Sunday, June 17, 2012
IDENTIFYING SPECIFIC HERBS AND THEIR USES
IDENTIFYING SPECIFIC HERBS AND THEIR USES
Agar Agar
An algae from seaweed, it is a gelatinous natural thickener
and is a natural
laxative.
Agrimony
A valuable remedy for the digestive system it stimulates the
digestive and
liver secretions. It is also the herb of choice for
appendicitis. Also treats
incontinence, sore throats and laryngitis. As a salve it
will aid in healing
wounds and bruises.
Alder Tree
Use leaves for swelling. Especially helpful in easing pain
of swollen breast
or burning and aching feet. Should be avoided if pregnant.
Alfalfa
A highly nutritive herb, good for the pituitary gland, it
alkalizes the body
rapidly and detoxifies the liver. Essential in rebuilding
decayed teeth and
helps with arthritic and rheumatic pain.
Aloes
Such as Aloe Vera, are good for burns. While this is a well
known
treatments, what you may not know is that aloes are also
helpful in treating
cancer and stomach ailments.
Angelica
Use both the root and seed. Roots and leaves are used
medicinally, the
stems and seeds are used in confectionery. This herb is a
useful
expectorant for coughs, bronchitis and pleurisy, especially
when they are
accompanied by fever, colds or influenza.
Aniseed
Use the dried fruit. The strong oil in Aniseed provides the
basis for its
internal use to ease griping, intestinal colic and
flatulence. It also has an
expectorant and anti-spasmodic action and may be used in
bronchitis, in
tracheitis where there is persistent irritable coughing, and
in whooping
cough. The oil itself can be the base for an ointment to
help control lice
and the oil can be used directly in the control of lice.
Apple Tree
Use the bark to create a tonic that will treat gravel in the
bladder and also
aid in reducing fever.
Arnica
Not to be taken internally, this is an excellent treatment
for bruises and
sprains. Will also help relieve rheumatic pain as well as
pain and
inflammation of phlebitis.
Arrowroot
Use as a demulcent and nutritive food for urinary and bowel
affections in
infants and invalids in convalescence.
Astragalus
Widely used in Chinese Medicine, it boosts the immune system.
Use for
anything from the common cold to cancer.
Balm
Also known as Lemon Balm, Sweet Balm or Melissa. Using the
green
leaves and flowers, balm is a natural deterrent to
perspiration, will also
bring boils to a head, is useful for stings and toothache as
well as
flatulence and digestion.
Balm of Gilead
Also known as Poplar buds and Balsam Poplar. Bark and leaves
are
used to alleviate discomfort of cough colds, lung trouble
and kidneys.
Secondary, the buds can be used as a tea for gargling making
it an
excellent remedy for sore throats, coughs and laryngitis.
Balmony
Also known as Bitter Herb, Snake Head, Turtle Head or Turtle
Broom.
Good for the liver, stomach and used in the treatment of
eczema. Also
used in treatment of gall stones, inflammation of the
gall-bladder and in
jaundice. It stimulates the appetite, eases colic, dyspepsia
and
biliousness and is helpful in debility.
Barberry
Use to correct liver function and promote the flow of bile.
Also effective for
the inflammation of the gall bladder due to gall stones.
Basil
Yes this is the same basil that you use in cooking. Create a
tea from the
dried herb to treat nausea.
Bay
Create a tonic from the leaves for strength. Also aids in
digestion and
cramps.
Bayberry
Also known as Candleberry, Waxberry and Wax Myrtle. Use
bark, leaves
and flowers. For treatment of sore throat, piles, bleeding
of the stomach,
lungs, bowels and very effective as a douche.
Bee Pollen
Good for allergies. Excellent as an energy food. Aids in
radiation sickness,
the kind people get when they undergo radiation therapy for
cancer.
Beet Root (Red)
A liver and spleen cleanser. It reactivates a sluggish
liver. Should be taken
in small amounts.
Bergamot
Useful for soothing the stomach and flatulence.
