Description
LIFE ROOT or RAGWORT or SQUAW WEED (Senecio aureus; COMPOSITAE)
Common names:
Life root, ragwort, squaw weed, golden senecio, golden groundsel, false valerian, female regulator, coughweed, cocash weed, uncut root, waw weed.
Note: This herb is not to be confused with another "ragwort" (Senecio Jacobaea) belonging to the same family.
Therapeutic action:
Emmenagogue, diuretic, pectoral, tonic, astringent, stimulant, vulnerary, expectorant, febrifuge, diaphoretic.
This herb is another from the American Indians. In the first stages of consumption it is often used, as its tonic properties, combined with the pectoral, have a very beneficial effect.
It is very effective in regenerating the renal and urinary areas. It will also be found most useful for all types of pulmonary complaints, fevers, etc.
Medicinal uses:
Amenorrhea (suppressed menstruation), leucorrhea, dysmenorrhea, uterine atony, physical debility, consumption, tuberculosis, gravel, urinary complaints, pulmonary problems, fevers, diarrhea, etc.
Preparation:
Decoction, fluid extract, infusion, powder, solid extract, tincture.
Dosage:
Decoction (root) 1/2-2 fluid ounces 3-4 times daily.
Fluid extract 1/2-1 fluid teaspoon.
Infusion (herb) 2-6 fluid ounces 3-4 times daily.
Powder 1/2-1 teaspoon.
Solid extract 325-650 milligrams.
Oral Tincture Administration: 5-40 drops.
Amenorrhea:
Make 1/2 ounce of powder or fluid extract to 1 pint of water, and take 1 wine glassful 4 times daily until the desired effect is obtained.
Pulmonary complaints:
Use the fluid extract or tea form.
https://online.snh.cc/files/2100/HTML/snh_life_root.htm
Traditional Uses
In the past, ragwort did have some medicinal uses, especially in England.
In folk medicine, the herb was used externally (mixed with pig fat) as an ointment for relieving pain in the arms, hips, and legs.
The plant was also used to treat throat inflammation in humans and in horses. A poultice made from the plant was laid on the throat, or it was infused in water and used as a gargle.
One of the old English names for ragwort is “stammerwort”, referring to the common belief that it could be used to treat stuttering.
Until recently, ragwort extract was used internally as an herbal remedy for coughs and colds.
It was also used in the past to relieve pain related to sciatica, rheumatism, arthritis and gout, often in combination with wintergreen (Gaultheria procumbens) and lobelia (Lobelia inflata).
These traditional uses were also know in the U.S.
Ragwort was applied on boils to get them to open up and in some parts of England, a branch of ragweed was worn as protection against a variety of infectious diseases.
https://www.herbal-supplement-resource.com/ragwort-uses.html
Life Root
Commonly known as Golden Ragwort, Squaw weed, or Golden Sececio, life root is an herbal medication that is frequently used to treat the female reproductive system. Containing natural plant estrogens, life root thrives in cool climates with heavy rainfall. Considered as noxious weeds in some areas, life root can be used as a uterine stimulant that helps to restore emotional stability and eradicate hot flashes. Five hundred milligram tablets or capsules may be taken daily, or one half teaspoon of extract can be taken twice a day.
https://www.herbalisthut.com/treating-menopause-with-herbs/
