Herbs A-Z

Information for this section was derived from:

-Richo Cech's Making Plant Medicine
(highly recomended)
Also, the source of all my seed, so check out his website:
www.horizonherbs.com

-Chen and Chen's Chinese Herbology and Pharmacology

-Various web sources

-My own experience, and opinion

Arnica, Arnica montana and Arnica chamissonis

   External use Arnica is an anti-inflammatory, pain reliever and a local antibiotic, that is used in liniments and creams for dislocations, sprains, bruises, chilblains, and varicose ulcers. It helps to prevent bruising and swelling after traumatic skin injuries and prevents the blood platelets from gathering to the site of injury. Furthermore, it reverses the effect of pain causing prostaglandins and thereby has a pain relieving effect. It is particularly useful for joint, muscle and rheumatic pain and it has also been found to prevent muscle stiffness and reduce pain when applied before athletic events. 
   When an arnica compress is applied to any injury - including broken bones, it can have amazing healing results. It can also be used successfully for burns, including sunburn. A macerated oil (where the plant material is infused into a base oil) is useful for treating bruises, strained muscles and swelling. 
   Arnica is an extremely potent herb, which must be used judiciously and may cause dermatitis when used externally, and collapse as well as death when taken internally. It contains a compound that acts in the same way as oxytocin, which is used to induce labor and for this reason pregnant mothers should not use arnica in any form or way.

Bidens Pilosa, Spanish Needle

   A common enough weed worldwide, but vastly overlooked these days for its medical properties!  This herb is a wonderfull liver herb that helps to protect, detoxify, tone, and normalize regular hepatic functions.  It also protects the liver against environmental toxins and stress, much like milk thistle.  Also helps balance blood sugar, for diabetic support.
   Bidens is a wonderful anti-inflammatory, and works to cool any excess heat in the body, from arthritis to flu.  It is also a broad spectrum anti-microbial, and helps to prevent and treats all manner of infection.    
   The cooling, detoxifying nature of this herb also has a positive influence on digestive tract problems such as ulcers and other digestive disorders.
   Bidens has been found to help with various liver-related retro-viruses and has also shown anti-leukemic effects.


Chamomile, Matricaria recutita

   Chamomile has been used for centuries to calm people in cases of anxiety. It is also usefull to treat digestive upsets caused by anxiety, irritable bowel syndrome, insomnia, motion sickness as well as anxiety. Antibiotic and anti-inflammatory activity is exhibited when used topically. Used by herbalists to treat wounds, sunburn, burns, hemorrhoids, mastitis, and leg ulcers. The essential oil promotes calmness and eases worries and fears, while it helps dull muscular pain and stimulates the liver and spleen. It is useful to reduce skin redness, allergic reactions and to reduce enlarged capillaries. It can be used for eczema, psoriasis and any dry flaky skin conditions.


Eclipta, Eclipta alba, tropical daisy
   Used principally as a liver protective and rejuvenative herb.  Eclipta is a nervine, rejuvenative, tonic, alterative, antipyretic, haemostatic, and anti-inflammatory.  It is effective for stagnant liver disorders of all types including hepatomegaly, jaundice, skin disorders, and headaches.  
   This herb has also been traditionally used to assist all types of hair disease, including baldness.  It is also a specific for eye problems, including night blindness, blurred vision, etc.
   

Ginger, Zingiber officinale

   Ginger is perhaps the most effective herb available for digestive issues.  It stimulates a number of enzymes and the pancreas, and favors good intestinal flora by suppressing bad bacteria.  Highly effective for nausea, diarhea, vomiting, or just feeling 'overfull'.  Also a circulatory stimulant, helping to tone the heart and stimulate the extremities.  Lastly, it is very effective as a respitory aid.  It is quite effective for congestion of the chest and sinuses, and helping to prevent and recover from colds.

Helichrysum, "curry plant", Helichrysum arenarium

   Folk medicine presents it as a great help for fighting the ravages of aging and the therapeutic property of stimulating new cell growth would underscore this, since it encourages the growth and regeneration of new skin cells. It has great regenerating qualities and can assist in the healing of scars, acne, dermatitis, stretch marks, boils and abscesses and is great for use on aging skin. 
   This specialist essential oil is useful in cases of phobias, after shock, as well as depression and is a powerful cell rejuvenating, regenerating and tissue rebuilding oil. It energizes the body, boosts the immune system and help with allergies. It is one of the best oils to use on the skin if rejuvenating and regenerating is required and is a great boon to help heal scars, acne and other skin problems.

