Balmony

( Western Herb )

Chelone glabra

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

Balmony is an erect little plant that grows sparingly on the edges of swamps, wet woods, and rivers. It is a perennial herb that grows from 2 to 4 feet high.

It bears oblong leaves with white or purplish, cream or rose flowers and has heart-shaped anthers.

The leaves of the balmony herb have a slight tea-like odor and a bitter taste.

It is found in the wet grounds from Newfoundland to Florida and westward to Minnesota, Kansas, and Texas.

TARGET AILMENTS:

Use internally for:

* dyspepsia

* stimulates the appetite

* eases colic

* jaundice

* diseases of the liver

* for worms in children

* gallstones

* inflammation of the gall-bladder

* laxative properties

Use externally for:

* inflamed tumors

* irritable ulcers

* inflamed breast

* piles

PREPARATIONS:

The whole, fresh plant is chopped, pounded to a pulp, and weighed, and then a tincture is prepared with alcohol.

Infusion:

Infuse 2 teaspoonfuls of the dried herb in a cup of boiling water for 10-15 minutes. This infusion should be drunk 3 times a day.

Tincture:

Take 1-2ml (10-20 drops) of the tincture 3 times a day.

Decoction:

Use 2oz. of fresh herb to a pint of water.

Combinations: This herb can be combined with Butternut for the relief of constipation. It also can be combined with Golden Seal for jaundice.

Parts used: The whole fresh herb and dries aerial parts.

Collection: This herb is collected and dried during the flowering period between mid-summer and early Fall.

Constituents: Resins, bitter iridous, and chelone have been reported.

Actions: Anti-bilious, anti-emetic, cholagogue, stimulant, laxative, heptic, tonic

SIDE EFFECTS: None expected.