Old Fashioned Herbal Plant Remedies for Heat Exhaustion
Two herbal plants common to North America have been used for generations for heat related illnesses. Both Lobella and Gelsemium have been shown to bring relief from the fever and headaches due to sunstroke. Descriptions of both plants and how to extract the medicinal properties of each is discussed.
The best time to gather the root from the plant is during the fall season. Proper care should be taken while taking the root, dig carefully and gently trim the outer root stock. This promotes further growth and leaves the important main root intact so the plant is not harmed. A small shovel and sharp knife are the best tools to use for this job. After gathering the root you should wash away the soil and dry it in a warm, dry, dark place on a screen so all sides of the root dry well. The root, after drying, can be used right away or can be stored in a jar in a dark place. Storage in a dark place will keep the medicine stronger.
A tincture is made from the bark of the root. You can use a potato peeler to remove the bark or a sharp knife at the cut end inserted under the bark and peeled away works as well. A tincture is made with alcohol. The alcohol used must be strong enough to extract the medicinal properties in the root. The best kind to use is a vodka that is 100 proof or Grain Alcohol
(Ever Clear). 4 Teaspoons of Root to ½ Pint of alcohol is used. Seal the jar tightly with a good lid. Put away in a dark place and let sit for at least 1 month. After that time remove the root from the alcohol by pouring through a strainer and then return liquid to the ½ Pint Jar. It is ready to use for the above mentioned ailments. Only ½ teaspoon to a wineglass full of water should be used twice a day. Larger doses can affect the nervous system so please! Use care!!
This is a very good remedy for the heat exhaustion that is so common from being outside on these hot summer days. Use of this medicinal remedy with plenty of rest will make you feel better within a few days. There should be no side effects if used properly.
Using herbal remedies make sense to me. Cultivating plants for enjoyment in the garden and also for relief of common ailments is a win win situation. The healing properties of plants is a wonderful thing…truly a gift from the earth.
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Disclaimer-
While herbal remedies have a long history of use the information in this article
should not be used in place of a visit to your doctor. If illness is present please
go to a M.D.
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