ALKANET

It is used externally in the treatment of varicose veins, indolent ulcers, bed sores & itching rashes.

The root is harvested in the autumn & can be dried for later use.
Root yields a deep red to purple dye, which is used to stain wood, fabrics, wines, soaps, lotions, lip balms & other cosmetics.

It is good for ulcers, hot inflammations & burns.
It helps with morphew, leprosy, jaundice, spleen & kidney troubles.
It stays fluxes of the belly, kills worms, helps calm fits, strengthens the back & eases its pains, helps bruises & blemishes of the skin such as measles, small pox, pricks, falls & grazes.
It is also said to be a useful counter to poisons & venoms.

In modern folk medicine alkanet tea was specified for melancholy,to promote sweating & break a fever, to soften & soothe the skin & as a diuretic, astringent & blood purifier.

Alkanet was a healing herb used before antiseptics.  One old recipe for a wound dressing called for alkanet pounded with oil & mixed with dried earthworms.

A wine decoction of Alkanet is used as a rub for sore backs.  
An ointment of Alkanet is sometimes used for sores, bruises & cuts.

A decoction of the leaves & root of the alkanet is advantageous in inveterate coughs & all disorders of the chest.

An herbal tea made from the alkanet is still extensively used as a remedy in modern folk medicine for treating problems such as melancholy.

Tea is also used to promote perspiration & to break a prolonged fever.

The main use of the alkanet in herbal medicine today is in the role of an expectorant - a substance that brings up phlegm.

The herb is also used in preparing a homeopathic remedy often used in alleviating ulcers in the stomach & duodenum.

The root of alkanet has antibacterial properties & also has the property of relieving itching.

The herb powder mixed with petroleum gel was applied as an ointment for back pain or bruising.

PRECAUTIONS:

If taken over a long period of time, Alkanet can cause cancer.

RECIPES:

Make a decoction

by putting 15g  of dried root in a small saucepan with
570 ml  of cold water.
Bring to a boil & simmer until the liquid has reduced by half, strain & allow to cool before use.
This can be used externally to treat open wounds, including bedsores & leg & foot ulcers, as well as varicose veins & any itchy rash.

Tea:

Internally, 1 / 2 teaspoon ground alkanet herb to 1 cup  boiling hot water may be steep, then taken for worms.

BEAUTY:

Naturally Tinted Lip Balm:

2 tbsp coconut oil
1 tbsp olive oil
1 1/2 tsp cocoa butter
1 tbsp beeswax
1 tsp vitamin E oil
1/2 tsp any essential oils
1-2 tsp alkanet root powder.

In a small pot, or double boiler, over super low heat melt the coconut oil, olive oil, cocoa butter & beeswax. Stir until just melted.
Remove from heat & add vitamin E oil, alkanet root powder & your choice of essential oils.
Continue to stir well in order to combine all the oils & distribute the alkanet root powder evenly throughout the mixture.
Pour into small containers & then allow it to cool until hard.

MAGIC:

Protects from snakebites & helps ease fear of snakes. 
Burned as an incense to replace negativity with positive influence & is also used to attract prosperity in all its forms.
It is also widely considered to be lucky herb for the purpose of bringing good fortune in business, money matters & games of chance.
Wards off the work of those who try to trouble your money matters or
jinx your gambling luck.