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Page 53
| VIOLET (Viola odorata). The entire plant is mucilaginous, laxative, alterative and antiseptic. Violet leaf tea is a healing blood purifier and gives prompt relief to internal ulcers. Jethro Kloss wrote that violet combines well with red clover, another blood purifier. Violet is of interest to researchers because it relieves pain much like aspirin, but without aspirin's side effects. This is a soothing herb for the digestive system. Brew as an infusion. |
| WAHOO ROOT BARK (Eunoymus atropurpureus). The bark of the wahoo root is a circulatory stimulant, diuretic, laxative and liver tonic. It removes congestion from the liver and stimulates the free flow of bile; in addition, it is useful in the treatment of jaundice, gall bladder disease, gallstones and constipation. |
| WOOD BETONY (Betonica officinalis). This aromatic, carminative, astringent herb is an effective and relaxing stomach tonic. A strong decoction kills intestinal parasites, relieves intestinal gas, treats bladder and kidney problems and alleviates back pain and stitches in the side. Wood betony is sometimes used as a substitute for black tea, with which it shares a similar flavor, but the herb lacks black tea's caffeine and acidity. To brew a medicinal decoction, bring 2 tablespoons herb to a boil in 2 cups water; cover and simmer over low heat for 5 minutes. For a beverage infusion, pour 2 cups boiling water over 1 tablespoon herb, cover and let stand 10 minutes. |
| WORMWOOD (Artemisia absinthium). An important bitter herb, wormwood lives up to its name by helping rid the body of intestinal parasites. In addition, its antiseptic, antispasmodic, carminative and stimulant properties make it a tonic for the stomach and digestive tract. The essential oil of wormwood is toxic and addictive, which is how Absinthe, the notorious liqueur, ruined some of the best minds in Europe a hundred years ago. Wormwood tea and powdered wormwood capsules are considered safe in small quantities even for prolonged use; in more concentrated doses, such |
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