Healing Herbs

A to Z

Here are some useful Healing Herbs...

A

B

C

D

E

F

G

H

J

L

M

P

R

S

T

U

V

W

Y

Parts used:Sap, or juice, leaves

Primary uses: Internally-constipation, digestive problems, colic; externally-burns, eczema, psoriasis, inflammation, wound healing.

Contraindications: Intestinal obstruction, Crohn's disease, colitis, appendicitis, abdominal pain of unknown origin.

Dosage: 20-30 mg./day; smallest amount necessary to maintain a soft stool, if ingested. Aloe juice, 30 ml three times per day. Externally, use liberally for burns and other skin conditions.

Parts used: Seed. Anethole and other aromatic compounds.

Primary uses: Anise has a nippy licorice flavor, has been used for centuries in both foods and medicines. It is recommended for coughs, aids in digestion and ease flatulence. The ancients also used anise as an aphrodisiac, for colic, and to combat nausea. Is also recommended the tea be used by nursing mothers to increase milk flow.

Dosage: Is considered safe when taken in reasonable amounts.

Another healing herb to use is

Parts used: Root. Polysac-charides

Primary uses: It is popular among Western herbalists because of its purported effects on the immune system. It may have value in protecting the liver, and it is used by some herbalists to lessen the severity an duration of colds.

Parts used: Leaf. Volatile oils(up to 28 percent methyl cinnamate).

Primary uses: In Africa it has been used to expel worms. One folk remedy says that tea made with basil and peppercorns will reduce fever. The herb is a carminative, meaning that it relieves gas, and when brewed in tea is said to aid digestion. Basil tea may also be useful for relieving stomach cramps, vomiting and constipation.

Parts used: Leaves, fruit

Primary uses: Prevention and treatment of Diabetes Mellitus; complaints of the gastrointestinal tract, kidney and urinary tract, arthritis, gout and dermatitis, diarrhea, varicose veins, retinopathy, cataracts, circulation.

Contraindications: None known when administered properly. It is not known to interact with commonly prescribed drugs.

Dosage: 250-450 mg. per day of the herbal extract in capsules or tablets standardized to provide 25% anthocyanosides.

Parts used: Root, rhizomes

Primary uses: Menopausal ailments, menstrual and pre-menstrual problems, bronchial problems (such as whooping cough), and arthritis.

Contraindications: None known when administered properly; high doses can lead to vomiting, headache, dizziness, and nausea. Should not be used by pregnant or nursing mothers, except during the last couple of weeks of pregnancy. Women taking estrogen therapy should consult a physician before use.

Dosage: Capsule or tablets 250-500 mg. three times per day. 2-4 ml three times a day in a tincture form(around 40 drops). Should be taken for six months, and then discontinued.

Parts used: Bark, anthra-quinones

Primary uses: Known mainly as a laxative. Tea, made from the bark, to ease constipation. Compresses are used to relieve minor skin irritations.

Parts used: Root, stems, seeds.

Primary uses: Gastrointestinal complaints; as a diaphoretic and diuretic; acne, rheumatoid arthritis; Externally, for psoriasis

Contraindications: None known when administered properly. Possible sensitization via skin contact. Should not be used during pregnancy or lactation.

Dosage: 2-4 ml. of Burdock root tincture per day. Capsules or tablets at 500-1000 mg. three times per day. (Often given in combination with other alterative herbs, such as Red Clover, Yellow Dock, or Cleavers.)

Parts used: Bark

Primary uses: Constipation; as a tonic for the liver and digestive system

Contraindications: During pregnancy and lactation;intestinal obstruction; appendicitis

Dosage: Only the dried form should be taken. Two capsules up to two times per day or smallest dosage necessary to maintain a soft stool. Not for prolonged use.

Parts: Leaves and other above-ground parts.

Primary uses: Catnip tea is best known as a sleep aid, but it is also recommended to ease menstrual pain, to help soothe the nerves, and as an insect repellent. Compresses applied to the forehead are said to relieve headaches.

