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| other vulnerary and antimicrobial herbs such as uva ursi and yarrow. Naturopath Jill Stansbury suggests making a cold infusion of marshmallow by soaking 1 tablespoon of dried roots or fresh leaves or flowers in 1 cup of cold water. For recurrent bladder infections, drink 3 to 6 cups of this tea over the course of 24 hours and then slowly decrease the dose as symptoms improve. |
| Its moisturizing effects ease respiratory complaints and are often included in formulas for bronchitis and dry, hacking coughs. One study showed that marshmallow enhances phagocytosis, indicating its therapeutic use in gastrointestinal and urinary tract infections and in wound healing. Topically, marshmallow is used as a poultice or compress for treating abrasions, inflammations and rashes. |
| A marshmallow decoction can be made by simmering 1 teaspoon of chopped marshmallow root in 8 ounces of water for 10 to 15 minutes. Strain, and drink up to three cups daily. It is quite mucilaginous. A tincture of marshmallow can be useful as well, but teas are more effective for urinary tract ailments. The mucilage in marshmallow does not extract well in glycerin or in a high percentage of alcohol, so make a low-alcohol extract or tincture. |
| Milk Thistle |
| (Silybum marianum) |
| Part used: Seed |
| Actions: Hepatoprotective, demulcent, galactogogue, bitter tonic |
| Indications: This common thistle contains some of the most powerful liver-protective substances known. In Europe, milk thistle extracts are used intravenously to neutralize the deadly toxins of the amanita mushroom (Amanita phalloides) and prevent liver damage. Milk thistle is primarily used to treat liver ailments and even to regenerate liver tissue. It is one of the only effective substances known to treat hepatitis A and B. It is used to treat cirrhosis and to repair liver damage caused by envi- |
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