This well known plant should always be on hand in the winter months. It was used extensively by most Native Americans. It is well researched and considered to be a broad spectrum anti-infective remedy. It works well with other herbs to fight infection anywhere in the body, be it internal or external. Very good for respiratory infections, colds and flus.

Botanical names: Echinacea augustifolia or Echinacea purpurea- -both effective but augustifolia is usually more expensive, and some herbalists feel it is better.

Family: Compositae

Common name: Purple coneflower, Red sunflower, Kansas snakeroot

Part used: The root, sometimes flower or juice

Collection: Autumn This is when root energy is the greatest.

Description: Purple daisy-like plant with yellow cone center.

Main Actions: Antimicrobial, both viral and bacterial. Stimulates immune system. Detoxifies and clears lymph. It increases white blood cells, the cells which fight infection, specifically macrophages, T lymphocytes and natural killer cells. Has been found to block virus receptors on cell surfaces by stimulating the release of interferon.

Uses: For the common cold, flus, upper respiratory infections such as tonsillitis or sore throat use alone or combine with yarrow flower or osha root. For urinary tract infections use with uva ursi. For gum infections like gingivitis, mix with myrrh and gargle. For external boils or infected cuts, use externally with comfrey root in a paste or lotion. Historically has been used for snake bites with good results.

Combinations: Combines well with other plants depending on the area of body involved.

Preparation and dosage: Decoction: (a tea) Add 1 to 2 teaspoons root to 1 cup water. Bring slowly to a boil and simmer 10-15 minutes. Use 3 x daily. May make up a 2 day batch and keep unused portion in covered jar in refigerator. Heat as necessary. Add honey to cut mucus and sweeten.

Tincture: 1-4 ml 3x daily in a little water. (One ml is about 30 drops. Four ml is about 3/4 of a teaspoon.)

Safety: Mild herb with minimal chronic toxicity.

Caution: Echinacea is considered to be an immune stimulent but should not be used as an adaptogen (tonic) over long periods of time like Reishi mushroom or Astragalus. It is best used as early as possible BEFORE onset of colds or flus, during the illness and a few days after. If used for extended periods of time, always take a break. For instance, 4 weeks on, one week off, maximum duration 8 weeks.

St. John's wort has gotten a lot of press lately due to its ability to treat mild to moderate depression. It has,been used for depression for at least 275 years.It is a good prozac substitute and a lot safer. This has been verified by many sources and is recommended in the German Commission E Monograph for this purpose.

Botanical names: Hypericum perforatum

Family: Hypericaceae

Common name: St. Johns Wort, Klamath Weed

Part used: the aerial parts, especially the flowers

Collection: Fresh is best. June through August. Collect the flower tips and a few leaves Grows in cool, shady moist places from Monterey, California up to British Columbia and east through Idaho and Montana.

Description: Bright yellow 5 petaled flowers growing on stems 2 to 3 feet tall with opposite oval leaves. If you crush the flowers they stain your fingers purple; the stems bleed dark red.

Main Actions: Anti-depressant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, analgesic, astringent., Antidepressant activity is possibly due the hypericin content which may be a monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitor. MAO inhibitors increase neurotransmitters which maintain normal mood and emotional stability.

Uses: Depression: mild to moderate (not for bipolar or psychosis) Topical ointment for wound healing: cuts, bruises, inflammation, sunburn, muscular pain. Use the essential oil for sunburn. Internally for neuralgia, fibrocytis and rheumatic pain.

Preparation and dosage: Infusion (a tea) Add 2 teaspoons of herb to 1 cup boiling water. Let steep for 10-15 minutes. Drink 3 times daily. (May make up 2 days supply and keep in glass covered jar in refiigerator.)

Tincture: 1 to 4 ml 3x day in a little water. (One ml is about 30 drops. Four ml is about 3/4 of a teaspoon.) Take with food. May cause mild gastric upset. A good fresh tincture is dark red in color.

Safety: Mild herb with minimal chronic toxicity.

Caution: Possible but unlikely sensitivity to sun and other ultraviolet light sources in fair haired individuals. Avoid exposure to strong sunlight if using doses beyond thoses stated above for long periods of time.

