The Lost Book of Herbal Remedies Harvesting: Like all plants, the ginseng root needs to be treated with great respect. Do not harvest the roots before the berries ripen and the seeds set, in late summer or early autumn. When uncovering the neck of the root, look for four or more leaf scars, one scar for each year of age. Roots less than four years old do not contain enough beneficial properties to be effective. Note the location of younger roots and leave them in the ground or dig them up for relocation. The root branches underground, so dig carefully, and excavate a large area. Use the root fresh and dry some for future use.
Warning: Avoid American Ginseng if taking warfarin or other blood thinning therapies. Not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women. Ginseng should not be taken if someone has a hormonerelated condition such as endometriosis, fibroids, or cancers of the breast, ovaries, uterus, or prostate. Do not use ginseng for people with heart disease except under the close supervision of a healthcare professional. Ginseng may decrease the rate and force of heartbeats. Occasional side effects include headaches, anxiety, upset stomach, and sometimes trouble sleeping.
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Recipes. American Ginseng Tea: Here is a simple ginseng tea with cooling properties. It keeps the body balanced and improves mental alertness. Avoid taking ginseng tea close to bedtime. You’ll need 1/2 ounce of American Ginseng root fibers, 3 cups of water, a few grains of salt (optional). Bring the water to a boil. Add ginseng and simmer for 5 to 10 minutes. Season with salt, if desired. Strain the tea and allow it to cool. Serve at room temperature or cold. American Ginseng Extract: See Section on Tinctures and Extracts. Use 8 ounces (230g) of American ginseng root, pounded into fibers or ground, with 1quart (1 Liter) of 80 proof or better alcohol and infuse it for 6 to 8 weeks. Angelica archangelica that is used medicinally. It is in the Apiaceae/Umbelliferae (Carrot/Celery) Family.
Angelica, Angelica archangelica
Identification: Angelica is a biennial plant that dies after it sets its seed in its second year. During the first
According to legend, an angel revealed in a dream how to use angelica to cure the plague. It was reverently called “The Root of the Holy Ghost” and was believed to ward off witchcraft and evil spirits. It is also called Wild Celery. Angelica is a useful medicinal plant, but care must be taken to identify the plant correctly before using it. It is similar in appearance to other poisonous plants like water hemlock and giant hogweed. Please note the distinguishing features listed below and be sure you have the correct plant before harvesting. The plant is found in the North Eastern parts of North America and in Northern Europe and grows in moist, cool woodlands, along stream banks, and in shady places. It is widely cultivated as an ornamental and medicinal plant. There are many varieties, but it is the 154
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