Protection, Healing, Hex Breaking
FAMILY: Ericaceae
SYNONYMS: Aromatic wintergreen, checkerberry, teaberry, gaultheria (oil).
GENERAL DESCRIPTION: A small evergreen herb up to 15 cm high with slender creeping stems shooting forth erect twigs with leathery serrated leaves and drooping white flowers, which are followed by fleshy scarlet berries.
DISTRIBUTION: Native to North America, especially the north eastern region and Canada. The oil is produced in the USA.
OTHER SPECIES: There are several other Gaultheria species which are also used for oil production, sharing similar properties.
HERBAL/FOLK TRADITION: The plant has been used for respiratory conditions such as chronic mucous discharge, but is mainly employed for joint and muscular problems such as lumbago, sciatica, neuralgia, myalgia, etc. The dried leaf and stem are current in the British Herbal Pharmacopoeia as a specific for rheumatoid arthritis.
The essential oil has been used interchangeably with sweet birch oil, both being made up almost exclusively of methyl salicylate.
ACTIONS: Analgesic (mild), anti-inflammatory, antirheumatic, antitussive, astringent, carminative, diuretic, emmenagogue, galactagogue, stimulant.
EXTRACTION: Essential oil by steam (or water) distillation from the leaf, previously macerated in warm water. The essential oil does not occur crudely in the plant, but is only produced during the process of decomposition in warm water.
CHARACTERISTICS: A pale yellow or pinkish liquid with an intense sweet-woody, almost fruity odour. It blends well with oregano, mints, thyme, ylang ylang, narcissus and vanilla.
PRINCIPAL CONSTITUENTS: Almost exclusively methyl salicylate (up to 98 per cent), with formaldehyde and gaultheriline.
SAFETY DATA: Toxic, irritant and sensitizing – an environmental hazard or marine pollutant. The true oil is almost obsolete, having been replaced by synthetic methyl salicylate. See also sweet birch oil.
AROMATHERAPY/HOME: USE None. ‘Avoid both internally and externally.’.
OTHER USES: Some pharmaceutical use, such as ‘Olbas’ oil. Some perfumery applications especially in forest-type fragrances. Extensively used as a flavouring agent in the USA for toothpaste, chewing gum, root beer, Coca-Cola, and other soft drinks.
Habitat: Central and Eastern Himalayas, Khasi Hills, Western Ghats, the Nilgiris and Travancore.
English: Fragrant Wintergreen, Indian Wintergreen. (Wintergreen oil is obtained from G. procumbens Linn., a native of America.)Ayurvedic: Gandhapuura, Gandha- puurna.Siddha/Tamil: Kolakkaai.Action: Leaves—stimulant, carminative, diuretic, antiseptic. Oil (in the form of liniment or ointment)— applied externally in rheumatism, sciatica and neuralgia. The plant is strongly irritant.
The leaves gave hyperoside (quer- cetin-3-galactoside), ursolic acid, beta- sitosterol and essential oil containing methyl salicylate as a major constituent. The yield of oil from Assam plants contains 99.14% methyl salicy- late. Heptyl aldehyde, present in the low boiling fraction of the oil, brought about the regression of tumours in mice and dogs.... gaultheria fragrantissimaIf you’re looking for a special herbal tea, you can try pipsissewa tea. It has a pleasant taste, slightly bitter, like most herbal teas, but also a bit sweet. Also, it comes with many health benefits. Read to find out more!
About Pipsissewa Tea
Pipsissewa tea is made from the pipsissewa plant, also known as Umbellate Wintergreen or Prince’s pine. It is a small, evergreen perennial plant, usually found in the dry woodlands or sandy soils of Southern Canada and northern United States.
The plant can grow up to 30cm tall. It usually has 4 evergreen, shiny leaves with a toothed margin; they’re arranged one opposite the other on the stem. It has 4-8 flowers, either pink or white, which bloom during summer.
The pipsissewa plant is used to make root beer. It can also be used to flavor candies and soft drinks.
