Herbs are multi-taskers, even intelligent in some cases.  Dr. Christopher refers to Lobelia as a “thinking herb” because it reacts as needed for the issue at hand.  Lobelia opens the airways allowing unrestricted breathing for the asthmatic; it all but instantly stops spasms throughout the body, and for many woman eases monthly menstrual cramps.  Used topically as in our M&L Salve it is an excellent muscle relaxant, working very quickly to ease muscle spasms which contribute to a host of issues not the least is painful headaches.

Lobelia has received a lot of bad press, while writing this article one of my proof readers commented on her understanding of the dangers of Lobelia.  I assured her that it is impossible to overdose on Lobelia, if a large amount were ingested the person would immediately vomit, clearing the excess from the system.  FYI:  One of the Nicknames for Lobelia is “Vomit Weed” as it quickly induces vomiting when needed.

An adult dose is ¼ to 1 tsp. (1 to 4 droppers full).  Wisdom begins with the lower dose and builds as needed.

Cayenne also shows up as a multi-tasker; able to quickly arrest bleeding issues, the term “liquid cauterizer” comes to mind.   Cayenne also moves the blood blasting through internal restrictions quickly providing lifesaving, oxygen rich blood to starving cells.  The old herbalist’s adage “No one hits the floor dead with a mouthful of cayenne” is very true indeed.  If a strong dose of cayenne is administered during a heart attack or stroke the symptoms will all but instantly subside, often with no lasting issues or damage to the heart or brain.

A little secret about cayenne; it’s not hot when you’re on the way to the floor; the taste-buds are numbed out.  A sudden emergency or trauma leaves the person numb all over (shock) this includes the taste-buds.  Normally what is painfully hot will only taste a bit like warm water in an acute emergency situation.

Lobelia & Cayenne: two herbs every home, purse and auto should carry.  Anything to do with Bleeding or movement of the blood, grab your cayenne, it will never harm and could save a life.  Anything to do with obstructed breathing, seizure, muscle spasms or emotional fits or trauma; grab the Lobelia again it will never harm and could prevent a minor issue from escalating to something major.

Black Walnut is another valuable herb to know and understand. The best part to use is the hull, the meaty material surrounding the actual nut.  Black Walnut is the most powerful antifungal herb in nature, it can clear ringworm, impetigo, really any bacterial skin infection or issue will respond quickly to a good combination which includes the Black Walnut herb or a plain application of Black Walnut.  The worst Toenail Fungus and athlete’s feet can be reversed and even cleared by continued long term used of the Black Walnut when applied externally over the affected area and taken internally.  This herb will also be an important part of any internal parasite formula.

Herbs are loaded with nutrition, providing healing and restoration for damaged areas of the body.   Often what works physically to clear congestion, move blood and nutrients in the body will also work at the emotional & mental level to clear and heal.  This is the true gift of healing provided by nature; the healing of the body and the mind.