Tsuga heterophylla

Tsuga heterophylla
Family:Tsuga heterophylla; Astringent; Diaphoretic; Diuretic; Poultice; Skin.
Common name:Western hemlock
Western hemlock was commonly employed medicinally by several native North American Indian tribes who used it to treat a variety of complaints. It is little if at all used in modern herbalism. The bark is astringent diaphoretic and diuretic. A decoction of the pounded bark has been used in the treatment of haemorrhages tuberculosis and syphilis. The boiled bark combined with liquorice fern (Polypodium glyccyrhiza) has been used in the treatment of haemorrhages. An infusion of the inner bark or twigs is helpful in the treatment of kidney or bladder problems. It can also be used as a good enema for treating diarrhoea and as a gargle or mouthwash for mouth and throat problems. Externally it can be used as a wash on sores and ulcers. A poultice of the plant has been applied to bleeding wounds. A moxa of the twigs has been used to get rid of warts. The powdered bark can be put into shoes for tender or sweaty feet or for foot odour. The gum obtained from the trunk has been applied to cuts. It has been applied to the skin to prevent chapping and sunburn. A poultice of the chewed leaves has been used in the treatment of burns.

Herbal Database

01.01.2005 06:32 []