Comfrey is the compost enricher par excellence. Its chemical composition is almost the same as that of farmyard manure, and its high natural calcium and nitrogen content and its quick decomposition make it a very necessary addition to each bin of compost. I build up my bins in layers as spent material becomes available, then turn the contents into a second bin, mixing comfrey leaves and stalks, well chopped, through the pile as I do so. Dolomite and a layer of sandy soil are spread through at intervals, and at the same time I add to the bin other herbs in varying quantities.

Yarrow is the catalyst. Work done in England and West Germany has proved that a “homeopathic dose” of 1 part in 10,000 of yarrow, added to each bin, is the most effective quantity. One or two tiny leaves, snipped finely and well-mixed through, are enough to “send off” about one or two cubic yards of compost material. Larger quantities of yarrow do not improve this process. On the contrary, they are not as speedy. So have faith, and add only this minute quantity.

Camomile is very rich in natural calcium, and essential for a “healthy” compost bin. It will stop excessive acidification, and keep the decomposing material sweet as well. Valerian, a little-known herb, is another asset to the soil. It stimulates phosphorus activity in the earth around it, and added to the compost is very valuable. Tansy, with its high proportion of potassium, ensures this necessary element is present, too, in large quantities. Nettles, the stinging little monsters often found around poultry farms, give their contribution of iron, and a catalytic action as well. Dandelion is another potent source of minerals, and can be added as often as you feel impelled to root it out of pathways or flowerbeds.

Add the green parts of all these herbs and the flowers as well if you have them. Roots are perhaps better left out, unless you are an experienced compost-maker; there will be less chance of incomplete breakdown. My own compost bins are ready about six weeks after the herbs are added and mixed well through, and a coarse sweet-smelling black organic “stew” is then ready to be spread over the soil and lightly dug in.

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About this time, the German, Paracelsus, propounded his Doctrine of Signatures: his belief that the appearance and general characteristics of plants gave clues to their possible uses for the health of man.

Opinions about him were, and still are, divided, some hailing him as a genius, some as a charlatan. He studied the characteristics of plants and flowers, and related them to various parts of the human body. All manner of signs and habits of growth were noted as indications to possible uses: even the slow growth or the fecundity of a flower was related to treating human sterility or “over-abundance”. Even the external general appearance of a plant (e.g. garlic and chives, spear-shaped, will ward off general ill-health) was sometimes taken as a sign of its properties. For the cynics among my readers: it has been found, sometimes only in the last generation, that whatever the original method of choice, and however far-fetched the theory may sound, many of the plants so chosen to heal and maintain general health do, indeed, have the required results.

One of my favourite plants is comfrey (Symphytum officinale), long known and used as a healing agent for broken bones and tissue damage, both internally and externally. Scientific analysis of its constituents reveal 0-8 to 1-2 per cent of allantoin, a cell proliferant, now synthetized and hailed as a “modern” miracle healing agent. You will find allantoin listed as an ingredient in many chemists’ proprietary lines. Why not grow your own comfrey and have its easily assimilable healing powers available right in your own back yard?

Another example of the Doctrine of Signatures is the age-old use of willow-tree bark for treatment of rheumatic complaints. It was noted by practising herbalists that the willow often grew and thrived in damp and cold conditions, the same conditions that produce so many rheumatic complaints amongst farmers and gardeners working outdoors. Analysis has shown that one active ingredient of willow bark is salicin, which, used externally, relieves and soothes the cramping fire of “the screws”.

Salicylic acid’cannot be taken internally, and it was not until 1899 that a German chemist came up with the answer—a compound called acetyl-salicylic acid, most probably better known to you as aspirin. Orthodox medicine still recommends aspirin as one of the best remedies for chronic rheumatism; it not only relieves the pain, but has a positive action on the stiff and creaky joints as well.

Time and time again, science is forced to confirm the efficacy of many natural remedies. It would appear, as the Apocrypha states, that “the Lord hath created medicines out of the earth, and he that is wise will not abhor them”.

*6\181\8*

For centuries the gipsies have used sage to darken grey hair, and here are several recipes, both modern and ancient (one comes from the Rome of Tiberius) for you to try.

1. Add 1 teaspoon of dried sage (1 tablespoon of fresh) and an equal quantity of China tea to half a pint of water in ajar. Stand the jar in a pot of boiling water for two hours, then strain and squeeze well. Rub in a little of the liquid each second day on damp hair.

2. Add a good handful of fresh sage leaves to half a pint of water just off the boil. Then add a teaspoonful of borax and allow to get cold. Dip your hairbrush in this liquid and gently brush through your locks. Repeat as often as necessary.

