Using Herbs and Herbal Supplements

Interested in using herbs to improve your health but not quite sure where to start? Below I’ve listed some of the herbs I keep at home and why they’re of use. When using teas, they can be drunk either hot or iced ... for daily use we generally prefer iced but hot tea is wonderful when you feel crummy or have a sore throat. In addition to teas and supplements (veggie capsules with dried, powdered herb inside) you can also use the herbs in baked goods and a decoction (a strong infusion) can be used in a gravy instead of water ... both are a great way to help pets with herbs. If you choose to use herbs for your pets, just make sure to check with your veterinarian first as animals don’t always have the same reaction to herbs that humans do.

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Butchers Broom Root Mild diuretic; supportive therapy for chronic venous insufficiency; may relieve lymph-edema (swelling) following treatment for breast cancer Calendula Flowers Gargling calendula water may ease sore throat. As a cream or wash helps to disinfect minor wounds and to treat infections of the skin. Stimulates production of collagen at wound sites and minimizes scarring. Cat's Claw Bark Helps relieve arthritis and knee pain; also used for stomach ulcers, gastritis, eczema, "break-bone fever," and liver diseases; immune stimulant; improves circulation by lowering blood pressure Catnip Anti-insomnia Chamomile Antispasmodic, relaxant. Helps relieve indigestion. Topically or in a wash: anti-inflammatory, anti-infective Chaste Berries Used to treat breast swelling and breast pain caused by excessive secretion of the hormone prolactin during PMS or cyclic mastalgia Chickweed Ulcers, stomach problems Ointment: Helps relieve eczema and similar skin problems Chicory Root Helps promote good digestive bacteria, may help prevent colon cancer, helps lower cholesterol and triglycerides. Cinnamon Beneficial to digestive tract Cloves Antiseptic and germicide, helpful for toothache Comfrey Root Used to encourage the rapid and healthy regrowth of skin and tissue cells Cramp Bark Antispasmodic, relieves menstrual cramps. Dandelion Root Diuretic but replaces potassium, supports treatment of liver and gallbladder problems. Dong Quai Root Relieves pain caused by neuralgia, poor circulation, and arthritis; PMS and menopause support Echinacea Stimulates immune system (Angustifolia is preferred over Purpurea) Herb Ingested as a Tea or Supplement External Uses Agrimony Diuretic, helps relieve diarrhea, protects against viral infections, may help liver function. Alfalfa Leaf Good source of Vitamin K, may help prevent atherosclerosis. Do not use if taking blood thinners or anti-rejection drugs Anise Seed Relieves Indigestion and gas Apple Tree Bark Tonic for strengthening body functions; remedy for soothing the stomach and for supporting liver and bladder health. Ashwaganda Ayurvedic equivalent to ginseng, though more potent. Helps body deal with stress. Astragalus Immuno-stimulant. Aids in recovery from cancer and cancer treatments. Eases chronic respiratory infections. Barberry Bitter tonic, anti-pyretic, and anti-hemorrhagic. Bilberry Strengthens blood vessels in eye, helps prevent retina problems, may improve night vision; reduces inflammation and stabilizes tissues containing cartilage. Birch Bark Joint pain As a poultice: helps relieve skin outbreaks Blackberry Leaves Fever reducer, helps soothe menstrual problems Black Cohosh Root Helps lessen hot flashes, mood swings, and vaginal dryness of menopause; May help prevent osteoporosis. Bladderwrack Severe PMS relief, may help reduce fat. Blueberry Leaves Supports healthy blood sugar levels; natural antioxidant supports eye health; helps maintain urinary tract health; may offer temporary relief of diarrhea. Burdock Powerful anti-inflammatory, antioxidant properties protect liver. Soak in cold water at least 3 hours, then boil for one hour before cooling. Treats skin infections, eczema, and psoriasis. Elder Berries Effective against at least eight strains of influenza Elder flowers Increases the production non-inflammatory infection-fighting cytokines Eucalyptus Helps prevent strep throat. As a steam (inhaled): Helps relieve sinus pressure and clear passages Eyebright Aids memory, clears mind Fennel Seed In tea or tincture, helps break up congestion. Has a laxative effect when ingested. Feverfew Helps relieve headaches (including migraines), fever reducer Thins the blood ... stop use at least a week before any medical procedure Flax Seed Anti-inflammatory, supports circulatory health Fo-Ti Root Mild estrogen stimulant. Good for menopause symptoms, especially hot flashes. Also aids in treating insomnia with nightmares. Honeysuckle Flower Antihistamine. Topically: helps soothe rashes and inflammation. Fumitory Upper digestive tract anti-spasmodic, helpful for hiccups and belching. Ginger Root Relieves indigestion, gas, and motion sickness. Goldenseal Broad spectrum antibiotic and anti-inflammatory. Heal All Antibiotic, useful for conjunctivitis and styes when used as a wash. Heather Flowers Anti-inflammatory, antihistamine. Hibiscus Flowers Mild laxative, helps to lower blood pressure, may help prevent carbohydrates from turning to fat Hops Mild sedative Horehound Soothes respiratory and digestive systems; stimulates the release of phlegm; stimulates the release of gastric acids. Hydrangea Root Antioxidant, better liver support than milk thistle. Hyssop Helps move excess fluids/phlegm Iceland Moss Soothes coughs, colds, and bronchitis. Contains antimicrobials and is an immuno-stimulant. May stimulate appetite. Nori Flakes Seaweed high in iodine and nutrients Irish Moss Provides soothing mucilages used to treat acidic stomach, chronic cough from bronchitis, and peptic ulcers Jasmine Flowers Gentle sedative. Topically: reduces