|
Herbal Medicine: there are two Branches of herbal medicine: Ayurvedic Herbalism and Traditional Chinese Herbalism. Ayurvedic Herbalism stems from Ayurveda and Western Herbalism and originated in Greece and Rome. Its practice spread throughout Europe and eventually to North and South America. Traditional Chinese Herbalism comes from Traditional Oriental Medicine. Western Herbalism is now considered folk medicine. Ayurvedic and Chinese Herbalism differ because they have developed over centuries into very advanced forms of treatment and systems of diagnosis. People in the United States are continually gaining interest in herbs because of an increasing number of success stories. One example is the use of St. John’s Wort to treat forms of depression. People have used this drug to avoid using Prozac, which produces unwanted side effects. Certain Ayurvedic herbs are commonly used to help those with conditions including diabetes and high cholesterol. Herbs such as Ginkgo biloba (ginkgo) and Ginseng continue to increase in popularity because of their helpful effects.
(www.naturalherbsguide.com/herbal-medicine.html)
Arnica: also commonly called leopard's bane, the arnica plant has a bright yellow, daisy-like flower that blooms around July. Preparations made from the flowering heads have been used in homeopathic medicine for hundreds of years. It is popular in Germany and over 100 drug preparations are made from the plant. Arnica is a perennial that is protected in parts of Europe. Arnica works by stimulating the activity of white blood cells that perform much of the digestion of congested blood, and by dispersing trapped, disorganized fluids from bumped and bruised tissue, joints and muscles. Arnica is known to stimulate blood circulation and can raise blood pressure, especially in the coronary arteries. The plant is used externally for arthritis, burns, ulcers, eczema and acne. It has anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory qualities that can reduce pain and swelling, improving wound healing. It is typically rubbed on the skin to soothe and heal bruises, sprains, and relieve irritations from trauma, arthritis and muscle or cartilage pain. Applied as a salve, arnica is also good for chapped lips, irritated nostrils and acne.
(www.kcweb.com/herb/arnica.htm)
Aromatherapy: the use of volatile plant oils, including essential oils, for psychological and physical well-being.
(www.aromaweb.com)
Black Cohosh: also called black snakeroot, macrotys, bugbane, bugwort, rattleroot, and rattleweed, black cohosh has a history of use for rheumatism (arthritis and muscle pain), but has been used more recently to treat hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, and other symptoms that can occur during menopause. Black cohosh has also been used for menstrual irregularities and premenstrual syndrome, and to induce labor. The underground stems and roots of black cohosh are commonly used fresh or dried to make strong teas (infusions), capsules, solid extracts used in pills, or liquid extracts (tinctures).
(http://nccam.nih.gov/health/blackcohosh)
Blue Vervain: the leaves and roots of Blue Vervain are a valuable alternative medicine used as an antidiarrheal, analgesic, anthelmintic, antiperiodic, astringent, diaphoretic, emetic, emmenagogue, expectorant, sedative, tonic, vermifuge, vulnerary. It is useful in intermittent fevers, ulcers, pleurisy, scrofula, gravel, easing pain in the bowels and expelling worms. A very strong infusion is emetic. As a medicinal poultice it is good in headache and rheumatism. An infusion of the plant is a good galactagogue (increases breast milk) and used for female obstructions, afterpains and taken as a female tonic. The infusion is used to help pass kidney stones and for infections of the bladder. Used as a sudorific and taken for colds and coughs. Also useful for insomnia and other nervous conditions. Recent medical research has detected the presents of adenosine, aucubin, beta-carotene, caffeic-acid, citral, hastatoside, lupeol, ursolic-acid, verbenalin, verbenin, and other chemical constituents in this plant which prove these uses to be valid. But much more research needs to be done on this herb and its constituents. It may prove to be useful in treating many cancers and other diseases.
(http://altnature.com/gallery/Blue_Vervain.htm)
Carrot Poultice: old writers tell us that a poultice made of carrot roots has been found to mitigate the pain of cancerous ulcers, and that the leaves, applied with honey, cleanse running sores and ulcers.
(www.botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/c/carrot24.html)
Chlorella: a single-celled freshwater algae. These algae contain large amounts of chlorophyll, the chemical that gives plants their green color. Chlorophyll is an essential compound for photosynthesis, the process by which plants convert light into chemical energy. Chlorophyll is also available in green leafy vegetables. Chlorella is promoted for a wide range of herbal remedy uses. Proponents claim it kills several types of cancers, fights bacterial and viral infections, enhances the immune system, increases the growth of "friendly" germs in the digestive tract, lowers blood pressure and cholesterol levels, and promotes healing of intestinal ulcers, diverticulosis, and Crohn’s disease. It is said to cleanse the blood, digestive system, and the liver.
