Survival 101: Herbal Remedies.

Heheheh sorry about slow updates...I have a good reason REALLY i do for once.
1. I was learning more on energy (chi balls etc..)
2. I was drawing...ALOT. (blame homestuck.)
3. i was rewriting a fiction story on my winged friends.
So i was pretty busy. Not to mention i fucked up my knee really bad. it was swollen to the size of a grapefruit, the swelling is still going down slowly.

but heres the actual post.
Ill post more often. i hope.

Herbal remedies 101

When working with herbs you must use GREAT care in picking them, some are best picked in the morning when the dew is still on the leaves or petals. and decide before you pick them wether you want to freeze them, dry them or use them fresh. if your using them fresh immediately do what you wish, turn them into a (hehe) tonic, a poultice, a tea etc... I'll explain how to make those later on in this post.

if your freexing them then bag them up and write todays date (INCLUDING YEAR) on them, herbs last up to a year frozen, before they lose their nutrients.
if your drying them then put them in a warm place perferably out in the sun. and leave them there for as long as it takes or them to be dry of all water.

a poultice is a peice of cloth with a herb paste in it thats applied to the skin. heres the way to make both dry and fresh poultices:
NOTE: UNLESS USING CHICKWEED APPLY POULTICE WARM. (chickweed poultices heat up as they draw out infection, making them easy to use. take them off when their hot) TAKE OFF WHEN COOL.

fresh
mash the herb(s) of your choice into a paste. put on a peice of  gauze and apply to injured area. let sit for 30 min - an hour depending on the herb.

dried
pour a small amount of water into the herbs untill it becomes a pastelike substance and apply to wounds.

PICKING YOUR HERBS
each herb has its different uses. some more important then others. Dandelion can be used to draw out infection, honey can be used to help sore throats, etc..
Always look up your herbs before using them.
heres a table



