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| nutrients. Wild yam is a preeminent smooth muscle relaxant and antispasmodic herb. And that's all it is. |
| Witch Hazel |
| (Hamamelis spp.) |
| Part(s) used: Leafing branches (less harmful to the plant), root and stem bark. |
| Therapeutic effects: A good astringent and soothing herb with distinct tonic effects on congested venous circulation, the type of aching pain that follows acute heat with sharp pain. |
| Preparations and dosages: Tincture [fresh herb, 1:2], 30 to 60 drops to 4x a day. Bark: Serviceable as standard decoction, 2 to 3 ounces to 4x a day. |
| Wood Betony or Lousewort |
| (Pedicularis spp.) |
| Part(s) used: The herb in flower. |
| Therapeutic effects: A useful muscle relaxant for overexertion, excitation and the physical irritability from early stages of illness or extended pain. |
| Preparations and dosages: Standard infusion, 4 to 8 ounces. Tincture [fresh plant, 1:2; dry plant, 1:5, 50% alcohol] 60 to 90 drops. All to 3x a day. |
| Contraindications: A splendid muscle relaxant, all that one need worry about is that the herb not be gathered from host plants that have their own toxic constituents, such as mountain senecio or one of the mildly toxic legumes, such as mountain pea (Thermopsis). The wood betonies take up these constituents (when parasitic), and you have a remedy that is both itself and its host. |
| Yarrow |
| (Achillea millefolium) |
| Part(s) used: Flowering plant. |
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