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Herbal Remedies
The Practice of herbal remedies goes back thousands of years to ancient man. The Chinese took this practice to its full potential and still use it in the modern day practice.
During the last century, what was a normal practice in the western culture has been overtaken by medical science and out stripping the potential on the herb, but many still prefer to use the old ways even if its only for a simple stomach ache.
Listed below are some of the more common plants and herbs used within eastern and western cultures which you can still find being used today.
Please note: this is not an alternative to medication being prescribed by a doctor and is only listed for educational purpose
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A (Aconitum
Napellus) aka: monkshood, wolfsbane,
friar's cap, blue rocket, auld wife's huid A hardy perennial with dark blue
flowers on tall stems aconitea is found in the
mountainous areas of Europe and Asia. Regarded as highly poisonous aconitea is said to have diuretic and diaphoretic
properties. It is said to reduce the force of the pulse during fever and
inflammation, as well as alleviating conditions with catarrh, tonsillitis,
the early stages of pneumonia, erysipelas, neuralgia, pleurisy
and heart spasm. Used externally it is said to reduce the pain of neuralgia,
rheumatism and lumbago. (Ophioglossum vulgatum)
aka: adder's mouth, dog's tooth violet, serpent's tongue, trout lily, yellow
snowdrop. Found in damp grassy areas in
Britain. It develops only one leaf each year, and grows to a height of 5–20
cm/2–8 in. Reproductive organs are borne in two rows on an unbranched spike attached to the stalk near the base of
the leaf blade. It is said to have contraceptive,
diuretic, emetic, emollient, febrifuge and stimulant properties. Plant
constituents include alph-methylene-butyrolactone
which has antimutagenic activity. This chemical
prevents cell mutation and may prove to be a valuable weapon in fighting all
forms of cancer. The leaves and bulb are crushed and used to dress wounds and
reduce swellings, for scrofula and other skin problems. A medicinal tea made
from the root and leaf is said to reduce fever and fainting, the tea is also
taken for ulcers, tumors and swollen glands. Use with caution Adder's Tongue
can be strongly emetic in some people. Because of its resemblance to a
snake's tongue, the plant was traditionally believed to cure snake bites. (Agrimonia Eupatoria)
aka: Aaron's rod, church steeples, money in both pockets, cockeburr,
sticklewort, philanthropos
Agrimony's Latin name is thought to have been derived through Argemone, the Greek word meaning cataract,
and also after Mithridates Eupator,
king of Pontus, who was a famous herbalist. Native to Britain, this perennial
grows to between 1-3ft high and has slender spikes
of yellow flowers. It is said to have astringent,
tonic and diuretic properties. It is purported to be a digestive tonic and
has been used in the treatment of irritation and infection of the digestive
tract in children. Today in Germany it has been used to treat gallstones and
cirrhosis of the liver, whilst in Chinese medicine it is a treatment for
excessive bleeding. Another application of Agrimony is as an anti-inflammatory- relieving skin,
mouth & throat inflammation. Known for its throat-soothing action, it can
be used as a gargle. (Aloe
Perryi, Aloe Vera) aka: Barbados, Cape, Natal,
Zanzibar aloes Many traditional systems of
medicine have a history of use covering 18 centuries. Aloe vera gel has been used to treat inflammation for more
than 2,500 years. Aloes are perennial succulent
plants with fleshy leaves and flower spikes. Aloe Vera looks like a catus with yellow flowers because of its stiff, spearlike leaves that grows in rosettes. It is a
succulent perennial of the lily family native to parts of Africa, found in