Parts used: Bark, roots, leaves

Primary uses: Internally-inflammatory disorders, viral disease, allergies, arthritis, rheumatism, cancer, AIDS and other immune-related disorders.

Contraindications: During pregnancy and lactation; Children 3 years old or younger

Dosage: As a tea, one cup three times a day. as t tincture, 1-2 ml up to five times per day or up to nine 500 mg. capsules per day.

Parts used: Fruits

Primary uses: Externally-for muscular tension, and osteoarthritis; Internally-for gastrointestinal disorders, fever, diabetic neuropathy, circulation and shingles.

Contraindications: Possible ulcers when administered excessively. Except for mild burning during the first few applications, there are no side effects from use of the capsaicin cream (the resinous and pungent substance contained in Cayenne). To reduce burning sensation combine with Aloe Vera gel. Avoid contact with eyes and other sensitive areas.

Dosage: Substantial pain relief with capsaicin cream may require 2 or more weeks of continuous use up to four times per day. For internal use, 400-500 mg. capsules or tablets up to three times daily or 5-10 drops in water.

Parts used: Flowers

Primary uses: Internally-common cold, digestive upsets, motion sickness, irritable bowel syndrome, insomnia, peptic ulcers, colic, diarrhea; Externally-wounds, burns, hemorrhoids, eczema, canker sores, skin irritations, blocked tear docks.

Contraindications: People with allergies to plants of Asteraceae family (ragweed, chrysanthemum, and aster) should avoid the use of Chamomile.

Dosage: As a tea, can be drunk 3-4 times daily. As a tincture, 4-6 ml three times a day or in capsules or tablets 250-500 mg capsules up to five times daily.

Parts used: Tree bark

Primary uses: Is a common ingredient in cold remedies for colds, flatulence, nausea, and vomiting. It has been shown to be a carminative (releasing gas in the stomach and for alleviating diarrhea. Cinnamon has also been used as a treatment to stimulate the appetites of anorexics. Consumers should note that the variety of cinnamon available for home use is actually derived from cassia bark. It is a related species and is said to produce similar effects.

Colloidal Silver

Parts used: Fruit

Primary uses: Internally, for urinary tract infections, incontinence, prevention of kidney stones and to remove toxins from the blood.

Contraindications: Should not be used as a substitute for antibiotics during an acute urinary tract infection

Dosage: As a juice, 4-6 ounces a day for prevention; up to 32 oz therapeutically. (Use unsweetened 100% organic cranberry juice only!) Capsules, five to ten 500 mg capsules per day.

Parts used: Leaf and root

Primary uses: Medical panacea or ubiquitous weed? While there's little doubt about the tastiness of a dandelion leaf salad or a glass of dandelion wine, this common plant has medicinal uses as well. Once recommended for liver, kidney, and gallbladder problems, it is best known as a mild laxative, an appetite stimulant, and a diuretic. The leaves also contain high levels of potassium.

Parts used: Roots

Primary uses: Menstrual disorders, PMS, post-partum and menopausal complaints, anemia, arthritis, loss of appetite, dyspepsia, fibrocystic breast disease, cardiovascular health, liver support.

Contraindications: May cause some fair-skinned persons to become sensitive to sunlight. Should not be used during pregnancy and lactation.

Dosage: Tinctures, 5-20 drops, up to three times per day. Tea, 1 cup, 2-3 times per day. Capsules or tablets, 500 mg up to six times a day.

Parts used: Roots, leaves, flower, seeds

Primary uses: Common cold, influenza, cough/bronchitis, fever, urinary tract infections, wounds, burns, psoriasis, eczema, Crohn's disease, gingivitis, recurrent ear infections, yeast infections, cancer sores, immune-related disorders.

Contraindications: People suffering from autoimmune disorders (such as Lupus) or other progressive diseases (such as multiple sclerosis or tuberculosis), should not take Echinacea without their physcian's consent.

Dosage: Taking repeated small doses throughout the day is more effective than taking larger, less frequent doses. Prolonged use will limit its effectiveness. For prevention, take Echinacea continuously for 6-8 weeks and then take a rest period of 1-2 weeks. Capsules, 500-1,000 mg three times a day. Tincture, 15-30 drops 2-5 times daily.

