Rudbeckia hirta aka Black Eyed Susans for Medicine

 

 A friend took me foraging last week! I was able to bring a few plants home for my garden. I cut the plants back to give them the best chance of survival. I will use the flowers and leaves for medicine.

These showy flowers are commonly planted in flowerbeds, but most gardeners do not realize it is a living first aid kit. Black-eyed Susan (BES), Rudbeckia hirta, is a member of the Aster family. While R. hirta has been less extensively studied, it can be used in many of the same ways as its more well-known cousin, Echinacea purpurea. The Southern Herbalist Darryl Patton stated in a class I took that he considers it a good substitute for echinacea. 

I have found one notable difference in my research. While Echinacea is an immunomodulator (balances and regulates the immune response), my research says Rudbeckia hirta is considered an immunostimulant (ramps up the immune response). One would use Echinacea over R. hirta when trying to calm a cytokine storm (exaggerated immune response to the point it is harmful to the body). People with immune system dysfunction would want to use wisdom and caution when using BESs for medicine. 

Black Eyed Susan has been used for colds, flus, upper respiratory infections, wounds, sores, skin infections, snake bites, mild inflammatory conditions (sore throats, swollen glands, muscle aches and stiffness, and burns), and to stimulate a weak immune response. While there is not much research, traditional folk medicine and Native American uses suggest that multiple Rudbeckia species were used similarly to R. hirta.

I have been studying and practicing herbal medicine and foraging for wild edibles since the early 1990s. My herbal education blends extensive self-directed study with formal training through two herbal schools, complemented by numerous classes and active engagement within the online herbal community. As a clinical herbalist and herbal educator, it is my joy and calling to help others discover the many benefits of the plants growing right beneath our feet. I encourage everyone to do their own research and always check for contraindications. -Wendy aka Wendy2Bear aka Mama Asbell

Triangle Orache aka Saltbush aka Atriplex spp

Triangle Orache (Atriplex prostrata) grows all over the US and other parts of the world. There are no toxic plants in the Atriplex genus. Atriplex is in the same family (Amaranthaceae) as the more commonly known wild edible, Lamb's Quarters. 

The young, tender leaves are delicious and salty, which is where it gets the nickname "Saltbush." Those little leaves never make it to the house to be used in a salad because I eat them right off the plant. The older leaves are tougher and bitter, but they are still OK to use in small amounts as a pot herb, in a mix of sauteed greens, or as part of a green powder. 

Like spinach, the older leaves of Atriplex are high in oxalates, so consuming them with calcium will help prevent absorption. I use stinging and wood nettles, which are very high in calcium, in my green powder mixes to reduce the amount of free oxalates. One could add cheese to a soup or salad to help bind the oxalates. 

Atriplex is a good source of Vitamins A and C, magnesium, iron, and calcium. My notes do not have a lot of medicinal information on this plant. I have PDFs of very old herbal texts showing, it has been used to treat digestive and kidney ailments, purify the blood, and has been used externally for bug bites, stings, tumors, etc. What I see is that it has been used mainly for food for humans and livestock.

I have been studying and practicing herbal medicine and foraging for wild edibles since the early 1990s. My herbal education blends extensive self-directed study with formal training through two herbal schools, complemented by numerous classes and active engagement within the online herbal community. As a clinical herbalist and herbal educator, it is my joy and calling to help others discover the many benefits of the plants growing right beneath our feet. I encourage everyone to do their own research and always check for contraindications. -Wendy aka Wendy2Bear aka Mama Asbell

Virginia Pepperweed aka Peppergrass

Peppergrass, primarily Lepidium virginicum L. (commonly called Virginia pepperweed), is another plant I use when I can find it. I've been munching on these since I was a child. This one was growing in a planter on my deck. It is a wild edible in the Brassicaceae (cabbage, radishes, cauliflower, broccoli, bok choy, turnip, etc) family. Its leaves, seeds, and young shoots are edible and were foraged by Native Americans and early settlers. The young greens are similar to arugula or watercress and are often added raw to salads or cooked as a pot herb (usually added to food that is cooked in a pot). The seeds can be ground as a pungent spice substitute, resembling a combination of mustard and black pepper. When harvested at the right time, it is tasty! The seeds need to be harvested while green because they lose flavor as they turn tan.

