Plant Archives: Medicine

Subject: Wild Rosemary Scientific Name: Ledum Palustre

I dont know much about this one, but, the Eclectic Physicians had some interesting things to say about it, "The wild rosemary has been used with success in gouty pains about the small joints, as those of the fingers and toes. " Anybody with finger pain should look into this one!

Subject: Wintergreen Scientific Name: Gaultheria Procumbens

Wintergreen is a cool little plant that when crushed, emits its characteristic wintergreen scent. The plant contains a compound similar to aspirin and was used lik aspirin is today, for headaches, joint pain, and fever. But, it was also used to stimulate the body to heal itself so fevers and headaches went away!

Subject: Witch Hazel Scientific Name: Hamamelis Virginica

Sadly, in the modern age, this amazing plant has been reduced to nothing more than a hemorrhoid treatment. Oh, there is so much more to it than that. In days gone by, sore muscles, joint damage, and more were treated with it. And, I must say, it works miracles when the muscles or joints have been damaged. All athletes should know about this herb!

Subject: Wormwood Scientific Name: Artemisia Absinthium

Absinthe was made famous by certain long dead painters who used it to hallucinate; its medicinal use is to improve digestion in those with sluggish digestion.

Subject: Yarrow Scientific Name: Achillea Millefolium

Yarrow, as it is commonly known, has been used to combat infections and heal wounds since the beginning of time. Science reveals that it acts as an immune stimulant and this explains why wounds heal faster when its applied and why infectious hit the road quicker when its taken internally. This is a very cheap and effective immune stimulant and should get more attention than it does. It gets the Dr Doug thumbs up!

Subject: Yellow Dock Scientific Name: Rumex Crispus

Yellow dock is a classic European blood cleanser, meaning that it stimulates the organs of waste removal into heightened action. It was used to clean out the system of toxins and thereby improve health.

Subject: Yellow Leader Scientific Name: Astragalus Membranaceous

Astragalus is one of Asia's greatest gifts to the modern person. It increases stamina, endurance, resistance to stress and infection, in short, just about everything a modern person needs doing!

Subject: Yellow Sweet Clover Scientific Name: Melilotus Officinalis

Melilotus was formerly used as a pain killer about the way we would use aspirin. How it works remains a mystery, but, it does contain coumarin, the blood thinner, and other related anti-infllammatory compounds.

Subject: Yellowroot Scientific Name: Xanthorrhiza Apiifolia

Yellow root is a pure, bitter tonic was formerly used to improve digestion when digestive activity was slow due to age or illness.

Subject: Yerba Santa Scientific Name: Eriodyctyon Glutinosa

This remedy came into popular use when Eclectic Physicians made their way to California. There the Native Americans used it to treat coughs and colds, which, the Eclectics adopted. It was seen primarily as a remdy for seasonal colds and was reported to be very effective. It has largely fallen out of use.