the West Indies and other tropical areas and commercially grown in southern
Texas and Mexico. Aloe vera
gel is derived from the "mucilaginous cells" contained inside the
leaves. The fresh gel is widely used as a folk medicine for scar-free healing
of cuts and for soothing minor burns and sunburn, as well as minor cuts and
scrapes and skin irritations. Aloe gel is also used in beverages
commonly sold as "aloe juice". Aloe gel, mixed with water, citric
acid, fruit juices, and preservatives is also marketed as "aloe
juice", touted as a digestive aid or folk remedy for arthritis, stomach
ulcers, diabetes, and other conditions. Aloe gel is also used in many
commercial products such as sunburn lotions, moisturizers, first aid creams,
and shampoos. (Medicago sativa) Alfalfa is a perennial herb. It
can reach 24 to 35 inches (60-90 cm) in height, with 5 to 25 or more erect
stems per plant, which arise from a narrow, woody crown. It is a well-known
herb to health-conscious consumers. It is high in nutrients, which are drawn
into the plant from deep in the soil. The richest land source of trace
minerals, the roots of Alfalfa plants have been known to reach as much as
thirty feet deep! The leaves of the alfalfa plant are rich in minerals and
nutrients, including calcium, magnesium, potassium, and carotene. They are
also a source of protein, vitamin E and vitamin K. Alfalfa has been used by
the Chinese since the sixth century to treat kidney stones, and to relieve
fluid retention and swelling. Alfalfa nourishes the digestive, skeletal,
glandular, and urinary systems. Alfalfa contains chlorophyll, which is
renowned for its cleansing qualities. Ancient Chinese doctors used
Alfalfa to increase appetite and to help poor digestion. Ayurvedic
doctors believed it could help relieve certain types of ulcers and reduce the
inflammation due to arthritis and rheumatism. (Pimpinella anisum)
aka: sweet cumin, aniseed, anis, Yan kok (Chinese) Romans used anise at the end of a
rich meal, to prevent indigestion. In England anise has been in use since the
fourteenth century, and has been cultivated in English gardens from the
middle of the sixteenth century, but the seeds only ripen in very warm
summers. Interestingly it is one of the herbs that is said to avert the 'Evil
Eye'. In cooking or infused as a tea, the seeds can aid digestion, quell
nausea, and ease flatulence and colic. Anise is expectorant and can soothe
spasms of irritant coughs and bronchial problems. It promotes estrogen
production and is used to encourage breast milk, ease childbirth, and
stimulate libido. Commercially anise is used in cough mixtures, and small
amounts of the essential oil, produced from the seeds, are added to
toothpaste, perfumes and mouthwashes, it is also used to mask bitter
medicines. In large amounts Anise is highly toxic. The seeds are carminative.
Used in tea or as lozenges, they can soothe a hard cough. (Pyrus malus) My granny always used to say
"An apple a day keeps the doctor away" maybe she was on to
something. Apples can be eaten raw as a fruit they contain boron in their
skins. They can be used as an astringent or to aid digestion. For maximum
benefit you should eat 1 to 2 medium-sized apples every day. In addition apple cider vinegar is
thought have healing and cleansing properties, it
can be used as a natural antibiotic and can improve digestion and may
help with weight loss. (Arnica
montana) aka: arnica flowers, arnica root,
common arnica, leopard's bane, mountain arnica, mountain tobacco, and wolfsbane. Arnica is a perennial plant with
long green leaves, orange-yellow flowers that appear from June to August. and a dark brown root system. It is generally found in
mountainous areas of Canada, the northern US, and Europe. Arnica has been used historically
as a diaphoretic, diuretic, emollient, expectorant, stimulant, and vulnerary.