Lepidium virginicum has stimulating, diuretic, and expectorant medicinal effects. The whole plant, especially the seeds and aerial parts, was used in decoctions or tinctures to treat respiratory issues like coughs and asthma, as well as urinary tract problems. It has also been used to promote sweating in fevers, acting similarly to other mustard herbs. The Cherokee used it to "thin the blood" and relieve colds and congestion.

Peppergrass contains compounds which are known for their antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory activities. Glucosinolates yield isothiocyanates which have been studied for potential anticancer properties. Some studies say the antibacterial properties of Lepidium species are effective against common pathogens. FYI, there are 158 pages of results on PubMed when you search "Lepidium."

I have been studying and practicing herbal medicine and foraging for wild edibles since the early 90s. As a practicing herbalist and herbal educator, it is my joyful mission to help others realize the many benefits of what is growing right under their feet.

Sweet Gum, Grape Leaves, Storax, Resveratrol, Viruses

A friend asked me about Sweet Gumballs. I figured I'd share this here in case it helps someone else:

If the sweet gumballs are not in season, you can use the leaves, stems, and inner bark to extract the antiviral properties. I learned that by listening to and taking notes from the old Tommy Bass videos. The gumballs have higher amounts of storax, but there is a moderate amount in the leaves, stems, and bark. Just use a higher herb-to-solvent ratio. The same is true with a lot of herbs. For example, higher amounts of resveratrol (antiviral) are in grape skins, but you can also get it from the leaves. 

Have you ever been sick and then there is a point where everything just gets worse...congestion becomes heavier, aches and pains increase a lot, fever is high and won't go down? Or you just can't get rid of it, and it lingers? That can be a mild to moderate cytokine response. Grape leaf tea will help calm that down. I pick them and dry them for that purpose. When the new crop of grape leaves comes in, I add the old ones to my green powder mix, since resveratrol is an antioxidant. 

Common Horsetail aka Equisetum arvense

 

I am working with common horsetail today. Equisetum arvense, aka "horsetail," is known for its high silica content, which supports bone health, strengthens connective tissue, and promotes the growth of hair, skin, and nails. While most allopathic (conventional) diuretics flush minerals, especially potassium, magnesium, and sodium, along with excess water, horsetail acts as a mild diuretic while replenishing minerals, particularly potassium and silica. 

It is frequently used for urinary tract infections, bladder irritation, and kidney stones. Its astringent and wound-healing properties also make it a good choice for healing wounds, controlling bleeding, and reducing inflammation when applied topically. It is sometimes used to help osteoporosis, arthritis, or brittle nails due to its ability to help the body utilize calcium more effectively. 

30+ years ago, one of my herbal medicine instructors taught me how she used horsetail to keep her long hair after 60! I learned that horsetail is an ingredient in some of the popular hair growth formulas. The high silica content helps fortify hair follicles and hair strands from breakage and splitting, contributes to collagen production for healthy skin and scalp, which leads to healthy hair growth, and is believed to increase blood flow to the scalp, which helps nourish hair follicles. It also has antioxidants that lower inflammation and oxidative stress, which can contribute to hair loss. 

Raw horsetail should not be taken continuously because it contains small amounts of an enzyme called thiaminase. Thiaminase breaks down vitamin B1 (thiamine), which hinders its absorption. Studies in grazing animals show that consuming green or dried horsetail at about 20 % of dietary intake can cause thiamine deficiency in 2–5 weeks. But hold on, heat and alcohol destroy thiaminase, so a tea, syrup, or properly made tincture will not have active thiaminase. It is still recommended you take a break for a week or two every 2-4 weeks. As always, do your own research and check for contraindications. -Wendy aka Mama Asbell

Garlic Mustard Alliaria petiolata

Garlic Mustard, Alliaria petiolata, is a wild edible you can forage. It should not be confused with look-alikes. It was frequently grown as a pot herb and can be eaten fresh in salads or added to dishes to add flavor. It has been used to treat scurvy (antiscorbutic). Some say it has higher vitamin C than oranges! It is helpful to asthmatics, can be used as an antiseptic, and can be used to treat wounds and bug bites. It can also induce sweating to help cleanse the body's pathways or combat a fever. It is also a vermifuge. You can boil the leaves and stems in water, allow the water to cool, and pour it over where there are earthworms. Because it irritates their skin, they will surface, making it easy for you to collect them and invite me to go fishing! :-D I foraged this plant on a mountain hike while camping in WV. The next morning, this plant went into our omelets along with some Canadian Wood Nettle.