Betony
Useful as a blood purifier, also effective for epilepsy,
jaundice and colic.
Birch
Leaves are an effective treatment for cystitis and other
urinary infections.
Also good for gout, arthritic pain and rheumatism.
Bitter Root
Use the root for fever, liver problems, bowels, gallstones
diabetes and
ailments involving mucous membranes.
Bitter Sweet
Use root and twig for purifying blood, treating ailments of
the liver,
pancreas, spleen, glandular organs, piles, jaundice, burns
skin and fever.
Blackberry
Use the bark of the root and rhizome. A safe, gentle remedy
that can be
used for diarrhea, dysentery and externally for skin
eruptions and burns.
Black Catechu
Effective treatment for diarrhea, dysentery and as a local
application for
sore mouths and gums.
Black Cohosh
Also known as Black Snakeroot, Bugbane, Rattleroot,
Rattleweed,
Squawroot. The dried root is the part used. This is a powerful
relaxant as
well as being extremely effective with easing painful
menstrual cramps.
Ovarian cramps will be relieved as well as bringing on a
delayed menstrual
cycle. It is also effective in the treatment of arthritis,
osteo-arthritis,
rheumatic pain and neurological pan. In small doses,
appetite and
digestion are greatly improved and is very beneficial for
the nervous
system in general.
Black Haw
Used the dried root. A powerful relaxant for the uterus, is
used to assist in
threatened miscarriage as well as false labor pains. Also
good for
reducing blood pressure
Black Root
Relieves liver congestion, jaundice and for an inflamed
gall-bladder.
Black Walnut Hulls
Expels parasites and tape worms. Rich in manganese which is
important
for nerves, brain and cartilage. Also used for many kind so
skin diseases.
Blessed Thistle
Excellent for hormone balance. Helps in all types of female
disorders.
Good for migraine headaches by improving on taking oxygen to
the brain.
Blood Root
Also known as Red Root, Red Indian Paint and Tetterwort. The
part of the
plant that is used is the dried rhizome (root). It is
effective for the treatment
of bronchitis easing the bronchial muscles. Also proven
effective for the
treatment of asthma, croup and laryngitis.
Blue Cohosh
Also known as Papoose Root or Squawroot. Use the root and rhizome.
Interesting that the secondary names pertain to women and
children. This
is an excellent tonic for the uterus and may be used
wherever there may
be a weakness. Because it has a anti-spasmodic action, it
will ease false
labor pains. When labor does ensue, using Blue Cohosh
shortly before
birth will help in an easy delivery.
Blue Flag
The part of this plant to use is the root. It is active for
cancer, rheumatism,
blood impurities, skin, liver and a good laxative.
Bogbean
Useful for treatment of rheumatism, osteo-arthritis and
rheumatoid
arthritis. Also has a stimulating effect on the walls of the
colon and
digestive juices.
Boneset
Boneset is one of the best remedies for the relief of
symptoms that come
with the flue. It will quickly relieve the aches and pains
as well as help to
reduce fever.
Borage
Effective treatment for kidneys, ringworm, mouth sores and
the blood. It is
highly recommended after any treatment with cortisone or
steroids as it
will revive and renew the adrenal glands over time.
Buchu
Use the leaves to treat urinary ailments as well as kidney,
bladder,
perspiration and prostate illness.
Bugleweed
Bugleweed is specific for over-active thyroid glands where
there is
tightness of breath, palpitations and shaking. Good for the
central nervous
system.
Buckthorn Bark
Acts as a mild, yet reliable and effective laxative. It also
works again gout
and dropsy.
Burdock
Also known as Lappa and Beggars Buttons. The part of the
plant that is
used is the rhizome. This is a bitter herb, but very
effective for the
treatment of skin diseases such as dry and scaly skin and
when used over
a long period of time can be helpful in the treatment of
psoriasis.
Butternut
Also known as Butternut, White Walnut, Lemon Walnut, Oilnut.
It
influences, with great energy, the liver, small intestines,
colon and rectum,
causing and increased manufacture and elimination of bile,
as well as
increased activity of the glands of the intestinal tract.
