Herbal Remedies

Herbal remedies index Aloe Vera Aloe, or Aloe vera (Latin), has been used medicinally for over 2,000 years. Ancient Egyptians used aloe to treat skin problems and constipation, and research has proven that aloe is effective as both an anti-inflammatory and laxative... Angelica Angelica (Angelica archangelica, A. atropurpurea, A. sinensis [Latin]), also known as masterwort, wild parsnip, and wild celery, has been used as an herbal medicine for thousands of years. Angelica is an effective treatment for gas, indigestion, and stomach cramps; it may also be used to improve circulation, help treat some bronchial and cardiovascular disorders, and ease menopausal symptoms... Bilberry Bilberry, or Vaccinium myrtillus (Latin), is made from a small, blue berry that has been used medicinally for hundreds of years. Like their close relatives, blueberries and cranberries, bilberries have powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant qualities... Black Cohosh Black cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa ([Latin]), also known as black snakeroot, bugbane, cimicifuga, and squawroot, is an herb that has been proven effective for relief of menopausal symptoms, including hot flashes, mood disturbances, palpitations, and vaginal dryness... Cat's Claw Cat*s claw (Uncaria tomentosa or U. guianensis [Latin]), also known as uña de gato, is a climbing vine native to the Peru and Brazil. It has been used in traditional South American medicine for many years to treat infections, arthritis, and gastrointestinal disorders... Cayenne Cayenne, or Capsicum annuum (Latin), also known as hot pepper, chili pepper, paprika, and red pepper, is an effective remedy for muscular tension, rheumatism, and digestive ailments. Capsaicin is the active ingredient in Cayenne. Capsaicin dulls pain sensations by interrupting the chemical messages sent to pain-sensing nerves... Chamomile Chamomile (Matricaria recutita [Latin]), also known as German chamomile, has been used medicinally for thousands of years. It is a popular treatment for numerous ailments, including sleep disorders, anxiety, poor digestion, colic, inflammation, and wound healing... Dandelion Dandelion(Taraxacum officinale [Latin]), also known as lion’s tooth and wild endive, is a perennial herb native to the northern hemisphere. Dandelions dot the lawns of most North Americans and Europeans, and are more often thought of as a weed and a nuisance to those striving for a well-manicured lawn. Most people don’t know about dandelion’s long history of use in traditional herbal medicine... Dong Quai Dong quai (Angelica sinensis [Latin]), also called Chinese angelica, dang gui, and tang kuei, is highly respected in traditional Asian medicine. It is commonly used to treat women’s reproductive health issues, but is also recommended to help prevent and treat some forms of cardiovascular disease. ... Echinacea Echinacea (E. angustifolia DC, E. pallida, E. purpurea [Latin]), also known as purple coneflower, is a perennial flower native to eastern North America. Native Americans prized Echinacea for its medicinal value and, thanks to recent European studies that confirm its ability to boost the immune system... Elderberry Elderberry (Sambucus nigra [Latin]), also called elder flower, is a tree that bears cream-colored flowers followed by dark purple berries in autumn. Elderberry trees are native to Europe, but have been naturalized to the Americas, and have a long history of medicinal use, particularly in England, where it is commonly used to make elderberry wine and pies, and was once referred to as “nature’s medicine chest.” ... Elecampane Elecampane (Inula helenium [Latin]), also called wild sunflower scabwort, and horseheal, is a perennial garden flower traditionally used to kill intestinal parasites and treat bronchial congestion... Garlic Garlic, or Allium sativum (Latin), is a popular herb for cardiovascular health. Thousands of studies have shown that consuming garlic has significant, protective effects on the body. Garlic lowers cholesterol and blood sugar levels, decreases the risk of heart attack and stroke, and helps inhibit the development of blood clots and cancerous tumors... Ginger Ginger, or Zingiber officinale (Latin), is a tasty, aromatic spice that has been a mainstay of Asian and Indian cuisine and traditional medicine for thousands of years. Today ginger’s popularity has spread across the globe, and it is one