Cleavers aka Galium aparine

Cleavers, Galium aparine, are known for their lymphatic, diuretic, and anti-inflammatory (cooling) properties. Research shows Galium aparine stimulates the transformation of lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell, indicating potential immune-enhancing and cancer-fighting properties.  Cleavers have been used in Western herbal medicine for centuries and are still highly valued. 

Some of the conditions it can be used for:  Swollen lymph nodes, tonsillitis, mastitis, lymphedema, eczema, psoriasis, acne, abscesses, minor wounds, general immune enhancement, possible support in cancer prevention, fatigue, toxin buildup, post-illness recovery, and has had some limited, less documented use for mild anxiety and irritability.

Cliff Notes for Osteoarthritis

A client asked me for some research guidance for her father's OA. This is what I sent her. I am sharing it here to help others. My love to all! -Mama Asbell

Osteoarthritis 

Goals: reduce inflammation,  improve lubrication,  support any remaining cartilage,  promote comfort, help cushion joints by improving joint fluids, and relieve pain.

Herbs: Turmeric (reduces cartilage wear), boswellia serrata (reduces joint inflammation, protects remaining cartilage), willow bark, ginger (some studies say ot works as well as ibuprofen), other anti-inflammatory herbs.

Glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate, MSM, omega 3, type 2 collagen, Vit D (deficiency worsens OA) (research how much you can safely take--much, much higher than what we are being told), hyaluronic acid, stay hydrated. 

Dehydration is very common in older folks and causes a wide range of problems. For OA: eed enough fluid to keep joints well hydrated.

Red light therapy (Amazon), Rezzimax Pro Tuner II (I'm enrolled in a class on this) helps relieve chronic pain by targeting the Vagus nerve and affects pain perception, follow an anti-inflammatory diet, hot cold therapy, joint supporting devices, vibrating heating pad (brings blood flow to area, disrupts pain signals, improves flexibility,  relaxes tight muscles, increases lymphatic drainage, etc).

Do your own research. Carefully check for contraindications.

How to Detox from CT Scan Iodine

 It was asked in one of my groups, so I am sharing my answer here:

"Iodine contrast leaves the body in most people within 24-48 hours. In people with kidney issues, it can take two weeks. The iodine is excreted in urine, so plenty of hydration along with herbs that support the kidneys, liver, and lymphatic system. I recently had a CT. I used milk thistle and burdock root. Other good choices would be dandelion root, red clover, nettles, etc. I worked up a good sweat, have been eating plenty of fiber, and have been exercising. You can also treat the symptoms of your reaction (hives/rash-antihistamine herbs like nettle), but you should notify your doctor and let them know you are having a reaction, if you have not done so."

Bird Flu

I was asked if I would treat the bird flu the same as any influenza. This is my answer. -Wendy

**********

"The different ways the bird flu attacks the human body by "tricking" the immune system is very interesting. While the seasonal flu has mechanisms that moderate immune activation, the bird flu causes a dysregulated, hyperinflammatory response by bypassing normal immune checkpoints. In some ways it acts similarly to the Swine Flu.

The bird flu also directly infects endothelial cells/inner lining of the lung which can cause pulmonary edema and ARDS. And, it can reproduce in more organs besides the lungs which is why I think there are cases of organ failure.

For prevention, I'd do the normal things like avoiding crowds, washing hands, good nutrition, supplements, immune-stimulating herbs, staying hydrated, daily sunshine, exercise, etc.