Jiao Gu Lan, Pentophyllum gynostema

   Jiao Gu Lan impacts the body in numerous ways. It is commonly taken to improve circulation, reduce stress, battle fatigue, strengthen immunity and improve the aging process. Because it is an adaptogen, Jiao Gu Lan can be taken every day as a regular tonic herb to improve long-term health and well-being.
   Jiao Gu Lan's antioxidant and superior herb properties have caused the herb to be compared to ginseng. In fact, four of the over 80 saponins in Jiao Gu Lan are identical to those of ginseng, but about four times as concentrated. Jiao Gu Lan's other saponins, called gypenosides, are directly related to the "ginsenosides" found in ginseng root. These saponins are what accounts for Jiao Gu Lan's regulatory effect on many bodily systems. 
   Finally, Jiao Gu Lan also acts as a gentle detoxifier, unlike many other immune and qi stimulating herbs, which tend to be hotter and drier in nature.


Lemon Balm, Melissa officinalis

   Strengthens nervous system, enhances digestion, antispasmodic, eases emotional upset. Believed to be a strengthener of the mind and nervous system, it is a tonic to the heart, nervous and digestive systems and antispasmodic to muscles. 
    Lemon Balm is also a great support for the female reproductive system and cases tension associated with the menstrual cycle and cramping. Lemon Balm is used to ease menstrual tensions, pains and acts as an antidepressant.
   Lemon Balm is widely used to regulate an over-active thyroid.  It is also very effective for migraine headaches.

Peppermint, Mentha piperita
   Peppermint It has strong analgesic properties and is useful for muscle pains, bruises, contusions, and stimulates the lymph nodes. The antimicrobial and antiviral properties make it useful for a variety of topical applications. On the skin, it helps to relieve itching and irritation and helps to cool the skin and reduce redness. Peppermint essential oil clears the mind, help you focus and relieves mental strain.

Spilanthes, "toothache plant", "tropical echinacea", Spilanthes acmella

   Spilanthes is most widely know for the natural analgesic effect it can have on sore teeth and gums.  However, that is only the beginning of its therapeutic benifits.  It is one of the absolute best herbs for dental health due to its potent anti-biotic, anti-fungal, and immune boosting properties.  It is also a potent anti-parasitic.  
   The herb excells at killing harmful intestinal bacteria, candida in particular.  It seems to boost production of leukocytes and antiviral interferon, and it is often used topically to treat bacterial infection of the skin and wounds, and fungal infections like ringworm.  Spilanthes can also be used for the same type of conditions as Echinacea, such as beginning stages of flus, as they have very similar chemical compositions and effects.
   The tincture can be used as a mouthwash, or internally as needed.  Spilanthes shount NOT be used internally for LONG periods of time because it can kill off good intestinal flora as well as bad. 

Tulsi, Holy Basil, Krishna variety, Ocinum sanctum 
 
   Holy Basil Tulsi is one of the most potent general adaptogens known to modern science, strengthening the body’s natural capacity to adapt to a wide variety of stresses, and restore and maintain healthy homeostatic equilibrium. Tulsi thus off ers remarkable preventative and curative potential with respect to many stress-related degenerative disorders, such as cancer, heart disease, arthritis, diabetes and neurological dementia.
    Current scientific research offers substantial evidence that Tulsi protects against and reduces stress; enhances stamina and endurance; increases the body’s efficient use of oxygen; boosts the immune system; reduces inflammation; protects against radiation damage; lessens aging factors; supports the heart, lungs and liver; has antibiotic, antiviral and antifungal properties; enhances the efficacy of many other therapeutic treatments; and provides a rich supply of antioxidants and other nutrients. 
   Overall, Tulsi is a premier adaptogen, helping the body and mind to adapt and cope with a wide range of physical, emotional, chemical and infectious stresses, and restore disturbed physiological and psychological functions to a normal healthy state. 

Yarrow, Achillea millefolium

   Best used for its ability to fight off seasonal colds and flus.  Also a potent hemostatic (stops bleeding) herb for topical usage.  The British Herbal Compendium notes that preparations of yarrow lower fevers, induce sweating, stop cramps, encourage menstruation, relieve inflammation, and stimulate the release of stomach acid to digest proteins and fats. The herb is taken internally to treat colds, fevers, and indigestion, and used in skin treatments of slow-healing wounds. The Complete German Commission E Monographs recommends sitz baths with yarrow added to the bath water to relieve pelvic cramps in women.