Herbs have been extensively used to treat many illnesses for centuries. We have only begun to tap their truly amazing therapeutic and healing powers.

Alfalfa: nutritive herb with high mineral and vitamin content including vitamin K and Iron; estrogen precursor for menopause; mild diuretic.

Aloe: applied fresh as a burn and wound remedy, astringent. Fresh peeled leaf gel inserted as a rectal suppository for hemorrhoids. For chronic constipation with atonic bowel.

Bayberry Bark: astringent, used for bleeding gums and sore throat, diarrhea, gastrointestinal inflammation, post partum hemorrhage; vasodilator of skin and mucus membranes.

Bilberry: astringent, antiseptic, absorptive, anti-emelic. Used for intestinal dyspepsia and to halt diarrhea. Helps heal irritated intestinal mucosa resulting from chronic constipation. Large quantities of freshly ripened berries, eaten raw, are laxative. Used as anti-inflammatory mouthwash. Used to enhance vision when taken for long periods of time.

Black Cohosh Root: Antispasmodic used for menstrual cramping, coughs, muscle spasms. Emmenagogue; relieves hot flashes in menopausal women. Mild sedative.

Black Walnut: Antifungal (for Candida, athlete's foot, ringworm, etc.); astringent, used for skin eruptions; vermifuge in larger doses. Helps break down cystic tissue.

Blessed Thistle: Increases lactation; emmenagogue; carminative, for indigestion and chronic headaches; astringent, for diarrhea and hemorrhage.

Blue Cohosh: Uterine tonic, emmemagogue; diuretic; antispasmodic; diaphoretic; mild expectorant. Helps prevent threatened miscarriage (for use in last trimester only).

Borage Leaf: Restorative for adrenal cortex, especially after cortisone or steroid treatment. Diaphoretic; expectorant; anti-inflammatory; anti-depressant; galactagogue.

Burdock Root: Blood cleanser, anti-microbial. Used for skin eruptions, dry/scaly skin conditions; digestive stimulant. Lowers blood sugar. Used in cancer therapy.

Calendula Flower: Anti-inflammatory; astringent; styptic; antifungal; emmenagogue; cholagogue; topically for wounds, ulcers, burns, abscesses.

Cascara Sagrada Bark: Laxative, mild liver stimulant, bitter tonic.

Catnip Herbs: Carminative, diaphoretic, antispasmodic, mild febrifuge. For indigestion, flatulence and colic; mild astringent, specific for childhood fevers and diarrhea.

Cayenne Fruit: Equalizes circulation, for cold hands and feet; strengthens heart; stimulant; carminative; styptic. Antiseptic, used as gargle for persistent cough.

Chamomile Flower: Sedative, carminative, antispasmodic, anodyne.  Children’s herb, especially for fever and restlessness.  Mouthwash for gingivitis. 

Chaparral Leaf: Blood cleanser, antioxidant; antibiotic; anti-viral; antiseptic; specific for infections, sluggish liver, skin problems, arthritis, tumors. 

Chickweed Herb: Nutritive; restorative; demulcent; diuretic; regulates thyroid; high in saponins, (increases cell membrane permeability) and lecithin. 

Coltsfoot: Soothing expectorant, demulcent, antispasmodic, astringent, anti-inflammatory. For irritating coughs, bronchitis, asthma, laryngitis, throat catarrh; externally for sores and ulcers. 

Corn Silk: Soothing diuretic, for renal and urinary irritation; used for bedwetting, cystitis, urethritis, prostatitis. 

Couchgrass Root: Demulcent; anti-microbial; antilithic; for cystitis, urethritis, prostatitis, kidney stones and gravel. 

Cranberry: Diuretic and urinary antiseptic; for kidney and bladder infections. 

Damiana: Diuretic, relieves irritation of urinary mucus membranes; genito-urinary stimulant effect leading to its use as an aphrodisiac; improves digestion; laxative, tonic; relieves bronchial irritation and coughs. 

Dandelion Root/Leaf: Blood cleaners, powerful and safe diuretic, high in potassium; cholagogue, for inflammation and congestion of the liver and gall bladder, congestive jaundice. Mild laxative, aids weight loss, lowers cholesterol and blood pressure. 

