Peaches

Internal Use Peach pit, peach twig, and peach flower tea produce a volatile oil somewhat similar to the poisonous bitter almond. These substances are sometimes used by knowledgeable herbalists, but I would advise the novice to avoid internal use. The flower tea is purgative.

External Uses During the peach season make peach pit tea and keep it in the refrigerator (label: External). It is very healing, cleansing, and will often allay the pain of wounds. The pits can be cooked and added to alcohol or glycerine to preserve the juice. Be sure to mark "for external use only."

Worms One surprising use of peach leaves is as a poultice to help extract worms from children. Add a small amount of boiling water to the leaves, just enough to release its chemicals and make it into a paste. Apply the mash to the child's stomach. Cover the area with plastic wrap and a large towel. Use for half hour intervals once a day for as long as needed.