MAO inhibitor drugs: May potentiate. Best to avoid foods that contain tyramine and medications that interact negatively with MAO inhibiting drugs. Examples are cheese, beer, wine, yeast, pickled herring and the drugs L-dopa and 5-hydroxytryptophan.

However, the only testing actually done with St.John's Wort as an MAO inhibitor has been with hypericin alone. The whole plant has many other chemical constituants and properties and the energetics of the entire plant may be what is useful, not the active ingredient alone. So too, its possible side effect. may be only due to the hypericin by itself.

If on Prozac or other anti-depressants, wean off slowly as you gradually increase your intake of St. John's Wort. St John's Wort may take 3 to 4 weeks to take effect.

This is a wonderful herb for increasing memory and mental function in young and old alike., as well as improving blood flow all through the body including the eyes. Ginkgo is the world's oldest living tree species. Its fossils date back to the Permian period, more than 200 million years ago. Studies have shown that the total extract is more active than its single isolated components, another example of how the synergy of the whole plant is more effective than an 'active' ingredient. It is a leading prescription medicine in France and Germany. It is one of the most researched herbs.

Botanical names: Ginkgo Biloba

Common name: Maidenhair tree, ginkgo Part used: Leaf only

Description: Large tree planted in most of the U.S. as an ornamental. Resistant to insects, disease and pollution, so frequently planted along city streets.

Main Actions: Anti-oxidant, particularly in the brain and nerve cells. Blood vessels: dilates but increase tone, thereby increasing circulation. Inhibits platelet aggregation (clotting) by inhibiting platelet activating factor.(PAF). (PAF also causes inflammation and allergic responses.)

Uses: Impaired mental function with resultant depression, memory loss, Alzheimer's, stroke prevention, post stroke rehabilitation, cochlear deafness, ringing in the ears (tinnitis) macular degeneration . Improves any condition due to narrowing of blood flow in the vessels such as in coronary artery disease, intermittent claudication with calf pain on exertion, or impotency with erectile dysfunction, decreased mental ability post stroke, diabetic retinopathy,

It also helps in asthma, allergies and inflammation due to PAF inhibition.

Dose: 40 mg 3x daily of the standardized extract containing 24% ginkgo heterosides. A good tincture with the highest possible flavanoid content would have to be 1 ounce a day to provide an equivalent of the standardized extract.

Research shows that it may need to be taken consistently for at least 12 weeks in order to be effective. Most people benefit within 2 to 3 weeks.

Safety: Mild herb with minimal chronic toxicity from the leaves

Caution: The fresh fruit pulp should not be ingested as it can cause severe skin reactions similar to poison ivy AND severe GI irritation from mouth to anus. FRESH SEEDS ARE TOXIC and have caused death in children.

This herb is a perfect spring tonic for the liver. It is filled with macro and trace minerals and Vitamin A. Fresh dandelion leaves are a powerful diuretic, but unlike some pharmaceuticals, do not deplete potassium. In fact it is one of the best natural sources of this important mineral and so it is good to use in cases of water retention. When you think of the root, think liver detoxification and GI stimulation.

Botanical names: Taraxacum officinale

Family: Compositae

Common name: Dandelion, Puffball, Lion's Tooth

Part used: root or leaf

Collection: Gather leaves in the spring when small and fresh and in unpolluted places, NOT near roadsides or on sprayed lawns. The roots have most energy in the fall or after the flowers are gone.

Main Actions: Colagogue (liver and gall bladder stimulant) thereby making it a cleanser and toxin remover. Liver restorative, thereby building and repairing liver cells. Pancreas restorative, thereby helping pancreatic function due to innulin content. Diuretic, thereby increasing urine flow. Dissolvant, thereby softening hard deposits due to its saltiness and downward action.

Uses: Perfect liver remedy. Due to its liver stimulating and restorative actions use for general liver detoxification, jaundice or hepatitis. Due to its cleansing ability use for chronic arthritis, gout, skin conditions like eczema, herpes, and acne. Due to its softening abilities use for gall and kidney stones, varicose veins, hemorrhoids, liver cirrhosis. Due to its diuretic effect, use for various problems with water retention including congestive heart faillure. Due to effects on the pancreas, use as a support in diabetes.