3. Add a good handful of fresh sage leaves, well bruised, to one pint of boiling water. Steep for about 30 minutes for a lighter colour, several hours for a darker one. Strain, and cool. Pour the sage rinse over the hair, working it well through with the fingertips or with a brush. Catch the run-off in a basin, and repeat the process several times. Gently dry off.

In the kitchen, sage is synonymous with stuffing. Most mixtures for seasoning poultry and game make use of it, not only for its aromatic flavour, but for its now lesser-known virtue of breaking down the fats and oils in the meat, thus aiding its digestion. Use it, too, with vegetables, and with cheese.

*130\181\8*

A strong tea made from the leaves and flowering tops of hyssop is used in lung, nose and throat congestion and catarrhal complaints; and externally it can be applied to bruises to reduce the swelling and discoloration.

In England an old country remedy for wounds or cuts suffered working in the fields was to apply a poultice of the bruised leaves mixed with sugar. The risk of tetanus and other infections with these often deep cuts was high, because of the manures and perhaps rusty implements with which the farmers always worked. So once again, Nature’s simple protection was called for. A black eye is another embarrassing affliction that hyssop can alleviate. Put a small bunch of the herb in a muslin or small nylon bag or twist of material, immerse in boiling water for a minute, then place on the eye as hot as is bearable. Repeat until the swelling and discoloration subside.

Several leaves of hyssop can be used to flavour soups and stews. It is a herb that will stand a longer cooking time, although it is still better to add it in the last quarter hour. The flavour of hyssop will blend well in a vegetable medley.

*100\181\8*

The plant grows from 3 to 5 feet high if wanted for its flowers. The bright blue cornflower or daisy-shaped blooms open up along the tall flowering spikes each day. The time varies with different localities, but my flowers open at sunrise and close at 2 p.m. every day. Chicory was one of the plants included in the floral clock planted by Linnaeus, that great botanist and zoologist, on which the hours were marked by different-plants opening and closing times. It has been noted that the leaves of chicory always align themselves towards the north, and those interested in theosophy and metaphysics attribute great life-giving forces to the plant. Do not confuse this chicory with the vegetable, endive, which is often mistakenly called “chicory”.

The seeds of chicory germinate easily, and keep their freshness for several years. The leaves are toothed, somewhat like the dandelion, which it resembles. If you are growing the plants as a vegetable, it is advisable to dig out a trench about 6 to 8 inches deep, and dig food and humus into the bottom layer of the trench; then set out the plants some 12 inches apart. As the leaves grow, and when about 6 to 12 leaves are showing, hill up the soil around each plant to about 5 or 6 inches, thus bringing the surface up to ground level once again. The plants need to be bleached in this way to remove the slightly bitter taste of the dark leaves.

*69\181\8*

Asthma results from a spasm of the muscles that control the opening and closing of the air passages in the lungs, whereas bronchitis is an inflammation of the air passages, usually accompanied by congestion and sometimes by infection as well. It is of course possible to suffer from both at the same time, and some remedies effective for asthma may be effective in congestive bronchitis also.

For centuries herbalists have employed plants with fairly powerful properties, such as Ephedra, Datura and Lobelia species, for treating asthma. (It was from Ephedra that the ephidrene and nor-ephidrene of modern anti-asthmatic drugs were first obtained.) These plants, however, can be extremely dangerous and should not be used other than by trained personnel.

To relieve spasmodic asthma:

3 parts Angelica root

3 parts Coltsfoot leaves

2 parts Cramp Bark

2 parts Skullcap herb

1 part Thyme herb

1 part Peppermint leaves

Combined decoction and infusion: 1/2-1 cup as required, not to exceed 3 cups per day

Thyme herb

Infusion: 1/2-1 cup as required, not to exceed 3 cups per day

Externally, some dried herbs can be smoked as cigarettes for relief from asthma. The main herbs used are Coltsfoot and/or Mullein, to which a small amount of Rosemary is sometimes added. These can also be prepared as an infusion or inhalation.

For bronchitis or bronchitic asthma:

2 parts Coltsfoot leaves

2 parts Horehound leaves

2 parts Angelica root

2 parts Mullein leaves

1 part Anise seed

1 part Thyme herb

Prepare an infusion of the above herbs and with each cupful also eat 1 fresh Garlic clove chopped and mixed with honey. Dosage: 3 cups of the infusion and 3 Garlic cloves per day. (The Garlic clove may be replaced by a Garlic Oil capsule if desired.)

Among kitchen spices usually on hand, a hot infusion or inhalation of Thyme and/or Anise will usually bring relief to bronchitis sufferers. The essential oils of several aromatic plants will also help – a few drops can be sprinkled on a handkerchief and inhaled from time to time, or added to near-boiling water and inhaled beneath a towel 3 or 4 minutes at a time, 3 times per day. Thyme, Pine, Eucalyptus and Lavender are all effective. With inhalation the volatile oils are taken directly into the lungs and bronchial passages, where their decongestant and antibacterial action is most needed.

