|
ALFALFA (mendicago sativa)
The parts of the alfalfa plant that are used are its
leaves. In the Middle East, alfalfa is known as the
“father of all herbs.” Alfalfa is one of the most
nutritious plants on earth and its leaves are rich in
calcium, magnesium, potassium, beta-carotene, vitamins A,
B-12, C, D, E and K. Alfalfa has also been found to
contain all eight essential amino acids. It even contains
fluoride which can help prevent tooth decay. Alfalfa is
one of the highest fibrous herbs in existence and we are
unable to digest its raw leaves. For centuries, Native
Americans ground its seeds to be used as flour or boiled
its leaves and ate them like greens. See
References
ALOE VERA (aloe barbadenis)
The parts of this plant that are used are its leaves.
There are nearly 200 species of this member of the Lily
family, found in African deserts and the islands of Aruba
and Barbados. Since ancient times Aloe, recognized as an
analgesic, has been used to treat burns. Aloe has also
been used to treat other skin conditions such as scrapes,
sunburns and insect bites. Aloe is a common ingredient in
cosmetics and lotions because it naturally balances the pH
of the skin. Internally, it has been used as a mild
laxative and studies are being done on the use of aloe to
enhance the immune system. See
References
BLESSED THISTLE
Helps strengthen the heart & lungs; increases
circulation. See
References
BURDOCK ROOT
Is an excellent blood purifier and cleanser; aids in
healing skin blemishes, arthritis & rheumatism;
promotes healthy kidney function. See
References
CAPSICUM or Cayenne (capsicum frutescens)
The part of this plant that is used is its fruit.
Capsicum or Cayenne, derived from chili peppers, is highly
nutritious, containing Vitamin C and B-complex vitamins as
well as iron, calcium, and phosphorous. The red color of
many chili peppers is due to their high Vitamin A content.
Traditionally, chili peppers have been used in condiments
to promote digestion and are believed to cleanse the
blood. Capsicum has also been used as a gargle to treat
throat conditions and research is currently being done on
its use as an anti-inflammatory and to relieve sore
muscles. See
References
CASCARA SAGRADA or “sacred bark” (rhamnus
purshiana)
The part of this tree that is used is its bark. This
tree is native to the northwest Pacific Coast and has been
used by many tribes of peoples indigenous to this region,
stretching from British Columbia to California, as a
remedy for constipation and upset stomachs. Cascara
Sagrada is known worldwide as one of the best natural mild
laxatives. See
References
CHAMOMILE (anthemis nobilis - Roman, matricaria
chamomilla - German)
The parts of the chamomile plant used are its flowers.
Known as an ingredient in many teas, chamomile is used to
relax, aid digestion, relieve headaches and help treat
allergies. Chamomile is a popular remedy in France and
Spain for gas and cramps of the stomach, to treat colic
and to induce sleep. It is also a common ingredient in
shampoos and perfumes. See
References
CHAPPARAL
Aids in healing skin blemishes, acne, arthritis &
allergies; promotes hair growth; acts as a natural
antibiotic within the body with no side effects. See
References
COMFREY
Aids in healing respiratory ailments, anemia,
arthritis, fractures, mucous membranes, lungs &
wounds; it is soothing to the gastrointestinal tract; aids
in cell proliferation; helps the pancreas in regulating
blood sugar level; helps promote the secretion of pepsin
& is a general aid to digestion. See
References
ECHINACEA
Is the most effective blood & lymphatic cleanser in
the botanical kingdom; its acts as a natural antibiotic
and works like penicillin in the body with no side
effects; aids in reducing fever, infections, bad breath
& mucous buildup. See
References
EUPHRASIA (euphrasia officinalis)
Euphrasia (euphrasia officinalis) or eyebright is an
herb the name of which comes from the Greek word
euphrosyne which means “gladness.” Euphrasia has been
used for centuries for various eye problems. It is also
used topically, mixed with other herbs to treat
conjunctivitis and other inflammations or as an eyewash.
