Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera thrives in sun and dry or moist soil. The plant is edible even though it tastes like turd. Aloe Vera juice is highly efficient in stimulating the healing process as well as decreasing the risk of infections in cases of:
- eczema
- wounds
- reducing inflammation
- burns
- cuts
Except for external (topical) use, aloe vera can also be consumed to treat:
- digestive problems
- poor appetite
- ulcerative colitis (drinking aloe vera juice)
- chronic constipation
Marsh Mallow
Marshmallows used to be made of this plant. Marsh Mallow taken internally treats:
- peptic ulceration
- gastritis
- inflammations and irritations of the urinary and respiratory mucus membranes
- counter excess stomach acid
The root is also used externally to treat:
- aching muscles
- sprains
- insect bites
- bruises
- splinters
- skin inflammations
Unlike Aloe Vera, Marsh Mallow leaves are very edible and can be added to salads, boiled or fried. Cystitis and frequent urination are also treated with this herb.
Great Burdock
This herb thrives in damp soil and in shade. Both Chinese and Western herbal medicine use Great Burdock for detoxification. Its root is beneficial for throat infections and skin diseases resulting from ‘toxic overload’:
- boils
- burns
- ringworm
- bites
- bruises
- rashes
- herpes
- eczema
- acne
- impetigo
Crushed leaves and seeds can be used to make a compress for bruises, burns, ulcers and sores.
Pot Marigold
Almost any type of soil condition is appropriate for this herb. It even tolerates nutritionally poor, very acidic or very alkaline soils, as long as it’s humid. It’s widely recognized as a skin remedy, and is used externally for:
- sprains
- wounds
- bites
- stings
- varicose veins
- sore eyes
Fevers and chronic infections are treated with its internal use.
The tea of the petals improves circulation and if taken on a regular basis, reduces varicose veins.
When crushed stems of the pot marigold are applied to corns and warts, it quickly makes them easy to remove.
Gotu Kola
The gotu kola has significant impact on different stages of connective tissue development. It prompts healing of:
- skin injuries
- stimulation of the lipids and protein necessary for healthy skin
- ulcers
- decreasing capillary fragility
The gotu kola leaves are supposed to stimulate youthfulness. Crushed leaves are used for an open sores compress. It’s additionally used to:
- treat venous insufficiency
- revitalize the brain and nervous system
- increase attention span and concentration
- treat leprosy
Camomile
Digestive issues have long been treated medicinally with this sweet, crisp, fruity and herbaceous fragrance. The whole herb is used to treat common aches like toothache, earache, shoulder pain and neuralgia. Its soothing and calming effect is highly beneficial in the area of aromatherapy, reducing stress and promoting sleep.
Globe Artichoke
As of lately, following the discovery of cynarin, the cardoon or artichoke thistle has become an important medicinal herb. This bitter tasting herb asks for a lot of sun. Best harvested before blossoming, the cardoon leaves treat:
- chronic liver and gall bladder diseases
- early stages of late-onset diabetes
- lower blood cholesterol levels
- jaundice
- hepatitis
- arteriosclerosis
And they also stimulate:
- secretion of digestive juices
- liver and gall bladder function
Chinese Yam
The Chinese yam is easily grown, thriving in fertile, well-drained soil and a lot of sun. This type of yam can be consumed raw. Sweet and soothing to the stomach and spleen, it also has energizing effect on the kidneys and lungs. Used internally, it treats:
- loss of appetite
- poor digestion
- chronic diarrhea
- tiredness
- weight loss
- diabetes
- emotional instability
- asthma
- dry coughs
- uncontrollable urination
Externally, it treats:
- ulcers
- boils
- abscesses
Moreover, the leaf is used to soothe snakebites and scorpion stings.
Echinacea
Echinacea is one of the world’s most significant medicinal herbs. Not only has it the capacity to increase the body’s resistance to bacterial and viral infections by stimulating the immune system, but it also contains antibiotic properties that ease allergies. Once used by the Native Americans to soothe insect bites, stings and snakebites, Echinacea roots are highly effective in the treatment of sores, wounds and burns. Providing it gets enough sunlight, Echinacea grows on any well drained soil.
