Common Names

• Agrimony
• Burr Marigold
• Church Steeples
• Cocklebur
• Harvest Lice
• Liverwort
• Philanthropos
• Rat's Tail
• Stickwort
• White Tansy

Uses

The other traditional use of the agrimony in herbal remedy has been as a healing aid for wounds-applications of this herb will staunch bleeding and will promote the formation of clots in the area of the wound, the herb has been used in this role for a very long time. The agrimony is slightly bitter tasting and acts as an astringent on wounds. The herbal remedy prepared from the agrimony is also used as an effective remedy for the treatment of diarrhea. A gentle tonic prepared from the herb also aids the digestion and is beneficial to the digestive system. Agrimony is also used in combination herbal formulas along with other herbs such as the corn silk-such a combination herbal remedy helps in treating cystitis and problems related to urinary incontinence in an affected person. The combination remedy has also been successfully employed in the treatment of kidney stones, common disorders like sore throats and rheumatism, and even disorders like arthritis in many people.

The agrimony has a very long history as far as its use in herbal medicine is concerned, this is besides the folklores connected to its reputed remedial properties. It has indeed been seen as a panacea through the ages, and the English poet Michael Drayton once proclaimed it as an "all-heal" remedy-thus all these remarkable powers were attributed to this herb. In other cultures, notably the ancient Greeks, all eye ailments were commonly treated using herbal remedies prepared from the agrimony. They also used the plant to make herbal brews as a cure for diarrhea and other internal disorders of vital organs such as the gallbladder, the liver, and the kidneys. Other societies such as the Anglo-Saxons were also known to prepare an herbal solution from the leaves and seeds of the agrimony to be used in the healing of all kinds of physical wounds on the body. The herbal use of the agrimony continued all through the Middle Ages and is used even now, in the form of a herbal preparation known as the eau d' arquebusade, or the "musket-shot water." These days, herbal remedies made from the agrimony herb are suggested in the treatment of athlete's foot in all individuals affected by this disorder.

The herb was extensively used in the treatment of many types of illnesses, and in the United States and Canada, till late into the 19th century, herbal remedies prepared from the agrimony were being used to treat all types of skin diseases, the remedy was also usually prescribed for asthma, to treat persistent coughs, and the remedy was also used in the treatment of gynecological complaints of all kinds. The herbal remedy was also used as a gargle for treating sore throat in affected patients.

Other medical uses

• Food allergies
• Celiac disease
• Emphysema
• Eyelid problems
• Hangover

Side Effects and Cautions

The herbal remedies made from agrimony must be used carefully, as they are known to cause certain susceptible individuals to experience the symptoms of photo dermatitis, which is a type of skin rash that can develop following the consumption of the herb and which comes on when the person's skin is subsequently exposed to direct sunlight. It has also been observed in some studies, that remedies made from the agrimony can actually lower the blood pressure of the person using it. For this reason, the herbal remedies made from this herb must not be consumed by those undergoing anticoagulant therapy or those under drug treatment for any high or low blood pressure problems. The menstrual cycle is also supposedly affected by herbal remedies made from the agrimony. Pregnant women and nursing mothers must avoid the use of these herbal agrimony remedies for this reason. The moderate consumption of herbal agrimony tea is also advised partly because it has very high tannin content. The harmful effects of the ingested tannins in the herbal agrimony tea can be blunted by adding milk to the herbal agrimony tea.

Common Names

• Alfalfa
• Buffalo Herb
• Lucerne
• Mu-su
• Purple Medic

Uses

The larger role of the alfalfa is perhaps not as a medicine, but as a nutritious health food during therapeutic diets. As the herb contains high quantities of very easily absorbed nutrients, herbal remedies made from the alfalfa are often given to convalescing patients or individuals in recovery from recent illness. The herbal remedy made from the alfalfa may also be of some benefit in the treatment of different problems related to menstruation and menopause in women as the herb is known to possess distinct estrogenic properties.

Other medical uses

• Addictions
• Endometrial cancer

Side Effects and Cautions

Safety concerns do not exist as far as the moderate use of dried alfalfa is concerned and such amounts are normally prescribed for use by many herbalist. Alfalfa has also been known to trigger allergenic reactions in some individuals, even now isolated reports of individuals allergic to alfalfa keep coming - these are however, rare and relatively few people are affected in any deleterious way by the consumption of alfalfa. However, some disturbing results from the use of alfalfa herbal remedies has come from animal test subjects, indeed when animals ingested large amounts of the seeds or the alfalfa sprouts, it was seen that the test animals were more likely to be affected by the sudden onset of systemic lupus erythematosus or SLE. The condition known as SLE can affect humans and animals, this disorder is a dangerous autoimmune illness marked by symptoms such as the sudden development of inflammation in the joints and the probability of suffering long term damage to the kidneys. A chemical compound called canavanine is believed to be the agent that induces these deleterious effects within the body. For this reason, it is suggested that alfalfa products must be avoided by all individuals affected by SLE and such products must also not be used by those with a known history of SLE in the family.

Common Names

• Bitter Aloe
• Cape Aloe
• Tap Aloe

Uses

Aloe ferox is an extremely familiar plant, especially for its therapeutic qualities. The sap of this plant is employed in the form of a laxative. Commonly known as bitter aloe, this plant has been used for medicinal purposes for more than two centuries.

Cape aloe or Aloe ferox is highly regarded for its superb remedial qualities. In some South African regions, people harvest the juice (sap) of bitter aloe which is found just underneath the plants’ skin. For over two centuries, people have been harvesting it in the form of a renewable source. The stems yield a black, hard and resinous product that is called aloe lump, which is mostly used for its purgative qualities. In addition, this sap is also taking for treating arthritis. Many pharmacies sell a therapeutic product called ‘Schwedenbitters’, which contain bitter aloe extracts. The gelatinous flesh in the inner side of the Aloe ferox leaves is utilized for manufacturing cosmetic items. This jelly-like substance is said to possess healing qualities. It is interesting to note that rock paintings said to be done about 250 years back demonstrate Aloe ferox as well as Aloe broomii.

Having its origin in Africa, Aloe ferox is well-known for its outstanding therapeutic properties and is a natural colon cleanser. Aloe ferox is known to be the most potent as well as effective natural purgative and colon cleanser and most stimulating herb available for cleansing the colon. Altogether there are over 400 aloe species and Aloe ferox or bitter aloe is the tallest herb among them. It is found growing naturally in a number of areas in South Africa, especially the Cape Region. Although people are more familiar with another aloe species called aloe vera for its wonderful therapeutic properties, Aloe ferox not only yields additional bitter sap (about 20 times more), but also contains an elevated level of nutrients.

Medicinally, Aloe ferox is mostly used in the form of a laxative. When used commercially, therapeutic products made from Aloe ferox are called bitter ferox instead of Aloe ferox. It may be noted here that purgatives are used to wash out the intestines and also to encourage bowel movements. In 2004, Alimentary Pharmacology and Therapeutic published a study undertaken by L. Langmead that examined the action of aloe ferox on people suffering from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). During the study, 40 patients received oral dosages of Aloe ferox or a placebo. At the end of the study, it was found that 30 per cent of the patients receiving Aloe ferox showed improvement, clinical remission or response, while just one per cent patients receiving placebo showed such improvements. It is believed that ingestion of Aloe ferox for a period of four weeks is likely to alleviate the symptoms related to irritable bowel syndrome.

Earlier, in 2002, the findings of a study undertaken by H. Yu were published by the International Bibliographic Information on Dietary Supplements. H. Yu studied the impact of administering Aloe ferox on rats suffering from allergic rhinitis. It was found that using aloe helped to significantly reduce symptoms like nasal mucus and inflammation in these rats. However, research regarding Aloe ferox use for treating rhinitis is still considered to be in its initial stages. While researchers are optimistic that using Aloe ferox will help to diminish the symptoms related to allergies in humans, most scientists are of the view that further studies are required in this field.

Cape aloe has been used to help in healing from conditions such as:

• Allergies and bites
• Arthritis
• Colic
• Constipation
• Diabetes
• Headaches
• Heartburn
• Infections and abscesses
• Menstruation problems
• Muscle cramps
• Ulcers

Aloe ferox, commonly also called bitter aloe, possesses remarkable therapeutic attributes to heal as well as soothe several skin problems, including acne, lesions, psoriasis and rashes caused by chicken pox, burns caused by radiation, sunburns, various skin diseases and others. The best thing about Aloe ferox is that this herb can be applied to all skin types, including those that are extremely sensitive, as it is not only natural, but mild too.

In addition, it has been found that cape aloe is highly effective in lessening the size as well as diminishing the appearance of pockmarks and scratches. You can also use cape aloe to heal scars left by acne, stretch marks, burn scars and several other such problems.

Aloe ferox may be used in the form of a detoxifier too. Similar to all other things that have a ‘rinsing out’ action, it works as an excellent detoxifier. However, you need to be careful while using Aloe ferox, as its excessive use internally may result in diarrhea. When you are using Aloe ferox internally to treat any health problem, you should begin by using it in small doses in order to enable your body to gradually adjust itself to the treatment schedule.

You can take the cape aloe sap from the plant and apply it directly to the affected body part. In order to obtain the healing gel, you will require cutting or breaking the spiky, succulent leaves of this herb. You may apply the gel directly to the skin from the leaf, or squeeze the gel out of the leaves and store it in a sterilized bottle for later use. However, you need to prepare the Aloe ferox sap to use it internally. Prior to endeavouring to prepare your aloe juice by yourself, it is necessary to check with a naturopath or any expert in herbal medicine. In case you use aloe juice internally without following appropriate instructions, its use may even result in hazardous side-effects. Hence, ensure that you not only use reputed products from reputed manufacturers, but also educate yourself regarding the safe use of cape aloe juice.

It is worth mentioning here that Aloe ferox encloses more than 30 different amino acids, which are considered to be essential elements of our body. Amino acids facilitate the cells in our body to grow in a proper manner as well as to refurbish themselves. In addition, amino acids also form a vital ingredient for producing the essential antibodies, enzymes and hormones.

Most people are familiar with the aloe variety called Aloe vera (botanical name Aloe barbadensis). Hence, it is important to note that though Aloe vera is a more extensively distributed cultivar, it is an altogether different aloe species. The therapeutic properties of Aloe vera and Aloe ferox are quite similar. Nevertheless, these two aloe species contain different amino acid levels as well as healing enzymes. In fact, Aloe ferox contains more of these elements. Generally, the plants belonging to the Aloe vera species are much smaller than those of the Aloe ferox variety. Moreover, the sap contained by the Aloe vera plants is comparatively thinner as well as cleaner. Often, both these aloe species may be found growing in the same place in the wild. In their normal habitation Aloe ferox and Aloe vera are neighbours. In a number of places, both these aloe species grow alongside leading to an outstanding layered display.

It is important to note that Aloe ferox is a plant that is facing a danger of being extinct owing to excessive harvesting as well as the flourishing, but unlawful trade in aloe species.

Side Effects and Cautions

Although Aloe ferox is useful in treating an assortment of health conditions, the sap of this plant should not be taken by women during pregnancy as well as nursing mothers. Nevertheless, the cape aloe sap is completely safe for expectant mothers when used externally to heal burn injuries or treat skin lesions. It is also important to note that you should never give Aloe ferox products to children as well as pets for internal use. However, it is absolutely harmless for them when used externally.

Common Names

• Aloes
• Aloe Vera
• Barbados Aloe
• Curacao Aloe
• Kumari
• Lu Hui

Uses

The historical uses of the aloe vera go back to ancient times; it was extensively used as a skin lotion by many ancient cultures in the Middle East. For example, the Egyptian queen Cleopatra was said to have attributed her world renowned beauty to the repeated use of the aloe vera cream over a long period of time.

The 1950's were the era during which the aloe vera gained wide appeal as a herbal remedy in many parts of the western world, this sudden popularity came about when its property of healing minor burns became widely known in the West, the interest in the aloe vera was also helped in particular by the discovery of its ability to heal radiation burns in persons exposed to radioactive compounds.

As a home based remedy for various types of burns, all kinds of physical scrapes, for the treatment of scalds, and to treat sunburn - the aloe vera is one of the best all round first aid remedies to keep at home. The affected part of the body can be healed by the release of the soothing internal gel of a broken aloe leaf.

All types of skin conditions can be healed using the aloe gel, more so when a soothing and astringent quality is required in the remedy used to treat the problem. The aloe gel is also known to be beneficial to some extent in the treatment of varicose veins in individuals affected by the condition.

Within the body of affected individuals, the aloe with its protective and healing effects can accelerate the rate of cellular regeneration and recovery - it is therefore useful in many internal treatments, cases of peptic ulcers and disorders such as the irritable bowel syndrome can be treated using the aloe gel as a herbal remedy.

The aloe is also known to posses a strong laxative action due to the presence of a bitter yellow liquid within the leaves, these liquids contain compounds called anthraquinones - thus the aloe has also seen limited use as a herbal laxative to treat constipation in affected individuals. The mode of functioning of these classes of compounds lies in their ability to induce contractions in the colon of affected individuals; this usually results in the production of bowel movements within 8 - 12 hours following the initial consumption of the herbal remedy. Digestion in the individual can also be stimulated by the bitter properties of the herb especially when it is used at low dosages. The bitter aloes are known to be extremely strong purgatives and laxatives when used at very high doses.

Other medical uses

• Homeopathy
• Abscess
• Acne
• Balanitis
• Cervical cancer
• Herpes
• Lung cancer
• Mouth ulcers
• Wrinkles

Side Effects and Cautions

The topical use of the aloe gel for treatment purposes is essentially harmless for most people, with the rare exception of individuals who may have some allergic reaction to the aloe. While the aloe is safe to use for minor burns, it must be remembered that medical attention is necessary and vital if the burn begins to blisters significantly or is severe in appearance - the appearance of the burn will give you a good indication of the severity of the burn on the skin. Caution is required as the use of the aloe gel can actually impede or complicate the healing of the wound in some types of severe burns and wounds; medical attention is required for such cases. In addition, the aloe based laxative remedies must also be used in moderation, as prolonged utilization of the remedy for over ten consecutive days, can result in uncomfortable aggravation of the constipation, at the same time, continual use of the laxative can bring on dependency to the aloe - these situations must be avoided at all costs. Medical attention may in fact become necessary if the constipation affecting the person shows no sign of relief within a few days of treatment using the aloe laxative - the cause of the constipation may be different and the origin of the problem may in fact be internal.

Common Names

• Anise
• Aniseed
• Anise Plant
• Common Anise
• Hua-hsian
• Sweet Cumin

Uses

The herbal remedies derived from the seeds of the anise are famous for their ability to bring about a reduction in gas and bloating affecting a person, they are also able to settle the problems related to digestion. Remedies derived from anise seeds are very commonly used with infants and children to induce relief from cases of colic, and these remedies are also given to people of all ages to help in relieving the symptoms associated with indigestion and nausea arising as a result of different reasons. Another beneficial effect of the anise seeds, mainly their antispasmodic properties are very helpful in effectively dealing with the symptoms of menstrual pain, with the discomfort during asthma attacks, in the treatment of the whooping cough, as well as in the treatment of other spasmodic coughs, and cases of bronchitis in different patients. The use of these anise seeds derived remedies for their expectorant action is often suggested to treat these different respiratory ailments and disorders. At the same time, the remedies made from the seeds of the anise are also believed to be able to bring about an increase in the production of breast milk; furthermore these remedies may be beneficial in the treatment of impotence and frigidity in individuals affected by such ailments. The essential herbal oils derived from the anise are also used in the treatment of similar complaints in patients. The essential herbal oil is also a topical remedy, and it is used for the external treatment accorded to lice and to treat cases of scabies in patients. It is suggested that the essential oil must be consumed by patients when they are under careful and responsible professional supervision. Women in the term of pregnancy must also abstain from taking anise, with the exception of minute amounts, such as those normally used during cooking.

Other medical uses

• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease ( COPD )

Uses

The hearts and leaves of the artichokes are rich in alkaline ash content. The artichokes also contain substantial amount of fiber or cellulose that may prove to be detrimental for people suffering from high irritation of the bowel. In fact, it is best to eat artichokes on a plummeting diet.

Over the years, the artichoke has served both as a vegetable treat as well as a precious therapeutic plant. The roots and leaves of the artichoke plants have been valued by people since the medieval ages as they have been found to be highly beneficial in healing lethargic livers. Artichoke roots and leaves are also effectual in treating kidney problems and arteriosclerosis. It may be noted here that artichokes enclose vitamin A and C that are very effective in combating all types of infections. Artichokes have also been found to have rich contents of iron and calcium - both valuable minerals for the body.

Artichokes contain carbohydrates in a form called inulin, which has been found to maintain a stable level of blood sugar, especially in people with diabetes. While using artichokes, you should ensure that they are fresh, because eventually the inulin will be converted into different sugars when the artichoke matures.

Artichoke belongs to the thistle family and as in the case of milk thistle, this herb is beneficial for the liver. Artichoke protects the liver against infections and toxic substances. A home recipe prepared by people in the Mediterranean region uses freshly obtained leaf of artichokes with water or wine to prepare a tonic for the liver.

Artichoke possesses exceptional abilities to combat cancer and it is also considered good for the health of the heart. Therefore, it is important that you incorporate it in your diet to obtain several health benefits offered by the plant. The leaves of artichoke plant enclose specific elements that help to lower the low-density lipoprotein (LDL or bad cholesterol) levels in the bloodstream, while augmenting the levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL or good cholesterol). In addition, these elements also work to increase the levels of omega-3 fatty acids.

It may be noted here that cholesterol is a particular sort of fat that accumulates inside the cardio-vascular system’s arteries resulting in obstruction of blood circulation, augmented blood pressure and may potentially even cause strokes and heart attacks that may sometimes prove to be fatal. All methods to reduce the cholesterol level are considered valuable and, hence, you should try artichokes with a view to improve the health of your heart.

It may also be mentioned here that artichokes are an excellent resource of the essential mineral potassium that influences several organ systems all over our body. Potassium facilitates neutralizing the consequences of surplus sodium in the body. In fact, sodium works to raise the blood pressure. Talking in this vein, artichokes work in the form of a vasodilator and are especially helpful for people who are taking medications for hypertension to thwart the consequences of deficient potassium in their body. People with diabetes too should consume artichoke, as it helps to put off the problems related to blood pressure as well as high blood sugar levels. Precisely speaking when the blood pressure is lowered, it also diminishes the risks of heart attacks as well as coronary heart disease.

In addition to all the above mentioned health benefits of artichoke, this plant is also beneficial for pregnant women, as it helps them to deliver healthy and normal babies. Artichokes enclose high amounts of folic acid, which can help to avoid defects in neural tissues that may often occur in newborns. The closure process of neural tissues in vitro necessitates a specific quantity of folate to be present appropriately. Hence, folic acid is an indispensable constituent of diet for pregnant women.

Artichokes are among the most excellent foods available in the market that help in obtaining minerals and vitamins, especially minerals like manganese, phosphorus and magnesium. All these minerals are vital elements for improving the health of bones as well as increasing bone density, thus diminishing the risks of developing conditions such as osteoporosis.

Minerals like manganese and magnesium are necessary for our body as they play a vital role in the metabolic process. Artichokes contain these minerals in considerable amounts. Magnesium plays a vital role in the synthesis of protein all over the body, in addition to maximizing calcium intake by the body, thereby making the bones further strong. On the other hand, manganese has a somewhat greater role compared to magnesium and it influences the pace of metabolism of specific substances like amino acids, cholesterol and carbohydrates.

Artichokes possess several remedial properties that make these plants useful for the health of our brain, counting their worth in the form of a vasodilator which enables additional oxygen to go to the brain for superior cognitive function. Artichokes are also valuable because they contain the essential mineral phosphorus which is also found in significant amounts in the brain cells. In fact, artichokes help to provide adequate amounts of phosphorus to the brain, ensuring that the cognitive function is maintained well. Deficiency of phosphorus is related to a grave decline in the ability of the cognitive system. Hence, you should eat enough of artichokes if you desire to sustain the health of your brain and also enable it to function optimally.

Common Names

• Ashwaganda
• Indian Ginseng
• Withania

Uses

The role of the herbal ashwaganda preparation in traditional herbal medical systems for more than 2,500 years has been as a "vitalizer" or energizer of the human body. These days, this herbal remedy is placed in the category of remedies known as the adaptogens. The herb has powers of rejuvenating the body; it can help in balancing and strengthening the body, and aids in calming the nervous system of an affected individual. The herbal remedies made from the ashwaganda are also very useful in brining effective relief from physical fatigue; it can aid in alleviating nervous exhaustion, and improve the chances of recovery from memory loss suffered by a person. At the same time, the remedial properties attributed to the herb also include an aphrodisiac action; it has a great reputation in this regard and is believe to be capable of preventing the onset of sterility in males and also possibly aiding in the treatment of various sexual ailments. The herbal remedies made from the ashwaganda also acts as a mild sedative and it reduces mental turmoil and promotes a calm sleep in a person with an agitated or stressed mind. The ashwaganda is also believed to promote rapid tissue regeneration and is believed to slow down the aging process in individuals using the remedy for long periods of time.

The ashwaganda is considered to be an excellent aid in bodybuilding and for enhancing performance in all types of sports which are physically challenging. This is because the ashwaganda gives the user an instant charge of very long lasting energy increases, precluding the need to use other chemical stimulants by the athlete.

The beneficial effects of the ashwaganda have been successfully used in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease and in the correction of certain disorders with the memory and mental functions. Any loss in memory suffered by the patients is corrected by the ashwaganda through its ability of modifying the way in which the brain utilizes a chemical neurotransmitter known as acetylcholine; this chemical messenger is the agent responsible for transmitting messages from one nerve cell to the other nerve cell within the brain. The brain sometimes gets the acetylcholine it needs, by the destruction of its own cells especially in situations when the oxygen levels within the brain become very low. The transmission of nervous signals is blocked in areas where these cell remnants form neuro-fibrillary tangles and the consequence is that the person displays symptoms similar to Alzheimer's. The consumption of ashwaganda by a person will reduce the likelihood of this cannibalization process in the brain. The persistent continuation of such an action will result in a lowering the cognitive deficit and memory loss which come with memory diseases like the Alzheimer's disease and other brain disorders.

Ashwaganda has also been used in the treatment of arthritis and the carpal tunnel syndrome. Studies conducted on animal test subjects indicate that many of the naturally occurring steroids in the ashwaganda herb have greater potency in the treatment of arthritis and carpal tunnel syndrome, than the synthetic steroid hydrocortisone usually used to control the inflammation in such disorders. Furthermore, the natural steroidal compounds present in the ashwaganda also help to reduce the pain evident during arthritis as effectively as other compounds and medications including aspirin and the compound phenylbutazone - especially when they are taken in small amounts. At the same time, these compounds bring on these effects without the immune depressing side effects associated with the other medications.

Herbal remedies made from the ashwaganda are also effective against many autoimmune disorders of the human body. During the course of treatment for a common autoimmune disorder like lupus, taking the ashwaganda remedy can lead to an increase in the counts of both red and white blood cells following initial treatment of the affected patient using drugs such as azathioprine-lmuran, drugs like cyclophosphamide - generic names, Cytoxan, Neosar, or prednisone which are normally used in the treatment of autoimmune diseases.

Remedies made from the herb are also used in the treatment of cancer. The herbal extracts of the ashwaganda herb increases the platelet count, and the total red blood cell count, along with the total white blood cell count which tends to dip during the chemotherapy treatment with cyclophosphamide-Cytoxan, Neosar-used in the treatment of cancer. The ability of the ashwaganda to sensitize cancer cells against radiation treatment have also been demonstrated in several animal studies undertaken in the country of India, in fact, the use of the ashwaganda during the radiation treatment made the treatments approximately fifty percent more effective than normal. The ability of the ashwaganda and its effectiveness in putting cancer tumors into a state of regression has also been observed in certain studies.

Ashwaganda has also been used as a remedy in the treatment of people with diminished or reduced sex drives. The herbal properties of the ashwaganda and its power as a sexual "grounding" herb helps in reducing the frequency of premature ejaculation and increases the sexual stamina of patients. The herb is also known to be capable of enhancing longevity, and also possesses sexual stimulating abilities; these beneficial effects are due to the ashwaganda's active ingredients, such as the alkaloids and the withanoloids.

Ashwaganda remedies are also used to relieve stress in patients. The Ayurvedic system of Indian medicine has utilized the ashwaganda herb in the form of a general tonic for centuries as a stimulant for long term endurance and strength. The resistance of the body may be increased because of the high content of steroid like compounds in ashwaganda.

