Herbal Dictionary

Arnica ~ Arnica montana

• Anti-inflammatory, antiseptic

• Primarily used to treat external wounds

• Promotes tissue regeneration

• Creams and compresses are used to treat arthritis, sprains, bruises and headaches

• Infusions used to clean wounds, abscesses and boils

• External use only

Bladderwrack ~ Fucus vesiculosus

• Rich source of iodine (+ calcium, magnesium, potassium)

• Treats underactive and oversized thyroid

• Anti-oestrogenic effects lower risk of oestrogen-dependent diseases

• Lowers lipid and cholesterol levels, supporting weight loss

• Improves skin elasticity and reduces skin thickness

• Anti-candida, antibacterial, anti-tumour

Blessed Thistle ~ Cnicus benedictus

• Rich source of iron

• Increases circulation and oxygen delivery to the brain

• Supports brain, heart and lung function

• Bitter phytonutrients support liver and gallbladder function and promote digestion

• Antifungal, diuretic

• Treats hormonal disorders interfering with regular menstruation

• Increases flow of breast milk

• Removes toxins, acids and mucus (aids intracellular cleansing)

Blue Vervain ~ Verbena hastate

• Diuretic, antimalarial, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial

• Treats nervous disorders such as stress, anxiety and restlessness

• Treats menstrual cramps

• Increases flow of breast milk

• Calms spasms and convulsions

Bugleweed ~ Ajuga

• Lowers high levels of thyroid hormones (hyperthyroidism)

• Treats PMS and breast pain

• Treats nervousness and insomnia

• Reduces bleeding, especially with nosebleeds and heavy menstruation

Burdock Root ~ Actium lappa

• Diuretic, blood cleanser, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-fungus, anti-cancer, antiviral, antibacterial

• Treats skin conditions (e.g. acne, eczema, psoriasis) by removing toxins from the skin

• Promotes urination to stimulate kidney function and repair

• Purifies blood and restores liver function

Cascara Sagrada ~ Rhamnus purshiana

• Contains emodin (antiviral and anticancer properties)

• Used as a laxative

• Stimulates peristaltic action of the intestine (wave-like motion, restores tone and health of intestine by pushing waste out of diverticula pouches)

• Helps to restore mucous lining of intestine

• Improves stomach, liver and pancreas secretions

• Breaks up and removes gallstones

Chamomile ~ Matricaria chamomilla

• Effective nervine properties

• Ideal for soothing and calming babies, curing colic and stomach upset

• Perhaps the safest and most pleasant sedative available

• Infusions can be used externally to keep skin healthy

• Treats symptoms of indigestion and heartburn

Chaparral ~ Larrea tridentate

• Antimicrobial, antibacterial, anti-tumour, anticancer, antiulcer, anti-inflammatory

• Kills parasites

• Addresses sexually transmitted diseases

• Treats skin conditions (eczema, psoriasis, rash, bruises)

• Treats respiratory issues like colds and bronchitis

Cleavers ~ Galium aparine

• Purifies the blood

• Externally treats skin conditions

• Strong diuretic. Not recommended for diabetics.

• Flushes a range of diseases from the body through the kidneys

• Dissolves kidney stones

Cocolmeca ~ Smilax regelii

• Anti-inflammatory, antiulcer, antioxidant, anticancer, diaphoretic, diuretic

• Binds with toxins to remove them from the body

• Treats skin conditions such as psoriasis and leprosy

• Treats rheumatoid arthritis and joint pain, headaches, colds and sexual impotence

Damiana ~ Turnera diffusa

• Anti-aromatase, anti-anxiety

• Strengthens male and female sexual organs, boosts sexual drive and potency

• Blocks androstenedione and estrone conversion to oestrogen

• Helps control oestrogen related illness like breast cancer and fibroids

• Treats depression and nervousness

• Treats constipation

Dandelion ~ Taraxacum

• Used for loss of appetite, upset stomach, intestinal gas, muscle aches, joint pain, eczema and bruises

• Skin toner, blood tonic, digestive tonic

• Treats infections (especially viral) and cancer

• Laxative and diuretic

Elderberries ~ Sambucas negras

• Anti-inflammatory, antiviral, anti-influenza, anti-cancer

• Treats colds, flu and allergies

• Removes mucus from respiratory system

• Binds with the H1N1 virus to stop it entering cells

• Boosts immune system

• High in vitamin C

Eyebright ~ Euprasia officinalis, Euphrasia rostkoviana

• Anti-inflammatory, antiseptic

• Used as an eyewash to sooth the eye’s mucous membrane and to treat chronic inflammation of the eye

• Used internally to treat upper respiratory infections like sinusitis and hayfever

