*I suggest everyone print this out if possible* MEDICINAL PLANTS & FUNGI AND THEIR USES Plants 1. Abscess root is used to reduce fever, inflammation, and cough. 2. Alfalfa leaves are used to lower cholesterol, as well as forum kidney and urinary tract ailments, although there is insufficient scientific evidence for its efficacy. 3. Aloe Vera leaves are widely used to heal burns, wounds, and other skin ailments. 4. Arnica is used as an anti-inflammatory and for osteoarthritis. 5. Asthma Plant (Euphorbia Hirta) has been used traditionally in Asia to treat bronchitic asthma and laryngeal spasm. 6. Barberry (Berberis vulgaris) has a long history of medicinal use, dating back to the Middle Ages particularly among Native Americans. Uses have included skin ailments, scurvy and gastro-intestinal ailments. 7. Belladonna (Atropa belladonna), although Highly toxic if ingested, was used historically as a pain killer sedative and anethesia topical ointment for surgery. *Flower can be used as emergency asthma attack relief if smoked and in all circumstances should only be used in very small amounts, use with extreme caution* 8. Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus) used to treat diarrhea, scurvy, and other conditions. 9. Black cohosh (Actaea racemosa) historically used for arthritis and muscle pain, used more recently for conditions related to menopause and menstruation. 10. Blessed thistle (Cnicus benedictus) was used during the Middle Ages to treat bubonic plague. In modern times, herbal teas made from blessed thistle are used for loss of appetite, indigestion and other purposes. 11. Blueberries (Vaccinium) are of current medical interest as an antioxidant and for urinary tract ailments. 12. Burdock (Arctium lappa) has been used traditionally as a diuretic and to lower blood sugar and, in traditional Chinese medicine as a treatment for sore throat and symptoms of the common cold. 13. Cat's claw (Uncaria tomentosa) has a long history of use in South America to prevent and treat disease. 14. Cayenne (Capsicum annuum) is a type of chili that has been used as both food and medicine for thousands of years. Uses have included reducing pain and swelling, lowering triglyceride and cholesterol levels and fighting viruses and harmful bacteria, due to high levels of Vitamin C. 15. Celery (Apium graveolens) seed is used only occasionally in tradition medicine. Modern usage is primarily as a diuretic. 16. *Deleted* 17. Chamomille (Matricaria recutita and Anthemis nobilis) has been used over thousands of years for a variety of conditions, including sleeplessness, anxiety, and gastrointestinal conditions such as upset stomach, gas, and diarrhea. 18. Chasteberry (Vitex agnus-castus) used over thousands of years for menstrual problems, and to stimulate lactation. 19. Chili (Capsicum frutescens) active ingredient, capsaicine, is the basic commercial pain-relief ointments in Western medicine. The low incidence of heart attack in Thais may be related to capsaicine's fibronolytic action (dissolving blood clots). 20. Clove (Syzygium aromaticum) is used for upset stomach and as an expectorant, among other purposes. The oil is used topically to treat toothache. 21. Coffee senna (Cassia occidentalis) is used in a wide variety of roles in traditional medicine, including in particular as a broad-spectrum internal and external antimicrobial, for liver disorders, for intestinal worms and other parasites and as an immune-system stimulant. 22. Comfrey (Symphytum officinale) has been used as a vulnerary and to reduce inflammation.It was also used internally in the past, for stomach and other ailments, but its toxicity has led a number of other countries, including Canada, Brazil, Australia, and the United Kingdom, to severely restrict or ban the use of comfrey. 23. Cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon) used historically as a vulnerary and for urinary disorders, diarrhea, diabetes, stomach ailments, and liver problems. Modern usage has concentrated on urinary tract related problems. 24. Cannabis Hemp many ailments can be treated with cannabis flowers and pollen. 25. Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) was most commonly used historically to treat liver diseases, kidney diseases, and spleen problems. 26. Digitalis (Digitalis lanata), or foxglove, came into use in treating cardiac disease in late 18th century England in spite of its high toxicity Its use has been almost entirely replaced by the pharmaceutical derivative of Digoxin, which has a shorter half-life in the body, and whose toxicity is therefore more easily managed. Digoxin is used as antiarrhythmic agent and inotrope. 27. Dong quai (Angelica sinensis) has been used for thousands of years in Asia, primarily in women's health. 28. Elderberry (Sambucus nigra) berries and leaves have traditionally been used to treat pain, swelling, infections, coughs, and skin conditions and, more recently, common cold, fevers, constipation, and sinus infections. 