Medicinal Uses of Herbs
Agrimony-a tonic, mildly astringent. Used for coughs, relaxed bowels and looseness of the bowels
Allspice-aids digestion
Aloe Vera-Leaves exude a gel that is used externally to treat minor burns and cuts. Some say taking it internally may cause some irritation. Treats poison ivy and rashes, added to soaps and creams as a conditioner for healthy skin, antibacterial.
Angelica-A stimulant and aromatic. Used for kidneys and to induce perspiration
Anise-seeds and leaves in the tea form for treatment for colic, sedative, flatulance, digestive aid. Cough, bronchitis, stuffy nose, loosens bronchial congestion, morning breath freshener. Is said to be helpful to women as it acts like an estrogen and may help relieve menopause. Increases milk production. Take 1 teaspoonful of seeds in each cup of boiling water, steep 10-20 minutes, strain, drink no more than 3 cups a day.
Apple-whole fruit: eliminates toxins from system
Arnica -flowers are used to prepare liniments and salves for sore muscles and sprains
Ash Leaves-Used in gouty conditions, arthritis, etc.
Avens Herb Tonic and styptic. Used in looseness of bowels, etc.
Balm-Cooling in fevers and inducing mild perspiration.
Balmony-Anti-Bilous, tonic and detergent. Used in cases of chronic constipation, indigestion, jaundice and worms in children.
Bananna Peel-cures warts
Basil-tea form, colds, flu, cramps, bladder. Basil oil is said to repel insects. Used in large quantities as a tonic and cold remedy. Calms nerves, settles stomachs,
Bay-Use as poultice on chest for bronchitis and chest colds. relieves gas.
Bee Balm-leaves relive cough, nausea, sore throat, menstrual cramps, purifies blood. Used to stimulate liver and spleen.
Birch-leaf in the tea form: relieves headaches and rheumatism. Bark: kidney stones, fever, cramps.
Blackberry-fruit: diarrhea. Root: female problems. Gargling with extract from the leaves remedies sore or swollen throats and cures sore mouths. Tea from the leaves helps menstrual cramps.
Black Cohosh-Antispasmodic, used for menstrual cramping, relieves hot flashes in menopausal women; mild sedative.
Blackcurrant Leaves-A refrigerant, used in cases of sore throat, coughs, catarrh.
Black Haw-For menstrual cramping, prevents miscarriage and excessive flow at menopause.
Black Pepper-take at first sign of any disease
Bladderwrack used in a bath for arthritis and rheumatic conditions
Blessed Thistle-Increases lactation.
Blue Cohosh-root: problems of the uterus. Do not use if you have high blood pressure as it constricts the blood vessels of the heart. For use in third trimester only! Used as a uterine tonic.
Blue Mallow-Pectoral. For coughs and colds generally.
Boneset-leaves and flowers in the tea form: laxative and fever, colds, coughs, flu and pains in the bones.
Borage-leaves and flowers: Leaves: tea for treating depression. Flowers: prepare a decoction to relieve fever and bronchitis, chest complaints.
Brewer's Yeast Flower-facial mask. induces abortion when used with pennyroyal.
Broom-Used in some bladder complaints, especially in gall stones.
Buchu-A stimulant used in urinary affections and inflammation of the bladder.
Buckbean-A good tonic; used for liver troubles and skin diseases. Also for arthritis, etc.
Bugloss-Expectorant and tonic, used in cases of inflammation.
Burdock-Root: blood purifier. Leaves: poultice for burns, bruises, swelling and gout. Seeds: tea for blood purifier or for added minerals.
Burr Marigold-For gouty conditions
Calendula-flower: antibiotic, heals wounds, induce sweating, fevers, flu, chest ailments.
Capsaicin Oil-used as a topical painkiller
Caraway-mild stimulant for digestion. Drinking an infusion of caraway helps increase lactation.
Cardamom-relieves indigestion
Catclaw-Increases energy and uplifts spirits. Good for depression.
Catnip-Flowers and leaves used to treat colds and insomnia. Lowers fever, postnasal drip, headaches. Take as a tea, 2-3 times daily
Cayenne-Colds and flu. - fast recovery, stops internal and external bleeding, said to prevent heart attacks and also helps with depression and headaches. Equalizes circulation; for cold hands and feet
Celery-tea from the stalk or seed: sedative, calms nerves
Chamomile-flower and herb: calmative, sedative, relieve headaches and gastrointestinal problems. Used in cases of nervous hysteria and all nervous complaints in women. Fever, burns, anti-inflammatory for wounds, diarrhea in children, Use 2 teaspoons steeped for 5 minutes in a cup of boiling water. Insect repellent when the tea is rubbed on the body.
