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Alfalfa
Good for cystitis or inflammation of the bladder. Boosts sluggish
appetite.
Provides relief from bloating or water retention. Excellent source of
nutrients. Relieves constipation. May reduce swelling and inflammation
of
rheumatism.
Caution: Alfalfa has been known to aggravate lupus and other autoimmune
disorders. If you have an autoimmune problem, avoid this herb.
Almond
Cleansers made from almond help to remove excess oil and dirt from skin.
Almond butter and oil can moisturize and soften skin. Almond oil shows
promise as a potent cholesterol reducer.
Aloe Vera
Soothes and promotes healing of sunburn and other kinds of minor burns.
Useful for bug bites and mild skin irritations. Helps keep skin soft and
supple. Taken internally, aloe is an effective laxative and promotes
general
healing.
Caution: Do not take aloe internally during pregnancy. Aloe should not
be
used internally by children or the elderly.
Angelica
Relieves buildup of phlegm due to asthma and bronchitis. Anti-spasmodic
action relieves menstrual cramps. Good remedy for skin lice. Reduces
discomfort caused by rheumatism. Good for people who get cold easily.
Caution: Do not use during pregnancy. Large doses can affect blood
pressure,
heart action, and respiration. To avoid these problems, do not exceed
recommended dose.
Anise
Helps expel gas. Promotes digestion. Relieves nausea and abdominal pain.
Soothes coughs and colds, helps clear congestion. Stimulates milk
production
in nursing mothers.
Apple
Helps regulate normal bowel function. Helps prevent both diarrhea and
constipation. Reduces cholesterol and normalizes blood sugar.
Traditional
remedy for joint pain and stiffness due to rheumatism.
Arnica
Soothes and heals skin wounds and irritations. Relieves pain due to
muscle
spasms or joint inflammation. Used internally, it's good for coughs.
Caution: Never apply arnica on broken skin. If further irritation
develops,
discontinue use. Never take arnica internally unless it is under the
supervision of a physician.
Artichoke
Relieves excess water weight. Promotes heart health by reducing
cholesterol.
Enhances liver function. May enhance sexual desire.
Asparagus
Stimulates hormone production. Helps rid the body of excess water and
salt.
Helps prevent anemia due to folic acid deficiency. Soothes pain and
swelling
of joints due to rheumatism or arthritis.
Caution: Do not use if your kidneys are inflamed, because it increases
the
rate of urinary production.
Astragalus
Promotes resistance against disease. Mild stimulant. May reduce blood
pressure by helping rid the body of excess water weight. Appears to help
restore normal immune function for cancer patients.
Caution: If you are undergoing chemotherapy, do not take astragalus or
any
other medication without first consulting a doctor who is familiar with
this
herb.
Basil
Reduces stomach cramps and nausea. Relieves gas. Promotes normal bowel
function. Aids digestion.
Bayberry Bark
Helps clear congestion in chest due to cold. Has a mild stimulating
effect.
Good astringent. Soothes inflamed varicose veins.
Bilberry
Helps preserve eyesight and prevent eye damage. Particularly useful for
people who suffer from eyestrain or poor night vision. Good for people
who
must drive at night. Helpful for nearsightedness (myopia).
Caution: Although the commercially prepared extract is safe, the leaves
can
be poisonous if consumed over a long period of time. Therefore, safety
dictates that you not exceed the recommended dosage.
Black Cohosh
Relieves swelling and soreness typical of rheumatism. Helps you to
relax.
Relieves muscle spasm. Reduces pain associated with neuralgia. Helps to
relax bronchial tubes and quell the urge to cough. Promotes labor and
eases
delivery.
Caution: Large doses can cause symptoms of poisoning. Do not use during
pregnancy until labor and only under the supervision of a doctor.
Black Walnut
Fights against fungal infection. Antiseptic properties help fight
bacterial
infection. Anti-parasitic. Helps promote bowel regularity.
Blessed Thistle
Helps regulate menstrual cycle. Used in treating liver problems.
