Herbal Uses and Healing Properties

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Mother Earth has some of the most incredible store house of natural

remedies and we need to learn how to use them again. The herbs listed

below are recommended for their healing properties. Please use these

herbs under a physicians consent if you are not familiar with herbal

healing. DO NOT use any of these herbs if you are or think you may be

pregnant. Children should use herbal remedies only with the consent

of your physician. Under no circumstances do herbal remedies replace

a physicians care.

ALFALFA

AKA: Buffalo grass, Chilean clover

RX: leaves (not sprouts) in infusions, tablets and capsules

Alfalfa leaves have wonderful healing powers that can prevent heart

disease, lower cholesterol and help prevent strokes

Warnings: Alfalfa seed should never be ingested as they contain high

levels of amino acid canavanine. Some chemicals in alfalfa can also

destroy red blood cells and people with anemia should use caution

when ingesting it.

ALLSPICE

AKA: Clove pepper, pimento, Jamaican pepper

RX: cooking, oil for toothache, infusion for digestive aid

Allspice is used as a digestive aid, anesthetic, and pain reliever

and has been used to treat flatulence and diabetes.

Warnings: Allspice oil should never be swallowed as it can cause

nausea, vomiting, and even convulsions. The oil can also be

irritating when applied externally to people with sensitive skin or

those with eczema.

ALOE

AKA: Socrotrine, cape, curaiao, Barbados, Zanzibar aloe

RX: cut mature (lower) leaves for burns, scalds, sunburns, or

cosmetic benefits

Aloe is one of the most widely used herbs for burns, scalds,

sunburns, scrapes and an infection fighter. It can also be used to

smooth and beautify skin.

Warnings: Aloe latex is a very powerful laxative and may cause severe

cramps and diarrhea. It should never be ingested by pregnant women as

it may cause miscarriage.

ANISE

AKA: aniseed, sweet cumin

RX: infusion of seeds, tinctures

It has been used as a cough remedy, digestive aid and contains

chemicals similar to estrogen, which may help with menopausal

discomforts, and has been known to treat some cases of prostrate

cancer.

Warnings: if your doctor has advised you not to use birth control

pills then you should seek the advice of a physician before using

this herb.

BASIL

AKA: sweet basil, St. josephwort

RX: tincture or infusion for acne and general infection fighting

It has been used to treat intestinal parasites, acne and stimulates

the immune system

Warnings: Test have shown that basil may contain a chemical that has

cured liver tumors in mice, although the cancer risks remain unclear

and not even the most conservative herb critics advise caution when

using it.

BAY

AKA: sweet bay, green bay, laurel, Grecian or roman laural

RX: fresh leaves for wounds, infusion , tincture

bay is not only used as a bug repellant, but has been known to soothe

sore joints, treat infections and when added to a bath may help with

relaxation.

Warnings: external uses of bay should be avoided if you have

sensitive skin as it may cause a rash

CARAWAY

AKA: carum

RX: seeds in food, oil, infusion of seeds, tincture

Two chemicals in caraway seeds have been known to soothe the

digestive tract and to help expel gas. It may also be used for relief

of menstrual cramps due to the fact that caraway might relax the

uterus.

Warnings: none

CATNIP

AKA: catnip, catswort, catmint, field balm

RX: infusion of flowers and leaves (for you not your cat )

When used in teas, it is considered a cold and cough remedy because

it relieves chest congestion and lessens phlegm.

Warnings: some people may experience upset stomach but catnip is

considered non toxic

CHAMOMILE

AKA: chamomile, anthemis, matricaria, ground apple

RX: infusion or tincture of flowers, herbal bath

This herb is a highly used cure all and every household should

seriously consider having it around. It has been used externally to

treat wounds and inflammations, and internally for indigestion and

ulcers. Chamomile is also used to relieve menstrual cramps, arthritis

and is an effective sedative.

Warnings: People who have previously suffered anaphylactic reactions

from ragweed should think twice about using this herb as well as its

close relative yarrow. Large amounts have caused some nausea and

vomiting.