Chaste Tree Berry-Stimulates and normalizes pituitary function of the release of luteinizing hormone (LH) from the pituitary gland in the brain and promotes ovulation. For PMS, menstrual cramps, menopause, post birth control pill rebalancing. May restore normal periods in women with amenorrhea (lack of menstrual periods).
Chervil-used as a digestive aid; some herbalists recommend it to lower blood pressure but there is no scientific proof to support that claim.
Chicory-flowers: sedative and skin tonic
Chives-chives contain sulfur oil which can cure high blood pressure if consumed in large amounts
Cinnamon-ground or taken with milk, good balance after a heavy meal or dessert; also used for diarrhea, dysentery or general indigestion. Relieves bloating and gas. Skin astringent,
Cleavers (sometimes called clivers)-A tonic and refrigerant. Is cooling in fevers. Used in gravel and gallstones.
Cloves-chew for toothache, also good for nausea or vomiting. The oil from cloves is a remedy for sluggish digestion. Two drops on a teaspoonful of sugar is the best dose. The area should be painted with the oil. Take care as it can burn mucous membranes.
Coltsfoot-leaves: binds to toxins in the system and removes them. Used in chest complaints and cold and clears up mucus in the system. For all asthmatic complaints. A smoking mixture made with it, mixed with other herbs, is useful for asthma.
Comfrey-leaves and roots: Clears up mucus, demulcent, emollient. Leaves: poultice for cuts and wounds as it has pain relieving properties and is an antibiotic. Put in lotions for sunburn.
Coriander-fresh leaves or seeds chewed to relieve indigestion. Digestive tonic, freshly chopped greens in large amounts are high in Vitamin C. An aphrodisiac when added to wine.
Corn silk-tea: treats kidney and bladder infections.
Costmary-leaves: repels silverfish and is used for bookmarks in books. Tea: for a liver tonic.
Cramp Bark-Relaxes muscle tension and spasms, ovarian pain and uterine cramps. Used to prevent threatened miscarriage.
Damiana-A tonic for nervous and debilitated persons; also used as a sexual stimulant.
Dandelion-roots, leaves, flowers: Used as a general tonic. The white juice from the stem is wonderful for curing warts. The root is dried and the leaves can be eaten in salad. The root, baked and ground, makes a great coffee substitute. Juice is a diuretic. Use a handful of flower tops to 1 pint of boiling water, steep 10 minutes and strain. Drink this several times a day.
Dill-eaten to relieve intestinal gas. In Europe, a weak dill tea is given to babies to relieve colic
Elder leaves, fruit, flowers: feverish colds, flu. Leaves are used in urinary troubles and as treatment for colds. The berries are used with other herbs for colds and coughs (dried berries are often used instead of currants).
Ehpedra-twigs: powdered form taken as pill for asthma and chest complaints. Weight reduction. Tea helps break up congestion during severe colds.
Eyebright-Used for weak eyes and as a general tonic for the eyes. Frequently used in a compound.
Fennel-all parts used in the tea form: to expel mucus, increases milk production, digestive aid, calms nervous stomachs. An appetite supressant. Used in tea form to expel mucus.
Fenugreek -tea form: also to expel mucus with bad cases of bronchitis
Garlic-high and low blood pressure, improves circulation; removing parasites and infections. putting garlic in your pets food will keep the fleas away. This will keep fleas and mosquitoes from biting you as well. Laxative, good for physical strength. Effective against bacteria, fungi, viruses and parasites. Prevents cold, flu, and other infectious diseases. Lowers the risk of colon cancer. Lowers tension. Garlic vinegar can be used to disinfect wounds and soothe rheumatic pain and any common pain (made from one liter of vinegar and ten cloves of crushed garlic steeped for at least 10 days). Shrinks warts, relieves pain from teeth and earaches. To ease the pain of aching joints, a toothache or an earache, place a crushed raw bulb of garlic on a peice of gauze and place over the area of pain. For joints, try using garlic paste.