How to prepare Pipsissewa Tea
You only need a few minutes to prepare a cup of pipsissewa tea. Put a tablespoon of herbs in the cup, then pour freshly boiled water over it. Let it steep for 2-4 minutes; then, strain the drink. Sweeten it with milk or honey, if you wish.
Pipsissewa Tea Benefits
Pipsisewa, as a plant, contains many important constituents which are also transferred to the pipsissewa tea. Some of them are hydroquinones (for example, arbutin), flavonoids, triterpenes, methyl salicylate, phenols, essential oils, and tannins. They have many health benefits.
Pipsissewa teais often recommended in the treatment for infections of the urinary tract, such as cystitis, painful urination, bladder and kidney stones, kidney inflammation, prostatitis, gonorrhea, and urethritis. It can also be used to treat arthritis, gout and rheumatism.
Drinking pipsissewa tea will help your body expel various infectious microorganisms. It can increase sweating in order to treat fever diseases. It is also often included in the treatment for ailments of the respiratory tract, such as colds, whooping cough, and bronchitis.
Pipsissewa tea can be used topically, as well. It can be used with blisters, tumors, and swellings. Also, you can use it as an eye wash if you’ve got sore eyes.
Pipsissewa Tea Side Effects
It is not well-known if pipsissewa tea can affect women during pregnancy or breast feeding. However, it’s considered safe not to drink it, just in case it might affect the baby.
It is best not to drink pipsissewa tea if you’re taking medication for the intestine, or if you’ve got iron deficiency.
Drinking a large amount of pipsissewa tea can also lead to a few side effects. The symptoms you might get are: diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, headaches, and loss of appetite.
You’ll definitely enjoy drinking pipsissewa tea, both for its pleasant taste and because of the health benefits it has.
... have a cup of pipsissewa teaBad breath may often be overcome by gentle stimulation of liver and kidneys by the teas, Agrimony, Parsley, Balm. Chlorophyll tablets. Charcoal tablets. Lemons. Nettle beer.
External use: Essential oils of Peppermint, Eucalyptus, Lavender, Wintergreen, Bergamot, Thymol. Zinc and Castor oil cream. Cider vinegar (neat or dilute). Raw lemon juice. See: ANTI-PERSPIRANTS. ... deodorants
See also: MASSAGE OILS. ... liniments
Ingredients: Cajuput oil 18.5 per cent, Clove oil 10 per cent; Eucalyptus oil 35.45 per cent, Juniper berry oil 2.7 per cent, Menthol 10 per cent, Peppermint oil 25.45 per cent, Wintergreen oil 3.7 per cent. (Lane’s, UK) ... olbas oil
Methyl alcohol, or wood spirit (see METHANOL), is distilled from wood and is thus a cheap form of alcohol. It has actions similar to, but much more toxic than, those of ethyl alcohol. It has a specially pronounced action on the nervous system, and in large doses is apt to cause neuritis, especially of the optic nerves, leading to blindness, partial or complete.... methyl
Habitat: U.S.A. Cultivated on a sm.ill scale in England for medicinal purposes.
Features ? The root is obtainable in longitudinally split pieces or in transverse slices. Ringed, brownish-grey externally, hard and whitish inside; fibrous fracture. Berries purplish-black, nearly globular, ten carpels, each containing one lens-shaped seed.Part used ? Root, berries.Action: Alterative, cathartic.
Chronic rheumatism and skin diseases. Of some use in dyspepsia. Action of root stronger than berries. For rheumatism the root is often compounded with Black Cohosh and Wintergreen.Preparation and dosage vary considerably with the condition of the root. Thurston, Hammer and other physio-medical practitioners recommend that only the green root should be used, owing to, rapid deterioration. These herbalists use the fresh root largely in hardening of the liver and reduced biliary flow.... poke rootMild analgesics:– Black Cohosh, Black Willow, Catnep, Chamomile, Cowslip root (Bio-Strath), Cramp bark, Devil’s Claw, Gelsemium, Guaiacum, Hops, Jamaican Dogwood, Ladyslipper, Lobelia, Passion flower, Rosemary, Skullcap, St John’s Wort, Skunk Cabbage, Valerian, White Willow bark, Wild Lettuce, Wild Yam, Wintergreen, Yerbe Mate tea, Poke root, White Poplar.