(www.cancer.org/docroot/ETO/content/ETO_5_3X_Chlorella.asp?sitearea=ETO)
Cilantro: a common Mexican and Middle Eastern spice. Fresh cilantro removes heavy metals from the body in less than two weeks.
(www.mnwelldir.org/docs/detox/cilantro.htm)
Comfrey: one of nature's greatest medicinal herbs. Used for arthritis, it soothes and heals inflamed tissues, and it helps reduce swelling and pain in a most remarkable way. Comfrey is also used as an herbal remedy for bruises, dislocations and sprains. Comfrey and comfrey root has been used from very ancient times, and is one of nature's greatest healers. It is a great cell proliferant, or new cell grower; can help your body to grow new flesh and bone. It is used for arthritis pain, bruises, dislocations and sprains. Comfrey soothes and heals the inflamed tissues in a most remarkable way. Comfrey is also anti-inflammatory and used for bruises, dislocations and sprains. Both comfrey herb and comfrey root are used to reduce swelling, stop bleeding and to reduce pain.
(www.pikeherb.com/comfrey.htm)
Damiana: a small shrub that is used medicinallyas a mild purgative, diuretic, tonic, stimulant, hypochondriastic, and aphrodisiac.
(www.botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/d/damian05.html)
Echinacea: the best known and researched herb for stimulating the immune system. Thousands of Europeans and Americans use echinacea preparations against colds and flu, minor infections, and a host of other major and minor ailments. This native American herb has an impressive record of laboratory and clinical research. Thousands of doctors currently use echinacea for treating infectious diseases.
(www.herbs.org/greenpapers/echinacea.html)
Evening Primrose Oil: for centuries, native Americans have used the roots and leaves of Oenothera biennis - an edible plant with bright yellow, lemon-scented flowers - to treat wounds and respiratory disorders. Modern research, however, has focused on evening primrose oil (EPO) as a treatment for hormonal problems, schizophrenia and heart disease.
(http://education.guardian.co.uk/higher/medicalscience/story/0,9837,712451,00.html)
False Solomon’s Seal: a popular plant in gardens and plantations; a native of Northern Europe and Siberia, extending to Switzerland and Carniola. The creeping root-stock, or underground stem, is thick and white, twisted and full of knots, with circular scars at intervals, left by the leaf stems of previous years. It throws up stems that attain a height of from 18 inches to 2 feet, or even more, which are for some considerable portion of their length erect, but finally bend gracefully over. The root is used medicinally as an astringent, demulcent and tonic. The powdered roots make an excellent poultice for bruises, piles, inflammations and tumors.
(www.botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/s/solsea63.html)
Fireweed: this coarse, homely American weed is an annual and derives its name from its habit of growing freely in moist open woods and clearings, and in greatest luxuriance on newly-burnt fallows. It has composite flowers, blooming from July to September. It is used as an astringent, alterative, tonic, cathartic, and emetic. It is much used among the aborigines of North America to treat various forms of eczema, muco-sanguineous diarrhea, hemorrhages, and a sore throat. For its anti-spasmodic properties, it has been found useful for colic, spasms and hiccough. Applied externally, it gives great relief in the pains of gout, rheumatism and sciatica.
(www.botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/f/firewe15.html)
Gentian: known to people from North America and Europe as pretty, deep-blue flowers that are found in the Alps and Rocky Mountains. However, gentians occur on all continents except the Antarctic, and grow in a wide variety of habitats, from deserts, savannas, prairies, rainforests and temperate forests to the tundra. They can be small herbs that die off after only one season, shrubs, lianas or even large rainforest trees. Their flowers are often colorful (blue, pink, red, yellow), and the true blue gentians (Gentiana) are often grown in rock gardens. Gentians have been used by humans since ancient times as herbal remedies, and taste very bitter. In Africa gentians are used against malaria, in South America against snake bites, in Europe and Asia as digestives, and in Southeast Asia one species is harvested for its rot-resistant timber. Gentians are also included in perfumes, weight-loss products, skin care products, and homeopathic remedies.
