Black Walnut

Black Walnut – juglans nigra – A thick green hull covers the actual walnut. This hull has to be removed to reveal the hard, wrinkled shell beneath. A dark, oily substance is between the hull and the shell. Walnut hulls are used to make dyes. The hulls can be boiled in water to make a deep brown, almost black dye. Besides making a dye, the boiled hull of the walnut can be used as a medicine by rubbing the affected skin with the pulverized leaves. It has been used extensively for the treatment of ringworm. The dark liquid is boiled down to make a thick poultice-like substance and this is applied to the area affected. Black walnut hull is widely known for its anti-parasitic qualities. Through the ages it has been used to rid the bowel of parasites such as tapeworms. It is also used as an antifungal in cases of Candida yeast, ringworm, athlete’s foot and thrush. The powder can be used to brush teeth to remove plaque and restore tooth enamel, although it may also darken teeth. Its astringent properties helps tighten gums, hemorrhoids. This herb is toxic to horses! Check with your vet before using to treat animals. May stop lactation, use caution if nursing.

Aromatherapy & Health Uses: Through the ages it has been used to rid the bowel of parasites such as tapeworms. It is also used as an antifungal in cases of Candida yeast, ringworm, athlete’s foot and thrush.

Blackberry

Blackberry – rubus villosus – A Blackberry leaf decoction is a blood and skin tonic, and a poultice treats eczema. The juicy purple-black fruit are rich in fiber and Vitamin C. The root is a classic remedy for diarrhea and is reputed to clean the kidneys and urinary tract of stones and gravel. Simmer two teaspoons for the root per cup of water for twenty minutes, and take a quarter cup four times a day. The buds and leaves are used fresh in poultices for wounds, burns, mouth sores, and sore throats. Chew the leaves or make a poultice. The berries are slightly binding and are useful in diarrhea, as are the leaves.

Aromatherapy & Health Uses: The astringent property of blackberry make it useful for treating diarrhea and sore throats.

Other Uses: Sacred to Brighid, the leaves and berries are used to attract wealth or healing. This is a Goddess herb, belonging to the planetary sphere of Venus. Protection, health, prosperity, pie for Lughnassadh, to commemorate the harvest.

Blackthorn

Blackthorn – prunus spinosa – Also know as Sloe, Mother of the Wood, or Wishing Thorn. This tree has small, serrated, oval leaves on dark, thorny branches with purple blooms and black fruit. The leaves yield a mouthwash. The astringent fruits make Sloe gin. Traditionally, the wood was used to make clubs.

Aromatherapy & Health Uses: Has been used for fever reduction. Also has expectorant properties.

Other Uses: Returns evil to sender. The thorns are used for sticking into black figure candles or poppets of enemies that will not leave you alone. Hung over doorways or carried, the sloe wards off evil and calamity, banishes demons and negative vibrations.

Bloodroot

Bloodroot – sanguinaria canadensis – the products from this plant are very caustic, they destroy tissue. Externally this plant has been used to ‘burn’ away surface cancers and growths. It has also been used as an emetic, expectorant, and laxative. Internally, it is mainly used in the making of expectorants which loosen phlegm in the throat and respiratory tract. American Indians used to use this in red face paint,, hence the alternative name “indian paint”.
Caution: avoid when pregnant or breastfeeding.

Aromatherapy & Health Uses: Externally this plant has been used to ‘burn’ away surface cancers and growths. It has also been used as an emetic, expectorant, and laxative. Interally, mainly used in the making of expectorants which loosen phlegm in the throat and respiratory tract.

Blue Cohosh

Blue Cohosh – caulophyllum thalictroides – this herb has been used, through history, in treating women. It stimulates the uterus into labor for the delivery of a child whilst easing the pain. It also can promote menstruation and ease cramps. It is also a cleanser, it acts as a diuretic, raises respiration, elevates blood pressure and promotes sweating.
The seed, roasted, is a coffee substitute.
Caution: This plant should not be used by pregnant women until delivery time as it can induce miscarraige. It should, also, not be prescribed for people with hypertension or heart problems.

Aromatherapy & Health Uses: stimulates the uterus into labor for the delivery of a child whilst easing the pain. It also can promote menstruation and ease cramps.

Blue Flag

Blue Flag – iris versicolor – This herb is a detoxifyer, increasing urine and bile while acting as a laxative also. It is also used to relieve acne, psoriasis, and eczema. It stimulates the lymphatic and circulatory systems. This herb also acts as an emetic. Blue flag has also been used, externally, on wounds and rheumatic joints.
Caution: do not take this herb if you are pregnant

Aromatherapy & Health Uses: This herb is a detoxifyer, increasing urine and bile while acting as a laxative also.

Blue Tansy

Forms Available: essential oil

Blue Tansy – tanacetum annuum – has a high azulene content giving it a deep blue color. A natural anti-inflammatory.

Aromatherapy & Health Uses: Relieves the symptoms of muscular aches, sprains, arthritis, rheumatism. Calms nervous tension.

Blue Vervain

Blue Vervain – verbena hastata – An expectorant, loosens phlegm. Cleanses body by promoting sweat and acting as a diuretic. A natural tranquilizer.

Aromatherapy & Health Uses: An expectorant, loosens phlegm. Cleanses body by promoting sweat and acting as a diuretic. A natural tranquilizer.

Blueberry

Blueberry – vaccinium sp. – This fruit seems to absorb free radicals, interferes with carcinagens, cleanses the blood, aids blood sugar levels in diabetes type 2, eases eyestrain, reduces bad cholesterol and, perhaps, reduces occurrence of urinary tract infections. Blueberries also show promise in treating alzheimer’s and other age related mental acuity issues.

Aromatherapy & Health Uses: This fruit seems to absorb free radicals, interferes with carcinagens, cleanses the blood, aids blood sugar levels in diabetes type 2, eases eyestrain, reduces bad cholesterol and, perhaps, reduces occurrence of urinary tract infections.

Boneset

Boneset – eupatorium perfoliatum – Relieves flu symptoms, induces sweat, relieves arthritis, relieves constipation, diuretic and appetite stimulant. Boneset was used, in the pre aspirin days, for relieving coughs, colds, flu, and upper respiratory tract congestion – the decongestant quality of boneset loosens the phlegm and the sweat making properties increases perspiration and lowers fevers.

Aromatherapy & Health Uses: Relieves flu symptoms, induces sweat, relieves arthritis, relieves constipation, diuretic and appetite stimulant.