Medicinal Trees
You wouldn't think so but trees have numerous uses that aren't just about using their wood for a nice cook fire or building a shelter. They have numerous medicinal uses as well. Pine needle tea will give you more vitamin C than an orange and the bark of a Sweetgum tree can be used to treat diarrhea. As you will see below, there are many medicinal properties that come from trees whether it is from the bark, leaves, fruits, or even the roots. Below, you will find all the different kinds of trees and their medicinal uses. You will also learn the different medicinal preparations and how to make them. It's amazing how much we have at our fingertips when we know what to do. The same goes for out in the woods and even in your own backyard.
Types of Medicinal Preparations:
Infusion: Made from steeping an herb or flowers in water and then strained to make a tea.
Decoction: Made from taking the woody parts of the plant, such as the bark, root or stem, and then boiling it for a while to make a tea. Depending upon the size of the root or bark will determine the amount of time to be boiled. Some may have to be boiled and left to stand over night before the bark is softened enough and the plant extract drawn out enough.
Maceration: Made by soaking the herb in cool water for a period of time in order to draw out the needed plant extract. Usually this is done to mucilaginous herbs which produce a jelly-like substance such as the aloe plant.
Fomentation: Is when you take a cotton cloth and you allow it to be steeped in either an infusion or a decoction in order to absorb the liquid into the material. Afterwards the cloth is placed externally upon the skin or affected area.
Wash: When you take an infusion or a decoction in order to use the liquid as a wash for disinfecting an area, cleaning of the skin, or to soak in a bath, like an epsom salt bath, to alleviate muscle aches and pain.
Poultice: Made by taking the bark and pulverizing it into a powder and then adding hot or cold water to make a paste from the pulverized bark. You can then use this paste as a topical application in order to stop bleeding, reduce swelling or pain and is usually kept in place by a cloth or bandage.
Tinctures: Made by soaking the herb or root in a solvent liquid, such as alcohol or water. Once soaked for a period of time the liquid is strained or pressed in order to yield the tincture. A usual concentration of 1 part herb, or root or seed to 5 or 10 parts liquid.
Decoction: Made from taking the woody parts of the plant, such as the bark, root or stem, and then boiling it for a while to make a tea. Depending upon the size of the root or bark will determine the amount of time to be boiled. Some may have to be boiled and left to stand over night before the bark is softened enough and the plant extract drawn out enough.
Maceration: Made by soaking the herb in cool water for a period of time in order to draw out the needed plant extract. Usually this is done to mucilaginous herbs which produce a jelly-like substance such as the aloe plant.
Fomentation: Is when you take a cotton cloth and you allow it to be steeped in either an infusion or a decoction in order to absorb the liquid into the material. Afterwards the cloth is placed externally upon the skin or affected area.
Wash: When you take an infusion or a decoction in order to use the liquid as a wash for disinfecting an area, cleaning of the skin, or to soak in a bath, like an epsom salt bath, to alleviate muscle aches and pain.
Poultice: Made by taking the bark and pulverizing it into a powder and then adding hot or cold water to make a paste from the pulverized bark. You can then use this paste as a topical application in order to stop bleeding, reduce swelling or pain and is usually kept in place by a cloth or bandage.
Tinctures: Made by soaking the herb or root in a solvent liquid, such as alcohol or water. Once soaked for a period of time the liquid is strained or pressed in order to yield the tincture. A usual concentration of 1 part herb, or root or seed to 5 or 10 parts liquid.
SWEET GUM
Latin Name: Liquidambar styraciflua
Uses: Bark can be ground into a powder and used to make a tea for diarrhea. The Sweet Gum fruit pod, known for the prickly ball that people hate to step on when walking barefoot, can be harvested for their seeds and made into a tincture for reducing fevers. The gum resin, found underneath the bark, can be harvested and used as a chewing gum as well as an anti-inflammatory, expectorant, and to treat bedsores, topical herpes and angina. Externally, it is applied to sores, wounds, piles, ringworm, scabies etc.