• Treats wounds and reduces skin inflammation

Feverfew ~ Tanacetum parthenium

• Treats various menstrual difficulties such as pain and delay

• Treats fever and migrane

• Helpful for those suffering from congestion, athsma and bronchial infections

Guinea Henweed ~ Petiveria

• Anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antibacterial, anti-candida, antiviral, antifungal

• Reduces pain

• Reduces spasms

• Reduces anxiety

• Promotes menstruation and perspiration

• Expels worms

Hemp ~ Cannabis sativa

• Anticancer

• Rich in CBD (cannabidiol)

• Addresses the brain, central nervous system and immune system

• Treats pain conditions such as fibromyalgia and arthritis

• Balances mood and mental health

• Reduces spasm and convulsion in conditions such a epilepsy and Parkinson’s disease

Hops ~ Humulus lupulus

• Antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, anticancer

• Relieves pain

• Promotes digestion, urination and appetite

• Treats infections, insomnia and sleeping disorders

• Reduces anxiety, tension, irritability and nervousness

• Treats ADHD

• Cleanses liver, spleen, kidneys and digestive system

Huereque ~ Ibervillea sonorae

• Hypoglycaemic, anti-obesity, antimicrobial

• Lowers blood-sugar levels, treats diabetes and reduces weight

• Nourishes and cleanses the pancreas

Hydrangea Root ~ Hydrangea

• Anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, anti-parasitic, autoimmune

• Hydrangin compound dissolves calcium deposits in soft tissue

• Treats bladder and kidney disease, dissolves kidney stones

• Cleans the lymphatic system

Lavender ~ Lavandula

• Antifungal, antibacterial, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, anti-insomnia, anticonvulsant, antispasmodic, antianxiety and antidepressant

• Treats restlessness, insomnia, nervousness and depression.

• Used for migraine, nerve pain and joint pain

• Reverses abdominal swelling from gas, upset stomach, nausea, loss of appetite and vomiting

• Treats acne

Lily of the Valley ~ Convallaria majalis

• Anti-angiogenic, anti-tumour, diuretic

• Heart tonic to treat heart failure and irregular heartbeat

• Similar action to the drug ‘Digitalis’, but less concentrated

• Promotes oxygen delivery to the heart

• Reduces blood pressure and relaxes a weak heart to beat more slowly and efficiently while increasing its power

Linden ~ Tilia

• Antioxidant, neuro-protective, anticonvulsant, anti-seizure, antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, diuretic

• Supports immune system

• Relaxes nerves, relieves depression

• Treats insomnia, fever, headaches and migraines, inflammatory skin conditions and the liver and gallbladder

Nettle (Stinging Nettle) ~ Urtica dioica

• Overall health tonic and blood purifier

• Anti-inflammatory, anticancer, diuretic, antioxidant, antimicrobial, antiulcer, analgesic, haemostatic

• Rich in iron and chlorophyll

• Root used for enlarged prostate

• Treats congestion issues, joint/muscle complaints, allergies, neurological disorders (sciatica, MS, neuralgia)

• Treats hair loss, scalp conditions, restores hair colour

• Improves circulation

• Cleanses kidneys, removes kidney stones

• Treats anaemia and reduces anaemic fatigue

• The list goes on and on…

Nopal ~ Opuntia

• Contains numerous phytonutrients, antioxidants, vitamins and minerals

• Reverses type 2 diabetes

• Treats high cholesterol, obesity, alcohol hangover, colitis, diarrhoea and viral infections

• Source of iron

Prodigiosa ~ Brickellia canvanillesi

• Stimulates pancreas and liver secretions, increasing bile synthesis and evacuation of bile from gallbladder

• Treats diarrhoea, stomach pain, gallbladder disease

• Treats diabetes by controlling blood-sugar levels

• Treats headache and fever

• Antianxiety

• Induces vivid dream state

Quassia ~ Quassia amara

• Antifungal, antiulcer, antimalarial, anticancer, insecticide

• Treats constipation, diarrhoea, intestinal parasite infections, and fever

• Used to stimulate digestive tract and bile production, increase appetite, cleanse blood

• Stimulates enzyme production

• Rebalances flora in the digestive tract to support the immune system

• Not recommended for pregnant women, or men planning to reproduce

• Not to be taken continuously for long periods

Raspberry Leaf ~ Rubus idaeus

• Raspberry leaf tea is highly recommended for women during and following childbirth

• Astringent, stimulant

• Treats painful heavy periods and morning sickness

• Purifies blood and skin

• Treats heart problems, fever, diabetes and gastrointestinal tract disorders

Red Clover ~ Trifolium pratense

• Anticancer, diuretic, expectorant, sedative, anti-inflammatory, anti-atherosclerosis

