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| used to treat nerve-related disorders such as epilepsy, neuralgia, alcohol withdrawal symptoms, insomnia, stress and anxiety. |
| Skullcap is often combined with chamomile, hops, passionflower and other relaxing nervines. It is an important ingredient in some stop-smoking programs for it helps relieve nicotine cravings. |
| Stoneroot or Horse Balm (Collinsonia Canadensis) |
| Traditionally used to treat varicose veins, hemorrhoids and diarrhea and named for its use in the treatment of kidney stones, stoneroot is a rich source of rosmarinic acid, the same antioxidant found in rosemary. It is helpful to heart patients because, in addition to containing several bioflavonoids, stoneroot is an effective diuretic. In The New Age Herbalist, Richard Mabey wrote that the main use of this ''undervalued herbal remedy" is to strengthen the structure and function of the veins, for which it is applied externally as well as consumed in teas and tinctures. Prepare as a decoction, using 1 to 3 tsp. dried root per cup and drink up to 3 cups daily or take 1/2 to 1 tsp. tincture 3 times daily. Stoneroot can be substituted for rosemary in any heart tonic blend. |
| The herbal pharmacist Ed Smith, whose Herb Pharm in Oregon is known for products of superior quality, prepares a mixture called Restorative Venous Tonic using 24 percent stoneroot, 24 percent horse chestnut seed, 24 percent butcher's broom rhizome, 18 percent rosemary flowering branches and 10 percent prickly ash bark. The resulting tincture treats varicose veins, phlebitis, damaged veins, cramps, heaviness or fatigue in the legs, hemorrhoids, throm- |
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