Herb Stuff

I put this in Gallery-space since it seemed to fit, if loosely. This is the list of all the genuinely useful herbs my spouse and I have found, and preparations for them. If you use any of these, please remember that any chemical affects different people different ways. Do not, whatever you do, just up the dosage if it doesn't seem to work. If you really want to try messy green stuff instead of pills, consult someone with the bio-chemical background to make reliable recommendations.

For Menstrual Cramps

Crampbark. It's a smooth muscle relaxant, so it actually stops the spasms of your uterus. This can mean a reduced flow over a longer period of time. Crampbark can be taken as a infusion, but because I had very severe cramps (before I got the whole bloody uterus clipped out, and there was so much rejoicing) I do it up as a tincture. At that concentration it is the single nastiest thing I have ever tasted. After extensive experimenation I find that diluting it in whiskey kills the taste best, though I still recommend some kind of chaser. Cranberry juice, for example. I take about two eyedroppers full in about two fingers of diluting fluid. Drink it fast.

Note: Crampbark seems to react badly with NSAIDs like Tylenol and Advil. Don't take them together.

For Headaches due to Drop in Bloodpressure

Feverfew. Sometimes this will even work for migranes if they're due to a drop in pressure and not a rise. Make sure you know which it is for you, you don't want to give yourself a stroke. I also use this in a tincture, but it tastes considerably less foul than the crampbark. One to two eyedroppers full in half a cup of water works for me.

For Chest Cough, Nasal Dripping and Some Sore Throats

Elderflower. This helps condition the mucus membranes, so if you have an unproductive cough it can reduce phlem, and if you have a stuffed nose it can help clear that out some too. Make as an infusion, one large tea-ball to one pot, and drink about a cup every hour. It tastes like nothing much at all, so adding some grated ginger and/or honey will both give it some taste and be generally good for you. Ginger heats up your whole system, helping to burn out the bug, and honey will soothe your throat if it's sore. It's also anti-bacterial, always a plus.

For General Sore Throat

Honey, Lemon and Ginger. Put them together in a cup of hot water and drink it. In addition to the benefits of honey and ginger listed above, lemon is astringent and will keep your throat from feeling nastily clogged. Be aware that this may cause minor stomach upset in some. It all depends on how much honey and lemon you use.

For Insomnia

Passionflower. If you can't get to sleep because your brain won't stop going, this can help. Passionflower can be taken as an infusion, as a tincture or dry in capsules. Since I don't like drinking a lot right before bed, I use one of the latter two. I find that either six to ten dry capsules or else two to four droppers-full of tincture, diluted, works pretty well.

Hops. Ken and I both find Hops more effective than Passionflower, but I can't take them for more than a week before they start doing bad things to my stomach. Hops are extremely bitter, and will stimulate your digestive system. If it's late and you don't have anything in your stomach, this can cause problems. It could even damage to the lining if it lasts long enough. Because of the bitterness I do not recommend taking this as an infusion. Try either six to eight dry capsules or else two to three droppers, diluted (drink it fast).

Please Note: These should only be used for a short term. Chronic insomnia is invariably a sign that something is seriously wrong. It could be neuro-chemical, in which case you want to talk to a doctor who specializes in that and quite probably a psychotherapist. It could be a physiological problem that's causing you to rouse: breathing problems, pain, etc. Again, you want to talk to someone who has some chance of fixing the root problem. For crying in silence, don't just try to drug yourself into oblivion as a palliative. Figuring out the real problem and getting it fixed will be much better for your health.