Apothecary: Our Herbal Friends

Following is a list of Our Herbal Friends and their healing properties.

Basil- has been shown to provide protection against unwanted bacterial growth. Anti-Inflammatory, Essential for Cardiovascular Health.

Black Cohosh- used for rheumatism (arthritis and muscle pain) but has been used more recently as a remedy for hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, and other symptoms that can occur during menopause. Black cohosh has also been used for menstrual irregularities and premenstrual syndrome.

our herbal friends
German chamomile (Marticaria recutita) and Roman chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile)

Black Walnut- used to treat parasitic worm infections and certain other infections including diphtheria and syphilis. It is also used for leukemia. Some people use black walnut as a gargle, apply it to the scalp as hair dye, or put it on the skin to treat wounds.

Chamomile- As a tea, be used for lumbago, rheumatic problems and rashes. As a salve, be used for hemorrhoids and wounds. As a vapor, be used to alleviate cold symptoms or asthma. Relieve restlessness, teething problems, and colic in children. Relieve allergies, much as an antihistamine would. Aid in digestion when taken as a tea after meals. Relieve morning sickness during pregnancy. Speed healing of skin ulcers, wounds, or burns. Treat gastritis and ulcerative colitis. Reduce inflammation and facilitate bowel movement without acting directly as a purgative.

Cinnamon– treats a variety of ailments including gastrointestinal problems, urinary infections, relieving symptoms of colds and flu and has remarkable anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties. Some studies have shown that Cinnamon helps people with diabetes metabolize sugar better.

Cayenne- often used as a natural fat burner and pain killer, to treat ulcers, increase metabolism, improve circulation, boost the immune system and aid digestion. It is used as a tonic for the heart, kidneys, lungs, pancreas, spleen and stomach and to treat herpes, shingles and rheumatism. It is also known to combat chills and has been used to treat bunions, psoriasis, pleuritis and pericarditis and has been indicated for preventing heart disease.

Clove Bud- can smooth and relax the inner lining of the intestines, aiding in digestion. It can also aid in quieting upset stomach. Cloves can help the esophagus produce more phlegm and act as an expectorant, making coughs less severe and more productive. Clove has been shown to have analgesic properties. This property is particularly effective for tooth pain. Whole clove can be applied directly to the gum in problem areas. The thin skin membrane of the gums readily absorbs oil from the clove, providing topical relief from pain.

Dandelion– good for PMS, menopause, detoxifies the liver, reduces the side effects of prescription medications,

Dong Quai– the “ultimate herb” for women. It is widely used among Chinese women as a fortifying daily tonic, much as Chinese men rely on ginseng. Naturally provides balancing and normalizing support for women’s unique rhythms, cycles and body systems. Note: It is not recommended during pregnancy or menstruation or for people taking blood thinning agents.

Echinacea- When used correctly it is the closest thing to a cure for the common cold. Echinacea stimulates the overall activity of the cells responsible for fighting all kinds of infection. Unlike antibiotics, which directly attack bacteria, echinacea makes our own immune cells more efficient at attacking bacteria, viruses and abnormal cells, including cancer cells. It increases the number and activity of immune system cells including anti-tumor cells, promotes T-cell activation, stimulates new tissue growth for wound healing and reduces inflammation in arthritis and inflammatory skin conditions.

Eucalyptus– anti-infectious, anti-bacterial, and antiviral.

Feverew– used for the prevention of migraines & headaches, arthritis, fevers, muscle tension and pain, Feverfew is also used to lower blood pressure, lessen stomach irritation, stimulate the appetite and to improve digestion and kidney function. It has been indicated for colitis, dizziness, tinnitus and menstrual problems.