Skullcap, Mistletoe, Valerian and Feverfew are herbs of choice. All four are believed to have an anti- prostaglandin effect, the first three given in combination; the latter (Feverfew) appearing to work best singly. ... analgesics - pain-relievers - anodynes
Some essential oils are natural antibiotics. Others: Blue Flag root, Buchu, Chaparral, Butterbur, Echinacea, Feverfew, Garlic, Goldenseal, Holy Thistle, Horse Radish (Vogel), Juniper berries, Myrrh, Nasturtium, Poke root, Red Clover, Watercress (Vogel), Wild Indigo, Wild Thyme.
Vitamin C is a powerful antibiotic (1-2g daily).
ANTI-INFLAMMATORIES. A group of agents known to reduce inflammation. Action is not to suppress but to enable tissue to return to normal on the strength of its own resources. Some members of the group are helpful for chronic conditions such as polyarthritis and rheumatism caused by a sub-acute inflammation going on quietly over a long time. Others work by blocking prostaglandin synthesis. General. Chamomile (German, Roman), Cowslip root, Fennel, Feverfew, Heartsease, Mistletoe, Turmeric, Yellow Dock.
Specific. Bistort (bowel). Comfrey (bones). Devil’s Claw (muscles). St John’s Wort (nerve tissue). Lignum vitae (rheumatic joints). Poke root (lymph vessels). Eyebright (conjunctivitis: topical as an eye lotion). Horsechestnut (anus). Bogbean (liver and gall bladder).
Steroid-like action. Ginseng, Black Cohosh, Black Haw, Liquorice, Wild Yam.
Aspirin-like action. Birch, Black Willow bark, Meadowsweet, White Poplar bark, White Willow bark, Wintergreen.
Some types of inflammation may be reduced by herbs that stimulate the eliminatory organs – lungs, bowel, skin and kidneys. A timely enema may reduce a high temperature with inflammation, to expel toxins and unload an over-loaded bowel; (Dandelion root, Parsley root, Sarsaparilla).
ANTI-INFLAMMATION FORMULA. (Biostrath). Drops containing cultures combined with extracts derived from medicinal plants possessing known therapeutic properties: Arnica, Bryony, Balm, Chamomile, Horseradish, Marigold, Hypericum, Echinacea.
Indications: colic, inflammation of the alimentary tract. ... anti-infectives
Aromatherapy oils: Borneol, Cinnamon, Eucalyptus, Juniper, Cloves, Lavender, Niaouli, Pine, Rosemary, Thyme, Ylang Ylang.
In present practice: (General) Abscess root, Black Catechu, Boldo, Barberry, Bearberry, Balm of Gilead, Buchu, Blood root, Composition powder or essence, Cudweed, Eucalyptus, Echinacea, Garlic, Goldenrod, Juniper, German Chamomile, Marigold, Myrrh, Oak bark, Peppermint, Onion, Peruvian bark, Poke root, Poplar (white), Rosemary, Sage, Sarsaparilla, Saw Palmetto, Southernwood, Thyme, Wild Indigo, Wild Thyme, White Willow bark, Wintergreen.
Eyes: Marigold, German Chamomile.
Intestines: Goldenseal, German Chamomile.
Lymph glands: Poke root, Echinacea, Garlic, Sarsaparilla, Wild Indigo.
Mucous membranes: Goldenseal, Myrrh, Echinacea, Sarsaparilla.
Genital system: Saw Palmetto, Goldenseal.
Nose: Eucalyptus (oil) injection.
Respiratory system: Balm of Gilead, Cudweed, Pine (oil of).