CANADIAN HEMLOCK
Latin Name: Tsuga canadensis
Uses: The stem can be used to make a tea to treat rheumatism, colds, coughs, fevers, diarrhea, and scurvy (a disease caused by a deficiency of vitamin C). The bark is rich in tannin and is astringent and antiseptic. A decoction is used in the treatment of diarrhea, colitis, diverticulitis and cystitis. Externally, it is used as a poultice to cleanse and tighten bleeding wounds, as a douche to treat excessive vaginal discharge, thrush and a prolapsed uterus, and as a mouthwash and gargle for gingivitis and sore throats. The poultice has also been applied to the armpits to treat itchiness there. An infusion is used in the treatment of colds and abdominal pains. A decoction of the inner bark has been applied externally in the treatment of eczema and other skin conditions. The pulverized inner bark has been applied to cuts and wounds to stop the bleeding. A tea made from the leafy twig tips is used in the treatment of dysentery, kidney ailments, colds and rheumatism. Externally, it is used in steam baths for treating colds, rheumatism and to induce sweating. A decoction of the branches has been boiled down to a syrup or thick paste and used as a poultice on arthritic joints. A poultice of the crushed branch tips has been used to treat infections on an infants navel. Hemlock pitch has been used externally as a counter-irritant in the treatment of rheumatism.
RED SPRUCE
Latin Name: Picea rubens
Uses: The boughs can be used to make a tea to treat colds and "break out" measles. The pitch can be used as a poultice and placed on rheumatic joints, as well as on the chest and the stomach in order to relieve congestion and pain. A decoction of the bark has been used in the treatment of lung complaints and throat problems.
EASTERN RED CEDAR
Latin Name: Juniperus virginiana
Uses: Wood is still used today in herbal medicine for respiratory conditions, as an expectorant to help clear catarrh, coughs, bronchitis and sinusitis. As an anti-spasmodic, it's used to treat aches, pains and stiffness, arthritis and rheumatism
Ceder Oil: Can be obtained from the wood as well as the leaves. But **WARNING** The essential oil from the wood is an abortifacient (causing abortion), in some cases it has caused vomiting, convulsions, coma and death. The plant is said to contain the anticancer compound podophyllotoxin (is a medical cream that is used to treat genital warts and molluscum contagiosum). The essential oil from the berries is used in aromatherapy.
Leaves: Are anthelmintic (used to destroy parasitic worms), diuretic, rubefacient (a substance for topical application that produces redness of the skin e.g. by causing dilation of the capillaries and an increase in blood circulation) and stimulant. A decoction has been used in the treatment of coughs and colds, general weakness and as a medicine for people who are recovering after an illness or operation.
Berries: Are anthelmintic (chiefly of medicines) used to destroy parasitic worms), diaphoretic (inducing perspiration), emmenagogue (a substance that stimulates or increases menstrual flow) and mildly antiseptic. They have been chewed as a treatment for mouth ulcers or made into a tea to treat colds, rheumatism (inflammation and pain in the joints, muscles, or fibrous tissue, especially rheumatoid arthritis.) etc.
Young twigs: Are used as a diuretic. An infusion has been used both internally and as a steam bath in the treatment of rheumatism.
Ceder Oil: Can be obtained from the wood as well as the leaves. But **WARNING** The essential oil from the wood is an abortifacient (causing abortion), in some cases it has caused vomiting, convulsions, coma and death. The plant is said to contain the anticancer compound podophyllotoxin (is a medical cream that is used to treat genital warts and molluscum contagiosum). The essential oil from the berries is used in aromatherapy.
Leaves: Are anthelmintic (used to destroy parasitic worms), diuretic, rubefacient (a substance for topical application that produces redness of the skin e.g. by causing dilation of the capillaries and an increase in blood circulation) and stimulant. A decoction has been used in the treatment of coughs and colds, general weakness and as a medicine for people who are recovering after an illness or operation.
Berries: Are anthelmintic (chiefly of medicines) used to destroy parasitic worms), diaphoretic (inducing perspiration), emmenagogue (a substance that stimulates or increases menstrual flow) and mildly antiseptic. They have been chewed as a treatment for mouth ulcers or made into a tea to treat colds, rheumatism (inflammation and pain in the joints, muscles, or fibrous tissue, especially rheumatoid arthritis.) etc.
Young twigs: Are used as a diuretic. An infusion has been used both internally and as a steam bath in the treatment of rheumatism.
BITTERNUT HICKORY
Latin Name: Carya cordiformis
Uses: The oil from the seeds can be used in the treatment of rheumatism. The bark can be used as a diuretic and laxative.
SWEET BIRCH
Latin Name: Betula lenta
Uses: The bark can be made into a tea and used to treat fevers, stomachache, and lung ailments. It is also said to be an excellent tonic in cases of dysentery and to be useful in the treatment of gravel (a deposit of small calculous concretions in the kidneys and urinary bladder).
Oil: from bark used for anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties to treat rheumatism, gout, and bladder infection. The oil, called "oil of wintergreen", used to be produced commercially, but it is now manufactured synthetically.