inflammation Lavender Flowers Mild sedative (use no more than 1 tsp/pint), soothes nerves Antibacterial and antiseptic for external wounds and injuries; may deter mosquitos. Lemon Balm Mild sedative (action is similar to a low dose of valium). Topically: Astringent, used as a cleansing wash Lemon Grass Mildly diuretic and a stimulant tonic; promotes digestion of fats; stimulates perspiration, lowering fever Licorice Root Excellent tonic to boost respiratory health. Soothes coughs and colds; especially useful for coughs with sticky phlegm, or for colds that accompany stomach upset. Linden Reduces inflammation and soothes irritation in mucus membranes. Lungwort Soothes sore throat, makes coughs more productive. Marshmallow Root Soothes inflammation in digestive and respiratory tracts, helps quiet and relieve coughs. Meadowsweet Helps relieve coughs, colds, and headaches Contains salicylic acid - do not use if allergic to aspirin Milk Thistle Seed Has a healing effect on the liver without interfering with the organ's ability to detoxify drugs or environmental chemicals, and has a side benefit of normalizing blood lipids as the liver heals. Mugwort Stimulates the secretion of gastric juices to speed up digestion and relieve flatulence and bloating. Mullein Soothes sore throat, makes coughs more productive Myrtle leaf Helps relieve coughs, colds, and bronchitis Nettle leaf Helps relieve allergic rhinitis; helps reduce blood pressure. Indigo, Wild Antibacterial, antiseptic, astringent, cholagogue, emetic, purgative, and immune system stimulant Antibacterial and antiseptic for external wounds and injuries Olive Leaf Helps lower fever, antibiotic, may inhibit LDL from plaque production. Orange Leaf Diuretic; also used to relieve rheumatic and gout pain Osha Root Traditional Native American treatment for indigestion and upper respiratory infections. It has been used historically by Native Americans for stomach pain and cramping. Passion Flower Mild tranquilizer, helps muscular twitching Peach Leaf Helps maintain fluid balance; soothes genito-urinary tissues; promotes urinary and kidney health; soothes indigestion, upset stomach and nausea; helps to maintain gastrointestinal health Peppermint Leaves Relieves indigestion, gas, and colic Periwinkle Memory aid … increases blood flow to the brain Pipsissewa Diuretic and anti-microbial, helps flush infectious microorganisms from the body. Topically: Helps skin heal over, prevents infection Plantain Leaf Antibacterial, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-toxic Topically: Used in a poultice to help draw off infectious microorganisms Prickly Ash Bark Aids digestion, helps reduce fever NOT for an upset stomach Pygeum Bark Helps prevent Benign Prostate Hyperplasia (BPH). Raspberry Leaves Soothes urinary tract. Topically: Is an astringent, used as a cleansing wash Red Clover Helps prevent Benign Prostate Hyperplasia (BPH) in men and hot flashes in women. Promotes overall reproductive health. Promotes healing of skin wounds and conditions Rhodiola Root Aids in recovery from physical stress; supports heart rate normalization after exercise or stress. Rose Hips High in vitamin C. Helps prevent colds. Also has vitamins A, B, E and K. Sarsaparilla Positive effect on rheumatism and other autoimmune joint diseases and digestive problems; (Indian variety is more potent than Mexican or Jamaican) Saw Palmetto Berries Helps prevent Benign Prostate Hyperplasia (BPH). Senna Pods Helps relieve constipation and promote soft, easy stools. Very gentle laxative. Shatavari Root Menstrual regulator and support for female reproductive organs; used as a tonic for circulatory, digestive and respiratory organs; nourishes the blood and immune system. Used to treat stiffness in the joints. Skullcap Antispasmodic, helps relieves insomnia Slippery Elm Bark Aids digestion, soothes urinary tract, and reduces inflammation in digestive tract Speedwell Diuretic and expectorant. Helpful in lotions for irritated and infected skin. St. John's Wort Gives the body "just enough medicine" to overcome the physical aches and pains and mild viral infections that keep the brain from recovering from depression. Usnea Antibiotic, anti-fungal, antispasmodic, anti-pyretic, and analgesic; expectorant Topically: Helps heal infected wounds Valerian A calmative and tranquilizer; helps relieve headaches, insomnia, nervousness, restlessness, menstrual problems, and nervous stomach. White Oak Bark Dissolves kidney stones but also stops the growth of the bacteria surrounding them. Bath additives and gargles to stop bacterial and viral infections. An alcohol tincture painted on the skin or used to make a cream helps fight staph infections. White Willow Bark Pain relief; helps relieve headaches. Contains salicylic acid - do not use if allergic to aspirin Wild Lettuce Tranquilizer, mild narcotic Wild Yam Helpful for many gynecological complaints including menopause. Witch Hazel Bark Helps relieve diarrhea. More appropriate than witch hazel leaf when the problem is vascular weakness (for instance, hemorrhoids) without allergy. Witch Hazel Leaf Helps relieve diarrhea. More appropriate than witch hazel bark when there is an allergic component to symptoms Yarrow Flower Reduces pain and fever; may be antispasmodic, helps to cleanse blood and kidneys. Contains salicylic acid - do not use if allergic to aspirin Yellow Dock Root Mild laxative, supports blood and glandular system health Yucca Root Helps relieve pain from both rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Leaf extract may be useful in preventing blood clots.

For Educational purposes only. This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Using Herbs and Herbal

Supplements

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For Educational purposes only. This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.