*84/66/5*

Constipation

Where constipation is due to a lack of dietary fibre the best course of action is to increase fibre intake by eating whole-meal bread and cereals, fresh fruit and vegetables.

Where constipation is due to stress or anxiety — many people become constipated when they travel or are worried about something — relaxation therapy with nervine or antispasmodic herbs may be more appropriate and more effective. In fact anything which helps one to relax can be useful in treating ‘nervous constipation’: a hot bath, listening to music, a long walk, a day off work, etc.

1 part Dandelion root

1 part Yellow Dock root

1 part Fennel seed

1 part Liquorice root

1 part Marshmallow root

Decoction: 3 cups per days

1 part Dandelion root

1 part Yellow Dock root

Decoction: 3 cups per day

Plantain seed (or Psyllium seed)

Decoction (do not strain): drink 3 cups per day

1 part Liquorice root

1 part Anise seed

1 part Valerian root

2 parts Chickweed herb

Infusion: 3 cups per day

One simple but highly effective remedy is to wash 5 or 6 dried figs and soak them overnight in a bowl of water: eat the figs first thing in the morning, drinking the water as well.

Diarrhoea

4 parts Blackberry root bark

1 part Cinnamon bark

Decoction: up to 3 cups per day, in small doses

Blackberry leaves

Decoction: 3 or 4 cups per day, taken between meals

Cinnamon bark

Decoction: 1 cup an hour before meals

 

4 parts Cinnamon bark (powdered)

1 part Ginger root (powdered)

Dissolve 1-5 grams of the above in hot water or milk: up to 3 cups per day, in small doses

 

Yarrow herb

Raspberry leaves

Meadowsweet herb

Plantain leaves

Vervain leaves

Mullein leaves

Comfrey root

Marshmallow root

Infusion of any of the above, alone or in combination: up to 3 cups per day, in small doses

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Capsella bursa-pastoris

Action: Haemostatic, styptic, vasoconstrictor, uterine tonic, astringent, diuretic.

Systems Affected: Heart, circulation, lungs, stomach, intestines, kidneys, bladder, uterus. Preparation and Dosage (thrice daily): Fresh or dried flowering plant, dose 2-5 grams by infusion or decoction.

Shepherd’s Purse grows wild in temperate zones throughout the world. It will flourish and set seed in the poorest soil, though it may only attain a height of 10 centimeters or so. In rich soil it luxuriates and grows to 40 or 50 centimeters. Both the botanical and common names allude to the strange shape of the fruit pod, similar to the purses or pouches once hung from their belts by shepherds. Its medicinal properties have long been known and used by different cultures.

The herb acts as a vasoconstrictor and with its haemostatic properties it is considered by herbalists one of the best herbs for stopping haemorrhages of all kinds — of the stomach, lungs, kidneys or uterus. The plant has a definite effect on the uterus and is considered a specific for excessive menstruation.

To check excessive menstrual discharge and for haemorrhages: 15 to 25 grams of the fresh plant in 500 ml of water; simmer until reduced by a third and then strain; one cupful every 2 hours (in most cases bleeding is arrested after the first or second cupful).

To regularize menstruation and reduce menstrual pain (especially at puberty or menopause): 3 or 4 cupfuls per day of the decoction during the ten days preceding the expected date of menstruation.

For disturbances of the circulation (varicose veins, haemorrhoids and hypertension) and inflammation of the mucosae (respiratory, digestive or urinary): 2 to 3 cupfuls per day of the decoction for three weeks; repeat if necessary after suspending treatment for two weeks.

Shepherd’s Purse is also used to treat chronic diarrhoea and dysentery and as an external application in rheumatism. A strong decoction of the fresh or dried plant is used for its styptic and vulnerary action on external wounds, and the decoction or fresh juice is inserted on cotton wool to check bleeding from the nose.

Some authorities consider the fresh plant more active than the dried plant, but it may be used in either form. The leaves of the young plant are eaten as a vegetable in many countries.

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Humulus lupulus

Action: Sedative, antispasmodic.

Systems Affected: Nerves, digestive system.

Preparation and Dosage (thrice daily): Dried fruit (strobiles) of the female plant, dose 1-2 grams by infusion.

The Hop plant, native to northern temperate zones, is a dioecious vine which climbs up to 6 meters in height. Cultivated in Europe since mediaeval times for the manufacture of beer (to which it lends aroma and flavor plus digestive and sedative qualities), it also has a long history of use as a herbal sedative.