• Oestrogen properties relieve menopause symptoms

• Purifies the blood

• Breaks up calcification in soft tissues

• Cleans lymphatic system of lymph fluid waste

Rhubarb Root ~ Rheum palmatum

• Antioxidant, anticancer, antibacterial, heavy-metal chelation

• Regulates the digestive tract to treat diarrhoea, constipation, stomach pain and acid reflux

• Softens the stool to ease bowel movements and reduce pain from haemorrhoids and tears of the lining of the anus

• Treats kidney stones and kidney disease

• Removes acids and mucus from the body

• Aids intracellular cleansing

Sage ~ Salvia officinalis

• Antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anti-tumour, anti-diarrhoeal, anti-obesity

• Reduces LDL cholesterol and raises HDL cholesterol

• Improves memory

• Treats menopausal hot flashes

• Reduces gastrointestinal inflammation

• Nourishes the pancreas

• Treats diabetes

• Used as a mouthwash and gargle to treat oral infections

• Reduces fever

• Poultice stops bleeding

Sapo ~ Eryngium carlinae

• Hypolipidemic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory

• Lowers cholesterol and triglyceride levels in blood and arteries

• Treats gallstones and kidney stones

Sarsaparilla ~ Smilax

• Anti-inflammatory, antiulcer, antioxidant, anticancer, diaphoretic, diuretic

• Binds with toxins for their removal from the blood and body

• Treats skin conditions like psoriasis and leprosy

• Treats rheumatoid arthritis and joint pain, headaches, colds and sexual impotence

Seamoss (Irish Moss) ~ Chondrus crispus

• Antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, laxative, demulcent

• Sooths irritated mucous membranes from colds, coughs, bronchitis, tuberculosis, gastric ulcers, and intestinal problems

• Source of calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, iron

• Supports joint and skin health

• Wide range of nutrients makes is a great all round mineral supplement

Sensitiva ~ Mimosa sensitive

• Antidepressant, anticonvulsant, antibacterial, diuretic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, aphrodisiac

• Relieves pain caused by haemorrhoids and arthritis

• Stops bleeding

• Treats uterine infections

• Increases sexual desire and libido

Shea Butter ~ Vitellaria paradoxa

• Comes from the nut of the Shea tree

• Rich in skin protective fatty acids, nutrients and phytonutrients

• Moisturises the skin and increases elasticity

• Treats blemishes, wrinkles, sunburn, eczema and small wounds

Shepherds Purse ~ Capsella bursa-pastoris

• Effective in the treatment of bleeding (internal and external)

• Haemostatic, astringent, diuretic

• Treats diarrhoea

• Treats haemorrhages

• Reduces menstrual cramps and long periods

Soursop Leaves ~ Annona muricata

• Anticancer, anti-tumour, antibacterial, anti-parasitic, sedative, antidepressant, antiviral, anticonvulsant

• Reduces blood pressure and lowers heart rate

• Dilates blood vessels

• Reduces spasms

• Reduces fever

• Expels worms

• Stimulates digestion

Valerian Root ~ Valerianu officinalis

• Sedative, anticonvulsant, antianxiety and antidepressant

• Relieves anxiety, nervousness, exhaustion, headache and hysteria

• Relaxes and strengthens the uterus

Wild Cherry Bark ~ Prunus serotina

• Treats colds, whooping cough, bronchitis and other lung problems

• Treats diarrhoea, gout, digestive disorders, pain and cancer

• Used in cough syrups for its sedative, drying and cough-suppressing effects

Wormwood ~ Artemisia absinthium

• Treats digestion problems such as loss of appetite and upset stomach

• Treats gallbladder disease

• Reduces intestinal spasms

• Treats fever, liver disease and worm infections

• Stimulates sweating and increases sexual desire

• Used in creams and compresses for wounds and insect bites

Yarrow ~Achillea millefolium

• Stops bleeding

• Speeds up healing of wounds

• Treats colds and fever

• Stimulates perspiration and brings vitality

• Treats diarrhoea, loss of appetite and gastrointestinal tract discomfort

Yellow Dock ~ Rumex crispus

• Antioxidant, antimicrobial, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antipyretic

• Stimulates bile production, aiding the digestion of fat

• Stimulates bowel movement to clear the digestive tract

• Purifies the blood

• Liver and gallbladder cleanser

• Cleans the lymphatic system

Yohimbe ~ Corvanthe yohimbe

• Anti-obesity, antidepressant, libido-enhancing

• Reverses erectile impotence

• Used commonly to aid male libido, but is effective also in increasing female sexual desire and performance