Eastern Hemlock Inner Bark (organic Herbal Tea)

Organic Hemlock / Tsuga canadensis, (Inner Bark), 100g.

Ingredient: Organic dried inner bark of Canadian Hemlock Tsuga Canadensis.

History: Canadian hemlock was commonly used in traditional Native American medicine by several Native American tribes in North America. They used it to treat various ailments. The bark is rich in tannin and is still sometimes used in modern herbal medicine for its astringent and antiseptic properties. They used hemlock bark to relieve diarrhea, colds, coughs, and stomach problems. Externally, they used it as a poultice to heal wounds or relieve itchy skin. They extracted a tannic substance from hemlock bark that was used to tan leather and as a dye (the oleoresin derived from the bark is a dark reddish-brown).

The Annedda or tree of life: this legendary tree, rich in vitamin C, which brought Jacques Cartier's crew back to life by saving them from certain death from scurvy, was probably hemlock, white spruce, or thuja, or a mixture of several of these. This enigma still remains and continues to occupy ethnobotanists and historians.

Instructions for use

Infusion : Steep 4 tablespoons (or a handful of bark) in 1 liter of boiling water, cover, steep for 10-15 minutes, strain, drink within 1 day.

Short decoction: Simmer over low heat for 5 minutes, one heaped tablespoon per cup of boiling water (or 4 tablespoons for 4 cups), cover, remove from heat, steep for 5-10 minutes and strain.

External use: Use a long decoction (simmer and steep for twice the time mentioned above) as a poultice by soaking a sterile or very clean cloth in this decoction (strain well), squeeze lightly, apply to the skin and secure with a bandage that is not too tight, leave on for 30 to 60 minutes, repeat 2 to 3 times a day.

As a vaginal wash : Use this decoction with a vaginal wash. Insert this decoction into the vagina once a day (no more than once a week so as not to destroy the vaginal flora). Calendula flowers can be added to this decoction, alternating with lactic acid bacteria suppositories (probiotics).

As a mouthwash or gargle: Gargle or rinse your mouth with the short decoction 2 to 4 times a day for thrush, gingivitis, or sore throat. (Can be alternated with Vapo-Gorge).

Traditional uses:

The decoction is used in traditional Native American herbal medicine, as a long or short infusion, in the treatment of diarrhea, colitis, diverticulosis, and cystitis.

As a mouthwash and gargle to relieve gingivitis and sore throats.

For external use, it is used as a poultice to clean and tighten bleeding wounds, as a vaginal douche to treat excessive vaginal discharge, thrush, and uterine prolapse.

The poultice can also be applied to the skin to treat itching. It is also febrifuge, diaphoretic, and styptic to reduce fever. An infusion can be used to treat colds, chills, coughs, and abdominal pain. A decoction of the inner bark can be applied externally to treat eczema, itching, and other skin conditions. The inner bark, pulverized or in decoction form, can also be applied to cuts and wounds to reduce bleeding.

Precautions: Contains tannins, do not take long term, start with small amounts. Not suitable for young children, pregnant women, or nursing women.