Alfalfa
Family: Leguminosae
Genus: Medicago Species: Sativa
Also Known As:
Buffalo Grass, Chilean Clover
Rx: leaves
(not sprouts) in infusions, tablets and capsules
Alfalfa leaves have
wonderful healing powers that can prevent heart disease, lower cholesterol
and help prevent strokes.
Warnings:
Alfalfa seeds should never be ingested as they contain high levels of amino
acid canavanine. Some chemicals in alfalfa can also destroy red blood
cells and people with anemia should use caution when ingesting it.
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Allspice
Family: Myrtaceae
Genus: Pimenta Species: Officinalis,
Dioca
Also Known As:
Clove Pepper, Pimento, Pimenta, Jamaican Pepper
Rx: cooking,
oil for toothache, infusion for digestive aid
Allspice is used as
a digestive aid, anesthetic, and pain reliever and has been used to treat
flatulence and diabetes.
Warnings:Allspice
oil should never be swallowed as it can cause nausea, vomiting, and even
convulsions. The oil can also be irritating when applied externally
to people with sensitive skin or those with eczema.
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Aloe
Family: Liliaceae
Genus: Aloe Species: Vera (and over
500 others)
Also Known As:
Socotrine, Cape, Curaiao, Barbados, Zanzibar Aloe
Rx: cut
mature (lower) leaves for burns, scalds, sunburns, or cosmetic benefits
Aloe is
one of the most widely used herbs for burns, scalds, scrapes, sunburn,
and an incredible infection fighter. It can also be used to smooth
and beautify skin.
Warnings:Aloe
latex is a very powerful laxative and may cause severe cramps and diarrhea.
It should never be ingested by pregnant women as it may cause miscarriage.
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Anise
Family: Umbelliferae
Genus: Pimpinella Species: Anisum
Also Known As:
Aniseed, Sweet Cumin
Rx: infusion
of seeds, tinctures
It has been used as
a cough remedy, digestive aid, and contains chemicals similar to estrogen,
which may help with menopausal discomforts, and has been known to treat
some cases of prostate cancer.
Warnings:If
your doctor has advised you not to use birth control pills then you should
seek the advise of a physician before using this herb because it contains
estrogen.
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Balm, Lemon
Family: Labiatae
Genus: Melissa Species: Officinalis
Also Known As:
Bee Balm, Balm, Sweet Balm, Melissa, Cure-all
Rx: leaves
in bath, compress for wounds, infusion, tincture
You can use it to treat
wounds, herpes, viral infections, and has been used as a digestive aid,
and a tranquilizer. It can also be used to treat menstrual cramps
or to promote menstruation.
Warnings:Anyone
with a thyroid condition should avoid using this herb because it contains
a thyroid-stimulating hormone, thyrotropin.
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Basil
Family: Labiatae
Genus: Ocimum Species: Basilicum,
Sanctum
Also Known As:
Sweet Basil, St. Josephwort
Rx: tincture
or infusion for acne and general infection fighting
It as been used to treat
intestinal parasites, acne, and stimulates the immune system.
Warnings:Tests
have shown that basil may contain a chemical that has caused liver tumors
in mice, although the cancer risks remain unclear and not even the most
conservative herb critics advise caution when using it.
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Bay
Family: Lauraceae
Genus: Laurus Species: Nobilis
Also Known As:
Sweet Bay, Green Bay, Laurel, Grecian or Roman Laurel
Rx: fresh
leaves for wounds, infusion, tincture
Bay is not only used
as a bug repellent, but has been known to soothe sore joints, treat infections,
and when added to a bath may help with relaxation.
Warnings:External
uses of bay should be avoided if you have sensitive skin as it may cause
a rash.
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Caraway
Family: Umbelliferae
Genus: Caurm Species: Carvi
Also Known As:
Carum
Rx: seeds
in food, oil, infusion of seeds, tincture
Two chemicals in caraway
seeds have been known to soothe the digestive tract and to help expel gas.
It may also be used for relief of menstrual cramps due to the fact that
caraway might relax the uterus.
Warnings:None
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Catnip
Family: Labiatae
Genus: Nepeta Species: Cataria
Also Known As:
Catnep, Catswort, Catmint, Field Balm
Rx: infusion
of flowers and leaves (for you not your cat!)
When used in teas, it
is considered a cold and cough remedy because it relieves chest congestion
and loosens phlegm. Catnip has long been used as a sedative, tranquilizer,
digestive aid, menstruation promoter, and treatment for menstrual cramps,
flatulence, and infant colic.