For the early infection, I'd look to reduce the viral load, inhibit viral replication, regulate cytokine signaling, and work to protect the lungs. It depends on what is available, but Boneset, Chinese Skullcap, Quercetin, Green Tea, Turmeric with black pepper, Astragalus root, and licorice root are some I might consider.

Cytokine control and lung protection would be my concern as it progressed. I might go with Berberine, Andrographis, Black Seed Oil, Pomegranate peel or another rich tannin source.

If I saw symptoms of a cytokine storm starting, I'd use grape leaves. I save a couple of 5-gallon bucketfuls from my vines every year. The chickens, goats, and rabbits are happy to get what we don't use. Grape leaves contain resveratrol. Resveratrol is a powerful anti-inflammatory that can reduce the overproduction of cytokines. It is also an immune modulator and a strong anti-oxidant which will help protect tissue damage from inflammation.

I have chronic Epstein Barr Virus and frequently use L-lysine to get a handle on it when it reactivates in my system. Because of that, I am aware of how L-lysine limits L-arginine which is an amino acid that viruses need to thrive. It's pretty amazing to watch this work on a virus. So, I would probably use that during the first two phases.

During the convalescent phase, I'd be focused on healing the lung tissue and rebalancing the immune system. Again, Astragalus, Ginger, NAC, Licorice, and Turmeric with black pepper are options I might choose. -Wendy"

Alternative Cancer Treatment, Cytokine Storm Modulators Thread

On FB, I shared a post from a friend which was a headline of ivermectin, fenbendazole, and menbendazole being used for cancer. I have a feeling it will be flagged sooner or later. So...

I am putting a few of the comments here so people interested in taking charge of their own health can glean from it what they find useful.

One friend commented that is a shame no one told her about this while her boyfriend was fighting cancer. I replied:

"Doctors don't share it. I think it is more the medical industry as a whole than the doctors...the doctors are told what they can and can not use. If one chooses differently than their protocol, they are on their own and have to pay out of pocket. I know many who are going through this right now."

Another friend shared: "Dr. William Makis, MD has a wealth of knowledge on cancer treatments. I wish more people were open to effective alternative treatments." (Wendy's note: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-jg6FhqGl7M copy and paste. You can find other videos for Dr. Makis too.)

I responded: "Many aren't open to it. Ever since a few years ago, I have had more and more people seek me out...some who were very closed-minded about any and all forms of alt med."

Another friend shared he has used it in his dogs since the 90s. I replied: "Most people think it is only for animals. It has been used to treat parasites in people since at least the 70s. I read about the history in the 90s and remember Vietnam was mentioned in one article. It was/is used in adults and children. Besides parasites/cancer, it is also effective in calming cytokine storming. For anyone reading along, grape leaves can also calm a cytokine storm."

He stated he used it with the C germ and he was well in two days.

I shared: 

"I took it and it helped me.

I know of a woman whose sister was in such bad shape they had called the family in to say goodbye...and you know they were limiting visitors at this time, so it was bleak. The woman helped her sister with Iverm over the next few days, and her sister made a rapid and unexpected recovery. 

If one learns how to calm the cytokine storm, they can ease the suffering and increase survivability in a number of illnesses.

There is research showing that doxycycline with ivermectin combined are very effective.

Not Iverm related, but storming related: When Clint had the germ of a few years ago, he started having issues breathing. He was taking herbs. He'd get better and then go back down. The pulse ox showed his O2 levels were getting too low. I asked him to go to the ER to be checked out. They admitted him. Based on his lung scans, they said he was just starting with c-pneumonia and was going to go downhill. They predicted at least a 5-day stay, probably longer. They released him a little over 24 hours later and said they didn't know why, but he wasn't getting worse...he was getting better! His lung scans had improved in a big way. The herbs he was taking stopped the cytokine storming response." We learned a lot from this visit. 1. We confirmed C-germ diagnosis. 2. Scans showed what I suspected in his lungs. 3. Drs verified the pulse ox was correct. 4. We learned the herbs were working. I am as certain as I can be (without going through it again) that upping the dosage and frequency will work better. A long-time practicing clinical herbalist and naturopath have also agreed with me on this.

