LADY'S SLIPPER or NERVE ROOT

(Cypripedium pubescens; C. hirsutum, C. bulbosum; ORCHIDACEAE;

Part used:  Rhizome and roots

Therapeutic action:

Antispasmodic, nervine, tonic, relaxant, stimulant, antiperiodic, diaphoretic, and diuretic. Lady's slipper is almost a pure nervine and relaxant. Its action is slow, yet it influences the entire nervous system. A common name for lady's slipper is "American Valerian" because of the generic properties it shares with valerian. Lady's slipper is an excellent pain reliever, is beneficial in female weaknesses, induces sleep, and relieves hysteria and most nervous disorders, including any enfeebled nerve condition. Its efficiency is increased when combined with tonic herbs.

Medicinal uses:

Nervous sleeplessness, nervous headache, hysteria, convulsions, nervous exhaustion (overworked and worried conditions), flatulence, indigestion, chorea (St. Vitus' Dance), weakness and trembling of limbs, nervous irritability, nervousness, cholera, epilepsy, hypochondriasis, neuralgia, female weaknesses, rigid os uteri, recent cold or fever, and inflamed appendix.

Preparation:

Decoction, fluid extract, infusion, powder, solid extract, and tincture. Lady's slipper may be preserved in glycerine.

Dosage:

Lady's slipper is non-poisonous and perfectly safe. It may be taken in larger doses when needed.