Reference
Guide Main Page
Go To The Store
VitaminWay
Homepage
Overview
Of Herbs Quick Reference Guide
HERBS
and MEDICINAL WILD PLANTS:
All natural vitamins are organic food substances found only
in living things, that is, plants and animals. With few exceptions the body
cannot manufacture or synthesize vitamins. They must be supplied in the diet or
in dietary supplements. Vitamins are essential to the normal functioning of our
bodies. They are necessary for growth, vitality, and general well-being.
HOW THEY WORK: Vitamins cannot replace food. Assimilation of vitamins into the body is greatly enhanced if ingested with food. That is why it is recommended that vitamins be taken with meals. Vitamins play many roles, among them, helping to regulate metabolism, helping to convert fat and carbohydrates into energy, and assisting in the formation of bone and tissue.
Agrimony - Used for all digestive disorders. Strengthens
stomach, intestines, liver, gallbladder & kidneys. Alfalfa - Good source of
carotene. Useful in reducing fevers.
Alfalfa - Beneficial to the blood, acting as a blood
purifier. Contains natural fluoride, helps prevent tooth decay & rebuild
decayed teeth. Aids in the assimilation of protein, fats & carbohydrates.
Helps relieve arthritic & rheumatic pain. High vitamin & mineral
content.
Allspice - Used as a spice.
Allspice, Wild (Benzoin) - Bark used to treat coughs, cold
symptoms and dysentery, also said to be effective in expelling worms. Used by
Native Indians as a tonic, stimulant and to induce perspiration for fevers. In
Colonial times the dried and powdered fruit used as a substitute for allspice.
Young leaves, twigs & bark used as a tea substitute during the Civil War.
Aloe Vera (Aloe Barbadensis) - Inner gel of plant Said to
be useful in treating certain intestinal disorders including stomach ulcers.
Helps improve absorption of nutrients. Gentle laxative. Works well on burns
& sores. Excellent for piles & hemorrhoids.
Amaranth (Amaranthus) - High in iron & vitamin C
content. Used to treat mouth and throat inflammations, sores, quelling dysentery
and diarrhea. Flowers, roots & leaves have astringent qualities and used for
external wounds, sores & ulcers. Plant produced a soapy lather and was used
for washing clothes. Tea used to treat stomachaches. Strong decoctions used to
expel worms.
American Coffee Bean (Gymnocladus) - Used as a coffee
substitute. Beans also roasted and eaten like chestnuts. Roots used in an enema
for constipation, hemorrhoids and diarrhea. Powder causes uncontrollable
sneezing.
American Ginseng (Panax Quinquefolium) - Tea used as a
tonic & stimulant & to stop vomiting & convulsions. Roots boiled
& used to treat colic & croup.
Angelica (Angelica) - Root, effective remedy to strengthen
the heart. Excellent in diseases of the lungs & heart. Regular users develop
a distaste for alcoholic beverages. Also a good remedy for stomach troubles,
heartburn & gas.
Anise Seed - Can prevent fermentation & gas in the
stomach & bowels.
Arthritis Tea -
Arrowhead (Sagittaria) - Corms considered a valuable and
easily digestible food for invalids and convalescents.
Astragalus - An excellent energizer. Has been used by
athletes for energy reserves, especially the arms & legs. Also useful in
cold climates for keeping the body warm. Used with ginseng, it works as a total
body energizer.
Barberry Bark - Acts on the liver, promoting the secretion
of bile. It has been used as an aid for: bad breath, digestion, kidneys, liver,
rheumatism, skin & sore throat.
Barley Grass - Leaves. Excellent source of chlorophyll.
Used to treat rheumatic & arthritic symptoms. Barley water gives relief in
fevers, diarrhea & stomach irritations. Demulcent & nutritive.
Basil Leaf - Splendid spice. Used as a tea, it is an
excellent remedy to stop vomiting.
Bayberry Bark - Improves circulation & tones all the
tissues it contacts. Can be used as a gargle for sore throats. A fomentation
applied externally at night will relieve & prevent varicose veins.
Bay (Myrica) - Bark is astringent. Tea used in cases of
jaundice. Powder used to treat boils and sores.
Bay Leaf - A pleasant tonic which gives tone & strength
to digestive organs. Good for cramps.
Bearberry (Arctostaphylos Uvaursi) - Berries used as food.
Leaves used to treat bladder or kidney inflammations as well as gravel and
kidney stones.
Beech (Fagus) - Liquid from dried and boiled leaves used
for burns and frostbite. Nuts edible and believed to ease kidney pain. Liquid
from boiled bark used for rashes of poison ivy, oak and to dry up the eruptions.
Bee Pollen - Contains more nutrients than any other food.
Has many healing, rejuvenating & disease fighting properties. Aging,
digestive upsets, prostate diseases, sore throats, acne, fatigue, sexual
problems, allergies & many other conditions have been successfully treated
with Bee Pollen.
Bergamot Herb - Calming, very soothing to the system. Beet
Powder - Roots. Good source of iron. Good for toning & rebuilding the liver
& gall bladder infections. Contains: iron, vitamins A,B & C, sodium,
potassium, calcium & chlorine. Adaptogen, hepatic & nutritive.
Bilberry Leaf - Strengthens the capillaries that feed eye
muscles & nerves reducing & even reversing the damage caused by blood
vessel deterioration. Increases night vision, reduces eye fatigue.
Birch Bark (Betula) - Leaves used as a tea for urinary
problems & to expel intestinal worms. Has been used for rheumatism. Sap from
black birch used to heal sores, boils and carbuncles.