Twigs: A tea made from the twigs is used in the treatment of fevers. The leaves can be chewed or used in an infusion in the treatment of dysentery.
Oil: from bark used for anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties to treat rheumatism, gout, and bladder infection. The oil, called "oil of wintergreen", used to be produced commercially, but it is now manufactured synthetically.
Twigs: A tea made from the twigs is used in the treatment of fevers. The leaves can be chewed or used in an infusion in the treatment of dysentery.
BLACK OAK
Latin Name: Quercus velutina
Uses: It is inferior to the bark of white oaks because it contains large amounts of tannin. The bark is astringent, disinfectant, emetic, febrifuge and tonic. It is used in the treatment of chronic dysentery, intermittent fevers, indigestion, asthma and voice loss.
Inner bark: contains quercitannic acid and is used medicinally, mainly as a mild astringent. It is inferior to the bark of white oaks because it contains large amounts of tannin.
Bark: is astringent, disinfectant, emetic (causes vomiting), febrifuge (used to reduce fever) and tonic (substance taken to give a feeling of vigor or well-being). It is used in the treatment of chronic dysentery (infection of the intestines resulting in severe diarrhea with the presence of blood and mucus in the feces.), intermittent fevers, indigestion, asthma and voice loss. An infusion has been used as a gargle for sore throats, hoarseness colds etc. The bark can be chewed as a treatment for mouth sores. An infusion of the bark has been used as a wash for sore and chapped skin. A decoction of the crushed bark has been used as a wash for sore eyes.
Galls: (Plant galls are abnormal outgrowths of plant tissues, similar to benign tumors or warts in animals) produced on the tree are strongly astringent and can be used in the treatment of hemorrhages, chronic diarrhea, dysentery etc.
Inner bark: contains quercitannic acid and is used medicinally, mainly as a mild astringent. It is inferior to the bark of white oaks because it contains large amounts of tannin.
Bark: is astringent, disinfectant, emetic (causes vomiting), febrifuge (used to reduce fever) and tonic (substance taken to give a feeling of vigor or well-being). It is used in the treatment of chronic dysentery (infection of the intestines resulting in severe diarrhea with the presence of blood and mucus in the feces.), intermittent fevers, indigestion, asthma and voice loss. An infusion has been used as a gargle for sore throats, hoarseness colds etc. The bark can be chewed as a treatment for mouth sores. An infusion of the bark has been used as a wash for sore and chapped skin. A decoction of the crushed bark has been used as a wash for sore eyes.
Galls: (Plant galls are abnormal outgrowths of plant tissues, similar to benign tumors or warts in animals) produced on the tree are strongly astringent and can be used in the treatment of hemorrhages, chronic diarrhea, dysentery etc.
SLIPPERY ELM
Latin Name: Ulmus rubra
Uses: is used medicinally to treat coughs, sore throat, colic, diarrhea, constipation, hemorrhoids, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), bladder and urinary tract infections, syphilis, herpes, and for expelling tapeworms. It is also a gentle and effective remedy for irritated states of the mucous membranes of the chest, urinary tubules, stomach and intestines
Bark: The inner bark (not the whole bark) contains large quantities of a sticky slime that can be dried to a powder or made into a liquid. The inner bark is harvested in the spring from the main trunk and from larger branches, it is then dried and powdered for use as required. Ten-year-old bark is said to be best. Fine-grade powder is best used for internal use and coarse-grade powder is better suited for poultices. The inner bark is a demulcent, diuretic, emollient, expectorant and nutritive. It has a soothing and healing effect on all parts of the body that it comes into contact with and is used in the treatment of sore throats, indigestion, digestive irritation, stomach ulcers etc. It is frequently used as a food and nutritive tonic for the old, young and convalescents. It was also applied externally to fresh wounds, burns and scalds. The bark has been used as an antioxidant to prevent fats going rancid.
**WARNING** about the Whole Bark: This is in regard to using the whole bark which is both the inner and outer bark together. This has been used as a mechanical irritant to abort babies inside the womb.
Bark: The inner bark (not the whole bark) contains large quantities of a sticky slime that can be dried to a powder or made into a liquid. The inner bark is harvested in the spring from the main trunk and from larger branches, it is then dried and powdered for use as required. Ten-year-old bark is said to be best. Fine-grade powder is best used for internal use and coarse-grade powder is better suited for poultices. The inner bark is a demulcent, diuretic, emollient, expectorant and nutritive. It has a soothing and healing effect on all parts of the body that it comes into contact with and is used in the treatment of sore throats, indigestion, digestive irritation, stomach ulcers etc. It is frequently used as a food and nutritive tonic for the old, young and convalescents. It was also applied externally to fresh wounds, burns and scalds. The bark has been used as an antioxidant to prevent fats going rancid.
