Absolute Beginner's Guide to Alternative Medicine

Valerian For insomnia, muscle 400 mg before bed NOT to be used with

pain, menstrual and 0.5% essential oil alcohol, nonaddictive;

intestinal cramps, bitter taste

benzodiazepine

withdrawal

Yohimbe For decreased sex drive, Varying NOT for people with

erectile problems hypertension, kidney

disease; NOT to be

used with tyramines,

OTC cold remedies,

caffeine; may cause

hypertension, anxiety,

panic attacks, halluci-

nations

Table 6.3 Herbal Remedies to Make at Home

Herb Uses Preparations

Borage Used for reducing fever and Combine a small handful of fresh leaves

also for increasing milk in with 2 1/2 cups boiling water. Steep 10

nursing mothers. minutes, strain, and drink warm.

Chamomile An excellent home remedy For an infusion, use 2–3 heaping tea-

for indigestion, heartburn, spoons of dried or 1/3 cup of fresh flowers

and infant colic. It also per cup of boiling water. Steep 10–20 min-

soothes skin and has mild utes. Strain and drink up to 3 cups a day.

relaxant and sedative Diluted infusions may be given to infants

properties. for colic.

For a relaxing herbal bath, fill a cloth bag

with a few handfuls of dried or fresh flow-

ers and let the water run over it.

For allergic skin rashes, tightly pack a jar

of flower heads, cover with olive oil, cover,

and set in a sunny place for 3 weeks.

Strain and apply to rashes.

Comfrey External use only. Promotes Mix powdered root with water to make a

the growth of new cells and paste. Apply to injured area and cover

has a mild anti-inflammatory with clean bandage. Change daily.

action. Used in wound and

burn treatment.

CHAPTER 6 HERBAL MEDICINE 93

Herb Properties/Use Form/Dose Notes