For those reading along who are interested in learning what natural things will suppress cytokine storming, research curcumin (chemical in Turmeric), luteolin (celery, broccoli, chrysanthemum, etc), peperine (black pepper), and resveratrol (Japanese Knotweed, Grape leaves, etc). Grape leaves contain resveratrol (and also some helpful flavonoids). People eat grape leaves in Greek dishes, so even the most hesitant person regarding plant medicine should feel comfortable giving them a try when needed. I harvest at least 2 5-gallon buckets of grape leaves and dry them every year. I grind some and put them into a mixed greens powder and use them in soups, stews, smoothies, capsules, etc. If we don't use all of the leaves I harvested, the rabbits and chickens enjoy them.

Also, for those following along, keep in mind: Dosages and frequency are important in herbal medicine. There are maintenance dosages and therapeutic dosages. Those dosages on the bottles on the shelves in stores, I call those "low liability" dosages. Most of the time, they are very low dosages. 

If herbal medicine has not worked for you in the past, it could be the diagnosis was off, the herbs were "dead," or the dosage/frequency was too low."

"For many of you, this one is probably in your yard or close by. Pine needles contain abundant resveratrol and other chemicals which also inhibit cytokine storms. They also inhibit cellular attachment and viral replication of coronaviruses like Covid-19. Pine needles also work very well against other respiratory viruses like colds and influenzas. Make sure you are using Pinus spp and not the Yew aka Taxus. As always, do your own research and make your own decisions."

A good starting point for research:

https://scholar.google.com/scholar?hl=en&as_sdt=0%2C47&as_vis=1&q=ivermectin%2C+fenbendazole%2C+and+menbendazole+cancer+research&btnG= (copy and paste)

You can also search PubMed.

When reading research, it is important to understand WHO, HOW, and WHY. This may be helpful: 

Herbal Medicine, Research, and the Risk of Inference Errors: Why Context Matters https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3YlUfHcFxho (copy and paste)

Acute stress help

This was an answer to a question about panic attacks due to a recent separation/divorce where the wife was left stranded with their young children in their remote area without a working vehicle. She's having some major daily panic attacks.

I recommended Chamomile, Valerian, and Skullcap. Another person told me I should have recommended Passionflower and Lemon Balm. 

I stand by my recommendations. This is my reasoning.

I recommend Chamomile, Valerian, and Skullcap over Lemon Balm and Passionflower for acute panic attacks.

I am a practicing herbalist of over 30 years and am currently studying under a naturopath. While I agree with you that Passionflower and Lemon Balm can be used for stress, stronger herbs would likely be more helpful, in this instance.

Passionflower is an excellent anxiolytic but its sedative effects might not be strong enough for moderate to severe panic attacks like the Valerian and Skullcap. It is more often used for generalized anxiety (day-to-day stressors) or chronic stress (unpleasant work environment) rather than an acute panic attack caused by a life-changing event (breakup, divorce, death).

Lemon Balm, a wonderful herb with many beneficial properties, is considered too mild for acute panic attacks. It is considered better suited for mild stress and tension. I've seen it work for moderate stress but it was inconsistent person to person. I leave it for mild anxiety.

Of course, my recommendation is just generalized information given off the hip in compassion at seeing a friend with an acute panic attack caused by a painful life-changing event. I do not know all of the ins and outs of her situation, habits, health, etc.

If one were visiting a clinical herbalist, the herbalist would take the current situation and more specific symptoms, a very detailed overview of their health, lifestyle, beliefs, and habits, and an assessment of their personality into account. They would then use that to design a herbal formula with personalized dosages. They would also warn one about contraindications for each herb. If they failed to do any of those things in a clinical setting, I'd RUN from them.

Happy Herbaling!

Pine Medicine

Is pine needle mugolio safe to consume? I am getting different opinions based on who I ask.

Are you aware that pines have been used for thousands of years as medicine and are still used by naturopaths and clinical herbalists today?

If the mugolio is made from pines (pinus spp) and made properly it is considered safe and may have some health benefits. Think of it as a condiment. Drizzle it on ice cream or waffles. In large amounts, it can upset the stomach of sensitive individuals.