Calamus
Use the root to treat fever, stomach ailments, sores, burns,
ulcers. Also
known to destroy a taste for tobacco!
Calendula
You probably know this as Marigold. Use the whole flower
tops or just the
petals. One of the best herbs for treating local skin
problems and may be
used wherever there is an inflammation on the skin.
California Poppy
Use dried aerial parts. A non-addictive alternative to the
Opium Poppy.
Used as a sedative for children where there is
over-excitability and
sleeplessness.
Caraway
The part of this to use is the seeds. A calming herb that
will help to ease
flatulence. This use is particularly helpful in children. It
also stimulates
the appetite and because it is also an astringent it will
help laryngitis,
bronchitis and bronchial asthma.
Cascara Sagrada
Also known as Sacred Bark, Chittem Bark, and Cascara. The
part to use
is the bark after aging. Best use is for chronic
constipation.
Catnip
Also known as Catmint and Catnep. This is a traditional cold
and flu
treatment. Can also use it to drive your cat crazy!
Cayenne
Also known as Capsicum, Chili or Chili Pepper, Hot Pepper
and Tabasco
Pepper. This is an effective treatment for pleurisy, kidney
problems, skin
and colds.
Celery Seeds
Use dried ripe fruits to use as an anti-inflammatory,
anti-rheumatic,
diuretic or anti-spasmodic. Great for treating rheumatism,
arthritis and
gout.
Chamomile
The total list of benefit and treatments for Camomile is
huge. Just a few
come to mind, insomnia, anxiety, menopausal depression, loss
of
appetite, dyspepsia, diarrhoea, colic, aches and pains of
'flu, migraine,
neuralgia, teething, vertigo, motion sickness,
conjunctivitis, inflamed skin.
This may seem too good to be true, but it reflects the wide
range of actions
in the body.
Chapparal
Very useful in cases of acne, arthritis, chronic backache,
skin conditions of
warts and blotches. Also one of the best cancer herbs.
Cherry
Use the bark to treat phlegm in the throat, tuberculosis,
coughs,
bronchitis, heart and blood pressure.
Chestnut
Use inner bark and leaves to treat colds and liver ailments.
Cinnamon
Makes a great antiseptic and use to treat colds.
Coltsfoot
Also known as Coughwort, Horsehoof and Foals Foot. Use the
dried
flowers and leaves. There are useful levels of zinc in the
leaves of this
herb, which has been known to have anti-inflammatory
results. Use for
coughs, bronchitis, whooping cough and asthma.
Comfrey
Also known as Knitbone. Comfrey has high levels of allantoin
which is a
healing chemical that stimulates cell growth. This makes it
wonderful for
internal and external use. Works well for gastric ailments
including
duodenal ulcers and colitis. Is also beneficial for
bronchitis.
Coriander
Excellent for stomach trouble, prostrate and any urinary
ailments.
Corn Silk
Use the stigmas from the female flowers to use as a
diuretic, antiinflammatory
or tonic. Corn Silk will help in any irritation of the
urinary
system.
Damiana
Excellent strengthening energy to nerves and limbs, Damiana
has a
reputation as a great sexual rejuvenator, particularly in
lethargy of the
sexual organs. Whether that old wives tale is true or not,
it does have a
definite positive effect on the central nervous system and
the hormonal
system as well as a being useful as an anti-depressant.
Dandelion
User either the root or leaf. Useful as a powerful diuretic,
it is a good
source for potassium. Help in fighting anemia, also used for
fever, liver,
skin and urinary ailments.
Devils Claw
Very effective in arthritis as well as liver and kidney
problems.
Dill
It is the seeds that are used for treatments. An excellent
remedy for
flatulence and colic, it also helps to sooth the nerves.
Echinacea
Also known as Purple Coneflower, this is probably one of the
most widely
recognized herbal treatments available today. While most
people know
it's usefulness for fighting colds flue and infections, it
is an excellent blood
cleanser. It also clears up carbuncles, boils and blood
poisoning.