See
References
FO TI (polygonum multiflorum)
The part of this plant used is its root. Fo Ti is
second only to ginseng in traditional Chinese medicine. Fo
Ti, according to Chinese legend, was used by a 58 year old
man who ate it and then fathered many children. It has
been used to tread colic, enteritis or the inflammation of
the intestines, gout and hemorrhoids. Research is being
done on its use to lower cholesterol and to aid in the
acceptance of organ transplants. See
References
GARLIC (allium sativum)
Garlic cloves have been used for thousands of years and
their use has been recorded in ancient Egypt, Greece,
Rome, China, Japan, India, Russia and Europe. Garlic was
dedicated by Roman soldiers to Mars, their god of war. It
has been used to ward off demons. It has been known as
“Russian penicillin” and has been used to treat ear
infections, cholera and typhus. Known as a natural
anti-biotic, garlic was used during both world wars to
disinfect wounds. This anti-oxidant is also believed to
help lower cholesterol. Garlic contains an antimicrobial
agent known as allicin and can easily be added to many
foods. Research is now being done on the treatment of
cancers with garlic. See
References
GINGER (zangiber officinale)
The rhizome of ginger is used not only as a flavoring
for drinks like ginger ale but has also been used as an
herbal remedy for asthma and coughs related to
inflammation or allergies. There are over 80 species of
ginger, historically found in China, Japan, Australia and
Hawaii. Ginger has been used to treat nausea, indigestion,
cramps, migraine headaches and to lower blood cholesterol
and as a cleanser. See
References
GINSENG (panax ginseng)
The part of this plant that is used is the root. Panax
comes from the Greek for “panacea” meaning “all
healing.” In the Ginseng family there are American,
Korean, Chinese and Siberian ginsengs. A Chinese text
dating from the First Century A.D. describes ginseng as
“enlightening to the mind and increasing the wisdom.”
Russian folklore promotes ginseng as a stimulant and
immunity booster. Ginseng is believed to enhance physical
and mental endurance, increase energy, reduce cholesterol,
to support adrenal function, to reduce stress and regulate
blood sugar. See
References
GOTU KOLA (hydrocotyle asiatica or centella
asiatica)
The whole gotu kola plant has been widely used in India
and Fiji to treat skin inflammations, to improve blood
circulation, to aid in the treatment of bloating,
congestion and depression. A Sinhalese proverb says “Two
leaves a day keep old age away.” See
References
HAWTHORNE BERRIES
(crataegus oxyacantha)
The parts of the Hawthorne tree used are its flowers,
leaves and berries. Rich in bioflavonoids, hawthorne
berries have been used for thousands of years in China to
treat indigestion and is widely known as a diuretic. Since
the 17th century, hawthorne has been used to treat various
heart conditions and today is believed to lower blood
pressure. See
References
HYSSOP
Regulates blood pressure, purifies the blood &
promotes circulation, excellent aid for the eyes,
hoarseness, lungs, mucous buildup, nervous disorders and
skin problems. See
References
LICORICE
Expels mucous from the respiratory tract aids in
healing hoarseness, hypoglycemia, coughs &
constipation; promotes healthy adrenal glands; acts as a
sexual stimulant; helps increase endurance & vitality;
helps in reducing skin blemishes (age spots). See
References
MA HAUNG
A stimulant of the adrenal glands; helps increase
energy level; aids in healing asthma, bronchitis, lung,
coughs & congestive disorders. See
References
MULLEIN
A bone, flesh and cartilage builder; aids in healing
respiratory ailments, asthma, bronchitis, diarrhea, sinus
congestion; soothing to any inflammation and relieves
pain; acts to relieve spasms & clears the lungs.
See
References
ROSE HIPS
(rosa canina)
Rose hips are the fruit of a rose that develop after
the peddles have fallen. They were used in Britain during
World War II to prevent scurvy during a shortage of citrus
fruit. Since then, rose hips have been used as a source of
Vitamin C and in fact, have up to 60 times the Vitamin C
of citrus fruit as well as containing the bioflavonoids
that aid in the absorption of Vitamin C. Used to
fight infection & curb stress. It is the highest
herb in Vitamin C content and contains the entire
C-Complex. See
References
SARSAPARILLA (smilax officinalis)
The part of this plant used is its root. Sarsaparilla
is the herbal ingredient in root beer. Chinese, Native
Americans and Europeans have used the sarsaparilla root
boiled in water to treat a variety of urinary tract
disorders, as a diuretic and has been used to treat
coughs, arthritis and as an anti-inflammatory for
rheumatism. See
References
SPIRULINA
Is an algae containing 65 - 70% protein; it contains 26
times the Calcium of milk; also contains phosphorous &
niacin and is far more nutritious than any known food;
used for rejuvenation & weight reduction; an excellent
blood and colon cleanser; very high in Vitamin B12
content. See
References
YELLOW DOCK
A nutritive tonic, high in Iron and useful in treating
anemia; also nourishes the spleen and liver, thus, being
effective for the treatment of Jaundice, Lymphatic
problems & skin eruptions; strengthens, cleanses &
tones the entire body; excellent for boils, ulcers,
wounds, and cleansing the blood. See
References
|
