Traditionally used for muscus discharges, runny nose, excessive secretions of saliva,
night sweats, hot flashes, excess perspiration and to cease lactation. Antispasmodic,
antiseptic, astringent, diaphoretic, expectorant, nervine, and tonic. Folk remedy against
colds, diarrhea, enteritis, venereal disease, snake bites, sore throats, toothaches, and
cancer. May help improve memory and concentration. Bactericide. Used in mouthwashes and
gargles. Antioxidant. Leaves considered antimicrobial & anti-inflammatory. Thought to
prolong life. Used for mouth disease. Key Uses: Coughs, digestion, fevers, sweating,
mouth sores, sore throat, profuse excretions.
SARSAPARILLA (Smilax ornata)
Increases circulation to rheumatic joints. Contains testosterone and
progesterone. Used in bodybuilding formulas for both males and females.
Used to treat infertility and hormonal imbalance. Useful during menopause.
Antibiotic properties. Anti-microbial. Has endotoxin binding properties.
Stimulate. Helps provide glandular balance. Used for skin conditions
such as psoriasis. Used to treat venereal diseases. Key Uses:
psoriasis, eczema, general tonic, skin eruptions, wasting diseases.
SAW PALMETTO (Serenoa serrulata)
Useful in wasting diseases. A good remedy for the reproductive
glands. Most research centers use to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia.
Anti-inflammatory. Nutritive tonic. Increases size of mammary glands.
Decreases ovarian and uterine irritability. Relieves dysmenorrhea. Assists
and normalizes thyroid activity. Diuretic. Urinary antiseptic, endocrine
agent. Used for breasts, digestion, glands, reproductive organs, sex
stimulant, weight gain. Key Uses: wasting diseases, prostate,
thyroid disease. Note: Needs to be taken with food. Fat-soluble.
SHEPHERD'S PURSE (Capsella bursa-pastoris)
Used as a diuretic. Stops bleeding. Useful for dysentery, diarrhea,
and inflammation of colon. Anti-inflammatory. Key Uses: ulcer, bleeding,
hemorrhoids, profuse menstrual flow, high blood pressure, bruises. Caution:
Seeds may cause skin blisters.
SKULLCAP (Scutellaria lateriflora)
Food for the nerves. Supports nervous system. Said to regulate undue sexual desires. Sleep aid. Used for epilepsy and chorea. Used for alcohol
and drug withdrawal. Treats nervous tension, hysterical states, and
premenstrual tension. Headache and other pain relief. Used for convulsions,
alcoholism, epilepsy, fever reducer, hypotensive, infertility, insomnia,
nerves, restlessness. Key Uses: nervousness, insomnia alcohol
and drug withdrawal, epilepsy and chorea.
SLIPPERY ELM (Ulmus fulva)
Neutralizes stomach acid. Absorb gases. Aids digestion of milk. Coats
stomach and colon against irritations. Useful for bronchial and sinus
problems. Soothes sore throat. Assists adrenal glands. Can be used as
food. Draws out impurities. Used to treat ulcers. Soothes mucous membranes.
Used to treat coughs. Eases childbirth and reduces pain of labor. Used
for asthma, bronchitis, burns, colitis, colon, coughs, diarrhea, digestion,
lung problems, ulcers. Key Uses: sore throat, ulcers, nutritive
antinauseous food. Note: Makes an excellent, nutritious gruel for wasting
conditions.
ST. JOHN’S WORT (Hypericum perforatum)
Native to Europe but naturalized in parts of US. Most commonly known as an anti-depressant
useful for mild, chronic depression. A sedative and anti-inflammatory. Has astringent
properties. Supportive of nerves and nervous system. Has anti-viral and anti-bacterial
properties. Considered a wound healer. Traditionally used for the melancholy associated
with menopause. Excellent for PMS. Has shown promise as an aid for Chronic Fatigue
Syndrome to help reduce pain and inflammation and act as a sleep aid. Currently being
evaluated as an herbal treatment against HIV. Cautions: may decrease effectiveness of
birth control pills. Should not be taken concurrently with prescription anti-depressans,
an SSRI, or MAO inhibitor. Key Uses: mild, chronic depression, shingles, flu, colds,
neuralgia, anxiety, dysentery, worms, menopause, pain.
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STEVIA (Stevia rebaudiana)
Extremely sweet. Used as sugar substitute. Used for hundreds of years in South America as sweetener. Also used in Japan. Not evaluated as a sweetener by FDA. Controversial.