Combinations: For liver/gall bladder problems use with Barberry or Milk Thistle, for a diuretic use with Couchgrass or Yarrow.

Preparation and Dosage: Decoction (tea) 2-3 teaspoons of root to one cup water. Bring to boil and simmer for 10-15 minutes. Drink 3x daily. May make up a two day supply and store in refrigerator in covered glass jar. Eat the leaves raw in salad.

Tincture: 5 to 10 ml 3x day in a little water. (One ml is about 30 drops. Five ml is about 1 teaspoon.)

Safety: Mild herb with minimal chronic toxicity.

Caution: Do not use in blockage of bile ducts or acute gallbladder inflammation and intestinal blockage.

This is an incredibly versatile and SWEET (100 times sweeter than sucrose) herb. In fact, you can depend upon licorice to improve the flavor of just about any herbal combination and with its multifaceted attributes, you can hardly go wrong with its addition. In Chinese herbal medicine, Licorice is considered the great harmonizer and is included in most formulas to soften, sweeten, blend and pull it all together. It has been used in Western and Eastern cultures for thousands of years. Its uses are well studied and documented.

Botanical names: Glycyrrhiza glabra

Family: Leguminosae

Common name: Licorice

Part used: Dried root

Collection: Late autumn. Clean thoroughly and dry.

Main Actions: MANY. Expectorant, demulcent, cough suppressant, mild laxative, anti-spasmodic. It has estrogenic regulatory effects due to its isoflavone content. It has anti-inflammatory and anti-allergenic effects due to cortisol-like action. A major component is glycyrrhizin. A special licorice extract, deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) treats peptic and duodenal ulcers more effectively than Tagamet or Zantac by lining and protecting the intestinal tract. It has immune stimulation and anti-viral effects due to stimulation of the body's anti-viral compound, interferon. It has an aldosterone-like effect, meaning it enhances the hormone aldosterone in the adrenals. This can be good in treating Addision's disease with its adrenal insufficiency but detrimental in large doses. (See below)

Uses: A must for the common cold due to soothing demulcent activities, anti-viral and immune enhancing properties. Use for any problem where inflammation is present such as allergies, asthma, arthritis, fibromyalgia. This includes eczema, cold sores and genital herpes. Use DGL for stomach and duodenal ulcers, gastritis and canker sores (gargle) due to its healing and demulcent properties. Use for respiratory aliments like bronchitis, sore throat, coughs and phleghm. Use (during last 2 weeks of menstrual cycle) for PMS symptoms like water retention, breast tenderness, etc because it regulates the estrogen to progesterone ratio. For adrenal insufficiency (Addison's Disease) and to restore and regulate the pituitary-adrenal axis due to aldosterone stimulation.

Combinations: For bronchial conditions, use with Coltsfoot or White Horehound. For gastric problems, with Marshmallow, Comfrey or Meadowsweet.

Nettle herb strengthens the whole body, builds blood and tissue and is high in iron, trace minerals, the enzyme secretin and cleansing chlorophyll. It is a great womans's tonic. It can be looked upon as a general body cleanser and is wonderful for acne and eczema. Not only that, it is yours for the picking, but DO wear gloves-as the stems are covered with irritating stingers.

Botanical names: Urtica dioica

Family: Urticaceae

Common name: Stinging Nettle

Part used: Leaves and stems

Collection: With gloves; the "sting" is due to its counterirritant action. Find in moist meadows, along waterways, most moist places, disturbed ground where the minerals are pushed up. Pick it for juicing before it flowers in spring and early summer. The young plant may be steamed as a vege with butter, salt and pepper. For the dried herb, pick from mid spring to late summer (to full seed). To dry, hang in bundles and strip the leaves when dry when the stinging hairs are inactive.

Description: Tall plant with opposite leaves and a square stem and serrations along the dark green leaves. It looks a lot like mint.