The herbal remedies made from the ashwaganda are available in the form of a capsule. The ideal herbal product of choice is the ones that are standardized for their content of the withanolides. During the course of dosage for the bolstering of faltering sexual drives, the ashwaganda herbal remedy must not be taken in cases of acute sexual anxiety, as the full physical effects will take hold of the person, only after about a week of daily use of the remedy. The product called the ashwaganda oil must not be used as a remedy in the treatment process for the conditions given above. The function of the oil is as a remedial facial toner and it is made up of a combination of the ashwaganda with some almond oil and rose water-it is not to be consumed. Severe gastric pains can result from consuming ashwaganda berries, and the consumption of these berries must be strictly avoided at all times. Loss of muscular coordination and drowsiness can result when taking ashwaganda along with tranquilizers or other sedative compounds. The use of any ashwaganda herbal remedy must also be avoided when taking prescription medications which are meant to treat anxiety, cases of insomnia, or a seizure disorder-as there could be side effects.

Common Names

• Giant Crape Myrtle
• Crape Myrtle
• Crepe Myrtle

Uses

Banaba has been used in herbal medicine mainly for blood sugar control. One of its active constituents, corosolic acid, is suggested to possess insulin-like activity, stimulating glucose uptake. Recent research claims that this component was observed to be an activator of glucose transport into cells, which ultimately results in a lowering of blood glucose levels. Transporting glucose into cells is critical for providing the energy necessary for those cells to carry out their vital functions. Any compound that can stimulate glucose transport will effectively help to lower blood sugar levels. In both human trials and laboratory research, it is said that there were hypoglycemic effects produced by Banaba Leaf in those who were genetically predisposed to diabetes. In a small study in patients with Type-2 diabetes, it was found that an extract from Banaba Leaf (called Glucosol) lowered glucose levels in the blood. In animal studies, research asserted that there was a lowering of blood sugar in the subjects, even after eating carbohydrates; and the elevation of blood glucose in non-insulin dependent diabetic mice was almost entirely suppressed. Moreover, serum insulin levels (the amount of glucose excreted in the urine) were also lower in the subjects that were fed Banaba.

Regarding weight management, Banaba has been observed to have anti-obesity effects. For some people, fluctuations in blood glucose levels are related to hunger and food cravings, particularly carbohydrates and sweets, and by regulating the blood sugar levels, Banaba may reduce the appetite and craving for breads and sweets. Again, there have been both human trials and animal studies with regard to this activity, and in one study, animals fed Banaba leaf showed a significant decrease in weight and adipose tissue (fat), in comparison to another group on the same diet, without Banaba.

Other effects observed with the use of Banaba leaf included lowering of blood cholesterol levels and the moderation of liver lipid levels.

Side Effects and Cautions

It is important to remember that diabetics must check their blood glucose levels often, and any supplement should be taken in consultation with a physician. Since Banaba may cause blood glucose levels to drop considerably, it should not be combined with other medications that have hypoglycemic activity, such as sulfonylureas (Glyburide or Glipizide, etc.) or herbs without consulting a physician. At suggested doses, no adverse side effects are expected from Banaba. Overuse (many times the recommended dosage) should be avoided, however, to prevent dizziness or fatigue, which can happen with extremely low blood sugar levels.

Common Names

• Barberry
• Berberidis
• Berberry
• Common Barberry
• Daruharidra
• European Barberry
• Jaundice Berry
• Pepperidge Bush
• Sowberry
• Wood Turmeric

Uses

The gallbladder is positively affected by the barberry, the medication leads to an improvement in the flow of bile and results in a reduction of symptoms such as pain in the gallbladder; it can reduce the chances of gallstone formation and is helpful in dealing with jaundice and other bile related disorders. The potent antiseptic effect of the barberry is of great help in treating cases of amebic dysentery, in the treatment of water borne disorders like cholera and in treating any of the other gastrointestinal infections which are caused by bacteria. The liver is also thought to be positively benefited by the barberry and many herbalists prescribe this medication for the treatment of hepatitis and other disorders of the liver. Barberry bark has anti-diarrhea and astringent qualities and this induces rapid healing along the intestinal wall, barberry has a highly beneficial and potent effect on the functioning of the digestive system as a whole and is used in the treatment of all sorts of disorders of the digestive system. Chronic skin conditions usually treated using plants like the Oregon grape – botanical name B. aquifolium and the goldenseal - Hydrasis canadensis, can also be treated using the barberry - chronic disorders like eczema and psoriasis are effectively treated using barberry. As an eye wash, barberry decoction makes for a gentle and effective remedy, however, the decoction must be diluted sufficiently before it is used on the eyes.

Other medical uses

• Homeopathy
• Colorectal cancer
• Liver cancer
• Strep throat
• Toxic shock syndrome

Common Names

• Arjaka
• Basil
• Common Basil
• French Basil
• Garden Basil
• Luole
• Royal Herb
• St. Josephwort
• Sweet Basil
• Tulsi

Uses

As an herbal remedy, the beneficial effects of the sweet basil are used mainly for the treatment of different disorders of the digestive and the nervous systems, the remedy also helps in reducing the incidence of flatulence in affected individuals, it is used in the treatment of all kinds of cramps in the stomach, it is also used for the treatment of colic, and to treat cases of indigestion affecting people. Disorders like nausea and vomiting can also be treated using the herbal remedy made from the sweet basil, the remedies derived from the sweet basil is also used to treat intestinal worms in people affected by such parasites. As a herbal remedy the mildly sedative action of the sweet basil is made use of in a variety of ways, it is very helpful and proven in the effective treatment of long term nervous irritability in different people, it is also used in the treatment of physical tiredness, it is also used to ward off the symptoms of depression, it is used in the treatment of long term and short term anxiety, and the sedative action finds great use to treat insomnia in different individuals. The herbal remedies made from the sweet basil have also been used in the treatment of disorders such as epilepsy; they have been used in the treatment of migraine, and to treat cases of whooping cough in children. Traditionally, breast-milk production has been sought to be increased by making women consume the sweet basil during the nursing period. The sweet basil herb is also used as a topical remedy for external application in the treatment of various skin disorders, in this role the leaves of the basil leaves have been used as a herbal insect repellent in houses and as a cream on the skin. Topical relief from insect bites can also be achieved by applying the sweet basil as an external herbal ointment. The well known bactericidal action of the sweet basil is another useful property much lauded by different herbal practitioners.

Other medical uses

• Altitude sickness
• Ovulation pain

Common Names

Acetone, berberine, barberry, benzophenanthridine alkaloid, berberin, berberin hydrochloride, berberine alkaloid, berberine bisulfate, berberine chloride, berberine complex, berberine hydrochloride, berberine iodide, berberine sulfate, berberine tannate, Berberis aquifolium, Berberis aristata, Berberis vulgaris, Coptis chinensis, coptis, goldenthread, goldenseal, Hydrastis canadensis, jiang tang san, Oregon grape, protoberberine, protoberberinium salts, tree turmeric.

Uses

Berberine is a bitter-tasting, yellow, plant alkaloid with a long history of medicinal use in Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine. Berberine is present in the roots, rhizomes and stem bark of various plants including Hydrastis canadensis (goldenseal), Coptis chinensis (coptis or goldenthread), Berberis aquifolium (Oregon grape), Berberis vulgaris (barberry), and Berberis aristata (tree turmeric). Berberine has also been used historically as a dye, due to its yellow color.

Clinical trials have been conducted using berberine. There is some evidence to support its use in the treatment of trachomas (eye infections), bacterial diarrhea, and leishmaniasis (parasitic disease). Berberine has also shown antimicrobial activity against bacteria, viruses, fungi, protozoans, helminths (worms), and chlamydia (STD). Future clinical research is warranted in these areas, as well as cardiovascular disease, skin disorders, and liver disorders.

Berberine has been shown to be safe in the majority of clinical trials. However, there is a potential for interaction between berberine and many prescription medications, and berberine should not be used by pregnant or breastfeeding women, due to potential for adverse effects in the newborn.

Side Effects and Cautions

Berberine has been reported to cause nausea, vomiting, hypertension (high blood pressure), respiratory failure and paresthesias (abnormal sensations such as numbness or tingling); however, clinical evidence of such adverse effects is not prominent in the literature. Rare adverse effects including headache, skin irritation, facial flushing, headache, bradycardia (slowed heart rate) have also been reported with the use of berberine. Use cautiously when taking berberine for longer than eight weeks due to theoretical changes in bacterial gut flora.

Use cautiously in individuals with diabetes, as both human and animal studies indicate that berberine may decrease blood sugar levels. Also use cautiously in individuals with hypotension (low blood pressure), as berberine may have antihypertensive effects.

Patients with cardiovascular disease should also use caution as berberine has been associated with the development of ventricular arrhythmias in subjects with congestive heart failure.

Although not well studied in humans, berberine may also theoretically cause delays in small intestinal transit time or increase the risk of bleeding.

Berberine may cause abortion, eye or kidney irritation, nephritis (inflamed kidneys), dyspnea (difficulty breathing), flu-like symptoms, giddiness, lethargy, or liver toxicity.

Patients with leukopenia (abnormally low white blood cell count) should use cautiously due to the potential for development of leukopenia symptoms.

When injected under the skin, berberine may cause hyperpigmentation in the arm. Use berberine cautiously in individuals with high exposure to sunlight or artificial light due to potential for adverse phototoxic reactions.

Avoid in newborns due to potential for increase in free bilirubin, jaundice, and development of kernicterus (brain damage caused by severe newborn jaundice). Use berberine cautiously in children due to a lack of safety information.

Common Names

Bergamot Orange

Uses

Findings of several scientific studies have revealed that bergamot is effective in lowering the levels of total cholesterol in the bloodstream of people who participated in these studies. In addition, this herb also lowers the LDL (low-density lipoprotein) or bad cholesterol levels. In fact, LDL is responsible for several heart diseases. At the same time, this herb also helped to increase the levels of HDL (high-density lipoprotein) or good cholesterol, which is beneficial and offers many defensive benefits.

It is believed that bergamot acts by means of blocking cholesterol production in our liver. When there is an absence of cholesterol, the liver will possibly forced to locate cholesterol, which is deposited in the bloodstream. Bergamot contains a number of chemical compounds, which are same as the commercially available chemicals that are prescribed to people with high levels of overall cholesterol.

It has been found that bergamot is loaded with polyphenols, such as brutelidin and metilidin. These two polyphenols work directly to slow down cholesterol biosynthesis. The study also found that bergamot orange was effective in lowering the levels of triglycerides in the participants.

There are several other therapeutic uses of bergamot orange. This herb is used in conjunction with ultra-violet (UV) light therapy for tumours infected by fungus below the skin. Bergamot orange is also used as a preventive medication against lice as well as other parasites. It is also used with UV light for treating psoriasis.

Bergamot orange is widely employed in skin care products like soaps, lotions, creams, perfumes and suntan oils. This herb is used for treating psoriasis and also in the form of an antiseptic for treating infections as well as reducing inflammation. In addition, bergamot orange is employed for treating a rare form of skin cancer called mycosis fungoides. This herb also enhances the sensitivity of the skin to sunlight and, hence, you should not use bergamot orange together with other medicines that also enhance sunlight sensitivity. This combination may result in acute rashes and sunburn as well as blisters. People who are using bergamot orange should essentially wear protective clothing and also use sunscreen in case they plan to spend some time in direct sunlight.

The rind or peel of bergamot orange is also used in perfumery, as it possesses the aptitude to blend well with an assortment of fragrances to develop into an agglomeration of aromas that go well with each other. Perfumes used by about one in every three men and one in every two women enclose bergamot essential oil. Bergamot also forms an important element of the original Eau De Cologne, which was created by Farina during the early 18th century in Germany. The first ever document of using bergamot oil in the form of an ingredient in manufacturing perfume dates back to 1714. This document is presently kept in the Cologne-based Farina Archive. About 100 bergamot oranges usually produce approximately 3 oz or 85 grams of bergamot essential oil.

As discussed earlier, several skin care lotions contain bergamot oil. Earlier, a substance extracted from bergamot oil and called psoralen was traditionally used for tanning sunscreens and accelerators. Although people were aware since 1959 that these substances were photo carcinogenic, they still used them in sunscreens. It is only as late as 1995 that the use of these substances were prohibited in sunscreens. In fact, though people knew that these substances were photo carcinogenic, it took several years to ban their usage, in the mean time causing numerous cases of malignant melanoma and even death. Currently psoralen is only employed as a part of PUVA therapy (psoralen + UVA treatment ) for treating specific skin disorders like eczema, psoriasis, vitiligo, mycosis fungoides, large-plaque parapsoriasis and others.

Common Names

• Bilberry
• Black Whortleberry
• Blueberry
• Burren Myrtle
• Dyeberry
• Huckleberry
• Hurtleberry
• Whinberry
• Whortleberry
• Whorts
• Wineberry

Uses

Due to the fruit sugar found in them, ripe bilberries have a mild laxative action. Dried bilberries are markedly binding and possess an antibacterial action. An herbal decoction prepared from the dried bilberries is effective in the treatment of diarrhea affecting children. The bilberry decoction is also used as an herbal mouthwash in treating various oral disorders and throat problems.

Many different physical disorders and symptoms are treated using the dried leaves of the bilberries - different kinds of remedies are made from the dried leaves. The dried leaves of the bilberry are prepared from green leaves harvested early in the autumn, only the green fresh leaves are selected, and these are then dried by gently heating them and put in storage for late use. The use of the leaves as herbal medicine should not exceed three weeks at a stretch. The strong astringent action of the herbal tea made from the dried leaves is beneficial in the treatment of many diseases; this herbal tea also possesses a diuretic, a tonic and an antiseptic action, and is particularly beneficial for problems affecting the urinary tract of a person. This herbal tea is also used a remedy for treating diabetes and benefits the patient especially when it is used for a long period of time. While not suggesting their use as an alternative to conventional treatments, one report states that the bilberry leaves can also be helpful in treating pre-diabetic states in the human body. Bilberry leaves contain compounds known as glucoquinones, these compounds help in lowering elevated blood sugar. A topical oral treatment commonly utilized in treating ulcers and ulceration of the mouth and throat is a decoction made from the leaves and the bark of the bilberry. The distilled liquid made using the leaves of the bilberry makes excellent eyewash and is soothing to inflamed or sore eyes. A slight laxative effect is affected on the body by the fresh fruit when it is eaten raw, however, if the berries are dried, they possess an astringent action and are commonly employed as a treatment for disorders such as diarrhea and in treating many other intestinal complaints. A plant pigment called anthocyanin is found in the skin of the berries and the skin is specifically used in the treatment of hemeralopia - day-blindness. The bilberry is very abundant in anthocyanosides, these compounds have been experimentally shown to cause dilation in the blood vessels, and this property makes the bilberry potentially valuable as a treatment for problems such as varicose veins, to treat chronic hemorrhoids and to treat fragility in the capillary system.

Other medical uses

• Diabetic retinopathy
• Prostatitis

Side Effects and Cautions

The use of the bilberry herbal extract in recommended amounts does not produce any known side effects in patients. The remedy made from the bilberry does not react with the most common prescription medications. In addition, no known contraindications to the bilberry exist regarding its consumption by nursing or pregnant mothers.

Common Names

• Cherry Birch
• Sweet Birch
• White Birch

Uses

The white birch possesses therapeutic properties and several of its parts are used for medicinal purposes. The tender leaves and shoots of this species emit a resinous substance that possesses acidic qualities. When this resinous matter is blended with any alkaline substance it turns into a tonic laxative. The leaves of Betula alba have a strange aromatic and pleasant odour. However, the leaves have a bitter flavour and are used as an infusion called the Birch tea. This infusion is used to treat a number of health conditions, including rheumatism, gout and dropsy. In addition, it is also recommended for treating kidney stones, as this tea is said to be a reliable solvent that dissolves such stones. The bark of this tree is also used to prevent decay. A decoction prepared from the white birch bark is excellent for rinsing skin eruption, in addition to treating dropsy.

The essential oil extracted from the paper birch bark possesses astringent attributes and is mostly used to treat various skin complaints, particularly eczema. This oil is also employed internally to treat a number of ailments.

The inner bark of this tree has a bitter flavour and astringent properties. It is used to treat intermittent fevers. The sap oozed by new plants possesses diuretic properties. In addition, the yellowish, fungous excrescences (harmless vegetable outgrowths) on the wood are used to make moxa. Occasionally, this sap seeps out from the crevices on the trunk of the tree.

The white birch tree is reputed for its remedial properties that help to heal the skin and prevent decaying. At the same time, it also works in the form of an astringent. It has been established that the leaves and shoots of this vegetative species also work as a diuretic as well as a laxative. Many people also use this plant internally for treating rheumatism, gout and kidney stones. In effect, betullinic acid is a major chemical element of this plant and currently it is being studied in the form of a potential remedy for cancer. It has been found that the form of this acid, which is soluble in water, helps to slow down prostate cancer growth in humans by almost 96 percent. A number of scientists are of the view that it also possesses the aptitude to obliterate the tumour cells as well as inhibit the progression of melanoma and HIV.

As far as skincare is concerned, formulations prepared from the white birch tree are used in the form of a natural therapy, as it aids in facilitating the discharge of fluids from the body and, at the same time, encourages metabolic actions. It possesses anti-inflammatory as well as skin-soothing attributes and this is the main reason why this plant is time and again employed to treat skin problems like eczema, warts and psoriasis. As it encloses vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin B1 and vitamin B2, the white birch works in the form of an antioxidant. Generally, this medicinal plant is used in four different ways - infusion, tincture, extract and decoction.

Generally, white birch is used to prepare a tea, which aids in combating the internal ailments of the body. This herb can also be used in the form of a decoction by boiling the pulverized leaves and bark of the tree and adding it to your bath. Using white birch in this way helps to cure persistent skin eruptions. Some people also apply white birch decoction to their scalp with a view to prevent hair loss and combat dandruff. The extract of white birch leaves and bark is generally used in the manufacture of cosmetic products. The oils obtained from the tree are used in the form of an alternate for wintergreen. Occasionally, people also apply the leaves and bark of this tree directly to their skin. Some over-the-counter products like bath oil, shampoo conditioner, masks, facial moisturizer, shaving cream, and exfoliants also contain the extracts or oils of white birch.

An herbal tea is prepared by infusing the leaves of white birch and it is believed to be effective in dissolving kidney stones and eliminating gravel, provided one takes the tea in dosage of one to one-and-a-half cups daily. In addition, this tea or infusion is also employed in the form of a rinse or bath to treat additive skin disorders. Occasionally, practitioners of herbal medicine recommend a decoction prepared from white birch leaves to treat baldness. People enduring baldness may also apply freshly obtained juice of white birch leaves to their scalp. Often, white birch decoction is also employed in the form of a gentle tranquilizer, especially for people suffering from insomnia or sleeplessness. The decoction is also used in the form of a wash or added to bath water to treat chronic or acute skin disorders.

White birch contains a natural chemical called salicylate, which is also present in aspirin. Hence, this herb also works as a natural palliative. In fact, salicylate is effective in alleviating inflammation and pain associated with gout, arthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis, in addition to common muscle aches. In addition, salicylate also works to put off production of specific prostaglandins by our body that is related to pain, inflammation and fever, in addition to other things. Birch also has cleansing and diuretic actions, which not only help to get rid of toxic substances and surplus water from the body, but also helps to calm health conditions like arthritis and gout. In addition, it has been found that sweet birch is very effective in combating cellulite.

The leaves as well as the bark of white birch can also be employed in the form of an anti-bacterial diuretic for treating infections of the urinary tract as well as cystitis. In order to enhance the effects of the herb, and also reduce the burning sensation, you need to add a dash of baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) to the infusion prepared using the leaves or bark of the tree.

The white birch bark contains betulin as well as betulinic acid and they have shown some anti-tumour and anti-cancer attribute. However, none of them are recommended as an individual or sole treatment for cancer. Nevertheless, since the ancient times, white birch has been included in several healing remedies owing to the presence of these elements.

Side Effects and Cautions

Although the leaves and the bark of white birch have been important in folk medicine for several centuries, proper examination of the safety as well as the effectiveness of these leaves and bark is yet to be undertaken. Ongoing research on the anti-tumour aptitudes of the leaves and bark appear to be promising. However, scientists are of the view that more studies are necessary to ascertain its safety on humans.

White birch bark contains chemicals like betulin and betulinic acid, which possess astringent properties. As a result of this it may result in dermal irritation, particularly in people who have dry or sensitive skins. Moreover, as the chemical composition of birch extract and aspirin is the same, people who are allergic to aspirin ought to stay away from this herb. Similarly, people enduring from problems related to the heart and kidney should avoid this herb. Before concluding, it is worth mentioning that as experts are still not aware of the complete effects of these elements on humans, this herb should not be given to children, nursing mothers and women during pregnancy.

Common Names

• Black Pepper

Uses

The stimulating effect of the black pepper on the human digestive tract and circulatory system can be inferred from its familiar sharp taste, it can be used as a stimulant. Used by itself or as a part of some herbal remedies in combination with other well known herbs and spices, the black pepper is often used to warm the body, and to help in improving the performance of the digestive system, by stimulating its functioning, it is also used in the treatment of other disorders such as nausea, to treat all kinds of stomachache, to treat abdominal flatulence and abdominal bloating, it is also used in the treatment of constipation, and to treat people with a lack of appetite. As an herbal remedy, the essential oil from the black pepper is used to reduce the symptoms associated with rheumatic pain and to treat the painful sensations associated with toothaches and other dental problems. The black pepper based herbal remedies are also known to have antiseptic and antibacterial actions, and they are used in bringing about a reduction in the temperature of fever affected individuals.

Plants that are related to the black pepper vine such as the cubeb berries, which produces pepper like fruits closely akin in shape to the cubeb pepper, or the P. cubeba, also possess many beneficial chemical compounds which have seen commercial utilization as natural antiseptics, as herbal carminatives, and as diuretics for the treatment of different disorders and conditions. In the tropical countries where they grow, these peppers are also smoked as additives to cigarettes, after they have been ground down into powder form, the smoke is said to bring relief from throat inflammations affecting patients. In addition to this use, several throat relieving lozenges also contain the essential oil of the cubeb as an important constituent.

Common Names

• Dhup
• Frankincense
• Indian Olibanum
• Mastic
• Olibanum
• Salai Gugal

Uses

Frankincense has a number of uses. It is used to make perfumes as well as in aromatherapy. In addition, it is often incorporated in skincare products. Frankincense also yields an essential oil, which is obtained by means of steam distilling the dry resin. The aroma of frankincense smoke is partially attributed to products formed during pyrolysis or the decomposition of the resin.

Frankincense, also referred to as Boswellia, encloses an extract having potent anti-inflammatory attributes. People in India have used this extract over centuries to alleviate inflammations related to specific forms of arthritis. It is important to note that Boswellia is a herb which possesses anti-inflammatory qualities, but does not result in stomach irritation caused by several conventional NSAID's (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs).

This herb has several incredible effects, which are also beneficial for various other inflammatory conditions. It is particularly useful for treating chronic lower back or lumber pain. In addition, frankincense also helps in repairing blood vessels injured due to inflammation.

Frankincense essential oil has various uses, including its use in manufacture of incenses, perfumes, soaps, cosmetics as well as in the form of an additive and fragrance. It has been found that essential oil obtained from Boswellia works to renew aging skin, acts as a mild balancer for fatty or oily skin, prevent formation of wrinkles and probably also erases some of the existing wrinkles.

Numerous Christian churches, for instance, the Eastern Orthodox Church, Catholic Church and Oriental Orthodox Church, use frankincense during religious rituals. The gospel of Mathew 2:11 states that the gifts from the three wise men ‘from the East’ presented to baby Jesus included frankincense, myrrh and gold. People belonging to several faiths, including Christian, Islamic and Judaic as well as others, have been using a blend of frankincense and different oils to rub or sprinkle on infants, anoint initiates as well as people who are entering a new phase in their spiritual lives.

On the other hand, as Christianity spread in the 4th century A.D., the market for frankincense witnessed a significant depression. Moreover, the caravan route through the ‘Empty Quarter’ or Rub’ al Khali in the Arabian Peninsula became even more difficult as the area faced desertification. Trade in frankincense virtually shrunk after A.D. 300 following a rise in raids by the nomadic Parthians in what is now north-eastern Iran.

It is worth mentioning here that frankincense or the resin produced by trees belonging to the genus Boswellia is edible and has been utilized in preparing traditional remedies in Africa as well as Asia. These medications were recommended to promote digestion and improve the health of the skin. If you wish to use frankincense internally, you need to ensure that the substance is not only translucent, but also does not contain any brown or black contaminations. Ideally frankincense meant for internal consumption should have a pale yellowish hue with a hint of almost negligible green. Although frankincense is comparatively stickier than chewing gum, it is usually chewed in the same manner as you use chewing gum.

In Ayurveda Boswellia serrata or frankincense is generally called ‘dhoop.’ People in India have been using this substance over centuries to treat arthritis, foster healing of wounds, and reinforce the female hormone system as well as to purify the air. In Ayurveda, using frankincense is known as ‘dhoopan.’ People in India, Arabia, and East African regions believe that if you burn frankincense in your house every day, it helps to usher in good health and prosperity.