Ginger-tea form: for cramps and nausea; externally for stiffness; add in cooking to detoxify meat, especially chicken. May prevent motion sickness, quells nausea, ginger wine helps to relieve menstrual cramps. For a comforting way to relieve the chills and congestion of a cold, try ginger tea: Simmer one or two slices of fresh ginger toot in water for 10 minutes, add a pinch of cinnamon for piquancy. Indigestion, stimulates digestive organs, migraines. Added to bath to increase circulation and for pain - use just a few sprinkles in the bath, not too much. For pain, soak a cloth in ginger and apply directly to the painful area.
Ginko Bilboa-Is said to improve memory problems related to aging; recent studies show it does improve circulation, including circulation to the brain, which may explain its benefits.
Ginseng-root: tonic for the whole system. The Chinese use ginseng to strengthen the immune system, alleviate fever and pain, promote wound healing, overcome depression and fatigue, and treat impotence. tonic, prolonged life, blood circulation, mild painkiller, Reported to successfully treat asthma, bronchitis, cancer, flatulence, diabetes, weakness, fever, coughs and heartburn, and a mild stimulant. In tea form it helps to relieve stress and moderate heart disease.
Goldenrod-root: tonic for stomach and liver
Golden Seal-A wonderful catarrh remedy and tonic. The tincture should be used with care and should be taken in one-drop doses, with water only.
Greater Celandine-For eye infections, also cases of jaundice.
Ground Ivy-Whilst not really an Ivy (the common name of which is Alehoof), this is a good remedy for rheumatism, indigestion and kidney complaints.
Hibiscus-an aphrodisiac.
Hollyhock-roots, leaves: treat colds and chest complaints.
Horehound-flowers: cough and sore throat treatment. Use for all bronchial disorders.
Irish Moss-dried plant: colds, chest disorders. Used in salves for external treatment of cuts, wounds and skin disorders.
Juniper Berries-Large quantities acts as a diuretic that may cause uterine contractions.
Lavender-An aromatic. Leaves and flowers: 3 tablespoons to 6 cups of water make a good sedative, headache treatment, and digestive aid. Strong antiseptic. Relieves tension. Used in oil or tincture form to heal cuts, burns or scalds (tincture only), bites. Tincture acts as a tonic for colds, chills, and the flu. Antidepressant and detoxifier. Add to sachets and incense to induce sleep. Stimulates the immune system. An aphrodisiac. Also used as an insect repellent.
Lemon-Sweetens breath. Antiseptic, antibacterial and hypertensive. For chills and sore throat, the juice of a lemon mixed in a glass of honey and warm water, taken 3 times daily should help. For nose bleeds, apply a small piece of cotton, soaked in lemon juice. In oil form it is used for treating warts, insect bites, tension headaches, eliminates cellulite, and is an anti-wrinkle tonic.. Stimulates the digestive system. Also makes a good skin cleanser, hair rinse for blondes, and cleaning agent for brass and silver.
Lemon Balm-top of plant in the tea form: induces sweating and helps reduce fevers. Used extensively just for pleasant tasting tea.
Lemon Verbena-leaves: for flavoring other teas, used to relax and reduce fevers from colds and the flu. Use at first sign of a nervous headache. Settles upset stomachs.
Prickly Lettuce-gum and leaves: strong sedative. Helps remove excretions from the bronchial system. Useful in treating colds and coughs.
Lesser Celandine-for the treatment of piles. Often used with Witch Hazel.
Licorice-Root is used by women as a treatment during and after menopause.
Lobelia-bronchial disorders and asthma. Use with caution as only 50mg of the dried herb has caused poisoning symptoms.
Lungwort-For coughs and all chest affections.
Marigold-As an ointment, it will cure many skin troubles; as a tincture it is far better than iodine to hasten the healing process. The flowers and leaves can be used in salads. Planting this flower in your garden and around your home will keep insects away. For internal use the flowers are prepared by infusion. Flu, fever, rheumatism, jaundice, and painful menstruation. Buds are made into compresses for burns. Ointment from the petals helps chapped hands, varicose veins, eczema and inflammation. To ease inflammation, dip a compress into a strong marigold tea combined with an equal part of apple cider vinegar. Sprains can also be helped with marigold petals steeped in vinegar, or make a lotion with milk. Simmer 12 heads in 2 cups milk, steep, strain and apply. Also use as an antiseptic.
