Remedies and Potions

Chervil comes from the Greek word meaning "leaf of rejoicing." It's little wonder that 15th century herbalist Gerare wrote, "Chervil is good for old people. It rejoices and comforts the heart and increases its strength."

The herb enjoyed a fine reputation for treating eye disorders, including severe inflammation of the deeper structure of the eye (ophthalmias), detached retina, and cataracts. When combined with remedies such as eyebright, the results are amazing. The healing power of this herb is tied to its order, which is quickly destroyed by heat (be sure to cool it).

"I use parsley and chervil against conjunctivitis and other inflammations of the deeper structure of the eye," notes French Folk Healer Maurice Messegue. "Steep the chopped leaves in boiling water, cool to body temperature and apply with an eye cup. It sooths the burning and disinfects."

To treat cataracts and detached retinas and sometimes even glaucoma, Professor Leon Binit, former Dean of Faculty of Medicine in Paris, recommends the following:

Boil one pint of distilled water. Add the following and steep for 20 minutes away from heat.

1 tsp. dried chervil
1 tsp. parsley
1 tsp. Roman chamomile (not German chamomile)¹
1 tsp. lavender flowers

Then add:

1 tsp dried eyebright

Steep covered for 10 more minutes. Strain through several layers of cheese cloth so as not to get any of the herbal flakes in the solution. Store in a glass jar in the refrigerator. Apply to both eyes with an eye cup 3 times a day. Warm the amount you are going to use each time to room temperature before using.

Observations:

Some people have used this solution to treat macular degeneration of the eye with positive results.

Obtain the herbs as fresh as possible. Most will maintain their strength for approximately 1 year if stored in a cool, dry place. The refrigerator is a good place to store them. Buy only ½ ounce of the dried herbs at a time. This will be enough to make the solution many times. Cost of the herbs will be about $10 to $15.

If the solution starts to smell strange and the portion you let warm to room temperature before using remains cloudy, discard and make a fresh batch.

Use sterile technique when making, and use only glass and or stainless steel containers and utensils when making solution.

When you first start using the solution, if it seems too strong for your eyes, dilute it with distilled water. Also it may make your eyes mucus and be bloodshot for a while after you first start using it.

You may wish to make half of the recipe using ½ teaspoon of each herb and 1 cup of distilled water so the solution will be used up faster while still fresh.

Notes:

German chamomile (Anthemis nobilis L.), is a different plant than Roman chamomilla (Matricaria chamomilla) but has similar characteristics.