Boswellia carteri (B. Carteri): The extract of the resin obtained from this Boswellia species contains incensole acetate and triterpene acids, which show very strong actions that may possibly possess the aptitude to stimulate cytotoxicity specific to tumour cells. These activities are more distinguished in the case of different types of cancer cells. In addition, these chemical compounds present in Boswellia carteri extract also demonstrate positive influences on the immune system. Findings of studies published in BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine, a peer review journal, show that the essential oil of frankincense (Boswellia carteri) has the potential of emerging as an alternative agent to treat bladder cancer.

Side Effects and Cautions

Although it is generally safe to use the boswellia herb, especially when you are following the directions strictly, its use may result in some side effects like nausea, diarrhea or skin rash. However, such side effects occur seldom.

The boswellia herb should never be used for women during pregnancy and nursing mothers. Even young children and people suffering from serious problems related to the liver or kidneys should not use this herb. It is advisable that people with sensitive skin should use this herb cautiously, as it may cause skin irritations.

Common Names

• Pineapple

Uses

Tribal communities in Brazil have at all times held pineapple in high esteem and not only used this fruit as their stable food, but also as a constituent of a number of wines. After the primary explorers introduced pineapple to Europe, the syrupiness as well as the extraordinary look of this fruit made it an icon of imperial privilege. On the other hand, the pineapple was a symbol of friendship as well as cordiality in the American settlements. In effect, the hosts who provided their guests with such a rarely available and unusual fruit actually used it to declare their high standing in the society. This fruit was extremely well accepted in the American settlements, so much so that the confectioners even rented them out to families on a daily basis. This fruit encloses an enzyme which is now employed to soften meat. It is believed that this enzyme is so potent that people who are engaged in the job of cutting pineapples may often lose their fingerprints as they come in contact with this enzyme so frequently. Even the leaf of a number of varieties of pineapple is useful - they supply piňa fiber, which is used as thread for embroidery.

Traditional medicine in the tropical regions has employed pineapples to prepare medications for treating an assortment of illnesses varying from jaundice to constipation. During the initial stage of exploration by Europeans, sailors, who were deprived of fresh fruits on the ship, consumed pineapple when they came across this fruit and avoided scurvy, as it is rich in vitamin C content. As discussed earlier, pineapples enclose an enzyme called bromelain, which has the aptitude to break down protein and augment bleeding time and decreasing the formation of blood clots. In addition, bromelain has also found to be helpful in eliminating parasites like different worms.

Unripe pineapple is sour to taste, but consuming it helps to enhance digestion, augment appetite and also alleviates indigestion or dyspepsia. According to the herbal medicine practiced in India, pineapple is believed to work in the form of a tonic for the uterus. Consumption of ripe pineapple is refreshing as well as soothing and, hence, it is employed to eliminate gastrointestinal gas, and get rid of too much stomach acid. As the fruit is rich in fiber content, it helps in relieving constipation. The juice obtained from ripened pineapple stimulates digestion and also works as a diuretic. The leaves also possess therapeutic properties and are believed to be helpful in promoting menstrual periods as well as alleviating excruciating menstruation.

Other medical uses

• Toxic shock syndrome

Side Effects and Cautions

While pineapple is an extremely flavourful fruit that is liked by people worldwide, consuming it also has its downsides. For instance, drinking the juice of the unripe fruit may result in serious vomiting. On the other hand, ingesting bromelain is also known to have a number of rarely occurring side effects, including too much menstrual flow, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, in addition to developing skin rashes. If you consume this fruit in excessive amounts, you may possible experience distension of the cheeks and mouth.

Common Names

• Bookoo
• Buchu
• Bucku
• Diosma Betulina
• Oval Buchu
• Round Buchu
• Short Buchu
• Short-leaved Buchu
• Thumb

Uses

Long before the arrival of the Europeans, the indigenous tribes of southern Africa, especially members of the Khoi San tribe of Western Cape area, established the therapeutic use of buchu, especially using the plant to cure urinary problems. When the Dutch arrived in the region in the 17th century and set up their colonies in the Cape region, they were quick to pick up this herb from the natives to treat arthritis, kidney stones, muscle pains, cholera as well as infection of the urinary tract. English settlers in the region, who arrived after the Dutch, claimed that the herb helped them to treat almost all medical conditions suffered by humans. While the volatile oil present in buchu may be responsible for the herb's antiseptic and diuretic attributes, the effectiveness of the plant in curing sexually transmitted diseases is not substantiated scientifically.

It may be noted that two prescription drugs Odrinil and Fluidex, which facilitate in alleviating premenstrual bloating, contain buchu as an active ingredient. The Khoikhoin people of South Africa used buchu as a traditional medication for long and used this herb in the form of a common energizer or tonic as well as a diuretic. Buchu is potently fragrant and is taken internally as a carminative (a medication or substance that promotes expulsion of gas from the stomach) with a view to alleviate gas and bloating.

In 1790, buchu was exported to Britain for the first time and it was accepted as an official medication in 1821. Buchu was catalogued in the British Pharmacopoeia as a valuable medication for treating health conditions like cystitis (inflammation of the urinary bladder), urethritis (inflammation of the urethra), catarrh of the urinary bladder and nephritis (inflammation of the kidneys).

Generally speaking, contemporarily, buchu is employed in Western herbal medicine for similar kinds of urinary problems as the herb was used in the 12th century. Today, the herb is generally prescribed for infection of the urinary tract, frequently being successful in treating severe cases of cystitis when it is used in combination with other herbs, for instance juniper and corn silk. If preparations containing buchu are taken internally on a regular basis, this herb may help in preventing urethritis or periodic attacks of persistent cystitis. Additionally, buchu is also taken for treating prostatitis as well as irritable bladder, usually along with other herbs like corn silk and uva-ursi. Diosphenol is the active component of buchu and it possesses diuretic properties. This substance may partially be responsible for the antiseptic actions of the herb on the urinary system.

The infusion or tincture prepared with buchu is effective in treating urethritis and cystitis, particularly when these conditions are associated with a previously existing problem of Candida, for instance yeast infections. Generally, buchu infusion is preferable to the tincture, especially when the commencement of the contagion is unexpected. In addition, buchu infusion is also employed in the form of a douche for treating leucorrhea (a white vaginal discharge) and sometimes to treat infections caused by yeasts. Buchu is known to be a stimulant for the uterine and encloses pulegone, a substance that is also found in significant quantities in pennyroyal. Pulegone is a substance that causes abortion (abortifacient) as well as it is a potent emmanagogue (a medication or substance that encourages menstrual flow). However, here is a word of caution. Buchu should never be given during pregnancy.

Remedial preparations using leaves of buchu have a long account of being used in traditional herbal medication in the form of a disinfectant for the urinary tract as well as a diuretic. Since earliest days, practitioners of herbal medicine used buchu to cure inflammation of the urinary tract, in addition to the inflammation of the prostate. In Europe, herbalists also recommended the use of buchu for treating gout. Nevertheless, the innovative usage of buchu by the native tribes of southern Africa is yet to be ascertained since the word ‘buchu' is a common term used to describe aromatic plants. According to many researchers and herbalists, the native tribes of southern Africa possibly used buchu in the form of an insect repellent. In addition, they may have also used the herb internally to cure stomach disorders, problems of the urinary bladder as well as rheumatism.

Side Effects and Cautions

Generally considered to be a safe herb, buchu may also result in a number of side effects. For instance, buchu may cause gastrointestinal exasperation and, hence, it is advisable that you take this herb only with meals. In addition, buchu should not be given during pregnancy or to nursing mothers.

Common Names

• Butcher's Broom

Uses

Though the herb has many proven beneficial effects on disorders such as varicose veins and hemorrhoids, it is not as widely used as it used to be before - the herb may soon regain its position as new evidence supports the remedial benefits attributed to it. The diuretic action and moderately laxative property of both the aerial shoots and the rhizome is attested in the herbal traditions of Europe, where the herb used to be extensively used in these roles in the folk medicine.

Other medical uses

• Chronic venous insufficiency
• Lymphedema
• Swollen ankles

Side Effects and Cautions

The Food and Drug Administration still does not approve the medicinal use of the butcher's broom nor does it support any of the therapeutic benefits associated with this herb, since it has never been provided with proofs about its use as a therapeutic agent by the manufacturers of herbal products, for this reason, even when some basis for cautious optimism about the potentially medicinal benefits of the butcher's-broom exists, all would be consumers and patients must understand that all the therapeutic claims made for these products are illegal and have not been substantiated or proven. At the same time, it is inadvisable to use the butcher's broom remedy for circulatory disorders, or for that matter in treating any other potentially serious health problem, especially if this is carried out after self-diagnosis and the patient intends to self medicate - patients must always and without fail, consult a qualified doctor, whenever using herbal medicines, self-medication can be dangerous.

Common Names

• Bacc
• Calamus
• Flagroot
• Sweet Cane
• Sweet Flag
• Sweet Root
• Sweet Rush

Uses

Calamus has been used as an aphrodisiac in ancient Egypt and in India, for more than 2,500 years today. This wonder herb has been used for a variety of purposes throughout the world, by different people suffering from different ailments and disorders. While in Europe calamus was used as a stimulant for one's appetite, or even for other appetites, or to aid one's digestion, in North America the herb was used in the form of decoction for fevers, colics, and stomach cramps, while rhizome was chewed to help ease tooth ache. The powdered form was taken to treat congestion. As a matter of fact, the calamus has been used extensively in Western herbal medicine to provide effective relief from digestive problems such as flatulence, bloating, and weak digestive function. In Ayurvedic medicine too, calamus has been used to treat patients suffering from digestive disorders, as well as for ‘rejuvenating' the brain and the nervous system of the user. Calamus, particularly ‘A. calamus var. americanus', also known as one of the best antispasmodics, relieves intense spasms of the intestines. Calamus helps and relieves distended and uncomfortable stomachs, and also treats the intense headaches that are generally related to a weak digestion. Taken in small amounts, the drug can help reduce and relieve acidity of the stomach, while larger amounts would increase deficient acid production. This is a good example of the way in which the same drug, when used in different dosages, would produce entirely different results, and can therefore be used to treat different ailments.

Other medical uses

• Addictions

Common Names

• Cascara
• Cascara Buckthorn
• Cascara Sagrada
• Chittembark
• Sacred Bark

Uses

Patients affected by problems such as chronic constipation can be given the herbal cascara sagrada remedy as the plant induces peristalsis in the intestinal muscles and it is also known to tone the relaxed intestinal muscles in the digestive system of the affected patient. For this reason, many commercial laxatives contain the cascara sagrada as one of the key ingredients in the product. Small doses of the cascara sagrada can also be given as a tonic to the patients as the plant often helps promote the digestive process in patients affected by disorders in the digestion.

Side Effects and Cautions

A physician must always be present to supervise the use of cascara sagrada by women who are in a term of pregnancy and those who are lactating - such patients must not use the remedy unless a doctor is supervising the dosages. The cascara sagrada must also be avoided by all patients affected by an intestinal obstruction. The colon can be drastically weakened in its functioning due to abuse of cascara sagrada, using the herb for very long periods or abusing the doses of the herb can also lead to the drastic loss of electrolytes from the body - this is particularly evident in the depletion of the essential mineral potassium. The drastic loss of an essential mineral like potassium can often resemble the effects of the digitalis like medications; such a situation can lead to severe health complications and even death.

Common Names

• Cat's Claw
• Garabato
• Saventaro
• Una De Gato

Uses

The dosage specific data for the aqueous-alcoholic extracts given here are for dosage equivalent of 80 - 240 mg of the remedy per day, throughout the duration of the treatment period.

Some of the remedial properties of cat's claw were established during a placebo controlled trial involving twenty four test subjects, during a study period that lasted forty days-in this study, the mutagenic characteristic of smokers urine was seen to be reduced or negated by the cat's claw remedy, the same results were observed during a further case study which involved a testing group with only two subjects, and which went on for a study period lasting fifteen days - thus, in both trails the anti-mutagenic effects of the cat's claw were found to be confirmed.

In continental Europe, clinical use of the cat's claw herb is being made as a supplementary remedy or adjunct to some kinds of conventional therapies for the treatment of tumors in the brain - the herb is being used even though beneficial effects are based only on results from trials without blind controls and similar case studies, cat's claw is being used clinically particularly in the treatment of brain tumors like ependymoblastoma and astrocytoma. The cat's claw is believed to have helped maintain the remission from the tumors, as per results from a study over nineteen months involving more than seventy eight patients affected by tumors in the brain. The herbal remedy is also being employed in some studies to help maintain the remission rate, and it also aids in arresting the uncontrolled growth of the tumor. The cat's claw herb is also used as an agent to reduce the side effects accruing from the use of conventional chemical therapeutic agents in one clinical study of over nine years standing involving fifty three patients in various stages of remission. The cat's claw based herbal remedies have also been used in the treatment of disorders and diseases such as leukemia or blood cancer, in the treatment of glioma, in treating cervical carcinoma and adeno-carcinoma, it has been used in trails against testicular teratoma, and in clinical trails against skin cancer - melanoma and in the treatment of medulloblastoma in all kinds of patients under different studies.

In many HIV patients who are asymptomatic, the herbal remedies based on the cat's claw are used as an adjunct or secondary treatment to the primary treatment involving the chemical zidovudine or AZT, the herbal remedy helps primarily in maintaining the CD4 counts in the patients and such secondary doses of the herbal remedy are also believed to lead to an promotion of improved CD4 counts even in patients with symptoms according to the results of a test conducted on fourteen HIV positive patients in a clinical study lasting thirty months at a stretch.

Lymphocyte counts were normalized in thirteen HIV positive patients who had refused all conventional therapy, and used the remedy based on cat's claw herb alone, during a trial that lasted five months - other effects which were observed in the study included a reduction in the establishment of other well known opportunistic infections common to HIV positive patients such as the recurrent herpes simplex infections and many other fungal infections - that normally add to the health issues faced by HIV positive individuals before the onset of full blown AIDS.

The symptomatic outbreaks of the herpes virus can also be alleviated and reduced in intensity by the herbal remedies derived from the cat's claw herb.

Disorders such as arthritis are treated using the anti-inflammatory properties of the cat's claw herb, in such treatments , the herbal remedies made from the cat's claw are at times used by itself are in conjunction and supplementary to certain conventional analgesics. The cat's claw herb is used primarily to rid the symptomatic stiffness and swelling in the joints which are typical of arthritis and aids in reducing the need and the frequency of conventional drug dosage. The beneficial affects and pain relieving properties of the cat's claw was confirmed on six arthritic patients, who were given conventional remedies and the cat's claw, over an eighteen month study period, similar results were also obtained in seventy arthritic patients who were given the same types of dosages during a clinical study lasting nine weeks. The ability of the cat's claw herb in treating inflammations in the respiratory system as well as the gastrointestinal system have been confirmed in many pilot studies.

The ability of the cat's claw herb in protecting tissues against inflammation during acute and chronic inflammatory responses is confirmed from many animal and in vitro studies conducted to test this property; the herb can protect against stress induced ulcer formation and is also effective in shielding the body against NSAID enteropathy in individuals susceptible to such reactions. In many in vitro studies as well as in animal tests, the herb has been verified as having a very effective immuno stimulant action and is also characterized by strong anti-infectious powers. Anti-mutagenic properties and immuno modulator abilities possessed by the herb have also been confirmed in many in vitro studies carried out under stringent laboratory testing conditions. A powerful antioxidant action as well as a strong anti-neoplastic property is also seen in the cat's claw. In in-vitro studies, the cat's claw has been demonstrated to possess strong antiviral actions against RNA viruses - which are the causative agents for many destructive diseases in man. The contraceptive property of the cat's claw is suspected and is still to be verified in scientific tests. Further therapeutic actions and roles for the cat's claw herb have been identified in many recent in vitro studies, the results from these test indicate that the herb can actively inhibit the formation of amyloid fibrils and reduce the growth of such fibrils, if these properties are proven, than disorders such as Alzheimer's disease and diabetes mellitus may also be treatable using the cat's claw herb as a remedy.

Traditionally the peoples of Central and South America have made extensive use of the leaves, the stems, the roots and the bark of the cat's claw herb in the role of an inflammation reducing medication, they have used the herb as an immuno modulating agent and as a vulnerary remedy. Disorders and conditions of many types have been traditionally treated using the herb, the various conditions treated include rheumatism and asthma, arthritis and all types of cancers, they have made extensive use of the herbal remedy in the treatment of persistent fever, they have used the herb in the treatment of many types of infectious diseases. The herb has also been used as a topical agent against external and internal problems such as skin or oral abscesses and all kinds of physical wounds, it has been used to soothe "bone pains," and to treat skin impurities as an herbal detoxification agent, it is used in the treatment of urinary tract infections and to treat physical weakness in frail individuals. The herb is used in the treatment of internal hemorrhage and used in the postpartum recovery action to heal excessive bleeding in internal areas of the body, as a prophylactic agent, the cat's claw is used as a preventive herb against various diseases and is used as a general agent to achieve “normalization of the body” in metabolically frail individuals. As an internal medication the cat's claw has been used as a detoxification agent to purify blood, it is used to cleanse the renal system, women use it as an herbal menstrual cycle regulator and some have even used it in the role of an herbal contraceptive agent.

Besides those uses mentioned, common disorders such as dysentery and diarrhea, stomach problems and inflammation in the bowels are also treated using the cat's claw as a remedy, the herbal remedies based on the cat's claw are also used to eliminate gallstones in the body of affected individuals. The main therapeutic uses and claims specific to the cat's claw in the North American herbal market, is the use of the cat's claw mainly as an herbal remedy for the treatment of various inflammatory and autoimmune disorders, and serious diseases such as HIV and as a herbal treatment for various cancers in the body.

Other medical uses

• Breast cancer
• Endometrial cancer
• Kidney cancer
• Lung cancer

Side Effects and Cautions

As far as all the use of cat's claw herbal remedies are concerned, there is no report of the side effects or serious adverse reactions till date and the herb can be classed as a rather safe herbal remedy. At the same time, in the clinical treatment of some types of autoimmune illnesses, in the treatment of multiple sclerosis, and in the treatment of tuberculosis, the herbal cat's claw remedy has been contraindicated and its use is not advised. The combination of this herbal remedy with various vaccines, with hormonal doses and with insulin is by and large avoided and frowned upon by many European practitioners. It is also advisable to be cautious and avoid giving pregnant or lactating women cat's claw based remedies till such times that the herb is proven to be completely safe.

Common Names

• Catuaba

Uses

The principal use of the catuaba is in the role of an herbal aphrodisiac, to treat impotence and prostatitis in men.

Some of the beneficial effects of the catuaba remedy for the specific health conditions are:

HIV / AIDS. Catuaba is the first herbal remedy investigated by scientist as possessing some beneficial effect against the HIV. The results of scientific studies conducted in Japan have shown that remedies made from the catuaba inhibit the ability of the HIV to cause destruction of cells. The study also found that the herbal remedy actually protected people with full blown AIDS against the infection from opportunistic pathogens such as Escherichia coli - E. coli or Staphylococcus aureus - such an infection would be dangerous from the point of view of the patient with a crippled immune system as all AIDS patients invariably are. The main strategy to use the catuaba is as a defense against opportunistic pathogens that take advantage of the crippled immune system of the patient, the herb is not intended to be the primary treatment for AIDS. The catuaba herb is also effective in the treatment of impotence and prostatitis that affects many men. In the traditional herbal lore of Brazil, catuaba is the most potent aphrodisiac plant, it is reputed for its unique ability to strengthen and prolong erections in men. The indigenous natives of the Brazilian rain forest such as the Tupi people were the first ones to discover the sexual stimulating abilities of the plant, and as a result, they have even recorded its special qualities in tribal songs. The use of the catuaba is said to bring on an increase in incidences of erotic dreaming and is also said to increase the sexual interest felt by the person. Some other properties of this herb are its ability to normalize the functioning of the prostate gland and to prevent the re-infection of the prostate with the E. coli bacterium.

Common Names

• Capsaicin
• Capsicum
• Cayenne
• Chili Pepper

Uses

The temperature regulation center in the human body is altered by the presence of the compound capsaicin, the presence of capsaicin in the body also leads to the stimulation of the circulation system. The compound capsaicin has often been used in the past as a local analgesic, due to its effect of desensitizing the local nerve endings when it is applied on to the skin. Potent antibiotic properties are believed to be possessed by the compounds called capsicidins present in the seeds of the cayenne pepper.

In disorders such as impaired circulation and related diseases in the body, the heating qualities possessed by the herb makes it an extremely valuable all round remedy. The particular value of cayenne lies in the fact that it has a tendency to promote the flow of blood to the hands and feet and improves general circulation within the central organs of the body.

The cayenne also has a mild local analgesic effect when it is topically applied on the skin. A distinct rubefacient property is also evident in the cayenne, the pepper aids in bringing an increase in the blood flow to the troubled areas of the body, a factor that aids in the stimulation of impaired circulation during disorders such as "cold" rheumatic and arthritic conditions, this property of the cayenne enables it to help in the rapid elimination of accumulated waste products in the body and leads to an increase in the flow of nutrients to all the tissues in the body of a person. Unbroken skin in case of chilblains can also be treated using the cayenne herbal remedy. Aside from these uses, the traditional herbal remedy for those susceptible to suffer from persistent cold feet is to put cayenne herbal remedy in the socks.

Digestion can be promoted by taking the herbal cayenne remedy, the remedy aids in increasing the secretion of the digestive juices and also aids in relieving excess abdominal gases and colic at the same time. Infection present in the digestive system can be effectively countered by taking the cayenne remedy, at the same time, the cayenne remedy also aids in the prevention of various infections from taking a hold on the digestive system of the individual. Sore throats can be effectively treated making a throat gargle from a single pinch of the cayenne. Though it may sound unlikely, at least some types of diarrhea can also be treated using the cayenne based remedies.

Other medical uses

• Homeopathy
• Addictions
• Lung cancer
• Osteoarthritis
• Tension headache

Side Effects and Cautions

Some precautions need to be taken when using cayenne based herbal remedies. During the initial stage of use, when applying for the first few times, the cayenne can induce a mild burning sensation, the burning sensation may even be quite severe if the cayenne remedy is accidentally applied to very sensitive areas of the body, such as the eyes of the person - aside from such minor irritation, the capsaicin cream induces no severe side effects in the body. Internal ulcers can be caused by very high intake of the cayenne, however, the full benefits are usually not achievable by taking the minimal or sensible dose, and dosages need to be hiked for real benefits in most cases. Allergies can develop in people from any substance on the face of the earth, for this reason, similar to all other applications meant for use on the skin, only a small spot on the skin of the person must be rubbed initially with the cayenne cream to check for irritation and allergic reactions, this is a precautionary measure as some individuals may have an allergic reaction to the cream.

Common Names

• Celery
• Marsh Parsley
• Smallage
• Wild Celery

Uses

The historical records suggest that the cultivation of celery as a food crop is at least 3,000 years old. The celery was most probably cultivated the earliest in Egypt of the pharaohs. We also knew that the Chinese were familiar with the plant by the 5th century BC. Celery has been used as a food plant throughout history as far as we know, and the belief is that at different times in many civilizations the whole herb and the seeds were used as major herbal medications by people. Celery seeds are still used today as an herbal treatment for gout and different rheumatic complaints. The remedy made from celery seeds aid the kidneys in eliminating urates and other metabolic waste products that needs to be expelled from the body. The celery seed remedy also actively works to lower the general acidity in the human body. The remedy made from the seeds of the celery are also helpful in treating arthritis, this remedy helps the body in detoxifying itself and also boosts the circulation of blood to the joints and general musculature. The potent anti-septic action and mild diuretic effect of the celery seeds comes in handy in the treatment of many disorders affecting the human body. The remedy is very effective in treating cystitis and helps to disinfect the bladder and urinary tubules - aiding the body in detoxification and elimination of metabolic waste and other toxins. A juice mixture of the celery and organically grown carrot makes for a really nutritious and cleansing drink that is not only wholesome and nutritious but is also excellent for alleviating many chronic disorders affecting a person.

Other medical uses

• Altitude sickness
• Glue ear
• Stomach cancer
• Remedies made from the seeds of the celery are also beneficial for treating problems affecting the chest including asthma and bronchitis, and whenever these remedies are used mixed with other beneficial herbs, they help in reducing elevated blood pressure in the body

Common Names

• False Chamomile
• German Chamomile
• Hungarian Chamomile

Uses

Digestive problems of all types have been treated using the herbal remedies derived from the German chamomile at least since the 1st century AD and this herb is a traditional recognized medication for all such conditions. The herbal remedies made from the chamomile are very gentle acting and efficient, this is the reason that the chamomile is considered ideal for the treatment of conditions in children. Disorders such as abdominal pain, persistent indigestion, problems related to acidity, excess gas, conditions such as gastritis, abdominal bloating, and colic are normally treated using German chamomile. In addition, the remedies made from the chamomile is used in the treatment of conditions such as hiatus hernia, disorders like peptic ulcer, it is used in the treatment of Crohn's disease, and to treat the symptoms related to the irritable bowel syndrome.

The active chemical compound in the German chamomile is the compound known as spiroether, which has a very strong antispasmodic action, and it helps in relaxing muscular tension, it also soothes aching muscles and helps in easing the menstrual pain in women affected by such disorders during menstruation. Irritability is also relieved by the chamomile herb which also promotes sleep, particularly in affected children - this herbal remedy is suitable for use with children.

Disorders such as the hay fever and conditions like asthma are also treated using the remedies prepared from the German chamomile. When put under steam distillation, compounds known as proazulenes in the chamomile herb produce chamazulene, this secondary compound is markedly anti-allergenic in its action and helps alleviate all the symptoms associated with allergies in the body. Topical treatments can also be prepared from the chamomile, and remedies prepared from the herb can be applied on to sore and itchy skin and it can also be used in the treatment of disorders such as eczema. Eyestrain and other optic disorders can also be relieved using herbal remedies made from the chamomile herb.

Other medical uses

• Abscess
• Endometrial cancer
• Gastritis
• Incontinence, fecal
• Urinary incontinence
• Wrinkles
• Septicemia

Side Effects and Cautions

While not common in occurrence, it is known that some patients develop allergic reactions to chamomile and such cases have been reported now and then. Some of the typical allergic reactions which have been reported include bronchial constriction with ingested remedies and even allergic skin reactions with the topical cream. Though rare in occurrence, these types of side effects can happen and all individuals already developed with allergies to plants of the Asteraceae family - which includes herbs such as the ragweed, the aster, and the chrysanthemum should try to avoid the use of herbal remedies made from the chamomile. It is also advised, that teething babies not be given any herbal preparations made from the chamomile.

Common Names

• Agnus Castus
• Chaste Berry
• Chaste Tree
• Monk's Pepper
• Vitex

Uses

The regulation of female hormones can be one of the most useful purposes of the chaste berry. The chaste tree can help to balance estrogen and progesterone production by the ovaries throughout the menstrual cycle by increasing progesterogenic activity, and this is the reason why many Western herbalists prefer the chaste tree for treating menstrual problems, like for example premenstrual syndrome and the symptoms that accompany it, irregular or absent periods, and other related disorders. Among the several symptoms of PMS are bloating, tenderness and breast swelling, irritability, and depression, and these symptoms can be contained and the discomfort related to them reduced considerably with the help of the chaste berry. However, the herb must be taken for several months if one were to start to experience the benefits. Irregular periods can be regulated with the herb: while a longer cycle can be shortened, a shorter one can be lengthened. Migraine and acne, disorders related to the menstrual cycle can also be handled with the chaste berry. In cases where the woman is infertile because of decreased levels of progesterone, chaste tree can help alleviate the symptoms and increase production.

Other medical uses

• Homeopathy
• Breast cancer

Side Effects and Cautions

There have been no real reported side effects for those taking chaste tree. However, there have been some reports of minor gastrointestinal upsets and mild skin rashes with itching in less than 2 percent of the women monitored while they were on chaste tree treatment. As is the rule, chaste tree is not recommended for women during pregnancy or during lactation.

Common Names

• Cinnamon
• Dalcini
• Gui
• Twak
• Yueh-kuei

Uses

The anti-viral and stimulating properties of the volatile cinnamon oil is the prime reason for the medicinal value of the herb and the oil is the single most important product from the plant as far as its use in herbal medicine is concerned.

The herbal remedies made from the cinnamon can help in relieving cramps, they can help in alleviating colic, and they also act as an herbal relaxant, helping reduce the general anxiety and stress in affected patients. The volatile oil of the cinnamon contains a chemical called eugenol which can aid in relieving pain in the body, particularly in such instances as when it is used as a liniment during the treatment of arthritis, this chemical is also helpful in reducing the pain of a toothache as it deadens the nerve ending. At the same time, the remedial properties of the plant come into full effectiveness against disorders such as persistent headaches, against muscle pain and neuralgia in the body.

The herbal remedies based on the cinnamon plant are also useful stimulants of the digestive system and have a warming effect on the body, they are also very useful in cases of weakened digestion in the digestive system, the remedies are also useful against colic, in the treatment of griping pains, in the treatment of disorders such as diarrhea, and in the treatment of nausea and vomiting, as well as in alleviating excess wind and distension in the abdominal region. Other chemicals in the plant also come into play and give the herbal remedy many unique properties, for example, an astringent action is ascribed to the tannins, this property of the herb is also successful in stemming the bleeding during heavy nosebleeds, it can be used to stanch heavy periods and aids in resolving diarrhea and problems such as catarrhal congestion in different patients. Excess perspiration can also be stopped if the cinnamon is taken as a cold herbal remedy.

Cinnamon was traditionally used as a herbal warming agent, in the herbal medicine of both India and Europe, the herb was a treatment for "cold" conditions and was believed to induce warmth in the patient, cinnamon remedies were traditionally also taken combined with some ginger - spp. Zingiber officinale to induce the warmth in the body. Circulation in the body is stimulated by the herb, and the remedy is particularly relevant to the circulation in the fingers and toes - when such extremities of the body become to cold. Traditional healers also made extensive use of the herbal cinnamon based remedies as a treatment for all sorts of digestive problems, specifically in the treatment of nausea, to treat cases of vomiting and diarrhea, it was also used in the treatment of various aches, to treat cramped muscles and in the treatment of other symptoms ascribed to viral infections such as the common cold and flu.

Cinnamon is also used extensively and as a specific herbal remedy in patients with debilitations, it is also a major herbal remedy during the convalescence process from physical and mental injuries.

Menstrual bleeding is also encouraged by the herb and it is believed to posses a slight emmenagogic ability - thus capable of aiding in the active stimulation of the uterus in women affected by menstrual problems. The contraceptive action of the cinnamon is made use of in India, and the herb is usually taken by women following childbirth in this role as a guard against early pregnancy. Other medical uses

• Altitude sickness
• Tennis elbow

Common Names

• Corn
• Corn Silk
• Indian Corn
• Maize
• Yu Mi Shu

Uses

A variety of herbal remedies are prepared from different parts of the corn plant, a very soothing and relaxing diuretic action is possessed by the corn silk. Traditionally, this part of the plant has been also used as an effective remedy for the treatment of acute inflammation and chronic physical irritation present in the urino-genital system of patients; these include problems including cystitis, disorders such as urethritis and cases of prostatitis in men. Bladder infections and urinary tract infection in children are disorders which especially benefit from treatment using the corn silk - this remedy is very useful in both cases. A strong antiseptic and ameliorative action is present in the corn silk, at the same time, the remedy is used in removing toxins from the body, in the treatment of congestion and catarrh, in the reduction of deposits and irritants from the kidneys and urinary bladder - the detoxification power of the corn silk is extremely valuable in a variety of ways for different patients. The remedial action of the corn silk has been effectively used in the removal of urinary stones and accumulated gravel in the urinary tract, it is also used extensively where chronic bladder irritation and physical bladder weakening have led the to the development of a frequent need for urination and perhaps to the display of sudden bedwetting behavior by the patient.

The urinary system responds very well to the corn silk as a remedial measure partly due to the presence of significant amounts of the essential mineral potassium in the corn silk, and also due to its diuretic action - the corn silk can therefore serve as a general remedy for the majority of problems likely to affect the urinary system. The flow of urine, and the elimination of toxins is increased by the corn silk remedy, the herbal remedy also relaxes and soothes the muscular lining of the urinary tubules and the muscular urinary bladder itself, this action helps in relieving any physical irritation in the bladder and improves the condition of the patient. The remedies made from corn silk work by alleviating the irritation at the site or localized area in those cases where a chronic irritation affects the urinary bladder and the urethral walls leading to the frequent urination, the corn silk also acts locally on prostate disorders which give rise to an inability to pass urine properly.

Topical problems and skin irritations as well as inflammation can also be treated effectively and benefit from the corn silk's healing and soothing abilities - as an external or topical treatment, the corn silk is also excellent for rapidly healing wounds and all types of ulcers affecting the skin.

A great range of illnesses was also treated using simple corn meal by most Native Americans, who made extensive use of this form of the corn in traditional remedies. In fact, corn meal is known to have been used by the ancient Mayan, the ancient Incan, and all Native American folks as a part of their herbal medicines, a simple poultice made from corn meal was used for the topical treatment of bruises, in the treatment of swellings on the body, to treat various sores and to heal boils, and in the treatment of nicks, cuts and all types of topical problems on the skin. Corn was also used in other ways in the Native American traditional medicine system, for example, in his book the “American Indian Medicine”- published 1970, Vogel has writes that "the Chickasaw Indians treated itching skin, followed by sores when scratched, by burning old corncobs and holding the affected part over the smoke.", thus even the cobs were used by the native peoples in medicine.

Corn silk is also used in the medical system of China, where problems such as internal fluid retention and jaundice are treated using the corn silk.

The lowering of elevated blood pressure may also be made possible by taking corn silk as the remedy tends to reduce the retention of fluid in all tissues of the body, at the same time, the corn silk also helps in the quick detoxification and rapid elimination of all accumulated toxins and metabolic wastes in the body - due to this, the remedy aids in relieving the symptoms of gout and disorders associated with arthritis. As a remedy, it is considered to have a thorough but gentle detoxifying effect on the body.

Other medical uses

• Temporomandibular joint syndrome or disorder TMJ (TMD)

Common Names

• Couch Grass
• Dog Grass
• Quack Grass
• Witchgrass

Uses

Rhizomes of couch grass possess several medicinal properties and are especially used to treat problems of the urinary tract, kidney, gallbladder and prostate glands. In addition, medications prepared with the slender tubular roots of the plant are also used to heal gout and rheumatism.

As the couch grass possesses mild, but effectual diuretic (increasing the flow of urine) and demulcent (mollifying or soothing) properties, it is extensively used to treat different types of urinary tract contagions, including cystitis and urethritis (inflammation of the urethra). Using couch grass in such conditions has a double impact - first, it guards the urinary tubules against several types of contagions and annoyances, and, second, it augments the flow of urine. In addition, couch grass may also be used in combination with other herbs for a variety of remedial processes - treating kidney stones, alleviating inflammation as well as cut wounds or laceration. It is believed that couch grass is highly effective in dissolving kidney stones to a great extent and, in any case, does not allow further extension of the stones. Taking a decoction prepared with couch grass over a period of time has been found to be effective in healing expanded prostate glands as well as prostatitis (inflammation of the prostate gland). In earlier days, herbalists also recommended couch grass for treating gout and rheumatism. German herbal medicine practitioners externally apply a hot and wet pack of heated seeds of couch grass on the abdomen to alleviate peptic ulcers (an ulcer of the upper digestive tract, frequently in the stomach or duodenum). In addition, the juice extracted from the couch grass roots has been traditionally used to heal jaundice and additional disorders of the liver.

Couch grass is especially effective in alleviating the occurrence as well as the soreness of urination - an effectual medication for dysuria (difficult and painful urination) and strangury (a condition marked by slow, painful urination, caused by muscular spasms of the urethra and bladder). This herb may be given to patients when they are enduring any kind of urinary tract inflammation and even in condition wherein too much of pus, mucus or blood passed in the urine. In an indirect manner, couch grass works as a substitute by sweeping away disintegrated substances through the renal organs. The gelatinous substances present in couch grass helps the herb to soothe the mucus membranes and its mollifying properties aid in alleviating annoyance and soreness.

As discussed earlier, the herb is believed to be effective in healing swollen prostate glands and also may be administered to dissolve kidney stones and gravel. Since coach grass possesses diuretic properties (stimulating the flow of urine), it may be used in combination with additional herbs to treat rheumatism (rheumatoid arthritis). In addition, herbalists also recommend the use of couch grass to heal gout. To treat infections of the urinary tract, couch grass is usually used in combination with other herbs like yarrow, uva ursi (bearberry) and buchu. On the other hand, couch grass is used concurrently with hydrangea to treat prostate problems. The herb is used extensively to treat cystitis and also as a remedy for catarrhal disease of the gallbladder. In addition, the herb provides relief from exasperation of the urinary passage and also alleviates soreness in patients having kidney gravel.

Herbal medicine practitioners also recommend the use of couch grass to treat rheumatoid arthritis. The diuretic properties of couch grass is attributed to the sugar content of the herb and for best results it is given in the form of infusion. Add one ounce of couch grass root to a pint of simmering water to prepare the infusion and is taken in doses of a wineglassful. Couch grass may also be given in the form of a decoction prepared by adding two to four ounces of the roots of the plant in a quart of water. Boil the substance in water till the amount of the solution reduces to one pint. On the other hand, the liquid extracted from couch grass is added with water and given in dosages of half to two teaspoonfuls for treating gout and rheumatism.

It is important to note that though the use of couch grass as a herbal remedy has declined over the years, it is official in the Indian and Colonial Addendum of the British Pharmacopoeia for the use of the herb for remedial purposes under Britain's possession - Australasia, Northern and Eastern American colonies. People in these regions used the herb extensively to treat various conditions.

Common Names

• Blow Ball
• Cankerwort
• Dandelion
• Lion's Tooth
• Pissabed
• Priest's-crown
• Puff Ball
• Pu Gong Ying
• Pu-kung-ying
• Swine Snout
• Telltime
• White Endive
• Wild Endive

Uses

The herbal remedies made from the leaves of the dandelion are used as a diuretic, it is also used in the treatment of high blood pressure which it accomplishes by reducing the total volume of fluid present in the body at any time.

As a detoxification agent, the root of the dandelion herb is considered to be one of the most effective and beneficial herbal remedies. The waste products accumulated in the liver and the gall bladder is removed by this herbal remedy and it principally affects the functioning of the liver and the gallbladder. The kidneys are also stimulated by the dandelion at the same time and it enables the rapid removal toxins through the urine produced. The root of the dandelion is known to be a remarkably well balanced herbal remedy, the steady and gradual elimination of toxins accumulating in the body due to infection or pollution is accelerated by the root of the dandelion. In the treatment of a variety of conditions, the dandelion possesses major and effective therapeutic benefits, these include the treatment of persistent constipation, the treatment of various types of skin problems, including acne, and eczema, and diseases like psoriasis. The root also treats other types of arthritic conditions, including severe conditions such as osteoarthritis, and disorders like gout.

The gallbladder is markedly affected by both the dandelion root and the dandelion leaf remedies, these herbal remedies can also be used to prevent the formation of gallstones in the gallbladder. If gallstones are already present, then the remedy made from the dandelion leaf may still help, by dissolving such gallstones aiding in their elimination.

Various conditions such as warts, all types of fungus infections, and malignant growths within the body and on the outside, the presence of ulceration in the urinary passages can all be treated using the herbal remedies made from the dandelion. The remedies made from the dandelion possess a laxative action, they can be used to treat disorders in the stomach, and the herb promotes healthy circulation in the body, it also tones the skin, and is considered a cleanser and strengthener of blood vessels. Rheumatism is cured by the remedies made from the dandelion, it can also be used in the treatment of badly affected arthritic joints, and as an herbal remedy it is a marvelous and effective general tonic. A fine herbal wine can be produced from the dandelion, it is furthermore used in the manufacture of a great herbal beer, the dried herb is an excellent substitute for coffee, it is used in the manufacture of an excellent food for birds, it is used to rear bees in apiculture, it is fed to pigs and rabbits in the farm, and even people consume the plant as food.

Other medical uses

• Abscess
• Addictions

Side Effects and Cautions

Large side effects and significant toxic properties appear to be absent in the herbal remedies made from the dandelion herb. However, a few individuals do tend to develop a reaction in the form of a skin rash - called an allergic dermatitis, which often occurs following the repeated contact of the skin with remedies made from the herb. At the same time, it can be said that, patients in general must not expect any significant therapeutic benefits from the use of any form of herbal remedy derived from the dandelion. Aside from their slight laxative action, the roots of the dandelion affect only positive changes in the body, including the stimulation of the appetite and the boosting of the digestive process. The temporary diuretic action of the herbal remedy made from the leaves of the dandelion plant is also well known, this particular remedy seems to have no other side effects in the body. At the same time, a lot of positive sides exist, and a lot of people do enjoy eating dandelion greens, the plant is as has been mentioned, a fairly good source of the vitamin A - and it can be used in this role itself.

It is suggested that individuals with developed gallstones must use remedies made from the dandelion leaves and roots with extra caution. The consumption of dandelion should not be contemplated at all, if the person suffers from any form of physical obstruction in the bile ducts. Dandelion may cause an overproduction of the stomach acids and for people affected by long term and persistent cases of stomach ulcer or gastritis, the use of dandelion should done with extreme caution. Before taking any dandelion leaves, individuals who tend to experience fluid or water retention must make sure that they consult a nutritionally oriented and professional doctor - this must be done to avoid any side effects which can come unnoticed. The supervising doctor of the person taking the dandelion leaves should monitor the potassium levels in his or her patient at all times, during the duration of the supplemental period.

Common Names

• Devil's Claw

Uses

Different tribal people in South Africa have traditionally used the devil's claw as a part of their herbal remedies; these include the Khoikhoin and the Bantu peoples. The tonic made from the devil's claw has traditionally been used very widely and it has many purported benefits, particularly in the alleviation of various digestive problems. The herbal tonic has also been used in the treatment of arthritis and long term rheumatism; it has been used to reduce persistent fevers. The herbal remedies made from the devil's claw has also seen widespread use in the form of an ointment to treat sores, various types of ulcers, and boils on the skin.

The use of the herbal remedies made from the devil's claw, today in the West is broadly similar to its traditional application and use in tribal medicine. Many herbal shops commonly stock the devil's claw as over the counter medication, in tablet form for the treatment of arthritic and rheumatic conditions. The herbal remedy can help relieve pain produced by a range of joint and muscular problems, which can include the common gout, all forms of back pain, disorders such as fibrositis, and long term rheumatoid arthritis.

A variety of conditions are treated using the remedies made from the devil's claw. This herb is usually recommended for the treatment of conditions such as all forms of disorders and diseases affecting the liver, the conditions affecting the kidneys, and the urinary bladder, it is also used in the treatment of various allergies, and disorders such as long term arteriosclerosis, it is used in the treatment of lumbago and other back problems, it is used in the treatment of different types of gastrointestinal disturbances, it is used in the treatment of many forms of menstrual difficulties. Conditions such as neuralgia and persistent headache are treated using the herb. The herb is also used in the treatment of climacteric -change of life - induced problems and conditions, it is used in the treatment of heartburn, to treat nicotine poisoning, and last but not least, in the treatment of rheumatism and arthritis in patients. The devil's claw supposed ability to induce abortion in users remains unverified and is probably false. This rumor may have developed due to the misinterpretation of an early statement by Watt and Breyer-Brandwijk who stated that the herb was extensively used by African natives to help alleviate the pain felt by pregnant women and who also reported its widespread use in native women anticipating a difficult delivery or long labor. Some still consider this herb a “wonder” even when they discounted this supposed bad property, as a lot of therapeutic activities can be attributed to the devil's claw.

Other medical uses

• Temporomandibular joint syndrome or disorder / TMJ (TMD)

Side Effects and Cautions

The ability of the herbal remedy made from the devil's claw to promote the production of stomach acid is well known. For this reason, individuals affected by gastric or duodenal ulcers should desist from using the herb in any form, as it may result in unpleasant and painful side effects.

Common Names

• Black Sampson
• Echinacea
• Purple Coneflower
• Red Sunflower
• Sacred Plant
• Sampson Root

Uses

Echinacea was traditionally used by the North American Comanche tribe used as an herbal remedy for toothaches and sore throats. While the Sioux, another major North American tribe, used it for the treatment of rabies, any snakebite, and for all septic conditions arising from injury.

The ability of the herb to enhance and boost the performance of the immune system is well known traditionally and has been extensively documented down the years. In addition, the herbal remedies made from the Echinacea possess an antibiotic action and also act like interferons in their anti-viral action within the body. The herbal remedy is also known to have an amazing fungicidal effect and it is extensively used as an anti-allergenic herbal remedy. Some studies have also recorded the Echinacea as possessing an anti-tumor activity. Most native American tribes used herbal preparations of the Echinacea herb for many topical herbal treatments including the healing of all physical wounds and for the treatment of snake bites, the herbal remedy was also used in the treatment of infected conditions, it was used in the treatment of sore throats and to treat burns on the skin. Nowadays, the herbal remedies derived from the Echinacea herb also function as a blood cleansing remedy for the holistic treatment of various skin problems including boils and all types of topical and internal abscesses, the herbal remedy is also used in the treatment of all kinds of allergies, and related skin conditions like the eczema and urticaria, it is increasingly used in the treatment of different types of infections such as tonsillitis, the common colds, the flu, and various other chest infections. The herbal remedy is also used in the treatment of asthma, and other viral diseases like the glandular fever, it is also used in the treatment of candidiasis and to suppress post-viral fatigue syndrome in patients. Research is still being conducted on the possible beneficial effects of Echinacea treatment on symptoms of HIV and AIDS in patients. Respiratory problems and chilblains are also treated using the herbal remedies prepared from the Echinacea herb, and the herb is known to be very effective against throat infections, when it is used as an oral gargling solution.

The circulation of blood in the body is benefited by the stimulating effect of the Echinacea herb, this is especially true when the herb is taken in the form of a hot infusion, the hot herbal infusion also helps by stimulating the process of sweating and this rapidly brings the fevers down, while at the same time enhancing the natural defenses of the body and enabling the immune system to shake off the infection, which has induced the condition of fever initially. Echinacea also possesses a strong anti-inflammatory effect on the body, this ability is particularly important in the treatment of long term arthritis and in the treatment of gout. This property of the herb is also good for all types of inflammatory conditions affecting the reproductive system in women; these can include disorders such as the common pelvic inflammatory disease and related conditions. The immediate use of Echinacea must be contemplated when the first signs and symptoms of disease become apparent, in order to take full advantage of its strong immune-enhancing properties. If the herbal remedy is given during the early stages of the infection, this ability will help in the rapid clearing of the infection, this quick use of the herbal remedy during the early stages of infection is especially important for individuals with weak and run down immune functioning or malfunctioning immune systems - the deficient functioning system will be buffered by the herbal remedy and greater protection will be afforded to people who are prone to get one infection after another in succession.

Echinacea has been attributed various beneficial and positive activities and actions in the body. The most important and the probably the best substantiated is its effect as an immune system stimulant. Three different and distinct bio-chemical mechanisms are said to be bring about by this particular property of the herb inside the body, one is the stimulation by the herb of phagocytosis, the second is the herbs ability to increase the rate of respiratory activity, and the third is the ability of the herb to cause an increased mobility of the leukocytes within the body. At the same time, the exact causes and the actual reason or the principles behind the remedial action remains a mystery for further research to uncover over time. Some generalizations can be arrived at the high-molecular-weight polysaccharides are effective without a doubt in some way throughout the process, the stimulation of phagocytosis however, is apparently enhanced by other components connected to the alkamide fraction-mainly isobutylamides, it is also pushed ahead by the glycoproteins in the herb, and by the action of the cichoric acid in the remedy.

Other medical uses

• Abscess
• Hantavirus
• Herpes
• Pharyngitis
• Scarlet fever
• Septicemia
• Strep Throat
• Toxic shock syndrome

Side Effects and Cautions

If used orally, the herbal remedies made from the Echinacea are essentially nontoxic in nature and produce no side effects. However, the use of Echinacea by certain individuals must be under the supervision of a doctor or following consulting with a qualified physician, this is the case if such individuals are affected by any form of autoimmune illnesses, including the condition known as lupus, or even any other progressive diseases, including tuberculosis and multiple sclerosis especially, if the person has been affected by the condition over the long period of time. Echinacea must be used with extreme caution by all individuals who develop allergic reactions to the flowers of the daisy family - as the Echinacea flowers might also trigger some allergic response for the body. Pregnant and lactating women can use the Echinacea remedies in the same way as other people, and in similar doses to other safe herbs, as there does not seem to be any known contraindications with the therapeutic use of Echinacea during a term of pregnancy or its use by nursing mothers.

Common Names

• Cowplant
• Gurmabooti
• Gurmar
• Gymnema
• Meshasringi (ram's horn)
• Periploca Of The Woods

Uses

This species is native to the tropical forest regions of south and central India and also growing in some tropical regions of Africa. Since long, herbalists in India have used Gymnema Sylvestre for various therapeutic purposes. The long lance-shaped leaves of this slender woody climbing herb have been used to treat diabetes for over 2,000 years. The main attributes of this plant and its basic use in traditional Indian medicine is best described by the Hindu term ‘gumar' denoting ‘sugar destroyer'. Gymnema Sylvestre is such a potent herb that its powdered roots has been employed to heal snake bites, stomach disorders, liver ailments, excessive water retention by the body as well as constipation. Physicians in India state that this herb is not only used to effectively treat diabetes mellitus, but also as food additives against caries (decay of bones as in dental caries) and obesity. In addition, Gymnema Sylvestre is also believed to possess antiviral, anti-allergic, lipid lowering as well as other useful actions. It has also been found that the use of this herb facilitates in lowering the levels of cholesterol and triglycerides in the bloodstream.

Ayurvedic physicians in ancient times noted that chewing up a small number of gymnema leaves helped to restrain the flavour of sugar. Currently, the herb is extensively used throughout India to control blood sugar levels.

This herb has been introduced in the United States and Europe only recently. Nevertheless, the extracts obtained from the plant, especially its leaves, have been widely used for long in Indian traditional medicine as well as in countries like Japan, Australia and Vietnam as a part of their folk medicine.

Side Effects and Cautions

Dietary supplements containing the herb Gymnema Sylvestre is not known to cause any notable adverse after-effects when it is taken as per the recommendations of your healthcare provider. It is advisable that this herb or supplements containing it ought to be taken with some food, as it may result in some kind of gastrointestinal problems when ingested in an empty stomach. Taking the herb in excessive dosages may possibly result in hypoglycemia or exceptionally low blood sugar levels in people who are inclined to suffer hypoglycemic conditions. It is advisable that people suffering from active diabetes should talk to their physician prior to and during the course of using this herb, since the use of Gymnema Sylvestre may require changes in your insulin dosage or any other anti-diabetic medicines that you may be taking.

Common Names

• English Hawthorn
• Haw
• Hawthorn
• May
• May Blossom
• Maybush
• May Tree
• Quick-set
• Shan-cha
• Whitethorn

Uses

Remedies made from the hawthorn plant were traditionally used for all sorts of kidney and bladder stones in Europe. The herbal hawthorn also saw use as a diuretic in the herbal medicine system of medieval Europe. The writings of herbalists such as Culpeper, Gerard and K'Eogh have all listed the various uses of the herb in herbal literature spanning the 16th to 18th century. An Irish physician successfully used the hawthorn for treating his patients for all kinds of circulatory and cardiac problems near the end of the 19th century - this is the reason that the hawthorn is still used for these particular problems.

Problems such as angina and coronary artery diseases are still treated using the hawthorn remedies today. Hawthorn remedies are also useful for cases of mild congestive heart failure and problems of irregular heartbeat or cardiac arrhythmia. Results usually take some months to show themselves, though the medication is known to work well in a large number of cases. A lot of time is required for the beneficial results to show, similar to the action of many other therapeutic herbs, the hawthorn also works primarily through the body's own' physiological processes, changes thus take time and months may go by before results begin to show.

The ability of the hawthorn remedy to reduce high blood pressure is of great therapeutic value, the herbal remedy also raises low blood pressure at the same time. The ability of the hawthorn to restore blood pressure to normal ranges is also highly praised by many herbalists.

Hawthorn is also often used combined with the ginkgo to enhance memory and boost retentive power. The actions of the herb primarily lies in its ability to improve the circulation of blood inside the head, this results in an increase in the amount of oxygen flowing to the brain and this also results in improved memory.

Other medical uses

• Cardiomyopathy
• Diabetic retinopathy
• Intermittent claudication
• Swollen Ankles
• Thrombophlebitis

Side Effects and Cautions

There is very littler danger from the long term use of the hawthorn and it is considered to be extremely safe for patients using it in any long term treatments. Side effects from hawthorn use are also mostly absent and no negative interactions with any other prescription cardiac medications have been identified as yet - though the possibility always exists. Hawthorn herbal remedies are considered safe for use with pregnant women and in women who are lactating, as far as it is known the use of hawthorn by such patients has no known contra indications. The safety of hawthorn remedies is thus guaranteed till further studies are conducted.

Common Names

• Desert Cactus
• Ghaap
• Hoodia

Uses

The stems of the plants belonging to the Hoodia species as well as other succulents are also known as carrion flowers or stapeliads - locally called ‘ghaap'. Traditionally, the Khoi-San herders of Namibia and South Africa use the stems of the hoodia to suppress their appetite as well thirst. It may be mentioned that the appetite suppressant code has been isolated, recognized as well as patented. Currently, scientists are studying the appetite suppressant principle of the herb with a view to develop a medication to cure obesity.

In South Africa, the country where the plant originated, people use the Hoodia plant species as an expedient food during emergencies. In addition, it is also used as a source of moisture in ruthless parched surroundings. Hoodia pilifera possesses a bland, but cool and watery flavor. Some people consume the plant raw, while there are others who preserve it in sugar before eating the plant, especially the stems.

The unripe pods of Hoodia pilifera are a favourite among the people for its sweetness. Like Hoodia gordonii as well as many other succulents that are referred to as carrion flowers or stapeliads, plants of this species may be used to suppress appetite as well as thirst. To eat the plant, the stem is cut into small pieces, the skin is peeled to remove the thorns and consumed fresh. However, the most favourable dose of this herb is yet to be known.

Common Names

• Buckeye
• Horse Chestnut
• T'ien-shih-li

Uses

Horse chestnut herbal remedies are utilized in traditional folk medicine, for the treatment of diarrhea and other disorders of the digestive system caused by infective agents. In fact, herbal teas made from the horse chestnut are traditionally used all over the world for the treatment of many different conditions, which includes disorders such as arthritis and also to treat rheumatic pains and coughs. Topical ointments are also prepared from the herb, and the tea itself is often applied directly on to the skin as a treatment for some kinds of sores and rashes affecting a person. Sunscreens manufactured in the continent of Europe often have a chemical component of the bark-called aesculin, as a vital ingredient, however, at this time, this effective phyto medicine is rarely used for any topical applications. The horse chestnut extract is often standardized and this form of the herbal remedy is considered to be an extremely valuable aid in the treatment of disorders such as varicose veins in different individuals. The presence of this extract inhibits the action of the enzyme hyaluronidase in the body and decreases the permeability of the veins and as a result venous fragility is lowered.

The flow of blood in the blood vessels and the muscular tone of the veins are also beneficially improved by the horse chestnut herb. The ability of the herbal remedies made from the horse chestnut to reduce cases of eczema was observed from the results of various scientific studies - which included a randomized double-blind and placebo-controlled stage - in this topical role, the horse chestnut is a wonderful herb for the treatment of such external skin conditions. At the same time, another clinical study compared the effects of the horse chestnut extract to those induced by compression stockings and to the placebo use during a trial treatment for varicose veins in groups of patients. Edema in the lower legs was significantly reduced by both the herbal medicine and the stockings significantly when the results were compared to the placebo effect. The horse chestnut herbal extract is beneficial in treating feelings of physical tiredness and heaviness in the body, it is also very effective against all types of physical pain, and rapidly alleviates swelling in the legs, when such results are compared to the effects induced by a placebo. The anti-inflammatory effects of the horse chestnut extract have also been reported to be beneficial on patients and the horse chestnut may indeed possess very significant anti-inflammatory properties.

At the same time, the horse chestnut also has very powerful and effective astringent properties, it is also an anti-inflammatory herb, and can aid in toning the muscular walls of the vein. These muscles in the venous walls can often become very slack or distended in time, and may turn varicose; they can become hemorrhoidal, or otherwise cause different problems for the person. The permeability of the capillaries is also increased by the horse chestnut which directly reduces the fluid retention levels in such vessels and thus permits the re-absorption of all excess body fluid back into the main circulatory system of the body. Horse chestnut bark remedies can be used as an herbal remedy to reduce the elevated temperatures during a fever. Consumption of the horse chestnut in small to moderate doses has also been advised to treat certain types of leg ulcers, to treat cases of hemorrhoids, and in the treatment of frostbite. The herbal remedy can also be applied topically as an herbal lotion, as an herbal ointment, or in the form of a gel based extract for the treatment of various external conditions afflicting the skin of the patients. The oil extracted from the seeds of the horse chestnut plant has been extensively used in France for the treatment of rheumatism and as an external treatment for various skin disorders. The herbal decoction made from horse chestnut leaves have also been used in the US, as a topical decoction given for the treatment of whooping cough and related respiratory illnesses.

Other medical uses

• Homeopathy
• Chronic venous insufficiency
• Lymphedema
• Swollen ankles

Side Effects and Cautions

The standardized extracts of the purified horse chestnut which are high in aescin are generally safe for internal use, when taken in the doses listed here. Some side effects from the use of these herbal extracts have been reported by some patients, and there have been at least two reports of some form of kidney damage in individuals who consumed extremely large quantities of the compound aescin at a single time. For this reason, it is advised that the doses of horse chestnut must be monitored carefully and all persons suffering from any form of liver or kidney disease must avoid the extract in any form. The use of the herbal remedy is also contraindicated during a term of pregnancy and in lactating women who must not use the remedy internally. The herbal remedies based on the horse chestnut have also been associated with some very rare cases of allergic reactions in the skin following topical application of the remedy. Consulting a professional health care worker before any self administered dosage of the horse chestnut is an important step, as the circulation disorders and physical trauma associated with any swelling may be the sign of an underlying serious condition, which may not be treatable using the herbal remedy alone.

All therapies during which herbal horse chestnut remedies are used on patients are best carried out under supervision by a knowledgeable and professional healthcare provider - this is to avoid all possible side effects and toxicity reactions in the patient. In addition to the use of the horse chestnut remedy, all the patients suffering from varicose veins must also continue to use the other treatment options such as elastic stockings, compresses, or cold water soaks suggested by their doctors for optimal and rapid healing. Horse chestnut must be avoided in any form by all individuals suffering from any kind of bleeding disorders. An anti-clotting reaction and thinning in the blood is induced by the coumarin glycoside aesculin present in horse chestnut remedies - patients should consider the possible effects of this compound when using the remedy in therapy.

Common Names

• Bottlebrush
• Horsetail
• Mare's Tail
• Scouring Rush
• Shave Grass

Uses

Traditionally used to stop bleeding in wounds, the horsetail herb is said to be an excellent clotting inducer. The herbal horsetail remedies have been used to staunch all kinds of wounds; it has been used to stops excessive nosebleeds, and also in bringing about a reduction in the coughing up of blood during different diseases. The urinogential system of the human body is also positively affected by the astringent effect of the horsetail herb; this property is especially valuable in those cases of bleeding occurring within the urinary tract of a person - including disease such as cystitis and urethritis in patients. The internal tissue damage in connective tissue is also repaired and corrected by the horsetail herbal remedies, which speeds up the rate of tissue repair, thereby promoting the strength and elasticity in the newly formed tissues. Symptoms caused by rheumatic and arthritic problems are also treated utilizing horsetail based remedies, the horsetail is also used in the treatment of various chest ailments like emphysema, it is used for the treatment of chronic swelling affecting the legs, and also in the treatment of various other conditions affecting people. Slow healing sprains and fractures can also be topically treated using a decoction of the horsetail herb added to bathwater.

The horsetail herb has a long lineage and is a descendant of prehistoric plants; these ancient relatives of the herb were tall as trees. The horsetail is also known to be the richest plant source for the mineral silica aside from other useful and beneficial minerals. This makes the plant a very valuable herbal remedy for the treatment and healing of tissues as well as a useful and effective herbal nutritious tonic. The horsetail herb strongly affects the functioning of the urinary system in people, and endows a mild diuretic as well as soothing effect on the affected urinary tissues. It is also capable of healing all manners of irritation and infection affecting the urinary tract in general. Children affected by frequent urges to urinate, by bed wetting behaviors and incontinence for a long time can be treated using the horsetail as the astringent properties of the herb make it a very useful remedy to check such problems. Inflammation in various tissues of the body is frequently treated using the horsetail based remedies and the herb is also used in the treatment of problems like the benign and harmless enlargement of the prostate gland in patients. The herbal remedies made from the horsetail are also useful as general tonics for boosting the performance of the kidneys and the urinary system in people. The reproductive system is also beneficially affected by the horsetail herbal remedies; the herb is very effective at reducing hemorrhage and heavy bleeding in patients affected by such disorders. The horsetail is also effective in treating such disorders which affect the functioning of the digestive tract, it is capable of healing inflammation and ulcers in the stomach, and similar problems affecting the respiratory tract - traditionally the horsetail was the remedy used for treating TB and coughing of blood streaked sputum. Lusterless hair and brittle nails can also be treated using the herbal horsetail remedy, and the herb is also useful for treating debility and anemia in patients. Horsetail has a lot of silica, which actively aids in the rapid absorption of calcium from the food, and this action of the herb so helps guard the body against the danger of osteoporosis and muscular cramps, and for this reason horsetail can greatly help in the prevention of atherosclerosis in patients. Irritated skin and skin conditions like eczema can be topically treated using a herbal horsetail lotion, this can also be used to heal all manners of cuts and wounds, it can be applied to alleviate sores and ulcers, and it can also be applied to areas of skin affected by chilblains and related problems. Horsetail based mouthwash and gargle can also be used for the treatment of problems such as mouth ulcers, it can be used to stanch bleeding gums and in the treatment of sore throats and other oral problems.

Other medical uses

• Homeopathy
• Osteoarthritis
• Urinary incontinence

Side Effects and Cautions

When given at the recommended adult doses, the horsetail is normally seen as being very safe and useful for treating men and non-pregnant women. The use of the correct species of horsetail should be the chief concern of the person using the herbal remedy. Horsetail species such as the Equisetum palustre contain some toxic alkaloids and are traditionally identified as livestock poison - these should never be used as supplements. All supplement manufacturers in Canada, have to follow the Canadian Health Protection Branch requirement that products are certified as not containing the enzyme thiaminase, which is found in crude horsetail of the Equisetum variety - this enzyme destroys B vitamin thiamin in the body and can cause serious problems. For medicinal use, all raw horsetail has to undergo processing, and the alcohol and temperature regulated processes, as well as the alkalinity neutralizes the potentially harmful enzyme in the herb. During processing, all herbal horsetail tinctures, the various fluid extracts, and the other preparations of the herb are also subjected to 100°C temperatures and this processing is preferred for medicinal use of the herb.

Common Names

• Jambul
• Java Plum

Uses

The jambul has been included among a number of herbal medicines found in different parts of the world, such as the bilberry which all have the unique ability to lower elevated blood sugar levels in the body especially in diabetics and hyperglycemic individuals. Herbalist typically recommend remedies made from the jambul to counteract the deleterious effects of long term diabetes, in this common disease, the islet cells in the pancreas do not produce enough insulin - this enzyme helps glucose enter cells and is thus responsible for the regulation and control of glucose levels in the body. In middle age, many people in the modern world become susceptible to type II diabetes, this lifestyle disease is increasingly prevalent throughout much of the world as lifestyles and dietary habits change. Herbal treatment with jambul remedy is effective during the early and mild stages of the disease, when it is also accompanied by a strict dietary regimen by the affected person.

Diabetics in India, are given the powdered down jambul seeds as a remedy, sometimes the tincture may also be given to the patients. The herbal remedy also alleviates the frequent need to urinate that accompanies the diabetic condition. The potent astringent effect of the jambul herbal remedy is useful in the treatment of persistent diarrhea and chronic bouts of dysentery in affected patients. The traditional Indian Ayurvedic medicine, uses a combination formula made from the jambul and mango seeds ground into a powder - these two digestive disorders are treated using this remedy. The strong carminative properties of the jambul remedy are also a very effective treatment for dealing with the symptoms of indigestion and other digestive complaints such as excessive gas. Remedies made from the jambul help soothe chronic stomachache and ease abdominal cramps and aid in dispersing excess gas in the abdomen. A remedy made from the roots of the jambul plant is sometimes used as an herbal treatment for epilepsy in some parts of South East Asia.

The fruit of the jambul tree is made into preserves such as sauces, tarts and jams; it can also be eaten raw as well. Fruit sherbet, syrup and "squash", an Indian drink is also prepared from good quality jambul fruits. The jambul fruits are fermented into wine in the Indian state of Goa as well as the Philippines. Similar in some respects to Port, the jambul is an important source of wine, and the many types of distilled liquors, brandy as well as the "jambava" are all products of the fermented fruit of the jambul tree. The honey produced by bees from the flowers of the jambul is of fine quality and jambul flowers typically have abundant nectar in them - thus making them good apiary plants.

In India, the jambul leaves are commonly utilized as fodder for livestock as well as being used as food for tassar silkworm caterpillars. The tender shoots of the jambul have been traditionally used as an aid for cleaning the teeth by the native peoples in Zanzibar and Pemba. The distilled essential oil of the jambul leaves has been employed as a scent in the manufacture of soaps and is often blended with other materials used in the production of inexpensive perfume for the perfumery market. The essential oil of the leaves is chemically composed of mono or sesquiterpene hydrocarbon chains that are very common compounds in essential oils frequently seen in many other plant oils as well.

The extracts of the jambul bark can give durable brown colored dyes that come in various hues, which depend on the mordant used in the process of dye making and the strength of the bark extract. Tannins are found to compose about the eight to nineteen per cent of the bark and the tannins obtained from the jambul bark are extensively used in the tanning of leather goods as well as in the preservation and maintenance of fishing nets in coastal areas. The heartwood obtained from the jambul is quite hard if it is kiln dried; the wood is difficult to work with but polishes well and has a good sheen. The wood is very durable to long term water exposure and is also resistant to borers and termites. The wood of the jambul tree is commonly used to make beams and rafters, as well as in electrical and telecommunication posts, in bridges, in the manufacture of boats and oars, in the making of sailing masts, troughs, to line wells, in the manufacture of agricultural implements, to make bullock carts, to make solid cart wheels, in railway sleepers and to line the bottoms of railroad cars in India. Furniture is also occasionally made from the wood of the jambul in India.

The jambul herb is considered to have diuretic, astringent, stomachic, carminative and anti-scorbutic effects in herbal medicine. Acute or chronic diarrhea can be alleviated by consuming the fruits that have been cooked down to a thick jam. In Indian herbal medicine, the juice of the ripened jambul fruit, or an herbal decoction made from the fruit, or even vinegar prepared from the jambul is administered to patients affected by chronic diarrhea, urinary retention or an enlargement of the spleen. Soreness in the throat is treated by using the water diluted juice; the lotion made from the fruit is also used in the treatment of ringworm infestations affecting the scalp and the skin in general. Oral administration of the remedy made from jambul seeds, administered either in herbal liquid or in the form of an herbal powder two to three times daily is recommended for patients affected by long term diabetes mellitus or glycosuiria and related blood sugar problems. Most patients do not suffer any ill effects from the sudden reduction in the blood sugar level induced by the herbal remedy. Diabetics are usually prescribed the remedy made by steeping the leaves in alcohol. Dysentery can be effectively treated using the extracted juice from the leaves, this remedy can be used by itself or employed in combination with the juice of the mango or emblic leaves. Different types of skin diseases can be treated using the jambul leaves made into an herbal poultice. A potent anti-biotic effect has been noticed in the extract of the leaves, the stems, the flower buds and the opened jambul blossoms; the bark also has the same effect. The jambul bark is made into a decoction to treat digestive disorders like dyspepsia, chronic dysentery, as well as diarrhea - it is also used as an enema solution. The bark peeled from the roots is also used in the same way for treating similar disorders. An herbal decoction made from the jambul bark is used in the treatment of cases of asthma and bronchitis, this solution is also used as a gargle or oral mouthwash - it possesses an astringent effect beneficial in dealing with ulceration in the mouth, spongy gums, and stomatitis in affected patients. Local inflammation on the body is treated using ashes of the bark that has been mixed with water; this is spread over the affected area. The bark ash blended with oil is also applied to burns as a soothing and healing herbal rub. The use of tannin rich remedies on burnt tissues is no longer acceptable in modern therapy, because it is often absorbed and can induce cancerous growth in the affected part of the body. Human health can be severely affected by the consumption of excessive amounts of tannin rich plant products over a long period of time. Jambul is grown as a shade tree in coffee plantations in India and other places. The big tree is resistant to wind and is closely planted in neat rows as a windbreak in some places, particularly in large plantations.

Other medical uses

• Diabetic retinopathy
• Stomach cancer

Common Names

• Bear's Foot
• Lady's Mantle
• Lion's Foot
• Nine Hooks
• Stellaria

Uses

The wound healing abilities of the lady's mantle have always been highly prized in the herbal tradition. The herb also possessed potent astringent effects and this staunches blood flow and allows the first stage of healing to begin without hindrance. Women who suffer from problems of heavy menstrual bleeding also greatly benefit from doses of the herb, and the herb is also useful in bringing relief from menstrual cramps, it also aids in overcoming the symptoms of menopause and can lead to a great improvement in the regularity of the menstrual cycle in the body of the woman. The herbal remedy made from the lady's mantle is also often prescribed for the treatment of conditions like fibroids and endometriosis in women. The herbal extract is also often used as a douche to wash off excess vaginal discharge and bring rapid healing. The herbal remedy made from the lady's mantle is believed to act as a liver decongestant and it is said to facilitate the birth of a child. The treatment of diarrhea and gastroenteritis is hastened by the astringent properties of the herb.

Menstrual pains as well as the regulation of periods can be achieved by the use of the lady' mantle by affected women. This herb was in fact traditionally used as a remedy to induce sleepiness in patients. Disorders such as diarrhea and gastroenteritis are easily dealt with by the strong astringent action of the herb, the herb is also rich in salicylic acid and this induces a rapid reduction in the inflammation affecting the digestive system as well as the reproductive system of patients.

Decoctions made from the lady's mantle can be used as vaginal douches or as a lotion - it can be mixed with rose water as well. These decoctions can help reduce vaginal discharges, minimize irritation and infection in the vaginal cavity. The herbal lady's mantle decoction can also function as an excellent skin lotion for the treatment of rashes in diseases such as eczema, it can be used to heal cuts and wounds, as well as external sores and insect bites of all kinds. The herbal decoction can also be used as a mouthwash and gargle in cases of bleeding gums, to treat mouth ulcers and to minimize the symptoms of sore throats in patients.

Other medical uses

• Wrinkles

Common Names

• Chinese Licorice
• Gan Cao
• Kan-ts'ao
• Kuo-lao
• Licorice
• Licorice Root
• Ling-t'ung
• Liquorice
• Mei-ts'ao
• Mi-kan
• Mi-ts'ao
• Sweet Licorice
• Sweet Wood
• Yasti Madhu

Uses

Licorice was mainly used for medicinal purposes. Ancient records from Greece and other places show it was used in treatment of asthma, chest problems, and canker sores. The herb's healing and demulcent properties come in use to treat a number of ailments especially of the digestive system. Inflammation, gastritis, peptic ulceration, excessive acid problems and canker sores are all treated with the herb. Licorice is also found to be useful to ease certain chest complaints, arthritis, and inflammation of joints, skin and eyes. In cases where the adrenal glands do not function normally, licorice comes in very handy. It stimulates the adrenal glands and is very useful in conditions like Addison's disease where the adrenal glands cease to function normally. Licorice is a gentle laxative.

Other medical uses

• Kidney cancer
• Tooth decay
• Toxic shock syndrome
• Addictions
• Bell's palsy
• Thyroid cancer
• Viral infection

Side Effects and Cautions

Long term and high intake of licorice which contains glycyrrhizin can be quite harmful. It can increase blood pressure and can cause retention of water in the body. Some people are more sensitive to glycyrrhizin and in them the effects are more pronounced. One gram of glycyrrhizin or about 10 grams of licorice root a day is enough to cause problems. So long term use should be avoided or should be done only under strict supervision of competent doctors. Another way to get around the problem is to use deglycyrrhizinated licorice extracts, which do not have any side effects.

Common Names

• Bridewort
• Meadowsweet
• Queen Of The Meadow

Uses

The Druids (a priest of an ancient Celtic religion practiced in Britain, Ireland and Gaul until the people of those areas were converted to Christianity) considered meadowsweet to be one of their most blessed aromatic plant. Despite the Druids' opinion regarding the plant, it is still unheard of whether they used the herb as a medicine. Nevertheless, meadowsweet has been an ancient folk medication in most regions of Europe. Referring to meadowsweet, in 1652, naturalist Nicholas Culpepper had written in his much-valued medical text that “it helps in the speedy recovery from cholic (bile acid) disorders and removes the instability and constant change in the stomach'.

Several researches on meadowsweet have displayed that the herb is an effective medication for curing acid indigestion. Although the herb's power to diminish acid levels right through the body is yet to be proved, meadowsweet's efficiency in relieving excruciating pains owing to arthritis and rheumatic disorders is in all probability not only owing to its anti-inflammatory functions or properties. Nevertheless, it has been found that diminishing the excessive acidity in the stomach often helps in lessening the acid levels in the entire body. This in turn, helps in alleviating joint problems that are reportedly related to acidity. It may be mentioned here that meadowsweet is also used to treat problems like cystitis (inflammation of the urinary bladder, often caused by infection).

It may be underlined here that meadowsweet is a safe medication for diarrhea, even for children. In addition meadowsweet is blended with other herbs to cure irritable bowel syndrome.

Common Names

• Mistletoe

Uses

Chemical analysis of mistletoe has revealed that this parasitic herb possesses calming, anti-spasmodic, purgative, immuno-modulator, immuno-stimulator, a potent hypotensive (causing low blood pressure), an excellent cardio-tonic, diuretic and vermifuge (any medication that helps to expel worms from the body) properties. Due to its multifarious therapeutic attributes, mistletoe is prescribed to cure cough, particularly spasmodic cough, asthmatic attacks attributed to psychological tension as well as bronchial asthma. Simultaneously, this herb is also used to alleviate the symptoms of epilepsy, hysteria, dizziness, nervous fits, neurosis, cardiac ischemia, arterial hypertension, hiccups, predispositions to virosis (a viral infection), digestive as well as uterine cramps, memory problems related to hypertension (high blood pressure), ganglionary ailments as well as immunity disorders owing to old age. The herb is also applied topically to treat gout, leucorrhoea (a white or yellowish vaginal discharge) and sciatica (pain in some portions of the sciatic nerve).

The Druids and ancient Greeks were the first to use European mistletoe for the reported health benefits offered by the herb. These people employed European mistletoe in the form of a ‘cure all' to treat almost all types of medical conditions. In effect, since long, mistletoe has been extensively employed in the form of an herbal therapy for an assortment of health disorders, counting alleviating headaches, pains caused by arthritis as well as the menopausal symptoms.

Primarily, European mistletoe is employed to reduce high blood pressure and slow down the rapid heart rate, alleviate nervousness and induce sleep. When used in small doses, mistletoe helps to provide relief from headaches, panic attacks and, at the same time, augments concentration. Herbalists especially prescribe European mistletoe to treat epilepsy and tinnitus (a ringing or similar sensation in the ear). The extracts obtained from mistletoe berries are administered in the form of injection to cure cancer in anthroposophical (a medical philosophy founded on Rudolf Steiner's teachings) medicine.

Mistletoe is a very effective remedy for women's problems. For instance, this herb is used to lessen the profuse menstruation flow, menstrual problems as well as hemorrhage following child birth. In addition, this herb can also be employed to treat persistent cramping, infertility as well as to cure uterine problems.

Before being a part of a sequence of signs of the winter holidays, in the olden times, mistletoe was regarded to be a religious symbol of the pagans. Mistletoe was considered to possess magical properties since it was effective in curing ailments, brought good luck, defended against witchcraft and was also believed to be a source for treating infertility. For instance, during the Middle Ages, people were of the belief that hanging branches of mistletoe from the ceiling protected their homes as well as the inhabitants from tainted spirits. There are numerous other instances of the magical attributes of mistletoe. Among these, one relates to the Vikings, who regarded this species to possess the power of getting the dead back to life. On the other hand, the Romans used mistletoe to make their marriages lawful by a famous kiss under the mistletoe tree.

Other medical uses

• Breast cancer
• Ovarian cancer

Side Effects and Cautions

Taking large doses of mistletoe may have a harmful action on the functioning of the heart. Even consumption of the berries of this parasitic herb may prove to be hazardous, particularly for children. Moreover, the mistletoe berries may also be toxic for your pets, particularly cats. People taking therapeutic preparations with mistletoe may experience adverse side effects like dehydration, mild to serious fever, diarrhea, seizures, delirium and even hallucinations. This herb or its preparations should never be used during pregnancy or be given to nursing mothers.

Common Names

• Marapuama
• Muira Puama
• Potency Wood
• Potenzholz

Uses

Since the ancient times, muira puama has been held in high esteem as an aphrodisiac as well as a tonic or stimulant for the nervous system. This herb is comforting and provides relief from stress, nervous exhaustion, and trauma as well as facilitates in alleviating the symptoms of depression. In addition, muira puama is also employed in formulations intended to cure male pattern baldness.

Muira puama is said to be an effective remedy for impotence as well as reduced sexual drive. In fact, this herb is an excellent addition to or substitute for treating these conditions with yohimbe. A number of clinical trials undertaken with muira puama in France have discovered that employing the herb as the solitary treatment helps to reinstate sex drive and erectile function in as high as 51 per cent to 62 per cent cases. Whatever preliminary information regarding the herb's use in this case is available, it seems that muira puama functions by augmenting the psychological as well as the physical features of sexual activities.

From the historic point of view, though all the parts of muira puama have been employed for therapeutic purposes, the bark and roots of the plant are the most extensively used parts of the herb. Since long this herb has been used by the natives of the Amazon region to treat several medical conditions. The indigenous people inhabiting along the Rio Negro River in Brazil's Amazon employ the stems and roots of the young muira puama plants in the form of a tonic to cure neuromuscular disorders. They also prepare a decoction with the root of the herb and use it in baths and for massages to treat beriberi and paralysis, while an herbal tea prepared by boiling the herb's roots in water is drunk to cure sexual weakness, grippe, rheumatism as well as gastrointestinal weaknesses. People in this region also hold the herb in high esteem for its aptitude to prevent baldness, especially the male pattern baldness. Muira puama is highly regarded as a remedy for sexual problems or sexual tonic and to this day people consider the herb to be a potent aphrodisiac. Indigenous people in the Amazon region use this herb to treat an assortment of different medical conditions, including menstrual disorders, dyspepsia, sexual impotency, disorders of the central nervous system and influenza.

Though native to the Brazilian Amazon region, currently herbalists across the globe use muira puama to cure a number of medical conditions. It may be noted that when the early explorers to the region from Europe noticed that the herb possessed aphrodisiac qualities, they carried the herb to Europe and gradually muira puama became a part of the European herbal medicine. Even to this day, muira puama is contained in the British Herbal Pharmacopoeia - the British Herbal Medicine Association's noted source of herbal medications. While the British Herbal Pharmacopoeia especially recommends the use of muira puama for treating impotence and dysentery, in other regions of Europe this herb is used for the treatment of medical conditions, such as infertility, impotence, menstrual problems, nerve pain and dysentery. People in Germany use muira puama in the form of a tonic or stimulant for the central nervous system, for treating hookworms, rheumatism and menstrual disorders. Over the years, the popularity of muira puama has been increasing in the United States and healthcare professionals and herbalists in this country are using the herb more and more to treat depression, impotence, menstrual cramps, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), nerve pain as well as the disorders of the central nervous system.

Side Effects and Cautions

Muira puama is considered as a safe herb to use.

Common Names

• Chinese Nettle
• Common Nettle
• Common Stinging Nettle
• Great Nettle
• Great Stinging Nettle
• Hsieh-tzu-ts'ao
• Nettle
• Stinging Nettle

Uses

The main use of the herbal remedies made from the nettle is in the role of a cleansing and detoxifying agent in the body. The diuretic action of the nettle is also a highly regarded property possessed by the herb; this property is probably due to the high content of bio-molecules known as the flavonoids and may also be because of the high potassium levels in the herb. The main property of the herbal remedy in this role is that it increases the total production of urine and helps in the effective elimination of accumulated metabolic waste products in the body. Various skin disorders and conditions are also effectively treated using herbal remedies derived from the nettle, as an example, the cases of childhood eczema and arthritic problems are treated using the nettle, and the herbal remedy is extensively used in the treatment of very poor or impaired kidney functioning, beside its use in treating fluid retention issues.

Bleeding in any area of the body is treatable by the strong astringent action of the nettle. Nettle in the form of an herbal infusion, as a tincture or in the fresh juice form can be applied externally as a topical measure for the treatment of various cuts and wounds to stanch the bleeding, it can be used in cases of hemorrhoids, it can stanch nose bleeds, and it can also be used as a soothing and healing salve against various burns and scald injuries. The herbal remedies made from the nettle have also been extensively used as a remedy for stemming bleeding during heavy menstrual periods, and paradoxically also in inducing bleeding during delayed or absent periods in women. The nettle remedies also stimulate the production of milk in lactating women, and have a galactagogue role in such cases. The herbal remedies made from the nettle can also be used as an excellent restorative remedy for treatment during menopause in women. The nettle also helps in clearing away various disorders in the respiratory system and in the treatment of a variety of catarrhal congestion and is an effective remedy in relieving the symptoms of various allergies such as those that come on during hay fever and in asthmatic attacks. The remedies made from the nettle also help in healing disorders affecting the digestive tract; it is an effective remedy against cases of diarrhea, in the treatment of excess gas, and to treat the various inflammation and ulcerations affecting the digestive tract in different people. The herbal remedies made from the nettle have also been successful treatment elevated blood sugar levels and the nettle seed tincture is said to be able to elevate the functioning and performance of the thyroid gland and in so doing is believed to be capable of reducing disorders such as goiter. The fresh juice of the nettle juice can also be used as an effective topical herbal remedy to relieve the skin of symptoms associated with insect bites and stings; these can include the sting of the nettle as well! Fresh nettle stinging hairs contains the formic acid and the compound histamine, these chemicals responsible for the irritation of skin, have been successfully and traditionally used to stimulate the circulation of blood and to relieve the physical symptoms of disorders such as arthritis and rheumatism in many patients.

Other medical uses

• The leaves help anemia and improve breast-milk production
• The root is now used to treat enlarged prostate
• Abscess
• Addictions
• Herpes

Side Effects and Cautions

The nettle based herbal remedies do not induce allergic reactions and if they do so, such instances are very rare and far apart. At the same time, the fresh nettles can induce rash when the plants stinging hairs come in direct contact with naked skin - this is probably a familiar experience for many people.

Common Names

• Avena Sativa
• Common Oats
• Groats
• Oats
• Wild Oats

Uses

Human health is benefited in numerous ways by the consumption of oats, and the plant itself is best known as a nutritious breakfast cereal - it is also used as an animal feed. The ability to lower cholesterol levels in the blood is a major positive point of oats. Research also suggests that consumption of an oat based diet can result in improved stamina in the person. When they are taken medically for different disorders the oats and especially the oat straw work as a tonic. Medical herbalist often suggests the consumption of the oats straw for the treatment of general debility and as a tonic for a different variety of nervous conditions affecting patients. A mildly anti-depressant action is also evident in the grains and the straw of the oats; they can raising the energy levels in the body very gently and help in supporting a weakened nervous system in the body. Nervous exhaustion as well as depression is treated using the oats. Eating oats is also useful in combating the profound lethargy which comes as a direct result of multiple sclerosis, and oats is also useful as a food in case of chronic neurological pain, and to help insomnia affected patients. Eating oats is supposed to help with insomnia, as the oats seem to be able to stimulate enough nervous energy to enable a person to sleep. As a food, the oats are considered to be one of the principal herbal treatments during convalescence following a long illness - they are easily digested and provide a lot of energy quickly. An emollient and cleansing action is also performed by the oats on the external body. The oats is turned into a decoction and when this is strained into bath water, it will aid in soothing down itchiness and problems linked to skin disorders such as eczema in patients.

Other medical uses

• Homeopathy
• Urinary incontinence

Side Effects and Cautions

No side effects of any adverse kind have been reported with the use of oats in any form. However, those individuals suffering from gluten sensitivity - celiac disease must consume the oats with some care as it might trigger the same reactions like wheat flour.

Common Names

• Olive

Uses

The olive leaves have multiple uses and are employed to treat several disorders. While the olive leaves are known to reduce blood pressure and also aid in enhancing the activity of the blood circulatory system. The leaves also possess moderate diuretic properties and hence are useful in increasing the urine outflow. Besides, they may also be used to cure conditions like cystitis or inflammation of the bladder. Herbalists also recommend the olive leaves for diabetes as they are known to possess properties to lower the intensity of blood sugar in the system. The oil extracted from the olive tree is rich in nutrients and also helps to develop the equilibrium of fats in the body. Conventionally, many physicians have been using a dose of one teaspoon of olive oil mixed with fresh lemon juice to heal gallstones or stones and debris in the gall bladder. The oil is also known to have defensive properties and safeguards the digestive system. It is also beneficial for arid skin. When applied externally, the sticky olive oil is good as carrier oil for essential oils.

Other medical uses

• Breast cancer
• Prostate cancer
• Wrinkles
• Xanthomatosis

Common Names

• Common Parsley
• Curly Parsley
• Flat-leaved Parsley
• Parsley

Uses

Parsley leaves have a number of uses, including nutrient, medicinal as well as culinary. For instance, the fresh leaves of parsley are extremely nourishing and may be deemed to be a natural vitamin as well as mineral supplement in their individual capacity. Compared to the leaves of the plant, the fruits of parsley possess a very potent diuretic action and can be used in place for celery seeds (Apium graveolens) for treating arthritis, rheumatism, and gout. Both parsley as well as celery work by clearing out the waste substances from the tender and swollen joints as well as subsequently getting rid of them through the kidneys. In effect, in herbal medicine, the roots of parsley are more commonly prescribed in comparison to the leaves and seeds of the herb. Parsley roots are administered for treating a number of varied health conditions, including rheumatism, cystitis, and flatulence. In addition, parsley is also valued as a medicine that encourages menstruation and is especially useful in stimulating a belated menstrual period as well as in easing menstrual pain and discomfort.

Findings of several studies have shown that myristicin, an organic compound present in the volatile oil obtained from parsley helps to slow down the formation of tumour, particularly in the lungs, and, at the same time, stimulates the enzyme called glutathione-S-transferase, thereby facilitating the molecule glutathione to bind to as well as combat oxidized molecules. Although toxic in nature, myristicin also has the aptitude to combat carcinogens, such as benzopyrene found in cigarette smoke, which may go through the body. As a result, this compound helps in combating colon as well as prostate cancer.

Parsley is a very rich storehouse of antioxidants, which include luteolin - a flavonoid that scavenges as well as eliminated the harmful free radicals that harm the cells by causing them to undergo oxidative stress. In addition, luteolin also encourages metabolism of carbohydrates and is useful for our body in the form of an anti-inflammatory agent. It may be noted that two tablespoonfuls of finely minced parsley enclose about 16 per cent of the RDA of vitamin C as well as more than 12 per cent of the RDA of vitamin A - two very potent antioxidants.

Together with luteolin, the vitamin C present in parsley works as an effectual anti-inflammatory agent inside the body. If parsley is consumed on a regular basis, it is able to fight against the start of any inflammatory problems, for instance, rheumatoid arthritis (a malady that causes inflammation of the joints) and osteoarthritis (the deterioration or collapse of the joint cartilage as well as the essential bones).

As mentioned earlier, parsley contains vitamin A and vitamin C and these nutrients work to fortify the immune system of our body, although in dissimilar manners. It may be noted that vitamin C is essential for collagen - the key structural protein present in connective tissues. While helping to speed up the ability of the body to heal wounds, this indispensible nutrient also facilitates in maintaining healthy teeth and bones.

Then again, vitamin A facilitates in strengthening the points in the human body through which different substances may enter inside. Such entry points include the respiratory tract, mucous membranes, intestinal tracts as well as the inside layer of the eyes. In addition, white blood cells or lymphocytes depend on vitamin A to combat contagions in the body.

It may be noted that an amino acid found in the body called homocysteine actually menaces the blood vessels of the body when the levels of this amino acid become extremely elevated. Fortunately enough, the folate or vitamin B9 present in parsley assists in transforming homocysteine into risk-free molecules. Hence, consuming a garnish of parsley on a regular basis may facilitate in protecting against cardiovascular ailments, for instance, stroke, heart attack and atherosclerosis.

Two tablespoonfuls of finely minced parsley contain a large amount of 153 per cent of the RDA of vitamin K that is essential for the amalgamation of osteocalcin - a protein which fortifies the composition of our bones. In addition, vitamin K also helps to avoid accumulation of calcium within the tissue and this may result in atherosclerosis, stroke as well as cardiovascular disease.

Last, but not the least important, the vitamin K present in parsley is necessary to synthesize sphingolipid - the fat required to sustain the myelin sheath around the nerves, and, hence, the nervous system in general.

Other medical uses

• Altitude sickness
• Breast tenderness
• Glue ear
• Lung cancer
• Thyroid cancer

Side Effects and Cautions

A number of individuals may develop dermatitis (skin inflammation) following the use of parsley oil. Since the oil of this herb is highly toxic in nature, it ought to be dealt with only by competent professionals.

At times, parsley is employed in big amounts for remedial purposes. It is advisable that this oil should never be used in such high amounts by women during pregnancy since this herb is known to be a potent stimulant of the uterus. In addition, people enduring inflammatory kidney ailments should also stay away from using parsley in large amounts.

Common Names

• Lapacho
• Pau d'Arco
• Taheebo

Uses

Pau d'arco was traditionally prized by the major South American civilizations, including the Incas, the Callawaya people in Brazil, and many other Native South American peoples - the lapacho was used extensively as a cure-all by all of these cultures. A large variety of disorders and conditions such as serious and superficial wounds, conditions such as fever, disorders such as dysentery, inflammation in the intestinal region, certain types of cancer, and problems such as snakebites and insect bites were treated using herbal remedies prepared from the lapacho.

The lapacho contains a lot of chemical ingredients and active principles, for this reason it is not surprising that the beneficial effects of this herb are still taken advantage of extensively in South America as well as by the majority of herbal practitioners around the world in different countries. Its important roles in herbal medicine include its main action as a natural antibiotic herb for the treatment of all types of bacterial and viral infections which affect the human body, especially when such infections affect parts of the body like the nose, the mouth, and the throat. The herbal remedy is also believed to be very helpful in the treatment of chronic conditions such as ME in affected individuals. Fungal infections of all kinds arising in the body are also normally treated using the lapacho, including common ones like the ringworm and different yeast infections, the herbal remedy is also considered especially effectively and useful for the overall treatment of chronic fungal conditions of all kinds, including the condition known as candidiasis in different people.

The reduction and relief of inflammatory conditions on the body is another major beneficial effect of the lapacho, and this action is particularly useful in the treatment of inflammation in the stomach and the intestines. A wide range of inflammatory conditions are treated using the herbal lapacho, these include the treatment of disorders such as cystitis, the treatment of inflammation in the cervix, and in the treatment of disorders such as prostatitis.

The treatment of cancer, including leukemia is another area of remedial action in which the lapacho is effective. The combination of traditional knowledge about cancer treatment using lapacho and the clinical experience in Brazil with this compound, requires that the lapacho must be more researched for dormant therapeutic values and further effects for the treatment of this devastating disease.

Other medical uses

• Hantavirus
• Toxic shock syndrome

Side Effects and Cautions

Side effects with this herbal remedy are not unknown and taking very high doses of the lapachol compound can result in problems such as uncontrolled bleeding from the nose, sudden nausea, and even vomiting may result. For this reason, it is generally considered safer to use remedies made from the whole bark instead of isolated lapachol as a compound - taking the whole bark in the form of some herbal preparation is not known to induce serious side effects even when the doses are high. At the same time, the use of the pau d'arco as an herbal remedy must be avoided by all women who are pregnant or who are nursing.

Common Names

• Balm Mint
• Brandy Mint
• Curled Mint
• Lamb Mint
• Lammint
• Peppermint
• Phudina
• Wu-pa-ho

Uses

One of the main beneficial effects of the peppermint herb is its effective and excellent action on the overall functioning of the digestive system, the herbal remedy greatly increases the flow of all the digestive juices in the stomach and also promotes the flow of bile at the same time - the herb also relaxes the main muscles in the gut. The other beneficial effects of the herb lies in its soothing effects upon the lining and muscles of the colon, it also helps in alleviating cases of diarrhea and helps relieves a spastic colon - a condition often causing constipation in many people. The form of enteric - coated peppermint oil is also used as a short-term herbal treatment for alleviating the worst effects of irritable bowel syndrome - while it has been used in this role, not all of the double-blind studies conducted to measure this ability, have resulted in any statistically significant benefits for the condition. The diluted oil of the peppermint has also been used in the treatment of stomach disorders by gastroenterologists in England, the remedy is sprayed diluted and directly on to the instrument used during colonoscopy so as to prevent the onset of spasms. Peppermint oil used in this innovative way, has not gained wide appeal and adoption in other countries.

The production of bile in the liver is also increased by the peppermint oil as well as the leaf based flavonoids to a very significant degree. The traditional use of the herb as an aid in digestion is supported to a great extent by this modern evidential confirmation. The peppermint based menthol also results in a lowering of the activity in a liver enzyme known as HMG CoA reductase and this compound may also theoretically lower the elevated levels of cholesterol in the body of patients. No significant clinical tests have supported the possible therapeutic use and the ability of the herbal remedy in this case is largely hypothetical. Test tube trials have also indicated that the oil of the peppermint oil possesses some antibacterial and antiviral properties; however, the herbal oil is not used to treat infections in any significant manner. The herbal peppermint tea is sometimes utilized as an herbal remedy to alleviate the discomfort caused by disorders such as gastroenteritis.

Topical herbal remedies are also made from the peppermint oil and these are applied directly to the skin as a treatment for various disorders, used in this role the peppermint herbal remedy helps to relieve the pain and reduces sensitivity in the skin arising as a result of external disorders. At the same time, diluted peppermint oil is used in the form of an herbal inhalant remedy and it is also used as a chest rub for the treatment of respiratory infections of different types. In the treatment of digestive infections, the whole herb is important and effective when utilized in long term treatment.

The essence of the peppermint is both a cooling and warming agent. Peppermint will induce the production of heat when it is taken as internal medication and these results in an improvement in the circulation within the body. At the same time, the peppermint by dispersing blood to the surface of the body, also induces sweating in the skin. As far as the treatment of chills and fevers, and symptoms of colds and flu, this ability of the peppermint can be put to very good and effective use. The peppermint possesses strong astringent and decongestant actions, which can help in relieving stuffiness and catarrh in many patients who tend to suffer from such types of illnesses. Peppermint oil derived menthol is also sometimes added to hot water to form an inhalant, so that the vapors can be inhaled for the treatment of colds and congestion in the respiratory system of patients. Additional use of the menthol or peppermint oil can also include making cough lozenges for the treatment of common colds and infections. Many topical rubs have menthol as a common ingredient; these are used to relieve sore muscles or affected joints and may also be used for the topical treatment so as to soothe itchy skin in different patients.

A good general tonic can also be prepared from the peppermint herb; this can effectively recharge the body's vital energy and dispel the lethargy affecting a person. Peppermint is beneficial to the alleviation of irritation in the respiratory tract because it has a refreshing taste of mint immediately followed by a cooling and numbing effect when ingested, this same remedial action can also be apparent on the skin when the herbal remedy is rubbed into the skin. The analgesic effect of the peppermint is another of its prized remedial effects and the herb makes for an excellent local herbal application when used in the form of fresh leaf based remedy or in the form of herbal lotions. These are often applied to relieve the pain of inflamed joints in cases of disorders such as arthritis and gout, for the treatment of persistent headaches and to ease migraines that are linked to weaknesses in the digestive system, this herbal remedy is also used in the treatment of neuralgia, to treat sciatica and to ease general aches and pains affecting the body.

Another excellent beneficial affect of the peppermint is felt internally, where it has a relaxing effect when ingested, it can calm persistent anxiety and tension and at the same time, act in relieving pain and spasms in the body. Menstrual pains can also be treated using remedies made from the peppermint herb, the herb is also used to treat asthma and insomnia in people. The remedies made from the peppermint are excellent in relieving problems in the digestive tract and the remedy relaxes smooth muscles and reduces inflammation internally, the remedy is also useful in relieving the pain and spasms during stomach aches, it is used in the treatment of colic conditions, in the treatment of persistent flatulence, in the treatment of heartburn, to treat cases of indigestion, to treat hiccoughs, and in the treatment of nausea and vomiting, and travel sickness in people. Peppermint has many tannins and these compounds can help protect the lining of the gut from physical irritation and infection and these same compound are also useful in the treatment of griping during diarrhea, in the treatment of spastic constipation, to treat Crohn's disease and cases of ulcerative colitis. Peppermint derived herbal bitters help in stimulating and cleansing the liver and the gallbladder, and also helps in the prevention of gallstones formation. At the same time peppermint derived volatile oils posses an antiseptic action, and this particular ability has now been confirmed as being bactericidal and anti-parasitic, it is also anti-fungal and anti-viral at the same time, and these oils are used in the treatment of various skin problems such as cold sores and common ringworm in many different individuals.

Other medical uses

• Wrinkles
• Sleep apnea
• Tension headache

Side Effects and Cautions

The herbal tea made from the peppermint is generally considered as a safe remedy for regular consumption and does not produce very significant side effects. However, side effects are known to be induce in people who take peppermint oil in very large amounts, taken in this way, the herb can cause burning and gastrointestinal problems in certain individuals. For this reason, herbal peppermint remedies are best avoided by people with problems of chronic heartburn. Other side effects are also evident, and the use of enteric-coated peppermint capsules by certain people can induce burning sensations in the rectum as side effects. The topical use of the peppermint oil has also caused rare allergic reactions from time to time and these have been reported in some people. Infants and young children must be watched when given peppermint tea and caution is advised on the use of this tea with such groups of individuals, one possible problem is that these infants or children can choke while reacting to the strong menthol content of the herbal peppermint tea. For this particular group of patients, the herbal tea of the chamomile is usually a better choice, not to mention much safer.

It is best not to give any peppermint tea to babies and very young children as the menthol in the tea may cause asphyxiation.

Common Names

• Cowplant
• Gurmabooti
• Gurmar
• Gymnema
• Meshasringi (ram's horn)
• Periploca Of The Woods

Uses

This species is native to the tropical forest regions of south and central India and also growing in some tropical regions of Africa. Since long, herbalists in India have used Gymnema Sylvestre for various therapeutic purposes. The long lance-shaped leaves of this slender woody climbing herb have been used to treat diabetes for over 2,000 years. The main attributes of this plant and its basic use in traditional Indian medicine is best described by the Hindu term ‘gumar' denoting ‘sugar destroyer'. Gymnema Sylvestre is such a potent herb that its powdered roots has been employed to heal snake bites, stomach disorders, liver ailments, excessive water retention by the body as well as constipation. Physicians in India state that this herb is not only used to effectively treat diabetes mellitus, but also as food additives against caries (decay of bones as in dental caries) and obesity. In addition, Gymnema Sylvestre is also believed to possess antiviral, anti-allergic, lipid lowering as well as other useful actions. It has also been found that the use of this herb facilitates in lowering the levels of cholesterol and triglycerides in the bloodstream.

Ayurvedic physicians in ancient times noted that chewing up a small number of gymnema leaves helped to restrain the flavour of sugar. Currently, the herb is extensively used throughout India to control blood sugar levels.

This herb has been introduced in the United States and Europe only recently. Nevertheless, the extracts obtained from the plant, especially its leaves, have been widely used for long in Indian traditional medicine as well as in countries like Japan, Australia and Vietnam as a part of their folk medicine.

Side Effects and Cautions

Dietary supplements containing the herb Gymnema Sylvestre is not known to cause any notable adverse after-effects when it is taken as per the recommendations of your healthcare provider. It is advisable that this herb or supplements containing it ought to be taken with some food, as it may result in some kind of gastrointestinal problems when ingested in an empty stomach. Taking the herb in excessive dosages may possibly result in hypoglycemia or exceptionally low blood sugar levels in people who are inclined to suffer hypoglycemic conditions. It is advisable that people suffering from active diabetes should talk to their physician prior to and during the course of using this herb, since the use of Gymnema Sylvestre may require changes in your insulin dosage or any other anti-diabetic medicines that you may be taking.

Common Names

• Caltrop
• Goathead
• Puncture Vine
• Tribulus
• Yellow Vine

Uses

Tribulus has a number of therapeutic uses and is generally employed to treat health conditions related to reproductive organs - erectile dysfunction (ED), infertility and poor libido. During the last 10 years, the popularity of this herb in augmenting sports performance has increased manifold.

Many have promoted tribulus for treating these conditions, as findings of researches undertaken in Russia as well as Bulgaria have suggested that this herb augments the male sex hormone testosterone levels by means of enhancing luteinizing hormone (also called interstitial cell-stimulating hormone), estrogen and DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone - a steroid hormone produced naturally by the adrenal glands). However, there are some reservations regarding the purpose of these studies.

Findings of a very recent study showed that using tribulus supplements in dosage of anything between 10 mg and 20 mg for every kg of one’s body weight every day for a period of four weeks did not have any effect on testosterone, androstenedione or the luteinizing hormone in comparison to persons who did not use tribulus.

Preliminary studies conducted on animals have revealed that the use of tribulus intensified their sexual performance, while augmenting the intracavernous pressure. It was found that a raise in the male hormone testosterone levels was responsible for this. Thus far, scientists have not been able to undertake any well-designed research to corroborate the initial findings.

There are several other uses of tribulus, for instance, it is one of the herbal supplements that is employed to cure erectile dysfunction. In addition, this herb also possesses a number of attributes that help to boost energy - similar to those of ginseng, tongkat ali, maca and cordyceps.

While tribulus contains a number of ingredients, this plant primarily encloses active elements like tribulosin, kaempferol, kaempferol 3-rutinodside, kaempferol 3-glucoside, and harmine. In addition, it also encloses active compounds known as steroidal saponins, which are primarily present in the plant’s leaves.

There was a time when the indigenous tribes of South Africa used tribulus in the form of a weapon. They gathered the sharp spiny seeds of the plant, immersed them in poison and put them on the ground for the barefoot members of rival tribes to step on them and be poisoned.

In recent years, several studies have been undertaken with the view to corroborate the health benefits of using tribulus. For the most part, these studies have been conducted on animals and the findings have been rather mixed - encouraging as well as negative. Although it appears that a number of claims regarding the various health benefits offered by this herb may be true, there is a need for more improved as well as larger studies to understand and confirm actual benefits of using Tribulus terrestris.

It is likely that tribulus is gaining in popularity as an herbal remedy for ED (erectile dysfunction) because it has the ability to unwind the smooth muscles and also facilitates blood circulation to the genitals. As it is said to work to augment the levels of testosterone naturally, the popularity of tribulus as an herbal supplement for body building has increased. In addition, more and more men are now using this herb to gain body weight.

While tribulus is frequently used for treating erectile dysfunction, impotency, building body and weight gain, this herb has traditionally been employed for a variety of purposes, including treating several other diseases. Herbalists in India, China and Europe have successfully used tribulus in the form of a natural remedy for high blood pressure (hypertension) and also to treat high levels of blood cholesterol. In addition, traditionally this herb has also been used to treat constipation, nervous disorders as well as to invigorate the central nervous system (CNS). It has also been used to treat a number of types of headaches.

It has been found that tribulus also possesses anti-tumour and anti-microbial attributes. Besides its ability to lower high levels of blood cholesterol owing to the active elements contained by it, this herb is also an antioxidant.

Although a number of researchers have claimed that they have used the herb successfully to treat hypertension (high blood pressure) and diabetes, there is a need for further studies to corroborate these health benefits of Tribulus terrestris.

Side Effects and Cautions

Although Tribulus terrestris is said to offer several health benefits, it produces some adverse side effects too. This herb should especially not be used by women during pregnancy or nursing mothers.

In fact, it has been reported that when a young male weight trainer took an herbal tablet enclosing tribulus, he developed gynaecomastia (a condition wherein there is an increase in the size of the breast). It is advisable that people suffering from health conditions that are dependent on hormones, for instance prostate cancer or breast cancer, should avoid using this herb.

In addition to the above mentioned adverse effects, this herb is also toxic to sheep. It has been reported that when sheep consume Tribulus terrestris, they develop a persistent, progressive and irreversible health problem in their nigrostriatal complex’s dopamine circuits inside the brain. This leads to impaired functioning of the muscles as well as debility in their hindquarters resulting in their eventual death.

Common Names

• Bitter Ash
• Bitter Bark
• Bitter Quassia
• Bitter Wood
• Quassia
• Quassia Bark
• Quassia Wood

Uses

The quassia has multiple therapeutic uses. Medicines prepared from the extracts of this tremendously astringent tree not only help to keep the digestive system stable, but also reinforces a scrawny digestive system. Among other things, quassia enhances the secretion of bile, salivary enzymes, production of stomach acids and perks up the digestive progression en bloc. In fact, quassia is normally used to invigorate a weak appetite, particularly while curing anorexia or constant loss of appetite. The bitterness of the herb has rendered it useful for treating malaria as well as other fevers or unusually high body temperatures. In the West Indies, physicians even recommend the use of quassia for treating dysentery. On the other hand, enema (liquid inserted through the rectum into the bowels) prepared from the bark of the quassia tree has been effectually used to throw out threadworms and other parasites from the body. In addition, decoction prepared with the quassia bark may be effectively used to repel insects and pests.

Quassia that is normally available in the shops is in the form of chips or raspings (like fine bread crumbs). These products do not possess any fragrance, but are extremely bitter to taste. And this particular characteristic of quassia distinguishes the herb from the adulterated substances sold in the market as quassia. Infusion prepared with these quassia chips and raspings with a persalt of iron imparts a bluish-black color. However, this produces no result in the infusion as the blue colored quassia flakes do not enclose any tannin acid.

The quassia wood has multiple benefits. It is an unadulterated stimulant that is associated with the stomach. At the same time, it is an effective vermicide (a drug that kills worms) and mildly narcotic (a substance that soothes or induces sleep). In flies and some higher animals, quassia performs as narcotic venom. At the same time, quassia is a precious medication for recuperation, especially after an acute ailment and also in debility or feebleness, and atonic dyspepsia or unstressed acid indigestion or an anti-spasmodic fever.

Since quassia does not enclose any tannic acid, the herb is often prescribed with substances containing iron salt. Prescribing quassia with iron salts also makes it a perfumed, but bitter medicine for stomach disorders, much akin to the functions of calumba. What is significant about quassia is the fact that when it is administered in small doses, the herb helps in improving appetite, but when used in larger dosages, it proves to be an irritant and leads to vomiting. The quassia possibly reduces disintegration in the stomach and thereby avoids development of tart during digestion.

A decoction of quassia or the extraction of the active constituents of the herb by boiling the wood is often used by the herbal medicine practitioners as an injection to do away with ascarides. On the other hand, to prepare an enema for throwing out ascarides from the body, blend three parts of quassia to one part of another herb called the mandrake root. When the mixture is ready, add one fluid ounce of asafoetida or diluted carbolic acid to each ounce of the quassia and mandrake root for treating children up to 3 years and two fluid ounces are injected into the rectum twice every day. Cups made out of quassia wood and filled with water may be administered as a useful and potent tonic after it has been left undisturbed for a few hours.

An infusion prepared by soaking the quassia wood in cold water for approximately 12 hours may be taken thrice daily with ginger tea. This is beneficial for weak people owing to absence of appetite or lack of food and is effectual in treating the damaged digestive tract. In addition, quassia mixed with sulfuric acid is effective in curing alcoholism. This mixture is said to destroy the appetite for alcohols. In addition to these, quassia has several other remedial benefits and it may also be applied externally to treat certain physical disorders.

The quassia as well as medications or lotions prepared with it may be applied externally to get rid of lice on the body.

Common Names

• Rhodiola
• Tibetan Rhodiola

Uses

Tibetan rhodiola is extremely beneficial for the lungs as well as the respiratory functions. This vital herb possesses antipyretic (ability to prevent or curb fever) and energizing properties. The ‘Supernatural Peasant's Materia Medica Classics' had described rhodiola as possessing the aptitude to relax and soothe the body as well as improve the power of eyesight or make the eyes brighter. When rhodiola is used as a stimulant or tonic, it helps to potently enhance vivacity. Consumption of Tibetan rhodiola is effective for fortifying the body as well as the mind, combating fatigue, defending against absence of oxygen as well as extreme exposure to radiation. In addition, rhodiola is also known to facilitate extending one's life span. Tibetan rhodiola is particularly known for its ability to augment the intellect of people who intake this herb or medications prepared from it regularly. In addition, herbal medical practitioners prescribe rhodiola or its extract as a tonic for the cardiovascular system as well as to encourage the management of blood sugar.

In Asia as well as Eastern Europe, the herb Tibetan rhodiola has been a popular and well accepted therapy in the traditional medical systems for several centuries now. In fact, the Russians have been consuming a tea prepared with rhodiola for hundreds of years with a view to perk up their energy levels. Both, the Russian as well as Chinese scientists have studied the health benefits offered by rhodiola root for a number of decades now. The roots or rhizomes of rhodiola are also known to have a stimulating effect on the nervous system. In addition, the roots of this herb and extracts obtained from them help in combating depression, diminish exhaustion, augment one's work performance as well as diminish the altitude sickness suffered by many. The Russian scientists have classified rhodiola as an adaptogen owing to its unique characteristic to facilitate reinforcing the resistance power of the body against a range of biological, chemical and physical conditions that may result in stress and tension. As an adaptogenic, the roots of Rhodiola Sacra possess the aptitude to vitalize the central nervous system as well as protect the cardiopulmonary system.

As aforementioned, the use of rhodiola is helpful in enhancing mood as well as assuaging depression. The use of Tibetan rhodiola is also known to have a beneficial influence on the physical as well as mental performance of individuals who take the herb regularly. In addition, rhodiola is effective in diminishing fatigue. The use of rhodiola has also proved to be beneficial in treating cardiac ailments caused or worsened due to stress or strain. It has also been established that rhodiola is effective in combating all types of contagions and motion sickness. Besides the uses of rhodiola discussed above, this rare and precious herb is also used for healing impotence, anemia, cancer, headaches, contagions and complaints of the nervous system. Other than these, rhodiola has also been found to be useful in enhancing the life span of individuals and also improving fertility. In addition, the herb Tibetan rhodiola is also known to possess strong antioxidant properties and helps to diminish the harmful actions of the free radicals produced by the body. This way, rhodiola is very helpful in combating different ailments related to the affects of free radicals and aging.

Apart from the health benefits of Rhodiola Sacra discuss thus far, by and large, this herb also helps to considerably enhance as well as cleanse the blood quality. At the same time, rhodiola also perks up the immune system by enhancing blood circulation throughout the body. In addition, scientists have discovered that rhodiola has the aptitude to assuage as well as relieve angina (chest pain owing to spasms) that may be a result of the insufficiency of the coronary artery. At the same time, rhodiola has been found to be very effective in healing the consequences of exposure to radiation, toxins, and lack of oxygen as well as fatigue. Rhodiola Sacra has also been found to be beneficial for people suffering from cerebral thrombosis and atherosclerosis (a condition wherein fatty substances deposit in the form of plaque on the inner lining of the walls of arteries). Moreover, use of Rhodiola Sacra is also useful during the recuperation phase from cerebral infarction (an ischemic type of stroke caused due to a disorder in the blood vessels providing blood to the brain), thereby protecting the blood vessels. This herb and its extract are also said to useful for the myocardial system since it has the ability to assist in protecting as well as providing relief from angina pectoris. The other health benefits offered by Rhodiola Sacra includes its ability to diminish the risk from hypertension by lowering the viscosity of blood. Last, but not the least, rhodiola is also useful in providing relief from exhaustion and headaches and, at the same time, enhancing memory and holding up senility.

Common Names

• Chinese Rhubarb
• Da Huang
• Ta-huang

Uses

It may be noted that Chinese rhubarb or Da Huang, as the herb is known in China, has a very old history of being employed as a herbal medicine. The first reference of this herb was made in the Chinese classic Materia Medica way back in the first century A.D. Very recently, in 1988, Chinese rhubarb was also listed in the British Pharmacopoeia. It was later introduced into India from where it travelled to Asia Minor and from 1732 the herb was cultivated in the West, especially Europe. It is worth mentioning here that Chinese rhubarb is among the very small number of herbs that continues to be used even to this day in traditional, in addition to herbal medicine.

Chinese rhubarb is an excellent purgative. Big measures of this herb are blended with other carminative herbs and used internally in the form of a purgative to cleanse the colon devoid of setting off too much spasm. In fact, this method is effective for curing constipation wherein the large bowel muscles are frail.

The primary action of Chinese rhubarb is having a helpful as well as harmonizing result on the entire digestive tract. In effect, rhubarb is among the herbs that are used most extensively in Chinese medicine. The results of using this herb are safe as well as mild, and even children can use it without any trouble. Chinese rhubarb also forms an active ingredient of a therapeutic formula of North America called Essiac that is a very well accepted remedy for cancer. As not controlled studies have been undertaken with Chinese rhubarb till date, the efficacy of this herb is yet to be scientifically confirmed or contradicted. Other herbs which are incorporated in the Essiac formula include Ulmus rubra, Arctium lappa and Rumex acetosella.

The root of Chinese rhubarb possesses antiseptic, antitumor, anticholesterolemic, astringent, cholagogue, aperients, diuretic, demulcent, purgative, laxative, tonic and stomachic properties. The root of this herb also encloses anthraquinones that cause a laxative result. In addition, it also contains bitters and tannins, whose actions are contradictory. When rhubarb is taken in small measures, this herb works like an astringent tonic for the digestive system, while taking this herb in larger amounts results in gentle purgative effects. Rhubarb root is also used internally to treat conditions like diarrhea, persistent constipation, problems related to the liver and gall bladder, menstrual disorders, hemorrhoids as well as eruptions on the skin owing to build up of toxic substances. However, this herb should never be recommended for women during pregnancy or people who are suffering from intestinal obstructions.

The root of Chinese rhubarb is also applied topically for treating burn injuries. When the plants have grown over six years, their roots are collected during October. Soon after harvesting, the roots are dried up and stored for use when necessary afterward. The dehydrated roots of Chinese rhubarb are also used to prepare a homeopathic remedy, which is particularly employed to treat diarrhea in children who are growing new teeth. It may be noted here that the therapeutic manual for herbal medicine called the German Commission E Monographs has approved the consumption of the species Rheum palmatum.

Other medical uses

The herb rhubarb is also used in homeopathy as a topical remedy for application on boils, burns and carbuncles. In homeopathy, rhubarb is also used in the form of a tonic as well as a gentle stimulant for appetite. In addition, it is also effective in the form of a mouthwash for treating canker sores.

Side Effects and Cautions

People using rhubarb for therapeutic or culinary purposes or intend to use it, ought to be aware of the potential side effects caused by this herb and take the necessary precautions. It may be noted that the leaves of rhubarb are toxic and this is possibly owing to the high intensity of oxalic acid contained by the leaves of this herb. In fact, oxalic acid has the aptitude to put away specific minerals, particularly calcium, inside the body. However, when taken in reasonable measures, the herb is considered to be harmless. It is worth mentioning here that individuals who have a propensity to developing arthritis, rheumatism, gout, hyperacidity as well as kidney stones ought to exercise particular caution while incorporating this herb in their diet, as it may possibly worsen their condition. Using this herb for a prolonged period may result in electrolyte imbalance owing to the herbs laxative property. In addition, continuous use of rhubarb has the potential to augment the secretion of aldosterone, passage of blood and albumin in urine as well as loss of movement in the intestines.

Common Names

• Red-bearded
• Sarsaparilla

Uses

Sarsaparilla can act as an anti-inflammatory and cleansing agent. The herb cab be invaluable in bringing quick relief for a wide array of disorders and problems, such as for instance, skin problems such as psoriasis, eczema and itchiness, and can help treat gout, rheumatism, and rheumatoid arthritis. Certain experts advocate the herb is a very good medicine with potential use for treating impotence. This is because sarsaparilla has a specifically testosterogenic action on the body. This can lead to a dramatic increase in one's muscle bulk. The fact that sarsaparilla has a progesterogenic action means that the herb can be used to bring relief to women suffering from symptoms of menopause and other menstrual problems, like the premenstrual syndrome. In certain cases where menopause is associated with debility and depression sarsaparilla can be very useful. As a matter of fact, Native Amazonian people have been known to take sarsaparilla to improve their virility and to treat problems associated with menopause.

Side Effects and Cautions

It has been found that the herb sarsaparilla can cause nausea and kidney damage in some cases, and therefore, experts advise that large dosages of the herb taken over long periods of time must be avoided at all costs. Since sarsaparilla can increase absorption and/or elimination of bismuth and digitalis, such combinations are contraindicated and must therefore be avoided.

Common Names

• Alexandrian Senna
• Senna

Uses

Going by the records, the Arabian physicians were the first to utilize the therapeutic properties of senna in the 9th century A.D. Primarily, the herb has been used to treat constipation and is best to use when you require a soft stool. The best use of senna is in anal fissure or a pathological division in the anus. The herb is also an effective laxative if taken for a limited period. Physicians advise that taking senna for more than 10 days at a stretch my lead to the deterioration of the large bowel muscles.

Here is another word of caution from the herbalists. If senna is taken as a cathartic or very strong purgative that empties the stomach, it may lead to sudden and intense stomach pains and colic or abdominal pains. Hence, it is advisable to always take senna combined with herbs that are aromatic and help in relieving flatulence or colic by expelling gas. This aids in calming the intestinal muscles.

The herb is known by several other names, including Alexandrian Senna and Rajavriksha. It may be mentioned here that while Cassia senna is indigenous to the tropical climatic zones in Africa and is commercially grown in Egypt as well as in Sudan, Cassia angustifolia is a natural herb in India and is commercially cultivated in India as well as neighboring Pakistan. Only the leaves and the pods of the herb are therapeutically useful. Although the leaves of the senna plant possess high laxative properties, regular use of the substance may lead to a binding effect or some kind of addiction.

The leaves as well as the pods of the senna plant form important ingredients of several laxative medicines that are sold over the counter in the drug stores. According to records, natives of northern parts of Africa as well as the southwestern regions of Asia have used senna as a laxative for hundreds of years. Owing to the herb's cathartic or heavy purgative effect, senna was also known as the ‘cleansing' herb. Besides these advantages, herbalists often prepared a paste with the senna leaves and applied it externally on skin to cure acne, ringworms as well as other skin problems. In addition, senna is said to be a very strong purgative and needs to be taken with utmost care and caution.

Senna is a potent cathartic or purgative that is mainly used to cure constipation. The herb works by invigorating muscle contractions in the intestines. Chemical analysis of senna has revealed that the herb contains anthraquinone glycosides such as sennosides, aloe-emodin and rhein, flavones, tartaric acid, beta-sitosterol, mucin, essential oils, resin and tannin. Sennosides present in senna aggravate the lining in the large intestines resulting to peristaltic action or the contraction of the intestinal muscles and eventually leading to exodus of the bowels. In addition, albeit for a short term, senna is also useful in preventing the fluid present along with the ingested food to be soaked up by the large intestine and this helps in keeping the stool soft and subsequently alleviating constipation.

Since senna is a very strong purgative that may lead to stomach and abdominal pains, it is generally used with herbs that are aromatic and carminative (something that relieves flatulence or colic by expelling gas). For instance, it is always advisable to take senna with herbs like cardamom, peppermint, ginger root and fennel to enhance the herb's delectableness. According to the history of the herb, it has also been used to treat provocative skin conditions, hypertension as well as to control weight.

Other medical uses

• Incontinence fecal

Side Effects and Cautions

Senna should never be used at a stretch for more than 10 days as it has a tendency to make the colon dependent on it for proper functioning. In fact, regular use of senna may also lead to loss of liquids, poor potassium intensity as well as diarrhea. These in turn may cause dehydration and negative consequences on the heart as well as the muscles. If used under the supervision of a physician, use of senna can be safe even during pregnancy and lactation. It may be mentioned here that use of senna is safe for children above the age of six, but should not be administered to children below that age.

Common Names

• Eleuthero
• Siberian Ginseng

Uses

As it is a very strong stimulatory herb, some people such as students stressed by exams are often given the Siberian ginseng, as it promotes mental resilience and jogs the memory of the person, doses of the herb are also recommended to reduce the effects of physical stress on a person involved in some heavy physical activity, such as normally occurs during the physical process of training for athletics and endurance events.

Debilitation and persistent physical exhaustion which affects people due to over work or from prolonged stressfulness can be very effectively treated using the herbal Siberian ginseng remedy - the herb acts as a rejuvenating and strengthening herbal remedy. People recovering from some chronic illnesses and those in a weakened state can also benefit from taking the herb as it strongly stimulates the immune resistance and greatly aids in the process of convalescence - rapidly speeding up the recovery process in the body. Infection can be prevented by the drinking the general tonic made from the Siberian ginseng, the herb also helps in the maintenance of health and mental well being in people who regularly take the herb as a general tonic. Problems such as impotence are also treated using the Siberian ginseng as an herbal remedy.

Other medical uses

• Addictions
• Bone cancer
• Hantavirus
• Herpes
• Hodgkin's disease
• Kidney cancer

Side Effects and Cautions

Traditionally, the use of eleuthero herb has not been linked to any serious side effects and there is minimal danger involved in the use of the herbal remedy. A minuscule portion of users have reported very mild and transient diarrhea as a possible side effect of using this herb. When taken very close to sleeping hours, the eleuthero herb might possibly induce some sleeplessness and insomnia in some individuals. People who are affected by an uncontrolled high blood pressure condition must not take eleuthero in any form. Lactating women and women in a term of pregnancy can safely use the Siberian ginseng without any fear of side effects. Some herbal eleuthero products are sometimes adulterated with the Panax ginseng and the other related ginseng species, these herbs are contraindicated and must not be used by lactating women or pregnant women - care should be taken when purchasing all herbal products.

Common Names

• Blue Pimpernel
• Blue Scullcap
• Helmet Flower
• Hoodwort
• Mad Dog
• Madweed
• Skullcap
• Virginia Scullcap

Uses

Scullcap has numerous uses, and these differ from place to place. For example, the Cherokee applied the herb mainly as a remedy for women's disorders. It was traditionally used to rouse menstruation, alleviate chest soreness as well as stimulate the placenta eviction from the body. However, it was in the 19th century that the Physimedicalists, the Anglo-Americans who followed herbal medicine in that age, realized the use of the herb in healing nervous disorders. These physicians found that scullcap had a more penetrative action on the nervous system and was effective in healing disorders like epilepsy, spasms, frenzy, rabies as well as the mental infirmities, including schizophrenia.