(http://gentian.rutgers.edu/gentians.htm)
Glacier Lily: a flower that blooms just after the snow melts, typically from late April through June. The flower has 6 curved yellow petals (actually 3 petals and 3 similar sepals) and 6 stamens - the pollen-bearing structures - that protrude from the flower's center. The leafless stems are curved at the top giving the flower a nodding or drooping look. Glacier lily bulbs were a food source for some Native American tribes. These deep-rooted bulbs were difficult to dig, which probably contributed to the fact that they were used infrequently. Bulbs were eaten boiled or dried to eat during the winter months. The bulbs can cause a burning sensation when eaten. Glacier lilies provide food for wildlife: bears, deer, elk, and bighorn sheep eat the bulbs and green seed pods. Ground squirrels and other rodents dig up the bulbs and store them for winter consumption.
(http://www.fs.fed.us/r4/boise/wildflowers/glacier_lily.shtml)
Horsetail: an herbal remedy since ancient times, and has traditionally been used to stop bleeding, increase urine production, repair broken bones, and relieve rheumatic conditions such as arthritis. Horsetail contains high concentrations of silicic acid and other silicates. Horsetail also contains potassium, aluminum, and manganese, along with variety of flavonoids. These flavonoids, as well as other substances found in horse tail, are what appear to provide this herb with strong diuretic effects that promote the loss of water from the body; the silicates found in horsetail are believed responsible for the herb's ability to strengthen connective tisse and give it anti-arthritic actions. A few herbal specialists believe that the organic silicon concentrations found in horsetail may also promote bone and cartilage formation and are useful for treating brittle nails and related conditions. More recently, horsetail has been studied for its possible usefulness in connection with arthritis, osteoporosis, and other conditions of bones and cartilage. Horsetail contains significant amounts of silica and smaller amounts of calcium. Both silica and calcium are components of bones, joints, and connective tissues such as tendons and ligaments. However, to date, there is not enough clinical evidence to support the use of horsetail for these conditions.
(www.nutrasanus.com/horsetail.html)
Liquorice Root: derived from the sweet root of various species of Glycyrrhiza, a genus which contains about fourteen species, natives of warmer temperate countries in both the New and Old Worlds, ten of them having roots more or less sweet, but most of them not sufficiently so to be of use. Hundreds of tons of Liquorice for commercial and medicinal purposes are imported annually from Spain, Russia, Germany, France and the East, most of our supply coming from Spain and Italy.
(http://botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/l/liquor32.html)
Mullein: a flowering plant. Scientifically known as the verbascum thapsus. It is a good respiratory remedy. Also for toning the mucous membranes of the respiratory system, reducing inflammation whilst stimulating fluid production and thus facilitating expectoration. It is considered a specific in bronchitis where there is a hard cough with soreness. Its anti-inflammatory and demulcent properties indicate its use in inflammation of the trachea and associated conditions. Externally an extract made in olive oil is excellent in soothing and healing any inflamed surface or easing ear problems.
(www.holisticonline.com/Herbal-Med/_Herbs/h268.htm)
Nettles: a fibrous plant, native to Eurasia, but distributed throughout the temperate regions of the world. It is a naturally nutritious way to help maintain a healthy urinary tract and flush toxins from your system. It is said to uplift a weary body, reduce fatigue and also improve thyroid, kidney and bladder functions. Nettle is also considered an age-old remedy for allergies and respiratory problems.
(www.herbalextractsplus.com)
Orange Ruffles: a flower essence that helps with receptivity. Perelandra flower essences states that it stabilizes the individual during the expansion of his sensory system.
(www.mcn.org/a/fepharm/essences/perelandra.html)
Oregon Grape: used as a treatment for skin diseases and as a treatment for prostate infection. It is also used as a blood cleanser, to stimulate the liver and gall bladder, and as a mild laxative. Externally, a decoction of the root bark is used as a liniment for arthritis.
(www.allnatural.net/herbpages/oregon-grape-root.shtml)
Pansy: a delicate looking flower often with a "face." The pansy is quite durable and a "flower for all seasons." is used mostly in three areas, the skin, lungs and urinary system. Pansy may be used in eczema and other skin problems where there is exudate (often called weeping) eczema. As an anti-inflammatory expectorant pansy is used for whooping cough and acute bronchitis where it will soothe and help the body heal itself. For urinary problems pansy will aid in the healing of cystitis and can be used to treat the symptoms of frequent and painful urination. A tea or extract brewed from dried pansy flowers, from the whole flowering plant, or from the root long served in the treatment of skin ailments. It was applied externally as a lotion or taken internally to rid the body of toxic products that were thought to cause skin problems. Like its cousin Viola odorata, it was used as an expectorant, for loosening phlegm. Pansy has also been thought to be a demulcent (a substance that soothes mucous membranes, as of the respiratory tract). There is no scientific evidence regarding the validity of any claims made for pansy's healing properties.
