Iris "She washed the iris roots, chewed them to a pulp, and spit them into the boiling water. ... "This destroys the evil spirits that make infection," Iza motioned, pointing to the antiseptic iris-root solution. "A poultice of the root draws out poisons and helps the wound heal." CCB NOTE: Don't know which variety Jean referred to.
	Juniper (Juniperus communis) "I know there's a medicinal reference in there somewhere - I mismarked my notes! - Diane"
	Marigold (Calendula officinalis) "...she washed the wound using the cured skin of a rabbit...dipped in the warm infusion of marigold petals. The liquid was astringent as well as antiseptic..." VoH "She was quite pleased to find...marigolds for their antiseptic and quick-healing virtues, to take the sting out of bites, and because they were so effective in keeping insects away when a strong solution was splashed on." PoP
	Pasque Flowers (Anenome pulsatilla) "She saw blue-purple pasqueflowers, erect and beautiful, each rising from expanding leaves covered with fine hairs...the dried plant was helpful for headaches and women's cramps - but she enjoyed it as much for its beauty as for its usefulness." PoP
	Pigweed (Portulaca oleracea) "Iza crushed the pigweed root together with its leaves and lathered it into her hair." CCB "Pulling up a stalk of pigweed, she crushed the leaves and roots in her hand, wet the mixture, and added a bit of sand. Then she scoured her hands, cleaned the travel grime off her face, and went back up." VoH
	Plantain (Plantago major) "She rinsed the wild carrots...and wrapped them in plantain leaves. The large fibrous leaves were edible, but she couldn't help thinking of their other use as sturdy, healing bandages for cuts or bruises." VoH "...the large leaves...were excellent for healing anything from bites to boils, even severe ulcers and wounds." PoP Note: Look in your yard for these - they're everywhere! Crush leaves & apply to bee stings - works great!
	Pokeweed (Phytolacca decandra) "The pokeweeds are coming up where they grew last year. Didn't you tell me the roots were good for Creb's rheumatism, too?" "Yes, but you steep the root and apply it as a wash to relieve the pain. The berries are made into a tea. Juice from squeezed berries is good for growths and lumps, too..." CCB Note: All parts of Pokeweed are very dangerous when taken internally - don't try it on your own!

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Book Quotes copyright Jean M. Auel.