Bitter Root (Lewisia Rediviva) - Finely ground dried roots
chewed to relieve sore throats. Seeds roasted and used as a sedative coffee. Tea
from roots said to be emetic or purgative depending on the strength. Mashed
roots used as a poultice for open wounds and sores.
Blackberry Leaf (Rubus) - Great for treating diarrhea &
healing wounds. Makes an excellent tea.
Black Cohosh (Cimicifuga Racemosa) -Roots Has been used as
a relaxant, antispasmodic & sedative. Also used in cases of rheumatism,
neuralgia & painful menstruation. Has the same effect on the female system
as synthetic estrogen without the side effect. Contains no cancer causing agents
like synthetic estrogen.
Black Walnut - Bark, Husks, Leaves, Rind & Green Nuts.
Expels parasites & tape worms. Also works on ring worms. Helps in treatment
of tuberculosis, diarrhea & promotes the healing of sores in the mouth &
throat. Good source of manganese. Manganese is important for nerves, brain,
cartilage & helps relieve many kinds of skin problems. Tonic & vermifuge.
Bladderwrack - Leaves & roots. Eliminates parasites,
improves goiter & kidney functions, increases thyroid activity & absorbs
water in the intestines. Adaptogen & vermifuge.
Blessed Thistle (Holy Thistle) - Excellent stimulant tonic
for the stomach & heart. It aids circulation & helps to resolve liver
problems. Takes oxygen to the brain & strengthens memory.
Blueberry Leaf (Vaccinium) - Berries boiled down to a syrup
is used for diarrhea. Tea considered a blood purifier. Bark of roots boiled and
used to treat sore throats & abnormal frequency of intestinal discharges.
Blue Cohosh - Used to regulate menstrual flow & for
suppressed menstruation. Used as a poltice as an emergency remedy foe allergic
reactions to be stings.
Blue Flag - Herb is very relaxing & stimulating. Has
been useful in: cancer, skin diseases, rheumatism, impurity of blood,
constipation, liver troubles.
Blue Violet - Relieves sever headaches & congestion in
the head. Cleans out mucus in the system. Very effective in healing & giving
prompt relief of internal ulcers.
Boldo Leaf - Stimulates digestion & the secretion of
bile. Very useful for treating gallstones. Recommended for liver problems.
Bonneset - This herb is one of the best for colds &
flu. When taken for a cold, the infusion has a tonic & mild laxative effect.
Borage Leaf - Does a wonderful job in reducing high fevers.
Good for irritation of skin & mucus membranes. As a tea, it is good for lung
problems.
Bracken Fern (Pteridium Aquilinum) - Poisonous in large
amounts. Roots/rhizomes were boiled and the strong tea used for worms and the
relief of digestive gas. Also used to increase the flow of urine.
Bromelain - Fat melting enzyme works wonders. Bromelain
flushes the fat from your body by naturally stimulating your metabolism &
ridding your body of excess fluids.
Buchu Leaf - One of the best diuretics known. Excellent
when there is pain while urinating. Most helpful for acute & chronic bladder
& kidney disorders.
Buckthorn Bark - Keeps the bowels regular, but is not habit
forming. Does not irritate the bowels. Effective remedy for appendicitis. Expels
worms. Removes warts.
Bulrush (Typha) - Soft down from the cobs was dried and
used over burned and chafed portions of the body. Cut, sliced & Chopped
stems were spread upon wound, burns & sores. Taken internally to quell
diarrhea, kill & expell worms, & for gonorrhea.
Burdock Leaf & Root - Extremely good for removing
toxins from the body. Strong blood purifier & cleanser. One of the best
herbs for sever skin problems. Good for advanced cases of arthritis.
Butcher's Broom - Seeds & Tops. Builds vein structure.
Used for hemorrhoids & varicose veins. Improves poor circulation &
relieves inflammation of the kidneys & bladder.
Butternut Bark - Strengthens intestines. Works well for
constipation, sluggish liver, fevers & colds.
Calamus (Acorus) - Bases of the leaves are candied by being
thinly sliced, briefly boiled in several changes of water, then placed in a
bubbling syrup of 4 cups of sugar to 2 cups of water. Stirred & cooked until
the majority of the sweetening has been assimilated. Next, they are drained laid
out covered with sugar, dried, then put in sealed jars. Believed to help
digestion, relieve hoarseness and serve as a tonic & body strengthener,
giving quick energy. Root chewed to for stomach gas & throat phlegm. Freshly
cut spicy leaves used as an insecticide.
Calendula Flower - Promotes mending & healing of cuts
or wounds when applied as a poultice.
Canadian Snake Root - Roots. Accelerates childbirth by
stimulating the involuntary muscles of the uterus. Relieves gas from stomach
& intestines. Promotes perspiration & increases urine volume.
Caribou Moss (Cetraria) - Naturally growing anti-biotic. It
is bitter & regarded as an agent to restore, invigorate & stimulate the
human system. Should be soaked in water at least overnight to rid the plant of
rock dissolving acids, which will cause severe digestive upset.
Caraway Seed - Strengthens & gives tone to the stomach,
prevents fermentation in the stomach & aids in digestion.
Cascara Sagrada Bark - One of the best remedies for chronic
constipation. Will stimulate the secretions of the entire digestive system.
Excellent remedy for gallstones. It is very valuable when there are hemorrhoids
associated with poor bowel movement.
Caseweed (Capsella) - Has astringent properties. Regarded
as a cure for diarrhea.
Catnip - Quiets nervous system. Good for stomach gas or
cramps, aids in digestion. Helps clean out mucus in the body.
Cat's Claw (Uncaria Tomentosa) - Inner bark Used for
centuries by Peruvian Indians. The inner bark contains active nutritive
constituents to help support the body's natural defenses.