Main Actions: A yin tonic (meaning it nourishes the liver and adrenals and builds blood due to its chlorophyll and trace mineral content); astringent (meaning it tightens and pulls things together); diuretic (meaning it increases urination) and stops bloating; cleansing (meaning it stimulates the liver to detoxify and adds bowel cleansing chlorophyll).

Uses:For weak, chronic deficient states and anemia from chilbirth due to its tonic, blood building qualities; bronchitis and allergic hay fever since it supports the lungs and helps wheezing; for skin conditions in general like eczema or acne or psoriasis due to its cleansing effects; for bleeding as in nose bleeds, heavy menses, due to its astringent properties; for PMS water retention due to its diuretic effect.

Combinations: Nettle, Red Clover and Alfalfa makes a great mineral tea. Nettle, Ephedra, Eyebright Goldenseal or Bayberry for allergic sinusitis. Nettle, Burdock and Figwort for eczema.

Preparation and dosage: Tea: 1-3 teaspoons of dried herb to 1 cup boiling water. Steep 10-15 minutes 3x day. Must make this up fresh each time as the constituents precipitate and become less active after an hour or so in solution.

Tincture: 1-4 ml 3 x daily. (One ml is about 30 drops. Four ml is about 3/4 of a teaspoon.)

Safety: Mild herb with minimal chronic toxicity. Can be safely consumed when used appropriately (as above).

Yarrow herb, which grows throughout the Rocky Mountains in the summer, is a highly versatile and useful plant, due to its many constituents. It is one of the best diaphoretics, making it a standard remedy to reduce fever. It is a great woman's herb in that it regulates periods and helps with menopause. It is also anti-inflammatory, a wound healer and a urinary antiseptic to name a few of its properties.

Botanical names: Achillea millefolium

Family: Compositae

Part used: Stem and Flower

Collection: Rocky Mountains in the summer, covers meadows.

Main Actions: Diaphoretic thereby great for a sweat; astringent thereby pulls inwardly and stops bleeding; diuretic thereby increases urine output and promotes cleansing and elimination through the kidneys; relaxant thereby frees uterine and vascular spasms and dilates peripheral vessels; stimulant, thereby stimulates the liver and digestion; astringent thereby stops mucous and discharges; estrogenic and women's hormonal regulator thereby helping with PMS and menopause; urinary antiseptic thereby good for cystitis.

Uses: Numerous. To lower a fever due to sweating and for early onset of colds and flus. Infections: cystitis and externally in slaves or poultices for wound healing. Women: to stop menstrual flooding, regulate periods, stop cramping and help menopause. GI: gastroenteritis, colitis. Urinary: for cystitis, kidney stones, bladder irritation. Cardiac: dilates vessels in angina and helps lower blood pressure. Passive hemorrhaging: stops nose bleeds, heavy menstrual bleeding, blood in urine or stools.

Combinations: For fevers, combines well with elder, Peppermint, Cayenne or Ginger. For hypertension combine with Hawthorn, Mistletoe, Lime Blossom.

Preparation and dosage: Infusion (tea) 1-2 teaspoons of dried herb to 1 cup boiling water and steep for 10-15 minutes. Drink hot 3 x day. If feverish, drink hourly. (May make up 2 day's supply and store in refrigerator in glass covered jar for 2 days. )

Tincture: 2-4 ml 3x day. (1 ml is 30 drops; 4 ml is 3/4 of a teaspoon.)

Safety: Mild herb with minimal chronic toxicity.

Caution: Not for use in pregnancy (a uterine stimulant) External use may cause itching and inflammation in sensitive individuals. Prolonged use over several months may cause photosensitivity (easily sunburned.

For Peppermint, think dyspepsia, cramps and nausea. It's one of the best for a tummy ache. Peppermint grows profusely in gardens and can take over if given the chance. It likes cool damp areas. Sniffing the essential oil of peppermint is a convienient way to open up a stuffy nose or sinus cavity due to its menthol constituant It figures heavily as a muscle pain reliever in external liniments, again due to menthol acting as a counterirritant.

