Antiseptic. Useful as gargle and mouthwash. Used in inflammatory conditions.
Helps remove morbid matter from the stomach and bowels. Used for correcting
liver function. Promotes flow of bile. Has been shown to reduce an enlarged
spleen. Aids gallbladder. Stimulates flow of bile from liver to gallbladder.
Same class as goldenseal for use as natural antibiotic. Contains berberine.
Avoid during pregnancy. Key Uses: diarrhea, indigestion, jaundice,
liver problems, gallbladder problems, sore throat. Useful for mucus
membrane infections, ulcers, sinus infections and as a vaginal douche.
BARLEY GRASS (Hordeum
vulgare)
Contains concentrated nutrients, enzymes, chlorophyll, proteins, vitamins and minerals. Possesses anti-viral properties.
Immune system enhancer. Has shown possible anti-tumor activity. Key Uses: anemia, arthritis, blood purifier, boils, cancer, metal
poisoning.
BAYBERRY (Myrica
cerifera)
Antiseptic. Used as gargle for tonsillitis and sore throat. Used for
colds, flu, fevers as a stimulant to rally the body's defenses. Astringent
for hemorrhoids and vaginal discharge. Excellent for colds and flu.
A component of the famous, "Dr. Thompson's Composition Powder."
Key Uses: cholera, diarrhea, dysentery, glands, goiter, indigestion,
jaundice, excessive menstrual bleeding, scrofula, uterine hemorrhage.
BILBERRY (Vaccinium
myrtillus)
Possesses significant collagen-stabilizing action. Has the ability to
cross-link collagen fibers. Reduces free radical damage as an antioxidant.
Inhibits enzymatic cleavage of collagen by enzymes secreted during inflammation.
Hinders the release of compounds that promote inflammation. Decreases
capillary fragility and permeability. Decreases the permeability of
the blood-brain barrier. Anti-aggregation effect on platelets. Reduces
hyperglycemia. Smooth muscle relaxer. Anti-ulcer activity. Has been
used to treat cataracts, vascular disorders, peptic ulcers, diabetes,
mitral valve prolapse. Key Uses: diabetic retinopathy, macular
degeneration, cataract, glaucoma, varicose veins, Reynard's Syndrome.
Useful for diarrhea. Powerful antioxidant. Used for most disorders of
the eye.
BLACK COHOSH (Cimicifuga
racemosaa)
Has ben used for nervous conditions. Known to relieve nerve pains, numbness
and neuralgia. Emmenagogue. Known to relieve menstrual pains. Menopause.
Contracts uterus. Helps increases circulation to reproductive organs.
Helps expel mucus from bronchial tubes. Contains phytoestrogens. Should
not be used during pregnancy. Should not be used if diagnosis of breast
or other reproductive organ cancers are apparent. Should not be used
in cases of fibrocystic breast disease. Traditionally used about week
before delivery to facilitate birth. It is a hypoglycemic. Aids in reducing
hypertension. Large dosages can cause nausea and dizziness. Can provoke
miscarriage. Key Uses: asthma, bronchitis, epilepsy, high blood
pressure, hormone balance, menopause, menstrual problems, St. Vitus
Dance, tuberculosis, whooping cough.
BLACK WALNUT (Juglans
nigra)
Kills parasites. Helps in reducing fatty acids in the blood stream. Helps balance sugar levels. Used to treat worms, parasites, and lupus.
Topical applications helpful against ringworm. Helps oxygenate the blood and clear away debris in vessels. Contains tannins and ellagic acid.
Can lower blood pressure. Key Uses: anti-parasitic, external antiseptic, stops lactation, skin rashes, ringworm, worms.
BLADDERWRACK (Fucus
vesiculosus)
Effect against nephritis, bladder inflammation, cardiac degeneration,
obesity, thyroid problems, and menstrual problems. Used in weight loss
formulas. Helps lower blood cholesterol levels. Shown to stimulate sluggish
thyroid. Protects the stomach. Key Uses: hypothyroidism, goiter,
obesity, rheumatoid arthritis, inflamed joints.
BLESSED THISTLE (Cnicus
benedictus)
Used for stomach and liver. Increases mother's milk. Reduces liver congestion.
Increases appetite. Used to treat hepatitis and jaundice. Especially
useful as a digestive aid. Helps balance hormones. Extremely bitter.