Dong Quai Root: Female hormone regulator, alleviates cramping and premenstrual distress.

Echinacea Root: Powerful immune stimulant; antiseptic; anti-microbial; anti-viral; used for sore throats, flu, colds, infections, allergies. 

Elder Flower: Diaphoretic, anti-catarrhal, diuretic, expectorant. For upper respiratory infections, colds, flu, hay-fever, sinusitis, fevers. 

Elecampane Root: Expectorant; diaphoretic; anti-bacterial; anti-tussive, stomachic; for irritating bronchial coughs, bronchitis, emphysema, asthma and bronchitic asthma.

Eyebright Herb: Anti-catarrhal, astringent, anti-inflammatory.  Internally for sinusitis, nasal congestion, eye inflammations. Used as an external infusion/wash for sore or inflamed eyes. 

False Unicorn: Uterine tonic, used for delayed menses, leukorrhea, ovarian pain. Contains estrogen precursors. Eases vomiting in pregnancy (small doses). Helps prevent threatened miscarriage.

Fennel Seed: Aids digestion, relieves flatulence and colic, expels mucus, increases lactation; aids weight loss; flavoring agent; increases digestibility of other herbs. 

Fenugreek Seed: Soothes irritated mucus membranes, promotes lactation, mild febrifuge. 

Feverfew Leaf/Flower: Anti-inflammatory, used for rheumatoid arthritis, migraine headache relief (long term basis), asthma and bronchitis. Mild febrifuge, especially good for children. Used topically to relieve swelling from insect bites.

Flax Seed: Excellent bulking agent which cleanses and lubricates digestive tract.

Garlic Bulb/Seed: Antibiotic; anti-microbial; antiseptic, antiviral; anthelmintic. For colds, flu, chronic bronchitis, infections, also to reduce blood pressure and cholesterol.

Gentian Root: Bitter, promotes production of gastric juices and bile. For sluggish digestion, dyspepsia and flatulence. Restores appetite lost during morning sickness.

Ginger Root: Used for nausea, motion sickness; diaphoretic, helps break fevers, stimulant; carminative; aids in utilization of other herbs.

Ginkgo Leaf/ Ginkgo Biloba: Stimulates cerebral circulation and oxygenation, mental clarity and alertness, improves memory. Used to prevent strokes.

Ginseng Root (Panax): Adaptogenic, decreases the effect of stress.  Increases capillary circulation in brain; reproductive tonic; anti-depressant; equalizes blood pressure. Used for general exhaustion and weakness; aids digestion. Promotes longevity.

Goldenseal Root: Antiseptic, used for internally and topically for infections, sore throat, gastritis ulceration and colitis. Root infusion used as douche for vaginitis. Should not be taken daily for more than a week or so as overuse can stress the liver.

Gotu Kola: Used to increase mental stamina, alleviate depression and anxiety, improve memory and promote longevity. Increases energy and endurance.

Hawthorne Berry: Heart and circulatory tonic. Used for heart weakness, palpitations, high blood pressure, arteriosclerosis, angina pectoris.

Hops: Sedative; hypnotic. Used for anxiety, tension, insomnia. Reduces nervous irritability, promotes restful sleep. Astringent, used for mucous colitis.

Horsetail Herb: High in silica and calcium, used to strengthen hair, skin and nails.

Hydrangea Root: Diuretic, cathartic, tonic. Helps evacuate gravely deposits from the bladder and alleviates the pain of their passage. Styptic. Helps correct bedwetting in children. 

Hyssop Leaf: Anti-spasmodic nervine; expectorant; diaphoretic, sedative, carminative. For chronic congestion.

Juniper Berry: Urinary tract antiseptic, used for cystitis, urethritis. Should not be used in kidney inflammation or chronic kidney weakness.

Kelp: Radiation protective properties. Reduces amount of strontium-90 absorbed by bone tissue by 50%-85%.

Lemon Balm: Very useful in reducing fevers during colds and flu as it induces mild perspiration. Aids digestion, reduces flatulence. Wonderful herb for children. Anti-viral, used externally on herpes lesions.

Licorice Root: Specific for adrenal gland insufficiency; demulcent; expectorant for coughs and respiratory congestion; anti-inflammatory; laxative.

