Blue Cohosh
( Caulophyllum thalictroides)
Other Names:: : Papoose root, Squaw root
Has been used in small doses over a period of time to induce labour. Can also be used in this way to induce delayed menstruation. During labour, strengthens contractions and eases the pain of childbirth. It's tonic action helps stimulate and relax the uterus; Helpful for relieving painful menstrual symptoms, cramps, and breast pain.
It stimulates uterine contractions so not for use during pregnancy or by women trying to get pregnant. Should be avoided during heavy menstrual bleeding as well. Careful and supervised use after due date to induce labour.
Energetics::
Cooling
Sedate or slow down metabolism to decrease energy production while cooling or soothing irritation and redness
Drying
Remove excess fluid from tissue, causing it to become more firm and dense, relieve conditions of dampness and sweling.
Relaxing
Relax muscle cramps and spasms, relieving excess tension in the tisues. promotes easier flow and movement and can help increse deficient secretion.
Warming
Stimlate or speed up metabolism; increase energy production and warmth; bring blow flow and vitality to tissues that are pale and cool
Properties::
Antispasmodic
Quick relief of pain and spasms, muscle and or gastrointestinal.
Emmenagogue
Regulates, induces normal menstruation
Oxytocic
Hastening or facilitating child birth
Anti-Inflammatory
Helps control inflammation
Ailments::
Childbirth
Cramps
Menopause
Menstrual Cramps
Menstruation
Miscarriage
Associated with ::
Reproductive
Musculoskeletal
Black Cohosh
( Actaea racemosa, Cimicifuga racemosa)
Other Names:: : snake root, squar root, rattle root, bugbane, macrotys, tall bugbane, bugwort, rattleweed
Has an estrogenic effect. Relief of menopausal symptoms. Relieves anxiety and muscle tension - often used as a relaxant and anti-spasmodic. Relieves rheumatism and inflammatory pain. Breaks up mucus in lungs and aides eliminatory secretions of the kidneys, liver and lymphatic system.
Decoction: 2 - 4 oz 3 times a day. Tincture :: 3 - 30 drops (.1 - 1ml) 3 times a day. Glycerite :: 6 drops - 1ml 3 times a day.
Large doses can cause, headaches, dizziness, irritation of central nervous system, nausea, vomiting. Should NOT be used during first trimester of pregnancy. At full term pregnancy can used helpful to initiate and regulate labor contractions.
Energetics::
Cooling
Sedate or slow down metabolism to decrease energy production while cooling or soothing irritation and redness
Drying
Remove excess fluid from tissue, causing it to become more firm and dense, relieve conditions of dampness and sweling.
Relaxing
Relax muscle cramps and spasms, relieving excess tension in the tisues. promotes easier flow and movement and can help increse deficient secretion.
Properties::
Alterative
Gradually restoring healthy bodily functions - slow working, increase assimilation of nutrients.
Anti-Arrhythmic
Suppress abnormal heart rhythms
Anti-Depressant
Helps prevent, cure or alleviate mental depression
Antirheumatic
Helps ease pain of rheuatism and inflammation of joints and muscles
Antispasmodic
Quick relief of pain and spasms, muscle and or gastrointestinal.
Antivenomous
Treat certain venomous bites and stings
Astringent
Constriction / knitting together of body tissues - good to reduce chronic inflammation of the bowels.
Bitter
Triggers the gastrointestinal system to get ready to eat
Emmenagogue
Regulates, induces normal menstruation
Expectorant
Facilitates removal or secretions and phlegm
stimulant
Raises levels of physiological or nervous activity in the body
Anti-Inflammatory
Helps control inflammation
Ailments::
Arthritis
Asthma
Bee Stings
Blood Pressure (high)
Blood Purifier
Bronchitis
Circulation
Convulsions
Coughs
Cramps
Diabetes
Diarrhea
Headaches
Heart
Hormones (female)
Hot Flashes
Insect Bites
Kidneys
Liver
Lumbago
Lungs
Menopause
Menstruation
Nervous Disorders
Rheumatism
Skin Problems
Smoking
Snake Bite
Thyroid
Uterus
Associated with ::
General muscle aches
Musculoskeleton
Skin
Sinuses
Heart
Liver
Immune System
Endocrine
Reproductive
A natural pain killer. Contains THP that acts similar to opium poppy but much milder. Central nervous system depressant and appropriate for pain from any cause. Traditionally used to treat pain associated with rheumatism, arthritis, and menstruation. Can also be an aid for sleep and anxiety.
Decoction: 3 - 8 oz as needed (tastes horrible but effective!) Tincture: 1 - 5ml as needed.
Not for use during pregnancy.