Arnica is primarily for external usage. As a tincture or salve, Arnica helps
to promote the healing of wounds, bruises, and chilblains. However, only very
dilute solutions of tincture should be used, since the tincture can cause
blistering and inflammation when applied. Arnica is also sometimes used as a
poultice, and a tea made from the flowers for a compress on the stomach to
support relief from abdominal pains. The dilute tincture can be helpful in
inflammation of the mouth and throat, and some doctors have used it for
internal bleeding and as a cardiac agent. Care should be taken as some
people can be sensitive to Arnica and may suffer from a severe reaction. (Chenopodium olidum)
aka: stinking motherwort, oraches, stinking
goosefoot, dog's arrach, goat's arrach,
and netchweed. Arrach has been employed for hysteria and nervous conditions in
women, and was believed to cure barrenness at one time. It is not often used
due to the plant's odious smell. (Asarum europaeum)
aka: hazelwort, wild nard. The dried powdered leaves of Asarabacca are used in snuffs and cause
sneezing, they are employed to relieve headaches and weak eyes. the herb was formerly taken as an emetic and purgative,
but is no longer often used. (Geum urbanum)
aka: colewort, herb bennet, wild rye, way bennet, clove root, goldy star Avens is used against diarrhoea,
dysentery, leucohorrea, sore throats, ague, the
onset of chills and catarrh, haemorrhages,
intermittent fevers, gastric irritation and headaches. An infusion, used as a
wash, is said to be beneficial for some skin problems, including spots,
freckles and eruptions on the face. (Melissa
officinalis) aka: sweet balm, lemon balm, honey
plant, cure all. A perennial plant, balm is often used
in combination with other herbs. It is used for colds and fever,
and was believed to be beneficial for cleaning sores and for alleviating pain
from gout. You will often find balm in pot-pourri. (Rubus villosus)
aka: bramble, dewberry, goutberry, thimbleberry. Blackberry leaves and roots are a
long standing home remedy for diarrhoea. Prolonged
use of the tea is also beneficial for enteritis, chronic appendicitis, and
leucorrhoea. It is said to have expectorant properties as well. A tea made
from the dried root can be used for dropsy. The chewing of the leaves for
bleeding gums goes back 2000 years. (Cimicifuga racemosa)
aka: black snake root, rattleweed. Black cohosh
is said to have been used by Native Americans to treat many women's problems,
including painful menstruation and menopausal symptoms such as hot flushes.
It also eases rheumatic problems and may be an antidote to snake bite and
children's diarrhea. (Vaccinium) aka: bramble, dewberry, goutberry, thimbleberry. Blueberries have a diverse range
of micronutrients, with notably high levels (relative to respective Dietary Reference
Intakes) of the essential dietary mineral manganese, vitamin B6, vitamin C,
vitamin K and dietary fiber. One serving provides a relatively low glycemic load score of 4 out of 100 per day. Especially in wild species,
blueberries contain anthocyanins, other antioxidant
pigments and various phytochemicals possibly having
a role in reducing the risk of some diseases, including inflammation and
different cancers. (Nepeta cataria)
aka: catmint, catnep, chi hsueh
tsao (Chinese), field balm Catnip is a perennial herb of the
mint family. It is probably best known for its intoxicating effect on cats who seem to find it irresistible. You can make catnip tea
for an upset stomach, colic, spasms, flatulency and acid. It can also be used
for an enema. Popular uses in Europe are for chronic bronchitis and for diarrhoea. Chamomile (Anthemis nobilis) aka: Roman chamomile, double
chamomile, manzanilla, maythen Chamomile can be used as a tonic
and is reported to have a powerful soothing and sedative effect. (Eugenia
caryophyllata) aka: Syzygium
aromaticum, Eugenia aromatica,
Eugenia carophyllus Used for toothache, moth
repellent, flavoring, perfume. (Symphytum officinale)
aka blackwort, bruisewort,
gum plant, healing Herb, knitback, salsify,
slippery root, and wallwort A perennial plant common in moist
meadows and other moist places it can be used as an anodyne, astringent,
demulcent, emollient, expectorant, hemostatic, refrigerant
or vulnerary. Culpeper (Vaccinium macrocarpon)
aka: Vaccinium oxycoccus,
Oxycoccus macrocarpus, american cranberry , bear berry, black cranberry ,
cranberry , low cranberry , trailing swamp cranberry The natural acids found in cranberries
help to restore the urinary balance of acids to that of a normal system. It
is one of nature's best weapons against cystitis and urinary tract infections
and doctors often advise patients to drink cranberry juice to prevent urinary
infections. (Taraxacum officinale)
aka blowball, cankerwort,
lion's tooth, priest's crown, puffball, swine snout, white endive, wild