Parts used: Flowers are used in tea, in addition, elder extracts are included in a number of commercially available cold remedies. White elder flowers are safe, avoid the roots, stems and leaves, and use only ripe berries.

Primary uses: Tea is mainly prescribed as a mild stimulant and to induce perspiration. The tea is thought to be most effective when the elder flowers are mixed with peppermint leaves and yarrow flowers. The extracts are included in a number of commercially available cold remedies.

Parts used: Root

Primary uses: Prescribed for chronic coughs and bronchitis, and has been recommended for the treatment of asthma. May help sooth itchy skin and minor cuts, and it has been used to induce perspiration in the case of cold or flu.

Parts used: Leaf and essintial oil

Primary uses: The leaves contain a pungent oil that helps clear sinuses and soothe mucus membranes. Bronchial congestion may be relieved by mixing a few drops of the oil with boiling water, and then inhaling the rising steam. When applied directly to the skin and scalp, eucalyptus oil is said to help ease sore muscles, chapped skin and dandruff.

Parts used: Leaves, stem bark, flowers, pods, oil

Primary uses: Whooping cough, asthma, digestive problems, menopause, eczema, acne, coronary artery diease, complications of diabetes, breast pain and tenderness, PMS.

Contraindications: Schizophrenia, epilepsy. Stomach upset and nausea can occur when administered in excess.

Dosage: Six 500 mg capsules daily for most conditions, 8-10 capsules for diabetic neuropathy.

Parts used: Seed, dried ripe fruit and oil of the seed.

Primary uses: Used in salads, soups, and stews. Primarily known for its soothing properties. It is recommended to ease stomachaches and to aid digestion. Taken in a tea or in extracts, fennel has also been used as an aid to stimulate the appetites of anorexics.

Parts used: Seed and oil

Primary uses: Poultices, ointments, and lotions containing fenugreek are recommended for treating skin irritations and wounds, while a tonic brewed from the seeds is said to ease stomach ailments. In ancient times it has been prescribed for tuberculosis, bronchitis, sore throats, diabetes, anemia, rickets, and waning sexual desire. It has also been used as an expectorant, a laxative, and a fever fighter.

Parts used: Leaves

Primary uses: Migraine, headache, digestive and menstrual cramps, arthritis; also, as an antiseptic and insecticide.

Contraindications: Children under the age of two, pregnant and lactation women.

Dosage: Most effective against migraines when used as a preventative for a least 2-3 months. Feverfew leaf extracts with a least 0.2% parthenolide content are generally used. In a capsule form, 250 mg. of standardized extract per day. Fresh leaves, 2 large or 4 small leaves a day eaten raw or mixed into food. Tinctures, 15-30 drops per day.

Parts used: Seeds, oil

Primary uses: Chronic constipation, diverticulitis, gastritis, bronchial complaints, cough, sore throat, burns, abscesses, allergies, autoimmune diseases, arthritis, psoriasis, high cholesterol.

Contraindications: Flaxseed should not be used when there is bowel obstruction. Flaxseed oil has no known contraindications.

Dosage: Oil, 1-2 tbs. per day. Ground seeds, 2 1/2 tsp. 2-3 times daily. Note: adequate levels of zinc and friendly intestinal bacteria are needed to properly metabolize flaxseed and flax oil. Can also be applied as a compress.

Parts used: Bulb

Primary uses: Arteriosclerosis, overall cardiovascular health, high cholesterol hypertension, cancer protection, colds and flu, diabetes, recurrent ear infections, yeast infections, cough/bronchitis, fever oral inflammation, skin and fungal infections.

Contraindications: None known when administered properly, however, it may cause heartburn and flatulence in some people.

Dosage: Fresh, chew one clove per day. Capsules or tablets, 500-1,000 mg per day, or 2-4 ml of tincture three times daily.

Parts used: roots, rhizome

Primary uses: arteriosclerosis, loss of appetite, nausea, morning sickness, chemotherapy support, migraines, motion sickness, rheumatoid arthritis, heart health, colds cough, influenza, menstrual cramps.

