Apothecary’s Cabinet
- All
- Algaes & Seaweeds
- Animals & Insects
- Fruits & Vegetables
- Flower
- Herbs & Spices
- Ointment & Tincture
- Seed
- Shrub
- Tree
- Weed
Aconitum
Also known as aconite, monkshood, or wolf’s-bane. Aconitum is externally for Rheumatism or deep pain, root decoction a wash for venomous bites, internally slows heart rate and pulse. It is highly poisonous and should be handled with extreme caution.
Almond
Almonds contain many health benefits and provide magnesium, vitamin E and fiber for your body. The oil from an almond can be used for the skin and for heart and cardiovascular health. It is also good for controlling blood sugar.
Aloe
Aloe is good for burns and skin irritations. It can be used in skin products like lotions and soaps. Aloe is effective for lessening the pain from bug bites.
Angelica
A. atropurpurea is found in North America from Newfoundland west to Wisconsin and south to Maryland, and was smoked by Missouri tribes for colds and respiratory ailments.
Anise
Anise was used as a cure for sleeplessness, chewed with alexanders and a little honey in the morning to freshen the breath, and, when mixed with wine, as a remedy for asp bites. In Turkish folk medicine, its seeds have been used as an appetite stimulant, tranquilizer or diuretic.
Atropa Belladonna (Deadly Nightshade)
Atropa belladonna is in the nightshade family, which consists of potatoes, tomatoes, eggplants, and chili peppers. It is one of the most toxic plants known. It is used to make atropine to slow the heart rate.
Betony
Betony was an ingredient of “pistoja powder,” an old remedy for arthritis and gout. It was also claimed to be effective against snake and dog bites, and was believed to be a cure for drunkenness.
Birch
Birch-tar or Russian oil extracted from birch bark is thermoplastic and waterproof; it was used as a glue on, for example, arrows, and also for medicinal purposes. The inner bark is considered edible as an emergency food, even when raw. It can be dried and ground into flour, as was done by Native Americans and early settlers. It can also be cut into strips and cooked like noodles. The sap can be drunk or used to make syrup. Tea can be made from the red inner bark of black birches. The therapeutic properties of birch oil are analgesic, antiseptic, astringent, depurative, disinfectant, diuretic, febrifuge, insecticide and tonic.
Bistort
It has also been used traditionally for medicinal purposes. The roots are rich in tannic and gallic acids and both these and the leaves have been used to treat wounds. Can be used for all bleedings, whether external or internal. Excellent for diarrhea, dysentery, cholera and all bowel complaints. When dried and powdered is good for cuts and wounds to stop bleeding. Distilled water of the leaves and roots to wash sting or bite by a venomous creature, or to wash running sores or ulcers; also as a gargle in sore throat.
Bitter Vetch or Heath Pea
Bitter Vetch or Heath Pea was a plant commonly used by travelers. The tubers on the roots were cleaned and consumed, which had an aniseed like taste. It was used as a hunger suppressant, which was also good at keeping people awake. It was used to flavor whisky. Alternatively, it could be taken the next morning to help avoid a hangover.
Bitter Cascara
The thin bark is brownish to silver-gray with light splotching (often, in part, from lichens); the inner bark is smooth and yellowish (turning dark brown with age and/or exposure to sunlight). Cascara is toxic but can has been used as a laxative.
Bladderwort
Used for systemic infections. Dried leaves are used to make a medicinal tea. Used for kidney stones and urinary tract infections. They also take it to treat spasms, fluid retention, and swelling; and to stimulate gallbladder secretions. Bladderwort is sometimes applied directly to the skin for burns and swelling (inflammation).
Borage
Also called starflower, borage is an annual herb. Traditionally, Borago officinalis has been used in hyperactive gastrointestinal, respiratory and cardiovascular disorders, such as gastrointestinal (colic, cramps, diarrhea), airways (asthma, bronchitis), cardiovascular, (cardiotonic, antihypertensive and blood purifier), urinary (diuretic and kidney/bladder disorders).
