These are not to be followed without consulting a trusted herbalist or person in your tribe experienced in handling herbs (elder, medicine person, midwife, healer, etc.). These are ONLY tips and helpful hints. Spiritwalker

The pictures used to create the backgrounds for many of the 'herbal' pages were obtained from:

thank you Karen Shelton, for making these available.

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The Ayurvedic herb Ashvagandha is useful in relieving

anxiety, blue moods and mild feelings of depression. Indian

herbal products are readily available in most larger health

food stores. They can also be found in other stores

specializing in herbal medicines. Look for capsules or

compressed tablets, and follow label directions.

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Witch Hazel, or Hamamelis Virginiana, is used topically as

an astringent to treat bruising, swollen tissue and

varicose veins. Apply gently with a cotton ball to acne

blemishes to ease any tenderness and to help heal the

blemish itself. Witch Hazel is a good astringent for normal

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Bitter melon, or Momordica charantia, is a tropical vine

that was used as a uterine stimulant and treatment for

mastitis. New research shows that a protein found in this

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Birch bark, or Bursera simaruba, was a traditional Mayan

remedy for skin conditions. When used in the bath, this

plant can relieve sunstroke, colds and flu symptoms.

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Beard lichen, or Usnea barbata, is used externally for

fungal infections. You can apply extracts or tinctures of

this plant to cuts to prevent or treat infections.

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Home testing instruments are available now to check your

blood pressure at home. Mild hypertension, or high blood

pressure, can be eased with a blend of hawthorn, lime

flowers, and yarrow. Steep one teaspoon of this blend in

one cup of boiling water for 10 minutes. Enjoy a cup twice

a day. Have your medical professional monitor your blood

pressure if youve been diagnosed with hypertension, and

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There is some debate over whether garlic capsules are as

effective as fresh, raw garlic for its antibacterial,

antiviral and anti-fungal effects. In general, take one

capsule a day that provides 4,000 micrograms ofallicin a

day, or eat one large clove (remember, one bulb of garlic

is a rosette of many cloves) daily of uncooked, chopped

garlic sprinkled on other food, or juiced with other

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Many women tell me that they cannot wear cologne, perfumes

or scented products due to allergies. The allergy may be to

the artificial chemical ingredients in those products. Try

this recipe for a natural cologne. Make a small amount and

experiment with the essential oils to find your most

pleasing blend. In a glass-stoppered or pump-spray perfume

bottle, add 8 ounces, or one cup, of 90% alcohol, 2

teaspoons bergamot essential oil, one quarter teaspoon of

neroli essential oil, one half teaspoon of lemon essential

oil, 5 drops of lavender essential oil and 5 drops of

rosemary essential oil. Natural oils will lose their scent

over time because of contact with the air. Keep your

natural cologne tightly sealed when not in use.

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Despite the form you choose, capsules or fresh, garlic will

boost the immune system, lower high blood pressure and high

cholesterol levels. This tasty bulb will also help to

prevent and to treat yeast infections. Follow label

directions if you are using capsules, or eat one large

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Too much holiday shopping can take a toll on your feet,

leaving them aching, tired and swollen. Indulge in an

aromatherapy foot bath as you relax after a long day. This

combination of oils can usually be added to electric foot

spas (check manufacturers instructions), or just added to

very warm to hot water in a pan deep and wide enough to

comfortably soak both feet. To your pan of water, add 3

drops of juniper essential oil, 2 drops of lavender

essential oil and 2 drops of rosemary essential oil. Follow

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Jasmine essential oil is often used to treat mild

depression and anxiety. It is also useful as an

aphrodisiac. Add a few drops to a small amount of massage

oil for a relaxing yet stimulating massage. Add a few drops

of Jasmine oil to an aromatherapy oil diffuser to create an

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A German study recently showed that Kava Kava can reduce

symptoms of anxiety and panic by up to 50%. Its

effectiveness can surpass chemical drugs used for the same

purpose, without side effects. Make sure you buy good

quality Kava Kava, and all other herbal products, from a

reputable supplier. Look for standardized extracts.