Warnings:Some
people may experience upset stomach but Catnip is considered nontoxic.
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Chamomile
Family: Compositae
Genus: Matricaria, Anthemis Species:
Chamomilla,
Nobilis respectively
Also Known As:
Camomile, Anthemis, Matricaria, Ground Apple
Rx: infusion
or tincture of flowers, herbal bath
This herb is a highly
used cure-all, and every household should seriously consider having it
around. It has been used externally to treat wounds and inflammations,
and internally for indigestion and ulcers. Chamomile is also used
to relieve menstrual cramps, arthritis, and is an effective sedative.
Warnings:People
who have previously suffered anaphylactic reactions from ragweed should
think twice about using this herb as well as its close relative yarrow.
Large amounts have caused some nausea and vomiting.
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Chicory
Family: Compositae
Genus: Cicorium Species: Intybus
Also Known As:
Endive, Chickory
Rx: excellent
salad addition, infusion, tincture
It is also known as
endive, or chickory. Chicory is most commonly used to reduce the
bitter taste of caffeine in coffee. It aids in cleansing the urinary
tract, digestion, a mild laxative and is also taken for rheumatic conditions
and gout.
Warnings:None
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Cinnamon
Family: Lauraceae
Genus: Cinnamomum Species: Zeylanicum,
Cassia, Saigonicum
Also Known As:
Ceylon Cinnamon, Saigon Cinnamon, Cassia
Rx: infusion
of powdered herb, sprinkle cuts or scrapes for treatment
Cinnamon is used for
infection prevention, pain relief, a digestive aid, and may help calm the
uterus.
Warnings:Do
not ingest cinnamon oil!!! It can cause nausea, vomiting, and possible
kidney damage. When put on the skin, the oil may cause redness and
burning.
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Clove
Family: Myrtaceae
Genus: Eugenia, Syzygium Species: Caryophyllata,
Aromaticum respectively
Also Known As:
Caryophyllus, Clavos
Rx: oil
for toothache, infusion
It has been used for
toothaches, oral hygiene, a digestive aid, and an infection fighter. It
is also used to treat hernia, ringworm, and athlete's foot.
Warnings:Children
under the age of 2 should never be given clove for medicinal purposes.
The oil may cause stomach upset when swallowed, and used externally may
cause rash.
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Coriander
Family: Umbelliferae
Genus: Corinadrum Species: Sativum
Also Known As:
Cilantro, Chinese Parsley
Rx: infusion
of seeds, sprinkle on cuts and scrapes
Used for indigestion,
flatulence, and diarrhea, and externally for muscles and joint pains.
Warnings:
If Coriander causes minor discomforts, such as stomach upsets or diarrhea,
use less or stop using it.
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Cranberry
Family: Ericaceae
Genus: Vaccinium, Oxycoccus Species:
Macerocarpon, Quadripetalus respectively
Also Known As: N/A
Rx: Juice,
juice, juice!
Used for urinary tract
infections (UTI), incontinence, high Vitamin C content
Warnings:
None
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Dandelion
Family: Compositae
Genus: Taraxacum Species: Officinale
Also Known As: Wild
Endive, Lion's Tooth, Piss-in-bed
Rx: #1
recommended salad addition, leaf infusion, root decoction, tincture, add
to bath for prevention of yeast infection
Used for Premenstrual
Syndrome (PMS), Weight Loss, High Blood Pressure, Congestive Heart Failure,
Cancer Prevention, Yeast Infection, Digestive Aid
Eat fresh leaves in
a salad (they are quite tasty). Chinese doctors have prescribed Dandelion
for thousands of years to treat colds, bronchitis, pneumonia, ulcers, hepatitis,
obesity, dental problems, itching and internal injuries. Quite simply
a 'super' herb.
Warnings:
May
cause skin rash in sensitive cases. If Dandelion causes stomach upset
or diarrhea, use less or stop using it.
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Dill
Family: Umbelliferae
Genus: Anethum Species: Graveolens
Also Known As: N/A
Rx: chew
seed for fresh breath, infusion or tincture, add to bath to for prevention
of urinary tract infections
In addition to its preservative
action, Dill is an infection fighter and soothing digestive aid. Used for
stomach problems, flatulence, urinary tract infection (UTI)
Warnings:
May
cause skin rash in sensitive individuals.