Carrageen Irish Moss
Carrageen Irish Moss was used for an upset stomach. It was boiled in milk and created a sort of jelly, which soothed the stomach. While it wouldn’t provide any nutritional value, it would provide lining in the stomach to stop the effects of acid.
Chamomile
Chamomile tea is a herbal infusion made from dried flowers and hot water, and may improve sleep quality. It is good for colds and has a soothing effect on a person.
Chelidonium (Greater Celandine)
As far back as the 1st century AD this herb has been recognized as a useful detoxifying agent. The root has been chewed to relieve a toothache. It has traditionally been used for the treatment of various inflammatory diseases including atopic dermatitis. It has also been used for the treatment of gallstones and dyspepsia.
Cinnamon
In addition to being an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, antimicrobial, anticancer, lipid-lowering, and cardiovascular-disease-lowering compound, cinnamon has also been reported to have activities against neurological disorders, such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases. Cinnamon is also helps to regulate your blood sugar.
Cinchona Bark
Cinchona has been historically sought after for his bark which yields quinine and other alkaloids. There were effective treatments against malaria and fever.
Cloves
Cloves have been used since around 1720 BC. Traditionally the essential oil has been used as a analgesic for dental emergencies or disorders. It may even aid in the prevention of the growth of Enterococcus faecalis bacteria which is often present in a root canal treatment failure.
Coffee
Coffee is more than a pleasant stimulant to get going in the morning. Coffee in the right doses can aid in preventing heart disease, stroke, diabetes and kidney disease. It may help your body process glucose better. It can help protect your liver and your colon. Caffeine from coffee can help prevent Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s. But coffee can also aid in combating asthma attacks.
Comfrey (Symphytum officinale)
Symphytum officinale or comfrey can be used to as a topical treatment for hemorrhoids. It is sometimes used to reduce inflammation from sprains and broken bones. The roots could be used for the treatment of osteoarthritis. Comfrey is toxic and should be treated with care.
Dittany (American Dittany)
American dittany or cunila origanoides have been used for making tea with a pleasant, mint flavor. The tea can be used for headaches, colds, and fevers. Cunila oil can be used as an antiseptic.
Duaco Seeds (Daucus carota)
These are the seeds of a Daucus carota (Queen Anne’s Lace or wild carrot). In Fiery Cross these are called dauco by the indigenous people. Their claim is they are contraceptives. The plants root is edible while young. The flowers can be battered and fried. The seeds were used as a method of contraception. The plant can be used to attract pollinators to a garden.
Dulse Seaweed
Dulse seaweed was used in a number of medical applications, including the removal of afterbirth. If the afterbirth didn’t naturally come out of the body, it was a life threatening condition. Dulse would be boiled up and dropped on the stomach, which almost always removed the afterbirth. It was also used to soothe babies suffering from colic.
Elecampane
An herb that has been used since Ancient Greek times. The oil and wine can be used to treat bites from vipers, spiders and pine caterpillars. It has been used and an expectorant (bronchities, chest infections, comsumption) and for water retention.
Figs
The fig fruit is used as a laxative to relieve constipation. The leaf can be used for diabetes, high cholesterol and skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, and vitiligo. the calcium and potassium in figs can work to impreove bone density.
Foxglove (Digitalis)
Foxglove is highly dangerous. It can be used for heart palpitations. It is used for congestive heart failre and relieving associated fluid retention. It can be used for asthma, and epilepsy. It may be used topically for wounds and burns.
Garlic
Garlic tastes delicious in dishes but it highly nutritious. It can help protect against illness including colds. Garlic can help reduce blood pressure and improves cholesterol levels. The antioxidants may help prevent Alzheimer’s and dementia. It can help your body detoxify from heavy metals and can improve bone health. It is a natural antibiotic and when taken on a regular basis can prevent mosquitos from biting.