Contraindications: Gallstone conditions.

Dosage: Dried ginger capsules, 2-4 grams per day. For motion sickness, it is best taken one hour before travel. As a tincture, 1-3 ml three times daily.

Parts used: Leaves

Primary uses: Alzheimer's disease, memory and brain function, atherosclerosis, asthma, allergies, circulatory complaints (e.g. varicose veins, irregular heartbeat), tinnitus, multiple sclerosis, migraines, diabetes, depression, macular degeneration.

Contraindications: Caution may be advised for people with blood-clotting disorders.

Dosage: Standardized extracts, 40 mg three times a day. Note: the effects are not immediate. Clinical studies show that up to 24 weeks of treatment were needed before benefits were seen.

Parts used: Roots

Primary uses: Loss appetite, insomnia, stress, exhaustion, environmental stress, concentration, overall health and vitality, recovery after illness.

Contraindications: High blood pressure, pregnancy, lactation. Excess may cause headaches and restlessness.

Dosage: Capsules, 250-500 mg of standardized extract per day. Tinctures, 1-2 ml per day.

Parts used:Rhizomes, root

Primary uses: Common cold, sore throat, Crohn's disease, peptic ulcers, digestive disorders, sinusitis, excessive or painful menstruation, eczema, ear inflammations, vaginal infections, gum disease and canker sores, parasitic infections, urinary tract infections, recurrent ear infections.

Contraindications: Pregnancy and lacation.

Dosage: Capsules, 500 mg up to four times daily. Tincture, 2-4 ml three times daily. Note: Continuous use should not exceed three weeks, with a break of at least two weeks between uses.

Parts used: Leaves

Primary uses: Diarrhea, dysentery, hepatitis, gastroenteritis, lowering of blood pressure and cholesterol, cancer prevention, gingivitis, infections, overall well-being; may be used externally for sore eyes, minor injuries, and insect bites.

Contraindications: None known when administered properly. Excess consumption can cause irritability and insomnia due to its caffeine content. Not suitable for infant.

Dosage: as a tea, three cups daily. Capsules and tablets, 250-500 mg a day of standardized extract containing up to 90% polyphenol.

Parts used: Flowers, leaves, fruit

Primary uses: Circulatory disorders and heart disease; heart rate and blood pressure regulation, recovery after a heart attack.

Contraindications: None known when administered properly. Consult a physician before use when taking heart medications as the dosage may need to be adjusted.

Dosage: Capsules, 120-240 mg of standardized extracts, three times a day. Tinctures, 5 ml three times daily. Note: Hawthorn is a slow-acting herb that should be used for a minimum of 4-8 weeks for full benefits.

Parts used: Blossoms, dried flowers, oil

Primary used: Blossoms used for their sedative effects, and also dried flowers for use in a toothache remedy. Today, hops is prescribed in cases of nervousness, mild anxiety, and sleeplessness, an anti-spasmodic. It may ease diarrhea and intestinal cramps. May be taken as a tea (often in combination with valerian and other sedative herbs), in extracts, or capsules, and its safety has been confirmed by centuries of use in brewing and as a food flavoring.

Parts used: Fruits

Primary uses: Native Americans discovered that when crushed, the fruits eased the pain and inflammation of hemorrhoids. Today it is used in the treatment of a number of circulatory problems, including varicose beins, blood clots, and hemorhoids. The extract is also available as a salve, which may be applied to ease sore muscles and leg cramps.

Parts used: herb anf oil

Primary uses: Member of the mint family, it aids in digestion and helps to relieve gas. Some claim that it speeds the digestion of fat, and recommend drinking hyssop tea with fatty meats or fish. Externally, hyssop may be usedful for treating sores.

Parts used: Berry, oil

Primary uses: Native Americans drank juniper berry tea to relieve arthritis, stomachaches, and colds. Juniper berries are primarily used for their diuretic action.

Contraindications: Experts caution against the use during pregnancy as they may stimulate uterine contractions. Because of their diuretic action, extended use (more than six weeks) may cause problems for people with weak or damaged kidneys.

