EUROPEAN HERBS
A HERITAGE OF HERBAL LORE
In this newsletter we want to share with you some knowledge about a few of the herbs that have been or are currently used in Europe and England. Sometimes an herb is recognized for its great value in one place and yet it is hardly known or used in another. It seems that the Creator has created a wide variety of plants, each one growing in its own environment, with the same medicinal characteristics thus providing the same healing helps to each people no matter where they live on this earth.
Juniper Berries (Juniperus communis) have been used in France for chest complaints and in leucorrhoea (the Whites), blennorrhoea (gonorrhea) and scrofula (chronic enlargement of the lymphatic glands). The oil of the berries is used as a local stimulant. The oil derived from the branches and heartwood of the Juniper tree have been used in the treatment of the cutaneous (skin) diseases of animals, not only in France, but also other Continental countries. In Russia, the berries and twigs are used as a diuretic, (promote the flow of urine), disinfectant, digestive (assists or stimulates the digestion) and antiseptic.
As the effect of the berries is direct, the doses are kept very small such as one tablespoonful three times a day of the tea, which is made by steeping one teaspoonful of the berries in a cup of boiling water for 15 minutes then strained. This tea is not used when the kidneys are inflamed. A tea has been used successfully in the treatment of vaginal inflammation.
Lavender (N.O. Labiatae) is cultivated for its aromatic flowers in France, Italy, England and Norway.
Lavender oil has been used in France and Spain for the dressing of wounds. At one time, the French Academy of Medicine gave attention to the oil as a use for swabbing wounds and other antiseptic and surgical purposes. It wouldn't be unusual to find in a French household a bottle of Essence of Lavender as a domestic remedy against bruises, bites, aches and pains, both external and internal. The oil is being used in veterinary practice as being efficacious in killing lice and other parasites on animals. Fomentations with Lavender applied hot are used to relieve local pains. Lavender oil in too large doses is a narcotic poison and causes death by convulsions.
Wild Lettuce (Lactuca virosa) is used in Germany to treat dropsy, inducing sleep, easing colic and allying cough. Water distilled from lettuce is used in France as a mild sedative in doses of two to four ounces.
Lily-of-the-Valley (Convallaria magalis) native of Europe, is valued as a cardiac tonic and diuretic. Its action is similar to that of Digitalis although not as powerful and is perfectly safe. No harm has been known to occur from taking it in full and frequent doses. Its effect is to slow the disturbed action of a weak, irritable heart, while at the same time, increasing its power. It was used quite effectively on men who were gassed during the war. The common dosage is either in the form of a tincture or an infusion of 1/2 ounce of the herb to a pint of boiling water taken in spoonful doses. Russian peasants have long employed the plant for certain forms of dropsy resulting from a faulty heart.
Stinging Nettle (Urtica urens) is distributed throughout the temperate regions of Europe. The Nettle fiber has at times, been much used in place of Flax or cotton. The country-folk use it as a vegetable which is easy to digest. They gather the young tops when six to eight inches tall, then washed and placed in a saucepan and cooked for about twenty minutes. They are rubbed through a sieve and either served plain or with a little butter and seasoning. It is used as an excellent treatment for scurvy and also as a spring tonic. The tea is also used as a blood purifier. A strong decoction of Nettle, drunk too freely, has produced severe burning over the whole body. In Sweden and Russia, the Nettle has been used as a fodder plant. The sting is lost if after being cut the plant is left until wilted. Nettles were much used by the Germans as fodder during the war and it was discovered that horses suffering from digestive problems and had become thin benefited when fed Nettle in their rations. It was found that Nettles mixed with poultry food had the effect of increasing egg production and fattening the fowl. In Holland, Nettle seeds mixed with oats were given to horses to give a sleek coat. In Britain, a fresh bunch of Nettle is used to keep a larder free from flies. In Russia, it is used as a valued antiseptic and astringent. The pulverized dry herb is sniffed to stop nose bleeding. A decoction of the plant is also used for headache, to improve heart action, for any internal bleeding, and taken cold is used for afterbirth. It is used externally as a wash for decomposing flesh and wounds.
