Marshmallow Tea

            This tea is prepared with the leaves and flowers of the marshmallow plant (see Marshmallow Root) and has a number of beneficial uses – for lung and throat problems as well as for coughs and tender gums. It is also helpful in cases of dysentery and bowel inflammation. Applied to the eyes, the tea eases inflammation and sties; as a douche it soothes vaginal irritations. In all cases it functions, like the marshmallow root, as a softener or emollient, and as such alleviates discomfort rather than offering a cure.

            To prepare the tea, simply take about 2 teaspoons of leaves and/or flowers and let them steep for 10 to 15 minutes. Strain and add honey if you like.

Charcoal

 Charcoal has a remarkable ability to absorb fermenting gases and poisonous substances; it lends itself to many uses. Charcoal filters have been used for many years to draw out noxious substances from drinking water. Butter carefully packed in charcoal will keep for a year. A small bag of charcoal kept in the silverware drawer will absorb the sulfur gases that cause tarnish. In drawers, closets, and poorly ventilated rooms a bag of charcoal pieces will absorb musty odors.

            Medicinally, charcoal will alleviate gaseous conditions, heartburn, and dysentery. If administered immediately following accidental poisoning, it will help to draw some of the poison away from the body. (In case of poisoning, however, you first step, of course, is to call a doctor!). A poultice made of powdered charcoal can alleviate skin conditions – burns, bruises, inflammation of the eyes. Charcoal comes in powder and pill form and should be made of the finest soft woods.