Skin: Myrrh, Cinnamon, Goldenseal, Sphagnum
Moss, Marigold; Oils of Garlic, Thyme, Sage,
Juniper, Blood root, Marigold.
Throat and mouth: Poke root, Goldenseal, Cinnamon, Sage.
Urinary system: Barberry, Bearberry, Boldo, Couch Grass, Echinacea, Juniper, Meadowsweet (mild), Onion, Wild Indigo, Yarrow. ... antiseptics
Symptoms. Morning stiffness and pain wearing off later. Easy fatigue and decline in health. Nodules on surface of bones (elbows, wrists, fingers). Joint fluids (synovia) appear to be the object of attack for which abundant Vitamin C is preventative. Anaemia and muscle wasting call attention to inadequate nutrition, possibly from faulty food habits for which liver and intestine herbs are indicated.
Treatment. Varies in accord with individual needs. May have to be changed many times before progress is made. Whatever treatment is prescribed, agents should have a beneficial effect upon the stomach and intestines to ensure proper absorption of active ingredients. (Meadowsweet)
It is a widely held opinion that the first cause of this condition is a bacterial pathogen. An anti- inflammatory herb should be included in each combination of agents at the onset of the disease. See: ANTI-INFLAMMATORY HERBS. Guaiacum (Lignum vitae) and Turmeric (Curcuma longa) have a powerful anti-inflammatory action and have no adverse effects upon bone marrow cells or suppress the body’s immune system. Breast feeding cuts RA death rate.
Of therapeutic value according to the case. Agrimony, Angelica root, Balmony, Black Cohosh (particularly in presence of low back pain and sciatica), Bogbean, Boldo, Burdock, Celery, Cramp bark, Devil’s Claw, Echinacea (to cleanse and stimulate lymphatic system), Ginseng (Korean), Ginseng (Siberian), Liquorice, Meadowsweet, Poke root, Prickly Ash bark, White Poplar bark, White Willow bark, Wild Yam.
Tea. Formula. Equal parts. Alfalfa, Bogbean, Nettles. 1 heaped teaspoon to each cup boiling water; infuse 5-10 minutes, 1 cup thrice daily.
Decoction. Prickly Ash bark 1; Cramp bark 1; White Willow bark 2. Mix. 1oz to 1 pint water gently simmered 20 minutes. Dose: Half-1 cup thrice daily.
Tablets/capsules. Black Cohosh, Celery, Cramp bark, Devil’s Claw, Feverfew, Poke root, Prickly Ash, Wild Yam, Ligvites.
Alternative formulae:– Powders. White Willow bark 2; Devil’s Claw 1; Black Cohosh half; Ginger quarter. Mix. Dose: 750mg (three 00 capsules or half a teaspoon) thrice daily.
Liquid extracts. White Willow bark 2; Wild Yam half; Liquorice half; Guaiacum quarter. Mix. Dose: 1-2 teaspoons thrice daily.
Tinctures. Cramp bark 1; Bogbean 1; Prickly Ash half; Meadowsweet 1; Fennel half. Mix. Dose: 1-3 teaspoons thrice daily.
Ligvites. (Gerard House)
Cod Liver oil. Contains organic iodine, an important factor in softening-up fibrous tissue, to assist metabolism of uric-acid, help formation of haemoglobin, dilate blood vessels; all related to arthritics. The oil, taken internally, can reach and nourish cartilage by the process of osmosis; its constituents filter into cartilage and impart increased elasticity.
Topical. Evening Primrose oil, Wintergreen lotion, Comfrey poultice. Hydrotherapy: hot fomentations of Hops, Chamomile or Ragwort. Cold water packs: crushed ice or packet of frozen peas in a damp towel applied daily for 10 minutes for stiffness and pain. See: MASSAGE OIL.
Aromatherapy. Massage oils, any one: Cajeput, Juniper, Pine or Rosemary. 6 drops to 2 teaspoons Almond oil.
Supportives: under-water massage, brush baths, sweat packs, Rosemary baths, exposure of joints to sunlight.