Cayenne (Capsicum Annum) - Seeds Can be used as a gargle to
treat sore throat & hoarseness. Reduces nausea from sea sickness &
relieves symptoms of rheumatism & inflammatory ailments. Normalizes blood
pressure & improves the entire circulatory system. Used to treat shock.
Stops bleeding on contact. Good stimulant & allows the body to heal &
cleanse itself.
Celery Leaf & Seed - Effective for incontinence of
urine. Good in rheumatism & also nervousness.
Centaury - Stimulates the activity of the salivary gland,
stomach & intestinal gland, thereby relieving constipation, gas &
promoting proper digestion.
Chamomile (Anthemis Nobilis) - Flowers Known to be an
effective remedy for menstrual discomfort & associated symptoms. Gentle
Sedative, helpful in treating insomnia.
Chapparal (Larria Mexicana) - Crushed Fresh Leaves Used by
the Indians as a topical application to help heal wounds, sores & bites.
Checkerberry (Gaultheria Procumbens) - Wintergreen flavor,
oil poisonous when concentrated. Leaves have a salicin content & consided to
be a remedy for fevers, arthritis, sore muscles & joints.
Chervil - Good stimulant, mild diuretic, lowers blood
pressure & is a wonderful cooking spice.
Chickweed (Stellaria Media) - Relief for symptoms of
bronchitis, coughs, colds & inflammation. Also used as a laxative. Rich in
Vitamin C, Calcium, Magnesium & Potassium. Helps remove toxins from the
body. Good blood purifier & dissolves plaque in blood vessels.
Chicory Root - Valuable for many ailments. Effective in
disorders of the kidney, liver, urinary canal, stomach & spleen. Helps to
expel the morbid matter & tones up the system in general. Adds zest to
coffee or alone as a coffee substitute.
Chickory Lettuce - Used as a diuretic, emollient &
antispasmotic. Milky sap extremely irritating to the eyes.
Chlorella - Fresh spear leaves (barley or wheat). High
source of chlorophyll. Stimulates the immune system. Effective in detoxifying
the liver, blood & cleansing the bowel. Helps clear heavy metals &
harmful chemicals from the body.
Choke Cherry (Prunus) - Inner bark used as a flavoring in
cooking. Teas made from the bark, roots & leaves used for lung difficulties
& cold symptoms. Dried & pulverized bark used on open sores. Edible
fruit.
Cinnamon Bark - One of the world's oldest healers. Used to
prevent infection & indigestion. A little sprinkled on cuts & scrapes
takes the sting away. Helps break down fat during digestion.
Cinquefoil (Potentilla) - Entire top of plant used to
control fever, as a mouth wash for sore throat, piles & as a general lotion.
Cleavers - One of the best remedies for kidney &
bladder troubles. Useful in obstructions of the urinary organ such as stones or
gravel. Makes an excellent wash for the face to clear complexion.
Cloves - Spice Codonopsis - Roots. Similar qualities to
ginseng.
Colombo Root - One of the best & purest tonics to
strengthen the entire system. Can be used for colon trouble.
Coltsfoot Herb & Flower - Very soothing to mucus
membranes. Improves lung troubles. Excellent in relieving the chest of phlegm.
Useful for asthma, bronchitis & spasmodic coughs.
Comfrey (Symphytum Officinale) - Roots Relieves chest
congestion. External application useful in healing skin injuries.
Compass Plant - (Silphium Laciniatum) The whole plant has
been used as a diuretic to increase the flow of urine, as a quietening
antispasmotic and as a smoothing agent to the skin and mucuous membranes. As an
emolient, it was thought to be beneficial to sore and chapped skin. Roots are
edible and when boiled used as a mild laxative, general tonic, stimulant and as
a mild remedy for arthritis and swollen glands.
Coriander Seed - Very strengthening to the heart. Wonderful
stomach tonic.
Cornsilk (Stigmata Maydis) - Dried Corn Silk Used as a
diuretic, cardiac stimulant. Remedy for kidney & bladder troubles.
Crab Apple (Malus) (Pyrus) - Fruit is an excellent food
source. Tea made from bark used to break fevers, bring on menstruation, treat
stomach trouble, dysentery, bladder gravel, kidney, liver, digestive &
spleen difficulties, nausea, tooth ache & as a wash for insect bites.
Cranberry - Keeps kidneys clean. Taken at the first sign of
bladder or kidney infection (painful urination, back pain), cranberry can often
provide relief overnight.
Cubeb Berry - Excellent in chronic bladder troubles. Will
increase flow of urine.
Damiana Leaf - Excellent herb for helping with sexual
impotency & infertility for both male & female. Strengthens reproductive
organs. Helps with menopause, hot flashes.
Dandelion (Taraxacum Officinole) - Roots Has been used to
fight anemia because it contains iron, calcium & trace minerals. An ideal
laxative. It is also helpful in treating poor circulation, bowel inflammation
& stomach disorders. Beneficial in lowering blood pressure.
Devil's Claw (Harpagophytum Procumbens) - Tubers Relief
from symptoms of arthritis, rheumatism. Anti-inflammatory effect.
Dill Weed -
Dock (Rumex) - More Vitamin C than oranges & more
Vitamin A than carrots. Roots contain chrysophanic acid & an alkaloid called
rumicin, which are helpful in treating liver disorders. Roots can be soaked in
vinegar & the wash used to treat ringworm. Leaves made into a poltice for
treating hives, rashes & itches & also used on animals to treat mange
& saddle sores on pack animals.