Common Plantain (Plantago major) is called "plant of heating" in the Highlands of Scotland. In France and Spain the plant has been cultivated commercially. In folk medicine, the usual preparation is a tea. The seeds are used for inflammation of the stomach and intestines. In Russia, it was discovered that the fresh juice of the plant was valuable in the treatment of chronic stomach ulcers and other stomach complaints. The Russian Ministry of Health recommends Plantain for chronic colitis and acute stomach conditions such as inflammation of the stomach and intestines. After much research and experimentation, it was found that the fresh juice of Plantain was useful dressing wounds, ulcers, and boils and that the powdered plant was useful in treating abscesses, wounds and other chronic skin conditions.
Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) A Queen of Hungary several hundred years ago, was said to have cured herself of paralysed limbs by the application of a preparation made from Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis). The preparation was made by putting 1 1/2 pounds of fresh Rosemary tops in full flower into one gallon of spirits of wine then letting it sit for four days then distilling. The herbalists of England use the oil of Rosemary as an excellent stomachic and nervine and to cure headache. A tea made from the leaves and flowers taken warm, is used with good results in headache, colic, colds, nervous depression and improvement of memory.
Rue (Ruta Graveolens) a hardy, evergreen, shrubby plant, native to Southern Europe, was used in Italy as a specific remedy for epilepsy and at one time painters used great quantities of it to keep their sight sharp and clear, especially when the vision had become dim through overexertion of the eyes. In Europe it was thought to bring back lost eyesight. The common dosage is one to five drops of the oil which is extracted from the whole plant or a tea may be prepared from the fresh or dried plant. The herbal preparation is strongly stimulating and antispasmodic. In excessive doses, it is acrid and a narcotic poison. A leaf or two chewed, has been used to dispel nervous headache.
Common Sage (Saivia officinalis) has been cultivated for culinary and medicinal purpose for many centuries in England, France and Germany. The name of the genus "Salvia", is derived from the Latin 'Salver' which means to be saved, in reference to the curative properties of the plant. Here is an English proverb which says: "He that would live for aye, must eat Sage in May." In France, the herb has been used in cases of grief and hence a French saying, "Sage helps the nerves and by its powerful might Palsy is cured and fever put to flight." Italian peasants have eaten Sage as a preservative of health. George Whitfield when at Oxford University in 1733, was said to have fared well living on a diet of Sage tea and coarse bread. The tea is made by pouring one pint of boiling water on one ounce of the dried herb and taking a half cup of the tea when desired.
Self-Heal (Prunella vulgaris) common throughout Europe and the British Isles, was at one time used by the Germans to cure a type of inflammation of the mouth. The whole herb is used in making a tea from one ounce of the plant to one pint of boiling water and taken internally as a general strengthener and for a sore or ulcerated mouth. The bruised leaf or a salve made therefrom has been used on fresh wounds apparently with much success.
Shepherd's Purse (Capsella bursa-pastoris) a native of Europe, has accompanied Europeans in all their migrations. It has an aromatic and biting taste. The whole plant is used in making a tea. In England, its use from early times was that of an astringent in cases of diarrhoea and various uterine hemorrhages. In cases of excessive menstruation, it has been used to accomplish permanent cures. In Russia it has been used clinically for female bleeding, bloody urine and bleeding from the stomach and in folk medicine, for dysentery and gastritis, gall-bladder, venereal disease and bleeding ulcers. The usual dosage is a teaspoonful of the dried herb to a cup of boiling water with one or two cupfuls taken a day.
Holy or Blessed Thistle (Carbenia benedicta) was classed among thirteen other weeds as noxious in England and yet in medicine it has great value-hence the name of 'Holy' or "Blessed" being applied to it. It was considered a treatment for the plague. The whole herb is used in making a tea. A tea in large warm doses acts as an emetic, producing vomiting with little inconvenience. A cold tea in small amounts is useful in weak stomach problems and as a tonic. It was used with much success in treating fevers of all kinds.
Common Wormwood (Artemisia Absinthium) and Rue are the two most bitter herbs known. Wormwood is found over most of Europe and Siberia where it has at times, been cultivated for its qualities. A tea is made by placing one ounce of the dried plant in one pint of boiling water and letting this sit for about ten minutes, and then taking in half cup doses. It has been used as a useful remedy for digestive problems but taken in too large of doses will cause digestive problems.
Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) in the British Isles has been made into an ointment for application to wounds and a tea of the plant is taken for melancholy. It has been used to stop bleeding wounds. In Norway, it has been used as a treatment for rheumatism and the fresh leaves chewed are said to cure toothache. Russian herbalists use the tea for bleeding, stomach problems, cold, cough, liver, dysentery and nervousness.