Garlic– is a natural antibiotic and is useful in treating everything from allergies to tonsillitis. Garlic contains many sulfur compounds which detoxify the body, boost the immune system, lower blood pressure and improve circulation. Garlic has also demonstrated anti-cancer, antibacterial, anti-fungal and anti-oxidant effects. The smooth muscle relaxant Adenosine is found in Garlic and this seems to help lower blood pressure. Garlic is also used to help prevent atherosclerosis (plaque build up in the arteries causing blockage and possibly leading to heart attack or stroke), reduce colds, coughs and bronchitis.

Ginger- a remedy for travel sickness, nausea and indigestion and is used for wind, colic, irritable bowel, loss of appetite, chills, cold, flu, poor circulation, menstrual cramps, dyspepsia (bloating, heartburn, flatulence), indigestion and gastrointestinal problems such as gas and stomach cramps. Ginger is a powerful anti-inflammatory herb and there has been much recent interest in its use for joint problems. It has also been indicated for arthritis, fevers, headaches, toothaches, coughs, bronchitis, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, to ease tendonitis, lower cholesterol and blood-pressure and aid in preventing internal blood clots.

Ginko Bilboa– improves blood flow to the brain and acts as an antioxidant. These effects may translate into some benefits for certain medical problems, but the results have been mixed. Some studies have found that in healthy people, ginkgo might modestly boost memory and cognitive speed. Other studies have not found a benefit. Several ginkgo studies have shown that it can help with memory problems caused by dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. It seems to help prevent the progression of dementia symptoms, especially if the dementia is thought to be the result of atherosclerotic vascular disease. It does not seem to prevent dementia or Alzheimer’s, however.

our herbal friends
Lavandula commonly known as lavender.

Ginseng– one of the most highly regarded of herbal medicines in the Orient, where it has gained an almost magical reputation for being able to promote health, general body vigor, to prolong life and treat many ailments including depression, diabetes, fatigue, aging, inflammations, internal degeneration, nausea, tumors, pulmonary problems, dyspepsia, vomiting, nervousness, stress, and ulcers.

Kava Kava- used to relieve anxiety, depression, stress and restlessness and helps with insomnia.

Lavender–  Lavender oil has healing and soothing properties. It has been reported that those who apply lavender oil to burns will see only slight marking of the skin after two days of treatment. They report smaller scabs and almost no scarring. . The flower should steep in the hot water until it cools and then drink the tea. The aroma helps to relax the sleepless person, and help to induce sleep. Lavender oil can be used to repel mosquitoes.

Licorice is very soothing and softens the mucous membranes of the throat, lungs, stomach, intestines, and at the same time cleanses any inflamed mucous membrane that needs immune system support.

Marjoram- is a favorite herb for problems with the chest, bronchitis, asthma and coughs, it will strengthen the stomach and intestines, relaxes tense muscles with its sedative properties which also helps insomnia, and it has been known to reduce high blood pressure and ease heart conditions, it is helpful for stress and emotions and it is a huge helping hand for our digestion.

Marshmallow– Marshmallow leaf is used internally to treat inflammation and ulceration of the digestive tract, oral and pharyngeal mucosa with associated dry cough. It relieves irritation of the mucus membranes of the mouth, throat and gastrointestinal tract and helps with respiratory complaints including bronchitis and asthma.  It is used externally for localized irritations, boils, abscesses, burns, sores, skin ulcers and minor injuries.

Milk Thistle- used most often for liver disorders, including liver damage caused by chemicals, Amanita phalloides mushroom poisoning, jaundice, chronic inflammatory liver disease, cirrhosis of the liver, and chronic hepatitis. Milk thistle is also used for loss of appetite, heartburn (dyspepsia), and gallbladder complaints. Some people use milk thistle for diabetes, hangover, diseases of the spleen, prostate cancer, malaria, depression, uterine complaints, increasing breast milk flow, allergy symptoms, and starting menstrual flow.

Mullien- can be used as a laxative, good for asthma and bronchitis, useful for difficulty in breathing. Smoking mullein has been known to reduce frequency of asthma attacks.