Botanical name: Mentha piperita

Family: Labiatae

Part used: Flower, Leaves and Flower

Collection: In late summer (August through mid September) when the larger stems are in early bloom and almost all the constituants have been synthesized into menthol and menthone.

Description: Opposite leaves with small sharp teeth, square stems, 1 1/2 to 3 feet tall stems. Pink to lavender-blue to purple tiny flowers. Sharp, pungent smell like peppermint Life Savers.

Main Actions: Anti spasmodic effect on the stomach and intestinal mucosa due to the relaxation of smooth muscle via Calcium blockage.; anti-flatulent (carminative) effect on the bowel, possibly from relaxation of the esophageal sphincter, leading to released gas pressure in the stomach. The volatile oil has an anesthetic effect on the stomach wall which stops feeling of nausea and desire to vomit. Stimulates bile flow, making it a digestive enhancer.

External analgesic effect due to the counterirritant effect of menthol. Stimulates the nerves that percieve cold, while depressing those for pain. Initial cooling effect is followed by a period of warmth. (External liniments such as Tiger Balm and Ben Gay work this way. They both contain menthol.)

Mild diaphoretic and anti-viral effect.

Uses: GI: For stomach cramps (colic) and irritable bowel (during the loose part) use the essential oil due to its antispamodic effect on the smooth muscle. This effect reaches as far down as the small intestine. Also for gas pain and heartburn due to antispasmodic effects; Chron's disease and ulcerative colitis and for morning sickness in pregnancy again due to calming antispasmodic effect on the bowel. For gallstones by dissolving them and increasing bile flow.

Common cold, chronic bronchitis: Due to decongestant properties. (Rub oil on upper chest to help breathing) Also increases sweating and has anti viral effect.

Combinations: For colds and flu, combine with elder, boneset and yarrow.

Preparation and dosage: Tea (infusion) 1 teaspoon to 1 cup boiling water and let sttpe 10 minutes. Take 3 x daily. May make up a 2 day supply and keep extra in refigerator.

Tincture: 1-2 ml 3x day. (1 ml is about 30 drops)

Essential Oil: 2-4 drops in some warm water.

Irritable Bowel: Use enteric coated preparations which prevents the oil being released in the stomach and giving heartburn.

Common cold: Rub essential oil on chest or use preparations of Tiger Balm, Ben Gay, White Flower Oil, or inhale a few drops of the oil in a steam.

Safety: Medium strength herb with mild chronic toxicity.

Caution: Never exceed dose of essential oil. Larger doses could cause epilepsy. In general, when taking the tea regularly, take a few days break after a week or two.

The use of this plant in Chinese medicine dates back more than 4000 years. This herb is an adaptogen--it helps the body adapt to stress, fatigue and disease and is therefore a good fall herb which protects the body from the flus and colds of autumn.. The Chinese say that it improves longevity, general health and restores memory.

Although used in China for thousands of years, the plant was "refound" in Russia (Siberia) in 1855, mistaken for Ginseng. and used with good results as a subsitute for "real" Panax ginseng, hence the name "Siberian Ginseng". Eleuthero is easier to obtain and much less expensive than Ginseng but it contains no ginsenosides and is not a ginseng.

Botanical name: Eleutherococcus senticosus

Family: Labiatae

Common name: Siberian ginseng , Ci Wu Jia

Part used: Root bark

Collection: Grows abundantly in the Soviet Far East, Korea, China and Japan north of latitude 38. It is collected in the fall just before the leaves fall. Obtain from Chinese herb companies or health food stores.

Description: Thorny shrub.

Main Actions: Adaptogenic in that it normalizes body functions. It inhibits the stress response by reducing action of the adrenal cortex. It increases resistence to infection, normalizes blood pressure possibly by helping kidney function. It lowers serum cholesterol and protects from radiation damage. It increases sense of well being regardless of psychological complaint.

Uses: A general tonic to normalize the body. Since its actions are nonspecific it has a broad range of applications. Use for general stamina and immune system enhancing. Use for hypertension since it normalizes it; for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome since it normalizes a damaged immune system.