endive The leaves made into a tea acts as
a diuretic and can help eliminate gall and kidney stones, it also replaces
any potassium that might be lost. The root, when dried, roasted and ground
like coffee, is used to make a coffee substitute, much like chicory
root. The fresh sap can be used for removing warts. It must be applied fresh
each day for several weeks for the wart to drop off, but is a painfree way of getting rid of them. (Anethum graveolens)
aka peucedanum graveolens,
fructus anethi, dilly,
dill weed, eneldo (Spanish) Dill is used to treat colic, gas,
and indigestion. Dill weed contains the carminative agent, carvone, which has a calming effect and
aids with digestion by relieving intestional gas. (Echinacea
angustifolia) aka: purple cornflower. This plant's antibacterial and
antiviral properties were used by Native Americans of the central plains. It
is useful in strengthening the immune system and as a therapy for colds, flus and infection. Echinacea has no known side effects
or drug interactions, but it may interfere with immunosuppressive therapy and
is not recommended during pregnancy. (Eucalpytus globulus)
aka: blue gum, red gum, fever tree, gum tree. Used for muscle rubs, antiseptic,
solvent, to aid decongestion and repel insects. (Oenothera biennis) aka: common evening primrose, donkeys' herb, fever plant,
field primrose, gardeners' ham, german rampion, King's-cure-all, night willow-herb, scabish, scurvish, tree
primrose, war poison Evening primrose is used against
heart, disease, hypertension , diabetes ,obesity ,
menstrual problems. It is purported to have antihypertensive,
anti-inflammatory, astringent, hypotensive, mucilaginous and sedative
properties. (Allium sativum)
aka: allium, nectar of the gods, rustic treacle. Garlic's benefits range from
lowering cholesterol and fat in the blood to antibacterial, antiviral and
antifungal properties. Europeans use it for heart problems and high
cholesterol, and it is often used to prevent colds, flus
and infection. Garlic might interfere with some female functions, trigger
allergies and interact with hypoglycemic and anticoagulant therapies. (Pelargonium
odorantissimum) aka: Pelargonium graveolens. Used to soothe and heal wounds and
as a mild analgesic and sedative. (Ginkgo
Biloba) aka: Bai guo (Chinese), kew tree,
maidenhair tree. Ginkgo is said to increase
circulation and have an antioxidant activity. It is used in Europe to
counteract aging, memory loss and poor circulation. It is also used to treat
tinnitus (ringing in the ears), vertigo and dementia syndromes. (Panax quinquefolius) aka:
panax ginseng, western ginseng, siberian ginseng, asian
ginseng. There are two kinds of ginseng;
Asian ginseng is a general tonic to increase resistance to stress, increase
energy and improve endurance. Siberian ginseng, also known as eleuthero, was used by Russian cosmonauts and athletes to
reduce stress. Germans use it for rehabilitation, to counteract fatigue and
weakness and improve concentration. People with heart problems, diabetes,
hypertension and hypotension, pregnant women and people on steroids or MAO
inhibitors should not use ginseng. (Camellia
sinensis) The antioxidant and
cancer-inhibiting properties of the world's most popular beverage means it is
receiving lots of new research attention and for good reason. (Paullinia cupana)
Guaraná is a popular stimulant, is almost identical to caffeine.
It, however, is fat soluble (caffeine is water soluble) which causes your
body to absorb it more slowly, and allows its effects to be more gradual.
This is particularly valuable for those who use caffeine as a stimulant, but
"crash" as caffeine wears off. Additionally, Guaraná
is popularly used as an appetite suppressant and a smoking cessation aid. (Equisetum
arvense) aka: mare's tale, paddock pipes, shavegrass, scouring rush, pewterwort,
corncob plant, bottle brush, Mu zei (Chinese) The latin
name Equisetum is derived from the Latin roots equus ,
meaning "horse" and seta , meaning "bristle."
Since it was recommended by the Roman physician Galen, it has been
traditionally used to stop bleeding, heal ulcers and wounds, and treat
tuberculosis and kidney problems. The use of this herb as
an abrasive cleanser to scour pots or shave wood illustrates the origin of
horsetail's common names-scouring rush and shave grass. The plant's
stems are rich in silica and silicic acids, it is also rich in potassium, aluminum, manganese,
and bioflavonoids. The bioflavonoids
are thought to cause the diuretic action, while the silicon is thought to
help strenghten connective tissue. The use of
horsetail should be restricted to short-term use only. Hyssop (Hyssopus officinalis) aka: Hyssop is usually used as an
infusion. It has been used against colic, can improve digestion and eliminate
flatulence. It is an excellent nerve tonic, and also helps after an illness.