29. Ephedra (Ephedra sinica) has been used for more than 5,000 years in traditional Chinese medicine for respiratory ailments. Products containing ephedra for weight loss, energy and athletic performance, particularly those also containing caffeine, have been linked to stroke, heart arrhythmia, and even death. 30. Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus) leaves were widely used in traditional medicine as a febrifuge.Eucalyptus oil is commonly used in over-the-counter cough and cold medications, as well as for an analgesic. 31. European mistletoe (Viscum album) has been used to treat seizures, headaches, and other conditions 32. Evening primrose oil has been used since the 1930s for eczema, and more recently as an anti-inflammatory. 33. Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) has long been used to treat symptoms of menopause, and digestive ailments. More recently, it has been used to treat diabetes, loss of appetite and other conditions 34. Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium) has been used for centuries for fevers, headaches, stomach aches, toothaches, insect bites and other conditions. 35. Flaxseed (Linum usitatissimum) is most commonly used as a laxative. Flaxseed oil is used for different conditions, including arthritis 36. Garlic (Allium sativum) widely used as an antibiotic and, more recently, for treating cardiovascular disease Garlic is a monoamine oxidase inhibitor and has antidepressant-like effects on mice so might be used as a herbal antidepressant or anxiolytic in humans. 37. Ginger (Zingiber officinale) is used to relieve nausea. 38. Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba) leaf extract has been used to treat asthma, bronchitis, fatigue, Alzheimer's and tinnitus. 39. Ginseng (Panax ginseng and Panax quinquefolius) has been used medicinally, in particular in Asia, for over 2,000 years, and is widely used in modern society. 40. Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis) was used traditionally by Native Americans to treat skin diseases, ulcers, and gonorrhea. More recently, the herb has been used to treat the respiratory tract and a number of other infections. 41. Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna and Crataegus laevigata) fruit has been used for centuries for heart disease. Other uses include digestive and kidney problems. 42. Horse chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum) seeds, leaves, bark, and flowers have been used medicinally for many centuries. The raw plant materials are toxic unless processed. 43. Horsetail (Equisetum arvense) dates back to ancient Roman and Greek medicine, when it was used to stop bleeding, heal ulcers and wounds, and treat tuberculosis and kidney problems. 44. Kava (Piper methysticum) has been used for centuries in the South Pacific to make a ceremonial drink with sedative and anesthetic properties. It is used as a soporific, as well as for asthma and urinary tract infection. 45. Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) was traditionally used as an antiseptic and for mental health purposes. It was also used in ancient Egypt in mummifying bodies. There is little scientific evidence that lavender is effective for most mental health uses. 46. Lemon (Citrus limon), along with other citruses, has a long history of use in Chinese and Indian traditional medicine. In contemporary use, honey and lemon is common for treating coughs and sore throat. 47. Licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra) has a long history of medicinal usage in Eastern and Western medicine. Uses include stomach ulcers, bronchitis, and sore throat, as well as infections caused by viruses, such as hepatitis. 48. Marigold (Calendula officinalis), or calendula, has a long history of use in treating wounds and soothing skin. 49. Marsh-mallow (Althaea officinalis) has been used for over 2,000 years as both a food and a medicine. 50. Moringa oleifera is used for food and traditional medicine. It is undergoing preliminary research to investigate potential properties of its nutrients and phytochemicals 51. Milk thistle (Silybum marianum) has been used for thousands of years for a variety of medicinal purposes, in particular liver problems. 52. Noni (Morinda citrifolia) has a history of use as for joint pain and skin conditions. 53.*Deleted* 54. Oregano (Origanum vulgare) Used as an abortifacient in folk medicine in some parts of Bolivia and other northwestern South American countries, though no evidence of efficacy exists in Western medicine. Hippocrates used oregano as an antiseptic, as well as a cure for stomach and respiratory ailments. A Cretan oregano (O. dictamnus) is still used today in Greece as a palliative for sore throat. Evidence of efficacy in this matter is lacking. 55. Peppermint (Mentha x piperita) oil, from a cross between water mint and spearmint, has a history of medicinal use for a variety of conditions, including nausea, indigestion, and symptoms of the common cold. 56. Purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea) and other species of Echinacea has been used for at least 400 years by Native Americans to treat infections and wounds, and as a general "cure-all" (panacea). It is currently used for symptoms associated with cold and flu. 57. Passion Flower (Passiflora) - Thought to have Anti-depressant properties. Unknown MAOI. Used in traditional medicine to aid with sleep or depression. 