Arctostaphylos Uva-Ursi
Bearberry
Common Thyme
Taheebo
Thyme
Thymus Vulgaris
Uva Ursi
Taheebo
Medicinal: Also known as Pau d' Arco. Taheebo is found in South America. It is a
powerful herb with antibiotic and virus-killing properties. It gives the body
the energy needed to defend itself and to help resist diseases. It is used in
South America to battle cancer and leukemia. It is useful in aiding all chronic
diseases.
Thyme Thymus Vulgaris
aka: Common Thyme
Thyme is a woody perennial with numerous round, hard, branched stems from 3 to
16 inches tall. The leaves are small, usually only about 1/8 inch long, narrow,
gray green in color. The flowers are in whorls at the end of the branches, and
pale purple. The seeds are extremely small and round.
Medicinal: Thyme is a powerful antiseptic. It is used in cases of anemia,
bronchial ailments, and intestinal disturbances. It is used as an antiseptic
against tooth decay, and destroys fungal infections as in athlete's foot and
skin parasites such as crabs and lice. It is good for colic, flatulence, and
colds. Thyme is also antispasmodic, tonic, and carminative. The crushed herb,
sweetened, has been used for treating whooping cough. A standard infusion is
made by pouring 2 cups boiling water over 1 oz of the dried herb, sweetened with
honey, given in doses of about 1 tbsp several times a day especially for sore
throat. The oil is used as a rubefacient. Smoked, it can be used for headache.
The flowers are a mild insect repellent.
Magical: Thyme is burnt to purge and fumigate Magical rooms and spaces, as well
as to bring good health. Thyme in a sleeping pillow repels nightmares.
Growing: Thyme is a perennial that loves warm, sunny fields, and is found
throughout North America. It grows to 15 inches tall, and makes an excellent
ground cover on dry slopes. Trim it back after flowering to prevent it from
becoming woody. Sow the seeds in March or April, in mild weather, 1/2 inches
deep, 8 inches apart. Old roots can also be separated for new plants.
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Uva Ursi Arctostaphylos Uva-Ursi
aka: Bearberry
Bearberry is a small shrub with evergreen leaves and many brached stems, found
throughout the northern hemisphere. The stems are short, covered with a light
brown bark. The leaves have a leathery feel to them, and are about a half inch
to an inch long. Young leaves have short hairs. The surface of the leaf is dark
green and shiny, with the underside paler. The flowers are in small crowded
clusters, 3-20 flowers, and the end of the previous seasons growth, and appear
in May to June, before the leaves. They are reddish white and look waxy. This
plant is closely allied with Manzanita, which is used in a similar way.
Medicinal: The leaves are the part used medicinally, and they are collected in
September and October, then dried by a very soft heat source. The leaves should
be gathered in mild weather, in the morning, after the dew has dried. Select
only good looking leaves. The leaves must be stored in a dry place, as they will
absorb moisture. Uva Ursi strengthens and tones the urinary tract. It is
especially useful for kidney infections, bladder infections, and inflammatory
disease of the urinary tract. It is used as a diabetes remedy for excessive
sugar in the blood. It is used for postpartum women to return the womb to its
natural size, as well as to prevent infection of the womb after childbirth. It
should not be used by pregnant women. The leaves are powerfully astringent.
Usually a standart infusion is used, 2 cups boiling water over 1 oz of the dried
leaves. The leaves also contain tannin in large quantities.
Magical: Add to sachets to increase psychic powers.
Growing:Uva Ursi rarely grows more than a few inches tall. It is best propogated
from cuttings. It takes an unusually long time to root, so consider instead
buying small plants from nurseries. It does poorly in rich soil, as it prefers
poor soils in full sun. Once established, it spreads and becomes an attractive,
hardy ground cover, surviving temperatures of -50.