12 Where There Is No Doctor 2011
MEDICINAL PLANTS
Many plants have curative powers. Some of the best modern medicines are made
from wild herbs.
Nevertheless, not all ‘curative herbs’ people use have medical value... and those
that have are sometimes used the wrong way. Try to learn about the herbs in your area
and find out which ones are worthwhile.
CAUTION: Some medicinal herbs are very poisonous if taken in more
than the recommended dose. For this reason it is often safer to use
modern medicine, since the dosage is easier to control.
Here are a few examples of plants that can be useful if used correctly:
ANGEL’S TRUMPET (Datura arborea)
The leaves of this and certain other members of the
nightshade family contain a drug that helps to calm
intestinal cramps, stomach-aches, and even gallbladder
pain.
Grind up 1 or 2 leaves of Angel’s Trumpet and soak
them for a day in 7 tablespoons (100 ml.) of water.
Dosage: Between 10 and 15 drops every 4 hours (adults only).
WARNING: Angel’s Trumpet is very poisonous if you take more
than the recommended dose.
CORN SILK (the tassels or ‘silk’ from an ear of maize)
A tea made from corn silk makes a person pass
more urine. This can help reduce swelling of the
feet—especially in pregnant women (see p. 176
and 248).
Boil a large handful of corn silk in water and
drink 1 or 2 glasses. It is not dangerous.
GARLIC
A drink made from garlic may help get rid of pinworms.
Chop finely, or crush, 4 cloves of garlic and mix with 1 glass
of liquid (water, juice, or milk).
Dosage: Drink 1 glass daily for 3 weeks.
To treat vaginal infections with garlic, see p. 241 and 242.