of the world’s most widely used herbal treatments... Ginseng Ginseng (Panax ginseng [Latin]) is the most widely used herb in Chinese medicine, a true panacea used to treat just about everything for thousands of years. The root of the ginseng plant is used medicinally, and has a quasi-human shape; the original Chinese name for this herb is jen shen, which means “man root.” ... Lemon Balm Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis [Latin]), also called bee balm, Melissa, sweet balm, and cure-all, is a member of the mint family that is popular in Mediterranean and English gardens. Lemon balm leaves, which give off a strong lemon scent when rubbed, are used medicinally for treatment of a variety of disorders, including cold sores, indigestion, insomnia, and anxiety... Milk Thistle Milk thistle (Silybum marianum [Latin]), also called silybum and holy thistle, has been used to treat liver ailments since the days of ancient Rome. Milk thistle improves the liver’s ability to eliminate toxins from the body, and repairs damage to the liver caused by hepatitis, cirrhosis, poisonous mushrooms, drugs, and toxic chemicals... Mullein Mullein (Verbascum [Latin]), also called velvet dock, flannel leaf or plant, feltwort, Aaron’s rod, shepherd’s staff, and lungwort, is easily identified in the wild by its big, soft leaves. Many of the names used to identify this plant refer to its velvety texture; however, the name lungwort reflects mullein’s traditional use as a treatment for relieving cough and congestion of those with minor respiratory ailments... Nettle Nettle (Urtica dioica [Latin]), also called stinging nettle, was once used to treat arthritis and all sorts of skin disease. It was the method with which nettle was introduced to the body that makes this herb’s medicinal history so interesting—self-flagellation with the nettle plant. Today, however, nettle is better-known for its ability to ease urination discomfort in men with a benign enlarged prostate condition... Peppermint Peppermint (Mentha x piperita [Latin]) is a hybrid of watermint crossed and spearmint. It is a hearty plant that grows in just about every country in the world, and the essential oil of this plant is a popular flavoring used in food and many commercial products. Of all species of mint, peppermint contains the most menthol, a phytochemical that helps calm muscle spasms throughout the body, improve digestion, protect against food poisoning, and relieve headache and nausea... Saw Palmetto Saw palmetto is an effective treatment for the urinary difficulties that develop as a result of Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy (BPH), or prostate enlargement. It is commonly prescribed in Europe for treatment of BPH, and has been shown to be as effective as the drug finasteride (Proscar) in promoting normal urination ... St. John's Wort St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum [Latin]), also known as goatweed and hypericum, is a perennial plant native to Northern Europe and Great Britain. This plant secretes red oil when its leaves or stems are pinched, and was named St. John's wort by early Christians, who thought it oozed its signature red oil on the anniversary of St. John's beheading. Both ancient Romans and early Christians believed that this herb protected against evil, and in medieval times it was used it to treat insanity believed to be caused by demonic possession... Rosemary Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis [Latin]), also known as rosemarine, has a long tradition of culinary and medicinal use. Today, rosemary is still a popular herb for seasoning meats, and modern herbalists recommend it for treatment of depression, indigestion, headache, muscle aches, and bad breath... Turmeric Turmeric (Curcuma longa [Latin]), also known as curcuma, produces a root that is used to produce the vibrant yellow spice used as a culinary spice so often used in curry dishes. Turmeric is native to India and parts of Asia, and is a relative of cardamom and ginger. Today's herbalists and naturopaths consider turmeric to be one of nature's most potent anti-inflammatories and antioxidants... Valerian Valerian (Valeriana officinalis [Latin]), also known as garden valerian, Jacob's ladder, phu, and all-heal, is an herb that is well known for its ability to induce sleep. Traditional Chinese and Indian Ayurvedic medicine recommends valerian for treatment of insomnia...     Back to Homepage