CHICORY

AKA: endive, chicory

RX: excellent salad addition, infusion, tincture

Chicory is most commonly used to reduce the bitter taste of caffeine

in coffee. It aids in cleansing the urinary tract, digestion, a mild

laxative and is also taken for rheumatic conditions and gout/

Warnings: none

CINNAMON

AKA: Ceylon cinnamon, Saigon cinnamon, cassia

RX: infusion of powdered herb, sprinkle on cuts and scrapes for

treatment

Cinnamon is used for infection prevention, pain relief, a digestive

aid and may help calm the uterus

Warnings: when put on the skin may cause redness and burning

CLOVE

AKA: caryophyllus, clavos

RX: oil , infusion

It has been used for toothaches, oral hygiene, a digestive aid and an

infection fighter. It is also used to treat hernia, ringworm and

athletes foot.

Warnings: Children under the age of 2 should never be given clove for

medicinal purposes. The oil may cause upset stomach when taken

internally and rash when used externally.

CORIANDER

AKA: cilantro, Chinese parsley

RX: infusion of sees

Used for indigestion, flatulence , and diarrhea and externally for

muscle and joint pains.

Warnings: if coriander cause minor discomforts such as upset stomach

use less or stop using it.

CRANBERRY

AKA: n/a

RX: juice

Used for urinary tract infections, incontinence, high vitamin C

content

Warnings: none

DANDELION

AKA: wild endive, lions tooth, piss-in-bed

RX: #1 recommended salad addition, leaf infusion, root decoction,

tincture, add to a bath for prevention of yeast infection

Used for PMS, weight loss, high blood pressure, congestive heart

failure, cancer prevention, yeast infection, digestive aid

Warnings: may cause skin rash in sensitive cases. If dandelions

causes stomach problems use less or stop using it.

DILL

AKA: n/a

RX: chew seeds for fresh breath, infusion or tincture, add to bath

In addition to its preservative action, Dill is an infection fighter

and soothing digestive aid. Used for stomach problems, flatulence,

urinary tract infections

Warnings: may cause rash in sensitive people

ECHINACEA

AKA: coneflower, purple coneflower

RX: tincture of the roots

The #1 best kept secret of the west. This is our #1 recommended herb

due to its high immune system boost. Echinacea kills wide variety of

disease causing viruses mad bacteria , it fights infection and

strengthens tissue. It may prevent infection by seriously boosting

ones immune system. It is known to help the body in the fighting of

colds and flu. It is a treatment for yeast infections and actually

can reduce the future onset of. It helps preserve white blood cells,

is a confirmed healer as it prevents germs from penetrating tissues

and may have anti-arthritic properties. It is simply the most

productive herb of them all.

Warnings: often causes ones tongue to tingle this is not harmful

EUCALYPTUS

AKA: gum tree, blue gum, Australian fever tree

RX: boil leaves as an inhalant, oil on cuts and scrapes, infusion

from leaves, add leaves to bath

Eucalyptol is the chemical that gives eucalyptus its healing

properties. It loosens phlegm, kills influenza and may help

bronchitis. An effective treatment for minor cuts and scrapes and it

even repels cockroaches.

Warnings: do not ingest eucalyptus oil, it is highly poisonous!!.

Fatalities have been reported from ingestion of as little as a

teaspoon. KEEP AWAY FROM CHILDREN!

FENNEL

AKA: finocchio, carosella, Florence fennel

RX: chew seeds for a digestive aid, infusion, tincture

Fennel relaxes the smooth muscle lining of the digestive tract and

also helps expel gas. Used in Germany for infant colic. Traditionally

used to stimulate the uterus into menstruation. This herb may also

help fight prostate cancer.

Warnings: Since fennel has an estrogenic effect do not use if you are

using birth control pills, have a history of abnormal clotting , or

estrogen dependant breast tumors. Do NOT ingest fennel oil, seeds are

fine but the oil may cause nausea, vomiting or possible seizures.

FEVERFEW

AKA: febrifuge plant, wild quinine, bachelor's button

RX: chew leaves for migraine control, remade pills and tablets also

work well for headaches, infusion, tincture

Got a headache maybe a chronic migraine? Feverfew may well be your

answer. Seventy percent of patients in scientific studies show a

significant improvement in their migraine headaches even when

standard medical treatment showed no results. Also traditionally used

for gynecological purposes. This herb may reduce high blood pressure

and is a great digestive aid after meals.

