Herb Directory
|
Alfalfa | Aloe Vera
| Balm | Basil | Bilberry
| Blessed Thistle | Burdock
| Capsicum | Cascara
Sagrada | Chamomile |
| Chapparal | Cinnamon
| Cohosh | Cranberry
| Dandelion | Dong Quai
| Echinacea | Evening
Primrose Oil |
| Eyebright | Feverfew
| Fo-Ti | Garlic | Ginger
| Ginkgo Biloba | Ginseng
| Goto Kola | Green
Tea | Hawthorne Berries |
| Hyssop | Kava Kava
| Lavender | Licorice
| Ma Huang | Mullein
| Nettle | Onion | Parsley
| Passionflower |
| Peppermint | Rose
Hips | Rosemary | Sage
| Sarsaparilla | Saw
Palmetto | Spirulina | St.
John's Wort |
| Tea Tree Oil | Thyme
| Uva Ursi | Valerian
| Yellow Dock | Yohimbe
|
Herbs have been used to treat what ails us for centuries - they are nature's cleansers, healers, soothers and antibiotics. Herb include the leaves, bark, berries, roots, gums, seeds, stems and flowers of the plant.
From the beginning of time, residents in every section of the Earth were making daily discoveries watching what the animals ate, and what they avoided, so they too, could benefit from Nature's bounty. Today, herbology is an art, as well as an acquired skill.
Changes come slowly ... there is no "quick cure all" for our ailments. Herbal products treat our ailments gentlly, slowly - think: the tortoise - slow and steady. That is mainly how herbals react in our system - slow and steady.
At a time such as today when we expect instant gratification and in many cases get it, it is good to see a resurgence of interest in herbals - to take us back to a time when the pace was a little slower, and our stress level was a little lower. Herbs can help calm us, treat us, comfort us and relieve the stress of our daily grind. Here are herbs to consider:
A good source of minerals, Alfalfa aids in the healing of allergies, arthritis, morning sickness, peptic ulcers, stomach ailments and bad breath. It cleanses the kidneys and acts as a blood purifier by removing poisons from the body. It can neutralize acids in the stomach and improves the appetite.
Nature's natural burn treatment, it is also used to alleviate constipation, and in maintaining a healthy intestinal tract. Aloe Vera is wonderful for the skin, soothing for sun burn and irritations and acts as a facial wrinkle smoother.
Also known as Melissa, Lemon Balm and Sweet Balm, this herb is very useful for the treatment of headaches, excessive gas, high blood pressure, stress, bronchitis and asthma. Has been used as an antiviral because it is known to be a powerful antiseptic and reples several types of bacteria including Streptococci.
Very useful for the prevention of dental placque when used as a dentifrice or mouth wash. Drank as a tea, it is very soothing to stomach ulcers.
Used to treat cataracts because it is known to increase blood circulation to the eyes. Also improves vision. Helpful for those who suffer from night vision.
Also known as Milk Thistle, this herb is used to help strengthen the pulmonary system. Thistle also aids in healing the urinary tract. Thistle increases circulation to the brain; aids digestion, reduces fever, expels worms, and helps alleviate menstrual cramps. Helpful for smokers because it cleanses the liver.
Nature's blood purifier and cleanser, Burdock aids in healing skin blemishes, arthritis and rheumatism; promotes healthy kidney function.
Nature's pain reliever - is useful for muscle aches, arthritis, rheumatism and pain associated with Fibromyalgia. Promotes cleansing of the circulatory and digestive system; reduces fever, purifies the blood; prevents fatigue and tiredness, treats skin blemishes, headaches, ulcers and sore throats; helps in regulating your blood pressure and pulse rate.
Also known as Bearberry, this herb is a stimulant for the secretions of the entire digestive system. Jethro Kloss in his book Back To Eden describes Cascara Sagrada as one of the best remedies for chronic constipation . It also helps prevent nervous disorders.
One of the most widely known and used herbs, Chamomile is highly regarded as a calmative and is to gentle, it can be given to babies as a tea. An excellent cleanser and toner of the digestive tract; aids in calming the nerves; expels worms and parasites; Improves the appetite and helps eliminate dandruff. Used externally, it is a wonderful skin toner. Keep a bottle of Chamomile tea in the refrigerator and use it as a refreshing facial skin revitalizer.
This herb has been used to treat cancer and arthritis and to promote longevity; however, the FDA warns that the chemical NGDA contained in the herb causes liver damage. Use with caution.
Cinnamon is not only a delightful additive to foods and baked goods, it is one of Nature's most powerful antiseptics, capable of killing bacteria, fungi and viruses. A sprinkle of powdered cinnamon on athelete's foot is helpful in killing the fungus. Also a very good antibacterial powder for scrapes, cuts and minor wounds.