Diet. Low salt, low fat, oily fish, Mate tea, Dandelion coffee. On exacerbation of the disease cut out all dairy products.
Supplements. Daily. Evening Primrose capsules: four 500mg; Vitamin C (1-3g); Bromelain 250mg between meals; Zinc 25mg.
General. Residence in a warm climate. Yoga. Disability and deformity may be avoided by a conscientious approach to the subject. ... arthritis – rheumatoid
BURSITIS. Tendinitis. Inflammation of a bursa – a soft-tissue elastic sac between bones that glide over one another, as in elbow and shoulder. Contains a little fluid, its purpose being to form a cushion against friction. In the knee-joint it is known as ‘housemaid’s knee’; over the hips as ‘weaver’s bottom’, joints becoming red, hot and painful.
Deposits of calcium may thicken walls and form a focus of pressure, causing pain. Relief comes when the swelling disperses or bursts. In the 60-70 age group rupture of tendons is a frequent cause. Bursitis accounts for two-thirds of shoulder pains. Neglected, it may progress to ‘frozen shoulder’ in later life. Teas. Celery seeds, Comfrey leaf, Nettles, Wintergreen.
Tablets/capsules. Prickly Ash, Lobelia, Wild Yam, Helonias.
Alternative formulae:– Powders. Turmeric 2; Prickly Ash 1; Cayenne quarter. Mix. Dose: 500mg (two 00 capsules or one-third teaspoon) thrice daily.
Liquid extracts. Equal parts: Black Cohosh, Devil’s Claw, Turmeric. Mix. Dose: 30-60 drops thrice daily.
Tinctures. White Willow bark 2; Prickly Ash bark 1; Wild Yam 1; Capsicum quarter. Mix. Dose: 2 teaspoons thrice daily.
Cider vinegar. 2-3 teaspoons to glass of water 2-3 times daily.
Topical. Apply strapping plaster to arrest swelling. See: FOMENTATIONS. POTATO. BRAN OR COMFREY ROOT POULTICE.
Aromatherapy. Cajeput, Chamomile, Origans, Rosemary. 6 drops of any one oil in 2 teaspoons Almond oil for massage.
Diet. See: DIET – GENERAL.
Supplements. Vitamin A. Vitamin C (3-4g). Vitamin E (400iu). Zinc 15mg.
General. Cold packs. Compression bandages. Gentle massage under the knee where knee joint is involved. For septic bursa add Echinacea to internal medication or apply ointment. For drainage, aspiration is sometimes necessary. Protect knees with knee-pads. Turmeric acquires reputation for relief. ... bush tea
Alternatives. Bladderwrack, Bogbean, Cayenne, Dandelion, Black Cohosh (especially after violent exercise), Ginger, Horseradish, Sweet Chestnut, St John’s Wort, Rosemary.
Tea. Celery seed.
Tablets/capsules. Black Cohosh, Celery, White Willow, Devil’s Claw, Ligvites, Wild Yam.
Alternative formulae:– Powders. Formula. White Willow 2; Cramp bark half; Guaiacum quarter; Liquorice quarter. Mix. 500mg (two 00 capsules or one-third teaspoon) thrice daily.
Liquid Extracts. Formula. Rosemary 1; St John’s Wort 1; Black Cohosh half; Valerian half. Mix. Dose: 30-60 drops thrice daily.
Tinctures. Formula. Dandelion 2; Celery 1; Bogbean 1. Fennel half. Dose: 1-2 teaspoons thrice daily. Topical. Aromatherapy. 2 drops each, Origan (Wild Marjoram), Scots Pine, Rosemary, to 2 teaspoons vegetable oil (Almond, etc). Massage. Capsicum liniment.
Poultice. Leaves of Lobelia, Ragwort or Wintergreen.
Analgesic cream. Hot Epsom Salts bath, once weekly.
Diet. Lacto-vegetarian. Oily fish. Dandelion coffee.