Improves
the appetite. Lowers fevers. Helps to stop bleeding.
Caution: Do not use during pregnancy.
Boneset
Brings down a fever. Relieves flu symptoms. Has a calming effect on the
body. Taken in a warm drink, it is an excellent expectorant. Taken in a
cold
drink, it is a mild laxative.
Buchu
Useful for urinary tract infections. Good diuretic. Has a stimulating
effect
on the body.
Caution: Do not use for kidney infections or if you have any kidney
problems, since buchu can be irritating to the kidneys. Kidney
infections
need prompt medical attention. If you have pain during urination, or
blood
in the urine, call your doctor immediately.
Burdock
Helps rid body of excess water weight. Soothes pain caused by arthritis,
rheumatism, and backache. Relieves skin irritation.
Butcher's Broom
Improves circulation in hands and feet. Helps reduce edema in legs or
feet.
Anti-inflammatory action can reduce swelling caused by arthritis and
rheumatism. Reduces pain caused by hemorrhoids.
Calendula
Relieves pain and promotes healing of burns and skin wounds. Reduces
fever.
Quells pain from ulcer irritation. Reduces menstrual cramps.
Caution: Do not use during pregnancy.
Capiscum or Cayenne
Soothes indigestion. Reduces discomfort caused by the common cold.
Stimulates the appetite. Reduces inflammation. Mild stimulant or tonic.
Caution: Cayenne can be irritating to hemorrhoids. It should not be used
by
people with gastrointestinal problems. Never apply cayenne ointment to
broken skin. Prolonged application can cause skin irritation. If taking
internally, do not exceed recommended dose. High dosages taken
internally
can cause gastroenteritis and kidney damage.
Caraway
Excellent digestive aid. Helps expel gas. Reduces nausea. Improves the
appetite. Works as an effective expectorant for coughs due to colds.
Increases breast milk in nursing mothers.
Caution: Never give seeds to infants or young children - stick to the
extract.
Carrot
Promotes eye health. Helps prevent cancer. Lowers cholesterol. Soothes
indigestion. Can help relieve diarrhea.
Cascara Sagrada or Buckthorn
Relieves constipation overnight.
Caution: Excessive dose can cause cramps and diarrhea.
Catnip
Helps you relax. Eases indigestion and gas. May help relieve bronchitis.
Helps control diarrhea.
Celery
Natural diuretic. Good for digestion system and enhances appetite. May
relieve symptoms of rheumatism and gout. Celery juice and oil induces
menstruation.
Caution: Celery juice and oil should not be used during pregnancy.
Chamomile or Camomile
Good for the digestion. Has a relaxing effect on the body. Traditional
treatment for rheumatism. Relieves back pain. Soothes skin irritations.
Good
for sunburn.
Caution: Chamomile is a member of the daisy family, and anyone who is
allergic to other members of the daisy family, including ragweed, should
steer clear of this herb. If you are unsure, consult your doctor or
allergist.
Chaparral
Helps the body fight infection. Helps prevent parasitic infection. Rids
the
body of excess water weight. Prevents the growth of certain cancerous
tumors. Reduces inflammation. Helps stop diarrhea. May help slow down
aging
process by preventing the formation of free radicals.
Chives
Good for the digestion. Helps prevent anemia caused by iron deficiency.
Cloves
Relieves tooth pain. Has an anti-emetic action that helps control
vomiting.
Comfrey
Promotes healing of skin wounds. Soothes skin irritations. Relieves
ulcers.
Cranberry
Prevents spread of bacterial infection in the urinary tract.
Caution: If you suspect that you have a urinary tract infection, see
your
doctor at once. Untreated, it can lead to serious complications.
Damiana
May enhance sexual performance. Helps relieve constipation. May put you
in a
good mood!
Dandelion
Helps rid the body of excess water and salt. May decrease high blood
pressure by ridding the body of excess fluid, thus reducing the amount
of
fluid the heart must pump to circulate blood. Good for the digestion.
Protects against liver and gallbladder disorders. May protect against
iron-deficiency anemia.