Ginger
Today, health care professionals may recommend ginger to help prevent or treat nausea and vomiting from motion sickness, pregnancy, and cancer chemotherapy. It is also used to treat mild stomach upset, to reduce pain of osteoarthritis, and may even be used in heart disease.
Goose Greese
Goose grease is the melted fat of geese, used to make ointments. Often imbued with camphor. It was the early Vicks Vapor Rub. Depending on what is mixed into the fat it can be used to treat colds and flus to aches and pains.
Goutweed
Goutweed is used for rheumatic diseases. This includes autoimmune diseases and diseases that affect the joints and soft tissues. Gout and arthritis are examps of rheumatic diseases. Goutweed is also used for hemorrhoids, as well as for kidney, bladder, and intestinal disorders.
Horehound
Part of the mint family, horehound was commonly used for respiratory ailments. It has been used for colds, as a digestive, a choleretic and to de-worm farm animals. It has anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antispasmodic , and vasorelaxant properties. It is considered safe and is one ingredient is Ricola throat lozenges.
Laudanum (Opium)
Laudanum is a tincture of opium containing approximately 10% powdered opium by weight. Laudanum is prepared by dissolving extracts from the opium poppy alcohol. Laudanum was primarily used for pain and sedation but because of its addictive nature quick became something used for any perceived ailment.
Lavender
Lavender is a very beneficial flower. The essential oils from lavender are used to relieve soreness, episiotomies, vaginal cuts made to deliver babies. Inhaling the essence eases pain and relaxes a person. The essential oil can be rubbed onto a scalp to help slow hair loss. It is antibacterial and helps sooth upset stomachs and stomach ailments. Lavender can adsorb heavy metals and can be used to clean contaminated garden plots.
Leeches
Leeches are segmented parasitic or predatory worms. The medicinal leech Hirudo medicinalis, and some other species, have been used for clinical bloodletting for at least 2,500 years. Leeches can reduce swelling in the tissues and promote healing, helping in particular to restore circulation after microsurgery. Leech secretions contain several bioactive substances with anti-inflammatory, anticoagulant and antimicrobial effects. Claire uses them on fresh bruises to reduce swelling.
Lily of the Valley
Lily-of-the-valley is used for heart problems including heart failure and irregular heartbeat. It is also used for urinary tract infections (UTIs), kidney stones, weak contractions in labor, epilepsy, fluid retention (edema), strokes and resulting paralysis, eye infections (conjunctivitis), and leprosy. Lily of the valley is highly toxic.
Lime
Lime is vital in the treatment of gastric disorders like indigestion, constipation and peptic ulcer. It stops the occurrence of indigestion, burning in the chest due to high acidity in the stomach, abrupt bilious vomiting and excessive accumulation of saliva in the mouth. Limes contain antioxidants, which have been shown to help reduce inflammation and even help prevent certain chronic illnesses. The high levels of Vitamin C found in limes can help protect you from infection and speed up your body’s healing process. Often used indiscriminately with that of the lemon.
Maggots
Maggot therapy (also known as larval therapy) is a type of biotherapy involving the introduction of live, disinfected maggots (fly larvae) into non-healing skin and soft-tissue wounds of a human or other animal for the purpose of cleaning out the necrotic (dead) tissue within a wound (debridement), and disinfection. There is evidence that maggot therapy may help with wound healing.
Marigolds
The main medicinal applications of marigold are skin conditions of all kinds, including contusions, bruises and varicose veins. Minor skin injuries and inflammation can also be successfully treated. Marigold ointment promotes wound healing for eczema and sunburns. It also aids in keeping unwanted bugs away from garden plants.