Lobelia Herb: Respiratory stimulant, anti-asthmatic, anti-emetic (small dose), emetic (large dose); used for bronchitis and bronchitic asthma, whooping cough, muscular cramping and pain.

Marshmallow Root: Soothing demulcent, used for gastrointestinal inflammation; expectorant in respiratory congestion and bronchitis. Used externally as a poultice for mastitis and skin ulcers.

Meadowsweet: Digestive herb, antacid. Used for heartburn, nausea, gastritis, hyperacidity, peptic ulcers. Mild astringent, used for diarrhea in children. Diaphoretic, anti-inflammatory, reduces fever and pain.

Milk Thistle Seed: Powerful liver detoxifier, antidote for Amanita mushroom poisoning. Increases secretion and flow of bile. Galactagogue.

Motherwort Herb: Sedative, useful in transition labor. Eases false labor pains. Anti-spasmodic; emmenagogue; cardiac tonic; reduces tension, anxiety. 

Mullein Leaf: Expectorant; demulcent; reduces respiratory inflammation. Flowers steeped in olive oil used as an earache remedy.

Myrrh Gum: Antiseptic; anti-microbial; astringent. Used for mouth ulcers, sore throat; gingivitis, pyorrhea, sinusitis and pharyngitis. Used externally on cuts and abrasions, forms natural bandage.

Nettle: Nutritive herb, specific for childhood and nervous eczema. Rich in iron, silica, and potassium. For anemia. Diuretic; galactagogue; antihistamine; for hay fever and allergies. 

Oatseed: Antispasmodic; soothes and supports nervous system; for depression, insomnia, hysteria, irritation and anxiety. Helpful in breaking addictions.

Oregon Grape Root: Liver and blood cleaners; cholagogue; anti-bacterial.  Stimulates digestion and absorption. For sluggish liver, hangovers, acne, eczema.

Parsley Leaf/Root: Diuretic, carminative, antispasmodic, emmenagogue, expectorant.

Passion Flower: Sedative, hypnotic, antispasmodic, anodyne. Relieves nerve pain, promotes restful sleep. Has been used for seizures and hysteria.

Pau D' Arco: Blood cleanser; anti-fungal; for candida, lymph congestion, tumors. Improves gastrointestinal utilization of nutrients.

Peppermint Leaf: For upset stomach, heartburn, nausea, colds, flu, congestion, nervous headache and agitation, also diarrhea and flatulence. Adds flavor to other herbs.

Plantain Leaf: Expectorant; astringent; for coughs, bronchitis, diarrhea, hemorrhoids, bleeding cystitis, chronic catarrhal problems, external wounds and sores, insect bites, hoarseness, gastritis.

Pleurisy Root: Respiratory infections, bronchitis, pleurisy, pneumonia, flu. Reduces inflammation and encourages expectoration.

Propolis: Antiseptic, antibacterial. Waxy nature makes it useful for coating and isolation areas of throat inflammation to prevent spread of infection.

Pysllium Seed: Commonly called the intestinal janitor, softly “scrubs”  the sides of the intestinal wall for maximum cleansing effect.

Red Clover: Blood cleanser, nutritive; for childhood eczema, psoriasis, coughs, bronchitis, ulcers, inflammation and infection. Galactagogue.  Principal ingredient of the Hoxey cancer formula.

Red Raspberry Leaf: Pregnancy herb; nutritive; relieves nausea. Uterine tonic, eases painful menses, checks hemorrhage. Remedy for childhood diarrhea, gargle for sore throat, bleeding gums.

Reishi Mushroom: Adaptogenic, used to alleviate the effects of stress. Strengthens heart, protects liver, soothes nerves. Normalizes blood pressures. Inhibits the release of histamine, thus relieving the allergic inflammatory response. Supports adrenal function. Stimulates the immune system. Slows the aging process. Anti-carcinogenic.

Rhubarb Root: Stomachic, astringent, small does relieve diarrhea, large doses laxative.

Rose Hips: Nutrient, mild diuretic and laxative, mild astringent. Excellent source of vitamin C. Used for colds, flu, general debility and exhaustion, constipation.

Rosemary Leaf: Circulatory and nerve stimulant, used for tension headache associated with dyspepsia, also depression. Anti-bacterial; antifungal. Externally for muscular pain, neuralgia and sciatica.