Dogberry (Sorbus) - Berries high in vitamin C & used to
treat scurvy & to kill & expell worms.. Bark can be steeped in water and
drunk to treat nausea & biliousness. Berries
Dong Quai - Roots Popular Chinese herb used to improve
mental acuity & to help relieve symptoms of daily stress & mental
fatigue. Especially soothing for women's PMS ailments. Helps maintain a proper
balance of female hormones. Calms nerves & overcomes Vitamin E deficiency
symptoms.
Echinacea - Roots Herbs stimulate glandular organs such as
the kidneys to function more efficiently. Has been used by herbalists to fight
infection, detoxify & stimulate healing. Also used to relieve symptoms of
hay fever & other allergies. Used to treat strep throat, lymph glands.
Elder - The biggest use is in the first stages of colds or
flu.
Elecampane Root - Stimulant, relaxant & tonic to the
mucus membranes. Useful in coughs, asthma & bronchitis.
Eucalyptus Leaf - Evening Primrose Oil - Bark, leaves &
seeds. Good source of essential fatty acids. Good for skin disorders &
female disorders such as cramps, hot flashes & heavy bleeding. Especially
effective against atopic diseases such as eczema, PMS & hyperactivity.
Evening Primrose - Mild astringent properties. Soaked and
used as a poultice. Used to treat coughs from colds. As an antiscorbutic and
febrifuge it was used to help asthma and scrofula.
Eyebright (Euphrasia Officinalis) - Herb Used to treat
jaundice, loss of memory & vertigo. Topically, has been used to relieve
conjunctivitis (pink eye). Has a cooling & detoxifying property making it
excellent for inflammations.
Fennel (Foeniculm Vulgare) - Seeds Helps decrease the
appetite for weight loss. Also used for acid stomach, intestinal gas, gastric
troubles, gout cramps & spasms. Good eyewash & liver cleanser.
Fenugreek Seed - Has been used in the following with
excellent results: allergies, coughs, digestion, emphysema, headaches,
migraines, intestinal inflammation, ulcers, lungs, mucus membranes & sore
throat.
Feverfew Herb - Works wonders in fighting migraine
headaches. Reduces inflammation in arthritic joints & has been used to
restore liver to normal function.
Fever Root (Triosteum) - Roots simmered & used to treat
fever, arthritis, quiet nerves & cleanse the system. Roots pounded into a
paste to treat sores. Seeds dried & roasted to make a coffee like beverage.
Fo-Ti (Polygonum Multiflorum) - Roots Acts as an effective
diuretic. Excellent nourishment for the blood. Also has been used to help
improve memory & treat mental depression.
Garlic - Natural antibiotic. Relieves problems associated
with poor digestion. Useful for asthma & whooping cough. Good for intestinal
infections & reducing high blood pressure. Used to lower cholesterol.
Gentian - Useful in fevers & colds. Beneficial to the
female organs. Used to strengthen the digestive organs & increase
circulation. Gentian root is most helpful for liver complaints.
Geranium, Wild (Geranium Maculatum) - A strong astringent,
the green solution made from the powdered roots & water was used to treat
dysentery & internal hemorrhaging. Poltice made from roots used for such
ailments as piles, arthritis, joint pain & sore feet. Infusions of the dried
leaves were used as a mouthwash, for sore throats, canker, ulcerated gums &
pyorrhea.
Ginger (Zingiber Officinale) - Rootstock Eases the effect
of a cold & soothes sore throat. Said to be very effective in preventing
symptoms of motion sickness.
Ginkgo Biloba - Leaf Extract Extensively used in Europe to
treat short term memory loss, mild depression & vertigo. Helps increase
blood circulation to the brain & has a positive effect on mental
performance.
Ginseng (Panax Quinque Folius) - Roots A demulcent, it is
helpful for coughs, colds & chest congestion. Reduces symptoms of feverish
& inflammatory illness & can help relieve nausea & vomiting.
Goatsbeard (Tragopogon) - Young leaves eaten raw as an
antiscorbutic. Extracted white juice when coagulated was chewed to keep the
mouth moist. Young roots can be scrapped, cut & used in salads, young roots
were said to be good for the stomach, for convalescents, & for giving
strength to the thin & the consumptive.
Golden Seal (Hydrastis Canadenis) - Roots Helps decrease
nausea. Excellent remedy for colds, stomach & liver troubles. Also has been
used as a laxative. May be used externally as a soothing eyewash & to treat
pyorrhea.
Gooseberry (Ribes) - Fruit used for stomachaches. Emetic if
eaten raw in large quantities. Promotes the flow of urine and helps to dissipate
a fever. Young leaves steeped and used as a mouth wash and to help cure canker
sores. Goosebeery tea used for uterine difficulties.
Goto-Kola (Cantella Asiatica) - Herb Accelerates healing of
bruises & abscesses. Acts as a sedative & diuretic. Also claimed to
energize brain cells & relieve Tension.
Grape,Wild (Vitis) - Mineral & alkaline rich fruit aid
the body in clearing toxins & benefit the kidneys by neutralizing uric acid
in the urine. Rich in tartaric acid & said to assist in ridding the urinary
system of stones, gravel & calculous concentrations in the kidneys &
bladder.
Gravel Root (Queen of the Meadow) - Excellent remedy for
gravel & stones in the kidneys & bladder.
Great Willow Herb (Chamaenerion Epilobium) - Rich in
Vitamin C & used as an antiscorbutic. A strong decoction made by boiling the
roots was used as an emetic. Being astringent, 2 tablespoons of the root &
herb were boiled in a cup of water & allowed to steep for 25 minutes. Two
cupfuls sipped cold in a 24 hour period was used to alleviate diarrhea.
Green Barley - Extremely nutritious & an excellent
antioxidant. Twice the fiber & 12 times more chlorophyll than oat bran.
Guar Gum - Leaves & seeds. Used as a diet aid. Reduces
cholesterol & has a laxative effect.