Warnings: may cause sores inside mouth, do not take if you have a

clotting disorder. Remember that feverfew does not cure migraines, it

suppresses them.

GARLIC

AKA: stinking rose, heal-all, poor man's treacle

RX: use cloves in cooking, crush and encapsulate or use pre made

tablets, infusion, tincture

Garlic is the worlds second oldest medicine, and is the

traditional " wonder drug " . Many people don't realize that an onion

has almost as much medicinal value as garlic does. Battle wounds in

WWI were treated with garlic juice. Recommended for colds, coughs,

flu, fever, bronchitis, ringworm, intestinal worms, elevated

cholesterol, and general internal organ problems. No standard

medication can match Garlic on the cardiovascular scale. Garlic

DEFINITELY reduces blood pressure, cholesterol and reduces internal

clots which can lead to heart attacks and strokes. Garlic reduces

blood sugar and therefore helps diabetes sufferers. It may help

eliminate lead and heavy metals in the blood steam , has helped

leprosy patients, fights cancer, helps aids patients

Warnings: Allergy sufferers may develop a rash from touching or

eating the herb. If this is the case, discontinue use. If you have a

clotting disorder consult a physician before using.

GINGER

AKA: Asian, African, American ginger

RX: cooking, capsules for motion sickness, tea, infusion, or ginger

ale for digestive aid

This herb helps with motion and morning sickness. It is very good

digestive aid, may ease menstrual cramps, help arthritis, is

traditionally used in the orient for colds and flu and is excellent

for reducing cholesterol, lowering blood pressure and preventing

internal blood clots.

Warnings: Large doses might cause miscarriage although their are no

scientific reports backing this up.

GINKGO

AKA: maiden hair tree

RX: leaves brewed as tea, infusion

The earth's oldest tree, it's given that this herb helps the elderly

the most. Ginkgo increases blood flow to the brain which can help

prevent strokes and heart attacks, improve memory, help impotence and

chronic dizziness. It is also known to help with macular degeneration

(blindness), circulation, asthma, tinnitus and deafness. A fine

example of the need to preserve the earth's natural resources.

Warnings: Do not use if you have a clotting disorder, do not take in

very large amounts as diarrhea, vomiting and irritability can occur.

GINSENG

AKA: root of immortality, man root, life root, seng seng

RX: it is very important to use mature roots (over 6 years old) Use

root powder capsules or tablets

This herb helps the bodies resistance, boosts the immune system,

lowers cholesterol, lowers blood sugars, reduces heart attacks,

protects the liver, helps the appetite and helps cancer patients with

radiation therapy.

HOREHOUND

AKA: marrubium, hoarhound, white horehound

RX: flowers and leaves in infusion or tincture for cough remedy

A popular herbal cough remedy and expectorant for almost 2000 years,

horehound is good for minor respiratory problems such as cough ,

colds and bronchitis

Warnings: those with heart disease should not take this herb

HYSSOP

AKA: n/a

RX: flowers and leaves as a compress for cold sores and genital

herpes, infusion, tincture

Hyssop inhibits the growth of herpes simplex virus. Scientists agree

it is a " reasonably effective " treatment for cough and irritation of

colds and flu.

Warnings: do not use if pregnant !!! always positively identify herbs

you use. H. Officinalis is the correct herb

JUNIPER

AKA: geneva, genvrier

RX: infusion of berries

The source of gin, this herb also increases urine production ( a

diuretic) - making it a treatment for PMS, high blood pressure and

congestive heart failure. Recommended for arthritis.

Warnings: Long term use can cause kidney damage. If you have a kidney

infection or kidney problems you should not use this herb. One third

of hay fever sufferers develop allergy symptoms from exposure to

Juniper.

KELP

AKA: fucus, seawrack, cutweed, bladderwrack, wakame, hijiki, kombue,

arame

RX: take tablets (herb is unpleasant), infusion

A natural source of iodine, now known as a radiation protector,

protection form heavy metals, reducer of heart disease and an

infection fighter.

Warnings: none

LAVENDER

AKA: English lavender

RX: flowers in bath, general aromatherapy

The all time fragrant herb, lavender makes a great bath addition. The

Greeks and Romans bathed in lavender scented water and it was from

the Latin word, Lavo (to wash) that the herb took its name. While not

technically a medicinal herb, the calming properties of its aroma are

well founded.