Also known as Black Cohosh, this herb is useful in relieving symptoms of PMS and menopause. Tea made from powdered Black Cohosh root is known to be a good women's tonic.
Use of this herb is banned in Canada because it is know to cause liver damage when taken internally. No known harmful effects when used topically for treatment of minor wounds, cuts and scrapes.
jJuice made from the berries has been used to treat urinary tract infections. Also used in powdered form in capsules.
Useful as a diuretic. The young leaves and flowers are gathered to make tea.
The root of this herb has been called Female Mandrake because it is said to have similar properties for women as the Mandrake Roote has for men, that being, a tonic.
This herb has gotten wide notice for its usefullness in soothing allergy symptoms, treating symptoms of colds, flu and upper respiratory infections. It is also useful as a lymphatic cleanser because it acts as a natural antibiotic and works like penicillin in the body with no side effects; aids in reducing fever, infections, bad breath and mucous buildup. Please see Echinacea in our Nutrients Index.
Used in the treatment of arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and the alleviation of anxiety. Also, because of its high content of GLA, Gamma Lineolic Acid (an essential polyunsaturated fatty acid), Evening Primrose Oil is very beneficial in the reduction of high cholesterol. Also, used for the painful symptoms of PMS.
Relieves inflamed eyes due to allergies and air pollutants. Cool tea made from Eyebright herb is a soothing eyewash.
Used in the treatment of migraine headaches.
In China, Fo-Ti is known as Ho Shou Wu, and is considered the Elixir of Life. In China and India as well, Fo-Ti is used as a life sustaining food. It is used to treat and correct bowel problems, hemorrhoids. It is said to improve one's mood and give a sense of well being. A rejuvenating, anti-aging herb.
Nature's wonder plant, treats high cholesterol, acts as a blood purifier, lowers blood pressure, is a swift antibiotic, repels insect pests and slows tumor growth. Please see the Nutrients page on Garlic.
Used to treat motion sickness and nausea. Aids in fighting colds, colitis, digestive disorders, flu and gas; it helps increase the secretion of saliva; is excellent for the circulatory system and helps increase stamina.
Wonderful memory enhancer, is said to be useful in treating Alzheimer's Disease because it slows down dementia. It is also a good circulatory strengthener and acts on the blood vessels and capillaries. Also useful in treating Attention Deficit Disorder in children and adults. Please see our Nutrient's page on Ginkgo Biloba for more information.
Aids in increasing endurance and increase energy level; is said to improve longevity and vitality; aids in balancing hormonal activity; acts as a sexual stimulant, mental and physical stimulant; normalizes blood pressure levels; helps protect the body against stress; strengthens the endocrine glands; stimulates the activity of RNA and DNA in your cells, thus helping retard the aging process.
Ancient history mentions this herb as a rejuvenating herb and antiaging treatment that promotes longevity and vitality. It is also accepted as a "brain food" which promotes memory and helps alleviate mental fatigue; excellent for the eyes, impotence, endurance, energy and normalizing blood pressure; considered to be an excellent nerve tonic.
Well known and widely accepted among researchers for its abilities to prevent and treat a number of diseases. It is a potent anti-carcinogenic, protects smokers from lung cancer, has chemoprotective effect on stomach, liver, pancreatic, breast, esophageal and skin cancers. Reduces risk factors associated with cardiovascular disease; inhibits abnormal blood clot formulation. Prevents high blood pressure and inhibits certain enzymes that cause arterial constriction. It contains a high level of polyphenols and is very powerful at suppressing free radicals. It lowers blood sugar. Acts as an anti-inflammatory, anti-viral and anti-bacterial. Also ... an excellent anti-aging tonic! Drink it every day! See Organic China Green Tea.
Strengthens the muscles and nerves to the heart; normalizes cardiovascular functions; aids in relieving emotional stress; regulates high and low blood pressure; helps combat arteriosclerosis, hypoglycemia and heart disease. Rich in bioflavonoids. Also, useful in weightloss.
Regulates blood pressure, purifies the blood and promotes circulation, excellent aid for the eyes, hoarseness, lungs, mucous buildup, nervous disorders and skin problems.
Similar acting (but without dangerous side effects) as pharmaceutical drugs Valium and Xanax, Kava Kava is fast becoming the super star of the alternative medicine field. Not a sedative, Kava can be safely used to relax the brain, easing muscle spasms that cause headaches, and easing nervous tension and stress. Please see our Nutrient's page on Kava Kava.
Aromatherapy agent, the scent of the Lavender florets have a calming effect. Known to be a mild sedative when drank as a tea.
Expels mucous from the respiratory tract aids in healing hoarseness, hypoglycemia, coughs and as a treatment for asthma and allergies. It also treats constipation; promotes healthy adrenal glands; acts as a sexual stimulant; helps increase endurance and vitality; helps fight viruses and boosts the immune system; and helps in reducing skin blemishes (age spots).
