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Squaw Vine
(Mitchella repens)
Part(s) used: Whole herb (fresh is best).
Therapeutic effects: Astringent and tonic to the surface membranes of the reproductive organs and the lower urinary tract.
Preparations and dosages: Herb: Tincture [fresh plant, 1:2; dry plant, 1:5, 50% alcohol], 1/2 to 1 teaspoon to 3x a day. Standard infusion, 2 to 4 ounces to 4x a day.
Stone Root
(Collinsonia canadensis)
Part(s) used: Fresh root or fresh whole plant (the dried root is traditional, but quite inferior).
Therapeutic effects: A particularly good tonic and astringent for chronically inflamed membranes, particularly when they alternate from time to time between sharp pain (red and hot) and dull, aching (congested and cold).
Preparations and dosages: Tincture [fresh plant or fresh root, 1:2], 15 to 30 drops to 3x a day.
Contraindications: Episodic hypertension, struvite kidney stones. Excess use can cause loose stools.
Sweet Clover
(Melilotus spp.)
Part(s) used: The whole herb, preferably gathered in late spring.
Therapeutic effects: Mainly used for its coumarin content and pleasant vanilla-like scent, here sweet clover is recommended as a sitz bath for engorged and edemic tissues, particularly in interstitial cystitis.
Preparations and dosages: Standard infusion, at least 8 ounces in a sitz bath, as needed.

 
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