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Clinical and laboratory research demonstrate statistically what the herbalist knows experientially, that chamomile will reduce inflammation and colic pain and protect against ulcer formation in the whole of the digestive tract.
Preparations & dosage: Chamomile may be used in all the ways plants can be prepared as medicines. Used fresh or dried it can be infused to make a tea. The tincture is an excellent way of ensuring all the plant's components are extracted and available for the body. In aromatherapy the essential oil of chamomile is a valued preparation. Infusion: Pour a cup of boiling water over 2 to 3 tsp. of fresh or dried herb and infuse for 10 minutes; drink 3 to 4 times a day. Tincture: Take 1 to 4 ml 3 times a day.
Crampbark
Viburnum opulus
Part used: Dried bark.
Actions: Antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory, nervine, hypotensive, astringent.
Indications: Crampbark shows by its name the richly deserved reputation it has as a relaxer of muscular tension and spasm. It has two main areas of use, in muscular cramps and in ovarian and uterine muscle problems. Cramp bark will relax the uterus and so relieve painful cramps associated with periods (dysmenorrhea). In a similar way it may be used to protect from threatened miscarriage. Its astringent action gives it a role in the treatment of excessive blood loss in menstrual periods as well as bleeding associated with menopause.
Preparations & dosage: Decoction: Put 2 tsp. of the dried bark into 1 cup of water and bring to the

 
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