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Many people are careful to use disinfecting sprays on

doorknobs, telephones and other areas if someone in the

household is ill. These chemical sprays will kill germs,

but at a price to those who come in contact with the

chemical fumes. For a natural, effective alternative, blend

5 drops of eucalyptus essential oil, one-half teaspoon

juniper essential oil and one-half tablespoon bergamot

essential oil. Add this blend to pure water in a pump spray

bottle. You can also add this blend to your laundry when

washing your ill loved ones towels, clothes and bedding

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Ancient Romans and Celts believed the Mistletoe was related

to sexuality and fertility, and so began our tradition of

kissing under the Mistletoe. The leaves of this plant can

be used to bring on a tardy menstrual period, but should be

used with medical supervision. In the winter months,

Mistletoe can be seen growing in spherical clumps at the

tops of oak trees. It should be kept away from you pets, as

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Myrrh, or Commiphora Myrrh, is actually the gum resin from

the stem of the plant. It was used by the ancient Egyptians

in embalming mixtures and was traditionally used in

perfumes and as an insect repellant. Romans used it to

treat wounds, and was highly prized for that reason. Today

it is used often in toothpastes, especially in Europe, to

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Bogbean, or Menyanthes Trifoliate, is useful in the treatment of rheumatism,

osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. It combines will with black cohosh

and celery seed for the improvement of joint complaints. Follow label

directions for dosage with standardized capsules or tinctures.

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Anamu is indigenous to the Amazon rainforest and can be

found in tropical America and Africa. Anamu has been used

in Brazil for malaria and rheumatism. In recent studies,

this plant showed anti-tumor and anticancer properties. It

stimulates the production of lymphocytes and other immune

cells. Other studies show anti-microbial properties and the

ability to lower elevated blood sugar levels. This

ever-diminishing rain forest in South America. Hopefully,

more studies will come that show the value of our earths

plant diversity and illustrate the importance of

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Holiday overindulgence can leave the body with the need for

a good cleanse. Eat lightly of high fiber foods and include

plenty of pure water, gentle exercise and deep breathing.

Add onions, garlic, asparagus and parsley to your diet to

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Ridding your body of excess mucous is one bothersome chore

in dealing with coughs and colds. Two great herbal

expectorants are Elecampane and Mullein. These herbs also

soothe the respiratory tract as well as provide antiseptic

and antibacterial effects. Follow the label directions on

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Diarrhea shouldn't be left untreated. Fluid loss can

quickly lead to dehydration. Sip water and diluted juices

with a pinch of salt to stay well hydrated. Add

1/8-teaspoon cinnamon and 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper to 2

cups boiling water. Simmer for 20 minutes. Take 2

tablespoons of the cooled liquid every hour for relief.

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Studies clearly show that children exposed to second hand

smoke are more prone to ear infections than those who live

in a smoke free environment. Second hand smoke is also

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It's no coincidence that some teething children are more

prone to ear pain and ear infections. A tincture of herbal

Plantago (or plantain) should be diluted to 2 parts herbal

tincture and one part pure water. Place a few drops of the

dilution in the ear and place some of the gums. To help

keep the Eustachian tubes clear, don't let your child or

infant nurse or take a bottle while lying down. Keep their

head elevated at least slightly to keep fluids out of the

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Herbal remedies can provide a natural alternative to drug

analgesics for the pain of headache. Combine chamomile and

skullcap, and brew a tea. Sip while you relax for 1- to 15

minutes. Time for relaxation and deep breathing can speed

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Viral herpes outbreaks can be painful and aggravating and

take weeks to fully heal. Tincture of myrrh can be applied

topically with a cotton swab several times a day. Myrrh

will help to dry herpes blisters and speed the healing

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Fried foods, citrus, tea or coffee can aggravate the

discomfort of a stomach ulcer. To help heal this sensitive

area, juice fresh green cabbage. This juice is high in

L-glutamine, an amino acid that soothes the stomach's

lining. Cabbage juice has been shown to be effective in

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Black Cohosh root and red raspberry leaf tea can quickly

soothe the discomfort and emotional sensitivity of

premenstrual symptoms. Drink 1 to 3 cups a day as needed,

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Many healing modalities from massage to homeopathy to

acupuncture do wonders for pain relief. The essential oils

of lavender and chamomile have sedating and relaxing

properties, and can relieve pain. Add these oils to your

bath, all to an aromatherapy diffuser or add to a small

amount of massage oil and gently apply to the skin.

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