Also known as Ephedra, this herb is most notable for its use in weight control and as a decongestant. Ephedra is a naturally occurring ephedrine, a stimulant, closely related to amphetamines. The FDA has bulleted this herb for further action after over 400 reported incidents of adverse reactions including liver failure, elevated blood pressure, heart palpitations and even stroke. Fifteen deaths have been attributed to the misues of ephedra. It is also stimulant of the adrenal glands; helps increase energy level; aids in healing asthma, bronchitis, lung, coughs and congestive disorders. As with any medicine, Ma Huang must be taken according to directions. Just because it is natural, doesn't mean that it is safe to take at high dosages.
A bone, flesh and cartilage builder; aids in healing respiratory ailments, asthma, bronchitis, diarrhea, sinus congestion; soothing to any inflammation and relieves pain; acts to relieve spasms and clears the lungs.
Rich in Vitamin C and Iron, this herb helps in the formation of red blood cells and is useful in treating anemia.
Works similarly and has same properties as Garlic, however not as strong.
Used as a diuretic and to tame the scent of onion and garlic in the body.
Helpful in the treatment of anxiety, tension and insomnia. Hot tea made from Passionflower petals not only tastes delicately delicious, it is also calming to the nerves. Also has been used as a sexual stimulant.
For relief of tension headaches, oil is applied to temples and forehead. Used for tea and drank as a treatment for indigestion. Has a calming effect on the stomach and treat irritable bowel syndrome.
Used to fight infection and curb stress, it is the highest herb in Vitamin C content and contains the entire C-Complex.
Gives relief to upset stomaches and improves appetite. Also helpful in soothing excess gas and migraine headaches.
Gargling with a warm tea made from Sage leaves is said to soothe a sore throat. Also, helpful for night sweats.
Helps cure impotence; relieves inflammation and gas and will increase the flow of urine; an excellent blood purifier; aids rheumatism, heartburn, hormones, gout, fever ad mucous buildup; also used to promote perspiration.
Male tonic. Successfully used to treat prostate problems.
Used for years as a strong laxative. Relatively safe when used in prescribed dosages, misuse of this herb can cause serious health problems, such as irregular heartbeat, dehydration and dependence on laxatives.
Is an algae containing 65 - 70% protein; it contains 26 times the Calcium of milk; also contains phosphorous and niacin and is far more nutritious than any known food; used for rejuvenation and weight reduction; an excellent blood and colon cleanser; very high in Vitamin B12 content.
Used for the treatment of mild depression. St. John's Wort has recently come to light as an excellent alternative to chemical antidepressants without any side effects.
Antiseptic, topical antibiotic, useful for acne and skin problems.. Also, helpful to ease the pain and itch of insect bites, as well as fungal infections. Tea Tree Oil is a wonderful facial toner that tightens pores and deep cleans the skin. And, Tea Tree Oil has been used to treat yeast infections.
Useful to those suffering from coughs due to allergies, bronchitis and sinusitis; helps loosen phlegm and lessen coughs.
Useful for diabetics and those suffering from kidney problems. Also known for its astringent properties, it is helpful for those suffering from hemorrhoids. Uva Ursi is used quite often as a natural diuretic along with Corn Silk and Juniper Berries.
Used to relieve insomnia and is a natural calmative. The chemical compounds in the sedativeValium stem from Valerian.
A nutritive tonic, high in Iron and useful in treating anemia; also nourishes the spleen and liver, thus, being effective for the treatment of Jaundice, Lymphatic problems and skin eruptions; strengthens, cleanses and tones the entire body; excellent for boils, ulcers, wounds, and cleansing the blood.
For years, the bark of the Yohimbe tree has been used as a male aphrodisiac and energy booster. However, the FDA has issued a warning that the use of this herb can raise blood pressure, cause nervousness, and has been known to cause seizures and even death when taken at high dosages. Use with caution.
~~~
"How
You Can Use Herbs
In Your Day-to-Day Living"
by Barbara Schadt Delozier
Herbs --- I love their earthy scent, their beautiful colors, their attractive
fullness in the garden, their wonderful uses... Uses? You mean, you can
'use' herbs as well as appreciate their beauty? Oh.. I know you KNEW you
could 'use' herbs, and you probably do right now, in your supplements,
in your home cooking, in your tea. However, there are more ways to use
herbs than just in pretty, decorative wreaths around your home, or in
herbal teas or in cooking... Read on!