The plant, propagated from cuttings taken in early summer, bears both male and female flowers, the latter developing into cone-like heads of yellow-green scales covered with a resinous yellow dust known as lupulin. These cones (or strobiles) are collected before maturity in late summer to mid-autumn and dried with a gentle heat, ready for medicinal use or brewing.

Hops are employed alone or in combination with other herbs for insomnia and anxiety or restlessness. They are specific for restlessness associated with tension headache and/or nervous indigestion. They are often combined with Valerian for insomnia and with Chamomile for nervous indigestion.

Hops have some tendency to relieve pain and are of benefit in nervous spasms, neuralgia, priapism, period pain and mucous colitis.

Three cupfuls of the infusion per day, taken before meals, acts as a general tonic for convalescents. One cupful taken after meals is of benefit in slow and difficult digestion.

Externally Hops have an antibacterial action and are applied to poorly-healing wounds or ulcers.

In parts of Britain a pillow filled with Hops was a traditional remedy for sleeplessness.

*33/66/5*

 

Capsicum frutescens

Synonym, C. minimum

Action: Stimulant, antispasmodic, carminative, diaphoretic, externally rubefacient and antiseptic.

Systems Affected: Heart, circulation, stomach, intestines, nerves, general effects on the whole body.

Preparation and Dosage (thrice daily): Dried fruit (cut or powdered), dose 0.05-0.5 grams by infusion.

The genus Capsicum includes red and green chili peppers, cayenne, paprika and bell peppers. Of American origin, their use as a food and medicine by the natives of the West Indies was first observed by Europeans during the second voyage of Columbus to the Americas in 1494.

Today there are numerous varieties in cultivation, varying in shape, size, colour, flavour and degree of pungency. Although the origin of the cultivated varieties is uncertain, authorities believe they all come from one original species. For this reason the botanical classification of these plants is somewhat confused.

The Cayenne or Tabasco Pepper was classified by Roxburgh as Capsicum minimum but is generally known as C. frutescens. Traditionally from Cayenne in French Guiana, it is now widely cultivated in tropical and subtropical countries. It is the species used medicinally, and which is official in many national pharmacopoeias, but any of the extremely hot peppers may be substituted to much the same effect. Widely available as a kitchen spice, it is usually sold in powder form as Cayenne or Tabasco Pepper.

Cayenne is noted for its ability to stimulate and regulate the circulation of the blood throughout the whole body.

Exceedingly prompt in effect, after entering the stomach it immediately influences the heart, then .extends its effects to the arteries, capillaries, veins and nerves. In equalizing blood-flow throughout the body, the pulse is strengthened but is not increased in frequency.

Because of its prompt effects, Cayenne is an excellent crisis herb, useful as a first aid remedy in most situations. It is also able to carry and disperse other herbs more rapidly through the system, and for this reason a small amount is sometimes included as a supplementary ingredient in herbal formulas.

The herb is useful for a variety of conditions: a quarter of a teaspoon is taken three times a day as a daily tonic for the heart and circulation, stabilizing blood pressure, alleviating heart problems and palpitations; its warming, stimulant qualities are excellent for colds, flu, diminished vitality and insufficient peripheral circulation (cold hands and feet); its warming and antispasmodic properties are useful in cases of stomach cramp, flatulence and colic, especially where there is a lack of tone in the digestive organs because of old age or debility; a mild infusion is an excellent treatment for sore throat and chronic laryngitis.

Externally, the herb is applied as a compress or ointment to sprains, bruises, neuralgia, lumbago, rheumatic pain and unbroken chilblains; applied to minor cuts and wounds it is antiseptic and haemostatic.

For bleeding, the noted American herbalist Dr John R. Christopher says:

A hemorrhage occurs in the lungs, stomach, uterus, or nose — flowing fast — just take a teaspoonful of cayenne in a glass of extra-warm water, drink it down, and by the count of ten the bleeding will stop. Instead of all the pressure being centralized, it is equalized, and the clotting becomes more rapid. Whether the bleeding is internal or external, a teaspoon of cayenne taken orally in a glass of hot water will stop the bleeding quickly.

The same remedy, 1 teaspoon of Cayenne in a glass of water and taken as often as every fifteen minutes if necessary, has been used with excellent results for all kinds of emergency problems, including heart attack, shock from injury or accident, fainting, seizure, cramp and spasm.

For cold feet, sprinkle a small amount of Cayenne powder inside your shoes or socks. When exposed to cold and damp for any length of time, take warming herbs such as Cayenne or Ginger as a daily tonic.

A little Cayenne combined with Plantain and applied as a poultice has remarkable powers in drawing out any splinter or foreign object embedded in the flesh.

Cautionary Notes: Cayenne should not be used where there is any inflammation of the gastro-intestinal system, and should not be employed in large doses on a continuing basis.

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