Hawthorn (Crataegus Oxyacantha) - Berries Provides
nutritive support to the heart & circulatory system. Stimulates increased
enzyme metabolism in the heart muscle. Improves oxygen utilization.
Henna - EXTERNAL USE ONLY. Avoid contact with eyes &
open wounds.
Hibiscus Flower - Makes a deep red tea. Useful as a
stimulant for the intestines & kidneys.
Hops Flower - Valuable for insomnia. Used to decrease the
desire for alcohol. Will tone liver.
Horehound - Very useful for acute or chronic sore throat
& coughs.
Horseradish, Wild (Armoraia) - Rich in Vitamin C. Used as a
stimulant, diuretic, expectorant, vermicide, rubefacient & diaphoretic.
Horsetail (Shavegrass) - Rich in minerals, especially
silica. Good for fingernails, hair & split ends. Fractured bones heal faster
when horsetail is taken. Good for eyes, ear, nose, throat & glandular
disorders.
He Shou Wu (Eastern Wild Rose) - Excellent rejuvenator.
Strengthens liver & kidneys. Source of Shen Min.
Huckleberry - Entire plant. Used to lower blood sugar
levels & to ease inflammation. Good for diabetes, kidney, bladder, sinusitis
& ulcers.
Hydrangea Root - Excellent for backaches caused by kidney
trouble. Valuable in bladder troubles. Works wonderfully for people with sever
rheumatism.
Hyssop - Valuable for asthma. Excellent blood regulator.
Has a splendid effect on the mucus lining of the stomach & bowels. Good
remedy for any eye trouble.
Indian Ginger (Asarum) - Dried rhizomes & roots used in
potent decoctions to induce sweating & break fevers.
Indian Lettuce (Montia Perfoliate) - Eaten raw when tender
or briefly simmered, was used to cure scurvy.
Indian Rice (Zizania) - Also called wild rice, it was eaten
& used for stomach trouble, high blood pressure & heart difficulties.
Irish Moss - Entire plant. Used to soften & promote
skin elasticity. Effective for thyroid, colon & obesity problems.
Jack in the Pulpit (Arisaema Triphllum) - Raw corm mixed
with lard as a salve to treat ring worm. Powder used as an insecticide.
Jerusalem Artichoke (Helianthus Tuberosus) - Tincture of
the blossoms used for the treatment of bronchitis. Tubers used as a nutritious
& easily digestible food. Also dried, pounded & chewed to relieve sore
throats.
Juniper (Juniperus Communis) - Berries Excellent for kidney
& bladder difficulties. Also effective in relieving flatulence & gastric
afflictions.
Kava Kava Root - Will induce sleep & help calm
nervousness. Deep restful sleep sleep when taken as a tea.
Kelp - High content of natural iodine, for proper function
of the thyroid. Iodine is also needed to fight infection. Has high levels of
calcium, potassium & magnesium. Excellent for for nails & hair.
Knotweed - (Polygonum) Root tea used as a mouthwash for
cankers & sores. Used as a substitute for quinine when boiled & blended
with oak bark.
Labrador Tea - (Ledum Groenlandicum) Pleasant antiscorbutic
drink when brewed like tea. Used for chest troubles and chills. Large quantities
belived to be cathartic.
Lady Slipper - Roots. Good for the nervous system,
improving circulation & nutrition of the nerve centers. Calms nerves &
spasms of voluntary muscles.
Lavender Flower - Relaxes the body. Excellent when combined
with herbs that have a strong taste.
Licorice (Glyeyrrhiza Glabra) - Roots Acts as a soothing
remedy for aggravation in the upper respiratory tract. Also used to heal ulcers,
inhibit the growth of harmful viruses & has the ability to stimulate the
adrenal glands.
Liverberry -
Lobelia - Leaves, flowers, seeds & stem. Powerful
relaxant used by people to stop smoking & drinking. Aids in hormone
production. Good for fevers, pneumonia, meningitis, pleurisy, hepatitis &
peritonitis. Reduces heart palpitations & strengthens muscle. Emetic in
large amounts. Red Lobelia was used by the Indians for syphilis & expelling
intestinal worms.
Ma Huang - Clears the respiratory system. Keeps eyes
bright.
Malva Flower - Helps soothe inflammation in the mouth &
throat. Helpful for earaches.
Maple -
Marjoram - Wonderful for general aches & pains.
Splendid effect in combination with chamomile & gentian. Beneficial for a
sour stomach or loss of appetite.
Marshmallow Leaf - Helps heal & soothe inflamed areas
of the body. Works well for poor kidneys & bladder. Useful for urinary
problems.
Marsh Marigold -
Mayapple -
Meadow Fern -
Milk Thistle Herb - Excellent liver detoxifier. Active
ingredient is silymaria a natural chemical that helps your liver function
properly. Guards against alcohol induced fatty liver disorders as well as
hardening of the liver.
Milkweed - Roots. Used for inflammatory rheumatism,
dyspepsia & scrofulous conditions of the blood. Good for bowel, kidney &
stomach problems, female complaints, asthma, arthritis & bronchitis. Remedy
for gall stones & dropsy. Increases urine flow.
Mint -
Motherwort - One of the best remedies for suppressed
menstruation & other female troubles. Good for chest colds &
nervousness.
Mountain Tea -
Mugwort - Traditionally used for rheumatism & gout.
Helps kidneys & bladder. Splendid for female trouble, especially suppressed
menstruation.)
Mulberry -
Mullein Leaf - High in iron, magnesium & potassium.
Splendid for the entire respiratory system. Helps pulmonary ailments.
Strengthens sinuses. Allows for free breathing. Very effective in relieving
swollen joints.
