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Page 37
| In many parts of Europe, sage ointment is a favorite household standby for minor cuts and insect bites. |
| Siberian Ginseng (Eleutherococcus Senticosus) |
| Siberian ginseng is a comparative newcomer to the West, rediscovered in the 1930s in Russia and then extensively used by Soviet athletes to increase stamina and enhance performance. It has been used in Chinese medicine for around 2,000 years and was traditionally regarded as a warming herb to strengthen the sinews and bones and improve energy and blood flow, especially in the elderly. Siberian ginseng has been extensively researched and is known to stimulate the immune and circulatory systems and also to help regulate blood pressure. |
| Parts used: Root. |
| Actions: Adrenal stimulant, antiviral, adaptogen, aphrodisiac, combats the actions of stress, immune stimulant, lowers blood sugar levels, peripheral vasodilator, tonic. |
| Uses: Siberian ginseng is ideal for helping the body cope with stress; take up to 600 mg a day in capsules or tablets for ten days before a busy work period, stressful exams, or other additional strains. It can increase stamina and help the body cope more efficiently with both physical and mental stresses. As a home remedy Siberian ginseng is ideal to counter jet lag (see p. 94) and is an ideal all-round energy tonic for tiredness and fatigue. |
| Skullcap (Scutellaria Lateriflora) |
| Virginian skullcap is mainly used as a sedative and nervine by Western herbalists, but it can also be used to reduce fevers, calm the fetus, and stimulate digestion. Like all skullcaps, the plant takes its name from the dish-shaped seed pods. |
| Description: A spreading perennial with oval, toothed leaves and characteristic pink or blue tubular flowers to one side of the stem in summer. |
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