58. Red clover (Trifolium pratense) is an ingredient in some recipes for essiac tea. Research has found no benefit for any human health conditions. 59. Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) has been used medicinally from ancient times. 60. Sage (Salvia officinalis), shown to improve cognitive function in patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease 61. Syrian Rue (Peganum harmala) - MAOI. Can be used as an antidepressant. Used in traditional shamanistic rites in the amazon, and is a component of Ayahuasca, Caapi or Yajé (which is actually usually Banisteriopsis caapi but has the same active alkaloids). 62. St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum), widely used within herbalism for depression. Evaluated for use as an antidepressant, but with ambiguous results. 63.*Deleted* 64. Summer savory (Satureja hortensis) extracts show antibacterial and antifungal effects on several species including some of the antibiotic resistant strains. 65. Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) is used to treat bronchitis and cough. It serves as an antispasmodic and expectorant in this role. It has also been used in many other medicinal roles in Asian and Ayurvedic medicine, although it has not been shown to be effective in non-respiratory medicinal roles. 66. Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) has been used since at least ancient Greece and Rome for sleep disorders and anxiety. 67. Velvetleaf (Cissampelos pareira) is used for a wide variety of conditions. 68. Verbena (Verbena officinalis) is used for sore throats and respiratory tract diseases. 69. Veronica (Veronica officinalis) is used for sinus and ear infections. 70. Wafer Ash (Ptelea trifoliata) root bark is used for the digestive system. Also known as hoptree. 71. Wallflower (Erysimum cheiri) contains constituents that may affect the heart. 72. Water Dropwort (Oenanthe aquatica) seeds are used for coughs, intestinal gas, and water retention. 73. Water Germander (Teucrium scordium) has been used for asthma, diarrhea, fever, intestinal parasites, hemorrhoids, and wounds. 74. Water Plantain (Alisma plantago-aquatica) is used for the urinary tract. 75. Watercress (Nasturtium officinale) may be diuretic and antibacterial. 76. Wheatgrass (Triticum aestivum) may contain antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds. 77. White willow (Salix alba)/Meadowsweet are plant sources of salicylic acid, a chemical related to aspirin. Used from ancient times for the same uses as aspirin. Preparations SALVE ⦁ 1 cup of organic, cold pressed olive oil ⦁ 1 ounce total of dried herb ⦁ 1/2 ounce of grated beeswax ⦁ 3 vitamin E capsules as a preservative ⦁ Cheesecloth to strain herbs steps: 1. Place your herbs into an oven safe dish (no aluminum) and pour the olive oil in. Stir and bake in the oven at the lowest possible tempurature (200 degrees or less) and bake for 3 hours. This is called an herbal infused oil. 2. After 3 hours allow the mix to cool slightly but strain through the cheesecloth while it's still warm. Make sure to squeeze out all the oil you can. 3. Now put your mixture in a pot on the stove (a double boiler would be great) and very GENTLY heat the oil mix back up 4. Puncture and add your vitamin E capsules (or about 1/2 teaspoon if using liquid E) and then add your beeswax. Stir until it's completely melted and blended. 5. Remove from heat and let cool just a minute or two then pour into a wide mouth jar or several small jars. As it cools the mixture will become semi-solid and the perfect salve consistency. MEDICINAL COLD/FLU SYRUP Ingedients: ⦁ Juice of 2 large lemons ⦁ 4 ounces of Moonshine ⦁ Calendula, Thyme, Lemon Balm, and Echinacea. ⦁ 1/2 cup of Honey INSTRUCTIONS: add the lemon juice honey and alcohol in a bowl with finely chopped ingredients. Cover the bowl and place in the refrigerator for over 24 hours. Strain the liquid, warm to room temp, add the honey, and Pour the homemade cough syrup into a sterile glass jar or bottle and cap securely. (or make a concoction of herbs extracted using alcohol. Bring 1/2 cup of water to boil and add lemon and honey, allow to cool then add the alcohol extract) DOSAGE: Two teaspoons once every three to 4 hours. NAUSEA/VIRUS COUGH SYRUP Ingredients: ⦁ 3 1/2 cups Water ⦁ 2 cups chopped Cherries ⦁ 1/4 cup of Ginger ⦁ 1 cup chopped dried Herbs ⦁ 1/4 cup of Honey Make a decoction of the Plants. (Boil in water and steep the mixture with the cover on the pot.) Stir in the honey and simmer until the mixture thickens. Transfer to a container and allow to cool. Dosage: Two tablespoons every 2 hours. MUSHROOMS - Mushroom Tea (Water Extraction): To make medicinal mushroom tea, simply add your mushroom slices or pieces to a large pot of water. Bring the water to a boil and then cook at a hot simmer for at least 1 hour. Next, strain the mixture through a colander or kitchen strainer. You can also ladle your mushroom tea from the pot as your mushroom pieces will settle to