**WARNING** about the Whole Bark: This is in regard to using the whole bark which is both the inner and outer bark together. This has been used as a mechanical irritant to abort babies inside the womb.
WITCH HAZEL
Latin Name: Hamamelis virginiana
Uses: Witch hazel is an astringent that is often used as a natural topical remedy. It contains several compounds with potent anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties, which may be useful in treating a variety of conditions ranging from acne and scalp sensitivity to hemorrhoids.
Bark: Used as a traditional herb of the North American Indians who used it to heal wounds, treat tumors, eye problems etc. A very astringent herb, it is commonly used in the West and is widely available from both herbalists and chemists. It is an important ingredient of proprietary eye drops, skin creams, ointments and skin tonics. It is widely used as an external application to bruises, sore muscles, varicose veins, hemorrhoids, sore nipples, inflammations etc. The bark is astringent, haemostatic, sedative and tonic. The bark is used internally in the treatment of diarrhea, colitis, dysentery, hemorrhoids, vaginal discharge, excessive menstruation, internal bleeding and prolapsed organs. Branches and twigs are harvested for the bark in the spring.
Tannins: In the bark are believed to be responsible for its astringent and haemostatic properties. Bottled witch hazel water is a steam distillate that does not contain the tannins from the shrub, this is less effective in its action than a tincture. An infusion of the leaves is used to reduce inflammations, treat piles, internal hemorrhages and eye inflammations.
Leaves: Are harvested in the summer and can be dried for later use. A homeopathic remedy is made from fresh bark. It is used in the treatment of nosebleeds, piles and varicose veins.
Bark: Used as a traditional herb of the North American Indians who used it to heal wounds, treat tumors, eye problems etc. A very astringent herb, it is commonly used in the West and is widely available from both herbalists and chemists. It is an important ingredient of proprietary eye drops, skin creams, ointments and skin tonics. It is widely used as an external application to bruises, sore muscles, varicose veins, hemorrhoids, sore nipples, inflammations etc. The bark is astringent, haemostatic, sedative and tonic. The bark is used internally in the treatment of diarrhea, colitis, dysentery, hemorrhoids, vaginal discharge, excessive menstruation, internal bleeding and prolapsed organs. Branches and twigs are harvested for the bark in the spring.
Tannins: In the bark are believed to be responsible for its astringent and haemostatic properties. Bottled witch hazel water is a steam distillate that does not contain the tannins from the shrub, this is less effective in its action than a tincture. An infusion of the leaves is used to reduce inflammations, treat piles, internal hemorrhages and eye inflammations.
Leaves: Are harvested in the summer and can be dried for later use. A homeopathic remedy is made from fresh bark. It is used in the treatment of nosebleeds, piles and varicose veins.
SASSAFRAS
Latin Name: Sassafras albidum
Uses: Used for treatment of urinary tract disorders, swelling in the nose and throat, syphilis, bronchitis, high blood pressure in older people, gout, arthritis, skin problems, and cancer. It is also used as a tonic and “blood purifier.”
Root bark and root pith: Are alterative, anodyne, antiseptic, aromatic, carminative, diaphoretic, diuretic, stimulant and vasodilator. A tea made from the root bark is particularly renowned as a spring tonic and blood purifier as well as a household cure for a wide range of ailments such as gastrointestinal complaints, colds, kidney ailments, rheumatism and skin eruptions.
Twigs: The mucilaginous pith from the twigs has been used as a poultice or wash for eye ailments and is also taken internally as a tea for chest, liver and kidney complaints.
*Note: The oil contains safrole, which is said to have carcinogenic activity and has been banned from use in American foods - though it is less likely to cause cancer than alcohol. In large doses the oil is poisonous, causing dilated pupils, vomiting, stupor, collapse and kidney and liver damage. The oil has been applied externally to control lice and treat insect bites, though it can cause skin irritation.
Root bark and root pith: Are alterative, anodyne, antiseptic, aromatic, carminative, diaphoretic, diuretic, stimulant and vasodilator. A tea made from the root bark is particularly renowned as a spring tonic and blood purifier as well as a household cure for a wide range of ailments such as gastrointestinal complaints, colds, kidney ailments, rheumatism and skin eruptions.
Twigs: The mucilaginous pith from the twigs has been used as a poultice or wash for eye ailments and is also taken internally as a tea for chest, liver and kidney complaints.