Elecampane
Treatment for coughs, asthma, bronchitis, tuberculosis,
mucous, kidney
and bladder stones.
Eucalyptus
Also known as Blue Gum. The leaves and bark are used.
Excellent
treatment for fever, bronchitis and asthma.
Eyebright
This is the main herb for protecting and maintaining the
health of the eye.
Acts as an internal medicine for the constitutional tendency
to eye
weakness. Will also remove cysts that have been caused by
chronic
conjunctivitis.
Fennel
Use the seeds. Excellent for obesity because it helps take
away the
appetite. Aids indigestion when uric acid is the problem. Is
also good for
gas acid stomach, gout and colic in infants.
Fenugreek
Use the seed. Excellent treatment for swellings, fever,
blood poison
prevention and as a tea for sore throat.
Feverfew
Use the leaves to treat migraine headaches, arthritis,
dizziness and
tinnitus.
Flaxseed
For treatment of sore throat and mucous membranes.
Fo-Ti
Excellent for mental depression. Has been used to help
memory.
Garlic
Garlic is one of the few herbs that have universal
recognition and uses. It
stimulates the activity of the digestive organs. It is used
to emulsify the
cholesterol and loosen it from the arterial walls. Proven
useful in asthma
and whooping cough, it is also valuable in intestinal
infections and
effective in reducing high blood pressure.
Gentian Root
An excellent tonic and blood purifier. Treats the liver,
worms, fever and
colds. It is also very effective for snake bites due to it's
equality with
quinine.
Ginger
Useful in all painful spasms of the bowels and stomach.
Taken hot, it is
excellent for suppressed menstruation. A catalyst from the
pelvic area
down.
Ginseng
The root is used. Excellent for low blood pressure.
Increases the capillary
circulation of the brain and also helps with nervous
exhaustion. Useful for
chest troubles, colds stomach and lungs.
Golden Seal
Use the root. A powerful agent used in treating ulcers,
diphtheria,
tonsillitis and spinal meningitis. It is one of the best
substitutes for quinine.
It acts as an insulin.
Gotu Kola
Contains remarkable rejuvenating properties. Is known as
“The Secret of
Perpetual Youth.” It strengthens the heart, memory and
brain.
Hawthorne
Known as the heart herb. It is used to dilate the coronary
blood vessels in
a mild way and restore the heart muscle wall.
Henna
Use the leaves and root. Effective treatment for the liver
and skin
infections.
Hops
Has a remarkable relaxing effect on the central nervous
system. It is also
effective for anemia and restoring the appetite.
Horehound
A stimulant, use to treat colds coughs and sore throat.
Horsetail
Contains a great deal of silica, which helps keep the
elasticity in the skin.
Also an effective diuretic and helps with kidney stones.
Hydrangea
Use dried roots, rhizomes. The greatest use for Hydrangea is
for treating
enlarged prostate glands. It is also effective for urinary
infections like
cystitis, including stones.
Hyssop
A body cleanser it is also effective for nervousness and
recovering from
colds.
Juniper Berries
Excellent for kidney and bladder problems relating to
pancreas and
adrenal glands. Works well for dropsy and leucorrhea.
Kelp
As we mentioned earlier, we will include descriptions that
are not
necessarily herbs. This is one of them. Kelp is excellent
for the thyroid
gland and goiters. Has a remedial and normalizing action on
the sensory
nerves. Good for nails and hair and cleanses radiation from
the body.
Knapweed
Effective treatment for internal bleeding and swollen
glands.
Lavendar
Use the flowers. This is a beautiful herb and is widely used.
Many do not
realize that it is an effective treatment for headaches
related to stress.
Also good for depression.
Liquorice
Natural cortisone. Used for hypoglycemia, adrenal glands and
stress.
Also for coughs and chest complaints, gastric ulcers and
throat conditions.
Lobelia
The most powerful relaxant. Reduces palpitations of the
heart.
Strengthens muscle action. Fine treatment for fevers,
pneumonia,
meningitis, pleurisy, hepatitis and peritonitis.