Mustard Seed -
Myrrh Gum - Has been used for thousands of years. Cleans
the colon & brings order to the digestive system. Removes bad breath.
Improves sinus problems.
Nettle Leaf - Excellent remedy for kidney trouble. When
used in combination with seawrack will bring splendid results in weight loss.
Nettle tea is good for colds & fevers. Excellent remedy for dandruff &
will bring back natural hair color.
Nutmeg - Seasoning, prevents gas & fermentation in the
stomach.
Oak -
Oat Bran - Seeds. High in soluble & insoluble fiber
& lowers cholesterol. Helps maintain a healthy colon.
Onion, Wild -
Oregon Grape Root - Draws toxins from the blood. Useful in
helping rheumatism. Good for all uterine diseases & chronic skin diseases.
Useful to both liver & kidney troubles.
Oregano Leaf - Seasoning, used as a warm, aromatic, spicy
infusion to help settle the stomach after meals or to help treat a cold.
Papaya Leaf - Digestive stimulant, contains the important
enzyme papain. Relieves sour stomach.
Paprika (Sweet) - Stimulates the appetite & gastric
secretions.
Parsley (Petroselinum Satirum) - Leaves, Roots, Seeds An
excellent diuretic. Valuable in treating gall bladder problems. High iron
content makes it valuable in preventing anemia. Also has been used to treat
menstrual problems, asthma, coughs & indigestion.
Passion Flower - Pure & natural mild sedative. Very
relaxing. Used to calm nerves & blood pressure. A deterrent for alcoholism.
Patchourly Leaf -Makes an excellent seasoning &
refreshing tea.
Pau D'Arco - Inner Bark Popular herb from South America
used primarily to fight infection & to strengthen the immune system.
Pawpaw (Paw Paw) (Asimina Triloba) (Indiana banana), is a
plant native and indigenous to eastern North America. Paw Paw is also called
custard apple, poor man's banana, and Indiana banana.
Native Americans used the fruits as food and the bark for medicine and fish
nets. Extracts of paw paw have been used as an emetic (inducing vomiting), by
Eli Lilly in 1898.
The fruit is rich in vitamins
& minerals. Seeds used to induce vomiting, dried & powdered seeds rubbed
on scalp to erradicate head lice. Juice of the fruit used to eliminate worms.
Pennyroyal - Used to relieve high fevers. Brings on
perspiration allowing for good circulation. Excellent remedy for toothaches
& for gout. Useful for skin diseases. Chest & lungs also benefit from
pennyroyal.
Peppermint (Mentha Piperita) - Leaf Extract The best known
herbal remedy for stomach problems. Used for treating indigestion, intestinal
gas & to inhibit diarrhea.
Pigweed -
Pine -
Plaintain Leaf - One of the best remedies for cuts, skin
infections & chronic skin problems. Because of its soothing properties,
plantain works well in a score of ailments. Useful for infections of all kinds,
including hemorrhoids & inflammations.
Pleurisy Root - One of the best herbs to break up a cold.
Helps bronchial complaints.
Plum, Wild -
Poke -
Poplar Tree (Popularis Candicens) - Leaf buds used to make
an antiseptic salve for burns, scratches, inflamed skin and wounds.
Poppy Seed Blue - Used in the making of breads &
desserts.
Prickly Ash Bark - Has been traditionally used to increase
circulation in the entire body. Splendid results when used for rheumatism &
arthritis. Good for weak digestion. Good blood purifier.
Prickly Pear (Opuntia Ficus Indica) - Sticky juice placed
on wounds to promote healing. Poltices applied to suppurating sores on both man
& animals. Fruit used to make candy.
Prince's Pine - Well noted for producing diuretic action
without irritant side effects. Prolonged use is said to dissolve bladder stones.
Recommended for rheumatism & chronic kidney problems.
Propolis (Bee) - Natural antibiotic used by bees to prevent
disease.
Psyllium Seed - One of the best colon cleansers. Lubricant
to the intestinal tract. Removes putrefactive toxins from the intestines.
Pumpkin - Seeds & husk. Used for worms, stomach
problems, morning sickness, nausea & toning the prostate gland.
Pusley -
Queen of the Meadow - Roots. Used for kidney & bladder
infections. Good for diarrhea.
Red Clover (Trifolium Pratense) - Blossoms Excellent for
bronchial congestion. Relaxing to nerves & entire system. Externally, red
clover is valuable in treating skin conditions such as psoriasis, shingles &
acne.
Red Laver -
Red Raspberry Leaf - Very high in minerals & a source
of vitamins. Very helpful for all female organs & problems. It will decrease
menstrual flow without stopping it altogether. Eases menstrual cramping.
Reshi Mushroom - Tops. Good for allergies & immune
diseases. Reported to have an anti tumor effect. Aids the liver & helpful
for digestion. Has antibacterial & antiviral properties. Used for
bronchitis, coronary disease, senility & general debility. Also used to
treat aids.
Rhubarb Root - Powerful laxative. Use in small amounts.
Effective treatment for the cessation of diarrhea.
Rock Tripe -
Rose Hips - Very high vitamin C content. An infection
fighter, good for stress.
Rose, Wild -
Rosemary - Used as a seasoning.
Rosewort -
Safflower - Helps prevent & eliminate the buildup of
uric & lactic acid in the body, the leading causes of gout.
Saffron - A pure & natural digestive aid. Soothes the
entire digestive tract. Can relieve gout & arthritis by eliminating uric
acid which holds the calcium deposited in joints. Promotes perspiration,
therefore very helpful in colds & cold symptoms. Reduces lactic acid build
up.