*Note: The oil contains safrole, which is said to have carcinogenic activity and has been banned from use in American foods - though it is less likely to cause cancer than alcohol. In large doses the oil is poisonous, causing dilated pupils, vomiting, stupor, collapse and kidney and liver damage. The oil has been applied externally to control lice and treat insect bites, though it can cause skin irritation.
BLACK CHERRY
Latin Name: Prunus serotina
Uses: Typically used as a remedy for health conditions like gout and arthritis. inflammation, ease of labor pain and dysentery.
Roots and Inner Bark: The root bark and the aromatic inner bark have expectorant and mild sedative properties and a tea made from either of them has been used to ease pain in the early stages of labour. The tea is also used in the treatment of fevers, colds, sore throats, diarrhoea etc. A decoction of the inner bark has been used in the treatment of laryngitis. The root bark has been used as a wash on old sores and ulcers.
Fruit: Is astringent and has been used in the treatment of dysentery. Rich in antioxidants, including anthocyanins, the juice is purported to reduce inflammation
Roots and Inner Bark: The root bark and the aromatic inner bark have expectorant and mild sedative properties and a tea made from either of them has been used to ease pain in the early stages of labour. The tea is also used in the treatment of fevers, colds, sore throats, diarrhoea etc. A decoction of the inner bark has been used in the treatment of laryngitis. The root bark has been used as a wash on old sores and ulcers.
Fruit: Is astringent and has been used in the treatment of dysentery. Rich in antioxidants, including anthocyanins, the juice is purported to reduce inflammation
FLOWERING DOGWOOD
Latin Name: Cornus florida
Uses: Flowering dogwood was employed medicinally by a number of native North American Indian tribes who valued it especially for its astringent and antiperiodic properties. It is little used in modern herbalism.
Roots: The dried root-bark is antiperiodic, astringent, diaphoretic, mildly stimulant and tonic.
Flowers: The flowers are said to have similar properties. A tea or tincture of the astringent root bark has been used as a quinine substitute to treat malaria and also in the treatment of chronic diarrhoea.
Bark: The bark has also been used as a poultice on external ulcers, wounds etc. The glycoside "cornin" found in the bark has astringent properties.
Inner Bark: The inner bark was boiled and the tea drunk to reduce fevers and to restore a lost voice. A compound infusion of the bark and the root has been used in the treatment of various childhood diseases such as measles and worms. It was often used in the form of a bath.
Fruit: The fruits are used as a bitter digestive tonic. A tincture of them has been used to restore tone to the stomach in cases of alcoholism.
Roots: The dried root-bark is antiperiodic, astringent, diaphoretic, mildly stimulant and tonic.
Flowers: The flowers are said to have similar properties. A tea or tincture of the astringent root bark has been used as a quinine substitute to treat malaria and also in the treatment of chronic diarrhoea.
Bark: The bark has also been used as a poultice on external ulcers, wounds etc. The glycoside "cornin" found in the bark has astringent properties.
Inner Bark: The inner bark was boiled and the tea drunk to reduce fevers and to restore a lost voice. A compound infusion of the bark and the root has been used in the treatment of various childhood diseases such as measles and worms. It was often used in the form of a bath.
Fruit: The fruits are used as a bitter digestive tonic. A tincture of them has been used to restore tone to the stomach in cases of alcoholism.
DEVIL'S WALKING STICK
Latin Name: Aralia spinosa
Uses: The roots and fruit used for toothaches and rheumatic pain. Root poultice used for boils, skin eruptions and swelling
Bark: The bark, especially of the roots is the part most commonly used medicinally, though other parts of the plant, including the fruit, also possess medicinal properties. The fresh bark is strongly emetic, ophthalmic, purgative and sialagogue, when dried it is a stimulating alterative and is diaphoretic.
Berries: A tincture of the berries is used in the treatment of toothache and rheumatism.
Roots: A poultice of the roots is applied to boils, skin eruptions, varicose veins, old sores and swellings. A cold infusion of the roots is used as drops for sore eyes.
Bark: The bark, especially of the roots is the part most commonly used medicinally, though other parts of the plant, including the fruit, also possess medicinal properties. The fresh bark is strongly emetic, ophthalmic, purgative and sialagogue, when dried it is a stimulating alterative and is diaphoretic.
Berries: A tincture of the berries is used in the treatment of toothache and rheumatism.
Roots: A poultice of the roots is applied to boils, skin eruptions, varicose veins, old sores and swellings. A cold infusion of the roots is used as drops for sore eyes.