Most commonly, the dried leaves, flowers and roots of herbs are used for
seasoning foods and making teas. Chamomile teas is one of the most widely
known herbal teas available today - used for a long time to soothe a colicky
baby, or calm the jangled nerves after a particularly hard day. A quick
trip to the grocery store spice shelf will yield a cart-load of herbs
and spices to make even the most finicky appetite growl in hunger. However,
herbals are also used to make tonics, tinctures, compresses, syrups, salves,
poultices and liniments. Generally, you can purchase herbs already packaged
into gel capsules, loose or in tea bags. Yet --- for the adventurous enough
to grow or gather their own, here's some interesting information you may
find helpful.
Teas are delicious way to enjoy the benefits of herbs. Teas can be enjoyed
hot with lemon and honey, with milk or even as an iced beverage.
To Make Tea: pour one cup of boiling water over one heaping teaspoon
of dried herb leaves and/or flowers in a tea cup and let steep for 5 to
10 minutes. Never boil the dried leaves and/or flowers when making tea,
because the act of boiling evaporates the aromatic properties of the herb.
Also, steeping too long will release tart tannic acids in the tea making
the taste too strong.
Syrups are good for sore throats and coughs, especially syrups made with
onion or garlic. Syrups made with honey and lemon are also very soothing
for sore throats. You may substitute honey for the brown sugar in the
following recipe, if you want to experiment, but reduce the amount by
one/third.
To Make Herbal Syrup: Dissolve three pounds brown sugar in one
pint of water to which you have added fresh cut herbs or dried leaves
and flowers of your choice. Boil the mixture until thick, syrup consistency
is obtained. Let cool and then strain out the herbs through a cheesecloth-lined
strainer or other suitable straining tool. Bottle and refrigerate your
syrup. Enjoy!
Salves are soothing to irritated skin. Your choice of herbs used will
depend on the end result of your salve. Different oils have different
properties, so you will want to choose your oil base with an eye for clarity
and weight. Canola oil is a nice, light oil, whereas Olive oil is heavy
and pungent.
To Make Herb Salve: you can use fresh leaves, flowers, roots, barks
or dried, powdered herbs in this recipe. A crock-style glass, plastic
or stainless steel container can work in this recipe.
Ingredients needed: one pound of herbs, one and one/half pounds of pure
vegetable oil, and four to six ounces of beeswax. (In warm climates, use
more beeswax for good consistency). Mix all the ingredients together,
cover, and set in the hot sun for 5 hours. Stir occasionally. Strain through
a cheesecloth-lined sieve, and pour into containers. When cool, it will
be firm and ready for use.
A Poultice is a paste made of herbs, vegetables or other ingredients,
sometimes mixed with cornmeal, or flaxseed for consistency. A Poultice
is applied to the skin to soothe irritations, draw toxins, soothe muscle
sprains and aches. Covered with a warm, moist cloth, then a dry cloth,
helps a Poultice work its magic!
To Make A Simple Poultice: use granulated or powdered herbs and
mix with just enough water to make a paste. Basil, Sage, and Balm have
been used for the soothing, antibiotic properties. But, you can also use
raw, grated vegetables, as well. Grated potato and/or carrots are used
as cleansers; grated onion and/or garlic are used as antibiotics. A poultice
made of garlic powder mixed with apple cider vinegar is one of the most
effective treatments for athletes foot that really works!
Liniments have been used for years to soothe aches and pains, and skin
eruptions, headaches, even athletes foot.
To Make A Simple Liniment: Combine two ounces of powdered myrrh,
one ounce powdered goldenseal, one/half ounce ground cayenne pepper, and
one quart rubbing alcohol. Mix together in a covered container and let
it stand for at least one week. Strain through a cheese-cloth covered
sieve and pour into bottles. This recipe is great for sore muscles, skin
eruptions, and athlete's foot.
Tinctures are extracts of the essence of something, and in this case,
we mean essence of herbs, but with a little imagination, you could adapt
this recipe to include flowers and vegetables.
To Make A Simple Herbal Tincture: To one ounce granulated myrrh,
and one/half ounce of powdered cayenne, add your favorite herb(s). Bring
one pint water to a boil, and remove from heat. Add the herbal mixture
and cover. Let steep for 30 minutes. When cool, strain mixture and add
one pint apple cider vinegar and bottle for later use. This particular
mixture is good for external stimulation as a back or muscle rub. Since
tinctures are very strong, they should only be used by drops. A few drops
rubbed into the skin is al that is needed. You can also take tinctures
internally by adding a few drops to a cup of warm water. Cayenne and Myrrh
are used here as antiseptics and stimulants. Or, you may use Chamomile
and Cider Vinegar to make your tincture soothing instead of stimulating.
No matter how you choose to use herbs, whether to add flavor to your foods,
or to treat mild symptoms, herbs are a natural and useful means to help
yourself.
Learning
more about herbs is one way of taking charge of your life and in taking
an active role in your health. Its been said that variety is the spice
of life! I hope that you have learned a few interesting ways to spice
up your life with herbs!
