Our ancestors used herbs to treat every ailment; they had an intimate knowledge of medicinal herbs and passed this on to subsequent generations. With the advent of modern medicine, this knowledge has largely been lost. Some of the most therapeutic herbs, such as docks and nettles that bring health promoting minerals from deep down in the soil and are thought of today as rampant weeds and are unwelcome in the garden. Growing such herbs in containers (pots) restrain their invasive properties.
{can be grown in a huge pot, it is unlikely it will every bear fruit in a pot, but the leaves are what you are after. Never use pesticides for herbs.. Spray with dish soap and water to keep bugs off.} Wash and cut up leaves for a small dog I would say 1 leaf for every 5 pounds.
Raspberry strengthens the muscles of the uterus, for centuries women have prepared for childbirth by eating these leaves. Now the Jack Russell Terrier Times (quarterly Canadian magazine) says: When my bitches are in heat and we plan to breed them, I add red raspberry leaves to their food throughout their heat cycle and right up to labour. This herb is recommended for pregnant women too. It strengthens the uterine walls, eases labour and helps with contractions so that everything that should be expelled is. A shot of oxytocin is usually given after the last puppy is delivered.. Now I used them, had three healthy babies with no drugs, cuts, stitches or complications what so ever...
Narrow leaf plantain has long thin ribbon like leaves and stem that grow quite tall. Plantain is a super styptic, either for bleeding wounds where applying pressure is awkward or after cropping tails and or dew claws. A common weed in North America, it has strong astringent and antiseptic properties. The leaf can be used whole, or in finely ground or powdered form. It stops bleeding almost instantly and with little of any stinging sensation.
They contain a jellylike fluid that soothes minor stings and burns. Now the squirrels in my neighborhood ate all my hen-and-chicks.. so they must be good tasting too.
many species exist but only H. perforatum is used by herbalists. CAUTION: do not go out into the sun with any prepared oil from this plant.. It is used for burns...scrapes...it heals so fast.
This can be used with plantain and are antidotes for stings and bites...Make a cream of equal parts fresh or dried (aerial parts) of plantain and selfheal..
Is sometimes referred to as "knitbone" comfrey is a large, handsome plant with blue, white or pink flowers. I can vouch for this plant as I have broken almost every bone in my body.. (Used to race motorcycles for Kawasaki).. need I say more..
Comfrey ointment is good for bruises, fractures and even sutured wounds will heal exceedingly fast. Dry six or seven comfrey leave in a very sow oven, Prepare a hot infused oil and use it to make an ointment (or buy it at a Health Food Store - check expiration date)
CAUTION: Comfrey heals the skin so fast that it should not be used on infected skin lest it seals in any infection!!
Another herb excellent for healing the skin. This cheerful hardy annual was valued by the Egyptians as a rejuvenating herb. Pot marigold helps reduce inflammation, is an anitfungal and boost the immune system (supports the lymphatic system). Harvest the flower.. they contain the highest concentration of the plant's medicinal properties. You can dry the flower to use in tea or tincture.
Yarrow also known as stauchweed, is prized amongst herbalists. Other herbs benefit from growing near this herb. Yarrow juice will stop bleeding. Rub a few soft leaves together and apply juice to the skin.
This method of infusing oils is quicker than cold infused oils. Use 1 pint of vegetable oil for 8 oz of dried herbs. Infused oils can be stored in a cool, dark place for up to a year. Place herbs and oil in a glass bowl over a pain of simmering water. Heat very gently for three hours. Strain through muslin bag. Collect the liquid in a jug and pour into a dark sterile bottle.
Flowers and soft parts of herbs can be made into cold infused oils. These may be used as bases for ointments or in massage and bath oils. Fill a large screw-top jar with tightly packed flowers or leaves. Pour over enough vegetable or olive oil to cover. Screw on the lid and stand on a sunny windowsill for one month. Shake the jar daily. Strain the mixture through cheesecloth into a jug. Gather up the residue in a cloth and squeeze out remain oil. Pour the liquid through a funnel into a dark bottle. Store in a cool dark place.
Ointment are made with hot or cold infused oil and beeswax, and they are good for nourishing the skin...for rashes, strains and sprains (fractures too). Pour 3 1/2 oz infused oil into glass bowl. Place over a saucepan of boiling water. Add 1/2 inch square of beeswax and stir the liquid until the wax has completely melted. While still warm, pour into dark ointment jars. Leave to set in a cook ,ark place. Keep for up to a year.
Creams are an emulsion of oil and water, easily absorbed by the skin. A convenient way of making it is to buy an emulsifying cream from a drugstore and heat the plant material in it. Melt two tablespoons of emulsifying cream over a low heat. Add two teaspoons dried or fresh herbs. Stir until cream takes on the colour of the herb. Removed from the heat. Strain through muslin or cheesecloth. Squeeze to extract all the liquid before the cream sets. Let cool, then use a small palette knife to fill small, dark storage jar with cream. Keep for up to a year.
Sometimes it is quicker and more convenient to talk a spoonful of medicine than to make a tea or decoction. Tinctures are made by steeping herbs in alcohol. The alcohol extracts the active constituents of the herbs and preserves them for up to two years. Vodka is probably the best kind of alcohol to use for making tinctures because it is tasteless (and vodka is made from potatoes). Put about 4 oz dry or 10 oz fresh herbs into a large screw top jar. Pour 1 pint of 30 % 60 proof vodka and seal the jar. Let steep in a warm place for one month. Shake jar well every day. After a month strain mixture through cheesecloth into a jug. Discard or compost the remains of the herbs. Pour the Tincture through a funnel into a clean dark bottle and store until the remedy is needed. Use with caution on animals because of alcohol content..
Often when dogs have been underground their eyes will be full of grit or dirt. I'm sure you know about boric acid eye wash, but Cod liver oil is even better. It is very good for the eyes and provides a lubricating action and Vitamin A which stimulates healing. Puncture a cod liver oil cap and squeeze out a drop at a time into the eye. Cod liver oil gently lifts out gunk from the eyes and carries it away from the surface. If you have ever used a saline wash you have probably had your dogs eyes glued shut the next day and had to flush them again, with cod liver oil this does NOT happen.