Siberian Ginseng
This herb has a wide scope of healing properties, especially as a potent energizer that maintains good health. Its health benefits are seen in treatment of:
- physical and mental stress
- bone marrow suppression caused by chemotherapy or radiation
- angina
- menopausal problems
- geriatric debility
- anti-inflammatory purposes
- immunogenic purposes
- chemoprotective purposes
- radiological protection
- hypercholesterolemia and neurasthenia with headache
- insomnia
- poor appetite
- increasing endurance
- memory improvement
Great Yellow Gentian
Used in treatment of digestive disorders and states of exhaustion from chronic diseases, the great yellow gentian root is a bitter herb which also stimulates the liver, gall bladder and digestive system, improving the overall body function. When consumed, it treats:
- indigestion
- gastric infections
- anorexia
- liver complaints
Sea Buckthorn
Over centuries, the sea-buckthorn has been used in China to alleviate cough, stimulate digestion and blood circulation and to relieve pain. In Mongolia, they use the branches and leaves to treat gastrointestinal distress in humans and animals.
The bark and leaves are highly beneficial for treatment of diarrhea, gastrointestinal, dermatological disorders and topical compressions for rheumatoid arthritis. Even the flowers can be applied as skin softeners.
In addition, the berries can be combined with other medications for treatment of pulmonary, cardiac, blood, gastrointestinal and metabolic disorders. Fresh sea buckthorn berry juice is taken in case of:
- colds
- fever
- inflammation
- peptic ulcer
- gastritis
- eczema
- canker sores
- general ulcerative disorders
- keratitis
- trachoma
- exhaustion
- stomach ulcers
- metabolic disorders
- liver diseases
- cancer
Tea Tree
The medicinal purposes of tea tree leaves were even recognized by the Aborigines, who chewed on young leaves in order to alleviate headaches. The paperbark per se is highly beneficial to them because it has numerous purposes – it serves to line coolamons when used as cradles, as a bandage, as a sleeping mat, as material for building humpies, as an aluminum foil, as a disposable rain coat and for tamping holes in canoes.
Tea tree oil extracted from the leaves and twigs is anti-fungal, antibacterial, and antiseptic. It is therefore a must for every household medicine box. Tea tree oil is used in treatment of :
- thrush
- vaginal infections
- cystitis
- glandular fever
- acne
- athlete’s foot
- chronic fatigue syndrome
- verrucae
- warts
- insect bites
- cold sores
- minor burns
- nits
Lemon Balm
The lemon minty scent of the leaves is the reason behind the plant’s name. The flowers blossoming during the summer are full of nectar. When applied on the skin, the crushed leaves are beneficial for:
- gout
- insect bites
- herpes
- sores
These are also an effective mosquito repellent.
A mixture of the leaves and water are recognized as powerful treatment against:
- indigestion due to nervous tension
- digestive upsets in children
- hyperthyroidism
- depression
- colds
- fevers
- mild insomnia
- headaches
Peppermint
Regarded as ‘the world’s oldest medicine,’ with archaeological evidence tracing its use at least as far back as ten thousand years ago, peppermints are naturally rich in manganese, vitamin A and vitamin C. You can easily calm and relax your muscles if you rub crushed peppermint leaves into your skin. Mint leave infusion is used to:
- inhibit bacterial growth
- treat fevers
- treat flatulence
- reduce irritable bower syndrome
- treat upset stomachs
- treat spastic colon
Evening Primrose
You can either consume the young roots like a vegetable, or you can eat the shoots as a salad. Piles and bruises can be relieved with compresses made of roots of the evening primrose. Moreover, obesity and bowel pains can also be treated with tea made from the roots. The leaves and bark made into evening primrose oil are however the more valuable parts. These are known to treat:
- eczema
- acne
- brittle nails
- multiple sclerosis
- premenstrual tension
- hyperactivity
- rheumatoid arthritis
- alcohol-related liver damage
Ginseng
Ginseng is greatly valued for its ability to promote health, general body vigor and prolong life, making it one of the most highly regarded medicines in the orient. Its roots are used to:
- improve stamina
- lower blood sugar levels
- lower cholesterol levels
- stimulate and relax the nervous system
- encourage secretion of hormones
- increase resistance to disease
- treat lack of appetite
- treat insomnia
- treat debility associated with old age
Turkey Rhubarb