the bottom after cooking. Add flavors traditionally found in teas such as sugar and lemon. Medicinal mushroom teas also blend well with other prepared teas. The possibilities are endless for the creative medicinal mushroom connoisseur. Mushroom teas should be kept refrigerated or even frozen for long term storage of large batches. (SEE SPECIFIC DOSAGE RECOMMENDATIONS BELOW) TYPICALLY 1 oz. OF DRIED MUSHROOMS WILL MAKE 1 GALLON OF MEDICINAL TEA. THE TRADITIONAL RATIO FOR MUSHROOM TEA PREPARATION IS 1 PART MUSHROOMS TO 5 PARTS WATER BY VOLUME (TWO 8 oz. GLASSES PER DAY ARE RECOMMENDED) Mushroom Tonic (Concentrated Water Extraction): 8 oz. of dried mushrooms will make 1 gallon of tonic. Empty the entire contents of your mushroom packet into your slow cooker along with 1 gallon of water and set it to low. This will typically be about 200 degrees Fahrenheit. If you would like to add some additional flavor to your tonic, simply add organic chicken or beef bones and herbs to make a delicious and healthy soup stock. We generally recommend that you allow your tonic to cook for 72 hours in order to fully extract the medicinal constituents from the mushrooms. The woody medicinal mushrooms, suck as TurkeyTail and Artist Conk, require a long hot bath to break down. You will need to add water during the cooking process to maintain the level at the 1 gallon mark. Once your tonic is done, pour it through cheese cloth or a kitchen strainer into a separate container to remove the large pieces of mushroom mash. Don't forget to squeeze the strained-off mash into your new container to capture all of your tonic that has been absorbed by the mushrooms. Next, pour your tonic into ice cube trays and freeze. Once frozen, you can store your cubes in the freezer in a plastic storage bag or container. Melt 1 cube twice daily into hot soup, tea, coffee, or any beverage for an effective medicinal dose. Mushroom Tincture (Alcohol Extraction): 8 oz. of our dried mushrooms will also make 1 gallon of tincture. Add 1 gallon of 80 proof or greater vodka or other clear spirits to a large canning jar or similar wide mouth sealable glass container. Next, add your package of mushrooms, seal the container, and give the whole thing a shake. For smaller batches of tincture, simply use less alcohol and divide your mushroom package accordingly. Let your tincture rest at room temperature for two weeks, shaking the jar once a day. Once your tincture is done, pour it through cheese cloth or a kitchen strainer to remove the large pieces of mushroom mash. Don't forget to squeeze the strained off mash into your new container to capture all of your tincture that has been absorbed by the mushrooms. This yields a "single extraction". You can then take it a step further and create a "double extraction". Combine your remaining mushroom mash with 5 times its' volume of water in a pot. Bring this mixture to a hot simmer and cook for 1 hour. Allow the mixture to cool and then strain off the mushroom mash. Next, continue simmering this strong tea until it is back to its' original volume or reduced by 5 times. Add this to your single extraction. This yields a stronger, more robust medicinal tincture. As mentioned above, flavors traditionally used with clear spirits such as lemon or even licorice often mix well with medicinal mushroom tinctures. We prefer to store our mushroom tinctures in the refrigerator or freezer as well, but room temperature storage is fine if using immediately. Recommended Dosing Instructions: Reishi (Ganoderma sp.): Tea, soup stock, tonic, or tincture (alcohol extraction). Dosage: Tea or Stock: Up to 30 g. of mushroom in tea or stock/day. Tonic: 1 cube twice daily. Tincture: 10 ml. 3x daily. Turkey Tail (Trametes versicolor): Tea, tonic, or tincture (alcohol extraction). Dosage: Tea: Up to 20 g. of mushroom in tea 3x daily. Tonic: 1 cube twice daily. Tincture: 1 tsp. twice daily. Chaga (Inonotus obliquus): Tea, tonic, or tincture (alcohol extraction). Dosage: Tea: 3 cups per day of tea prepared with 3 cm. of Chaga per pot. Tonic: 1 cube twice daily. Tincture: 1 tsp. twice daily. Oyster (Pleurotus sp.): Rehydrate and cook as you would any mushroom. Grind or crumble dried mushroom and add to soups, sauces, gravy, or any recipe in which mushroom flavor is desired. Oyster can also be made into a tea, tonic, or tincture. Dosage: Cooked, ad lib. Tonic: 1 cube twice daily. Tincture: 1 tsp. twice daily. Maitake (Grifola frondosa): Rehydrate and cook as you would any mushroom. Grind or crumble dried mushroom and add to soups, sauces, gravy, or any recipe in which mushroom flavor is desired. Maitake can also be made into a tea, tonic, or tincture. Dosage: Cooked, ad lib. Tea: Two 8 oz. glasses per day. Tonic: 1 cube twice daily. Tincture: 1 tsp. twice daily. Shiitake (Lentinula edodes): Rehydrate and cook as you would any mushroom. Grind or crumble dried mushroom and add to soups, sauces, gravy, or any recipe in which mushroom flavor is desired. Shiitake can also be made into tea, tonic, or tincture. Dosage: Cooked: (dried 6-16 g./day)(fresh 90 g./day). Tonic: 1 cube twice daily. Tincture: 1 tsp. twice daily