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Name	Poisonous?	Use?	Where does it grow?	How to use it?
Dandelions	No.	Flower oil for belly aches, root ground as substitute for coffee, leaves and roots used for teas to soothe skin, help the liver, soothe muscle aches,	Everywhere	Eat or use in tea.
Burdock	No.	Leaves when applied to wounds draw out infection, root as a blood purifier if eaten. Seeds should NOT be used.	Most places	Used on wounds or eaten.
Alfalfa	No.	Eliminates retained water, relieves urinary and bowel problems, helps in treating recuperation of narcotic and alcohol addiction. Used in treating anemia, fatigue, kidneys, peptic ulcers, pituitary problems, and for building general health. Placed in a small jar and kept in a pantry or cabinet, it protects the home from poverty and hunger. Burn alfalfa and scatter the ashes around the property to protect it.	Alfalfa is cultivated in many regions of the world. It is not picky as to soils, prefers full sun, and regular waterings, although it will tolerate dry spells. It is a perennial that grows to 1 to 3 feet tall, depending upon growing conditions.	Eaten, made into a paste and used on skin.
All Spice	No.	Allspice is used as a paste to soothe and relieve toothache, and as a mouthwash to freshen the breath. Allspice encourages healing, and is used in mixtures to ask for money and good fortune.	Allspice comes from a tree that grows in Central and South America and the Caribbean, and prefers those climates. Or in a cupboard	Pasted or eaten.
Aloe Vera	No.	The gel of the inner part of an aloe leaf is used to treat burns, skin rashes, and insect bites, as well as chafed nipples from breastfeeding, when applied to the affected area externally. Internally it can be used to keep the bowels functioning smoothly, or when there is an impaction, although it can cause intestinal cramping when taken internally, and there are other herbs that do this job better. It aids in healing wounds by drawing out infection, and preventing infection from starting. The fresh gel is best to use, rather than "stabilized" gels found in the stores. The fresh gel was used by Cleopatra to keep her skin soft and young.	Best grown indoors in pots. Those living in the deep South, as in southern Texas or southern Florida, can grow aloe outdoors. Remember that Aloe is a succulent, not a cactus, so it needs water to keep the leaves fleshy and juicy. Also can be found at stores for burns.	Rubbed or eaten
Apples	No.	Apples are used to treat constipation. The pectin in fresh apples can help to lower cholesterol levels, an aid in treating heart disease. Crushed apple leaves can be rubbed on a fresh wound to prevent infection. Apple blossoms are used in love and healing incenses. An apple should be given to a lover as a present - you should eat one half, the lover the other. It is given as an offering on Samhain to the dead, since it is a symbol of immortality. Apple wood is used to make magickal wands. Pouring apple cider on the ground in your garden before you plant gives the earth life.	Everywhere.	Eaten or blossoms burned
Basil	No.	Basil is used to treat stomach cramps, vomiting, fevers, colds, flu, headaches, whooping cough, and menstrual pains. It is also used to reduce stomach acid, making it a valuable part of any treatment for ulcers, and a valuable addition to any recipe using tomatoes for those with sensitive stomachs. Externally, it can be used for insect bites, to draw out the poisons. It has been used in other countries to eliminate worms from the intestines, and the oil from basil leaves is applied directly to the skin to treat acne. Basil protects from evil and negativity, and aids in attracting and keeping love. It is used for purification baths, and in wealth and prosperity rituals. Carrying a basil leaf in your pocket brings wealth, and if powdered basil is sprinked over your mate while they sleep, it is supposed to eliminate infidelity from your marriage.	gardens	Teas, eaten, rubbing the pulp.
Blackberry	No.	A syrup made from the root is used to treat diarrhea and upset stomach (good for treating children). An infusion of the leaves is good for treating diarrhea and sore throat. Blackberry leaves are used in money spells, as are the berries.	Blackberries are perennial vines that grow in many areas, depending on the variety. They require full sun, ver good air circulation, fertile soil that is kept moist, not soggy. Do not grow where you have grown other fruits or vegetables, to avoid transferring diseases to the young vines. Some varieties need pollinators, so check with your local nurseries to find a variety best suited to your needs and climate.	Eaten can be used as dyes
Catnip/ Cat mint	No.	Catnip is effective alone or in herbal remedies for colds, flu, fevers, upset stomach, and insomnia. Particularly good for children with upset stomachs in a very mild infusion. Use the large leaves, well dried, to mark pages in magickal books. Use in conjunction with rose petals in love sachets. It will also create a psychic bond between you and your cat. Grow near your home to attract luck and good spirits.	Catnip will grow in most soils, and tends to enjoy a bit of the dry spells once it is established. It grows throughout North America, and is a perennial reaching to 3 feet high.	Eaten or used in tea.
Dill	No.	Dill is used to treat colic, gas and indigestion.	Dill grows in gardens and perfers regular waterings.	Eaten.
Garlic	No.	Garlic is a powerful natural antibiotic. It can stimulate cell growth and activity. It reduces blood pressure in hypertensive conditions. A main advantage to using garlic for its antibiotic properties is that it does not destroy the body's natural flora. It is excellent for use in all colds and infections of the body. When ingesting the raw cloves, a sprig of parsley chewed immediately after will freshen the breath.	Garlic is a perennial herb that likes moderate soil and lots of sun and warmth. The plant grows to 2 feet tall. The bulb is the most common used portion, although the greens are often used in salads	Eaten