Parts used: Flowers, Oil

Primary uses: Lavender's fragrant flowers are used with many herbal sachets, for their purported calming effects. May also be used as a brewed tea. May be useful for settling an upset stomach that often accompanies nervousness and irriability. The flowers are also reported to stimulate bile flow, and so are sometimes included in herbal formulas recommended for liver and gall bladder problems.

Parts used: Flowers and oil

Primary uses: Widely used in herbal teas, for it's sedative properities. The tea is recommended to induce perspiration and relieve fever due to colds and flu, and to ease menstrual cramps, insomnia, headaches, and nervousness.

Parts used: Roots, rhizomes

Primary uses: Asthma, bronchitis, cough, peptic ulcer, arthritis, allergies, virl liver inflammation, canker sores, fibromyalgia, indigestion, heartburn, herpes simplex, peptic ulser. External for psoriasis and eczema.

Contraindications: Liver disorders, high blood pressure, diabetes, hypertonia (extreme tension of the muscles or arteries), hypokalemia (low potassium levels), pregnancy and lactation.

Dosage: Six to eight 250 mg deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) chewable tablets daily. Capsules 500 mg us to three times a day.

Parts used: Root

Primary uses: Marshmallow root contain mucilage, a gelatinous substance found in plants. When mixed with water, marshmallow root helps soothe irritation and inflammation due to dry coughs, bronchitis, urinary tract infections, colitis, and other problems. When used as a gargle, marshmallow may provide instant relief to inflamed throat tissues. Marshmallow root may also be taken to ease costipation and when applied topically, to soothe skin abrasions.

Parts used: Seeds

Primary uses: Loss of appetite, liver and gall bladder complaints, gall stones, jaundice. hepatitis, liver damage, cirrhosis, chemo-therapy side effects, psoriasis, type II diabetes.

Contraindications: None known when administered properly. People with diabetes should carefully monitor their blood glucose and may require reduction in standard anti-hyperglycemic agents when taking Milk Thistle.

Dosage: Standardized capsules or tablets, 420 mg silymarin, divided into 2-3 ddily doses. Tincture, 10-25 drops up to three times daily (unstandardized). Ground seeds can be eaten or made into a tea, except when used therapeutically for liver conditions.

Parts used: Leaves, flowers

Primary uses: Cough, whooping cough, bronchitis, sore throat, laryngitis, tonsillitis, asthma, influenza, chest congestion, tuberculosis, urinary tract infections, anxiety, insomnia, recurrent ear infections, wounds, boils, rheumatic pain, hemorrhoids and common cold.

Contraindications: None known when administered properly

Dosage: Tea, 3-4 times per day. Mullein is usually combined with other demulcent or expectorant herbs for the treatment of coughs and bronchial irritation, often in the form of syrup.

Parts used: Oil, resin, gums

Primary uses: The herb has astringent and antiseptic properties, meaning it is useful for cleansing and healing wounds, including bedsores. Myrrh is also a common ingredient in mouthwashes and gargles, and is prescribed for sore throats, gingivitis, and sore gums. As in Bible times, myrrh is a popular incense, and it can also double as a mosquito repellent since the smell of burning myrrh drives these pests away.

Parts used: The whole plant; leaves, stems, and intricate blossoms is used medicinally.

Primary uses: The flowers have a mild sedative effect. When taken in tea, capsules, or extracts, passion flowers may be useful for treating insomnia and nervousness, and for lowering high blood pressure. The plant has anti-inflammatory properties, which may make it useful in the treatment of arthritis.

Parts used: leaf and oil

Primary uses: Peppermint is better known for its soothing effects on the stomach. An anti-spasmodic and a carminative, the herb is useful for relieving indigestion, nausea, and intestinal gas. In addition, peppermint tea is recommended for headaches, as a mild sedative, and even to treat some upper respiratory conditions. Applied externally, oil of peppermint may help relieve muscle and nerve pain. To ease bronchial symptoms, some herbalists recommend putting a few drops of the oil into boiling water, and inhaling the menthol fragrance.

