Herbalism

This list is far from complete and will be updated periodically.

Disclaimer:

The treatments listed below are some of the recorded uses for herbs. Do not self-treat with ANY herbal medication without consulting a traditional physician, a homeopathic physicion or other health practitioner. Herbs can be just as damaging as refined pharmaceuticals. Never self-treat! This list is for informational purposes only!

Conditions and disorders

Acid_Indigestion| Acne| AIDS | Allergies|Alzheimers Disease| Anemia | Arthritis | Asthma| Athlete's Foot | Attention Deficit Disorder| Backache| Bad Breath| Bed Sores| Bleeding| Blood Clots| Body Odor| Breast Inflammation| Bruises |Burns |Cancer | Chicken Pox| Childbirth Difficulties| Cholesterol (Elevated)| Cold Sores| Colon Problems| Common Cold| Congestion| Constipation| Cramps| Dandruff| Depression| Diabetes| Diarrhea| Eczema| Eye Problems| Fatigue| Fever| Fungal Infection| Gall Bladder Problems| Genital Odor| Gum Disease| Hangover| Headaches| Heartburn| Hemorrhoids| Herpes| Hyperactivity| Immune System Problems| Impotency| Infection| Inflammation| Insect Bites/Stings| Insect Repellant| Insomnia| Jaundice| Joint Pain| Kidney Problems| Lactation| Laryngitis| Liver Problems| Memory Loss| Menopause| Menstral Problems| Migraines| Motion Sickness| Muscular Stiffness| Nausea| Nervousness| Night Blindness| Obesity| Pain| Pneumonia| Poison Ivy/Oak| Prostate Problems| Rash| Respiratory Problems| Ringworm| Scalp Problems| Sinus Problems| Skin Problems| Smoking Addiction| Sore Throat| Stress| Tonsillitis| Tooth Decay| Toothache| Ulcers| Urinary Tract Infections| Vaginitis| Varicose Veins| Warts| Wounds| Yeast infections|

ACID INDIGESTION-

• ANGELICA (Angelica archangelica)- Also known as dong quai, garden angelica or European angelica, this herb is most widely used for feminine problems (particularly regulating menstruation and menopausal symptoms). However, it is also a wonderful digestive aid.
• ANISE (Pimpinella anisum)- Anise is said to promote good digestion and relieve symptoms of nausea and indigestion.
• FRAGRANT VALERIAN (Valeriana Officinalis)- Also known as valerian or vandal root, this plant may be useful in calming the stomach and helping to prevent nausea.
• GINGER (Zingiber officinale)- A study done at Brigham Young University showed that powdered ginger root may be an exceptional remedy for nausea and vomiting. It may also be used for morning sickness.
• NUTMEG (Myristica fragrans)- Nutmeg and mace have been used for centuries to treat stomach problems such as gas, indigestion, nausea and vomiting.

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  ACNE-

  • AMARANTH (Amaranthus hypochondriacus)- The seeds of this plant make an excellent poultice or wash for acne and eczema.
  • ASPARAGUS (Asparagus officinalis)- Believe it or not, the boiled water from cooking asparagus is touted as an excellent wash for blackheads and acne.
  • BIRCH (Betula alba)- Native Americans once used birch bark as a poultice for a multitude of skin ailments.
  • ECHINACEA (Echinacea augustifolia)- A.K.A. purple coneflower, this recently popular plant can be used for much more than a systemic immunity booster. One of those uses is as a wash for acne!
  • PINE (Pinus species)- I am a recent convert to the use of pine, particularly pine tar soap. On a recent trip to Ohio, I purchased a bar of pine tar soap in the town of Sugarcreek, in the heart of Amish country. Once I returned home to New Mexico, I started using it as a daily shower soap. My skin became more resilient, blemishes cleared up and natural body odors were greatly diminished!

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  AIDS- Unfortunately, we still have no cure for AIDS and herbs are no exception. However, a number of herbs may be used palliatively to treat some of the symptoms associated with AIDS.
• ASTRAGALUS (Astragalus membranaceus)- The root is used to reinvigorate the immune system before disease symptoms occur; it does not work as well once the disease process has started.
• CHAMOMILE (Anthemis nobilis) or (Matricaria chamomilla)- Chamomile has been shown to assist the cells of the liver to regenerate which may be useful to those suffering from hepatitis or AIDS.
• ECHINACEA (Echinacea augustifolia) - This plant has been shown to be very effective as an immunity booster. However,like Astragalus, it works best when used prior to the onset of the disease.

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• ALLERGIES-
• AGRIMONY (Agrimonia eupatoria)- A member of the rose family, this plants leaves can be made into a tea for an eyewash to relieve the burning and itching associated with hayfever.
• CHAMOMILE- Both types of chamomile (German and Roman) contain a compound called azulene which has been shown effective in combating allergies.
• EYEBRIGHT (Euphrasia officinalis)- As the name suggests, this plant has historically been used to make an excellent eyewash. AKA Euphrasy and Red Eyebright.
• MAHUANG (Ephedra sinica)- Mahuang is a naturally occuring source of ephedrine which is one of the chief components of over-the-counter allergy medications.
• OSHA (Ligusticum porteri)- The root can be made into a tincture for use against allergic reactions. (NOTE: A "tincture" is a solution with an alcohol base.)
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ANEMIA-

• ANGELICA (Angelica archangelica)- Used for centuries to treat female problems and also for treating anemia.

• PRICKLY ASH (Zanthoxylum americanum)- The leaves of this shrub are made into a tea to treat some of the symptoms of anemia.

• SUMA (Pfaffia paniculata)- A South American shrub thought to be helpful with anemia.

ARTHRITIS-

• BAY (Laurus nobilis)- Bay oil can be applied to swollen joints for temporary relief of pain and swelling.
• CAYENNE PEPPER (Capsicum frutescens)- Cayenne contains capsaicin- a natural substance helpful in reducing the pain of arthritis.
• SKULLCAP (Scutellaria lateriflora)- A North American plant helpful in the treatment of arthritis.
• TURMERIC (Curcuma longa or Curcuma domestica)- This herb has shown great anti-inflammatory properties.
• WILLOW (Salix alba)- The tea from this tree's bark is the precursor to aspirin.