Devil's Claw
Promotes flexibility in the joints, reducing the pain of arthritis and
rheumatism.
Caution: Do not use during pregnancy.
Dill
Soothes indigestion and upset stomach. Promotes appetite. Helps milk
production in nursing mothers. Helps expel gas.
Dong Quai
Overall tonic for female reproductive system. Restores menstrual
regularity.
Reduces PMS. Relieves symptoms of menopause. Prevents anemia. Reduces
high
blood pressure.
Caution: Do not use during pregnancy or if you are still menstruating
and
typically have a heavy flow.
Echinacea
Boosts the immune system. Promotes healing of skin wounds. Fights
bacterial
and viral infections. Shortens the duration of colds and flu.
Elder
Relieves symptoms of coughs and colds. Applied externally, useful for
burns,
rashes, and minor skin problems.
Caution: The seeds from the elderberry plant are toxic; therefore, don't
eat
the berry unless it is cooked. Store-bought elderberry preparations
(teas,
salves) are perfectly safe.
Ephedra
Decongestant can relieve stuffy nose, watery eyes, and other cold and
allergy symptoms. May help relieve headaches. Long-acting stimulant that
can
last up to 24 hours.
Caution: Do not use this herb if you have high blood pressure, heart
disease, diabetes, or thyroid disease unless under the supervision of
your
doctor. Do not exceed recommended dose. If you are pregnant or nursing,
check with your doctor before using any ephedra preparations.
Eucalyptus
Helps relieve upper respiratory distress caused by cold and flu. Good
expectorant. Good antiseptic. Can help soothe stiffness and swelling of
arthritis and rheumatism.
Caution: Do not use on broken or irritated skin. Do not use internally.
Evening Primrose
Relieves symptoms of premenstrual syndrome. Reduces anxiety. Helps
prevent
heart disease and stroke by controlling high blood pressure and reducing
cholesterol. Helps maintain healthy skin.
Eyebright
An eyewash made of eyebright and other herbs can be soothing to
irritated
and inflamed eyes. Taken internally, it may help maintain good vision
and
eye health.
Fennel
Digestive aid that can relieve cramps and gas. Good expectorant for
coughs
and colds. Can improve a sluggish appetite. Relieves stiff, painful
joints.
Fenugreek
Good expectorant for coughs and colds. As a gargle, can relieve sore
throat.
Useful for skin irritations and other inflammations. Lowers blood sugar.
Feverfew
May be of great help to migraine sufferers, reducing the number of
headaches. May reduce severity of migraine symptoms, including nausea,
vomiting, and head pain.
Caution: Some people taking feverfew have developed mouth ulcers. If
this
occurs, discontinue use.
Fo-Ti
May help slow signs of premature aging. Used generally as a tonic to
maintain health and energy. Good for heart health. May help prevent
cancer.
Garlic
Helps prevent heart disease by reducing blood pressure and blood lipids.
Helps fight infection. Can destroy some types of cancer cells. Excellent
digestive aid. Relieves gas.
Caution: Eating 10 or more raw garlic cloves a day can be toxic and in
some
cases can trigger an allergic reaction. Garlic should not be used by
women
who are breast-feeding because it can pass to the breast milk and cause
colic in infants.
Ginger
Calms an upset stomach. Safe remedy for "morning sickness," a common
condition suffered by half of all pregnant women. (Other commercial
anti-nauseants should not be used during pregnancy because of the
possibility that they may cross the placenta and adversely affect the
fetus.) Eases cold symptoms. Soothes and promotes healing of minor burns
and
skin inflammations.
Ginkgo Tree
Improves circulation throughout the body. Improves mental functioning
and
the ability to concentrate. Relieves symptoms of tinnitus such as
"ringing
in the ears" and vertigo. May slow aging process. May help prevent
cancer.
May be useful to relieve symptoms of Alzheimer's disease. Successfully
used
to treat hemorrhoids in Europe.
