Ancient European Healing: Primary Herbs II

Have you ever heard of the stinging nettle? Do you know what it can do for you? The answer to this question and more is found in this article, which continues to explore the ins and outs of ancient European healing. Other features include the many uses of feverfew and blackberry.

Hyssop: Hippocrates was known to prescribe hyssop (a plant with dark purple flowers) for pleurisy.

Nettle: In the world of medicinal treatments, nettle was known to treat anemia, amongst other things. With a cleansing, detoxifying effect, the herb can treat poor kidney function, childhood eczema, and problems that come with arthritis. If you suffer from an allergy, keep in mind that nettle is antiallergetic. From hay fever to insect bites, you can use nettle to your advantage. The main preparations of nettle include decoctions, ointments, and soup. Use the root to create a decoction. Take 1 cup on a daily basis for an enlarged prostate. Use the leaves to create an ointment for eczema. A soup containing nettle leaves, onions, and carrots restores the iron content in patients when consumed on a regular basis. Additionally, nettle capsules use the root to treat heavy menstruation. The leaves create infusions, while the root prepares a tincture to ease the effects of skin conditions and allergies.

Agnus Castus: When looking for relief from menstrual problems, this herb proved quite helpful in the past.

Angelica: Those in the past who suffered from indigestion found relief by using angelica.

Yarrow: This herb is believed to have found a place within the Trojan War, treating the troops of Achilles as a way to stop bleeding.

Feverfew: To treat migraines, researchers of today are using the plant to create potent remedies. The aerial parts of the plant are harvested during the summertime when the plant has produced flowers. The leaves contain what is known as parthenolide, which helps prevent the onslaught of migraines. Traditional uses for feverfew includes cooling the body in times of fever, eases difficult births (since early Roman times), lessen arthritis pain, and relaxes the head during times of menstruation. To treat migraines, eat 2 to 3 leaves on a daily basis on a piece of bread. A longer method of treatment comes by adding five drops of tincture to water and take up to three times per day.

Hops: In its fresh or dry form, hops are typically used as a sedative, but have also been known to enhance the digestive system.

Blackberry: Classical healers swore by blackberry as a way to cleanse the body with it diuretic effects. When using blackberry for natural healing, keep in mind that the leaves are best picked in the summertime and the berries should be harvested in the fall and summer season. Blackberry leaves contain tannins and flavonoids, while the fruit heals with anthocyanins, pectin, and vitamin C. Other uses for blackberry leaves and berries include easing mouth ulcers, treating hemorrhoids, and soothing sore throats.