Herbal Medicines

The Wild Strawberry ( Fragaria vesca ) has been considered one of
the best remedies for some ailments. The plant grows in over much of
North America. The parts used for remedies are the leaves ( as an
astringent ). Use the leaves in a tea to reduce mouth inflamation of
the mucous membranes. The tea in a light form helps with diarrhea
(use the leaves fresh or dried). The root can be used for stomach
problems, jauntice, and profuse mensus. I have found the wild
berries good for the treatment of Gout. I have used about 2 cups of
water to about 1 lightly packed small tea ball. Bring the water to a
boil. Add the tea ball to water and remove from heat. Let the tea
steep about 30 minutes. Remove the ball and take about a 1/2 cup
before eack meal to relieve diarrhea. The fruit, crushed can be
applied to sunburns to relieve inflamation. use a damp cloth to
cover the crushed berries that are applied to the sunburn and let
set for about 15 minutes. Works for me.





Rose Hips from Rosa canina or Rosa regusa are two ways to get the
help in conquering the common cold. They are rich in vitamin C and
can be used as a tea, extract, puree's and even a marmalade

Though they are not native to America, they have become a plant that
grows almost every where on Turtle Island.

Tea: one cup boiling water added to one teaspoon of crushed dried
rose hips. Steep for 8 to 10 minutes, then strain. You can dilute
with 2 more ups of water. Drink a cup of tea three times a day to
aid in relief from a cold.

Wine: Remove the seeds from 3 or 4 ounces of dried rose hips.
Steep the hulls in a quart of red wine for 2 to 3 weeks. Strain.
Drink a glass (one glass) a day.

Syrup: Put 1/2 pound of dried rose hips and 1/2 cup of sugar in 2
cups of 100 proof alcohol. Let mix sit for about one month. Strain
and dilute with 3/4th to 1 cup water. enjoy a small liqueur glass a
day.

Be aware that the last two are for health and not for unrestrained
drinking. It is MEDICINE and should be treated as such.

Marmalade can be made as you would any other friut, remember that
rose hips have a goodly amount of pectin in themselves. Rose hips
are best collected when red and not before.

The pulp of the rose hip can be frozen, but do so in small portions
for better use.