Ginseng
Increases physical and mental endurance. Helps the body adjust to
stressful
situations. Normalizes body functions. Reduces cholesterol. Increases
energy. May help reduce discomfort caused by menopause. May inhibit
growth
of cancerous tumors. May enhance sexual desire.
Caution: Some people may find panax ginseng too stimulating, especially
if
used before bedtime. Therefore, use early in the day. High doses may
make
you feel jittery. Do not exceed 5 to 10 grams daily. In rare cases, some
people may develop headaches or high blood pressure from panax ginseng.
If
you have high blood pressure, check with your doctor before using this
product. Take ginseng one hour before or after eating. Vitamin C can
interfere with the absorption of ginseng. If you take a vitamin C
supplement, wait two hours before or after taking ginseng to do so. In
rare
cases, ginseng can cause vaginal bleeding in menopausal women, which
isn't
dangerous but could be mistaken as a symptom of uterine cancer. If you
experience any vaginal bleeding, however, be sure to notify your doctor,
and
be sure to tell him or her that you are taking ginseng.
American Ginseng
Helps body adapt to stress. Normalizes body functions. Works as a mild
stimulant. Enhances physical and mental performance. Reduces
cholesterol.
May inhibit growth of cancerous tumors.
Siberian Ginseng
Helps body withstand stress. Improves mental alertness. Helps cure colds
and
infections. Improves overall health. Helps prevent heart disease by
reducing
cholesterol and blood pressure.
Goldenseal
Anti-inflammatory action can soothe irritated mucous membranes. Relieves
symptoms of cold and flu. Aids indigestion and constipation. Good for
skin
inflammations such as eczema. Mouthwash can help prevent gum disease.
Good
douche for vaginal infections. Relieves discomfort caused by ulcers when
used with myrrh.
Caution: This herb can raise blood pressure and should not be used by
anyone
with a history of high blood pressure. Do not use during pregnancy. Do
not
use for more than two weeks at a time. Eating fresh plant can cause
inflammation of the mucous tissue.
Gotu Kola
May help improve memory. Has a calming effect on the body. Good
expectorant - can eliminate congestion due to colds. Promotes healing
after
childbirth. Improves circulation. Reduces pain and swelling due to
phlebitis.
Caution: Do not use during pregnancy. One manufacturer cautions that
this
herb should not be used by anyone with an overactive thyroid.
Hawthorne Berries
Enhances cardiovascular health. Improves circulation.
Caution: Although most hawthorne preparations are safe, this herb is
also
available in a highly concentrated form that should be used only under
medical supervision.
Hops
Calms you down. Relieves indigestion. An old-time pain reliever. A good
after-dinner tea.
Horehound
Relieves symptoms of coughs and colds. Rids body of excess water weight.
Promotes sweating, helps cool off the body.
Horse Chestnut
A vagotonic, it strengthens and tones veins. Soothes irritated varicose
veins. Promotes sweating - can help break a fever.
Horseradish
Good expectorant, soothing for respiratory problems. May help relieve
rheumatism by stimulating blood flow to inflamed joints.
Caution: Do not take large quantities at one time - it could cause
diarrhea
and excessive sweating.
Horsetail
Good conditioner for nails and hair. Helps eliminate white spots from
nails.
Controls excess oil on skin. Helps strengthen bones.
Hyssop
Good expectorant for coughs and colds. Relieves gas. Improves the
appetite.
Good gargle for sore throat.
Caution: Do not take for more than two weeks without seeking medical
advice.
Jasmine
Calms you down. Good after-dinner drink. Possible aphrodisiac.
Juniper Berries
Relieves urinary tract problems. Old-time treatment for gout. Helps
improve
digestion. Helps rid the body of excess fluid.
Caution: Do not use during pregnancy.
Kava Kava
Helps you get a good night's sleep. Promotes relaxation. Helps reduce
water
retention.
Caution: Use only occasionally to relieve periods of stress or
sleeplessness. Long-term use can cause liver damage.
Lady's Mantle
Promotes coagulation of blood, stops bleeding. Promotes menstrual
regularity. Improves appetite. Reduces vaginal irritation.