Warnings: none

MARIJUANA

AKA: weed, cannibus, pot , dope etc.

RX: smoked dried, added to salads fresh

The much debated and scolded Cannabis, marijuana has shown positive

effects on cancer, aids and glaucoma. So effective on aids patients

from its ability to increase a persons appetite as well as relieving

nausea allowing patients to regain weight. Marijuana reportedly helps

glaucoma patients by reducing ocular pressure which can cause damage

to the eye. It is the most effective treatment for chronic nausea. It

is not physically addictive.

Warnings: Coughing, asthma, upper respiratory problems, difficulty

with short term memory loss, racing heart, agitation, confusion,

paranoia, possible psychological dependence.

MARJORAM

AKA: knotted marjoram

RX: sprinkle dried powdered herb on cold sores or genital herpes,

infusion or tincture for its stomach soothing potential

An excellent digestive aid and herpes fighter, this is one of the

most confused herbs on the planet. The oregano on your spice rack may

be marjoram! All marjoram spices are called oregano but only a few of

the fifty kinds are ever called marjoram.

Warnings: none

MINT

AKA: numerous kinds of mint

RX: peppermint oil for wounds, burns etc., infusion of any dried mint

for decongestant, tincture

The after dinner mint soothes the stomach. Peppermint produces

menthol. Menthol is a key anesthetic (eg. BEN GAY), the vapors are an

incredible decongestant, is germicidal and helps morning sickness a

great deal. Those wishing to alleviate morning sickness should use

only diluted tea concentrations for reasons shown below. Peppermint

is a hybrid of spearmint and is the more potent due to the high

menthol factor. Spearmint contains Carvone in comparison to menthol.

While not nearly as effective, spearmint is much safer.

Warnings: on rare occasions the fragrance of mint oil has caused

gagging in children. Pure menthol, ingested , is poisonous. A

teaspoon can be fatal. Do not ingest peppermint oil or menthol.

MISTLETOE

AKA: lignum crucis, herbe de la croix, viscum

RX: leaves in diluted infusion, tincture for high blood pressure

Mistletoe, the kissing plant, has the ability to slow the pulse,

lower blood pressure and stimulate gastrointestinal and uterine

contractions

Warnings: should be administered only by a qualified herbal/medicinal

doctor. TWO BERRIES CAN KILL A CHILD. Keep away from children. This

herb is highly toxic. Pregnant women should not use it. This herb is

known (unfortunately) for its abortion inducing properties. The

amount needed to induce abortion is enough to kill you!

MYRRHA

AKA: balsamodendron

RX: steep powdered herb for mouthwash, infusion, tincture

Myrrha makes an excellent mouthwash, toothpaste and fights bacteria

Warnings: large amounts may have violent laxative action.

NETTLE

AKA: stinging nettle, common nettle, greater nettle

RX: process plant matter in juicer, infusion, tincture

An effective cure for gout, nettle is also good fiord the symptoms of

hay fever, scurvy, PMS, and helps heart patients.

Warnings: USE GLOVES when dealing with this plant or you will regret

it. nature protects its own. Large doses of nettle tea may cause

stomach irritation.

OREGANO (see marjoram)

PARSLEY

AKA: rock selinon

RX: a few sprigs for fresh breath, infusion of leaves and seeds,

tincture

The seeds and the leaves of this plant contain the oil that is known

to curb high blood pressure, help with fever, freshen breath, help

with allergies and help heart patients.

Warnings: do not use to promote weight loss

PEPPER, RED

AKA: hot peppers, most of the pepper family including bell pepper

RX: cooking, infusion

It is a good digestive aid, can relieve infectious diarrhea ( can

bring on noninfectious diarrhea if too many hot peppers are

ingested), helps chronic pain when used externally, is the best

shingles reliever, helps headaches, and tastes great!

Warnings: can burn the eyes, mouth and skin

ROSEMARY:

AKA: rosemarine, incensier

RX: cooking, tea, infusion, tincture

In ancient times people wrapped their meat with rosemary to prevent

spoilage. Rosemary is a natural preservative. Rosemary can prevent

food poisoning, is a digestive aid, is a good decongestant and can

kill bacteria. If you enjoy using rosemary in your cooking, use more!