Possible anti-tumor activity. Aids circulation. Has some anti-anxiety
effects. Relieves melancholy. Key Uses: blood circulation, blood
purifier, digestion, gall bladder, headaches, balances hormones, lactation,
liver ailments, lungs, menstrual problems.
BLOODROOT(Sanquinaria
canadensis)
On the endangered or threatened species lists in some
states. Rhizome, leaf and stalk contain a reddish-orange juice. Native
Americans used this juice for body paint. Root considered strong medicine
and potentially poisonous. Approved by the FDA for use in commercial
toothpastes and oral rinses to inhibit dental plaque formation and
gingivitis. Used to induce vomiting in preparation for spiritual
ceremonies. Added to other herbal preparations to increase their
effectiveness. A small dose of bloodroot is medicinal, though large doses
can be toxic. This is one plant to be used wisely and with caution. Chief
uses are as a diuretic, expectorant, emetic, and tonic. Key
uses: digestive complaints, jaundice, and enlarged liver.
Root tea has been used in cough formulas, for asthma, bronchitis, lung disorders and
laryngitis. Bloodroot was used to reduce fevers. Used externally for fungus, tumors,
ringworm, tetter, warts, sores, eczema and skin cancer. Contains a caustic substance
that kills tissue on contact and was used in the 1800s as an external cancer
treatment. Excessive external application can lead to a burn.
BLUE VERVAIN (Verbena
hastata)
Natural tranquilizer. Promotes sweating. Useful for fevers. Anti-viral.
Also used to treat liver disorders, irregular and painful menses, colds,
fevers, and flu. Possesses anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties.
Possible anti-depressant. Key Uses: Asthma, bladder, bowels, consumption,
convulsions, coughs, bronchitis, fevers, insomnia, stomach, worms.
BONESET (Eupatorium perfoliatum)
Influenza. Used to reduce fever and relieve body pain and for colds.
Relaxant. Taken cold, it is a diuretic and has a mild laxatiave effect.
Taken hot, boneset promotes sweating. Useful for bronchial disorders.
Aids in removing mucus from the body. Key Uses: chills, colds,
fever prevention, flu, typhoid fever, yellow fever.
BROMELAIN
Sulfur-containing enzymes that digest protein.
Digestive aid. Effective substitute for trypsin or pepsin in cases
of pancreatic insufficiency. Excellent anti-inflammatory. Known
to increase serum levels of antibiotics. Possible anti-cancer, anti-tumor
effects. Useful for arthritis, reduction of swelling especially
after surgery. Fluidifies and decreases bronchial secretions. Useful
for varicose veins. Augments chemotherapy. Key Uses: inflammation,
sports injuries, respiratory tract infections, painful menstruation,
adjunct in cancer therapy.
BUCHU (Agathosma betulina)
Used for genito-urinary tract. Absorbs excessive uric acid, reduces
bladder irritations. Astringent and disinfectant to mucus membranes.
Diuretic. Great for inflammation of the urethra and cystitis. Useful
in early stages of diabetes. Prostate problems. Key Uses: bladder,
kidney problems, nephritis, prostate problems, urethritis.
BUCKTHORN BARK (Rhammus cathartica)
Stimulating effect on bile. Calming effect on gastrointestinal tract.
Mild laxative. Safe to use for chronic constipation over an extended
period. Good for children. Helpful in ulcerative colitis. Helps relieve
liver congestion. Key Uses: bleeding, bowels, constipation, fevers,
gallstones, lead poisoning, liver.
BURDOCK (Arctium lappa)
Blood purifier. Reduces inflammation. Promotes kidney function. Nourishes
hypothalamuand & pituitary glands. Aids in the metabolism of carbohydrates
(contains inulin). Abundance of minerals. Excellent for skin diseases.
Hypoglycemic.Possible anti-tumor, anti-biotic, anti-fungal properties.
Key Uses: arthritis, blood purifier, eczema, gout, kidney problems,
lungs, rheumatism, skin diseases.
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BUTCHER'S BROOM (Ruscus aculeatus)
Strengthening effect on vessel walls. Anti-inflammatory. Constricting
action on veins. Useful in post-operative conditions. Improves peripheral
circulation. Increases circulation to brain, legs and arms. Useful in
varicose veins, thrombosis, hemorrhoids and atherosclerosis. Effective
for arthritic and rheumatic pains. Key Uses: atherosclerosis, hemorrhoids,
thrombosis, varicose veins.
