God’s Farmacy - A Local Selection

Aloe
Botanical name: Aloe Vera or Aloe barbadensis (over 200 species worldwide that will work similarly)
(from the Arabic word ‘alloeh’ which means bitter and shiny substance)

Most people are familiar with this plant, and it has been highly commercialized. This is
probably one of the most studied plants during recent history. The US and Russians did much research
during the Cold War on its ability to treat the radiation burns after seeing its effective use after the
Japanese atom bombs. Sadly, most of the preparations that can be bought are of little use - the minute
the leaf is cut, enzymes begin to destroy some of the important ingredients in the flesh. Even though
the salesmen will tell you that because of some extraction technique, concentration process or similar
there product is superior, with aloe, natural is truly best. It is easy to grow and every house should
have some growing in a pot. If you must buy it, prefer those that have been stabilized.

The gel obtained from filleting the leaves is a very effective soothing remedy for scrapes,
chronic inflammation such as arthritis, irritations, bites, skin ulcers and especially burns. One of the
substances in aloe causes cells to proliferate, speeding up healing. It has antibacterial, antifungal
and antiviral properties, and can be applied with skin cancer. When applying to burns, it can be
made possibly more effective by mixing with honey and vitamin E oil. Apply this mixture, or the
straight aloe flesh or juice generously over the affected area. Alternate this treatment with the
application of potato poultices for a very effective burns treatment. The efficiency of potato poultices
applied by a medical missionary on bad burn cases in India prompted the head of the burns unit in a
large government hospital to offer to allow him to treat all of his patients and to train the staff in the
use of the treatment!

An irritated or scratched eye can be treated by putting a little of the gel in the eye before bed-
time, and by morning all irritation is usually gone.

Recent studies are showing that aloe stimulates the immune system better than any other
known plant. It increases the number and efficiency of both T & B cell. Especially useful in auto-
immune disease. It can be used in treating HIV, were although there is no cure for the retrovirus, it can
be put into remission. By addressing all lifestyle factors, permanent relief can be achieved.

Aloe can also be used to soothe stomach irritation, regulate the digestive system and to speed
up transit time in the case of constipation, both by the actions of chemical constituents and because of
the mucilaginous compounds. There is a little known cousin to our normal aloe whose name is Cape
Aloe (Aloe ferox) that works best at this. It can be used in the short term to promote proper function of
a sluggish colon, especially when heaps of water and exercise etc. have not improved the condition.
This is a wonderful alternative to Cascara Segrada, a herb often used for constipation that must be
taken with extreme caution despite claims that it is alright. The Cape aloe does not act by irritating the
nerves or mucosa, but replaces the neurotransmitters so that the message to “get going” gets through to
the colon muscles. This treatment for a short period, coupled with improved diet, exercise, water
consumption etc can be very effective. take 1-2 capsule of powder, or 1 tablespoon of fresh leaf flesh,
before bedtime.
Comfrey
Botanical name: Cymphytum officinale

Comfrey is widely used as a poultice because of its ability to promote healing. The substance
allanton causes cells to proliferate, accelerating healing of connective tissue, bone, cartilage etc.
Because of its ability to break down red blood cells, it is good as a poultice to alleviate bruises and to
dissolve them. It is also beneficial for varicose veins. It is tremendous in healing and drawing
inflammation, infections, and infected matter out of burns. It can be used as part of the treatment
program of almost any skin condition, including bedsores, bites and stings, bruises, inflamed bunions,
dermatitis, dry skin, bleeding haemorrhoids, leg ulcers, nosebleeds, psoriasis, scabies, skin rashes and
sunburn. Comfrey can be placed straight on the skin with no problems. Use 1/4-1/2 cup of pulverized
fresh leaf or approx. 10 grams of dried leaf to form poultice.

Because of the concern of possible liver toxicity because it contains pyrollizidine alkaloids,
we advise that the use of comfrey be limited to how it was used until the 1800’s – for external use
only.

Couch Grass
Botanical name: Adropyron retens

The rhizome of the couch grass plant contains a volatile oil that makes it useful as a broad
spectrum antibiotic that is especially good for urinary tract infections. Drinking 1-3 liters a day of a
decoction mixed 1:1 with parsley infusion will both help the infection and soothe the inflammation.
Some success has been had treating urinary stones, where it seems to erode the stone to make it easier
to pass, and also helps with any ensuing infection. It has also been used in the treatment of inflamed
prostate, where the PSA reading will evidently drop to normal if cancer is not present.

Dandelion
Botanical name: Taraxacum officinale
(from the Greek “taraxos” meaning disorder, and “akos” meaning remedy)

This plant is common nearly world wide, as most lawn growers know. Maybe its ability to
spread its seeds by wind both far and near is evidence that everyone has a need for this plant.

This herb is the treatment of choice for any liver problems. The leaves are a liver tonic, and
the roots even more so, acting to purify the blood, and to treat liver congestion, hepatitis, jaundice,
etc. It can be used in purging and cleansing the liver, and should be considered in the case of cancer.
For this purpose, take 3 cups/day before meals of the root decoction or leaf infusion for 3 days. It
works better still when used in a 1:1 combination with a dilute Barberry decoction. After this cleansing
treatment, it is important to implement all aspects of GOD’S PLAN which will build the liver back to
full health.

