rocks a Beresovy Venic, Birch Broom, is used to vigorously thrash the body. They know any trouble will be taken care of, whatever it is, if the person can stand the heat and the thrashing. In our condition we can do something similar, but not as severe. Boil 2 – 5 lb. of leaves with enough water to cover for 1 – 2 hr. in a pillow case or cotton cloth, pour this along with enough hot water in the bath tub to reach the waist when seated. Drench the shoulders, neck, back, face and arms with the container for as long as you feel comfortable. In this case your heart will be your doctor; if you feel weak, or relaxed to the point of falling asleep, make yourself get out. This type of herbal bath done once or twice a week for thirty times consecutively will prove most beneficial for internal and external complaints, as the proper function for both will be improved.
BIRD’ S NEST Monotropa uniflora, L.
Common Names: Ice Plant, Fit Plant, Ova-Ova, Indian Pipe. Features: Found in North America from Maine to Carolina, and westward to Missouri, growing in shady, solitary places in rich moist soil composed of decayed wood and leaves.
Dr. O. P. Brown( 1875) says:“ It is evidently a parasite of the roots at the base of trees.” The whole plant including the stem and flowers is of a clear white colour and the jelly-like substance melts away when rubbed a little. It flowers from June to September. Part Used: The whole plant. Solvent: Water. Bodily Influence: Antispasmodic, Tonic, Sedative. Uses: The root of this plant is regarded as almost an infallible remedy for fits in children and has been used with great success in St. Vitus dance.
Instead of employing opium for restlessness, pain, nervous irritability, etc., Bird’ s nest is effective without any dulling properties. A triumphant gain over remittent and intermittent fevers and an excellent replacement for the tissue retentions of Quinine. The juice of the plant is an excellent remedy in gonorrhoea and ulceration of the bladder, used as an injection. Dose: The powdered root, ½ teaspoonful, two or three times a day. Externally: For tired, swollen or sore eyes, saturate a piece of cotton in a tea made from equal parts of Bird’ s nest and Fennel seed, squeeze gently and apply to eyes; serviceable added to vaginal douche water.
BITTER ROOT Apocynum androsaemifolium, L.( N. O.: Apocynaceae)
Common Names: Dog’ s Bane, Milk Weed, Westernwall. Features: Indigenous to North America, growing in many of the States, and Canada, depending on the species, of which there are many. In North America there are sixty of them.
The large milky root is quite bitter( the bitter outside slips off when boiling, as for food) though edible, starchy, but nutritious and was an important food among the Indians. Bitter root is perennial, almost stemless with a rosette of oblong fleshy leaves. The flower appears in the centre, is rose or white coloured, and generally remains open only in the sunshine from May to August. Montana State of U. S. A. claims Bitter root( Lewisia rediviva) as its State flower.
Medicinal Part: The root.