Supplements. Daily. Vitamin B6 (50mg), C (500mg), Calcium Pantothenate (500mg), Dolomite. ... fibrositis
Deficiency. May lead to disorders of arteries or kidneys; brittle bones, pre-menstrual tension, heart disease, muscle cramps, hypoglycaemia, insomnia, palpitation, tremor of hands or lower limbs; anorexia, anxiety, depression, tiredness, dizziness, confusion. Studies reveal that two-thirds of patients with peripheral vascular disease are magnesium-deficient. Absorption is blocked by the contraceptive pill, a high milk or high fat intake. Chronic fatigue syndrome.
Heart attack. “An imbalance in the Magnesium/Calcium ratio may contribute to myocardial infarction.” (Dr H.J. Holtmeier, University of Freiburg, Germany)
Body effects. Co-ordination of nerves and muscles. Healthy teeth and bones. This metal activates more enzymes in the body than any other mineral. Heart patients on Digoxin have less palpitation when magnesium level is normal.
Sources. Most foods. Meat, milk, eggs, seafood, nuts (peanuts etc), brown rice, wheatbran, cocoa, Soya beans and flour, almonds, walnuts, maize, oats.
Fruits: apples, avocado, bananas, black grapes, seeds.
Herbs: Bladderwrack, Black Willow bark, Broom, Carrot leaves, Devil’s Bit, Dulse, Dandelion, Gotu Kola, Kale, Kelp, Meadowsweet, Mistletoe, Mullein, Okra, Parsley, Peppermint, Primrose flowers, Rest Harrow, Silverweed, Skunk Cabbage, Toadflax, Walnut leaves, Watercress, Wintergreen. Teas made from any of this list can be effective for low-grade magnesium deficiency.
RDA 300mg: 450mg (pregnant women and nursing mothers). ... magnesium
Causes: referred pain from a disordered abdominal organ, displacement of pelvis, lumbosacral spine, slipped disc and lumbar spondylosis. See: LUMBAR INTERVERTEBRAL DISC PROLAPSE.
Paget’s disease or lumbago not associated with sciatica (radiating pain down the back of the leg via the sciatic nerve).
Symptoms. Local tenderness, reduced range of movement, muscle spasm. Usually better by rest; worse by movement.
Differential diagnosis: exclude other pelvic disorders such as structural bony displacements, infection from other organs, carcinoma of the womb or prostate gland. Pain in the small of the back may indicate kidney disease or stone. See: KIDNEY DISEASE, GYNAECOLOGICAL PROBLEMS.
Frequent causes: varicosities of the womb and pelvis. These are identical to varicose veins elsewhere, venous circulation being congested. Pressure on a vein from the ovaries may manifest as lumbago – treatment is the same as for varicose veins.
Root cause of the pain should be traced where possible. As most cases of backache defy accurate diagnosis the following general treatments are recommended. For more specific treatments, reference should be made to the various subdivisions of rheumatic disorders. See: RHEUMATIC AND ARTHRITIC DISORDERS, ANKYLOSING SPONDYLITIS, etc.
Alternatives. Barberry (commended by Dr Finlay Ellingwood), Black Cohosh, Bogbean, Buchu, Burdock, Celery, Devil’s Claw, Horsetail, St John’s Wort (tenderness of spine to the touch), White Willow, Wild Yam (muscle spasm).
Celery tea. Barberry tea. See entries.
Decoction. Formula. White Willow 3; Wild Yam 2; Juniper half; Valerian half. Prepare: 3 heaped 5ml teaspoons to 1 pint (500ml) water; simmer gently 15-20 minutes. Dose: 1 wineglassful (100ml or 3fl oz) thrice daily.
Tablets/capsules. Black Cohosh, Celery, Devil’s Claw, Wild Yam, Ligvites.
Formula. Devil’s Claw 2; Black Cohosh 1; Valerian 1; Juniper half. Mix. Dose: Powders: 500mg (two 00 capsules or one-third teaspoon). Liquid extracts: 1 teaspoon. Tinctures: 2 teaspoons. Action is enhanced where dose is taken in cup Dandelion coffee, otherwise a little water.