Oregano– powerful antibiotic, powerful in neutralizing germs. Oregano has been used for the treatment of chronic candidiasis through its antifungal properties.Oregano supplements can also be used to treat indigestion, heartburn, and low stomach acidity. Oregano aids by reducing gas in the stomach as well as soothing a churning stomach. Supplemental oregano has also shown to be a beneficial treatment for infections, including yeast infections.

Peppermint– soothing effect for coughing symptoms and can calm certain common cold ailments. It can also help build a stronger immune system and has both anti-microbial and antioxidant qualities. Peppermint has been frequently used as an agent that reduces inflammation of the mouth or throat. Peppermint can help with a number of painful digestive problems including gas, bloating and nausea, morning sickness and stomach cramps. Painful cramps and nausea caused by a woman’s natural cycle can be eased with the help of peppermint. Peppermint acts as a muscle relaxer and therefore reduces the pain caused by a woman’s cramps. Headaches, nerve pain, toothaches, inflammation of the joints, and general body aches and muscle pain are all thought to be relieved by the use of Peppermint.

our herbal friends
Rosmarinus officinalis, commonly known as rosemary.

Rosemary-antiseptic, antibacterial, cleansing and detoxes the body. Supports the liver and combats cirrhosis.

Sage- used for anxiety, nervous disorders, as an astringent, in abdominal disorders, and anti-inflammatory.

Saw Palmetto- treats a variety of ailments such as testicular inflammation, urinary tract inflammation, coughs and respiratory congestion. It is also used to strengthen the thyroid gland, balance the metabolism, stimulate appetite and aid digestion. This wonderful herb is becoming famous for its uses in hair restoration, prostate health, sexual vigour, breast enhancement and as a nutritive tonic.

Spearmint– aids in digestion and to reduce flatulence. Spearmint is used for relief of nausea, cold symptoms, stomach distress, headaches and indigestion. Digestive disorders such as indigestion and diarrhea are sometimes relieved by spearmint, along other maladies that include irritable bowel syndrome and gall bladder problems. Used in relieving sore throats, toothaches and headaches is common, and some people find relief by using spearmint as a local pain killer or as an antispasmodic medication for cramps.

St. John’s Wort– It contains several chemicals, including hypericin, hyperforin, and pseudohypericin, which are thought to be the major sources of antidepressant activity. St. John’s wort has also been studied for the treatment of other emotional disorders such as anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), menopausal mood swings, and premenstrual syndrome.

Valerian- sedative qualities and its ability to relax the central nervous system and the smooth muscle groups. It has been used as a sleeping aid for hundreds of years especially when there is excitation or difficulty in falling to sleep due to nervousness. Also used as an antispasmodic, particularly for abdominal cramps due to nervousness and for uterine cramps and menstrual agitation. It helps relieve  migraine and rheumatic pain. It may also be applied locally as a treatment for cramps and other muscle tensions.

 

t’s been used for centuries in a broad range of ways. The genus name for marshmallow is derived from the Greek word altho, which means to cure. This gives us a powerful indication of how highly regarded this plant was in ancient times.Text from Marshmallow Root – LearningHerbs
Read More at http://learningherbs.com/remedies-recipes/marshmallow-root/
Copyright © 2014 LearningHerbs.

 

t’s been used for centuries in a broad range of ways. The genus name for marshmallow is derived from the Greek word altho, which means to cure. This gives us a powerful indication of how highly regarded this plant was in ancient times.Text from Marshmallow Root – LearningHerbs
Read More at http://learningherbs.com/remedies-recipes/marshmallow-root/
Copyright © 2014 LearningHerbs.
been used for centuries in a broad range of waysText from Marshmallow Root – LearningHerbs
Read More at http://learningherbs.com/remedies-recipes/marshmallow-root/
Copyright © 2014 LearningHerbs.been used for centuries in a broad range of waysText from Marshmallow Root – LearningHerbs
Read More at http://learningherbs.com/remedies-recipes/marshmallow-root/
Copyright © 2014 LearningHerbs.