BALMONY Chelone glabra, L.( N. O.: Scrophulariaceae)
Common Names: Bitter Herb, Snake Head, Turtle Head, Salt Rheum Weed. Features: This perennial herbaceous plant is found in the United States in damp soil, and is cultivated in many gardens. It has a simple, smooth, erect stem about 2 – 3 ft. high. The leaves are shining dark green in colour, opposite, sessile, oblong, acuminate. The ornamental flowers which can be seen in August and September look much like the head of a turtle, and they vary in colour according to the variety of the plant.
BALMONY Chelone glabra, L.( U. S. Agricultural Department, Appalachia, 1971)
The fruit is a capsule. Medicinal part: The leaves. Solvent: Boiling water. Bodily Influence: Anthelmintic, Cathartic and Tonic. Uses: Balmony is a bitter tonic and among the best medicine there is for improving appetite. When the stomach action is weak, Balmony has a stimulating influence. A tea of the leaves is given to correct the inactivity due to the sluggish flow of liver fluids. Is used for jaundice, chronic malarial complaints, dyspepsia, constipation and during convalescence from febrile and inflammatory diseases.
Balmony is a vermifuge, and is regarded by some physicians as having no superior in expelling worms. When worms are present, we have found they are more prone to treatment each month at full moon. An infusion of 1 oz. of the leaves to 1 pint of boiling water may be taken frequently in wine glass amounts. Purging may be expected. Dose: 1 teaspoonful of the leaves( according to taste, can be mixed with other herbs), to 1 cupful of boiling water. Of the powdered leaves, 1 dram. Of the tincture, 1 or 2 teaspoonfuls( 30 – 60 drops) with water. Homoeopathic Clinical: Debility, Dumb-ague, Jaundice, Liver( disease of), Quinine cachexia, Worms.
BALSAM FIR Terebinthine canadensis, L.