Sage - Used as a seasoning. Sanicle - Both roots &
leaves used. Powerful cleansing herb. Very effective internally &
externally. Expels mucus & poisonous waste matter from the body.
Saltbush -
Sarsaparilla (Smilax Officinalis) - Roots Used extensively
in China for a variety of conditions. Has been recommended to relieve symptoms
of rheumatism, gout & arthritis. Also known to be useful as a diuretic &
to enhance digestive functioning. Excellent in balancing both male & female
hormones. Has the same effects on the body as the male hormone testosterone, an
important hair growing hormone.
Saskatoon -
Sassafras Leaf & Root - Has a very useful effect on the
blood system. Purifies the blood, excellent for skin disorders especially acne.
Stimulates the action of the liver to clear toxins from the body.
Saw Palmetto Berry - Relief for mucus in the head &
nose. Diseases of both male & female reproductive organs can be helped with
this herb. Used for prostate problems.
Saxifrage -
Schizandra Fruit - Roots. Used to enhance the immune
system. Has a positive effect on the lungs & used for insomnia &
forgetfulness.
Scullcap - Nerve sedative, calms entire nervous system.
Used as a hangover remedy & helps in digestion.
Scurvy Grass -
Sea Moss -
Seawrack (Bladderwrack) - One of the best herbs to combat
obesity. Has splendid effect on glandular afflictions.
Senna Leaf - Splendid laxative, but sometimes causes bowel
cramps which can be overcome by using it with an aromatic herb.
Shen Min - Restores hair & hair color.
Shepherd's Purse - Very valuable remedy for diarrhea.
Controls hemorrhaging of stomach, lungs, uterus, kidneys, after childbirth &
excessive menstruation. Also useful for dysentery, vulnerary, rheumatism,
catarrh, dropsy & chronic menorrhagia.
Sheep Sorrel - Exceptionally good for kidney trouble. Also
expels gravel from the kidneys. When the kidneys are functioning properly, the
entire body will feel better & the skin will look much clearer.
Shitaki Mushroom - Tops. Used to enhance the immune system.
Has an anti tumor effect, lowers cholesterol & may help depression.
Slippery Elm (Ulmus Fulva) - Inner Bark Soothing &
healing to the mucus membranes of the lungs & gastro intestinal tract. Also
useful in treating inflamed membranes in the stomach, bowels, kidney &
urinary tract.
Soldiers Herb -
Solomon's Seal Root - Mainly used for external problems.
Makes a good poultice for bruises. Used as a wash for skin problems &
blemishes.
Spearmint Leaf - Will relieve suppressed, painful or
scalding urine. Helpful for gas in the stomach. Very quieting & soothing to
the nerves. NEVER BOIL SPEARMINT.
Speedwell - Excellent for respiratory ailments. Has also
been used for stomach ailments & migraine headaches. Used as a gargle for
mouth & throat sores.
Spikenard - Excellent for skin ailments such as acne,
pimples, blackheads, rash & general skin problems. Very useful in coughs,
colds & all chest afflictions.
Squaw Bush -
Squaw Vine - Extremely useful for the treatment of water
retention. When used as a wash, gives splendid relief to sore eyes.
Star Anise - Promotes appetite & relieves flatulence.
When added to other herbal teas, it helps improve their taste while not
disturbing their medicinal value.
St. John's Wort - Powerful as a blood purifier. Very good
in cases of tumors & boils. Very good in chronic uterine problems. Will
correct irregular menstruation. Now being used to treat depression. May
adversely affect the potency of heart, HIV & birth control medications.
Stonecrop -
Strawberry Blite -
Strawberry Leaf - Tones up the system, cleanses the stomach
& is very useful in preventing diarrhea.
Strawberry Tomato (Physalis Pruinosa) - Rich in Vitamins A
& C, Sodium, Phosphorus, Calcium, Iron, Potassium, Thiamine, Riboflavin
& Niacin. A tea made from roots was used for stomach trouble & in
stronger potions to treat & heal open wounds.
Strawberry, Wild (Fragaria) - Rich in Vitamin C &
minerals. Thought to be effective against gout, bladder gravel, kidney
difficulties & intestinal worms.
Sugarberry (Celtis Laevigata) - Effective in urinary
difficulties, especially inflammation of the mucous membranes which might lead
to concentrations of mineral salts resulting in kidney stones. Boiled bark used
as a wash to arrest growth of microorganisms in wounds & sores.
Sumac Berry & Bark - Tea is very cleansing to the
system. Good for sores & cankers in the mouth. Works well for all bowel
complaints.
Summer Savory Leaf - Cooking spice. Useful in treating
diarrhea, upset stomach & sore throat.
Sunflower (Helianthus) - Seeds are a good food source.
Tansy (Tanacetum Vulgare) - Tanacetin oil, distilled from
the tansy is used as an insect repellent. Taken internally to induce abortion,
can be fatal.
Tea Tree - Leaves. Effective as a germicide &
fungicide. More antiseptic than carbolic acid. Good for athletes foot, cold
sores, cystitis, dermatitis, wounds & yeast infections.
Thyme Leaf - Removes mucus from the head, lungs &
respiratory passages. Fights infection & brings pain relief to migraine
headaches.
Twinberry (Mitchella Repens) - Regarded as a tonic,
astringent & diuretic.
Uva-Ursi Leaf - Most reliable remedy for bladder &
kidney infections. Will cleanse & strengthen the spleen. Digestive
stimulant.
Valerian (Valeriana Officinalis) - Roots Used as a herbal
sedative & mild tranquilizer. Helpful in calming nervous tension &
treating insomnia.
Vervain - Good remedy for fevers. Will often clear a cold
overnight. Good for expelling phlegm from throat & chest. Will expel worms
when everything else fails. Excellent for shortness of breath & wheezing.