Marshmallow
Excellent to bathe sore and inflamed eyes. Also good for
lung trouble,
hoarseness, catarrh, diarrhea and dysentery and all kidney
diseases.
Also good for a vaginal douche.
Milkweed
Can be used to increase the secretion of bile from the liver
and gallbladder.
Use as a liver tonic and useful for gallstones, stomach and
urine.
Marigold
Use the flowers. Good for the skin, and the heart.
Marjoram
Effective for the treatment of nervous disorders. Also good
for the
digestion.
Mugwort
Effective treatment for the stomach and for gout.
Mullein
Very effective use for respiratory conditions like hard
coughing, bronchitis
and hay fever.
Myrrh Gum
Valuable for bronchial and lung diseases. Excellent for
pyorrhea.
Removes halitosis or bad breath when taken internally.
Excellent remedy
for ulcers, piles and hemorrhoids.
Nettle
The Nettle is another one of those “universal” plants. They
are found all
over the world and they strengthen the entire body.
Rheumatism, arthritis,
eczema, nosebleeds, arteries, lessen blood pressure are just
a few
applications. Nettles contain calcium, chlorine, iron, potassium,
silicon,
sodium and sulphur.
Oregon Grape
Use the root and rhizome. Similar to both Golden Seal and
Barberry.
Main use is in the treatment of chronic, scaly skin
conditions such as
psoriasis and eczema. Also effective for the liver, gall
bladder and as a
laxative for chronic constipation.
Pansy
Pansies contain Vitamins A, B and C, niacin, chlorine, iron,
magnesium,
potassium, silicon, and trace minerals. Effective for treatment
of the
bladder and kidneys.
Papaya
Aids digestion. Effective in relieving allergies by its
ability to denaturize
proteins.
Parsley
Known to be rich in Vitamin B and potassium, and tumerous
cells cannot
multiply in potassium. An excellent diuretic and one of the
most excellent
herbs for gallbladder as it expels gallstones.
Passion Flower
Used as a sedative. Gives a calming effect helping
headaches, neuralgia,
hysteria and high blood pressure caused by mental attitude.
Pennyroyal
This is a valuable remedy for women during menopause. It
should not be
used by pregnant women because it will bring on suppressed
menstruation. Also good for fevers, colds and phlegm in
chest and lungs.
Peppermint
Combats flatulence, it is used to relieve colic, nausea and
the desire to
vomit. Also good for travel sickness.
Plaintain
Will stop bleeding from wounds, treats eczema and burns.
Also good for
coughs and mild bronchitis.
Pleurisy Root
Effective against respiratory infections where it assists
expectoration.
Use to treat pleurisy, pneumonia and influenza (flu).
Psyllium
Excellent colon cleanser, cleans out compacted pockets on
the colon.
Creates bulk and relieves auto-intoxication.
Raspberry
As a tea, it is excellent for morning sickness in pregnancy.
An aid to
preventing miscarriage, it strengthens the uterine walls
prior to giving
birth.
Red Clover
A good blood purifier. It is an antidote to cancer,
containing lime, silica and
other earthy salts. Relaxing to nerves and entire system.
Rhubarb Root
Very good to increase the muscular action of the bowels. Also
will relieve
headaches.
Rose Hips
Contains a great deal of vitamin C, ranging from 10 to 100
times greater
than any other known food. Therefore, it is used as an
infection fighter.
Also helps with physical stresses and pollution. Also
contains Vitamins,
A, B1, B2, E, K, P, niacin, calcium, iron, phosphorous.
Rosemary
Rosemary is a circulatory and nerve stimulant. Has a calming
effect on
the digestion as well as headache or depression.
Rue
Effective treatment for nervousness, hysteria, worms,
convulsions, joints
and gout.
St. Johns Wort
Taken internally, has a sedative and pain reducing effect.
Use in treatment
of neuralgia, anxiety, tension and similar problems. Good
for menopausal
irritations.