Energetics::
Relaxing
Relax muscle cramps and spasms, relieving excess tension in the tisues. promotes easier flow and movement and can help increse deficient secretion.
Warming
Stimlate or speed up metabolism; increase energy production and warmth; bring blow flow and vitality to tissues that are pale and cool
Drying
Remove excess fluid from tissue, causing it to become more firm and dense, relieve conditions of dampness and sweling.
Properties::
Sedative
Exerts soothing, tranquilizing effect
Soporific (Hypnotic)
Induce drowsiness or sleep
Antispasmodic
Quick relief of pain and spasms, muscle and or gastrointestinal.
Ailments::
Anxiety
A feeling of worry, nervousness, or unease, typically about an imminent event or something with an uncertain outcome.
Arthritis
Menstruation
Pain
Polymyalgia rheumatica
An inflammatory disorder that causes muscle pain and stiffness, especially in the shoulders and hips
Rheumatism
Rheumatoid arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic disease that causes inflammation around the body and commonly presents with pain in the joints. It can cause severe damage to the joints and their surroundin
Associated with ::
Analgesic
Nervous System
Jamaican Dogwood
( Piscidia erythrina, P. piscipula)
Other Names:: : Piscidia erythrina, Fish Poison Bark
Mild narcotic and anodyne. Potent sedative known as a remedy for migraine headaches, neuralgia, treatment of insomnia caused by pain, nervous tension, and stress. Anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic, useful for painful menstrual cramps. Combined with other herbs to treat musculoskeletal pain of arthritis and rheumatism. Mixes extremely well with Corydalis for pain relief.
Tincture: 10 drops to 3ml every 4 hours.
Use very cautiously with pregnant women or hypotension. May increase effectiveness of sedative medication.
Energetics::
Cooling
Sedate or slow down metabolism to decrease energy production while cooling or soothing irritation and redness
Relaxing
Relax muscle cramps and spasms, relieving excess tension in the tisues. promotes easier flow and movement and can help increse deficient secretion.
Warming
Stimlate or speed up metabolism; increase energy production and warmth; bring blow flow and vitality to tissues that are pale and cool
Properties::
Anti-Inflammatory
Helps control inflammation
Antispasmodic
Quick relief of pain and spasms, muscle and or gastrointestinal.
Narcotic
A drug that in moderate doses dulls the senses, relieves pain, and induces profound sleep but in excessive doses causes stupor, coma, or convulsions
Sedative
Exerts soothing, tranquilizing effect
Soporific (Hypnotic)
Induce drowsiness or sleep
Ailments::
Cramps
Headaches
Inflammation
Menstrual Cramps
Menstruation
Migraine Headaches
Muscle ache
Muscles - Back or neck
Tight and tense neck or back pain, or dealing with a condition that causes muscle spasms
Neuralgia
A sharp, shocking pain that follows the path of a nerve and is due to irritation or damage to the nerve
Pain
Polymyalgia rheumatica
An inflammatory disorder that causes muscle pain and stiffness, especially in the shoulders and hips
Rheumatism
Rheumatoid arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic disease that causes inflammation around the body and commonly presents with pain in the joints. It can cause severe damage to the joints and their surroundin
Stress
Tension
Associated with ::
Neurological
Musculoskeletal
Yarrow
( Achillea millefolium)
Other Names:: : Milfoil, Soldier's Woundwort, Bloodwort
Yarrow is known for its astringent and styptic properties and is commonly used to stop bleeding and promote wound healing. Yarrow contains flavonoids, plant-based chemicals that increase saliva and stomach acid to help improve digestion. Yarrow may also relax smooth muscle in the intestine and uterus, which can relieve stomach and menstrual cramps
Avoid in pregnancy.
Energetics::
Constricting
Increase the tone or tension within muscles and other tissues; stop excess flow and secretion. tone up tissues that have become overly relaxed or weak or leaking or secreting fluids such as blood or mucus
Cooling
Sedate or slow down metabolism to decrease energy production while cooling or soothing irritation and redness
Drying
Remove excess fluid from tissue, causing it to become more firm and dense, relieve conditions of dampness and sweling.
Properties::
Alterative
Gradually restoring healthy bodily functions - slow working, increase assimilation of nutrients.
Anti-Inflammatory
Helps control inflammation
Astringent
Constriction / knitting together of body tissues - good to reduce chronic inflammation of the bowels.
Hemostatic
Coagulation, wound healing
Ailments::
Bleeding
Fever
Infection
Inflammation
Menstrual Cramps
Menstruation
Muscle ache
Muscles - Back or neck
Tight and tense neck or back pain, or dealing with a condition that causes muscle spasms
Wounds
Associated with ::
Circulatory System
Integumentary System
Integumentary
Circulatory
Respiratory