Violet - Leaves & flowers. Useful for pain in cancerous
growths. Soothing & healing effect on inflamed mucal surfaces. Good for
colds,, hoarseness, inflammation of the lungs & whooping cough.
Water Cress - Flower, leaves & roots. Helps the body
use oxygen & stimulates the metabolic rate. Increases endurance, stamina
& improves heart response. Used for bladder, kidney & liver problems
& to dissolve kidney stones.
White Oak Bark - Very strong astringent. One of the best
herbs for piles & hemorrhoids. Increases the flow of urine. Removes kidney
& gall stones. Reduces fevers. Excellent for varicose veins. May be used in
a douche for vaginal infections.
White Willow (Salix Alba) - Bark Pain Reliever, fever
reducer. Used as an antacid in stomach troubles (heartburn, gas, indigestion).
Has a major constituent known as salicin, which is closely related to aspirin
& produces similar effects as a pain reliever.
Wild Alspice (Benzoin) - Mainly decoctions of the bark are
used, also fruit & leaves. Bark used to treat coughs, dysentery & colds.
Wild Alum Root - Powerful astringent for the body. Very
useful in cholera, diarrhea & dysentery. Excellent used as a rinse for sores
in the mouth & bleeding gums. Powder sprinkled on a cut or wound will help
stop the bleeding immediately. Excellent to rid mucus & pus from the bladder
& intestines.
Wild Cherry - Tones up the system. Loosens phlegm in the
throat & chest. Asthma can improve with this herb.
Wild Yam Root - Very relaxing & soothing to the nerves.
Expels gas from the stomach & bowels.
Wintergreen Leak - Old time remedy. Taken in small frequent
doses, it will stimulate the stomach, heart & respiration. Helpful in
obstructions in the bowels. Valuable in colic & gas in the bowels.
Witch Hazel Bark & Leaf - Will restore circulation.
Good for stiff joints.
Wood Betony - Great value for pain in the face & head.
Opens obstructions of the liver & spleen. Cleans impurities from the blood.
For indigestion, heartburn & cramps in the stomach.
Wooddruff - Beneficial for gravel & bladder stones.
Used as a calmative for nervous conditions such as restlessness, insomnia &
hysteria. Tea is good for relieving stomach pains. Very potent, use in small
doses.
Wormwood - Traditionally used for expelling worms.
Compresses soaked in tea aid bruises & sprains.
Yarrow Root - Unsurpassed for flu & fevers. When used
at the beginning, a cold usually breaks up within 24 hours. Healing &
soothing effect on the mucus membranes.
Yellow Dock Root - Wonderful blood purifier, good in all
skin problems. Excellent cleansing herb for the lymphatic system. Endurance
builder. Helps tone entire system.
Yerbamate - Whole plant. Stimulates the mind & nervous
system, retards aging & stimulates the production of cortisone. Good for
allergies, hayfever, arthritis, fluid retention & constipation. Enhances the
effects of other herbs.
Yerba Santa - Excellent for bronchial congestion, as well
as all chest conditions. Effective when there is much discharge from the nose.
Good for rheumatism.
Yohimbe - Acts as a natural aphrodisiac for both men &
women.
Yucca Root - Has been used successfully for relief of
arthritis & rheumatism symptoms.
This guide is for informational and not prescriptive purposes. The use of certain supplements & herbs may cause allergic reactions in some people.
The Preparation & Use of Herbs
Capsules: Capsules are the most popular way herbs are taken. They
are convenient, avoid bitter tastes, eliminate preparation & provide an
exact regulated dose.
Decoctions: Decoctions extract the deeper essences from
harder or coarser herbs such as stems, barks & roots. The herbs are usually
simmered uncovered for 10 to 20 minutes until 1/3 of the water has evaporated.
For coarser herbs such as Valerian or Burdock, they must be gently simmered in a
covered pot to bring out their medicinal properties. Strain before using.
Extracts: An extract is a highly concentrated alcohol base
in liquid form derived from pure herbs. Many people use herbal extracts who are
unable to swallow capsules. Generally, from 3-4 drops, up to 12-15 drops in a
glass of water is the usual dose.
Fomentations: A fomentation is an external application of
herbs, generally used to treat swellings, pains, colds & flu. To prepare,
soak a cloth in the desired tea & apply the cloth, as hot as can be
tolerated without burning, over the affected area. Cover the cloth with a dry
flannel cloth. Repeat as needed.
Infusions: Tea is the most common way of preparing herbs.
The usual amount is a teaspoon of leaves, blossoms or flowers to a cup of
boiling water. The water is poured over the herb, then steeped for 3 to 5
minutes. Strain before using. Honey or lemon may be added to taste. Plasters: A
plaster is much like a poultice, but the herbal materials are placed between two
pieces of cloth and applied to the affected area. When there is an irritant to
the skin, this method will serve to prevent the herb from coming in direct
contact with the skin.
Poultices: A poultice is usually used to reduce swelling by
applying a warm mass of powdered herbs directly to the skin. To prepare add hot
water to make a thick paste, then apply directly to the skin. Cover with a hot
moist towel & leave on until it cools. Repeat as often as needed. Plantain
works very well to draw out toxins. To relieve pain & muscle spasms,
Lobelia, Kava Kava, Catnip or Valerian are used. Salves: Use 3 ounces of
powdered herb, 7 ounces of cocoa butter or any pure vegetable shortening, 1
ounce of beeswax, more beeswax may be added depending on consistency desired.
Blend ingredients together in a covered pot on low heat for 1 to 2 hours. When
cold, it should be firm & ready to use.
Reference
Guide Main Page
Go To The Store
VitaminWay
Homepage