Marshmallow
Not the puffy sugary treat we love. Marshmallow is an herb. Leaves can be used to make poultices to reduce skin inflammation. Both the root and leaves contain a gummy substance called mucilage. When mixed with water, it forms a slick gel that is used to coat the throat and stomach to reduce irritation. It is also applied topically to soothe chapped skin. Marshmallow preparations help soothe irritated mucous membranes due to: Asthma, Bronchitis, Common cold/sore throat, Cough, Inflammatory bowel diseases (such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis), Indigestion, Stomach ulcers, Skin inflammation
Nasturtiums
Nasturtium leaves can be used on wounds to help fight infection being a strong antiseptic. The seeds can be ground to a paste and painted onto fungal infections of the toe nails. The pungent vapours released when eating nasturtium are also wonderful for bronchitis and other infections of the lungs.
Orris Root (Iris)
Used for “blood-purifying,” “gland-stimulating,” increasing kidney activity, stimulating appetite and digestion, and increasing bile flow. It is also used for headache, toothache, muscle and joint pain, migraine, constipation, bloating, diabetes, and skin diseases.
Peach Pits
Peach pits contain amygdalin—a substance that can create cyanide when digested by enzymes in the gut. Used correctly the amygdalin has been shown to effectively treat hepatosplenomegaly, a condition that causes abnormal enlargement of the liver and spleen. Not recommended for use.
Pennyroyal
Pennyroyal is frequently used as an insecticide and pest repellent. Some flea collars for pets have pennyroyal oil or the herb can be crushed in the lining. Pennyroyal has historically also been used as a mint flavoring in herbal teas and foods. Pennyroyal tea has been used for cold relief, fevers, coughs, indigestion, liver and kidney problems and headaches. The fresh or dried leaves of pennyroyal have also been used when treating influenza, abdominal cramps, to induce sweating, as well as in the treatment of diseases such as smallpox and tuberculosis. However, pennyroyal is toxic.
Peppermint
Peppermint is good and soothing digestive and other issues such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), acid reflux, heartburn, the common cold, sinus infections, and headaches. Peppermint oil is used for topical purposes to help with headache, muscle ache, joint pain, and itching.
Poppies
The flowers of the field poppy have long been used as a painkiller for soothing mild aches and pains (e.g. toothache, earache and sore throat), a mild sedative/relaxant, an expectorant for treating catarrh and coughs, and as a digestive.
Purslane
Its use as a purgative, cardiac tonic, emollient, muscle relaxant, and anti-inflammatory and diuretic treatment makes it important in herbal medicine. Purslane has also been used in the treatment of osteoporosis and psoriasis.
Quince
The seed is used as medicine. People take quince as a powder, extract, or tea for digestive disorders including stomach and intestinal pain (gastrointestinal inflammation), as well as diarrhea. Quince is also used for cough. They can be eaten alone as snacks, in trail mixes (dried), or in combination with different fruits. Quince contains vitamins A, C, E, B1, B2, B6 and PP. The seeds of quince contain fructose, glucose, potassium, calcium, phosphorus and copper.
Rosemary
Rosemary has significant antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, anti-apoptotic, anti-tumorigenic, antinociceptive, and neuroprotective properties. Furthermore, it shows important clinical effects on mood, learning, memory, pain, anxiety, and sleep. It may help lower your blood sugar, support brain health and protect vision and eye health.
Saxifrage
Burnet saxifrage has long been held in high regard as a medicinal herb, being used especially in the treatment of wounds and internally to ease digestion, soothe respiratory complaints and treat kidney and urinary diseases. It is used in the treatment of kidney and bladder stones.
Slippery-Elm Bark
Slippery elm (Ulmus fulva) has been used as an herbal remedy in North America for centuries. Native Americans used slippery elm in healing salves for wounds, boils, ulcers, burns, and skin inflammation. It was also taken orally to relieve coughs, sore throats, diarrhea, and stomach problems.
