Herblists, Page 2
Lavender
Genus: Lavendula Species: Angustifolia
Also Known As: English Lavender
Rx: flowers in bath, general aromatherapy
The all time fragrant herb, Lavender makes a great bath addition. The Greeks and
Romans bathed in lavender scented water and it was from the Latin word, lavo (to
wash) that the herb took its name. While not technically a medicinal herb, the calming
properties of its aroma are well founded.
Warnings: None
Lemon Balm- Enduces perspiration, cooling
Lemon Grass- Also called Fever Grass, Astringent and tonic, skin and nails
Lemon Peel- High in Vitamin C, zesty taste
Lemon Vervain- Indegestion, anti-spasmotic
Lemon Zinger- Zesty tea to add life
Licorice- Adjust blood sugar, quick energy, cough, hoarseness, adrenals
Licorice Sticks- Helps with cigarette cravings
Linden- Body tonic from South America, known as Tilo
Liverwort- Deconcotion used in catarrhs, cough
Lobelia- Asthma, congestion, phenumonia, strong relaxant, lungs
Lovage- Feverish attacks in children
Maidenhair- Thicken hair, remove mucus
Mandrake- (May Apple) Anti-bilious, pergative, cathartic
Marigold- Prevents suppuration, varicouse veins
Marjoram
Family: Labiatae Genus: Origanum Species: Majorana, others
Also Known As: Oregano(many palates cannot tell the difference!), Knotted Marjoram
Rx: sprinkle dried powdered herb on cold sores or genital herpes, infusion or tincture
for its stomach soothing potential
An excellent digestive aid and herpes fighter, this one of the most confused herbs on
the planet. The Oregano on your spice rack might be Marjoram! All Marjoram species
are called Oregano but only a few of the fifty are ever called Marjoram.
Warnings:None
Marshmallow- Bladder and kidney problems, betwetting, inflamation
Milk Thistle- Liver builder
Mint
Family: Labiatae Genus: Mentha Species: Piperita (Peppermint), Cardiaca
(Spearmint), Spicata, Viridis, Aquatica
Also Known As: Numerous kinds of mint
Rx: Peppermint oil for wounds, burns etc., infusion of any dried mint for decongestant,
tincture
The after dinner mint soothes the stomach. Peppermint produces Menthol. Menthol is
a key anesthetic (e.g. Ben-Gay), the vapors are an incredible decongestant (e.g. Vick's
VapoRub), is germicidal, and helps morning sickness a great deal. Those wishing to
alleviate morning sickness should use only dilute tea concentrations for reasons
shown below. Peppermint is a hybrid of Spearmint and is the more potent due to the
high menthol factor. Spearmint contains Carvone in comparison to Menthol. While not
nearly as effective, Spearmint is much safer.
Warnings:on rare occasions the fragrance of mint oil has caused gagging in children.
Pure Menthol, ingested, is POISONOUS. A teaspoon can be FATAL. DO NOT ingest
Peppermint oil or Menthol.
Mistletoe
Family: Loranthaceae Genus: Viscum, Phoradendron Species: Album, Serotinum
Also Known As: Lignum Crucis, Herbe de la Croix, Viscum
Rx: leaves in DILUTED infusion, tincture for high blood pressure
Mistletoe, the kissing plant, has the ability to slow the pulse, lower blood pressure and
stimulate gastrointestinal and uterine contractions.
Warnings:should be administered only by a qualified herbal/medicinal doctor. TWO
BERRIES CAN KILL A CHILD. Keep away from children. This herb is highly toxic.
Pregnant women should not use it. This herb is known (unfortunately) for its abortion
inducing properties.
The dose needed to induce abortion is enough to kill you.
Mullen- Nervous cough, lung and sinus congestion, T.B., limphatic
Mugwort- Anglo-Saxon traditional herb
Myrrh
Family: Burseraceae Genus: Commiphora Species: Abyssinica, Myrrha
Also Known As: Balsamodendron
Rx: steep powdered herb for mouthwash, infusion, tincture
Myrrh makes an excellent mouthwash, toothpaste, and fights bacteria
Warnings:large amounts may have violent laxative action
Neem- Mouth disorders, use as a mouth wash, for mouth ulcers
Nettle
Family: Urticaceae Genus: Urtica Species: Dioica
Also Known As: Stinging Nettle, Common Nettle, Greater Nettle
Rx: process plant matter in juicer, infusion, tincture
An effective cure for gout, Nettle is also good for the symptoms of hay fever, scurvy, PMS,
and helps heart patients.
Warnings:When I was a child, I must have fallen into Nettle a hundred times. USE
THICK GLOVES. If you doubt the cruelty of natures own protections just touch one of
these plants. Large doses of Nettle tea may cause stomach irritation.
