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| Witch Hazel (Hamamelis Virginiana) |
| The witch hazel tree was used for numerous ills by several Native American tribes especially for back and muscle aches. Today, the bark is steam-distilled to produce the familiar clear "distilled witch hazel" available from any pharmacy. |
| Parts used: Bark. |
| Actions: Astringent, anti-inflammatory, styptic. |
| Uses: Distilled witch hazel is an essential in the first aid kit; it can heal bruises, sprains, nosebleeds, cuts and scrapes, spots and blemishes, and can ease the pain of varicose veins and hemorrhoids. Press a cotton swab soaked in witch hazel to cuts to stop bleeding or insert a swab into a nostril for nosebleeds. Use a witch hazel compress for sprains and bruises. |
| Taken internally, an infusion of the leaves (1 teaspoon of chopped leaves to a cup of water) is effective for treating diarrhea, colitis, and heavy periods. |
| Yarrow (Achillea Millefolium) |
| A common meadow herb, yarrow's botanical name is derived from the Greek hero Achilles, who reputedly used the plant as a wound herb during the Trojan wars. The plant was once used in divination, and folk rituals still associate it with prediction (generally for identifying future husbands); the same tradition persists in China, where yarrow stalks are used with the I Ching. |
| Description: A perennial herb with distinctive feathery leaves and tiny white flowers in clusters appearing throughout the summer and autumn. |
| Parts used: Leaves collected throughout the growing season, flowers gathered when in full bloom. |
| Actions: Anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, astringent, bitter, |
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