Warnings: do not ingest rosemary oil, in large amounts, poisoning can

occur

SAFFRON

AKA: Spanish saffron

RX: 12 to 15 stigmas per cup of boiling water

Since it takes 75,000 flowers to make one pound of saffron, this herb

is very expensive. Heart attack patients may actually save money

using this as it is much cheaper than some clot dissolving drugs

injected to treat heart attack. It can help to control some risk

factors for heart disease. It also reduces cholesterol, de-clogs the

arteries and lowers blood pressure.

Warnings: unless you are pregnant , just the high cost

SAGE

AKA: all types of sage

RX: crushed leaves for cuts and wounds, infusion of dried leaves,

tincture

Sage is the premiere anti-perspirant, cutting perspiration by up to

50 percent. it is a great fighter against infection, a good

preservative, a digestive aid, can reduce blood sugar and helps a

sore throat. And its flavor in meats and sausage is unrivaled!

Warnings: rare cases of inflammation of the lips and lining of the

mouth. Sage oil should not be ingested.

SAVORY

AKA: white time, bean herb

RX: infusion of leaves for childhood colds

A great culinary herb, savory has great soothing properties for

children, it is a great expectorant and digestive aid and is subtle

enough for use with children.

Warnings: none

SKULLCAP

AKA: Quaker bonnet, mad dog weed, hoodwort, helmet flower

RX: use leaf infusion for tranquilizing effects

European medical experts now except skullcap's potential usefulness

as a tranquilizer and sedative, and it is used in many commercial

sleep preparations that are widely available in Europe.

Warnings: large doses may result in confusion, giddiness, twitching,

and possible convulsions

TARRAGON

AKA: dragon herb, estragon, French or Russian tarragon

RX: chew fresh leaves for a toothache, apply fresh leaves to cuts and

wounds, infusion of leaves, tincture

A wonderful treatment for toothaches, tarragon is a great anesthetic

and prevents infections

Warnings: those with history of cancer should not use this herb

THYME

AKA: mother of thyme, common, wild, creeping, wooly

RX: fresh leaves for cuts and wounds, tincture for antiseptic,

infusion of leaves for the stomach.

As well as a culinary delight, thyme fights several disease causing

bacteria and viruses. It is a good digestive aid, helps menstrual

cramps and is a great cold remedy. Germany uses it today to treat

whoop, whooping cough and emphysema.

Warnings: do not ingest thyme oil, it can lead to headache, nausea,

vomiting, weakness, thyroid impairment and heart and respiratory

depression

VALERIAN

AKA: phu, heal-all, garden valerian

RX: infusion of root for sedative properties, tincture

The quite smelly and pungent valerian is a powerful sedative that was

even listed as a tranquilizer in the National Formulary in 1950. A

great replacement for users of valium, valerian can also reduce high

blood pressure.

Warnings: large doses may cause headache, giddiness, blurred vision,

restlessness, nausea and morning grogginess

VERVAIN

AKA: Indian hyssop, blue vervain, verbena, enchanters herb

RX: infusion, tincture

Take two vervain and call me in the morning is how it should be said.

Vervain is a great substitute for aspirin as it has similar effects.

Vervain outside of being a very mild laxative is mainly used for mild

pain relief.

Warnings: anyone with a history of heart problems should not use this

herb

WITCH HAZEL

AKA: hammamelis, snapping hazelnut, winterbloom

RX: astringent decoction of leaves and twigs, astringent gargle

A primary astringent in the herbal world, Witch hazel has antiseptic,

anesthetic, astringent and anti-inflammatory properties. The clear,

pungent extract is a standard for cuts, bruises, hemorrhoids and sore

muscles. It is one of this nation's most widely used healing herbs.

It is much better to find fresh herb then rely on commercial products

containing it.

Warnings: may be used externally on anyone but dilute for children

YARROW

AKA: bloodwort, nose bleed, thousand weed, milfoil, soldiers

woundwort

RX: use fresh leaves and flowers for cuts and scrapes, infusion for

calming and menstrual easing effects, tincture

An excellent wound treatment, yarrow has many healing properties, is

a good digestive aid, helps menstrual cramps and is a good sedative

Warnings: large doses may turn urine brown, this is not harmful.