Sphagum Moss
Sphagnum moss was one that was used right up until WWII, which had been used for centuries before. This was a very spongy moss which would be used to pack wounds. Due to the absorbent quality, it was excellent for soaking up the blood of wounded soldiers. Not only that, the moss has a natural antiseptic quality, meaning it would kill off any bacteria present in the wound.
Sorrel
Sorrel is used for reducing sudden and ongoing pain and swelling (inflammation) of the nasal passages and respiratory tract, for treating bacterial infections along with conventional medicines, and for increasing urine flow (as a diuretic). Sorrel is also an ingredient in the herbal cancer treatment Essiac. It is a nutritional powerhouse, providing significant amounts of important micronutrients, including vitamin A, a fat-soluble vitamin that helps you to maintain healthy vision, skin, immune function, growth, and reproductive health and vitamin C, an important antioxidant that helps the body resist infection.
St. John's Wart
St Johns Wort is a common active ingredient in anti-depression medications, but back in the 1700s they believed this was a person being possessed by the devil. Small pouches of the plant were made up and to be kept under the oxter of the person suffering. Because of the thin skin of that area, the toxins from the plant would seep through and heal the person – although the Highlanders thought that it was chasing away the possession.
Storksbill
As a medicine, both the leaves and the root of storksbill are useful due to being astringent; the root is a strong astringent while the leaves are a less aggressive astringent. Astringents cool, tighten and reduce inflammation in the tissues with which they come into contact. The whole plant is astringent and haemostatic. It has been used in the treatment of uterine and other bleeding. The root and leaves have been eaten by nursing mothers to increase the flow of milk. Externally, the plant has been used as a wash on animal bites, skin infections etc.
Tansy
Tansy is used for digestive tract problems including stomach and intestinal ulcers, certain gallbladder conditions, migraines, nerve pain, joint pain, and many other conditions. Tansy oil can be used to treat roundworm and threadworm infections in children.
Tumeric
Traditionally used for disorders of the skin, upper respiratory tract, joints, and digestive system. Today, turmeric is promoted as a dietary supplement for a variety of conditions, including arthritis, digestive disorders, respiratory infections, allergies, liver disease, depression, and many others. It helps control inflammation and jaundice.
Watercress
Watercress is a plant. The part that grow above the ground are used to make medicine. Watercress is used for swollen breathing passages in the lung, coughs, bronchitis, flu, and swine flu. Other uses include treating baldness, constipation, parasitic worms, cancer, goiter, polyps, scurvy, and tuberculosis.
Willow Bark
While the book refers to using willow bark as an aspirin, the more commonly available meadow sweet was used more often. The crushed flower was made into a tea or an ointment which was then applied to the area in pain. It was an antiseptic which smells like modern medicine Deep Heat.
Witch Hazel
The leaf, bark, and twigs can be used to make “witch hazel water.” Some people apply witch hazel directly to the skin for itching, pain and swelling (inflammation), eye inflammation, skin injury, mucous membrane inflammation, vaginal dryness after menopause, varicose veins, hemorrhoids, bruises, insect bites, minor burns, acne, sensitive scalp, and other skin irritations. It makes a great toner for oily skin.
Wormwood
Wormwood is used for various digestion problems such as loss of appetite, upset stomach, gall bladder disease, and intestinal spasms. Wormwood is also used to treat fever, liver disease, and worm infections; to increase sexual desire; as a tonic; and to stimulate sweating. It can helps repel fleas and moths indoors; indigestion and gastric pain; tea form to help with pain of labor.
Yarrow
Yarrow contains flavonoids, plant-based chemicals that increase saliva and stomach acid to help improve digestion. Yarrow may also relax smooth muscle in the intestine and uterus, which can relieve stomach and menstrual cramps. It may enhance wound healing, reduce the symptoms of depression and flight inflammation.
Yellow Jasmine (Gelsemium Sempervirens)
All parts of this plant contain the toxic strychnine-related alkaloids gelsemine and gelseminine and should not be consumed. The sap may cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals.