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Agrimony
Botanical Name:
Agrimonia eupatoria
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Agrimony is an astringing, anti inflammatory and vulnerary herb, great for toning and strengthening mucous membrane linings of the body.
Agrimony is anti inflammatory and can help to treat ulcers and inflammation of the digestive tract including hemorrhoids. This herb has proven to be a good digestive remedy for children as it is gentle, safe and healing.
Agrimony treats all mucosal inflammations throughout the body including mucous colitis, diverticulitis and cystitis.
Agrimony contains B vitamins (especially B3), vitamin K, iron and silicon.
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Andrographis
Botanical Name:
Andrographis paniculata
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Immunostimulating and good for chronic infections caused by bacteria, viruses or parasites. Has been shown to have anti bacterial, anti viral and anti parasitic actions.
Boosts the immune system and helps to prevent colds and flu.
Can be used in hepatic conditions especially hepatitis due to the antiviral actions of the herb.
Andrographis is known as "the king of bitters" and can help to improve digestive weakness due to its bitter action.
Helps to prevent blood clots and improves digestive functioning.
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Astragalus
Botanical Name:
Astragalus membranaceus
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One of the best immunostimulating herbs we have. Good for chronic infections as this herb has been shown to have anti viral actions.
Supportive for cancer patients as well as HIV, hepatitis and lupus.
Helps to boost the immune system especially when it is thought to be a virus as the cause.
Has a tonic effect on the heart and helps to treat hypertension and improve blood viscosity.
Astragalus is also antioxidant and helps to mop up free radicals.
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Baical Skullcap
Botanical Name:
Scutellaria baicalensis
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This herb has anti allergic actions and is useful to treat all kinds of allergic conditions including; hay fever, nettle rash, hives and other allergic skin complaints.
Also good for skin conditions such as eczema.
Baical skullcap has circulatory stimulant actions and may help with circulatory problems associated with diabetes and other various circulatory disorders.
As circulation is improved it is also good for healing varicose veins, spider veins, haemorrhoids and helps to prevent easy bruising of the skin.
Baical skullcap also has antibacterial, antiviral and is a good antioxidant herb.
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Bilberry
Botanical Name:
Vaccinium myrtillus
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Great antioxidant herb and has been found to help stabilise collagen and promote healing by reducing inflammation and oxidation.
Good for venous insufficiency including varicose veins, haemorrhoids, spider veins and oedema (swelling).
After surgery this herb is good to help promote healing and prevent bruising.
Traditionally used to treat urinary problems such as blood in the urine.
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Blue Flag
Botanical Name:
Iris versicolor
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This is a good lymphatic herb and helps to get the lymph fluid moving. Especially good for lymphatic stagnancy and where there is lymphatic swellings.
Great skin remedy for conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, boils and cysts.
Great for weight loss as it is known to suppress appetite. Blue flag also stimulates the break down of fatty acids and helps to mobilise the fat from storage in the cells.
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Calendula
or Marigold
Botanical Name:
Calendula officinalis
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This is a great herb to relieve inflammations and ulcerations both internally and externally.
Good remedy for ulcerations of the digestive tract such as diverticulitis, ulcerative colitis and crohn's disease.
Useful where there is inflammation of the lymph glands and used for conditions such as small pox, mumps and measles.
Topically this is a great herb used in a cream to help treat herpes, cuts, pimples, tinea and athlete's foot.
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Californian Poppy
Botanical Name:
Eschsholtzia californica
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Traditionally used as a children's remedy for bed wetting. Also helps incontinence in the elderly. Has a strong spasmolytic action which helps to relieve muscular cramps and spasms.
Good herb to be used in conjunction with massage therapy to relieve tight and aching muscles.
This herb also contains pain relieving properties (analgesic) and can be used where there is active pain present.
Has been shown to promote the flow of perspiration and is good for bringing down fevers.
Californian poppy is an effective herb for giving a gentle calming and sedative effect on the patient.
Also good for insomnia, depression and nervous anxiety.
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Chaste Tree
Botanical Name:
Vitex agnus-castus
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This herb works on the pituitary gland and helps to modulate progesterone and oestrogen. Works as a normaliser and modulates whichever requires attention.
Good to use after long use of the contraceptive pill or contraceptive hormones, helps to bring on and regulate the menstrual cycle.
Known as a galactagogue and increases the flow of breast milk when breast feeding.
Often used in the treatment of infertility and menopause. The infertility is treated if the cause is due to lack of periods and not due to structural problems.
Chaste tree is a great female herb for normalising hormones and can also be thought of for male hormone balance as well.
If there is threatened miscarriage then this herb can be helpful in increasing progesterone levels to maintain the pregnancy.
Chaste tree can also be given as a tea.
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Damiana
Botanical Name:
Turnera diffusa
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This herb is a good nervine and works as an effective antidepressant as it is very nutritive and energizing to the nervous system.
Great for people suffering from mental exhaustion and anxiety.
Used for prostate enlargement and to help with impotence. Historically known as an aphrodisiac.
Great remedy for highly stressed individuals especially males.
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| Dandelion
Botanical Name:
Taraxacum officinale
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It should be distinguished that the root is a strong liver remedy and the leaf is a good kidney remedy.
The root has been known to cure jaundice within one week. Useful in any liver condition.
Great herb for flushing out the gall bladder and expelling any gall stones. Caution should be taken with people with large gall stones (> than 1cm in diameter).
The leaf is one of the best remedies for cystitis and kidney stones.
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| Echinacea
Botanical Name:
Echinacea angustifolia
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Echinacea purpurea
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The root of angustifolia is said to be of a higher quality and therefore a better choice for strengthening the immune system as it contains more specific constituents which are not found in purpurea. Generally the root of angustifolia is therefore more expensive.
This herb causes a tingling sensation in the mouth and throat when taken and the higher the quality of the plant the more tingling sensation there is.
Most common remedies include the root and aerial parts of purpurea. Generally this herb is used to stimulate and improve immune function.
Helps with acute conditions including colds and flu. Can be used in cases of polio, whooping cough and other infectious diseases as this herb is also anti viral, antibacterial and antifungal.
Good for the lymphatic system as it helps move it along and kill any infection at the same time.
Good for use in cases of candida infections for its anti fungal action.
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| Euphorbia
Botanical Name:
Euphorbia pilulifera
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Effective herb for treating asthma, bronchitis, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), emphysema and any chronic lower respiratory complaint.
Helps to alleviate coughs, colds and flu. Good for bronchial and pulmonary disorders.
An acute dose will help to kill protozoal infections causing dysentery and other intestinal disorders.
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False Unicorn Root
Botanical Name:
Chamaelirium luteum
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Popular in use for female infertility especially when periods are too light or with painful leucorrhoea. The herb stimulates the uterus and the ovaries and clears any mucous congestion.
Good herb for threatened miscarriage and helps to maintain the pregnancy.
Has antihelminthic properties so it helps to kill intestinal worms and parasites.
Please be aware that this herb is becoming endangered as use of the root inevitably destroys the plant, try to use this herb only as a last resort, there are many alternative herbs for female reproductive problems that are just as effective.
Caution: large doses my cause diarrhoea and vomiting.
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Garlic
Botanical Name:
Allium sativum
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Wonderful herb that is very widely used for its many medicinal properties as well as its delicious culinary aspects.
Garlic can prevent stroke, heart attack, atherosclerosis, high cholesterol and angina.
Garlic is anti bacterial and anti parasitic and has been known to kill worms in humans and animals. It kills unwanted organisms in the body and in good for use in cases of food poisoning due to bacteria.
Complimentary herb to use in cancer therapy to combat infections due to reduced immunity.
Good for infectious diseases of leprosy, tuberculosis, typhoid and cholera.
Garlic helps to heal cuts and boils as well as garlic oil being good for ear ache.
Garlic is a very safe and effective herb to use.
For acute infections take 2 - 6 raw cloves daily to help kill microbes.
Important to Note - cooking and heating garlic destroys the constituents that make it antimicrobial, antibacterial and anti parasitic therefore if using it for these purposes fresh raw garlic will give best results.
All other actions of garlic such as blood pressure lowering, anticoagulant and anti cholesterol properties are maintained even after cooking.
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Ginger
Botanical Name:
Zingiber officinale
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Lovely culinary and flavoursome herb with a long history of use. It's indicated for circulatory type complaints particularly associated with the elderly.
Has effective anticoagulant actions on the blood and is good for preventing deep vein thrombosis and clotting as well as atherosclerosis.
In fact it is recommended that ginger not be used by patients about to receive surgery as it is so effective at preventing blood from clotting it may cause too much bleeding during an operation.
Ginger in some studies has been shown to be as effective as Warfarin in thinning the blood. - Therefore ginger should be avoided if taking this and other blood thinning medications.
Ginger is generally a very safe herb and studies have shown it to reduce nausea and is good for travel and sea sickness.
Ginger is also safe to use in pregnancy to alleviate morning sickness.
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Ginko
Botanical Name:
Ginko biloba
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Known to strengthen and repair damage to blood vessels and has an affinity for blood vessels in the brain. Helps to dilate the vessels allowing more blood to flow through.
Good antioxidant and great for mopping up lipid type free radicals.
Should be considered in the treatment of varicose veins, poor circulation, chilblains, dementia and can help improve circulation in diabetes.
Ginko has been found to be cognition enhancing and neuroprotective and is good for use in cases of Alzheimer's and other mentally degenerative conditions.
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Green Tea
Botanical Name:
Camellia sinensis
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Known for its strong antioxidant properties and very widely used all over the world especially Asia.
Is a potent antioxidant within the body as well has having shown anti mutagenic and anti cancer properties.
Helps to lower blood lipids and cholesterol levels and can be used as a preventative for cardiovascular disease.
Green tea can also assist with weight loss programs.
Externally the skin can benefit from its antioxidant and astringent actions as well.
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Gymnema
Botanical Name:
Gymnema sylvestre
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This is a wonderful Ayurvedic herb that has been traditionally used to treat type I and type II diabetes. The leaves when chewed interfere with the body's ability to taste sweetness for up to four hours which explains the Hindi name "Gurmar" - "Destroyer of sugar".
Has been shown to prompt the pancreas to develop more beta cells responsible for producing insulin. Gymnema also make the body cells more responsive to the insulin that is available.
Gymnema is also said to help stimulate the heart and circulatory system as well as activating the uterus increasing secretions.
Gymnemic acids are useful in preventing formation of dental plaques and caries.
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Hawthorn
Botanical Name:
Crataegus monogyna
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This herb is an organ specific remedy for the heart and cardiovascular system. Has been shown to dilate the coronary arteries and blood vessels as well as nourish the heart.
Helps in angina and protects the arteries against atherosclerosis.
Hawthorn tea can help stop hardening of the arteries and helps to clear out plaque on the blood vessel walls.
Should be considered in any condition or disease of the heart.
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Jamaican Dogwood
Botanical Name:
Piscidia piscipula
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Acts on nerve tissue as a sedative. Good for headaches, neuralgia and insomnia.
Good herb for depression and emotional disorders including anxiety and nervous tension.
Relieves muscle spasms and cramps as well as having an analgesic effect on muscular and nerve pain. Good for painful periods with cramping and spasms.
Caution: Pregnancy, bradycardia or cardiac insufficiency.
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Korean Ginseng
Botanical Name:
Panax ginseng
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This is a well studied herb that is a strong adaptogen and helps to vitalise and energise a person. Adaptogens help people adapt to stressors and is good to use with stressed out individuals.
The weight of the adrenal gland increases in size with use of this herb and therefore increases efficiency.
It is supportive to cancer patients for its adaptogen qualities and it also increases the immune response.
Has a definite effect on male sperm count, it is found to increase count and motility of sperm as well as increasing libido. Good for impotency.
Korean ginseng also has liver protective actions.
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Licorice
Botanical Name:
Glycyrrhiza glabra
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Great herb for colds and flu as well as bronchitis, asthma, coughs and colic.
Very supportive herb for the adrenal glands and used in Addison's disease and rheumatism. Great for adrenal exhaustion and for people who are stressed.
Demulcent herb and good for stomach complaints such as peptic ulcers and chronic gastritis. Can be used for constipation as it has a mild laxative effect.
Topically it works on skin for conditions such as eczema, dermatitis, mouth ulcers, herpes and acne.
Contraindicated for people with high blood pressure. Especially in high doses.
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Marshmallow
Botanical Name:
Althaea officinalis
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A demulcent herb that soothes and protects inflamed membrane linings especially in the digestive tract. Good for peptic ulcers, gastroenteritis, colitis, diverticulitis, crohn's disease and gastritis.
Also good for the linings of the lung and urinary system. Used for asthma, acute bronchitis, cystitis and urethritis.
Used for any inflammation within the digestive tract.
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Oats
Botanical Name:
Avena sativa
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Very nutritive herb and one of the best herbs that will support the nervous system by feeding and nourishing it. Oats are also very nourishing to the whole body.
Oats have been found to be restorative to the nervous system and protective to the myelin sheathes of nerves. Also gives a feeling of wellbeing and is indicated where there is depression.
100g of oat bran per day is said to lower cholesterol levels.
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Olive Leaf
Botanical Name:
Olea europaea
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Traditionally used to lower blood pressure and recent studies have shown that it does in fact lower blood pressure by increasing coronary flow.
Olive leaf is believed to enhance the immune system as it has potent antiviral and antioxidant actions.
Also known to reduce blood lipid levels and can reduce oedema and swelling.
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Passionflower
Botanical Name:
Passiflora incarnata
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Helps when the nervous system is overactive. Good for conditions such as; insomnia, anxiety, stress, panic attacks and heart palpitations.
Also useful in the treatment of eczema, asthma and psoriasis.
Migraines and tension headaches may also be relieved due to sedative and spasmolytic actions.
This herb can assist people with addictions to smoking and coffee. May also be useful in the treatment of Parkinson's disease.
Known as a safe herb.
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Peppermint
Botanical Name:
Mentha x peperita
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Calming to the digestive system and good for dyspepsia, intestinal colic, irritable bowel syndrome and is British Herbal Pharmacopoeia (BHP) specific for flatulent digestive pains.
Peppermint is also antibacterial and a mild antifungal.
Studies have shown it can greatly reduce the size of gall stones and helps relax and open up the bile ducts therefore it is a good gall stone remedy.
Externally is used as a liniment for sore muscles and skin irritations as it cooling and soothing.
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Rosehip
Botanical Name:
Rosa canina
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The vitamin C and bioflavonoids of rosehip help to support and boost the immune system. Great for colds, flu rheumatic conditions, arthritis, fluid retention, fatigue and general debility.
Should be considered in convalescence or where there is a vitamin C deficiency.
Rosehip is nutritious and also contains vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, E, K and P it also contain essential fatty acids (EFA's). The EFA's are converted to prostaglandins essential for skin regeneration.
Topically rosehip oil is fantastic for scar tissue, stretch marks, damaged and dry skin.
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Rosemary
Botanical Name:
Rosmarinus officinalis
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Increases the blood supply to the head helping to increase brain function and improve brain health.
Can be added to shampoo and used as a rinse on hair to help stimulate hair growth. It is also anti parasitic and is a natural lice repellent. Good to use on pets to help stop fleas.
Works to help prevent dementia as it helps to improve blood supply to the brain.
Rosemary is rubefacient (causes reddening to the skin) because it dilates the capillaries and is good for chilblains, low blood pressure, cold extremities, tinnitus, ear ache and can be as effective as aspirin to relieve headaches caused by vasoconstriction.
Rosemary is also a great antioxidant.
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Sage
Botanical Name:
Salvia officinalis
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Good to help sooth and heal sore throats, laryngitis and tonsillitis. Helpful for peptic ulcers.
Can be used externally on wounds especially if there is infection involved.
Helps to stop sweating and good for people that suffer from hyperhidrosis.
Sage works via the pituitary gland and helps to reduce hot flushes in menopause, also helps with infertility as it brings on regular menstruation.
Sage also helps to dry up milk in lactation and improves memory and concentration.
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Saw Palmetto
Botanical Name:
Serenoa repens
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Historically this herb was given for atrophy of the reproductive organs. Today it has been found to be very good for prostate conditions and successful in reducing an enlarged prostate.
Has been known to increase breast size and can be given to women for infertility as well as to increase libido.
Good for male infertility and male urinary problems.
When given to animals it has shown to improve the condition of their coat due to the fatty acid content of this herb.
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Shitake Mushroom
Botanical Name:
Lentinula edodes
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Great for boosting immune function and is a good adjunct therapy for cancer patients. Research has been done on shitake mushroom and it has been found to have anti tumour enzymes so is good as a cancer preventative.
Should be considered with any immune deficiency disorders, convalescence, chronic fatigue syndrome and hepatitis.
Has been found to be helpful in reducing cholesterol levels and lowering blood pressure so should be included in the diet to prevent cardiovascular diseases.
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Siberian Ginseng
Botanical Name:
Eleutherococcus senticosus
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Another well known adaptogen herb that helps the body cope with stress. It has been found to improve physical performance and increase stamina naturally.
Improves reflexes and concentration because of its action on the adrenal glands. Given to athletes for long distance, endurance events and shift workers to help with concentration and stamina.
The herb works by increasing glucose uptake by the mitochondria and increases fat conversion for energy.
It has also been found to assist the body with getting rid of chemicals and toxins much faster from the system.
Great herb for lack of energy and poor libido.
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Skullcap
Botanical Name:
Scutellaria lateriflora
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A fantastic nervine herb providing trophorestorative actions to the nervous system.
Good herb and should be considered to alleviate withdrawal symptoms from addictive substances such as heroin and tobacco. It supports the nervous system and is good to use as an adjunct to drug rehabilitation therapy.
Good to treat anxiety, tension headaches, panic attacks and insomnia.
Historically used to treat hysteria and seizures. Studies done on this herb have shown it reduces the severity and frequency of epileptic seizures.
Good for any tension issues or nervous debility causing anxiety and restless sleep.
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Slippery Elm
Botanical Name:
Ulmus rubra
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The most mucilaginous herb that we have, with its best use being able to provide a protective coating for mucous membrane linings (especially the digestive tract).
Best given in powder form to gain the demulcent and mucilaginous actions. Helps to heal ulcers in the stomach and digestive tract.
Recommended to given to the elderly especially if they aren't eating properly.
Topically this herb has been shown to draw out an abscess when used as an emollient.
This is a very cooling and soothing herb for burns.
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St. Mary's Thistle
Botanical Name:
Silybum marianum
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Extensive trials and research on this herb have been carried out and is considered to be one of the most potent herbs for the liver and the strongest herb for regenerating a damaged liver.
Helps the liver to work more efficiently and function better as well as protecting the liver cells from further damage.
Used for cirrhosis, jaundice, hepatitis, chronic active hepatitis, chemical poisoning, poor digestion due to liver dysfunction.
Good for breaking up and expelling gall stones.
This is a galactagogue and increases milk flow for lactating women.
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St. John's Wort
Botanical Name:
Hypericum perforatum
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Historically this herb was used to treat burn, ulcers, wounds, abdominal pains and bacterial diseases. Today it is more commonly used to treat depression.
The herb has antiviral actions and is effective against many strains of viruses (broad spectrum antiviral).
Helps in AIDS, cancer, hepatitis, herpes strains including shingles and chicken pox.
Can be used to treat glandular fever, colds, flu, mumps and encephalitis caused by viral infection.
Has also been shown to stimulate damaged nerve endings.
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Sundew
Botanical Name:
Drosera longifolia
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This herb is great for acute asthma and can be used as a preventative to an attack as it relaxes the bronchial tubes to open the airways.
Used in cases of cold or flu with a harsh painful cough.
Can be considered for use which whooping cough, emphysema, anxiety or panic attack due to its spasmolytic actions.
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Thyme
Botanical Name:
Thymus vulgaris
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Good herb for respiratory complaints as it helps to open up the airways. Used for colds, flu, asthma, coughs, whooping cough and bronchitis.
Very effective herb against killing many strains of bacteria and fungus, especially the essential oil.
Good for gastritis and diarrhoea and also as a mouth wash for pharyngitis, gingivitis and halitosis due to its antibacterial actions.
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Wild Yam
Botanical Name:
Dioscorea villosa
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This herb is known to relax smooth muscle especially in the uterus and digestive tract. Good for helping to assist in the passing out of gall stones as it relaxes ducts of the gall bladder from 7mm to @1cm.
Can treat arthritis and tension in the skeletal muscles due to its anti inflammatory and spasmolytic actions.
Externally has been used in creams and rubs to alleviate symptoms of menopause such as hot flushes.
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Withania
or
ashwaganda
Botanical Name:
Withania somnifera
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Found to be a good adaptogen and is good for growth in children as it helps them to put on weight and builds muscle.
Helps in cancer by reducing the ill effects of chemotherapy and helps them to recover quickly as it works on the immune system.
This herb is best where the patient especially children and elderly are anaemic or underweight as it has a high iron content and has been found to increase haemoglobin (red blood cell count).
This is also a good herb for athletes and body builders.
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Wormwood
Botanical Name:
Artemisia absinthium
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This herb has been endorsed as a natural alternative to the malaria drugs. Has shown in research carried out on US soldiers to have a 100% success rate against the Tertian malaria virus and a 92% success rate against cerebral malaria.
Good for worming and ridding the body of parasites internally and externally. (head lice)
The herb is also good for use against fungal and bacterial infections.
Helps to purge the bowels and get rid of unwanted organisms.
Special note: Avoid use in pregnancy and this herb is known to build up and become toxic to the central nervous system and brain so is not for long term use. Short term use is safe generally @ Two weeks.
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Yarrow
Botanical Name:
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This is a wonderful herb for opening blood vessels and is good for lowering blood pressure and reducing a fever.
Good for all mucous conditions as it is astringent. The herb is also anti haemorrhagic and a mucous membrane tonic the digestive tract.
Diuretic and antiseptic for the urinary tract and can be used in urinary infections and cystitis.
Good for lack of appetite and dyspeptic disorders.
Arthritic complaints may also benefit from Yarrow.
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Zizyphus
Botanical Name:
Zizyphus spinosa
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Good anxiolytic and nervine herb used in conditions of anxiety and panic attacks as well as emotional stress, insomnia, night sweats, neurasthenia and palpitations.
Zizyphus helps to relax the mind and induce sleep, this is one of the most commonly used herbs in Chinese Herbalism and is said to be very calming to the mind and spirit. Good to use for meditation.
Good herb to use in depression due to insomnia and stress.
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