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Artemisias
We use only one of hundreds of varieties. Artemisias was
one of only two herbs ever used as currency (the other was frankincense.)
Research indicates that Artemisias is referenced several times in the Bible
and was used by Roman soldiers. In America, Artemisias was widely used by
American Indians.
Artemisias was used as an
antiseptic, antispasmodic, carminative, sedative, stomachic, tonic, and
stimulant. It has been given to those suffering from poor circulation and
rheumatism. “The oil acts as a local anesthetic when applied to relieve
pains of rheumatism, neuralgia, and arthritis” reports herbalist John Lusk.
Used in this way, the oil exerts antifungal and antibacterial activity. It
may, however, cause dermatitis in some people.
The active principle of Artemisias,
thujone, when taken internally in large amounts is a convulsant poison and
narcotic.
Aloe
The skin-saving properties of aloe have both folkloric
and scientific backing. Reports of its healing effects on burns, sores and
poison ivy abound. Scientists have found that aloe has anesthetic,
antibacterial, and tissue restorative properties.
For its skin-healing properties, it is an ingredient in ointments used to
relieve sunburn and burns from X-ray treatment of cancer. Aloe is also used
as an antiseptic and protective coating on abrasions, blistered skin and
cold sores.
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