Notes from an herbalist class

June 2nd, 2007

Harvest roots as early in the season as possible
Harvest greens when the dew is dried, but sun isn’t overhead

Ox Eye Daisies are good for sinus issues

Peach leaf tincture for bug bites and heat rash. Nearly all fruit leaf tinctures are anti-inflammatory
Good for heartburn, nausea

Plaintain for drawing things out
Mullein for wheezing

Boneset is best for chilled/overheated fever

The more specific the condition/herb combination, the lower the dosage.  “Specific target”

Burdock Root:
Rinse the root, use only first year roots or root before any sign of flower stalks
Don’t rinse the greens, screen & shake

Turkey Tail Mushrooms:
Brown and grey striation.  No green.
Pores instead of gills
Nourishing, boosts immune system.  Break and boil or tincture.
Anti-tumor/anti-cancer properties.
Use in times of intense strain with illness

Black Wild Cherry Bark:
Young trees have pronounced horizontal striations.  Smooth with dashes.  The it starts to split and curl.
Bark is collected in the spring.
Bark contains prussic acid, which is an anti-inflammatory
Good for rashes

Bitterroot (Calamus):
Calms and relaxes brain.  Wards off colds.  Stimulates taste and digestion.

Vinca: Astringent.  Dries and tightens

Horsetail:
Grows in sandy soil, contains silica.
Strengthens bones and cartilage.
Diuretic
Gathered in the early spring.