of Elecampane; for relaxed coughs, 1 oz. Coltsfoot( Tussilago farfara). Any one of the above to be mixed with 1 – 2 oz. of the tincture of Spikenard( Aralia racemosa) in syrup form. The alterative properties are of use in general uric acid disorders of rheumatic conditions. Often used by our Indians a few months before the time of delivery to shorten pain and delivery; every misery we miss is a new blessing. Spikenard is combined with many other well-known herbs to build or purify the bloodstream, the true cause of pimples, acne, eruptions, etc. Dose: The infusion of ½ oz. in 1 pint of boiling water is taken in wineglassful doses. Of the tincture, 1 – 2 fl. drams. Homoeopathie Clinical: Tincture of fresh wild plant in bloom— Asthma, Cough, Diarrhoea, Haemorrhoids, Hay fever, Leucorrhoea, Prolapsus ani. Russian Experience: In the far east of Russia, Manchuria and China, a shrub known as Aralia manchuria grows up to 15 ft. in height and is of the same family as the American Spikenard. Uses: The properties of the plant are very close to Ginseng. They use the roots as a general tonic and stimulant, especially for physical and mental exhaustion. Clinically: In Khabarovsk, far eastern Russia, they produce the extract for clinical use.
ARALIA MANCHURIA, L.( Medicina, Moscow)
ST. JOHN’ S WORT Hypericum perforatum, L.( N. O.: Hypericaceae)
Common Names: Johnswort, St. John’ s Grass, Klamath Weed. Features: This plant grows abundantly in the United States and Europe. An ornamental herb to our meadows, often considered a pest when too freely mingled in corn and wheat fields. It is said that St. John’ s wort is well known among bakers, as a small quantity added to the flour improves the quality of bread.
The upright, woody, slender stem reaches a height of 1 – 2 ft. The leaves are stalkless, ½ in. long, growing in pairs on opposite sides of the stem. The dark green leaves are full of transparent holes, which can be plainly seen when the leaf is held up to the light, and sometimes marked with black spots on the underside. From June to August, at the tops of the stalks and branches, stand the yellow flowers of five petals apiece, rather close clustered with many yellow threads in the middle, which when bruised yield a reddish juice like blood, after which come small round heads, wherein is contained a small blackish seed smelling like resin. The fruit is a three-celled capsule. Medicinal Parts: The tops and flowers. Solvents: Boiling water, alcohol.