Practitioner. Tincture Black Cohosh 4; Tincture Arnica 1. Mix. Dose: 10-20 drops, thrice daily. Black Cohosh and Arnica are two of the most positive synergists known to scientific herbalism. Both are specific for striped muscle tissue. Common disorders of the voluntary muscles quickly respond. (James A. Cannon MD, Pickens, SC, USA)
Practitioner: alternative. Tincture Gelsemium. 10 drops to 100ml water; dose, 1 teaspoon every 2 hours. Topical. Castor oil pack at night. Warm fomentations of Lobelia and Hops. Warm potato poultice. Cayenne salve. Camphorated, Jojoba or Evening Primrose oil. Lotion: equal parts tinctures: Lobelia, Ragwort and St John’s Wort; mix: 10-20 drops on cotton wool or suitable material and applied to affected area. Arnica lotion. Wintergreen.
Chiropractic technique. Ice and low back pain. Patient lies on his stomach with two pillows under abdomen, the low back in an arched position. Apply ice-bag or packet of peas from the freezer on top of lumbar area; pillow on top to hold ice firm. Patient not to lie or sit on ice-pack.
Diet. Oily fish.
Supplements. Daily. Vitamin B-complex, Vitamin C (500mg); Vitamin D 500iu; Vitamin E (400iu). Dolomite. Niacin.
Supportives. Bedrest in acute stage. Diathermy. Spinal support. Relaxation techniques to reduce muscle tension. ... lumbago
Massage oils. (1) Oil Eucalyptus 13 per cent; Oil Scots pine 9 per cent; Camphor 3 per cent; Sunflower oil 75 per cent. (Dr Alfred Vogel)
(2) Tincture Capsicum; essential oils of Camphor. Thyme, Cajeput, Terebinth, in a base of Sunflower seed oil. (David Williams)
(3) Rheumatism. 1 drop Oil Juniper; 2 drops Oil Rosemary; 1 drop Oil Sassafras. Two teaspoons Almond oil. Massage affected muscles and joints and cover with a moist hot towel 2-3 times daily.
(4) Backache. 30 drops Oil Rosemary; 20 drops Oil Peppermint; 10 drops Oil Eucalyptus; 10 drops Oil Mustard: 20 drops Oil Juniper; 50 drops Tincture Cayenne (Capsicum). Mix. Shake briskly; store in a cool place. Heat and apply warm. The old Golden Fire oil.
(5) Aromatherapy. It is usual practice to combine 6 drops essential oil to 10ml (2 teaspoons) Almond or other vegetable oil. Anti-inflammatory and pain-easing combination: Lavender, Thyme, Hypericum and Yarrow.
(6) European traditional. Oil Camphor 7; Oil Cloves 2; Oil Wintergreen 3; Oil Eucalyptus 3; Oil Origanum 3. Mix. General purposes: pain, stiffness, backache, sciatica, lumbago.
(7) Olbas oil.
(8) Weleda Massage oil (Arnica, Lavender and Rosemary).
Tonic. Gently thump the centre of the chest seven times with the closed fist to stimulate the thymus gland, activate the immune system and help loosen congestion in the lungs.
Note: Massage also has a beneficial effect upon the mind. The sense of touch helps release physical and emotional tensions and has a place in mental health and well-being.
Lymphatic massage. A specific form of massage concentrated on the lymph glands to stimulate their activity and assist expulsion of toxins from the body.
Massage should never be carried out on patients with thrombosis and blood-clotting problems, varicose veins or inflammation of the veins. ... massage
In the chest. When in the gullet it can closely resemble pain in the heart and can be mistaken for angina. Gullet pain, worse by acid and hot drinks, is always a background pain and fails to resolve after exercise. See: OESOPHAGEAL SPASM.
Aching muscles. Bio-strath Willow Formula.
In the hips. Ligvites. (Gerard House)
Ovarian. See: OVARIES.
