This area is designed to provide you with an overview of some of the more common medicinal herbs which have been used for centuries to prevent and cure numerous ailments. Today supplementation is available in the form of capsules, tinctures, pills and concentrates. Or, why not try to grow your own medicinal herb garden.

Herb Warning: Please see this list of herbs that should NOT be used during pregnancy.

LIST OF HERBS A - C

Click on a Herb to learn more.

Aloe Vera - Used topically to heal wounds and burns. Used internally to heal the digestive system and gently eliminate or reduce constipation.

Angelica - Treats chronic bronchitis, colds, and feverish conditions, flatulence, colic and digestive problems, and helps with eyesight, deafness, and toothaches. Do not use if pregnant or a diabetic.

Arnica - Used for centuries to relieve the aftereffects of falls, blows, sports injuries & overexertion. It makes black & blue marks go away faster & relieves the pain, swelling & stiffness caused by physical trauma. Used to treat backache, bedwetting, childbirth (after birth pain and expulsion), headache, muscular aches, pain and spasms, pain, rheumatism, shock, sprains/strains, tendonitis.

Bee Pollen - Used by athletes to build stamina, active people and business people to relieve stress, and those with hayfever. Bee Pollen is a good supplement for dieters or those who need added nutrition.

Black Cohosh - This is the most popular herbal supplement in Europe for women experiencing change-of-life (perimenopause) symptoms. Black Cohosh provides isoflavones and other constituents that help support a woman's health during this phase of her life.

Blue Cohosh Similar to Black Cohosh, Blue Cohosh helps relieve muscle spasms and stimulates uterine contractions for childbirth. Useful for memory problems, menstrual disorders and nervous disorders, CAUTION: Should not be used during pregnancy.

Borage - Essential fatty acids are critical in the production of prostaglandins. In the body prostaglandins help regulate fat metabolism, inflammatory response, hormones, as well as the cardiovascular, immune and central nervous systems. Modern diets and lifestyles may block the conversion of the essential fatty acid LA into GLA.

Burdock - This Root is used as a food and medicine in cultures all over the world. It is traditionally used for skin disorders associated with adolescence. Burdock combines well with Red Clover, Yellow Dock, and Dandelion.

Butcher's Broom - Popular in Europe for improving circulation in the legs. Butchers Broom contains a mixture of steroidal saponins which produce a vasoconstrictive effect.

Calendula - This herb contains antibacterial, antiviril and immune stimulating properties. Calendula extract may be useful in treating gingivitis, hard to heal wounds, leg ulcers and mouth and throat irritation. Calendula also helps regulate menstrual cycle and reduces fever. It relieves hypersecretory gastritis, a condition associated with ulcers and is great for insect bites and stings.

Cat's Claw - Supports a wide range of health problems associated with immune and digestive problems such as gastric ulcers, arthritis, intestinal disorders, certain skin disorders, herpes, candidiasis, chronic fatigue, lupus, and tumors. It can also be used as an aid for stomach and bowel disorders including Crohn's disease, leaky bowel, colitis, diverticulitis gastritis, intestinal flora imbalance, and hemorrhoids. Cat's Claw prevents the formation of blood clots, lowers blood pressure, increases circulation, and inhibits the formation of plaque. It is helpful for inflammatory conditions such as arthritis, bursitis, and rheumatism. It is also helpful with female hormonal imbalances, irregularities of the female cycle and with symptoms of PMS. It may benefit diabetics and is known to protect from environmental toxins.

Catnip - Used for centuries to stimulate the central nervous system. Catnip also nourishes the stomach and aids in digestion and may ease symptoms of the flu such as nausea and diarrhea. It may be used on the skin as an insect repellent.

Chamomile - Used for it's calming effects for after birth pain and expulsion, depression, eczema, eye problems, headache, high blood pressure (hypertension), measles, menstrual problems (tardy or suppressed), parasites. Many people drink chamomile tea before bed to assist with relaxation.

Chaste Tree - Well known for its balancing effects to the female reproductive system.

Citronella - Used as an alternative to chemical repellants sold on the market.

Cleavers - Reduces inflammation and tones the lymphatic system.

To Learn more about the Medicinal and Cooking benefits of Herbs
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