Parts used: Seeds (hulls)

Primary uses: Constipation, colitis, ulcers, high cholesterol, heart disease prevention, hemorrhoids.

Contraindications: Some people could be allergic to Psyllium. May cause gas and bloating if taken in large doses before the body has a chance to adjust to it.

Dosage: 1 tsp. of grounds seeds or powder in 1 cup of liquid 2-3 times a day. Start with a smaller dose at first and gradually increase over a week or two.

Parts used: Flowers, leaves<.

Primary uses: Eczema, cough, whooping cough, psoriasis, cancers prevention, gout.

Contraindications: Pregnancy and lactation. Fermented Red Clover should be avoided as it may cause bleeding.

Dosage: Tea, three cups per day. Capsules or tablets, 2-4 grams per day or 2-4 ml of tincure three times daily.

Parts used: Leaves, oil

Primary uses: European herbal practitioners used it as a tonic and stimulant, as well as to treat stomach upset, digestive disorders, and headaches. The richly scented camphor oil in its leaves is said to invigorate the circulatory and nervous systems, and so rosemary if frequently given to older people and those recovering from illness. Rosemary hair tonic is sometimes recommended for preventing baldness, but there is little hard evidence in support of this usage. As with most culinary herbs and spices, rosemary is considered safe when used in reasonable amounts.

Parts used: Leaves, oil

Primary uses: As with most herbs, sage should not be taken during pregnancy (except as flavoring in foods}. Professionals caution that prolonged use of sage oil or extract may result in convulsions. Herbalists contend that excessive use of sage tea can reduce mild output in lactation women, but this has not been confirmed by scientific studies.

Parts used: Berry

Primary uses: Impotence, low sex drive, benign prostate conditions, crystitis, bronchial complaints, and relief with mucous in the head and nose.

Contraindications: None known when administered properly.

Dosage: Capsules or tablets, 500 mg up to three times a day or 320 mg of standardized extract daily. In a tincture form, 20-30 drops up to four times daily.

Parts used: Entire plant

Primary uses: History shows that Scullcap, a sedative herb, has traditionally been used to treat hysteria, nervousness, and as an anti-spasmotidic for muscle spasms and tension. Today, scull is widely used in herbal formulas (often in combination with other calming hervs such as hops and valerian) prescribed to treat a range of problems, including mild anxiety and epilepsy. It is considered safe in reasonable amounts.

Parts used: Leaf and fruit

Primary uses: The senna plant is used as a safe and effective laxative. However, as with any stimulant laxative, long-term usage may produce dependency. Consumers should exercise moderation when using senna, as too much may cause nausea and severe stomach upset. Also, as with most stimulant laxatives, senna is best avoided during pregnancy.

Parts used: seed pods

Primary uses: Named for its pouch-shaped seed pods, herbalits have traditionally recommended shepherd's purse to stem internal and external bleeding. However, some researchers believe it may be a white fungus often found growing on the plant that has the remarkable anti-hemorrhagic properties. Shepherd's purse has also been used for urinary tract infections and to lower fevers.

Parts used: Bark, Mucilage.

Primary uses: Slippery elm is ofter used in lozenges to ease sore throat pain and smoker's cough. In additionm, a powdered form of the bark is useful for treating burns, boils, and minor wounds. Slippery elm is considered non-toxic and sage for external and internal usage.

Parts used: Flower's leaves

Primary uses: Anxiety, mild to moderate depression, insomnia, menopausal and pre-menstrual complaints, shingles, herpes, sciatica, blunt injuries, wounds, burns, bruises, and recurrent ear infections.

Contraindications: Should not be taken with prescription antidepressants or during pregnancy and lactation.

Dosage: Capsules or tablets, 500-750 mg of standardized extract per day, containing 0.2% hypericin. Tinctures, 20-30 drops three times a day.

Stinging Nettles

Parts used: leaves and roots

Primary uses: A recent study on freeze-dried nettles (in capsule form) indicated potential benefits for hay fever sufferers, but evidence was not overwhelmingly convincing. Dried nettles are considered safe for internal consumption, but the skin rash procduced by the fresh leaves may be very irritating to some people.

