Hydrangea, Wild

Wild Hydrangea – hydrangea arborescens – This herb is a well used diuretic, used to aid the passing of kidney stones and dissolving of residual stones. Overall, this herb is a genital/urinal tract herb used to treat cystitis, nephritis, enlarged prostate, kidney stones and irritation of the bladder.

Aromatherapy & Health Uses: Used in treatment of kidney stones and redidue, aiding passing of stones and dissolving residual. A genital/urinal herb, aiding both systems.

Indian Heliotrope

Indian Heliotrope – heliotropium indicum –

Indian Hemp

Forms Available: root

Indian Hemp – apocynum cannibinum – A herb that has been used by Native Americans to relieve many conditions from coughs and rheumatism to promoting lactation. This herb is a stimulant to heart, respiration and urinary systems.

Aromatherapy & Health Uses: The root is expectorant, emetic, diuretic and a cardiotonic.

Indian Pinks

Indian Pinks – spigelia marilandica – this herb has the alternate names of worm grass and wormweed. It’s primary use is in the treatment of intestinal worms such as tapeworm and roundworm. The herb is not used alone as it is potentially toxic, it is combined with other herbs to ensure that it too is expelled.

Aromatherapy & Health Uses: used in preparations to eliminate tapeworm and roundworm.

Indian Turnip

Indian Turnip – arisaema triphyllum – Has been used to treat flatulence, and respiratory diseases. A poultice has been used for headaches, rheumatism, ringworm, boils and abcesses.

Aromatherapy & Health Uses: A toxic plant,, use under supervision of qualified person. Antiseptic, diaphoretic, expectorant.

Ipecac, American

Forms Available: root, rhizome

American Ipecac – gillenia stipulata – The root of the ipecac is emetic, cathartic, diaphoretic, odontalgic and expectorant. Ipecac is a well used emetic, small doses induce vomitting. Ipecac is also put, in minute doses, in medications for the treatment of colds, constipation, asthma, chronic diarrhoea, and bronchial complaints. A poultice of tea made from the whole plant is used externally to treat bee stings, swellings, and rheumatism. Ipecac has also been used to treat toothaches.

Aromatherapy & Health Uses: The root of the ipecac is emetic, cathartic, diaphoretic, odontalgic and expectorant.

Iris

Forms Available: absolute, root

Iris – iris sp. – The dried root and essential oil are sedative. The dries root has helped babies teething.

Aromatherapy & Health Uses: The absolute and root are both sedative. The dried root has been used to alleviate teething pain.

Ironweed

Ironweed – veronia glauca – This herb root has been used for women’s issues. It both regulates menstruation and relieves post-natal pain.

Aromatherapy & Health Uses: A menses regulator and post-natal pain reliever.

Ivy

Ivy – Hedera helix – A Druid Sacred Herb. An ancient plant, believed by the Greeks to treat intoxication, its toxic leaves are used as a poultice to soothe neuralgia, rheumatism, and sciatica, and in a tincture for toothache and whooping cough. They reduce fevers, expel worms and in a compress, reduce cellulite. They contain saponins and in solution, darken hair, blacken silk and taffeta. Ivy leaves kill some amoebas, fungi and mollusks.
Tender ivy twigs are simmered in salves to heal sunburn; follow the standard instruction for salves. The leaves are used as a douche for vaginal infections. Externally, ivy is used in poultices to heal nerves, sinews, ulcers, enlarged glands, boils and abscesses.

Other Uses: Connected with the Winter Solstice when it is used for decorating. Ivy provides protection when growing on or near a house. Ivy is equated with fidelity and is woven into marriage wreaths. Use in charms to bind luck, love, and fidelity to your person.