Medicinal Monday - Wild Strawberry

Medicinal Monday – Wild Strawberry

January 9th, 2012 by sivodd

Wild Strawberry

Botanical Name: Fragaria Vesca
Native Americans used Wild Strawberries in tea for stomach ailments, jaundice and profuse menses, and the botanist Linnaeus is said to have used the wild berries to relive gout. Until recently the plant’s medicinal uses were forgotten. They are also used in love rituals. If a double strawberry is shared with someone, the two will fall in love. The Strawberries are a symbol for Venus, the Goddess of love.


Photo by dnhoshor
Plant fact: Native to North America, Wild Strawberries are a member of the rose family. They grow to about 8 inches high, and begin to develop in June. The berries are very fleshy with an outer skin that contains the plant’s actual fruits, the bard and tiny yellow seeds.
Parts used: The leaves, berries and roots are used for therapeutic purpose. (Keep dried plants parts protected from humidity)
Components:

• The leaves and roots contain tannin. (which has an astringent action)
• The leaves are composed of triterpene alcohols, flavonoids, citral (a lemony substance) and traces of essential oils.
• The berries contain a great amount of vitamin C (60 milligrams per 100 grams fruit), as well as fruit acids and minerals-such as potassium, magnesium, zinc, manganese, calcium and iron.

Indications: Since the leaves provide an astringent action, they can be used to make a tea that reduces inflamed mucous membranes in the mouth. Fresh strawberries, on the other hand, soothe gastritis and are also helpful in curing anemia.
Methods of Administration:
Fresh root decoction:

• Add 1 gram wild strawberry root parts to about ½ cup of cold water.
• Heat, and allow to steep for about 30 min.
• Drink 2 cup daily before meals for diarrhea relief.

Infusion for gargling:

• Add about ¼ cup of chopped wild strawberry leaves to ½ cup boiling hot water.
• Step for 30 min.
• Rinse and gargle several times a day to reduce inflammation of oral mucous membranes.

Infusion:

• Add about 1/8 oz, of chopped leaves to ½ cup boiling water
• Steep for approximately 15 min.
• Three to four cups daily will strengthen the blood.

Soothing bath:

• Add 2 handful fresh or 1 cup of dried leaves to your bathwater.
• You’ll find dried leaves at your local natural-food stores.

Poultice:

• Apply crushed berries to sunburned areas-or other skin inflammations-and cover with a damps cloth.
• Allow the poultice to work for 10-20 min
• Gently wash off the berries with warm water.

Tip: The fresh or dried leaves infused in tea offers relief from diarrhea and other digestive upsets.
References:

• The Complete Guide To Natural Healing

Note: Consult with a Physician if you are seeking medical remedies. The information is not intended as medical advice. PagansWorld.org is not liable for the misuse of the information listed above.
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