Combinations: Good with other adaptogenic tonic herbs such as American, Chinese and Korean Ginsengs, Astragalus, Schisandra Berry and Reishi Mushroom.

Tincture preparation and dosage: 2-4 ml 3x daily. (One ml is about 30 drops.)

Safety: Mild herb with minimal chronic toxicity.

Caution: Infrequent side effects but do not use if blood pressure is over 180/90 mm Hg according to German Commission E Monograph. Do not use in doses higher than stated (such as 5-6 ml 3xday). In these higher doses it could cause insomnia. irritability and anxiety and raise blood pressure.

This Chinese herb is a great immune system enhancer and an A-1 restorative for the nervous system. It is an adaptogen-that is, it helps the body to adapt to stress of all kinds be it exposure to germs, lack of adequate sleep, eating a bad diet, lack of exercise, environmental toxins. Not only does it stimulate inadequate immune functions (as in chronic infection, chronic fatigue or AIDS) it also regulates (or immunosuppresses) over-active immunity as is seen in allergies and autoimmune diseases like MS or lupus.

Botanical name: Schisandra chinensis

Family: Magnoliaceae

Common name: Wu Wei Zi, Magnolia Vine, Five-taste berry

Part used: Berry

Description: Purple berries that grow in clusters on the deciduous woody climbing magnolia vine. Comes as a dry, reddish-purple shriveled up little berry from Chinese distributors.

Main Actions: Adaptogen in that it helps the body adjust to stressors, probably from its healing and nourishing (restorative) effect on the adrenal cortex. Immune regulation, both under-active and over-active. Schisandra contains lignins, which have been shown experimentally to suppress immunity. Reason for immune stimulation is not yet known. It works as a central nervous system restorative by stimulating nerve cells.

Schisandra stimulates and restores the liver and regulates over- acid stomachs. It also decreases sweating and diarrhea due to astringent properties.

These are the main actions. There are more. The reason Schisandra does so much is that it has a wealth of active chemical components that are responsible for its name "five taste berry". This was recognized by the Chinese when they simply tasted it.

Uses: For adrenal "burn-out" that is, loss of stamina, fatigue, overwork, chronic illness due to its healing effect on the adrenal cortex. For memory loss, chronic mental fatigue, insomnia, loss of concentration and many neurological diseases like Parkinson;s, Alzheimer's , post stroke because of its healing effect on the nervous system. Use here on long term basis, such as months. For liver problems such as all types of hepatitis and problems in glucose regulation (blood sugar swings) and glycogen storage.

For immune problems both hyper and hypo, due again to lignins and adrenal cortex healing. This means use to prevent illnesses and boost immunity when everyone around you is getting sick; for allergies (especially of the skin like hives and allergic dermatitis); for chronic infections; for immunodeficiency diseases like AIDS or chronic fatigue (not as the only remedy, but as part of a well thought out program).
For stomach aches due to over or under acidity; for diarrhea.

Combinations: Use with other adaptogens like Reishi, American Ginseng, Astragalus.

Preparation and dosage: Tea - 2 teaspoons to one cup boiling water; simmer 10-15 minutes. Drink 3 x daily. May store a 2 day batch in the refrigerator. Add honey.

Tincture: 2-4 ml 3x daily in a little water. (One ml is about 30 drops. 4 ml is about 3/4 of a teaspoon.)

Safety: Mild herb with minimal chronic toxicity.

Caution: Side effects are VERY rare. Stomach upset and hives have happened rarely.

Hawthorn is foremost a tonic for the heart. Its flavonoid (proanthocyanidin) and glycoside content is primarily responsible for its cardiovascular activities which include treatment for high blood pressure, atherosclerosis, congestive heart failure and angina. Since it restores and nourishes the heart so completely, it is known as a cardiovascular trophorestorative-a great balancer for heart conditions.

Botanical name: Crataegus oxyacantha

Family: Rosaceae

Common name: Hedgethorn, Maybush

Part used: Berry or blossom

Collection: Autumn, September and October

Description: Spiny tree or shrub native to Europe but grows in U.S. May reach 30 feet high Was often grown as a hedge in Germany to divide plots of land. Hawthorn is actually a corruption of "hedgethorn".

