A Ministry of Hope for Those Living With Chronic Pain

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A Ministry of Hope for Those Living with Chronic Pain

"Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest."Matthew 11:28

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Welcome to Natural Crossroads

A vast majority of the information on this page was taken from "The Healing Herbs" a book published by Rodale Press and written by Michael Castleman.

ISBN# 0-87857-934-6 Used by permission.

The information on this page is meant to increase your knowledge of the latest developments in the use of plants for medicinal purposes. Because everyone is different, a physician must diagnose conditions and supervise the use of healing herbs to treat individual health problems. Herbs and other natural remedies are not substitutes for professional medical care and a close relationship with your primary care physician. We urge you to seek out the best medical resources available to help you make informed decisions.

Terms you will see on this page:

Decoction - The extraction of an essence or active ingredient from a substance by boiling.

Infusion - The act of of soaking something in a liquid in order to extract something soluble.

Steep -

To soak something, or be soaked, in a liquid, especially for cleaning or softening, or

in order to extract something.

NOTE: TO INFUSE OR STEEP A HERB, BRING WATER TO A ROLLING BOIL AND THEN REMOVE FROM HEAT BEFORE ADDING HERB.

Herb Name:

Black Haw

Precautions:

Those who have reactions or have been advised against taking aspirin should use caution when using Black Haw.

Description:

Black Haw is an herb with a shadowy past. The reddish-brown bark of this Native American shrub has a long history as a folk remedy for gynecological complaints --uses supported by some recent research. Before white people came to this continent, Indian women drank a decoction of black haw bark for menstrual cramps, childbirth recovery, and menopausal discomforts. But its special use was to prevent miscarriage.

Rx:

Use a decoction or infusion of black haw for relief of menstrual cramps, fever, headache, and general aches and pain.

For a decoction, use 2 teaspoons of dried bark per cup of water. Boil 10

minutes. Cool. Drink up to 3 cups a day. It has an extremely bitter taste, so you may want to take it with lemon and hone or even mix it with a beverage tea.

Notes:

Use caution while searching online for this herb. Many times, you will find capsules with the herb name on them; however, they may contain other ingredients. That is not to say that there is anything wrong with that. However, the steps listed in the Rx section describe using raw ingredients. Click here to be redirected to a website where you can purchase this herb. NOTICE: Back to the Cross Ministry will not be held liable for the content found on the site you are redirected to. In addition, please use common sense and good judgment when shopping online. Back to the Cross Ministry will not be held responsible for incidents of fraud, identity theft or other privacy violations.

Herb Name:

Meadowsweet

Precautions:

Pregnant women should not use Meadowsweet. Recent European animal studies suggest meadowsweet may stimulate uterine contractions. Those who have reactions or have been advised against taking aspirin should use caution when using Meadowsweet. Meadowsweet should not be given to children under age 2 or children under 16 suffering fevers from colds, flu or chicken pox. For other children and people over 65, start with low-strength preparations and increase strength if necessary.

Description:

It’s a rare medicine cabinet that does not contain aspirin, but it’s even rarer to find anyone who knows we owe the word “aspirin” to the beautiful, aromatic Meadowsweet.

During the Middle Ages, Meadowsweet’s delicate almond fragrance made it a popular air freshener, or “strewing herb.” It was scattered around homes at a time when people rarely bathed and when farm animals often shared human living quarters. Later, this herb’s sweet aroma and lovely blossoms earned it a place in bridal bouquets, hence the name bridewort. Later herbalists recommended Meadowsweet to treat fevers, arthritis, epilepsy and respiratory aliments.

Rx:

For a pleasantly astringent infusion, use 1 to 2 teaspoons of dried herb per cup of boiling water. Steep 10 minutes. Drink up to three cups a day.

Notes:

Herb Name:

Red Pepper

Precautions:

Chopping red peppers may burn the fingertips. Red pepper does not wash off the hands easily. (Washing in vinegar removes it the best)

Description:

The fiery taste and bright color of red pepper make it one of the world’s most noticeable spices. Recently, this herb has become as hot in healing as it is on the tongue. Extracts of red pepper have proved remarkably effective at relieving certain types of sever, chronic pain. It also ay aid digestion. Although it’s been a culinary staple in Asia since ancient times, it was unknown in Europe until Columbus returned within from his first voyage to the New World.

Rx:

For external application to help treat pain, mix ¼ to ½ teaspoon of crushed or minced red pepper per cup of warm vegetable oil and rub it into the affected area.

Notes:

Herb Name:

Vervain

Precautions:

European animal studies show Vervain depresses heart rate, constricts the bronchial passages, and stimulates the intestine and uterus. In addition, medicinal doses should not be given to children under 2. For other children and people over 65, start with a low-strength preparation and increase strength if necessary.

Description:

During the Middle Ages, healing herbs were often called simples, and herbalists’ simplers. Vervain was prescribed so frequently for so many conditions, it became know as simpler’s joy. The name has some basis in fact. Vervain appears to act like a mild aspirin, helping to relieve minor pains and inflammations.

Chemically, vervain is quite different from aspirin, but German and Japanese studies suggest it has similar effects, combining mild pain relief with some ability to reduce inflammation. These Findings support its traditional use in treating headache, toothache and wounds.

Rx:

For a very bitter infusion to help treat headache, mild arthritis, and other minor pains, use 2 teaspoons of dried herb per cup of boiling water. Steep 10 to 15 minutes. Drink up to 3 cups a day. Mask vervain’s bitterness with sugar, honey, and lemon, or mix it with an herbal beverage tea.

Notes:

Herb Name:

White Willow

Precautions:

Aspirin upsets some people’s stomach, but most herbalists say white willow bark rarely causes this problem. Those with chronic gastrointestinal conditions, such as ulcers and gastritis, should not use this herb! Do not give to children with colds, flu, or chicken pox.

Description:

Look at a white willow and what do you see? Most people see only a stately shade tree. But herbalists also see the potent pain reliever, aspirin. In fact, aspirin was originally created from a chemical in white willow bark, salicin.

Chinese physicians have used white willow bark to relieve pain since 500 B.C., but it took five centuries for that use to work its way to Europe. First century Greek physician Discorides was the first Westerner to recommend willow bark for pain and inflammation, and his prescription did not catch on. A century later, the Roman doctor Galen recommended it only for the vague purpose of “drying up humors.”

Rx:

For a pain-,fever-, and inflammation-relieving infusion, soak 1 teaspoon of powdered bark per cup of cold water for 8 hours. Strain. Drink up to 3 cups a day. White willow tastes bitter and astringent. Add honey and lemon, or mix it with an herbal beverage tea.

Notes:

Black Haw ( The Pain Herb)

Red Pepper (Medically, It's HOT!)

Vervain (Joy of a Healer)

White Willow (Potent against Pain)

Meadowsweet (Herbal Aspirin)

Use the buttons below to jump to the different herb descriptions.

Please take into consideration that the effectiveness of herbs may be different for everyone. At the end of each description, there will be a link that will take you to the Stony Mountain Botanicals website. They offer the herbs in small or large amounts at a very affordable price so you can find the herb that is right for you.