It is recommended for coughs, colds, flu, and as a gargle for sore throats. (Piper
methysticum) aka: kava pepper, kawa awa, kawa
kawa, wati, yogona, and waka The root extract of kava kava has been used as a sedative and to relieve anxiety,
stress and restlessness. It is not recommended for people with depression or
pregnant women, and it might cause gastrointestinal problems and, rarely,
allergic reactions. It might also interact with alcohol, barbiturates and
other drugs. (Lavendula angustifolia) Used to soothe burns, headaches,
sore muscles, herpes and sinus problems. (Citrus
Limon) Used for fragrance and flavoring
and to harden nails. (Silybum marianum)
aka: Marian, St. Mary's, Our Lady's thistle. Milk thistle was used as a liver
tonic in European folk medicine; its extract is now used to improve liver
function, protect against liver damage and enhance regeneration of damaged
cells. It fights chemical toxins and alcohol as well as chronic conditions
such as inflammatory liver disease and cirrhosis. No drug interactions are
known; however it might have a laxative effect. (Urtica dioica)
aka: stinging nettle, common nettle, greater nettle. The fresh juice or an infusion of
the nettle plant has been used to stimulate the digestive system and to
promote milk flow in nursing mothers. As an astringent it is also use for
blood in the urine, haemorrhoids, and excessive
menstrual flow. Nettle is a helpful remedy for ailments of the urinary tract
and is said to reduce susceptibility to rheumatic problems and colds. A
decoction of the plant is good for diarrhoea. A
decoction of the root is recommended for external use on the scalp for loss
of hair. The fresh leaves have sometimes been used as a Rubefacient., but severe
irritation and blistering can result. Nettle can also be eaten as a
vegetable, but old plants must be thoroughly cooked to be safe. Young plants
in the spring can be used for salad or as a vegetable. Olive
(Olea Europaea) aka: Olea Oleaster. Olea lancifolia. Olea gallica. Olivier. The leaves are used medicinally for
their hypotensive qualities. The oil is a nourishing demulcent and laxative.
Externally, it relieves pruritis, the effects of
stings or burns, and is a good vehicle for liniments. With alcohol it is a
good hair-tonic. As a lubricant it is valuable in skin, muscular, joint,
kidney and chest complaints, or abdominal chill, typhoid and scarlet fevers,
plague and dropsies. Delicate babies absorb its
nourishing properties well through the skin. (Petroselinum sativum)
A biennial herb belonging to the
carrot family, parsley is a great source of vitamin C; several sprigs contain
more vitamin C than an orange. Can be used as an antispasmodic, carminative,
diuretic, emmenagogue, and expectorant. A tea made
from the seeds and the leaves as well as the fresh juice is used for dropsy,
jaundice, asthma, coughs and suppressed or difficult menstruation. The juice
has also been used successfully to treat conjunctivitis and inflammation of
the eyelids (blepharitis). (Mentha piperata)
aka: brandy mint, lamb mint. Used as a stimulant, for
headaches, sore throats, muscle aches, insect bites, toothaches and as a
breath freshener. (Rosmarinus officinalis)
Used to aid memory, in shampoo to
enhance the color of dark hair, avoid split ends and reduce static charge;
also used in massage and bath oils. (Santalum album) aka: Indian sandalwood,
white sandalwood, sanderswood, white saunders. Used as a meditative aid to calm
the mind and expel bad spirits; as an aphrodisiac, to clear acne and soothe
mucous membranes. (Serenoa repens) Saw palmetto can increase urine
flow and reduce the need for nighttime urination, so it is often used for a
benign enlarged prostate. A physician should diagnose this condition, which
is common in men over 50, before treatment. This herb is not recommended for
pregnant women and nursing mothers, and it can cause stomach problems,
headaches and diarrhea. (Hypericum perforatum)
aka: goatweed, hypericum,
Saint Joan's Wort, tipton
weed, amber, Qian Ceng
Lou (Chinese), klamath weed St. John's Wort
is used as a moderate depressive therapy, although it was once used by
Europeans to remedy liver problems and in ancient Greek and Chinese medicine
