DETAILS ON LAVENDER, ROSEMARY AND ST. JOHN’S WORT

Lavender (Aetheroleum Lavandulae Hybride) Migraine and Headache: efficacious when rubbed into the skin of the forehead, temple,
neck and behind the ears; Depression, Cardiac Pain: take 4-5 drops on a lump of sugar or in a teaspoonful of sugar on an empty stomach;
Rheumatism: rub oil into painful areas; Baths: 20-30 drops in the bathtub (it has a soothing effect, is refreshing and affords relief from
anxiety and tension); against mosquitoes and other insects: aromatize your body and premises overnight.


1. Lavender Blossom (Lavandulae Flos) Asthma: one large spoonful of blossom is used for one cup of tea. Pour two deciliters of
boiling water over the blossoms. Inhale twice a day; Nervous Throbs of the Heart, Cramps in the Intestines, Hysteria: drink three cups of
tea daily; pour two deciliters of boiling water on one teaspoonful of blossom and let it stand for 2-3 minutes; To Strengthen the Cerebral
Nerves: pour boiling water over the blossoms, let it cool and wash your head with it; Prevention Against Moths: place bags containing
lavender blossoms into wardrobes and closets.

Lavender (Lavendula angustifolia) is a member of the mint family native to the Mediterranean region. The flowers are predominantly used.
They contain a volatile oil (0.5 to 1%) that includes linalool, lavandulyl, acetate, borneol, camphor, limonene, cadinene, caryophyllene,etc.
and coumarins. They are considered carminative, antispasmodic and anti-depressive. The oil has been found to have Central Nervous
system depressant activity in mice. It is anti-microbial and of low toxicity. It is used in perfumery and as an insect repellant.


2. Rosemary Oil (Aetheroleum Rosmarini): Rheumatism: massage the diseased part of the body with the oil and cover it with a piece
of cotton cloth; Diseases of the Stomach and Intestines (catarrh, cramps and similar pains): take 4 drops of oil on a lump of sugar or in a
teaspoonful of sugar on an empty stomach; Hepatitis, Epilepsy, Hemorrhoids, Infections Diseases, Colds, Flu and Gout: take a few drops
of oil in a tea; Bathing: put 20-30 drops into your bathtub (it helps heart action; Spice: a few drops improve the taste of many dishes.

Rosemary is in the mint family and is native to the Mediterranean region. It contains a volatile oil composed of borneol, camphene,
camphor, cineole, limonene, linalool, isobutyl acetate, flavonoids, rosmarinic acid, diterpenes, ursolic and oleanolic acid and derivatives.

It is an anti-inflammatory, tonic astringent, diaphoretic, stomachic, nervine, anodyne and antiseptic. It can be used for headaches as
described, and all disease of the head, including improving memory. The leaves and flowers can be made into a tea and used as a douche for
trichomonas.



3. St. John's wort (Hypericum Perforatum) has become one of the most celebrated herbs of our time for the treatment of mild
depression. It actually has many other uses including antiviral, anti-inflammatory, astringent, sedative, anti-rheumatic. It can be used for the
treatment of coughs and colds and even menopause. Topically it is applied as an oil or salve as a vulnerary for the treatment of wounds and
injuries. Its special application is for the treatment of nerve pains for which it can be used either as an herb or in homeopathic dosage. In
Croatia, St. John's wort is used as a topical application for the relief of burns, including sunburns.

It derives its name from the fact that the plant tends to flower on St John's Day, which occurs just before the summer solstice. This is also
considered the ideal time to harvest the herb though it will continue to flower throughout the summer. It has a long history of folk use in
talismans and amulets to protect against the "evil eye" or harmful psychic influences perpetrated by one's enemies. When the bright yellow
flowers are placed in water, oil or alcohol, the solution changes to a bright blood-like red which is particularly considered auspicious for
protection and healing of both physical and psychic wounds.

According to Paracelsus (quoted from Mathew Wood's, The Book of Herbal Wisdom, pub by North Atlantic Books) "The hypericum is
almost a universal medicine," he says. 'The veins upon its leaves are a signatum, and being perforated they signify that this plant drives
away all phantasmata existing in the sphere of man. The phantasmata produce spectra, in consequence of which a man may see and hear
ghosts and spooks, and from these are induced disease by which men are induced to kill themselves, or to fall into epilepsy, madness,
insanity, etc."

Mathew Wood's excellent herb book goes on to describe various other uses for hypericum (usually taken internally as a tea or tincture)
derived from his own and various other sources making it, as Paracelsus suggests, a veritable panacea.

Homeopathically it is widely used for nerve trauma, inflammation of the nerves, with sharp shooting pains along the course of the nerves
and pinched nerves associated which could also include collapsed disks of the spine. It has a special affinity for pains caused by blows or
injuries to the coccyx. It can be used to prevent septicemia and puncture wounds. The usual homeopathic dose is hypericum 30X.

The oil or ointment can be applied to bed sores, bleeding wounds, burns, abrasions, injuries, boils, dry and wet eczemas and insect stings. It
is effective as an antispasmodic for muscle cramps, stiffness, aches, overuse, sprains, bruises, sciatica, rheumatism, gout, neuralgia and poor
circulation.

Of course its recent celebrated use for the treatment of mild depression is derived from its historical benefit for various types of nerve
injuries.

From my book, The Way of Herbs (pub. By Pocket Books, 1998 edition) comes the following:

Energy and flavors: cool, bitter

Systems affected: liver and nervous system

Biochemical Constituents: Essential opil, hjypericin, flavonoids

--- Take 10 to 30 drops of the tincture (5 to 1 extract) or simmer a tablespoon of the dried herb in a cup of boiling water. Take two or three
cups daily.



How to Make St. John's Wort Oil

Blend 1 1/2 cups dried St. John's wort consisting mostly of flowers but with some leaves, with 2 cups of olive oil until it is a well-macerated
mixture. Pour into a clear glass jar and cover. As the oil develops it changes bright red, if it does not, place it in the sun for a day or so.
Keep the herb submerged in the oil and shake the jar vigorously every day for a period of two or three weeks. Strain by press-squeezing
the oil through a cloth. Bottle and keep in a dark place for use.

This oil can be used to promote the healing of all types of wounds, injuries, burns and damaged nerves. Internally it can be taken to help
heal gastro-intestinal ulcers.

St. John's wort has created serious photosensitivity in animals that were previously found grazing on it in pastures. This contraindication
has not been conclusively documented in humans, however, those who are taking it regularly for controlling depression might be especially
careful in over exposure to the sun. One can expect no problem from its short-term (a few days to a week or so) use. Interestingly, the
Croatians specifically indicate the use of St. John's wort oil as a topical treatment for sunburn.