Herbs that open the pores and bring on a sweat, the herbalist's fever remedies: yarrow, elder, boneset, pleurisy root, catnip, chamomile and Christopher's other diaphoretics. Chapter 5 teaches this family as a whole.
No. 49Yarrow
Traditional uses and main actions
The great fever herb: hot yarrow tea opens the pores and breaks a fever in a sweat, especially with elder flower and peppermint. It is also a powerful wound herb that stops bleeding (Achilles is said to have used it for his soldiers), a digestive bitter and a remedy for heavy periods.
How it's prepared
Hot tea for fever; fresh leaf or powder on wounds; tincture.
Typical amounts
Tea, 1–2 teaspoons per cup, a cup every 1–2 hours during a fever; tincture, 1–2 dropperfuls.
Cautions and interactions
Allergy in people allergic to the daisy family. Not in pregnancy beyond small amounts. Do not confuse the young plant with poison hemlock or other umbels: yarrow's leaves are feathery, and its flowers are flat clusters on a single stem.
Taught in Lessons 5, 6 of Arukah's Herbalism certification (the chapters of the same number in this book).
No. 50Chamomile
Traditional uses and main actions
The gentle remedy for children and nerves: a calming tea for sleep, teething, colic, anxiety, indigestion and gas, and a mild diaphoretic for children's fevers. Outside, a compress for sore eyes and skin, and a steam for congestion. The homeopathic Chamomilla is for the furious teething child.
How it's prepared
Covered tea; glycerite for children; compress; steam; bath.
Typical amounts
Tea, 1–2 teaspoons per cup, 3–4 cups a day; children, by Clark's or Young's rule.
Cautions and interactions
Very safe. Rare allergy in people allergic to ragweed and daisies. Mildly adds to sedatives.
Taught in Lessons 2, 5, 7 of Arukah's Herbalism certification (the chapters of the same number in this book).
No. 51Pleurisy Root
Traditional uses and main actions
Christopher's "lung healer": a diaphoretic and expectorant for fevers with chest congestion, pleurisy (painful inflammation around the lungs), bronchitis and pneumonia. It brings on a gentle sweat and helps the lungs clear.
How it's prepared
Decoction; tincture.
Typical amounts
Decoction, 1 teaspoon per cup, a cup 3–4 times a day; tincture, 1–2 dropperfuls 3 times a day.
Cautions and interactions
Large amounts cause vomiting. Contains heart-active compounds in small amounts: not with heart medications, and not in pregnancy.
Taught in Lesson 5 of Arukah's Herbalism certification (the chapter of the same number in this book).
No. 52Boneset
Traditional uses and main actions
The American flu remedy, named for the "break-bone fever" of influenza and dengue: deep aching bones, chills and fever. Taken hot, it breaks a fever in a sweat; taken cold, it is a bitter tonic.
How it's prepared
Hot infusion (bitter); tincture.
Typical amounts
Hot tea, 1 teaspoon per cup, a cup every 2–3 hours during the fever, for a few days.
Cautions and interactions
Large amounts cause vomiting and diarrhea. Short-term use only; not in pregnancy. Allergy in people sensitive to the daisy family.
Taught in Lesson 5 of Arukah's Herbalism certification (the chapter of the same number in this book).
No. 53Blessed Thistle
Traditional uses and main actions
Christopher listed it under diaphoretics, emmenagogues and tonics. A bitter that stimulates digestion and the liver, a fever herb taken hot, and one of the best-known herbs for increasing breast milk, often with fenugreek. Part of Christopher's Nu-Fem.
How it's prepared
Tea; tincture; capsules.
Typical amounts
Tea, 1–2 teaspoons per cup, 3 cups a day; tincture, 1–2 dropperfuls 3 times a day.
Cautions and interactions
Not in pregnancy. Allergy in people sensitive to the daisy family. Large amounts can upset the stomach.
Taught in Lesson 5 of Arukah's Herbalism certification (the chapter of the same number in this book).
No. 54Thyme
Traditional uses and main actions
Christopher's "infection fighter": a strong antiseptic and expectorant for coughs, bronchitis, whooping cough, sore throats and colds, and a diaphoretic for fever. A digestive herb in the kitchen, and a mouthwash.
How it's prepared
Tea; thyme honey or syrup for coughs; steam; gargle.
Typical amounts
Tea, 1–2 teaspoons per cup, 3–4 cups a day; syrup by the teaspoon.
Cautions and interactions
The herb is very safe. The essential oil is strong: never undiluted, never by mouth for children.
Taught in Lesson 5 of Arukah's Herbalism certification (the chapter of the same number in this book).
No. 55Sage
Traditional uses and main actions
The herb in this book's title. A diaphoretic when hot (for fevers) and a drier of sweat when cold (for night sweats and hot flashes); the classic gargle for sore throats, tonsillitis, mouth sores and bleeding gums; a digestive herb; and the herb that dries up breast milk at weaning. "Why should a man die while sage grows in his garden?"
How it's prepared
Tea (hot for fever, cold for sweats); gargle; sage honey; tincture.
Typical amounts
Tea, 1 teaspoon per cup, 2–3 cups a day; gargle as often as needed.
Cautions and interactions
Reduces breast milk. Not in medicinal amounts in pregnancy (food amounts are fine). Contains thujone: large amounts for long periods are not advised; the essential oil can trigger seizures.
Taught in Lesson 5 of Arukah's Herbalism certification (the chapter of the same number in this book).
No. 56Catnip
Traditional uses and main actions
One of the best herbs for children: a gentle diaphoretic for fevers, a calming nervine for restless, overtired children, and a carminative for colic and gas. Christopher used catnip tea as an enema for children with fever.
How it's prepared
Tea; glycerite; with fennel for colic.
Typical amounts
Tea, 1–2 teaspoons per cup, 3 cups a day for adults; children by weight.
Cautions and interactions
Very safe. Not in large amounts in pregnancy.
Taught in Lesson 5 of Arukah's Herbalism certification (the chapter of the same number in this book).
No. 57Spearmint
Traditional uses and main actions
Peppermint's gentler cousin, preferred for children and the sensitive: a diaphoretic for fevers, a carminative for gas, nausea and indigestion, and a pleasant flavor for other teas.
How it's prepared
Tea; in formulas for flavor.
Typical amounts
Tea, 1–2 teaspoons per cup, freely.
Cautions and interactions
Very safe.
Taught in Lesson 5 of Arukah's Herbalism certification (the chapter of the same number in this book).
No. 58Elder
Traditional uses and main actions
Elder flower is a classic diaphoretic for colds, flu and fevers (with yarrow and peppermint) and soothes the sinuses. The cooked berries make the famous elderberry syrup for colds and flu, which Nicole Apelian takes daily as part of her "healing trinity." Rich in antioxidants.
How it's prepared
Flower tea; berry syrup, decoction or tincture (cooked or dried berries).
Typical amounts
Syrup, 1 tablespoon (children 1 teaspoon) several times a day at the start of a cold or flu; flower tea, 1–2 teaspoons per cup, 3–4 cups a day.
Cautions and interactions
Use only ripe blue or black berries, cooked or dried; raw berries, stems, leaves and red elderberries cause vomiting. No honey syrups for babies under one.
Taught in Lessons 2, 5, 6 of Arukah's Herbalism certification (the chapters of the same number in this book).