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remedy, it may be used for easing stress or tension induced by coughing or asthma. Due to its powerful sedative action on the cough reflex, wild cherry bark finds its main use in the treatment of irritating coughs and thus has a role in the treatment of bronchitis and whooping cough. It can be used with other herbs in the control of asthma. It must be remembered, however, that the inhibition of a cough does not equate with the healing of a chest infection, which will still need to be treated. It may also be used as a bitter where digestion is sluggish. The cold infusion of the bark may be helpful as a wash in cases of inflammation of the eyes.
Preparations & dosage: Infusion: Pour 1 cup of boiling water onto 1 to 2 tsp. of the dried bark and leave to infuse for 10 to 15 minutes. Drink 3 times a day. Tincture: Take 1 to 2 ml of the tincture 3 times a day.
Wild Lettuce
Lactuca Virosa
Part used: Dried leaves.
Actions: Nervine, anodyne, hypnotic, antispasmodic.
Indications: The latex of the wild lettuce was at one time sold as ''lettuce opium,'' naming the use of this herb quite well! It is a valuable remedy for use in insomnia, restlessness and excitability (especially in children) and other manifestations of an overactive nervous system. As an antispasmodic it can be used as part of a holistic treatment of whooping cough and dry irritated coughs in general. It will relieve colic pains in the intestines and uterus and so may be used in dysmenorrhea. It will ease muscular pains related to rheumatism.

 
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