the two were thought to be related. It can increase liver metabolism and
interfere with drugs prescribed for people after organ transplants and people
with AIDS. High doses of this herb can cause sensitivity to light, problems
with MAO inhibitors and allergic reactions. (Fragaria vesca) Strawberries have astringent,
diuretic and laxative properties. The berries are very common and have been
used against rheumatic gout, while the root has been employed against diarrhoea. The leaves have similar properties and have
been used against dysentry. Fresh strawberries can
whiten the teeth by leaving the juice on for five minutes and then rinsing
with warm water and bicarbonate of soda. (Myrrhis odorata)
aka: anise, cerefolium, British myrrh, mirrhis, mirrha, chervel, chervil, great chervil, smoother cicely, sweet
chervil, sweet bracken, sweet-fern, sweet humlock,
sweets, the roman plant, shepherd's needle, cow chervil Sweet cicely is aromatic,
carminative, stomachic, expectorant. The fresh root
can be eaten or used as a tonic when diffused in brandy. It is used against
coughs, flatulence, indigestion and stomach upsets. The roots are antiseptic,
and the distilled water is believed to be diuretic. (Melaleuca alternifolia)
Used for its antiseptic,
anti-viral and anti-fungal properties. (Valeriana officinalis)
aka: garden heliotrope, tobacco root, phu, setwell, tagara. Valerian is used as a sedative and
to reduce anxiety and irritability. It doesn't have the negative side effects
of over-the-counter sleep aids, but it may enhance other sedatives and cause
a mild upset stomach. There are no known drug interactions and no known
problems associated with its use by pregnant women. (Bidens tripartita)
aka: bur marigold An annual plant, dark purple in colour, with dark yellow flowers. To be found in wet areas in
Europe. Water Agrimony
is said to have diuretic properties. It has been used for gravel, stone and
bladder and kidney problems. (Artemisia
Absinthium) aka: green ginger, ajenjo,
old woman. Wormwood is a perennial herb with a
pale green, tough stalk growing to about three feet (90 cm) high. The leaves
are pale green and the flowers are a pale olive colour
at first but change to yellow-brown. Common Wormwood has been used for all
sorts of problems regarding the digestive system, as well as liver and
bladder ailments. It has been given to encourage menstruation, and applied
externally as a compress during labour to speed up
childbirth. Wormwood is also said to be a powerful remedy in the treatment of
worm infestations, especially roundworm and pinworm, which may be indicated
in its name. Wormwood is supposed to have grown up along the path by which
the serpent took exile from the Garden of Eden. In some parts of Europe,
wormwood is called 'Girdle of St. John' and is believed to ward off evil
spirits. By a strange coincidence wormwood in Russian is 'Chernoble',
the name of the Russian city which experienced a nuclear melt down in 1986.
Wormwood is an ingredient of vermouth and absinth, which can be damaging if
taken for a prolonged period. The FDA considers this a poisonous plant. (Achillea millefolium)
aka: bloodwort, carpenter's weed, milfoil, nose
bleed, woundwort An extremely familiar herb to any
gardener (often considered a weed). It has considerable medicinal qualities,
Achilles, a pupil of Chiron, is said to have been the first to realise the herb's value. Externally it is used as a
styptic, astringent, antiseptic, vulnerary, anti-inflammatory, and possibly anaesthetic. Internally as a tea it has diaphoretic
qualities. It also makes a bitter tonic which stimulates digestion.
Additionally it has expectorant, carminative, haemostatic, astringent,
antibiotic, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, analgesic, stimulant, and emmenagogue qualities. Yarrow is considered a general
tonic for the cardio-vascular system, it helps to
lower blood pressure, and slows the heartbeat. (Cananga odorata) Used as an anti-depressant and
aphrodisiac; to soothe anger and frustration and relax the body, mind and
spirit. Interestingly the blossoms of this tree are a main ingredient of that
most famous of perfumes; Chanel No 5. |