( N. O.: Coniferae)
Common Name: Christmas Tree. Features: There are nine species of firs in the United States, constituting the genus Abies of the pine family( Pinaceae). The common name“ fir” is probably applied only to the forty or so species of pyramidal or cylindrical evergreen trees found mostly in the mountainous regions of Europe, Asia, north to the Himalayas, and North America, extensively in the eastern states, extending from Virginia and West Virginia in the United States to Labrador and Newfoundland in Canada. It may be 40 – 60 ft. or more tall, but appears dwarfed near mountain tops.
Members of this genus are characterized by erect cones that mature in one season but drop their scales when ripe( unlike other members of this family). The stems of the cones remain attached to the tree, and fir cones are never found on the ground. The male and female flowers occur on branchlets of the previous year’ s growth located on different parts of the same tree, the female cones are usually high. The male flowers hang on the lower side of the tree. Both are purplish in colour when young. The variable leaves are sessile are attached singly.
It is a popular Christmas tree due to its persistent leaves. Turpentine and resin are the popular products from Balsam fir. Medicinal Parts: Bark and twigs. Solvents: Water, alcohol. Bodily Influence: Stimulant, Expectorant. Uses: Very much like Balm of Gilead in its action. The bark and twigs are filled with a season’ s storehouse of Materia Medica, produced only by the elements of nature.
As in all herbal practice we use the plant in its original state. The unanimous and ancient recognition for rheumatism, kidney conditions, gleet, inflammation of the bladder, urinary difficulties, typhoid fever, capillary bronchitis, etc., may find a year-round meaning in your home other than the seasonal, Christmas adornment. Dose: From J. H. Greer, M. D.:“ Balsam Fir, 1 oz., Glycerin, 4 oz., Honey, 4 oz. Mix thoroughly, 1 teaspoonful four times a day.” The bark and twigs may be added to other herbal teas for the above. Externally: The resin is healing to external wounds. Used as a liniment for rheumatic pain. The twigs, bark and leaves are a refreshing and beneficial addition to steam cabinets for sore muscles, and sluggish skin action. Homoeopathic Clinical: Oil of turpentine— Albuminuria, Amblyopia, Asthma, Back ache, Bladder( irritable), Bronchial neuralgia, Bronchitis, Chordee, Chorea, Ciliary neuralgia, Cystitis, Dropsy, Dysentery, Dysmenorrhoea, Enteric fever, Epilepsy, Erysipelas bullosa, Erythema, Fibroma, Gallstone colic, Glands( inguinal swelling of), Gleet, Gonorrhoea, Haematuria, Haemorrhoids, Hernia( strangulated), Herpes labialis pudendi, Hydrophobia, Hypochondriasis, Insanity, Intestines( ulceration of), Iritis, Jaundice, Kidneys( congestion of), Lumbago, Neuralgia( supraorbital), Ovaries( pain in), Dropsy of. Pityriasis, Strangury, Stricture, Tetanus, Tympanites, Uremia, Urine( suppression of), Worms( retention of).
BARBERRY Berberis vulgaris, L.( N. O.: Berberidaceae)
Common Names: Barberry, Pipperidge Bush, Berry.