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Page 11
| Palpitations are a common side effect of too much coffee drinking. In home first aid, coffee can be used to counter nausea and vomiting (much appreciated by hangover sufferers) and is worth remembering as a digestive stimulant that can increase gastrointestinal activity. In folk medicine the powdered beans have also been used as an emergency application to burns and scalds to control inflammation. In homeopathic doses, coffee has the opposite effect and is used for anxiety, stress, nervous headaches, and hyperactivity. |
| Comfrey (Symphytum Officinale) |
| Although comfrey has been used for centuries as a wound healer and restorer of broken bones, it has had a more checkered history in recent years, veering from panacea to health hazard. Its healing action is due to a chemical called allantoin, which encourages growth of various tissue cells and so accelerates healing. Generations used comfrey poultices on pulled ligaments and minor fractures, while herbalists recommended it internally for stomach ulceration. |
| Description: Tall (up to 4 feet) perennial with stout stems and thick, hairy, tapering leaves. Flowers are white to purple and funnel shaped, appearing in summer. |
| Parts used: Roots, leaves. |
| Actions: Astringent, cell proliferator, demulcent, expectorant, wound herb. |
| Uses: Comfrey is ideal used externally for any sort of tissue damage. The hot infused oil is easy to make and forms a useful base for massage rubs for bruises, strains, sprains, and similar traumatic injuries; add 5 drops of rosemary or lavender oil to 1 teaspoon of comfrey infused oil. Many herbalists suggest that regular gentle massage using comfrey oil (for six to eight weeks) can help repair the damage of old injuries which may contribute to osteoarthritis. The herb should not be used on fresh wounds before they are |
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