The Sacred Hearth

An infusioni of feverfew is good for migraines and other headaches and PMS symptoms. Chewing the leaf at the first sign of a migraine is traditionally affective at stopping it in its tracks. Because the leaf tastes aweful and can cause blistering inside the mouth, it is suggested that you add it to a sandwich instead of eating it straight. Drying seems to weaken the medicinal effect of this herb.

Feverfew can be used as an infusion (or tea) but tinctures are much more effective.

Feverfew has blood thinning qualities and should not be used by anyone who is taking blood thinners or who is planning to undergo surgery.
Pregnant women should not use feverfew.

Ginger is a warm, stimulating plant that triggers the immune system and is great for any cold conditions associated with shiverring. Such as low grade fever or walking home from the busstop in the rain.

The most common use for ginger in healing is the treatment of upset stomach. Ginger tea, ginger ale, candy, tablets, and the curiously strong ginger Altoids are often kept on hand for sour stomachs, morning sickness and car sickness. It is also used to help combat nausia associated with chemotherapy. Studies have shown similar results between ginger and over the counter medicines for treating nausea. (These contain sugar and phosphoric acid and coloring, which is pretty much Caffein Free CocaCola. You decide.) People who tend to have sensitive stomachs and indigestion may find relief by developing the habit of drinking a cup of ginger tea after each meal.

Overdoing it, however, can stimulate your stomach too much and lead to indigestion and gassiness, so moderation is advised.

It is also a noted anti-inflammatory agent. Eating ginger candy has helped me with back pain but others have used it for osteoarthritis. I am told you can also apply fresh slices of ginger right to the affected area, but I have not tried this. (Your comments on this are appreciated!)

Ginger has also been rumored to help fight cholesterol (it hasn't helped mine) and to prevent blood clots. Some research also suggests that ginger has cancer fighting properties.

Ginger candy is my favorite method of consumption (you can make this by soaking dried ginger in a sugar syrup and then letting it dry again, or buy it at a specialty shop. I get mine at Trader Joe's.) but some people find the flavour of ginger to be just too strong. It is an acquired taste. Ginger tablets or ginger extract might be better for these folks.

People who are taking blood thinners or who have bleeding disorders should be cautious of possible complications caused by ginger. (None have been reported, they are just theoretically possible.)

Pregnant women shouldn't use huge amounts of ginger for a long period of time (again, theoretically possible complications) but it is safe to use up to 1 gram of ginger a day for morning sickness.

Wild comfrey contains allantoin, which is found in the milk of nursing mothers. It encourages cell reproduction and thus stimulates the healing of wounds. It also has a high mucilage content, which smooths the skin. This makes comfrey a valuable addition to salves and lotions and a soothing addition to baths.

Try adding comfrey to salves for burns, acne, bruising, abrasions and other topical complaints. It can also be used in poultices for breaks and strains and to reduce swelling from any cause.

Comfrey should not, however, be used for very deep or puncture wounds, because it can actually make the surface heal faster than the lower part of the wound, causing abscesses. Make sure a wound has been thoroughly cleaned before applying comfrey, so as not to seal dirt inside the wound.

The boiled roots yield a sticky paste which dries hard, and it has been used to set bandages. Simply spread it on the bandage, and then wrap the wound.

Taken internally, as a tea, the leaves are said to help speed the healing of broken bones and other internal injuries. The root is used for persistent, painful coughs as well as hemorrhage and ulcers.

However, one should be aware that comfrey can cause liver damage and is potentially carcinogenic. Interestingly, the toxic components are similar to those founds in acetaminophen, or Tylenol. But you wouldn't want to eat alot of that either. So keep your internal consumption of comfrey to a minimum and don't use it for long periods of time. Russian and prickly comfrey have the highest concentrations of toxic alkaloids, and the roots of any variety have higher concentrations than the leaves. These alkaloids are separate from the active healing constituents.

Comfrey should not be used internally or externally for longer than four to six consecutive weeks.

Pregnant or lactating women should not use comfrey.

No not use comfrey on deep or puncture wounds! The exterior of the wound where the medicine is applied will heal faster than the inside where the medicine can’t reach and you could end up with a pretty disgusting infection.

Aloe very gel is antibacterial, antesthetic, anti-inflammatory and antifungal and increases blood flow to the skin where applied, stimulating healing. This makes it useful for burns, sunburn, rashes, poison Oak, Poisoni Ivy, diaper rash, ring worm, frostbite, acne, any minor cut or abrasion, and just about any skin problem you might have. Just peel away the skin of a leaf and apply the gel to your skin. For a large area, you can place some peeled leaves in the blender and add the goo to your bath for a good soak.

Aloe is also a gentle soother of sore nipples for breastfeeding mothers. It tastes terrible though and can cause tummy aches, so you’ll want to wipe off good before nursing.

Internally, aloe has been used for constipation and intestinal blockages, however, its use can cause some serious intestinal and abdominal cramping, so use with caution. It should not be used by anyone with a chronic intestinal condition.

Studies have shown that aloe can strengthen the immune system and help reduce blood sugar. It has been the subject of serious studies related to the treatment of HIV and cancer.

It is my opinion that if you have aloe vera, baking soda and tea tree oil in your house, and some bandages, you are prepared for just about any topical first aid situations you are likely to face.

Aloe very is also used to increase both male and female fertility. Plain aloe vera gel is the best personal lubricant nature has to offer. Make sure yours doesn't contain any dyes. There are some places dyes shouldn't go. It is safe for use with condoms, but is not spermicidal unless adulterated with an acidic agent. In fact, aloe is used by some livestock breeding facilities to coat and protect stored sperm and some research indicates that aloe vera extract, taken internally, may increase sperm count in male mice whose sperm counts were lowered through exposure to radiation and may provide some protection against sperm abnormalities. Aloe douches are also used to increase fertility of female livestock. I have seen recipes that call for mixing lemon juice with aloe to turn it into a spermacidal lubricant. So take a look at what you're aloe is mixed with and maybe even subject it to a litmus test. The more alkaline your aloe is, the happier your sperm will be, the more acid, the more likely it is to kill them off.