haworth Herbal Press; 2000.

4 Bown D. Encyclopedia of Herbs and Their Uses. New York: DK Publishing, Inc. 1995.

5 Grieve M. A Modern Herbal. New York: Dover Publications, Inc. 1979.

6 Blumenthal M et al. The Complete German Commission E Monographs&emdash;Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines. Austin, TX: American Botanical Council; Boston, MA: Integrative Medicine Communications; 1998

7 Wichtl M, ed., Brinckmann JA, Lindenmaier MP, trans. Herbal Drugs and Phytopharmaceuticals. Stuttgart: Medpharm Scientific Publishers; 2004.

8 Bradley PR, ed. British Herbal Compendium. Vol 1. Bournemouth: British Herbal Medicine Association; 1992.

9 Iwu MM. Handbook of African Medicinal Plants. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press; 1990.

10 Blumenthal M, Goldberg A, Brinckmann J, editors. Herbal Medicine: Expanded Commission E Monographs. Austin, TX: American Botanical Council; Newton, MA: Integrative Medicine Communications; 2000.

Mullein (Verbascum thapsus)

Parts used and where grown: In Europe, the flowers from Verbascum phlomoides or Verbascum thapsiforme, both close relatives of North American mullein, are the source of most mullein herbal products. The leaves and flowers of mullein are typically used in herbal preparations. The leaves are collected in mid-summer and the flowers between July and September.

In what conditions might mullein be supportive?

Â¥ asthma

¥ bronchitis ¥ chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

¥ common cold/sore throat ¥ cough

Â¥ recurrent ear infection

Historical or traditional use: Mullein is classified in the herbal literature as a expectorant and demulcent herb. Historically, mullein has been used as a remedy for the respiratory tract, particularly in cases of irritating coughs with bronchial congestion.1 As such, bronchitis sufferers often find relief with this herb, particularly when combined with white horehound and lobelia. Some herbal texts extended the therapeutic use to pneumonia and asthma.2 Because of its mucilage content, mullein was also used topically as a soothing emollient for inflammatory skin conditions and burns.

Active constituents: Mullein contains about 3% mucilage and small amounts of saponins and tannins.3 The mucilaginous constituents are primarily responsible for the soothing effects on mucous membranes noted for mullein. Many herbal experts feel that the saponins are responsible for the expectorant actions of mullein.4

How much should I take? A tea of mullein is made by pouring 250 ml (1 cup) of boiling water over 1-2 U.S. teaspoons (5-10 grams) of dried leaves or flowers and steeping for ten to fifteen minutes. The tea can be drunk three to four times per day. For the tincture, 1-4 ml is taken three to four times per day. As a dried product, 1-2 grams is used three times per day. As mentioned above, mullein is usually combined with other demulcent or expectorant herbs when used to treat coughs and bronchial irritation.

Are there any side effects or interactions? Mullein is generally safe, and there are no known contraindications to its use during pregnancy or lactation, except for rare reports of skin irritation.

References:

1. Hoffman D. The Herbal Handbook: A User̥s Guide to Medical Herbalism. Rochester, VT: Healing Arts Press, 1988, 67. 2. Grieve M. A Modern Herbal, Vol. 2. New York: Dover Publications, 1971, 562 Р6. 3. Wichtl M. Herbal Drugs and Phytopharmaceuticals. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, 1994, 18&endash;9. 4. Tyler VE. The Honest Herbal, 3d ed. Binghamton, NY: Pharmaceutical Products Press, 1993, 219 Р20.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris)

MEDICINAL: Mugwort is used in all conditions dealing with nervousness, shaking, and insomnia. It is used to help induce menses, especially combined with cramp bark. Often used to stimulate the liver and as a digestive aid. It should not be used by pregant women. Fresh juice form the plant is used to treat poison ivy.

RELIGIOUS: Add to divination incenses. It is carried to prevent poisoning and stroke. Fresh leaves rubbed on magickal tools will increase their powers. An infusion made of mugwort is used to cleanse crystals and scrying mirrors. Placed beneath your pillow, or in a dream pillow, it will promote astral travel and good dreams.

GROWING: Mugwort likes dry areas in full sun. It is a perennial shrubby plant that grows 1 – 6 feet tall, depending upon growing conditions.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.