Ginger	No.	Ginger is an excellent herb to use for strengthening and healing the respiratory system, as well as for fighting off colds and flu. It removes congestion, soothes sore throats, and relieves headaches and body aches. Combined with other herbs, it enhances their effectiveness. It is also very effective in combating motion sickness. Recommended during pregnancy for treating morning sickness and digestive problems, as well as safe to use during pregnancy for colds and sore throats.	Ginger grows through most of North America. It reaches to 6 inches high, and is a perennial. The ground root is the part used for healing.	Eaten or used for tea.
Ivy	No.	Rub on wounds to heal.	North America	Rubbing treatment or boiled.
Juniper	No.	Juniper has been used to clear uric acid from the body. It is high in natural insulin, and has the ability to heal the pancreas where there has been no permanent damage. It is useful for all urinary infections and for water retention problems. Juniper is used externally as a compress to treat acne, athlete's foot, and dandruff. Can be used as incense	Junipers of all species are adaptable to many growing conditions. They are low-maintenance plants. Choose a species suited to your landscape needs, to avoid problems later, as some folks plant them with no regard for their eventual size, and sometime find they have a nuisance on their hands as the plant matures. If you want berries, you must plant a male and a female juniper	Eaten or Externally used
Kelp	No.	Kelp is used to strengthen and promote the glands. It controls the thyroid and regulates metabolism. It is a sustainer to the nervous system and the brain, and is a terrific boost for pregnancy and the developing child. It contains over 30 minerals and vitamins.	Ocean	Eaten
Nutmeg	No.	A small amount of nutmeg, about the size of a pea, can be taken once daily over a long period (6 months to a year) to relieve chronic nervous problems, as well as heart problems stemming from poor circulation. Added to milk, and baked fruits and desserts, it aids in digestion, and relieves nausea. Large doses can be poisonous, and may cause miscarriage for pregnant women.	Over the counter	Eaten
Poppy	No.	Pain, insomnia, nervousness, chronic coughs. Seeds are the most powerful when chewed then spit out.	Found many places. Flower shops.	Chew seeds then spit out.
Queen anne's lace	No.	Queen Anne's Lace is used for treating gallstones and kidney stones, as well as water retention and strains and sprains. It is also called Wild Carrot.	Most places	Eaten or externally used.
Raspberry	No.	Red Raspberry is one of the most proven female herbs. It strengthens the uterine wall during pregnancy, reduces the pain of childbirth, and helps to reduce false labor pains. After childbirth it is used to decrease uterine swelling and cut down on post-partum bleeding. It is used to ease menstrual cramps and to regulate the flow during menstruation. It is also good for vomiting in small children, and dysentery and diarrhea in infants.	Wild or locally grown	Eaten or used in tea.
Rosemary	No.	Rosemary is a stimulant of the circulatory system. It is used to treat bites and stings externally. Internally it is used to treat migraines, bad breath, and to stimulate the sexual organs. It is also used to treat nervous disorders, upset stomachs, and is used to regulate the menstrual cycle and to ease cramps. Mix the crushed leaves generously into meats, fish, potato salads, etc. at your next picnic to prevent food poisoning. The essential oil is used in aromatherapy as an inhalant and decongestant, and to enhance memory and clear concentration. It is also used in lotions to ease arthritis and muscle pain.	Most places.	Eaten, incense, tea.
Sage	No.	Sage is used to relieve excess mucous buildup. It is beneficial to the mind by easing mental exhaustion and by strengthening the concentrating abilities. In a lotion or salve, it is useful for treating sores and skin eruptions, and for stopping bleeding in all cuts. Chewing the fresh leaves soothes mouth sores and sore throats, as will sage tea. It is good for all stomach troubles, diarrhea, gas, flu and colds. As a hair rinse, it removes dandruff. Sage combined with peppermint, rosemary, and wood betony provides an excellent headache remedy. It is used to regulate the menstrual cycle, to decrease milk flow in lactating women, aids in treating hot flashes, and is used as a deodorant.	Most places in N. America.	Incense, tea, externally, eaten.
Thyme	No.	Thyme is a powerful antiseptic. It is used in cases of anemia, bronchial ailments, and intestinal disturbances. It is used as an antiseptic against tooth decay, and destroys fungal infections as in athlete's foot and skin parasites such as crabs and lice. It is good for colic, flatulence, and colds.	Most places. Gardens.	Eaten.
Walnut	No.	Walnut bark is used to treat dysentery and skin diseases. The nut is used to promote strength and weight gain. The ground hull of the nut is used to treat skin diseases, herpes, head and body lice, and internal parasites. Walnut leaf is used to treat eczema, hives, and boils. Diluted walnut oil is used to treat dandruff. A strong decoction of walnut leaves, painted around doorways and woodwork, will repel ants.
Willow	No.	Willow works like aspirin. In fact, aspirin was derived from willow bark. It is also used to cleanse and heal eyes that are infected or inflamed. It is safe to use, and is mild on the stomach and leaves no after-effects.	Willows prefer damp, low spaces, as a long rivers and streams, or areas that receive regular water. They grow throughout North America. It grows to 70 feet or more	Eaten.
Yellow Dock	No.	Yellow Dock is a powerful blood purifier and astringent. It is used in treating all diseases of the blood and skin. It is very high in iron, making it useful for treating anemia. It nourishes the spleen and liver, detoxifies the liver, and cleanses and enriches the blood.	America	Eaten

Hope it helps
Moonstone out.