Licorice
Reduces pain from ulcers. Useful for urinary tract problems. Helps break
up
congestion due to colds. Soothes sore, hoarse throat. Reduces pain and
stiffness from arthritis. May help retard growth of certain cancerous
tumors. May help prevent cavities.
Caution: Do not use if you have high blood pressure. The increased
production of aldosterone can result in a rise in blood pressure. In
large
quantities, licorice can sap potassium from the body, which is extremely
dangerous. Licorice candy does not offer the same benefits as
preparations
made from the root, but can cause an increase in blood pressure.
Lungwort
Good expectorant, breaks up chest congestion. Can soothe throat
irritation.
Helps cure diarrhea.
Caution: If you have a cough that lasts for more than two weeks, do not
try
to self-medicate. See a medical professional immediately.
Marshmallow
Relieves pain caused by ulcers, enteritis, and colitis. Has a calming
effect
on the body. Good expectorant for coughs. Soothes throat/chest
irritation
due to coughs and colds.
Milk Thistle
Rejuvenates the liver. Increases production of bile used for breakdown
of
fats.
Mullein
Reduces irritation due to coughs and bronchitis. Helps relieve
gastrointestinal stress.
Myrrh
Excellent antiseptic and mouthwash. Promotes healing of mouth sores.
Strengthens "spongy" or soft gums. Good for coughs and colds. Good for
stomach flu.
Caution: Very high doses over a long period of time can be dangerous.
Therefore, do not exceed recommended dose. Do not use if you are
pregnant or
have kidney disease without first checking with your physician.
Nettle
Alleviates stuffy nose, watery eyes, and other symptoms of hayfever.
Helps
cure vaginal infections. Helps normalize menstrual flow. Lowers blood
sugar.
Provides iron for the production of red blood cells.
Caution: Do not eat uncooked plants - they can cause kidney damage and
symptoms of poisoning. Handle plants with care. The bristly hairs act
like
tiny hypodermic needles, injecting an irritant under the skin.
Oat Fiber
Good for gas and upset stomach. Helps prevent heart disease by reducing
cholesterol. Good source of vitamin B. Good for skin and hemorrhoids.
Extract has a calming effect on the body.
Olive
Relieves constipation by promoting contraction of the bowels. Good for
skin
irritations. Reduces cholesterol. Good hair "tonic" for dry scalp.
Caution: Do not use as a laxative during pregnancy.
Onion
Good expectorant. Relieves symptoms of common cold. Relieves gas. Helps
prevent heart disease and cancer. Anti-fungal - good for warts. Good
antiseptic.
Caution: Try eating a parsley sprig to avoid "onion breath." Chlorophyll
tablets also can help eliminate odor.
Papaya
Aids in the breakdown and metabolism of protein. Helps relieve
indigestion.
Parsley
Helps "settle" the stomach after a meal. Helps clear congestion due to
coughs and colds. Soothing for asthma. Parsley oil may induce
menstruation.
Caution: Pregnant women should not take parsley juice or oil.
Passionflower
Calms you down. Can relieve headaches due to nervous tension. Good for
muscle spasms due to nerves.
Caution: This herb may cause sleepiness in some people and should not be
used before driving or operating machinery. Do not take during
pregnancy.
Pau d'Arco
Helps cure fungal infections. Helps fight parasitic infection. Promotes
good
digestion. Lowers blood sugar.
Pennyroyal
Helps promote "productive" cough. Good to take at onset of cold. Brings
on
menstruation. Relieves PMS and menstrual cramps.
Caution: Back in the days when abortion was illegal, this herb was used
to
induce abortion. In some cases, it resulted in hemorrhaging and serious
complications for the mother. Therefore, it should never be used for
this
purpose. Today, pennyroyal is one of the herbs used by herbalists to
facilitate labor and delivery. It should be used only under the
supervision
of a knowledgeable practitioner. If you do use this herb, do not exceed
the
recommended dose and do not take for more than a week at a time.