Turkey Rhubarb is mainly recognized for its beneficial effects on the digestive system as a whole. It is gentle enough that even children may use it. The roots functions as an astringent stimulant to the digestive system while larger doses serve as laxatives. Apart from this, it is also efficient in treatment of:
- diarrhea
- chronic constipation
- hemorrhoids
- menstrual problems
- liver and gall bladder complaints
- skin eruptions due to accumulation of toxin
Sage
Sage in Latin is ‘salvia,’ meaning ‘to heal.’ When consumed, sage is beneficial for treatment of:
- indigestion
- flatulence
- anxiety
- depression
- liver complaints
- excessive lactation
- excessive perspiration
- excessive salivation
- menopausal problems
- female sterility
Externally, it is used for:
- skin infections
- insect bites
- throat infections
- mouth infections
- gum infections
- vaginal discharge
Wu Wei Zi
It is said that low doses of this fruit stimulate the central nervous system whereas large doses slow it down, while regulating the cardiovascular system. The seed is used for cancer treatment. Externally, it is efficient for treatment of sensitive and allergic skin conditions. Taken internally, it treats:
- urinary disorders
- involuntary ejaculation
- chronic diarrhea
- dry coughs
- asthma
- night sweats
- palpitations
- hyperacidity
- hepatitis
- diabetes
- insomnia
- poor memory
Milk Thistle
It protects and improves the liver function especially if affected with overconsumption of alcohol. When consumed, milk thistle promotes treatment of:
- jaundice
- hepatitis (liver inflammation)
- liver and gall bladder diseases
- high cholesterol levels
- insulin resistance in people with type 2 diabetes who also have cirrhosis
- the growth of cancer cells in breast, cervical, and prostate cancers
- poisoning
- the effects of a hangover
Comfrey
Comfrey is known for its contentof allantoin, which is a cell proliferant that accelerates the natural substitution of body cells. In children, it is believed to affect teeth and bone development. It is however safer to use externally than internally. A wide range of conditions is treated with comfrey and some of these include:
- broken bones
- sprains
- arthritis
- bronchial problems
- gastric and varicose ulcers
- varicose veins
- severe burns
- acne
- cuts
- bruises
- sprains
- sores
- eczema
Feverfew
Arthritis, colds, fevers many other conditions are treated with tea made from the whole plant. It is believed to be soothing and to regulate the menstrual period in women. If you are suffering from swollen feet, soak them in a feverfew infusion. You can also treat bruises if you apply it externally as a tincture. An effective treatment of some migraine headaches is chewing 1-4 leaves of feverfew a day.
Fenugreek
- Fenugreek seeds are nutritious and taken to:
- inhibit liver cancer
- lower blood cholesterol levels
- treat inflammation and ulcers of the stomach and intestines
- encourage weight gain
- drain off sweat ducts
- freshen bad breath
- restore a dull sense of taste
Or for:
- insufficient lactation
- painful menstruation
- labor pains
- body building
- late onset diabetes
- poor digestion
Slippery Elm
Highly nutritious porridge-like soup which is an efficient remedy for sore throats is made from ground inner bark of the slippery elm. It can also be used to calm the digestive tract. Before it was forbidden by certain countries like the UK, the bark of the slippery elm was used as an abortion tool, soaked in water and inserted into the cervix.
Stinging Nettle
Stinging nettle leaves, known both as a nutritious addition to the diet and as a herbal remedy, have a long tradition of being used for the treatment of:
- arthritis and anemia
- blood cleansing
- excessive menstruation
- hemorrhoids
- rheumatism
- hay fever
- skin problems like eczema
- nettle rash
- chicken pox
- bruises
- burns
Agnus Castus
Due to the fact that Agnus Castus is beneficial to the female hormonal system, its seeds and fruits are used to treat hormonal imbalances resulting from estrogen excess and progesterone insufficiency. It impacts the pituitary gland, decreasing the production of certain hormones and increasing the production of others, moving the balance in favor of the gestagens or hormones which ensure pregnancy. Hence it has a wide range of application in treatment of female reproductive system malfunctions and is extremely effective in:
- restoring fertility caused by hormonal imbalance
- restoring absent menstruation
- easing the transition of menopause
- regulating heavy periods
- relieving premenstrual tension
Source: www.realfarmacy.com