Mint-chewing the leaves can freshen the breath. tea form aids upset stomachs, flu, and can be used to ease hiccups. Inhale the leaves in boiling water for head colds and asthma. For headaches, lie in a dark room with fresh peppermint leaves on the forehead. Aids the respiratory and circulatory systems, anti-inflammatory and an antiseptic, indigestion, flatulence, varicose veins, skin irritations, rheumatism, toothache, and general fatigue.
Mouse Ear-A good remedy for whooping cough.
Mullein-all parts used: helps in treatment of all bronchial disorders and inhibits certain bacteria. Treatment for asthma. Also an antibiotic and used in treatment of colds.
Mustard-Used in poultices and smelling salts to relieve pain and congestion. I have also heard that chewing mustard seeds will induce abortion.
Myrrh-Myrrh oil can act as a mosquito repellent, and in tincture form it is a good treatment for gums.
Nettle-upper plant used: Tea from leaves cures nettle rash. Also used to treat arthritis pains and as a diuretic. Used for purifying the blood. Good for allergies (300mgs). Also a good hair rinse. Sniffing nettle powder is said to cure nosebleed. High in vitamin C and iron. Tea form can ease asthma and increase energy.
Oregano-Used in a tea it aids digestion; also alleviates the congestion of a cold. Also a stimulant.
Pansy flowers and leaves: good for treating colds and congestion. A wonderful heart tonic.
Parsley-whole herb: diuretic and used to treat bladder and kidney infections. When consumed in portions of at least an ounce, this herb contains useful amounts of vitamin C (fresh parsley only), calcium, iron and potassium; it is also high in bioflavonoids, monoterpenes and other anticancer Compounds. Fresh parsley leaves in tea form treats cramps. Dried root decoctions eases urinary infections and arthritis. Crushed leaves relieve insect bites, and may be applied in poultice form to sprains.
Pennyroyal-leaves: menstrual cramps because it stimulates uterine muscles. Should never be used by pregnant women. Relieves upset stomachs and is a mild relaxant. Keeps mosquitoes away.
Peppermint -leaves and flowers: treat bronchial disorders. A mild relaxant and good for colds and chest complaints. Dispels hardened mucus from the system.
Pilewort-as its name suggests, for the treatment of piles. Often used with Witch Hazel. Its common name is Lesser Celandine, though it has no relation to the Greater Celandine.
Pine-Buds prepared by decoction act as an expectorant and antiseptic and are used for inhalation for head colds. Also boil needles in hot water for head colds. Green cones and needles are added to bath water to ease muscle pains and swelling.
Plantain-a cooling herb. Fresh leaves can be used as a relief from insect bites, if applied at once. Used a lot with other herbs for blood medicines.
Pumpkin-Seed expels worms
Purslane whole above ground herb: treats scours in animals and a great treatment for kidney problems.
Raspberry-whole plant: used for female complaints. Leaves and fruit used for astringent properties. Roots used as an antibiotic. The leaves are very well known for bringing about easy childbirth. Blackberry and strawberry leaves have similar properties but Raspberry leaves are considered the best.
Red Clover-flowers: treatment of skin disorders caused by impurities of the blood. Good as a tea for weight loss.
Rose-Conserves of roses or rose petals in honey are often recommended for nausea and sore throats. Roses are high in vitamin C.
Rosemary-leaves in the tea form: for treating headaches or body aches, astringent in nature and a muscle relaxer. Relieves tension headaches. Promotes healing of wounds, mild stimulant, flu, mental and physical tonic. Oil form treats muscular sprains, arthritis, rheumatism, depression, fatigue, memory loss, migraine headaches, coughs, flu and diabetes. Excellent remedy for acne or cellulite. When the leaves are soaked in wine for two weeks, small glasses may be taken as a digestive aid. Oil of rosemary is excellent in hair conditioners, and the flowers of this herb may be added to lotion recipes to improve the complextion.
Sage-top is used: Relaxant, nervous headaches, releases tension. Tea is used as a rinse for treatment of dandruff and prevent graying of hair and is used in a compress for skin discomforts. Clears up the bronchial system. The tea is used as a digestive aid and as a mouthwash or gargle to ease painful gums, mouth ulcers and a sore throat. Can be used as part of a honey wine to fight colds and fever. Made into a cream, it is good for muscular pain, and if dried and smoked sometimes gives relief to asthma.
