chrisrhobbs
Rhamnus cal in flower
This is california coffeeberry, Rhamnus californica. Note the purplish stems, the ellipitcal entire (no teeth) leaves that are slightly yellowish. 8 species of Rhamnus occur in California, this is the main one used for medicine, along with cascara sagrada, Rhamnus purshiana, which occurs in Mendocino county and north.
The bark is peeled on the 2nd to 3rd year old stems cut into 2-4 inch pieces and stored for making teas, tinctures. Tradition has it that one should store for up to 8 months to enhance the activity and reduce cramping, but it also works fresh.
Add other ingredients such as orange peel, ginger, yellow dock, burdock, to enhance flavor and reduce bitterness. Yerba santa was added to mask bitterness in pharmacy shops of the early 20th century.
Start with 1/2 cup of the tea before bed time, then go up to 1-2 cups if the effect is too mild. An enhanced bowel movement should occur the next morning.
The herb is also very useful for "draining dampness and heat" according to the system of traditional Chinese medicine. This is determined by looking at the tongue by determining If the coating towards the middle and back is yellow and somewhat thick, indicating pathogenic heat and dampness.
Indications: constipation, diarrhea (after gaining experience with its action), acne, boils, predisposition to inflammations and infections of organs in the lower abdominal cavity--hepatitis, colitis, vaginitis (with caution and experience)
Rhamnus cal in flower
This is california coffeeberry, Rhamnus californica. Note the purplish stems, the ellipitcal entire (no teeth) leaves that are slightly yellowish. 8 species of Rhamnus occur in California, this is the main one used for medicine, along with cascara sagrada, Rhamnus purshiana, which occurs in Mendocino county and north.
The bark is peeled on the 2nd to 3rd year old stems cut into 2-4 inch pieces and stored for making teas, tinctures. Tradition has it that one should store for up to 8 months to enhance the activity and reduce cramping, but it also works fresh.
Add other ingredients such as orange peel, ginger, yellow dock, burdock, to enhance flavor and reduce bitterness. Yerba santa was added to mask bitterness in pharmacy shops of the early 20th century.
Start with 1/2 cup of the tea before bed time, then go up to 1-2 cups if the effect is too mild. An enhanced bowel movement should occur the next morning.
The herb is also very useful for "draining dampness and heat" according to the system of traditional Chinese medicine. This is determined by looking at the tongue by determining If the coating towards the middle and back is yellow and somewhat thick, indicating pathogenic heat and dampness.
Indications: constipation, diarrhea (after gaining experience with its action), acne, boils, predisposition to inflammations and infections of organs in the lower abdominal cavity--hepatitis, colitis, vaginitis (with caution and experience)