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| to a cup of water) can be used for colds, hay fever, and allergic rhinitis. It contains minerals and trace elements. Particularly rich in zinc, potassium, and silica, it can be helpful as a tissue healer and immune stimulant. Ribwort also contains aucubin, an antibiotic glycoside, which helps to make the plant very healing and supportive for the immune system. |
| Potato (Solanum Tuberosum) |
| Potatoes belong to the same family as deadly nightshade and henbane, and like these highly toxic herbs, contain poisonous alkaloids. Solanine, found in potato skin, has the same sort of antispasmodic properties as atropine (found in deadly nightshade) and in large quantities would be equally fatal. Indeed, if the potato were discovered today, the presence of such a potent alkaloid would probably mean that scientists would condemn it as not safe for human consumption. Fortunately, potatoes were introduced into Western civilization in a more adventurous age; they were brought to Europe from Peru in 1530, but it took around 200 years for them to supplant bread, barley, and carrots as a main dietary staple, partly because of the association with the nightshade family. Potatoes are an important source of vitamin C; they are also rich in B-complex vitamins (including B 1, B 5, B 6, and folic acid) and contain several minerals including iron, calcium, manganese, magnesium, and phosphorus. |
| Parts used: Tuber. |
| Actions: Antispasmodic, mild anodyne, digestive remedy, diuretic, emollient, nutrient. |
| Uses: In the days when every housewife knew how to make a poultice, mashed potato was the preferred choice of many and was widely applied to just about every ache, pain, and inflammation. Besides being an important food source, potato juice is a useful addition to the medicine chest. It can be helpful for relieving digestive problems associated with excessive stomach acid including |
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