Agrimony (Agrimonia Eupatoria) grows abundantly throughout England. It has been a popular domestic medicinal herb used as a mild astringent and tonic and for coughs, diarrhoea and as an excellent gargle, and for curing liver complaints, especially jaundice. It is also considered very useful for diseases of the blood, pimples, blotches, etc. In France, it is used as a table beverage for its fragrancy as well as for its virtues.
Common Alder (Alnus Glutinosa) has been used by the peasants on the Alps as a cure for rheumatism by covering the affected part of the body with bags full of the heated leaves. In Europe a tincture of the bark of young twigs has been used clinically for leucorrhoea, rheumatism and many kinds of skin problems such as herpes, and impetigo.
Angelica (Angelica Archangelica) was used as a treatment by the way, for the plague which treatment was supposedly revealed by an angel. Dr. Christopher had a formula for the plague revealed to him in Snowflake Arizona, while lecturing. He gave this to the people there, which proved useful, for the plague was found in that state some time later, and has also popped up in other states since then. Angelica was used in the Norse as a protection against contagion, for purifying the blood and for curing every conceivable malady. The root only was recognized in Swiss, Austrian and German Pharmacopoeias. A tea made from the plant is used in Europe for indigestion, general debility and chronic bronchitis. For lung and chest diseases, the fresh leaves are crushed and applied as poultices. An infusion of the root is used for the treatment of typhus fever. It has been found that Angelica should not be given to patients who have a tendency towards diabetes as it causes an increase of sugar in the urine. It is used for diseases if the urinary organs and as an expectorant. In Russia, the herb has been prescribed in the form of tablets, extracts and powder. It is used for nervous exhaustion, epilepsy, digestive problems such as heart-burn, indigestion and bloating. It is also used in veterinary practice.
Arnica (Arnica montana) Arnica has long been a popular remedy as a tincture to be applied to sprains, bruises, and to paint the skin, if unbroken, for chilblains. Repeated applications may produce severe inflammation. It is seldom used internally because of its irritant effect on the stomach, also some individuals seem to be quite sensitive to the plant so care must be exercised in its use. Arnica is for external use only.
Bearberry (Arctostaphylos Uva-Ursi) was used by Welsh and German physicians as early as the thirteenth century and it appeared as a recommended herb in the London Pharmacopoeia in 1788. The usual form of using the herb was as an infusion of one ounce of the leaves to a pint of boiling water. It was valued as a treatment of diseases of the bladder and kidneys, particularly where the urinary tract is inflamed. It's effect is soothing as well as astringent. The Russian Pharmacopoeia mentions the herb as useful as an antiseptic and diuretic especially for female complaints and kidney and bladder disorders. It is also used for the same purposes in veterinary practice.
Common Bugle (Ajuga reptans) grows abundantly throughout Britain. The whole herb is used as an effective treatment in arresting hemorrhages and as a cure for ulcers and sores. Its action resembles that of digitalis and has been considered a mild narcotic without any side effects. It has also been used as treatment for the effects of excessive drinking. Its use in Europe has mainly been for inflammation of the throat.
Catmint or Catnip (Nepeta cataria) is used in France as seasoning. In England, it was used as a beverage before the introduction of tea from China. It is used for colds and fevers and for calming the nerves and nervous headaches. It is always used as an infusion as boiling will drive off the volatile qualities.
Greater Celandine (Chelidonium majus) was used as a drug plant during the Middle Ages and was used to remove films from the cornea of the eye. A Dutch botanist considered it a good treatment for fresh wounds which would effect a rapid cure and also to be used to remove specks from the eyes. Other herbalists also considered it good to sharpen the eyesight by applying drops of the tea which is made from the whole herb. Celandine is popular in Russia, being also used to cure cases of cancer in addition as a treatment for liver, gall-bladder, kidney and bladder, and stomach conditions.
Clivers (Galium aparine) is made into a tea in England as a remedy for colds and the crushed herb is used in France as poultice for sores and blisters. The old herbalists considered it a valuable herb to cleanse the blood. The tea drunk quite warm, has a soothing effect in cases of insomnia and induces quite restful sleep. An ointment prepared from Clivers, has been used for scalds, and burns.
