Ditch Stonecrop

Forms Available: leaf, seed

Ditch Stonecrop – penthorum sedoides – This plant has laxative, astringent and demulcent properties.

Aromatherapy & Health Uses: Effective in treating catarrh and diarrhea. Used in cough remedies.

Dittany

Dittany – cunila origanoides – Plant makes a mint flavored tea. The tea can be used to relieve headaches, colds and fevers. The essential oil is antiseptic and a stimulant.

Aromatherapy & Health Uses: The leaf makes a tea that relieves headaches, colds and fevers.

Dogwood

Dogwood – cornus floridus – The bark of the dogwood has been a treatment for external wounds when applied in a poultice. The root-bark is antiperiodic, astringent and a stimulant. The Native American Indians made an infusion with the bark to ease sore muscles and a tea with the bark to induce sweating. Dogwood has also been used to treat malaria.

Aromatherapy & Health Uses: Once a treatment for malaria. A sweat inducer. An appetite stimulant.

Doh Quai

Don Quai – angelica sinensis – a female herb, used by herbalists for gynecological complaints. This herb affects the endocrine system and stabalizes the female hormone production. Note, it is not recommended for use during pregnancy. In chinese medicine, don quai is a “warming” plant – it improves circulation.

Aromatherapy & Health Uses: A warming plant – increases circulation. Recommended for gynecological problems – stabalizes menstruation, eases cramps, regulates hormones.

Dragon’s Blood

Dragon’s Blood – Draceana draco spp.- Dragon’s blood is the resin of the Draceana draco species. The common name of this plant is “dragon tree” hence the name.

Aromatherapy & Health Uses: The resin has been used externally as a wash to stop bleeding and promote healing.

Other Uses: Burn for love, protection, exorcism, and sexual potency. Use for Courage; Magical Power; Energy; Strength; Purification; Changes; Determination; Cleansing.

Echinacea

Echinacea – echinacea purpurea – Echinacea increases bodily resistance to infection and is used for boils, erysipelas -a superficial infection of the skin, septicaemia -blood poisoning, syphilis and other impurities of the blood, its action being antiseptic. It has also useful properties as a strong alterative and aphrodisiac. The extract has been used for hemorrhoids. Unlike antibiotics, which are directly lethal to bacteria, echinacea makes our own immune cells more efficient in attacking bacteria, viruses and abnormal cells, including cancer cells. Echinacea purpurea has similar properties to E. angustifolia. Prolonged use of Echinacea, i.e. more than 8 weeks, is not recommended and may cause immune suppression or liver problems. There are no published studies of Echinacea use during pregnancy or during breast-feeding, check with your doctor. Stimulates bile flow and can be used in cases of poor digestion or appetite. For a decoction, bring 2 teaspoons of root material per cup of water to a boil, then simmer for 15 minutes. Cool. Drink up to 3 cups a day. You’ll find the taste initially sweet, then bitter. Not for children under age 2. For older children and persons over 65 start with low-strength preparations and increase strength if necessary.

Aromatherapy & Health Uses: Echinacea is used to prevent and treat colds and to help heal infections. echinacea makes our own immune cells more efficient in attacking bacteria, viruses and abnormal cells, including cancer cells.

Elder

Elder – sambucus canadensis or nigra – Also known as Ellhorn, Elderberry, Lady Elder, and Black Berried Elder. A Druid Sacred Tree. Sacred to the White Lady and Midsummer Solstice. The Druids used it to both bless and curse. In Chinese medicine, the leaves, stems, and roots are used to treat fractures and muscle spasms. The flowers treat colds, sore throats, hay fever, and arthritis, and act as a mild laxative. Named the “country medicine chest” for its many health uses, the Elderberry is also rich in European folklore.
The black elder – S. nigra – can be used as an insecticide in the garden or to repel insects from the face and body. A simple infusion of the fresh leaf is made for this purpose. It can also be poured down mouse and mole holes. The berries are used for jam, wine, pies, and syrups. Medicinally, they help coughs, colic, diarrhea, sore throats, asthma, and flu. A pinch of cinnamon makes the tea more warming. The leaves are added to salves fro skin conditions. The flowers are infused for fevers, eruptive skin conditions such as measles, and severe bronchial and lung problems. A classic flu remedy is a mixture of elderflower, yarrow and peppermint teas. Keep the patient well covered, as the flowers promote sweating. Use two teaspoons of the herbs per cup of water, steep for twenty minutes, and take up to three cups a day.

Aromatherapy & Health Uses: The leaves of elder can be used as an antiseptic poultice. Elder flowers can be taken in hot infusion to aid relief of upper respiratory tract infections.

Other Uses: Elder wands can be used to drive out evil spirits or thought forms. Use for: Money; Riches; Love; Blessings; Banishing; Releasing; Consecration; Cursing; Purification; Cleansing.

Elemi

Forms Available: essential oil

Elemi – Canarium luzonicum

Aromatherapy & Health Uses: Smoothes wrinkles and rejuvenates skin.

Other Uses: Used to enhance transcendence and journeys into the spirit realm.

Emu Oil

Forms Available: oil

Emu Oil – Dromiceius novaehol-landiae – An emu is a flightless, grey-feathered ratite bird of Australia, closely related to the ostrich. Emu oil comes from a thick pad of fat on the back of the bird that was initially provided by nature to protect the animal from the extreme temperatures of its Australian homeland. For centuries, the aborigines of Australia have been applying Emu oil to their wounds with excellent results. Today, more and more it is being added to products worldwide to increase their effectiveness. It is found in foods, muscle pain relievers, skin care products, and natural soaps. Emu oil is an edible oil which is non-irritating. Some of its known properties are: Anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, skin regenerative.Some of its known uses are: Assists with the healing of bed sores. When applied to a new cut, scrape or burn, assists with prevention of scars. Provides sunburn relief. Makes a wonderful massage oil for muscle aches and strains. Very helpful for arthritis pain and inflammation. Provides canker sore relief. Useful for diaper and heat rash. Great as a massage on children who have “growing painsâ€? in their extremities. Assists with prevention of stretch marks; once stretch marks are present, assists with eliminating accompanying dryness and itchiness. Makes tight skin more supple. Good skin lubricant; also useful in sexual applications. Many people use so-called “baby oilâ€? for their babies, for their skin care, and for sexual lubrication but usually the main ingredient in “baby oilâ€? is mineral oil which is derived from petroleum. This is what thousands and thousands of people are using on their babies and on their private parts. Is it any wonder that every day more cancers and unusual diseases are being found in infants, children and adults? In Soapmaking: This almost odorless oil has a color ranging from dark ivory to yellow and is a wonderful addition in soapmaking.

Aromatherapy & Health Uses: A natural anti-inflammatory. Reduces swelling, stiffness in joints, bruising and muscle pain.