Archives

Common Name: Black Pepper Scientific Name: Piper Nigrum

It has been recommended as a remedy in intermittents

Common Name: Black sapote Scientific Name: Diosporys obtusifolia

The black sapote, or chocolate sapote is one of my favorite fruits. Its green on the outside, but, the inside reveals a chocolate pudding like substance that is completely addictive. Once you start, you cannot get enough.

Common Name: Black Willow Scientific Name: Salix Nigra

Black willow, like white willow, contains aspirin like substances which will reduce inflammation and a fever. But, in addition to this, it contains compounds that stimulate the body to heal itself. An added bonus.

Common Name: Bladder Wrack Scientific Name: Fucus Vesiculosis

Bladderwrack is a very old tonic used to stimulate vitality in the ill and in the elderly. It was also used in conditions that we now see as thyroid disease. Specifically, it was used when poor thryoid function caused obesity. This anti-fat action has not been studied, but, considering the problem obesity poses today, someone should check out this old use!

Common Name: Blazing Star Scientific Name: Chaemalirium Luteum

Helonias was formerly considered a specific tonic to the female reproductive tract, used to increase gynecological health and relieve any problems happening in the lower regions. Its former reputation suggests it should be studied for usefulness in women putting off motherhood.... women who want to insure their gynecological health for when they get around to having children.

Common Name: Blessed Thistle Scientific Name: Centaurea Benedicta

Sometimes the name says it all, blessed thistle. This is another member of the daisey family used to stimulate the immune system and thereby clear up infections. It went from thistle to blessed during the black plague days when it was used to cure people of the dread and lethal disease.

Common Name: Blessed Thistle Scientific Name: Cynicus Benedictus

Blessed thistle is another member of the daisy family long used to treat infection and act as an immune stimulant. In days gone by, when infection struck, or was flying around the village, people drank tea of this plant. Its not used much any more, but, its intriguing history tells us that someone needs to study this one for use in our world where infections are really causing a problem.

Common Name: Bloodroot Scientific Name: Sanguinaria Canadensis

Blood root was a Native American cure all, used to stimulate the bodies ability to heal itself. In my PhD research, I found that these uses were warranted and that blood root needed to be studied for its ability to stimulate well being and general health!

Common Name: Blue Cohosh Scientific Name: Caulophyllum Thalictroides

Blue cohosh is a Native American and Eclectic Physician remedy for gynecological complaints, especially when they include painful menstruation. It was also used as an aphrodisiac. This may have some merit as it is closely related to Epimedium grandiflorum, the famous Chinese aphrodisiac. Its an interesting herb and one midwives find very useful.

Common Name: Blueflag Scientific Name: Iris Versicolor

Blue flag is a tonic plant that was very popular with the Eclectic physicians. Chronic disease, and especially chronic infections, were a big deal in their day. Without antibiotics, people live with TB and syphilis. This herb was used to stimulate the body to resist the chronic infection. Pretty interesting activity, if you ask me.