Coltsfoot (Tussilago Farfara) has been used in Sweden for coughs by smoking the leaves. The botanical name "Tussilago" means "cough dispeller" and as such it has been considered nature's best herb for the lungs. The leaves are used in the formulation of the British Herb Tobacco along with several other herbs to relieve asthma and to treat difficult breathing of old bronchitis. Those suffering from lung problems who have used the herb, have not noted any of the injurious effects of ordinary tobacco. An old remedy for colds and asthma was made as follows: to one ounce of leaves, add one quart of water then boil down to one pint. Sweeten this with honey or licorice and take in cupful doses frequently. In Russia, the leaves and flowers are also used as treatment for colds, acute and chronic lung infections.
The Common Elder (Sambucus nigra) although surrounded with many superstitions, has been and is considered a valuable herb. The root and bark of the branches has been used in the Scotch Highlands as a black dye. The leaves, bruised and worn in the hat or rubbed on the face, protects one from mosquitoes and other troublesome insects. The leaves have been used to drive mice away from granaries. The berries are used to make Elderberry Wine which was discovered to be very effective in the treatment of sciatica and other forms of neuritis. The recommended dosage being to mix one ounce of the Elderberry Wine with a third of an ounce of port wine. The leaves and buds are used in England to make poultices and ointments. So valuable is the plant, that it has been called 'the medicine chest of the country people.' Elder flowers and Elder berries have long been used in the English countryside for making many homemade drinks and preserves. It is said that it is a remedy for virtually every ailment of the body-from toothaches to plague. One herbalist notes seventy distinct classes of diseases the herb can be used for. A favorite household preparation in England to improve the complexion was as follows: Fill a two quart jar with Elder flowers then add nearly two quarts of boiling water and after the mixture has cooled, add 1 1/2 ounces of rectified spirits. Cover and let stand for several hours then strain through muslin into bottles and cap securely. A bag of Elder flowers steeped in the bath water makes a refreshing bath for nerves or skin problems as recommended by a French doctor. A syrup of the berries has been used in Germany, England and Holland for colds and coughs. The elder has been used in Russian folk medicine since early in their history. The herb was used for every type of infection or inflammation. The flowers are used extensively for rheumatism, kidney infections, intestinal conditions, eyes, and external skin trouble. The young spring leaves boiled in honey are considered excellent in chronic constipation. The Dwarf Elder (Sambucus Ebulus) has a more drastic therapeutic action than the Common Elder, and it is only the leaves, or very occasionally the berries, that are used medicinally.
Eyebright (Euphrasia officinalis) is well known on the Continent and in England for its value in treating eye problems. The German name for the plant means 'consolation of the eyes.' In Iceland the expressed juice is used for most ailments of the eye, and in Scotland the Highlanders make an infusion of the herb in milk and anoint weak or inflamed eyes.
Feverfew (Chrysanthemum Parthenium) has long been used in England by the country people. An infusion of the herb taken cold in doses of half a cup has been used to treat nervousness and lowness of spirits. The tea has also been used for coughs, wheezing and difficult breathing. A tincture of the herb, applied locally, is used to relieve pain and swelling caused by bites of insects and vermin. An effective insect repellant is claimed by adding two teaspoonfuls of tincture to one half pint of cold water and then sponging any exposed parts of the body with it.
Fumitory (Fumaria officinalis) has been used by French and German physicians as one of the most preferable medicines to purify the blood. It is particularly useful in disorders of the liver and troublesome eruptive diseases.
Gentian (Gentiana Lutea) is considered one of the most useful tonics in cases of exhaustion from chronic disease and in all cases of general debility, weakness of the digestive organs and want of appetite. The herb has been used in both England and Europe for treatments to humans as well as in veterinary practice.
Heartease or Wild Pansy (Viola tricolor) is used both in England and the continent as a remedy for epilepsy, asthma and diseases of the heart-hence one of its common names being "heartease". It has been used to heal broken bones and as a treatment for inflammation of the lungs and as a wash for skin problems.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
1973 "India Herbalogy of North America", Meroo, 620 Wyandott East, Windsor 14, Ontario, Canada.
1931 "A Modern Herbal", Volume 1, Dover Publications Inc. New York.
1931 "A Modern Herbal", Volume 2, Dover Publications Inc. New York.