Peppermint
Anti-spasmodic - good for cramps and stomach pain. Relieves gas. Aids in
digestion. Can help reduce sick feeling typical of migraine headaches.
Can
help with insomnia.
Pleurisy Root
Helps clear phlegm from chest. Good digestive aid.
Caution: The fresh root can be dangerous. Use only commercial
preparations.
Psyllium
An excellent laxative that offers relief from hemorrhoidal irritation.
May
help prevent heart disease. Good for gastrointestinal irritations.
Caution: Psyllium can cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
If
you are highly allergic to many other substances, I recommend that you
avoid
this one, or certainly check with your allergist before taking it. If
you
want to include psyllium in your diet, you should start slowly, allowing
your body time to get used to the increased fiber. Be patient. In two to
three weeks, it will. Too much at one time could cause gassiness and
stomach
discomfort. It is important to drink 8 to 10 glasses of water throughout
the
day when you are using this substance to increase its efficiency. If you
develop any allergic symptoms, discontinue use. Do not use psyllium to
treat
an ulcer or colitis without checking with your doctor.
Raspberry Leaves
Prepares the uterus for childbirth, may help shorten delivery. Good for
sore
throats and fever blisters. Alleviates menstrual cramps.
Caution: Do not use during pregnancy until the last two months, and then
only under the supervision of a qualified health practitioner.
Red Clover
Calms coughs, clears chest of phlegm. Good for skin inflammations.
Relaxes
the body. Helps fight against cancerous growths. Improves overall
health.
Caution: Please seek professional help before using this or any other
herb
to treat tumors and cancer. Any cancer treatment should be done under
the
supervision of a physician.
St. John's Wort
Good for anxiety. Has calming effect on the body. Relieves uterine
cramping.
Promotes healing of skin wounds. Helps the body fight viral infection.
Caution: Although there have been no reports of any problems in humans,
this
herb can be poisonous to cattle. It also causes sensitivity to light,
which
means that if you use it, you should avoid exposure to the sun.
Sarsaparilla
Good diuretic - induces sweating and urination. Useful for urinary
problems.
Relieves swelling and soreness of rheumatism and arthritis. May enhance
physical performance.
Saw Palmetto
Good expectorant - clears chest of congestion. Soothing to sexual
organs.
May help relieve excessive urination due to benign enlarged prostate.
Caution: Any man who is experiencing pain or swelling of the prostate,
or
who is having difficulty with urination, or who passes any blood in the
urine, should be examined by his physician.
Shitake Mushroom
Boosts the immune system. Lowers blood cholesterol.
Caution: Seek professional advice before using this or any other herb to
treat cancer or tumors.
Skullcap
Helps reduce nervous tension. Good for insomnia. Good for muscle
tension.
Slippery Elm Bark
Provides soothing coating to throat and esophagus.
Suma
Energy tonic. Fights fatigue.
Turmeric
Helps prevent sticking together of blood cells that could cause
dangerous
clots. Good for liver function. Helps prevent gallbladder disease.
Relieves
symptoms of arthritis.
Uva Ursi
Relieves pain from cystitis and nephritis. Eliminates excessive bloating
due
to water retention.
Valerian
Clams you down. Relieves insomnia. Good for muscle tension. Good for
periods
of extreme emotional stress. Relieves gas pains and stomach cramps.
Caution: In extremely high dosages, valerian may cause paralysis and a
weakening of the heartbeat. Therefore, do not exceed recommended dose.
White Willow Bark
Reduces inflammation. Relieves pain. Good for neuralgia. Relieves
swollen
joints due to rheumatism and arthritis.
Yerba Santa
Quiets a nagging cough. Helps clear chest of phlegm. Relieves congestion
due
to allergy.
Yucca
Reduces inflammation. Relieves joint pain due to arthritis and
rheumatism.
Caution: Long-term use may slow the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins
such
as A, D, E, and K. Check with your health professional to see if
supplements
of these oil-soluble vitamins are needed if you are using yucca over a
period of time.
Found in Earl Mindell's "Herb Bible" |