As a side note, I use pine needles to fight off respiratory viruses in myself and my clients. The Shikimic acid, resveratrol, terpenes, flavonoids, polyphenols, and etc work to inhibit viral replication. Like mugolio, excessive amounts of pine needle tea or tincture can upset the stomach of sensitive individuals. Stomach upset is most likely due to the resins. But wait...

Pine resin has also been used internally and externally as medicine for thousands of years. This is also well-documented. For internal uses, at times it was chewed and other times made into a tea. As with all medicine whether OTC, Rx, or natural, knowledge of dosage amounts differentiates between safe and harmful.

Food for thought: My grandmother used nitroglycerin ointment for heart issues. I remember seeing the tubes on her coffee table when I was very young. If one were to use that Rx ointment like suntan lotion- liberally all over the body multiple times a day, it would have a negative impact on the body instead of a beneficial one. Dosage makes the difference. This is a critical concept to carry forward for those wanting to learn or practice herbal medicine.

Contraindications: Mugolio and pine needle medicines should be avoided by those with pine allergies and by women who are pregnant and nursing. The latter recommendation is because cows are known to lose their babies when they consume pine and similar plants. Source: https://www.ars.usda.gov/research/publications/publication/?seqNo115=313430

Disclaimer: I am not a medical doctor. I am a lowly herbalist with 30+ years of helping my family, friends, pets, livestock, and community find relief through herbal education. Please use what I share as a catalyst for your education and research. I believe YOU are your own healthcare provider. Everyone and everything else in your path is a tool to assist you in the goal of improving or maintaining your health.

Happy Herbaling!

Tramates Versicolor aka Turkey Tail Mushroom

 

I've been taking Trametes versicolor aka Turkey Tail Mushroom off and on longer than some of my children are old. A long time ago, I shared my usage of it along with other mushrooms for EBV with the now-late renowned herbalist Stephen Buhner. He put my results on his website so my experience could help others. 

This humble little mushroom is an immune modulator that bolsters our immune systems. It can lower blood sugar, support gut health, lower blood pressure, lower inflammation, protect the liver, promote wound healing, etc. It is taken along with ginko to protect brain health in Alzheimer's patients. It inhibits tumor growth and detoxifies the body. Called Yun Zhi, it has been and is used frequently in Chinese medicine. This fungus is available free if you know what to look for, where to find it, and how to make use of it.

There are no deadly look-alikes to Turkey Tail. Turkey tail is relatively easy to correctly ID if you know what to look for to rule out the others. I found mine growing on the side of a log in a forest. I harvested 1/3 of it and left the rest to keep growing which is the common practice for wildcrafting. When foraging anything, always learn about look-alikes which can be deadly. 

FYI: The second picture is what it looks like after I blend it with a little ethyl alcohol in my blender. I added more alcohol after that process which you see in the third picture. Why blend it? The blending macerates the marc (herb) so the menstruum (liquid) can extract more of the medicinal properties. Knowing the chemistry of which menstruum will extract what plant properties is a key to successful herbalism. 

Do your research and remember to check for contraindications for existing health issues you may have. Happy herbaling!

indigenous knowledge of native plant medicines Quote

"Over 200 drugs that have been or still are listed in the Pharmacopoeia of the United States or the National Formulary were first used by American Indians, but neither reference acknowledges this fact. Thus, the tremendous benefits we've derived from indigenous knowledge of native plant medicines go largely uncredited." M. Kat Anderson USDA NRCS

Pluchea odorata

 

Pluchea odorata aka Marsh Fleabane, a member of the Aster family, grows in areas with salt or brackish water...like in the yard of my home along the beautiful York River. It has many medicinal properties. It is an antispasmodic, diaphoretic, vulnery (heals wounds), antiseptic, vasodilator, mild stimulant, anti-inflammatory, antibiotic, antifungal, antiviral, etc. Research also shows it can disrupt cancer cell reproduction. In French traditional medicine, it is known as a cure-all. It is used in Central America to treat cancer. Some people do not like the medicinal smell, but I don't mind it. I've worked with some smelly herbs, and this one is pleasant in comparison. FYI, "odorata" in the name can mean a good smell or a bad one.