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Echinacea
Family: Compositae
Genus: Echinacea Species: Angustifolia,
Purpurea
Also Known As: Coneflower,
Purple Coneflower
Rx: tincture
or decoction of the ROOTS
The best kept secret
of the west. This is our A#1 recommended herb due to its high immune
system boost. Echinacea kills a wide variety of disease causing viruses
and bacteria, it fights infection and strengthens tissues. It may
prevent infection by seriously boosting ones immune system. It is
known to help the body in fighting off colds and flu. It is a treatment
for yeast infections and actually can reduce the future onset of.
It helps preserve white blood cells, is a confirmed wound healer as it
prevents germs from penetrating tissues, and may have anti-arthritic properties.
It is simply the most productive herb off all time.
Warnings:often
causes one's tongue to tingle, this is not harmful.
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Eucalyptus
Family: Myrtaceae
Genus: Eucalyptus Species: Globulus
Also Known As: Gum
Tree, Blue Gum, Australian Fever Tree
Rx: boil
leaves as an inhalant, oil on cuts and scrapes, infusion from leaves NOT
OIL, add leaves to bath
Eucalyptol is the chemical
that gives Eucalyptus its healing properties. It loosens phlegm,
kills influenza, and may help bacterial bronchitis. An effective
treatment for minor cuts and scrapes and it even repels cockroaches!
Warnings:Do
NOT ingest Eucalyptus oil, it is highly poisonous. Fatalities have
been reported from ingestion of as little as a teaspoon. KEEP AWAY
FROM CHILDREN!
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Fennel
Family: Umbelliferae
Genus: Foeniculum Species: Vulgare,
Vulgare Dulce
Also Known As: Finocchio,
Carosella, Florence Fennel
Rx: chew
seeds for a digestive aid, infusion, tincture
Fennel relaxes the smooth
muscle lining of the digestive tract and also helps expel gas. Used
in Germany for infant colic. Traditionally used to stimulate the
uterus into menstruation. This herb may also help fight prostate
cancer.
Warnings:Since
Fennel has a mild estrogenic effect, do not use if you are currently taking
birth control pills, have a history of abnormal blood clotting, or estrogen
dependent breast tumors. Do NOT ingest Fennel Oil, seeds are fine
but the oil may cause nausea, vomiting, and possibly seizures.
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Feverfew
Family: Compositae
Genus: Chrysanthemum, Matricaria, Tanacetum Species:
Parthenium
Also Known As: Ferbrifuge
Plant, Wild Quinine, Bachelor's Button
Rx: chew
leaves for migraine control, premade pills and tablets also work well for
headaches, infusion, tincture
Got a headache, maybe
a chronic migraine? Feverfew may well be your answer. Seventy
percent of patients in scientific studies show a significant improvement
in their migraine headaches even when standard medical treatment showed
no results. Also traditionally used for gynecological purposes.
This herb may reduce high blood pressure, and is a great digestive aid
after meals.
Warnings:may
cause sores inside the mouth, do not take if you have a clotting disorder.
Remember that Feverfew does not CURE migraines, it suppresses them.
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Garlic
Family: Amaryllidacae
Genus: Allium Species: Sativum
Also Known As: Stinking
Rose, Heal-all, Poor Man's Treacle
Rx: use
cloves in cooking, crush and encapsulate or use premade tablets, infusion,
tincture
Garlic is the worlds
second oldest medicine, and is the traditional 'WONDER DRUG'. Many
people don't realize that onion has almost as much medicinal value as garlic
does. Battle wounds in WWI were treated with garlic juice.
Recommended for colds, coughs, flu, fever, bronchitis, ringworm, intestinal
worms, elevated cholesterol, and general internal organ problems.
No standard medication can match Garlic on the cardiovascular scale.
Garlic DEFINITELY reduces blood pressure, cholesterol, and reduces internal
clots which can lead to heart attacks and stroke. Garlic reduces
blood sugar and therefore helps diabetes sufferers. It may help eliminate
lead and heavy metals in the bloodstream, has helped leprosy patients,
fights cancer, helps AIDS patients...nuff sed, USE IT!
Warnings:Allergy
sufferers may develop a rash from touching or eating the herb. If
this is the case, discontinue. If you have a clotting disorder, consult
a physician before using Garlic.
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Ginger
Family: Zingiberaceae
Genus: Zingiber Species: Officinale
Also Known As: Asian,
African, American Ginger
Rx: cooking,
capsules for motion sickness; tea, infusion, or ginger-ale for digestive
aid.
This herb helps with
motion and morning sickness. It is a very good digestive aid, may ease
menstrual cramps, helps arthritis, is traditionally used in the orient
for colds and flu, and is excellent for reducing cholesterol, lowering
blood pressure, and preventing internal blood clots (a.k.a heart attacks)
Warnings:large
doses MIGHT cause a miscarriage although there are no scientific reports
backing this up.
