Alkali Heath (Sphaeralcea coccinea)

admin — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 05:13:03 +0000

Alkali Heath (Sphaeralcea coccinea): This plant’s Navajo name came from the sticky mixture that occurs when the roots and leaves are pounded and soaked in water. The resulting sticky infusion is put on sores to stop bleeding and is used as a lotion for skin disease. The dried powdered plant is used as dusting powder. It is one of the life medicines and is used as a tonic to improve the appetite, and to cure colds, coughs and flu. The roots were used to stop bleeding, and they were also chewed to reduce hunger when food was scarce. The leaves are slimy and mucilaginous when crushed, and they were chewed or mashed and used as poultices or plasters on inflamed skin, sores, wounds and sore or blistered feet. Leaves were also used in lotions to relieve skin diseases, or they were dried, ground and dusted on sores. Fresh leaves and flowers were chewed to relieve hoarse or sore throats and upset stomachs. Whole plants were used to make a sweet-tasting tea that made distasteful medicines more palatable. It was also said to reduce swellings, improve appetite, relieve upset stomachs, and strengthen voices. The Dakota heyoka chewed the plants to a paste and rubbed it on their skin as protection from scalding. The tea is very effective for a raspy, dry, sore throat; and, like its relative Malva, it will soothe the urinary tract when urination is painful. The tea is used for bathing infants to prevent or retard thrush, and to soothe chafing. It is soothing to almost any skin rash in adults and children. Strong decoction, 4-6 fluid ounces up to 4 times a day for internal use, as needed externally.

Alkali Heath (Frankenia salina)

admin — Tue, 18 May 2010 15:52:24 +0000

Alkali Heath (Frankenia salina): Used both internally and by injection or spray, for catarrhal diseases and other discharges from the mucous membranes, diarrhea, vaginal leucorrhea, gonorrhea, and gleet, and the different types of catarrh. The tea is a reliable astringent to reduce inflammation of the alimentary tract, from mouth sores to the intestines, relieving diarrhea and soothing piles and hemorrhoids. It is an effective douche for vaginal inflammation.

Herb Review » Alkali Heath

Alkali Heath (Sphaeralcea coccinea)

Alkali Heath (Frankenia salina)