Saffron
A natural hydrochloric acid (utilizes sugar of fruits and
oils), thus helping
arthritics get rid of the uric acid which holds the calcium
deposited in the
joints. Also reduces lactic acid build up. Good for measles,
skin, scarlet
fever and perspiration.
Sage
Sage tea makes an excellent gargle for ulcerated throat or
mouth. Stops
bleeding of wounds and clean old ulcers and sores. Will
expel worms.
Good for spermatorrhea (involuntary sexual emissions.) Also
for liver and
kidney troubles.
Sarsaparilla Root
Eliminates poisons from the blood and purifies the system
from infections.
Is dependably useful in rheumatism, gout, skin eruptions,
ringworm,
scrofula, internal inflammation, colds and catarrh.
Sassafras Bark
Often called a spring medicine to purify the blood and
cleanse the entire
system. Valuable in colic and all skin diseases and
eruptions.
Saw Palmetto
Useful for the treatment of asthma, bronchitis, colds and is
also a sedative.
Also great for reproductive organs.
Senna
Most effective as a strong laxative.
Skullcap
Is more effective than quinine and is not as harmful as
quinine is. Good in
neuralgia, aches and pains. It is also one of the best nerve
tonics.
Reduces high blood pressure, heart conditions and disorders
of the
central nervous systems such as St. Vitus dance, shaking
palsy,
hydrophobia and epilepsy.
Slippery Elm Bark
Use the inner portion of the bark. Vary valuable for mucus
inflammation of
the lungs, bowels, stomach, kidneys and bladder. Will
sustain ulcerated
and cancerous stomach when nothing else will.
Squaw Vine
Excellent to take during pregnancy. Used for uterine
problems, urinary
troubles and other female complaints.
Tansy
Can be useful for treatment of nervous disorders, worms and
jaundice.
MUST BE AVOIDED DURING PREGNANCY.
Thyme
Has a high content of oil. Good for internal use for coughs,
throat and
asthma as well as external use for infected wounds.
Uva Ursi
Very useful in diabetes and all kinds of kidney troubles.
Excellent remedy
for piles, hemorrhoids, spleen, liver, pancreas and
gonorrhea. Also good
where there are mucus discharges from the bladder with pus
and blood.
Valerian
A nerve tonic. Used for epileptic fits and St. Vitus dance,
nervous
derangement or irritations. Excellent for children with
measles and scarlet
fever. Promotes sleep.
Vervain
Also known as Wild Hyssop. Will strengthen the nervous
system while
easing depression and melancholia. Good for fever and best
for colds.
Wahoo
A primary liver herb, it acts to remove congestion from the
liver allowing
free flow of bile thereby helping the digestive process.
Also used in the
treatment of jaundice and bladder problems. Will also relive
constipation.
White Oak Bark
Good for varicose veins. Used in douches and enemas for
internal tumors
and swellings. One of the best remedies for piles and
hemorrhoids,
hemorrhages or any trouble of the rectum. It normalized the
liver, kidneys
and spleen.
Wild Carrot
Also known as Queen Annes Lace, Wild Carrot is a diuretic,
that acts as a
urinary antiseptic which is why it is a treatment for
cystitis, kidney stones,
prostatitis. Also effective for gout and rheumatism.
Witch Hazel
Use bark and leaves. A good tonic, it aids in treating
menstruation, lungs,
uterus, piles, circulation, tumors eyes and is effective as
a douche.
Wood Betony
Excellent healing herb for bronchitis, coughs and colds.
Also good for
kidney and bladder. This herb helps to correct a bed-wetting
problem.
Wormwood
A good tonic for treating liver, fever, and digestion.
Yarrow
A tonic for run-down conditions and indigestion. If taken
freely at the
beginning of a cold, it will break it up in 24 hours. Has
soothing and healing
action on mucus membranes.
Yellow Dock
Mineral rich plant, especially rich in iron. Excellent as a
blood purifier and
tones up the entire system.
Yucca
Hope for arthritics. The extract from the plant has been
used with
surprising success on arthritis and rheumatism sufferers.
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