Main Actions: Cardiac - A first class tonic for the heart and circulatory system. It will move the heart to normal function in a gentle way. Specifically, it dilates coronary arteries by relaxing smooth muscle and thereby improves oxygen delivery to the heart muscle which helps relieve angina and decrease chance of heart attack; increases the force of heart muscle contraction thereby helping to relieve congestive heart failure; eliminates some arrythmias (abnormal beats); inhibits angiotensin-converting enzymes thereby relaxing blood vessels and decreasing blood pressure.

Hawthorn also stabilizes vitamin C by antioxidant protection and decreases capillary fragility. It stabilizes collagen, the most abundant protein in the body and protects tendons, ligaments and cartilage that is destroyed in inflammatory processes of rheumatoid arthritis and connective tissue diseases. Also helps indigestion due to enhancing an enzyme specific to digestion of red meat and works as a mild laxative. (This is a Chinese use for the herb.)

Uses: Cardiac, Atherosclerosis - The flavonoid (anti-oxidant) content of Hawthorn reduces cholesterol levels and a softening effect decreases the size of plaques. High blood pressure: by mild diuresis, relaxing of the vessel walls and dilation of the coronary arteries. Congestive heart failure (CHF): it potentiates the action of cardiac glycosides like digitalis and so can lead to lower doses of those drugs. If the CHF is mild and in early stages, it can be used alone as prescribed by a health care professional. Use in the after treatment of an MI (heart attack) to strengthen the heart.
Use in arthritis and periodontal disease as a food supplement.

Combinations: With Cereus for CHF. With Lime Blossom, Mistletoe and Yarrow for high blood pressure.

Preparation and dosage: Tea - Steep two teaspoons of berries in 1 cup boiling water for 20 minutes. Take 3 x a day. May make up a 2 day supply and keep in refrigerator.

Tincture: 2-4ml 3x day. (1 ml is about 30 drops. Four ml is about 3/4 of a teaspoon.

Safety: Mild herb with low chronic toxicity. If taking this herb alone for long periods of time, take a week break every couple of months and then resume.

Caution: If taking with digitalis, may have a potentiating effect with may necessitate a lower dose of digitalis. Blood levels of digitalis are indicated.

Osha Root grows in the Rocky Mountains and was used by Native Americans in the area. Once you smell Osha, you'll never forget it. It has a wonderful pungent smell due to an essential oil with a camphoraceous scent and taste which is responsible for a lot of its healing properties. Osha root is an ideal herb for upper and lower viral respiratory infections, and if you're not sure which you have or if the upper infection is getting lower (working its way into the bronchi and lungs) --- this herb is clueless. When you think Osha, think lungs.

Botanical name: Ligusticum porter

Family: Umbelliferae

Common name: ndian Parsley, Colorado Cough Root

Part used: The root

Collection: Dig root in the fall when the plant energy is in the earth. This plant lives in the Rocky Mountains and becomes more abundant at 9,000 feet and upward.

Main Actions: Pungent and warm (causes sweating) and therefore good for onset of colds, infections and chills. The Chinese say it scatters wind cold. It helps bring up respiratory secretions (white sputum) and is therefore good for viral infections of the sinuses, throat and lungs. It has antibiotic properties and therefore helps fight infections. Osha root is antispasmodic, therefore it frees spasms and relaxes smooth muscles making it good for coughs and asthmatic breathing.

Combinations: Osha Root works well with Licorice Root and Coltsfoot and White Horehound.

Preparation and dosage: Decoction (tea) Boil 1 teaspoon dried root to 1 cup water and steep for 20 minutes and strain. Drink 3 times daily for viral respiratory infections. May make up enough for two days. Store in refrigerator in glass jar and reheat as needed. Tincture: 1 to 3 ml (1 ml equals 30 drops) every 2 hours while cold/flu is occurring.

Safety: Mild herb with low chronic toxicity. If taking this herb alone for long periods of time, take a week break every couple of months and then resume.

Caution: If Uterine stimulent; caution during pregnancy.