Nutmeg- Stimulant to the gatro-intestinal tract
Oat Straw- Excellent for hair, skin and nails
Oolong- Fermented green tea from China
Orange Peel- Mainly as a flovoring to tea, no irratant to kidneys
Oregon Grape- Purifies blood, cleanses liver, acne
Oregano (see Marjoram)
Orris Root- Antiviral, toxin to colon
Osha- Osawattamie used for viruses
Paeony Root- Anti-spatmotic, convulsions
Patchuli- Loss of apetite and sleep
Papaya- Aids digestion, enzymes, heart burn
Parsley
Family: Umbelliferae Genus: Petroselinum Species: Crispum, Hortense, Sativum
Also Known As: Rock Selinon
Rx: a few sprigs for fresh breath, infusion of leaves and seeds, tincture
The seeds and the leaves of this plant contain the oil that is known to curb high blood
pressure, help with fever, freshen breath, help with allergies and help heart patients.
Warnings: do not use to promote weight loss
Parthenium- Lymph, infections, toncilitis, echinacea
Passion Flower- Eye infection, tension, stress, sleep, alcoholism
Pau D' Arco- Cancer, Luekimia, tumors, fungus, blood builder, candida
Pellitory- Diurectic, refrigerant
Pennyroyal- Cleans lungs, and breasts from humors*
Pepper, Red
Family: Solanaceae Genus: Capsicum Species: Annuum, Frutescens
Also Known As: Hot pepper, most of the pepper family including bell pepper
Rx: cooking, infusion
It is a good digestive aid, can relieve infectious diarrhea (and can bring on
noninfectious diarrhea if too many hot peppers are ingested), helps chronic pain when
used externally, is the best shingles reliever, helps headaches, and tastes great!
Warnings: can burn the eyes, mouth and skin
Peppermint- Digestion aid, settles stomach
Periwinkles- Stays bleeding, nerves
Plantain- Soothing to the lungs and urinary, police for bee stings
Primrose- Aids weight loss, hot flashes, arthritis, skin disorders
Pumpkin Seeds- Useful for prostate disorders, prevents prostate cancer
Psyllium Hulls- Scrubs colon, best fiber, diverticulitis, and colon blockage
Red Clover- Cancer, tumors, skin problems, relax nerves-spasms
Red Raspberry- The womans herb, nausea, diarrhea, gastitis
Rose Hips- Vitamin C complex, colds infections, blood purifier
Rhubarb- Enhances Gall Bladder, eliminates worms
Rosemary
Family: Labiatae Genus: Rosmarinus Species: Officinalis
Also Known As: Rosemarine, Incensier
Rx: cooking, excellent tea, infusion, tincture
In ancient times people wrapped their meat with Rosemary to prevent spoilage.
Rosemary is a natural preservative. Rosemary can prevent food poisoning, is a
digestive aid, is a good decongestant and can kill bacteria. If you enjoy using
Rosemary in your cooking, use more.
Warnings: do not ingest Rosemary oil, in large amounts, poisoning can occur
Safflower- Gout, hydrochloric acid for digestion, reuces cholesterol
Saffron
Family: Iridaceae Genus: Crocus Species: Sativus
Also Known As: Spanish Saffron
Rx: 12 to 15 stigmas per cup of boiling water
Since it takes 75,000 flowers to make one pound of Saffron, this herb is very expensive.
Heart attack patients may actually save money using this as it is much cheaper than
some clot dissolving drugs injected to treat heart attack. It can help to control some risk
factors for heart disease. It also reduces cholesterol, de-clogs the arteries, and lowers
blood pressure.
Warnings: unless you are pregnant, just the high cost
Sage
Family: Labiatae Genus: Salvia Species:Officinalis
Also Known As: All types of Sage
Rx: crushed fresh leaves for cuts and wounds, infusion of dried leaves, tincture
Sage is the premiere anti-perspirant, cutting perspiration by up to 50 percent. It is a
great fighter against infection, a good preservative, a digestive aid, can reduce blood
sugar and helps a sore throat! And its flavor in meats and sausage is unrivaled. Hair
growth, memory, sore gums, throat, nerves
Warnings: rare cases of inflammation of the lips and lining of the mouth. Sage oil
should not be ingested.
Sage (white)- Whole inscense
Sage (ground)- Open wounds, cooking
Sarsparilla- Testosterone, body builder, impotency, hair growth
Savory
Family: Labiatae Genus: Satureja Species: Hortensis, Montana
Also Known As: White Thyme, Bean Herb
A great culinary herb, Savory has great soothing properties for children, it is a great
expectorant and digestive aid and is subtle enough for use with children.
Rx: infusion of leaves for childhood colds
Warnings: None
Saw Palmetto- Prostrate health, prevents cancer
Senna- Pergative on the lower bowels
Sheep Sorrel- Cooling for fevers, catarrhs, hemorages, urinary disorders
Shepherd's Purse- Stops hemorages of ALL kinds
Skullcap
Family: Labiatae Genus: Scutellaria Species: Lateriflora
Also Known As: Quaker Bonnet, Mad Dog Weed, Hoodwort, Helmet Flower
Rx: use leaf infusion for tranquilizing effects
European medical experts now accept skullcap's potential usefulness as a tranquilizer
and sedative, and it is used in many commercial sleep preparations that are widely
available in Europe.