(www.herbs2000.com/herbs/herbs_pansy.htm)
Peace: a type of lily, the scientific name of which is spathiphyllum. Having a peace lily is believed to balance people's bodies and energy fields.
(www.nmessences.com/essences/peace_lily.html)
Peppermint: a staple of the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries, it is used in the manufacture of cough syrups, pastilles, ointments, digestives, vapor rubs, toothpastes, mouthwashes, soaps, shampoos and scents. It is also included as an important flavoring in liqueurs. Some of Peppermint's chemical constituents include a volatile oil (containing menthol), rutin, tannin, alpha- and beta-carotene, acids, luteolin, linalool, betaine, coumarin, calcium, choline, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, selenium, zinc, B-vitamins and vitamin E. Peppermint promotes good digestion and improves the appetite. Its foremost use as a medicine (in both home remedies and pharmaceutical preparations) is applied to relieve indigestion and the intestinal gas caused by certain foods; hence, its use in after-dinner mints and liqueurs. It relaxes the stomach muscles and promotes burping. Some studies have shown that Peppermint lessens the amount of time food spends in the stomach by stimulating the gastric lining, and because Peppermint increases stomach acidity and stimulates the flow of bile, it helps to digest food before passing into the intestines and colon. This could make it especially useful in treating Crohn's disease. Peppermint slightly anesthetizes the mucous membranes of the gastrointestinal tract, easing the discomforts of indigestion, including heartburn, hiccups, flatulence and stomachache. Peppermint calms a queasy stomach and is good for nausea and vomiting. It is said to be especially calming for the lower bowel and has been helpful in relieving diarrhea and irritable bowel syndrome. It is also an antispasmodic. Peppermint is helpful in alleviating cramps, including menstrual cramps, and stomach pain, and it eases "griping" (sharp pains and grumbling in the bowel) caused by eating unripe fruit or irritating foods. In England, gastroenterologists spray diluted Peppermint oil directly on the instrument used for colonoscopy to prevent spasms.
(www.herbalextractsplus.com)
Petite Fleur Essences: harvested flowers that are steam - distilled and hand processed with purely organically grown flowers and herbs specially formulated to catalyze potentials and enrich the mind, body, and soul. Used for aromatherapy. Aromatherapyis the oldest art and science of holistic health, utilizing scent from pure essential oils to balance the mind, body, and emotions. Aromas directly affect brain chemistry and moods. Scents are used for depression, anxiety, stress, insomnia, chronic fatigue, concentration, memory, and romance.
(www.aromahealthtexas.com/flower.asp)
Skullcap: a Native North American perennial herb, found from New York to West Virginia and southward to South Carolina, Alabama and Missouri. Growing in rich woods, thickets, bluffs and along roadsides. Skullcap is a powerful medicinal herb, it is used in alternative medicine as an anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, slightly astringent, emmenagogue, febrifuge, nervine, sedative and strong tonic. Some valuable constituents found in the plant are Scutellarin, Catalpol, other Volatile oils, bitter iridoids and Tannins. Scientific studies are proving this to be a valuable plant in many areas for mental disorders. Skullcap is used in the treatment of a wide range of nervous conditions including epilepsy, insomnia, hysteria, anxiety, delerium tremens, withdrawal from barbiturates and tranquilisers. A medicinal infusion of the plant is used to promote menstruation, it should not be given to pregnant women since it can induce a miscarriage, the infusion is also used in the treatment of throat infections. The infusion is given for nervous headaches, neuralgia and in headache arising from incessant coughing, pain, and inducing sleep when necessary, without any unpleasant symptoms following. Skullcap is currently being used as an alternative medicine to treat ADD and a number of nerve disorders. Should be used with some caution since in overdose it causes giddiness, stupor, confusion and twitching.
(http://altnature.com/gallery/skullcap.htm)
Vetivert: an aromatherapy oil that has a strong, woody-sweet scent. It is effective for relieving muscular aches, aiding circulation, relieving tension, and promoting restful sleep. Vetiver is distilled from the root of the plant.
(www.healthmap.com/showsrc.asp?Find=58&Modality=aromatherapy&ID=2)
|
