From the Realms of the Garden

Verbascum thapsus, ...is best known as a demulcent, but has astringent, emollient and expectorant properties. It also makes an effective remedy for earache, in the form of an oil mixed with garlic. Used in the treatment of pulmonary diseases such as bronchitis and emphysema, cough, hayfever, asthma and pneumonia. Used in fomentations for glandular swellings.

For croupy cough or other offending respiratory conditions
use this fomentation externally over anterior thoracic cavity :) (over lungs)...

Use 2 ounces of Verbacusm thaspus (Mullein) leaves and flowers
1/4 ounce Lobelia herb,
1 tsp. capsicum powder
Simmer 15 minutes in two quarts of water. Drench a clean hand towel is the warm liquid and wring out a bit, before application.

Taraxacum officinale... is a wonderful blood cleanser, hepatic, and kidney tonic. As such, it helps to remove impurities in the blood, improving skin quality, gently moves bowels, and improves overall conditions of the blood, with its cooling effect. It has it's place as a coffee substitute (try the root roasted!), and in weight loss.

It is used in an old Indian recipe to treat cancer, which is now sold under the name, Essac, after Dr. Rene Casse, who used it with rewarding results in the treatment of hundreds of patients after learning about it front local First People indigenous healers. The recipe, if memory serves me correctly is one part dandelion root, one part red clover, one part Turkey Rhubarb, one part Sheep's Sorrel. As a recall, it required the consumption of nearly a gallon of tea daily, so for those who don't like herbals or bitters, it may not be a viable option in the reversal of the disease. Dandelion is also lithotriptic, helping to dissolve kidney stones. Useful juiced as a regular part of the diet along with ginger and parsley, where a lack of exercise and over consumption of calcium results in the frequent passage of stones.

Hydrastis canadensis... Powdered Hydrastis canadensis is wonderful to heal and protect a newborn's newly cut umbilical cord. It helps it to dry up and protects against infection. It has a stimulating effect, helping to tone and sustain venous circulation. With ginger or gentian it stimulates the stomach, with senna the bowels, with elecampane the bronchi, with uva ursi it can stimulate the urinary tract. Small and frequent doses of the decoction, is advisable. Grow your own in a shady spot, as it is endangered do to overuse. Oregon Grape root and Barberry can be sufficient substitutes.

For shooting nerves along spine...
Add 1 ounce of Hydrastis canadensis (Goldenseal)
3/4 ounce of Humulus lupus (Hops)
1/2 ounce of Scutellaria laterifolia (Scullcap)
to 1..5 pints boiling water. Cover. Cool to room temperature. Take 2 tablespoons 3x daily.
Recipe is care of Dominion Herbal College.

Mentha Spicata.... This is a diaphoretic, diuretic, stimulant, carminative and antispasmodic. It eases imflamed kidneys and bladder, encouraging urination. It induces perspiration, helpful in fever relief and mild skin conditions. Allays stomach sickness. Wonderful in pregnancy when emesis is ongoing. Useful in colic, panic attacks, flatulence, and good old fashion hysteria, Especially when those conditions intersect. Infuse a heaping tablespoon of minced ginger root with a handful of spearmint in 2 pints of hot water for fifteen minutes. If you like cardamom add a few pods of it as well. Enjoy!

None of the traditional herbal usage I relay should be construed as a substitute for medical advice. These herbs may be contraindicated with medications you are currently taking or medical conditions you have. You should always speak at length with a qualified practitioner who takes your medical history, general vitality, digestive processes, diet, and the types of exercise you currently doing, and heed your inner guidance before ingesting any plant with whom you are unfamiliar. Plant people are our potent allies, when we approach them with reverence, respect, caution, and forbearance, our relationship with them can reap huge rewards.