Sarsaparilla Root: Anti-rheumatic, diuretic, diaphoretic, soothes mucous membranes, possible progesterone precursor.

Saw Palmetto: Tones and strengthens male reproductive system, used for prostate enlargement and infection, enhances endurance. Female fertility aid, galactagogue.

Shitake Mushroom: Adapogenic. Increases the production of interferon, thus reducing the possibility of tumor development. Anti-viral. Helps the body excrete excess cholesterol.

Shepherd's Purse: Hemostatic; astringent; helps stop passive uterine or gastro-intestinal bleeding. Diuretic; breaks up urinary stones.

Siberian Ginseng: Stimulates the adrenal pituitary axis, increases resistance to stress. Improves cerebral circulation, increases mental alternates.

Skullcap Herb: Nervine; sedative; antispasmodic; used for nervous tension, hysteria, epileptic seizures, withdrawal from substance abuse and the irritability of PMS.

Slippery Elm: Nutrient, reduces inflammation, soothes mucus membranes, specific for ulcers.

Squawvine/Partridge Berry: Uterine tonic, promotes easy labor, eases menstrual cramping, mild nervine, improves digestion.

St. John's Wort: Extract and oil used externally for bruises, strains, sprains, contusions wounds. Extract used internally as an immune system stimulant; for retro-viral infections; expectorant; antibacterial, speeds wound and burn healing; antidepressant; used to treat bedwetting and children’s nightmares.

Thyme Leaf: Anti-bacterial; anti-fungal; anti-microbial; anti spasmodic; expectorant; astringent, anthelminitic, diaphoretic. Used as throat gargle for laryngitis, tonsillitis, sore throats, coughs. Reduces fevers, expels worms.

Uva Ursi: Urinary antiseptic; anti-microbial, for cystitis, urethritis, prostatitis, nephritis. Antilithic, used for kidney and bladder stones.

Valerian Root: Powerful nervine, used for tension, anxiety, insomnia, emotional stress, intestinal colic, menstrual cramps, migraine headache and rheumatic pain.

White Oak Bark: Astringent, used for diarrhea, hemorrhage, leucorrhea, bleeding or ulcerated gums. Topically for sores, hemorrhoids,  Strengthens capillaries.

White Willow Bark: Astringent, contains salicin, reduces inflammation.  Used for headache, neuralgia, fevers, arthritis, and rheumatism.

Wild Cherry Bark: Expectorant, anti-tussive, astringent, sedative, digestive bitter. Used for irritating coughs, bronchitis and asthma.

Wild Geranium: Astringent, used for diarrhea and hemorrhage, bleeding gums, hemorrhoids.

Wild Indigo Root: Emetic; purgative; lymph cleanser; for focused local infection such as sore throats, laryngitis, tonsillitis, pharyngitis, gingivitis, mouth ulcers and pyorrhea. Also inflamed lymph nodes. Best used in small amounts in a formula. Caution: large doses may be toxic.

Wild Yam Root: Antispasmodic; carminative; anti-inflammatory; hepatic; cholagogue; diaphoretic. Used for intestinal colic, diverticulitis, painful menses, ovarian and uterine pain, rheumatoid arthritis, flatulence.

Wormwood Leaf: Brings down fevers; will inhibit roundworm and pinworm infestation when used consistently for a week or two. Stimulates sweating in dry fevers. Aids uterine circulation. Use small amounts, preferably with herbalist or physician supervision.

Yarrow Flower: Diaphoretic, helps release toxic waste and reduces fevers. Lowers blood pressure; specific for thrombotic conditions associated with high blood pressure.

Yellow Masa Root: Blood cleanser, used for anemia, hepatitis, chronic skin disorders. Mild laxative, aids fat digestion.

Yerba Mansa Root: Soothing to mucus membranes, used for diarrhea, dysentery, malarial fevers, gonorrhea, catarrh, digestive weakness.

Yerba Santa Leaf: Expectorant; bronchial dilator; mild decongestant, for chest colds, asthma, hay-fever, bronchitis.

Yucca Root: Anti-inflammatory, used for arthritic pain, rheumatism, gout, asthma, urethral and prostate inflammation.