Fibrositis, polymyalgia. Low degree pain in muscles. Any one:– Black Cohosh, Devil’s Claw, Wild Lettuce, Wild Yam, Wintergreen, Lavender, Parsley, Fenugreek seeds, Meadowsweet, German Chamomile.
In the chest. (Lungs) Balm of Gilead. (Heart) Motherwort. Breast. Evening Primrose oil.
Spine. St John’s Wort.
Aching teeth. Oil of Cloves.
Lumbago, sciatica, backache. Bio-Strath Willow formula.
Gout, rheumatism, osteo-arthritis. Poultice or compress – Comfrey, Plantain leaves, Olbas oil, Weleda Massage oil.
The acute abdomen. Carminative herbs for flatulent colic.
Pain in bowels. (Internal) Wild Yam, Cinnamon, Ginger, Caraway. (External) Cold-pack with Castor oil, Chamomile poultice.
Sprains, bruises. 5 drops Oil of Camphor to egg-cup Olive oil, rub-in relief.
Facial stabbing pains. Plantain, Chamomile, Rosemary, or Wintergreen (external) compress, lotion, tincture.
Womb. Raspberry leaf/Motherwort tea (equal parts), internal.
Head. Feverfew, Skullcap, Passion flower.
Nerve pains. Valerian. Jamaica Dogwood.
See: ANALGESICS, ANTISPASMODICS, NEURALGIA, PLEURODYNIA, etc.
Aromatherapy. Combine, equal parts Oils of Clove, Sassafras and Camphor. Add 10 drops to egg-cup Olive oil: use as a rub for aching muscles and stiff joints.
Drugs suppress pain without necessarily removing the underlying cause. The natural response to pain is to tighten, but if the patient lets go and relaxes into it, then he finds he can better control it. ... pain
FAMILY: Betulaceae
SYNONYMS: B. capinefolia, cherry birch, southern birch, mahogany birch, mountain mahogany.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION: A graceful tree about 25 metres high which has a pyramidal shape while young. It has bright green leaves and a dark reddish-brown aromatic bark, which is broken into plates or patches.
DISTRIBUTION: Native to southern Canada and southeastern USA; produced mainly in Pennsylvania.
OTHER SPECIES: There are numerous species of birch, spanning several continents, such as black birch (B. nigra) found in North America. Not to be confused with the European white birch (B. alba), which produces birch tar oil used in chronic skin diseases.
HERBAL/FOLK TRADITION: The cambium (the layer directly under the bark) is eaten in the spring, cut into strips like vermicelli. The bark, in the form of an infusion, is used as a general stimulant and to promote sweating. As a decoction or syrup, it is used as a tonic for dysentery and is said to be useful in genito-urinary irritation. The flavour of wintergreen and birch bark, in the form of a tea, was popular with the American Indians and European settlers. More recently, this has been translated into a preference for ‘root beer’ flavourings.
ACTIONS: Analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, antirheumatic, antiseptic, astringent, depurative, diuretic, rubefacient, tonic.
EXTRACTION: Essential oil by steam distillation of the bark macerated in warm water.
CHARACTERISTICS: Colourless, pale yellow or reddish tinted liquid with an intense, sweet-woody, wintergreen-like scent.
PRINCIPAL CONSTITUENTS: Almost entirely methyl salicylate (98 per cent), produced during the maceration process. It is almost identical in composition to wintergreen oil.
SAFETY DATA: Methyl salicylate, the major constituent, is not exactly toxic but very harmful in concentration.’ It can be absorbed through the skin, and fatal poisoning via this route has been reported.’. ’ It is also classed as an enviromental hazard or marine pollutant.
AROMATHERAPY/HOME: USE None.
OTHER USES: Limited use as a counter-irritant in anti-arthritic and antineuralgic ointments and analgesic balms. Limited use as a fragrance component in cosmetics and perfumes; extensively used as a flavouring agent, especially ‘root beer’, chewing gum, toothpaste, etc. (usually very low-level use).... birch, sweet
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