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Ginkgo
Family: Ginkgoaceae
Genus: Ginkgo Species: Biloba
Also Known As: Maidenhair
Tree
Rx: leaves
brewed as tea, infusion
The Earth's oldest tree,
it's a given that this herb helps the elderly the most. Ginkgo increases
blood flow to the brain which can prevent strokes and heart attacks, improve
memory, help impotence and chronic dizziness. It is also known to
help with macular degeneration (blindness), circulation, asthma,
tinnitus, and deafness. A fine example of the need to preserve the
Earth's natural resources.
Warnings:Do
not use if you have a clotting disorder, do not take in very large amounts
as diarrhea, vomiting, and irritability can occur.
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Ginseng
Family: Araliaceae
Genus: Panax, Eleutherococcus Species:
Ginseng
and Quinquefolius, Senticosus
Also Known As: Root
of Immortality, Man Root, Life Root, Seng Seng
Rx: It
is very important to use mature roots (over 6 years old). Use root
powder teas, capsules or tablets. You can also make a decoction from
dried pulverized root.
This herb helps the
bodies resistance, boosts the immune system, lowers cholesterol, lowers
blood sugars, reduces heart attacks, protects the liver, helps the appetite,
and helps cancer patients with radiation therapy.
Warnings:Rare
cases of insomnia, allergy symptoms, breast soreness. Do not use if you
have high blood pressure, fever, asthma, emphysema, or cardiac arrhythmia.
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Horehound
Family: Labiatae
Genus: Marrubium Species: Vulgare
Also Known As: Marrubium,
Hoarhound, White Horehound
Rx: flowers
and leaves in infusion or tincture for cough remedy
A popular herbal cough
remedy and expectorant for almost 2,000 years, Horehound is good for minor
respiratory problems, coughs, colds, and bronchitis
Warnings:those
with heart disease should not use this herb
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Hyssop
Family: Labiatae
Genus: Hyssopus Species: Officinalis
Also Known As: N/A
Rx: flowers
and leaves as a compress for cold sores and genital herpes, infusion, tincture
Hyssop inhibits the
growth of herpes simplex virus. Scientists agree it is a 'reasonably
effective' treatment for cough and irritation of colds and flu.
Warnings:DO
NOT USE IF PREGNANT..... PERIOD! Again always positively identify
the herbs you use. H. Officinalis is the correct herb, it's name
sharing cousins (G. Officinalis, genus' Agastache and Bacopa) should not
be ingested.
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Juniper
Family: Cupressaceae
Genus: Juniperus Species: Communis
Also Known As: Geneva,
Genvrier
Rx: infusion
of berries for arthritis or female regularity
The source of gin, this
herb also increases urine production (a diuretic) - making it a treatment
for PMS, high blood pressure and congestive heart failure. Recommended
for arthritis.
Warnings:Long
term use can cause kidney damage. If you have a kidney infection
or kidney problems you should not use this herb. One-third of hay fever
sufferers develop allergy symptoms from exposure to Juniper.
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Kelp
Family: Fucaceae
Genus: Fucus, Laminaria, Macrocystis, Nereocystis Species:
Versiculosus
(Fucus), various (Others)
Also Known As: Fucus,
Seawrack, Cutweed, Bladderwrack, Wakame, Hijiki, Kombu, Arame
A natural source of
iodine, now known as a radiation protector, protection from heavy metals,
reducer of heart disease, and an infection fighter.
Rx: take
tablets (herb is unpleasant), infusion
Warnings:
None
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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
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Marijuana
Genus: Cannabis
Species: Sativa, Indica, others
Also Known As: Weed,
Cannabis, Pot, Dope
The much debated and scolded Cannabis, Marijuana
has shown positive effects on cancer, AIDS, and glaucoma. So effective
on AIDS patients from its ability to increase a person's appetite as well
as releiving nausea allowing a patient to regain weight. Marijuana reportedly
helps glaucoma patients by reducing occular pressure which can cause damage
to the eye. It is the most effective treatment for chronic nausea. It is
not physically addictive.
Rx: smoked
(dried), added to salads(fresh)
Warnings:
coughing, asthma, upper respiratory problems,
difficulty with short term memory loss, racing heart, agitation, confusion,
paranoia, possible psychological dependence
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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
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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Oregano
(see Marjoram)
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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.
Warnings:
rare
cases of inflammation of the lips and lining of the mouth. Sage oil
should not be ingested.
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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.
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