Willow to Aspirin

A lot of people know that aspirin was developed from Willlow aka Salix spp. If you use the inner bark as a tea, it can take six hours for the body to convert it to salicylic acid to give pain relief. However, the Native Americans figured out that if you burned the branches and leaves and made a tea from the ashes, the combination of the thermal breakdown and alkaline ash, sped up the conversion of salicin to salicylic acid. They would also inhale the smoke because inhalation is a faster delivery system than digestion.

One of my herbal medicine heroes...

Aunt Molly Kirby, as she was affectionately known by all, was the "doctor" to the people in the Coosa River area of Alabama. If it were not for her hiring and teaching a 7-year-old boy named Arthur Lee "Tommie" Bass, a lot of the knowledge of medicinal herbs would have been lost. She needed him because she was too old to climb the mountains to get the medicine. His education continued when he befriended a Cherokee woman who shared their medicine. He was hired by the pharmaceutical industry to get plants for their medicines and learned even more from that. It all started with Aunt Molly passing on her vast knowledge of how to help people with plants.

Magnolia Medicine

 

 

   

  

Magnolia virginina aka Sweet Bay Magnolia was widely used as medicine among Native Americans and early Americans. It is still used for various ailments today. You can find it for sale on the internet. Magnolia spp grows all around the world.

Tommie Bass, the now deceased highly sought-after Alabama herbalist, said more people came to him for Magnolia spp to treat arthritis, joint pain, and gout than any other plant. He said it did not work for everyone, but it did work for many. In fact, medical doctors in the early 1800s considered it a very effective treatment for rheumatism and arthritis.

The bark contains two polyphenols: magnolol and honokiol. Magnolol is an antihistamine. By reducing the histamine release, magnolol can help alleviate symptoms associated with allergies, such as inflammation, itching, and swelling. Magnolol supports the body's natural production of adrenal steroids which gives it antispasmodic effects. Honokiol is a muscle relaxer that appears to be five times more effective at relieving anxiety than some Rx medications. That's impressive!

Magnolol and honokiol relax bronchial muscles, making it easier to expel mucus, thus contributing to its expectorant properties. These help reduce inflammation in the respiratory tract, assisting with conditions like asthma or bronchitis. Magnolol and essential oils in Magnolia virginiana help stimulate the respiratory system to expel mucus. The alkaloids in the tree work as bronchodilators to ease breathing. These things can make it a good option for respiratory ailments.

The leaves are used as a vulnery meaning it helps heal wounds. The antimicrobial properties promote healing and prevent infection. The leaves were used as a poultice.

The Native Americans used the largest leaves of Magnolia to wrap their food. They also used the leaves as a spice to flavor their foods like gravies. The Rappahannock used it as a mild stimulant. The bark is a chief food for beavers, so it was also known as the Beaver Tree. In Japan, they use the leaves as a dish to grill foods on.

In China, Magnolia obovata, is used in over 200 patent medicines. One paper I read said many of the Chinese in America buy Magnolia bark and extracts available because they know how valuable the tree is for medicine. While you can use different species of Magnolia, the chemical compounds may vary by species.

Thoughts on Boneset

"I am a 30+ year medicinal herbalist. The presence of pyrrolizidine alkaloids in Boneset (Eupatorium perfoliatum) can be of concern in long-term applications. Late Boneset may be considered a safer option for extended use due to lower levels of these alkaloids. I personally use Hyssop Leafed Boneset (Eupatorium hyssopifolium) and Late Boneset (Eupatorium serotinum) to treat Chronic EBV/viral symptoms for a week at a time. Both are too bitter to drink as a tea (although I have done so) so I tincture mine. All of the bonesets can be used similarly per the scientific and traditional use research I have done. Tip for anyone who cares: It is very helpful to seek out and compare the chemical profiles of plants in the same genus when researching species to see if they can be used similarly. I am not a medical doctor, so I encourage each of you to do your own research and be your own health-care provider. Happy herbaling and God bless!" -Mama Asbell