Both the leaves and root have a diuretic effect, or stimulate the production of urine. The
French call it Pee-in-the-bed. It is a great remedy to reduce edema or fluid retention, and especially
good in congestive heart failure. Take 5 capsules of powder 3 times daily, or 1 cup of infusion 4
times daily.

It stimulates the production of bile, and will cause the gallbladder to contract. It also helps with
bile duct inflammation, and gall stones. It also reduces uric acid and the amount of cholesterol in the
blood. The leaves are also a powerful digestive tonic, acting as a mild laxative and also relieving
muscle spasm and soothing the digestive tract. They can be taken as tender new leaves, juiced (which
is the most powerful form), or cooked. If you wish to avoid the diuretic action, pour off the water when
cooked, and most of the diuretic will go with it.

Very few of the properties of Dandelion are lost when it is dried or ground. It is a wonderful
source of many minerals, and has a fair amount of Vitamin A (beta carotene). Contains some B12.

Evening Primrose
Botanical name: Oenothera lanarkiana

Evening primrose grows along the sides of many of our roads, a scraggly plant to about 1m that
bears bright yellow flowers. The oil from both the seeds and the plant aids in restoring the liver that
has been damaged by alcohol or other chemicals. It prevents the progress of MS by preventing damage
to the myelin sheath ‘insulation’ that surrounds some nerves. It is beneficial in treating lupus and
rheumatoid arthritis.

It acts to improve brain chemistry, probably replacing or improving the neurotransmitters. Most
schizophrenic sufferers can be slowly taken off medication using this treatment. One study showed that
67% of children with ADD showed significant improvement. Take 1 teaspoon/50kg of bodyweight of
oil + 1 teaspoon of powdered aloe/day. Use more than this if either herb is taken in raw form.

If purchasing Evening Primrose oil, ensure that it is extracted by a cold method. It is often
available in gelatin capsules that contain animal products, so prick a hole in the capsule and squirt the
oil out. Evening Primrose oil is not recommended for use in conditions of epilepsy.

Garlic
Botanical name: Allium aativu

Garlic is better than we think! It is useful in virtually every disease or infection. It has a long
history of use world wide, with some civilizations thinking it wonderful, some a curse because of the
smell! It has been intensively studied in recent times, and many beneficial and powerful properties
have been verified. The list is long, the explanations longer, so I shall present its benefits and
applications in brief.

Garlic is antimicrobial, antifungal, antibiotic, and antiparasitic, and of course antisocial. It helps
to lower high blood pressure. It lowers high cholesterol and other fats in the blood, and acts against
arterial plaque. It reduces high blood sugar in diabetics, reduces the incidence of strokes, and is very
effective against candida. It also clears up athletes foot, and expels intestinal parasites. Can be used in
many types of infectious diseases like diarrhoea, diphtheria, typhoid, hepatitis etc. Externally it can be
used in liquid for on acne, and is very purifying on external sores or infections. It is good in the case of
ear aches or infections by placing the warm oil directly in the ear canal. Is effective in treating a
myriad of ailments of the circulatory, urinary, respiratory, and digestive tracts. Arteriosclerosis,
arthritis, asthma, circulatory problems, colds and flu, heart disorders, digestive problems, insomnia,
liver disease, sinusitis, ulcers, yeast infections, etc, etc.

Much research shows that garlic increases the immune system response by both stimulating
production of more immune cells and also improving their efficiency and power. It has been shown to
increase the quantity, longevity, and killing power of natural killer cells tenfold. Thus it is to be used in
any infection of the body. It has also been shown that it acts directly against cancer.

Cold aged oil extracts show greater potency, but take it any way you can get it! If taking fresh
bulb, take 1/4-1/2 cup a day for strong therapeutic effect. If taking powder capsules, 2-4 can be taken
daily for a longer term, while 8-10 can be taken daily for a therapeutic effect. The chlorophyll in
parsley can be used to absorb some of the garlic odor on the breath.

Parsley
Botanical name: Petroselinum crispum

Parsley is a highly nutritious plant that we are all familiar with. It is a powerful urinary
cleanser, and is a excellent treatment for urinary tract infections, especially when combined with
yarrow or couch grass. It is good for difficult urination, and is and old remedy for kidney stones. It aids
in uric acid elimination, which is important in arthritis, gout etc. It aids in the case of thyroid
malfunction, It is a digestive tonic, and helps eliminate intestinal gas, and is a mild laxative. It helps to
lower blood pressure, and is a recommended remedy for anemia. The root is good in dealing with liver
disorders especially jaundice. The seeds are recommended for painful menses or absence of menses
because of its uterine stimulating properties (thus it should not be used in large doses in pregnancy).
Parsley has a tremendous amount of chlorophyll, and can be used to absorb the odor of garlic.
Evidence shows that it inhibits the growth of cancer cells.

One caution is that it can block the intrinsic factor needed for the absorption of B12. For this
reason do not drink or take it in large amounts for a long period of time.

Therapeutic dosage would be 4-5 tablespoons of fresh herb/day, or 4 capsules of power 4

times/day.

Peppermint

Peach

Plantain

Sour grass (oxalis)