Warnings: large doses may result in confusion, giddiness, twitching, and possible
convulsions
Slippery Elm- Stomach, diaper rash, hiatal hernia, colitis, ulcers
Spirulina- Reduces appetite and snacking, 70% protein
Stevia- Sweetener, pancreas
St John's Wort- Depression, anxiety, repairs nerve endings
Squaw Vine- Pelvic congestion, nerves, aids in preperation of childbirth
Suma- Combats anemia, fatigue and stress
Tansy- Tonic, expells worms
Tarragon
Family: Compositae Genus: Artemisia Species: Dracunculus
Also Known As: Dragon Herb, Estragon, French or Russian Tarragon
Rx: chew fresh leaves for toothache, apply fresh leaves to cuts and wounds, infusion of
leaves, tincture
A wonderful treatment for toothache, Tarragon is a great anesthetic and prevents
infections.
Warnings: those with history of Cancer should not use this herb
Tea
Family: Theaceae Genus: Camellia Species: Sinensis
Also Known As: Green Tea, Black Tea
Rx: typical leaf infusion
From the Orient, to the United Kingdom, Tea is widely used for its calming effects. Tea
includes stimulants that help colds, congestion, asthma, diarrhea, tooth decay and
helps prevent tissue damage from radiation therapy. Tea only grows in India, Sri
Lanka, and Indonesia and is imported around the world. Green Tea is simply the dried
leaf, Black Tea is dried and then fermented.
Warnings: Caffeine addiction, problems associated with Caffeine
Thyme
Family: Labiatae Genus: Thymus Species: Vulgaris, Serpyllum
Also Known As: Mother of Thyme, Common or Garden Thyme, Wild, Creeping or Mother
Thyme
As well as a culinary delight, Thyme fights several disease causing bacteria and
viruses. It is a good digestive aid, helps menstrual cramps and is a great cough
remedy. Germany uses it today to treat whoop, whooping cough and emphysema.
Rx: fresh leaves for cuts and wounds, tincture for antiseptic, infusion of leaves for the
stomach, cough or menstrual symptoms.
Warnings: Do not ingest Thyme oil, it can lead to headache, nausea, vomiting,
weakness, thyroid impairment, and heart and respiratory depression.
Tumeric- Protects liver from toxins, lowers cholesterol
Uva Ursi- Spleen, bladder and kidney infections, diabetes, cistitis
Valerian
Family: Valerianaceae Genus: Valeriana Species: Officinalis
Also Known As: Phu, Heal-all, Garden Valerian
Rx: infusion of root for sedative properties, tincture
The quite smelly and pungent Valerian is a powerful sedative that was even listed as a
tranquilizer in the National Formulary until 1950. A great replacement for users of
valium, Valerian can also reduce high blood pressure.
Warnings: large doses may cause headache, giddiness, blurred vision, restlessness,
nausea, and morning grogginess.
Vervain
Family: Verbenaceae Genus: Verbena Species: Officinalis, Hastata
Also Known As: Indian Hyssop, Blue Vervain, Verbena, Enchanter's Herb
Rx: infusion of leaves for headache and arthritis, tincture
'Take two Vervain and call me in the morning' is how it should be said. Vervain is a
great substitute for aspirin as it has similar effects. Vervain outside of being a very mild
laxative is mainly used for mild pain relief.
Warnings: anyone with a history of heart problems should not use this herb
White Oak Bark- Hemmeriods, bleeding, vericous veins, pin worms
Wlid Lettuce- Pain, natural morphine
Wild Yam- Promotes perspiration, aids in progesterone
Willow- Pain, headaches
Witch Hazel
Family: Hamamelidaceae Genus: Hamamelis Species: Virginiana
Also Known As: Hamamelis, Snapping Hazelnut, Winterbloom
Rx: astringent decoction of leaves and twigs, astringent gargle
A primary astringent in the herbal world, Witch Hazel has antiseptic, anesthetic,
astringent, and anti-inflammatory properties. The clear, pungent extract is a standard
for cuts, bruises, hemorrhoids, and sore muscles. It is one of this nation's most widely
used healing herbs. It is much better to find fresh Witch Hazel than rely on commercial
products containing it.
Warnings: may be used externally on anyone but dilute for children.
Wood Betony- Stimulates the heart, relaxes muscles
Wormwood-(see Artemesian)-Digestion, worms, ALL parasites
Yams- Cramps, nausea, hiccough
Yarrow
Family: Compositae Genus: Achillea Species: Millefolium
Also Known As: Bloodwort, Nose Bleed, Thousand Weed, Milfoil, Soldier's Woundwort
An excellent wound treatment, Yarrow has many healing properties, is a good digestive
aid, helps menstrual cramps, and is a mild sedative. Chicken pox
Rx: use fresh leaves and flowers for cuts and scrapes, infusion for calming and
menstrual easing effects, tincture
Warnings: large doses may turn urine brown. This is not harmful.
Yellow Dock- Anemia, blood purifier, itching, liver, hepatitis, skin
Yerba Mate- Fights aging, slows apetite, blood cleanser
Yerba Sante- Body tonics, stimulates heart, cirrculation
Yohimbe- Hormone stimulant, libedo, blood flow to erectile tissues
Yucca- Natural cortizone, arthritis, reduces joint inflamation, skin
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