LADIES SLIPPER
( Cypredium pubescens )


Cypripedium is a genus of 47 species of lady's-slipper orchids native to temperate and colder regions of the Northern Hemisphere.

Showy lady slipper

The inflorescence is racemose. It can carry one to twelve flowers, as in Cypripedium californicum. But most species have one to three flowers. There are three sepals, with, in most species, the two lateral ones more or less fused. The flower has three acute petals with the third a striking slipper-shaped lip, which is lowermost. The sepals and the petals are usually similarly colored, with the lip in a different color.

Yellow Lady's-Slipper

Part used: root (fresh)
Properties: Antispasmodic, nervine, sedative.
What it affects: nerves.


Preparation and amount: 
Infusion: steep 60 min and drink 1 tbsp. every hour.
Decoction: simmer 60 min. and drink 1 tbsp. in 6 oz. water 3-4 x a day.
Tincture: drink 5-30 drops 3 times a day.
Fluid extract: take 1/4 tsp 3 times a day.
Powder: Take 2-10 #0 capsules (5-60 grains) 3 times a day.

Purposes:
Internally, lady's slipper is an excellent nervine and acts as a tonic to an exhausted nervous system. It is said to be the best nervine relied upon for chorea, epilepsy, hysteria, headache, insomnia, and general nervousness. It is good for nervous indigestion. It has no narcotic a9 addictive) properties. Combined with ginger and a small amount of lobelia, it can be used for nervousness associated with fevers. Combined with chamomile or dandelion, it is a useful treatment for stomach or liver problems, including hepatitis. Combined with skullcap, it is used for headaches and hysteria. It is also good for cholera, epilepsy, and nervous exhaustion.