These days, scullcap is predominantly consumed as a stimulant for the nervous system and its ability to heal the system. As mentioned earlier, scullcap is a herb that is extremely effective in the treatment of the nervous system as it is beneficial in soothing anxiety, stress and worries. In fact, the ability of scullcap to control and rectify nervous irregularities makes it one of the most effective remedies for tension and anxiety that leads to muscular contractions. Physicians often recommend usage of scullcap individually or in combination with other tranquilizing herbal medicines to cure sleeplessness as well as for respite from menstrual pains. Scientists as well as physicians are of the opinion that there is need for more studies into scullcap as this may bring to the fore other still unknown uses of the herb.

Other medical uses

• Addictions
• Sleep apnea
• Temporomandibular joint syndrome or disorder / TMJ (TMD)

Side Effects and Cautions

Although gulping standard measures of scullcap does not lead to any serious adverse effects in the body, when a person is administered an injection containing ingredients of S. baicalensis it may cause aches in the muscles and also raise the body temperature. While it may also lead to reduced count of leukocyte in the body, many people have even complained of liver damage after being administered the injection. Since, scullcap is known to damage the liver, it is advised that people should not intake the herb casually.

Common Names

• Amber Touch-and-heal
• Goatweed
• Hypericum
• Johnswort
• Klamath Weed
• Rosin Rose
• St. John's Grass
• St. John's Wort
• Tipton Weed

Uses

St. John's wort possesses several remedial properties, but perhaps the most significant use of this European herb is to treat depression and other nervous disorders. Since long back, herbal medicine practitioners have used the herb as a stimulant for nervousness, anxiety, depression and insomnia or wakefulness.

The herb is especially effective in treating depression linked to menopause. In fact, when the herb is administered to women enduring depression owing to menopausal disorders, it relieves the symptoms of hormonal alterations. In addition, the herb is also useful in healing reduced vigour among women in the menopausal phase. At the same time, the herb is a helpful stimulant for the gallbladder and liver.

The oil extracted from the St. John's herb has a reddish color and is an exceptional antiseptic. The oil is applied topically to heal injuries and burns and also to alleviate cramps and neuralgia or nerve pain. The oil is also administered internally to treat peptic ulcers and gastric tenderness or irritation. In addition to being an excellent antiseptic, St. John's wort oil also possesses antiviral as well as anti-inflammatory properties and heals equally well when applied externally or used internally.

Other medical uses

• Homeopathy
• Abscess
• Breast cancer

Side Effects and Cautions

Using any form of St. John's wort makes the skin more sensitive to light. Hence, it is advisable that people with fair complexion and using St. John's wort ought to keep away from exposure to powerful sunlight as well as all sources of ultraviolet (UV) light - for instance, tanning beds. In addition, such people should also keep away from specific foods, including red wine, yeast, cheese and pickled herring. Here is a word of caution for women using St. John's wort. This herb or medications prepared with it should never be used by pregnant women and nursing mothers.

When not to use St. John's Wort

The therapeutic properties of St. John's wort notwithstanding, using the herb may result in a number of side effects. In addition, this herb should not be used by people enduring certain conditions or women when they are pregnant or lactating. A number of instances are mentioned below wherein St. John's wort should not be used under any circumstances. Precisely speaking, use of the herb in the conditions mentioned below is strictly prohibited and if used may prove to be detrimental for the patient's health.

• People taking any form of prescription anti-depressant, especially any of the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like Prozac, should never use St. John's wort. Taking any SSRIs and the herb concurrently will result in a severe drug interaction known as serotonin syndrome. It is essential to consult your physician beforehand in case you are already taking a prescription anti-depressant and also desire to use St. John's wort for treating other medical conditions, for instance insomnia or premenstrual syndrome (PMS). In addition, it is never advisable to do self-medication with St. John's wort, especially if you are already taking any prescription anti-depressant or SSRIs.
• It is advisable never to take hypericum for treating bipolar disorder (also called manic depression) or if you are experiencing acute depression involving suicidal thoughts or tendencies. While a number of studies have advocates using a very high dosage of hypericum - about 1,800 mg or more daily, to effectively cure severe depression, most scientists are of the view that more extensive research is needed in this regard to substantiate the recommendations of these studies. As of now, the herb is only recommended for treating gentle to restrained cases of depression as well as a remedy for seasonal affective disorder (SAD).
• St. John's wort should never be used by women who are either pregnant or lactating. Thus far, scientists have not examined St. John's wort for teratogenicity. In other words, it is yet to be ascertained whether the use of the herb by pregnant women caused any harm to the fetus or still unborn child. However, St. John's wort has been traditionally used as a tonic for the uterus as well as a gentle stimulant for the uterus. It may be mentioned here that so far at least one research involving animals in laboratory has confirmed that St. John's wort possesses the property to stimulate the uterus.
• Children under the age of 12 years should never be given any medical preparation with St. John's wort. It is advisable not to even apply the herb externally on them. For instance, since long people have been effectively using St. John's wort to treat babies having colic (a condition wherein the baby experiences bouts of abdominal pain). The treatment of colicky babies involved soaking the affected babies in a bathtub containing warm water with flowers and leaves of St. John's wort or the liquid extract from the herb. It may be noted that St. John's wort possesses anti-spasmodic, tranquilizing and analgesic properties which are effective in curing colic. Taking a bath with warm water containing a liquid extract of St. John's wort is believed to be an exceptional remedy for nervousness, restiveness as well as stomach cramps.
• People enduring substance abuse problems or are addicted to alcohol, heroin, cocaine, amphetamines or crack should never use St. John's wort under any circumstance. Taking St. John's wort concurrently with any of the above mentioned substances will result in a severe drug interaction. This is despite a number of unreliable reports that St. John's wort is a useful medication for detoxification or getting our body rid of toxins. Before you use the herb as a ‘detox' medication, it is essential that you consult your physician or a counsellor to find if St. John's wort is suitable for your conditions. You may, however, consider taking St. John's wort during the recuperation stage with a view to treat anxiety and insomnia related to your conditions.

When to use St. John's Wort with caution

Although it is a very useful herb that is effective in treating a number of conditions, St. John's wort should be used with extreme caution. Below are a few instances to help you use St. John's herb with prudence.

• People enduring chronic heart, kidney or liver ailments should necessarily use St. John's wort only under the supervision of a competent and practiced medical practitioner. The same applies for people who have been diagnosed with ailments of the connective tissues like rheumatoid arthritis or lupus (an uncommon type of tuberculosis of the skin.) People enduring chronic diseases of different organs usually experience a severe weakening of the body's resistance system and, hence, they are often unable to successfully absorb and digest several medications, including bio-medicines. In fact, it has been found that people suffering from heart, kidney and liver ailments are particularly vulnerable to severe side effects caused by the medications administered to them. They experience side effects even when they take a mild herbal medication like St. John's wort. It may be noted here that in the instance of connective tissue diseases like photosensitivity, systemic lupus and acute skin reactions owing to sunlight are the real symptoms of the ailment. Here is a word of caution: never engage in self-medication with St. John's wort, an herb known for its photosensitizing properties. This may result in the worsening of the symptoms experienced by the patients.
• People suffering from chronic high blood pressure or hypertension should always use St. John's wort with utmost concern and always under the supervision of a competent and qualified medical practitioner.
• If you have cancer, hepatitis, AIDS or it has been detected that you have HIV or tuberculosis, hypericum enclosed in St. John's wort may be used to treat the conditions. However, the underlying fact remains that this substance should only be used under the supervision of a qualified medical practitioner. Several studies conducted with St. John's wort have established that the herb possesses anti-cancer, anti-bacterial, anti-viral as well as immune-enhancing characteristics. Consequently, it is believed that St. John's herb has immense remedial virtues and has the potential to control and treat the medical conditions mentioned above. However, scientists are of the view that more extensive researches need to be undertaken on this subject since clinical trials on humans so far have either been restricted or controlled strictly. In effect, people enduring any of these ailments ought to carry on with the usual treatment procedures and only use St. John's wort as an encouraging or collateral treatment essentially under the advice and supervision of a qualified medical practitioner.

While it is not advisable to use St. John's wort in children below the age of 12 years, even older people using this herb should do so only on the advice and under the supervision of a competent medical practitioner. Never ever attempt to do self-medication with St. John's wort as the consequences are likely to be detrimental for your condition and overall health.

Common Names

• Brazilian Ginseng
• Suma

Uses

The natives of the Amazon basin who have christened this herb as ‘para toda' have been using the roots of suma for several generations to cure an assortment of health conditions, including using the root extract as a common tonic, a tonic to enhance sexual drive, a tonic to invigorate as well as enhance the energy levels and also as a common medication to treat several different kinds of ailments. It may be further noted that these people have been traditionally using suma as a magic potion (aphrodisiac), a comforting remedy as well as an herbal medication to treat ulcers for over three centuries now. Even to this day, suma is an important traditional herbal medication for numerous Indian tribes inhabiting the rainforest.

Presently, suma is deemed to be an effective herbal tonic as well as an adaptogen or immune enhancer all over the globe. An herbal adaptogen can be defined as a plant whose use augments the resistance of the body to all unfavourable influences of an assortment of physical, biochemical and chemical factors and, at the same time, has a stabilizing or curative impact on the body all together. In the contemporary herbal medicine practices in Brazil, the root of the suma plant is used as an oxygenator for the cells and is consumed to arouse appetite and circulation. In addition, the suma roots are also taken to enhance production of estrogen, regulate the blood sugar levels, augment/ reinforce the immune system, improve memory and also to reinforce the muscular system.

Herbal medicine practitioners in North America use the roots of suma for several health purposes. Besides using the herb's roots as an adaptogenic and reformative tonic to control several bodily systems, they also use them to stimulate the immune system, cure fatigue and incessant weariness, impotence/ infertility, anemia, arthritis, cancer, diabetes, tumours, high blood pressure (hypertension), mononucleosis (presence of an exceptionally great number of mononuclear leukocytes in the bloodstream), hormonal disorders, menopause and PMS (premenstrual syndrome) as well as different types of stress. On the other hand, practitioners of herbal medicine in Ecuador presently consider suma to be a tonic as well as a stabilizer for the cardiovascular system, the reproductive system, the central nervous system and the digestive system. In addition, they also employ the herb to treat sexual dysfunction and infertility, hormonal disorders, diabetes, rheumatism, circulatory and digestive problems, bronchitis and even arteriosclerosis (degenerative alterations in the arteries, distinguished by thickening of the walls of the vessels and build-up of calcium with resultant loss of suppleness and reduced flow of blood).

In Europe, herbalists use suma as a restorative tonic for the nervous and glandular functions. In addition, they also use the herb to stabilize the endocrine system, to treat impotency, menstrual and menopausal symptoms, to reinforce the immune system, to diminish the unfavourable effects of birth control medication, to cure high cholesterol levels in the bloodstream, to combat toxic substances within the body and also as a common restorative tonic after any ailment.

Side Effects and Cautions

It has been recognized that the herb suma encloses substantial quantity of plant sterols, counting a significant quantity of beta-ecdysterone as well as little quantities of stigmasterol and beta-sitosterol. These sterols may possibly possess estrogenic properties or have activities and/ or result in an augmentation in production of estrogen, since this herb has been traditionally used to control the menstrual process and also cure menopausal symptoms, PMS and other hormonal maladies. However, these attributes of suma are yet to be proved scientifically (clinically). Here is a word of caution for women who are enduring estrogen-positive cancers. Such women should strictly avoid the use of this herb for their other conditions.

Inhaling the powdered root of suma is known to have resulted in asthmatic allergies. Therefore, one needs to exercise caution to avoid inhaling the suma unrefined root powder while handling it or preparing decoctions with it. In addition, generally consumption of excessive amounts of saponins - the chemical substance that is naturally present in suma, has been found to occasionally result in gentle gastric problems, counting stomach cramping and nausea. In case you notice any side effects of using this herb, it is advisable to lower the dosage of your medication.

Common Names

• Sutherlandia
• Cancer bush
• Balloon pea (Eng.)
• Umnwele(Xhosa & Zulu)
• Kankerbos
• Blaasbossie
• Blaas-ertjie
• Eendjies
• Gansiekeurtjie
• Klappers
• Hoenderbelletjie (Afr.)

Uses

This plant is one of the most talked about in the ethnobotanical world because it has a strong reputation as a cure for cancer and now increasingly as an immune booster in the treatment of HIV/AIDS. Research on its properties is ongoing.

It has long been known, used and respected as a medicinal plant in southern Africa. The original inhabitants of the Cape, the Khoi San and Nama people, used it mainly as a decoction for the washing of wounds and took it internally to bring down fevers. The early colonists regarded it as giving successful results in the treatment of chicken pox, stomach problems, and in the treatment of internal cancers. It is also known to have been used in the treatment of eye troubles, the eyes being bathed with a decoction of the plant. It continues to be used to this day as a remedy for the above-mentioned ailments. It is still used as a wash for wounds, to bring down fevers, to treat chicken pox, for internal cancers, and farm workers in the Cape still use it to treat eye troubles. It is also used to treat colds, 'flu, asthma, TB, bronchitis, rheumatism, rheumatoid arthritis and osteo-arthritis, liver problems, haemorrhoids, piles, bladder, uterus & 'women's' complaints, diarrhoea & dysentery, stomach ailments, heartburn, peptic ulcers, backache, diabetes, varicose veins and inflammation. It is also used in the treatment of mental and emotional stress, including irritability, anxiety and depression and is used as a gentle tranquillizer. It is said to be a useful bitter tonic and that a little taken before meals will aid digestion and improve the appetite. It is considered to be a good general medicine.

There is as yet no scientific support for the numerous claims and anecdotes that this plant can cure cancer, but there is preliminary clinical evidence that it has a direct anti-cancer effect in some cancers and that it acts as an immune stimulant.

Sutherlandia should not be regarded as a miracle cure for cancer, its real benefits are as a tonic that will assist the body to mobilize its own resources to cope with the illness. It is known to decrease anxiety and irritability and to elevate the mood. Cancer patients, as well as TB and AIDS patients, lose weight and tend to waste away. Sutherlandia dramatically improves the appetite and wasted patients start to gain weight. It is also known to improve energy levels and gives an enhanced sense of well-being. It is hoped that treatment with sutherlandia will delay the progression of HIV into AIDS, and even remission of the disease is hoped for.

Side Effects and Cautions

The results of the recent three month safety study conducted by the IKS division of the Medical Research Council of South Africa have shown that Sutherlandia frutescens is totally safe and non-toxic within the parameters of this study.

Uses

When listing the uses of Swedish Bitters, the list would be quite exhaustive. It can easily be termed as a wonder tonic that heals most ailments you may suffer from. You may use it to clean wounds as an antiseptic, clear away all blemishes or scars from your body, sooth any burns, fight toothache, improve digestion, fight off insomnia and skin allergies, as well as use as a lubricant and treat many more ailments.

Swedish Bitters is extremely helpful for pregnant women and helps fight morning sickness. It is excellent for breast-feeding moms as it works effectively in reducing the inflammation of the nipples. Even people suffering from epilepsy, eye infections, hemorrhoids, frostbites, eye diseases etc have shown great improvement by consuming this tonic.

Side Effects and Cautions

The general side-effects that have been reported so far are dehydration, allergy, rashes, cramps or indigestion. Although completely herbal and safe, like all medications it is advisable to first consult your doctor prior to consuming the drug.

Common Names

• Turmeric

Uses

Turmeric helps to facilitate the action of the liver and has been used for years used to heal jaundice both by the Chinese as well as the Ayurvedic medical practitioners. Turmeric also helps in secretion of mucus that protects the stomach and has been used since ages to heal digestive disorders like gastritis and tartness. The spice is also helpful in relieving one of nausea and although turmeric is not helpful in alleviating pain, the herb's anti-seditious functions are helpful in getting relief from other inciting situations like arthritis, asthma and eczema. Turmeric is now being widely used to heal as well as lower the danger of strokes and heart attacks. This is because its properties to curb inflammation, thin the blood as well as reduce the cholesterol level in the system.

When turmeric is applied on the skin, the spice is beneficial in healing various disorders that comprise psoriasis, and fungal infections and even diseases likes athlete's foot.

Other medical uses

• Breast cancer
• Cervical cancer
• Colorectal cancer
• Kaposi's sarcoma
• Lung cancer
• Ovarian cancer
• Prostate cancer
• Viral infection

Side Effects and Cautions

All scientific researches have been conducted so far have established turmeric to be completely safe from any kind of adverse side effects. The herb is reported to be harmless beyond doubt. Although, it is advisable that people suffering from gallstones need to keep away from turmeric, otherwise it has shown no unfavorable affect when consumed in great amounts with foodstuff.

Common Names

• Blessed Herb
• Capon's Tail
• English Valerian
• Garden Heliotrope
• German Valerian
• Great Wild Valerian
• Heliotrope
• Setwall
• Tagara
• Valerian
• Vandalroot
• Vermont Valerian
• Wild Valerian

Uses

Valerian was also called the ‘all-heal' during the Middle Ages and was attributed with several features, especially therapeutic properties to heal epilepsy. Way back in 1592, Fabius Calumna published a comprehensive book on herbal medicine where he claimed to have cured himself of epilepsy using the herb.

It is said that valerian is useful in neutralizing excessive active mental conditions as well as excitement induced by nervousness and helps people to soothe their nerves. In fact, the herb is useful in just about all conditions associated with stress and generally brings about a soothing consequence on the mind. It, however, does not expressly function as a tranquilizer.

Valerian is also capable of alleviating a number of symptoms of nervousness, such as quivering, fear, tremor as well as perspiration. In addition, the herb is an effective remedy for sleeplessness or insomnia induced by fretfulness or excessive stimulation. Valerian also loosens up excessively spasmodic muscles and is particularly beneficial for shoulder and neck stress, asthma, irritable bowel syndrome, muscle contractions, colic (paroxysmal pain in the abdomen or bowels) and even painful menstruation.

Additionally, valerian is used in combination with other herbs to treat high blood pressure induced by tension and anxiety.

Other medical uses

• Phobia
• Sleep apnea
• Temporomandibular joint syndrome or disorder / TMJ (TMD)
• Urinary incontinence

Side Effects and Cautions

Although use of valerian does not result in any known side effects or the herb does not interact with other medications, it is essential never to take this herb or medications prepared with it simultaneously with alcohol. Studies conducted by scientists recently suggest that unlike other sedatives, valerian does not weaken the aptitude to drive or use any machinery. Usage of the herb also does not result in addiction or dependence on it. In addition, thus far there are no adverse side effects of this herbal remedy on pregnant and nursing women.

Common Names

• Common Willow
• European Willow
• White Willow
• Willow

Uses

The actions of white willow are very caustic and earlier it was used to stem internal bleeding. In an article published in 1652, Nicholas Culpeper had suggested that physicians use the burnt residues of the white willow bark blended with vinegar to remove warts, corns as well as unnecessary flesh from the body. In fact, the white willow is an outstanding medication to heal arthritic as well as rheumatic pain that have an effect on the back as well as joints like keens and hips. When blended with other aromatic plant extracts and modifications in the dietary systems, while willow acts efficiently to alleviate irritations and enlargements. At the same time, it perks up mobility in sore and rasping joints in the body. Although these days aspirin-based medicines function better and more quickly than white willow, they are known to have bitter side affects. In addition to the above mentioned uses of white willow, it may also be consumed to heal high fevers as well as get relief from headaches or any other kind of pain in the skull. White willow is also useful for women as the herb helps in lowering night sweating and hot flashes through menopause period.

Other medical uses

• Osteoarthritis

Side Effects and Cautions

One needs to follow some guidelines and be cautious while using white willow on a long-term basis. Using white willow over a considerable period of time may lead to pain and exasperation in the gastro-intestinal parts of the body. Particularly, like in the instance of aspirin, white willow too must not be administered to children suffering from low fevers. And more importantly, people who are sensitive to aspirin should also avoid white willow. Anyways, long-time usage of white willow is harmful for the body as this may cause the same problems that are associated with the use of aspirin. Generally, like in the case of aspirin, even long-term usage of white willow may lead to stomach ulcers. Nevertheless, white willow is still considered to be a safer remedy than aspirin.

Common Names

• Aluka
• China Root
• Devil's-bones
• Mexican Wild Yam
• Rheumatism Root
• Shan-yao
• Wild Yam
• Yuma

Uses

Going back to history, one comes to learn that the people of both Maya and Aztec civilizations widely used wild yam as a medicine most probably to alleviate pain. In North America, the wild yam is also known as colic root and rheumatism root which provides ample indication of how the early European settlers in this continent used the herb. Generally, the wild yam was used to get relieve from disorders marked by inflammation or pain in the connective tissue structures of the body. At the same time, herbalists in North and Central America extensively used wild yam as a traditional medicine to alleviate excruciating menstruation, ovarian pain and also during agonizing labor conditions.

Wild yam's double action of being anti-spasmodic (eases muscular spasms or cramps) as well as anti-inflammatory (qualities that can soothe irritation of the skin) makes it an efficient remedy to heal arthritis and rheumatism. At the same time, wild yam is able to diminish irritation, swelling and pain and also calms down the rigid muscles in the affected part of the body. In addition, wild yam is effective in alleviating cramps, spasms, muscle tension and colic. Significantly, the wild yam is also useful in healing most digestive disorders, including the swelling and irritation of the gall bladder, irritable bowel syndrome and diverticulitis.

Other medical uses

• Homeopathy

Side Effects and Cautions

Taking large amounts of wild yam can cause nausea.

Common Names

• Pistachio
• Snapping Hazelnut
• Spotted Alder
• Striped Alder
• Tobacco Wood
• Winterbloom
• Witch Hazel

Uses

Although witch hazel is mostly recommended for external use, the shrub has numerous therapeutic values. The tree contains huge amounts of tannins that have a drying as well as astringent (aspirin-like, tea-like quality that causes a dry, puckering sensation in the mouth). These tannins help to tauten up proteins present in the skin as well as across the area where there is any scratch or abrasion. This action of tannins provides a defensive layering on the wounds that enhances resistance to irritation and swellings as well as helps in healing the ruptured skin. In fact, scientific studies have established that witch hazel is also beneficial in healing the harmed blood vessels beneath the skin. According to researches carried out by scientists, this effect may be owing to the presence of flavonoids and tannins in witch hazel. Even when which hazel is decontaminated, the shrub extract preserves its astringency (drying sensation) hinting that it contains other astringent agents besides tannins.

It may be mentioned here that witch hazel is an incredibly helpful herb for curing swollen and soft skin circumstances like eczema. It is normally applied at places where the skin has not been ruptured seriously and assists in safeguarding the distressed area and also to avert any kind of contagion. The herb is also useful for healing affected veins in the face, varicose veins as well as hemorrhoids. In addition, witch hazel is very effective in curing bruises. Owing to the astringent properties, witch hazel is largely beneficial in tightening bloated or swollen veins and reinstates them in their normal arrangement.

Creams prepared with witch hazel can be externally applied on the skin for basic tribulations like cysts (a deep lesion that is filled with pus or other contents) or tumors. Witch hazel is also an effective medication for swollen and irritating eyes. Although witch hazel is rarely taken internally, when consumed, it also helps to cure diarrhea. This is done by taunting up the mucous covering of the intestines and stopping all kinds of intestinal bleeding. When applied externally on the face, creams made from witch hazel extracts also help in healing wrinkles.

Other medical uses

• Homeopathy

Side Effects and Cautions

Although witch hazel is basically safe and reliable, it may lead to insignificant skin inflammation in some people when it is applied directly on the epidermis. Witch hazel is mostly used externally and seldom prescribed for internal use.

Common Names

• Gandana
• I-chi-kao
• Milfoil
• Millefoil
• Noble Yarrow
• Nosebleed
• Old Man's Pepper
• Soldier's Woundwort
• Stanchgrass
• Thousand-leaf
• Thousand-seal
• Yarrow

Uses

For centuries, yarrow has been used to heal wounds, especially in Scotland people made a conventional wound liniment from yarrow to treat cuts, bruises and other injuries. Going by Greek mythology, Achilles was reported to have intensively used yarrow to cure his wounds. Chamazulene, found in yarrow and also in some volatile oils, strikingly possesses anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic properties. On the other hand, sesquiterpene lactones contained in yarrow are bitter and act as a stimulant, while achilleine aids in curbing internal as well as external hemorrhage. Flavonoids present in yarrow are perhaps responsible for the herb's anti-spasmodic results. In addition, yarrow is useful in controlling the menstrual cycle, curbing heavy bleeding as well as relieving women from menstrual pains.

Researches have established yarrow to be an excellent herb to heal abscesses (a localized collection of pus in the tissues of the body). When yarrow is blended with other herbs, it helps in healing colds and flu. The herb's sour stimulant possessions render it helpful in promoting poor digestion and colic (a disease characterized by severe pain in the intestines owing to various affections of the gastrointestinal tract). In addition, yarrow is also effective in healing hay fever, lowering high blood pressure, enhancing blood circulation in the veins, and taunting up swollen or knotted veins. When applied externally, yarrow is also useful as a herbal cleanser for skin wrinkles.

Other medical uses

• Abscess