Boneset has been used to improve the condition of the mucous membranes of the alimentary and bronchial systems, the bowels and the liver. It was also used by Native Americans as a diaphoretic, based on the belief that sweating out the toxins will help you heal. It grows in swamps or along the banks of rivers and streams, so could be used for colds, influenza or other “wet”diseases.

It’s history is interesting. It was used by early herbalists to set bones. The leaves were softened with water, wrapped around the injured area, and then bandaged tightly, often with a splint. This was a very primitive way of dealing with broken bones and should

NOT be used today. See your doctor for any bone break. There can be serious complications from broken bones, so don’t fool around— get proper medical attention.

The flowers are white, so Iwould consider it a good tonic to take as a blood purifier during times of illness.

Herbal Beauty

Balm of Gilead is actually the poplar tree buds, gathered in very late winter or early spring. The buds are considered to be a stimulating expectorant for bronchial disorders. Balm of Gilead has a soothing effect upon the throat so would be great to add to cough syrups, as ithas a numbing substance that stops pain. When preparing an ointment, the buds are sometimes simmered in lard. When preparing a tincture to heal skin eruptions, bruises, cuts or scrapes, they are placed in alcohol.

Mullein is also called lungwort. It is a demulcent and an emollient. It has pain-relieving properties. It also serves as an antibiotic because it can inhibit certain types of bacteria. The signature of mullein is the yellow flowers, signifying that it can be used as a diuretic; the woolly hairs on the leaves indicate a tickling sensation to the throat, therefore it would be used in treatment of the bronchial system. Horehound can be substituted for mullein, although I prefer mullein.

Irish moss is an emollient that stops coughs due to colds. Not onlyis it good to use for bronchial disorders, but it is also used for kidney or bowel complaints. The signature is its resemblance to the human bronchial system and the fact that when placed in hot water, the dried plant will yield a thick mucilaginous jelly.

Peppermint has the distinct ability to eliminate hardening mucus from the alimentary and bronchial systems and to prevent further discomforts caused by mucus. Used with boneset and sage, it is considered a diaphoretic and can be used in a tea to treat colds. Its signature is that it grows in wet or mucky soils, thus it can be used for wet diseases of the bronchial system.

Slippery elm is an emollient and a demulcent. The dried inner bark of the tree is the part used to prepare medicinal remedies. It is a great expectorant and helps to dispel phlegm. The signature is the bland mucilaginous substance that can be found by chewing the bark.

Wild cherry bark is astringent in nature. The gum, dissolved in a suitable base, is used as a pectoral sedative in cough syrup preparations. The bark can be used externally for cuts and sores as a decoction, as well as for bronchial disorders.

Yarrow can be added to the cough syrup because of it’s aspirin-like substances as well as its antibiotic properties. It will soothe the pain while the antibiotic properties fight the infection.

EASY ELECAMPANE COUGH SYRUP: Pour 1 cup water over 1 cup elecampane root and add 1 cup of honey. Bring to a quick boil, reduce heat to simmer. Simmer until the root is soft. Strain and take as needed for coughs.

ONION COUGH SYRUP: Every one knows the astringent properties of onions. There’s nothing better to treat a cough. Chop 1 pound of onions very fine. Add to 2 pints of water. Add 1 pound of brown sugar and 3 ounces of honey. Simmer for 4 hours, covered. Strain the onions from the liquid and place in labeled bottle. Take 1 tablespoon as needed for coughs.

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Preparation of Decoctions and Cough Syrup Recipe continue…