Saw Palmetto-The berries of this plant may improve urinary flow and prevent benign prostate enlargement. Research indicates that it may alleviate symptoms related to an enlarged prostate.
Senna Leaves-These act in a similar fashion to Senna Pods. The leaves are usually taken with ginger to cure constipation.
Sheep Sorrel-leaves: Used to treat cancer and blood ailments. Cleans the urinary system.
Shepherd's Purse-whole plant: stops hemorrhages affecting the uterus, stomach, lungs and kidneys. Increases urine flow and helps remove toxins from system.
Skullcap-above ground parts are used: sedative, relaxant. Relieves headaches and all nervous disorders.
Slippery Elm- inner bark: colds, expectorant, emollient, soothes bronchial system. Used as a skin cleanser and tonic. A special invalid food is made from the bark, which can be digested by the weakest digestive organs and cannot be vomited. In soap, it is an excellent skin soother.
Solomon's Seal root: causes vigorous expectoration during treatment of chest disorders. Use with caution as an overdose can cause poisoning symptoms.
Spearmint -leaves and flowering top: treats colic in infants, upsets of the digestive tract. A mild diuretic.
St. Johnswort-Bedwetting, lack of energy, depression. The oil has remarkable soothing and healing action when rubbed into painful joints and strained muscles. Make a tea with 1 tablespoon to 8 oz of water, for a strong antidote for depression.
Strawberry -leaves: blood treatment, minerals, treats scurvy and mineral deficiency. Treats gout.
Sweet Woodruff-above ground parts: antiseptic and used for internal and external purposes.
Tansy-The fresh leaves can be used in a salad. The dried herb is used for hysteria, morning sickness and for the expulsion of worms in children.
Thyme-whole plant above ground, tea form: to rid of intestinal worms; can also be used as a mouthwash. Internal and external antiseptic. A tea to quiet irritable bowels, as a gargle for a sore throat, or as a syrup to treat a cough or chest congestion. Powerful antivirial, antibiotic, and diuretic properties. It helps eliminate wastes from the body. Whooping coughs, warts, rheumatism and acne. A strong antiseptic which when prepared by infusion is useful for poor digestion, exhaustion, colds, and infections, and with honey is an effective treatment for sore throats. Fever, headache, insect repellant,
Tumeric-added to warm milk, regulates menstrual cycle. A natural antibiotic used to treat infammation and digestive disorders. An alcohol based tincture of valerian clears up poison ivy and rashes when used on the skin.
Valerian-Be careful as too much may cause poisoning symptoms. Dried powdered root: one of the best sedatives. Treats high blood pressure. The root is used to cure insomnia without a drugging effect. Also used for curing pains in many parts of the body. Anxiety, nervousness, headaches, premenstrual syndrome and menstrual cramping. For sleep, before bed take 1 teaspoon of herb to 1 pint of water and simmer. Can be used as catnip.
Violet-flower, leaves, fruit: sedative. More vitamin A than any other plant. Sedative and a tonic. Can also be used in salads. Thought to be a cure for cancerous growths of tumor when used with red clover heads.
Wild Cherry-For men, tea made from the bark is an excellent hair tonic and hair restorer. A stronger mixture worked into the scalp for a period of time is said to grow hair on a bald man.
Wild Yam-root: used for post-menopausal women. Treats menopausal symptoms. Treatment for asthma and bronchial disorders.
Willow0-leaves, bark, twigs in the tea form: Relieves all kinds of discomfort. Source of what we know as aspirin. Pain reliever.
Witch Hazel-Used for checking bleeding piles and bleeding from wounds. the prepared liquid is used for most things and can certainly be used on all cuts, sprains, bruises, etc. In tincture form it is good as a mouth rinse and to ease hemorrhoids and for acne. As a compress, witch hazel can be applied to insect bites and other skin irritations.
Yarrow-Top part used: Some ingredients that are in aspirin, pain reliever, helps blood to clot. An astringent for internal and external. Intensifies the medicinal action of other herbs taken with it. Eliminates toxins, good for colds. In poultice form , it is useful against infections and swelling. Drink the tea to stop arthritis symptoms such as swelling and inflammation and generally end all aching, sore muscles, or stiff joints or back pain.
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