Parts used: Leaves

Primary uses: Thyme is considered by herbalists as one of nature's most powerful antiseptics. Its active ingredient, thymol, is germicidal, and has found wide use in toothpastes and mouthwashes, as well as some topical ointments. Thymol is also an expectorant and cough suppressant, and is a common ingredient in syrups prescribed for coughs and bronchitis. The herb itself may be brewed in tea, and some herbalists recommend it as an excellent gargle for sore throats and tonsillitis. In addition, thyme's carminative properties make it a good choice for upset stomach, although the taste is a little strong for many people.

Parts used: Rhizomes

Primary uses: Cancer protection, bursitis, headaches, flatulence, jaundice, nose bleeds, diarrhea, fever, bronchitis, colds, internal hemorrhage, painful menstruation, shock, angina, rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory disorders; Also for skin and oral inflammations, infected wounds and bruising.

Contraindications: People with gallstones should avoid it.

Dosage: Capsules or tablets, 400 mg three times a day.

Parts used: Leaves

Primary uses: Uva Ursi has been regarded as a diuretic. Its real value lies in its antisptic activity in the urinary tract. but only under alkalind conditions. Uva Ursi teas, capsules, and extracts are useful for treating inflammations of the tract, as well as cystitis. The leaves also contain a fair amount of tannin, and taken over time may irritate the stomach. Some people tolerate uva ursi more easily by adding an equal amount of peppermint leaves to the mixture. Uva ursi is safe for short-term use, but should be avoided during pregnancy.

Parts used: Roots

Primary uses: Insomnia, hysteria, hyperactivity, anxiety, cramps, muscular tension and spasms, migraine, hypertension, painful menstruation, colic.

Contraindications: With other sedative drugs and/or anti-depressants and/or alcohol.

Parts used: Leaves and essential oils

Primary uses: Today, wintergreen is widely used in over-the-counter balms and ointments for the temporary relief of arthritis pain, sciatica, and muscle pain. In addition, when brewed in tea, wintergreen is sometimes used as a diuretic. Wintergreen tea is considered safe in reasonable amounts. When applied to the skin, oil of wintergreen preparations are also considered safe, although they may cause skin irritation. Taken internally, oil of wintergreen is poisonous, except in very small amounts, Artificial flavorings have now replaced the natural oil in most "wintergreen" sweets.

Parts used: Leaves and bark

Primary uses: While witch hazel's effectiveness for dowsing is dubious, the astringency of the leaves and bark (due to the high tannin content) does make the plant a reasonable choice for treating various skin conditions. Today, witch hazel is a common ingredient in a soothing lotion bearing its name, as well as in commercially available eye drops, aftershave lotions, and cosmetics. In addition, witch hazel preparations have been found to be effective for treating hemorrhoids. When used externally, witch hazel has no adverse side effects.

Parts used: The whole plant and oil

Primary uses: Yarrow was used by the Greek hero Achilles to stop the bleeding of his warriors' wounds. Native Americans and colonists also used yarrow for its healing properties, both as a tea to treat digestive disorders and fevers, and as a poultice to treat cuts and burns. They also chewed the leaves to relieve toothache pain. Modern medicine has not confirmed yarrow's use as a blood coagulant, but recent research seems to demonstrate its value as an anti-spasmodic. Yarrow's astringent action is also useful in cases of diarrhea and dysentery. In addition, the herb has been used as an anti-inflammatory (to treat arthritis), a diuretic, and as an antiseptic. Some herbalists recommend steeping an infusion of yarrow leaves and flower tops, which is drunk to reduce fever or to stimulate appetite. A poultice made from the flowers or the whole plant may be applied to swollen joints, as well as to cuts and wounds. While yarrow use is considered safe, it should not be taken by pregnant women.

Some of these herbs can be combined in ways to achieve a more potent result. For example, echinacea, goldenseal, elderberry, and green tea can all have an effect as an immune boster .

Check with a trained herbal nutritionist or Holistic Practitioner for other combinations.