HERBAL MATERIA MEDICA

  Please do not use herbal medicine without consulting your physician, especially if you are already on
prescription medicines.

ANGELICA - Angelica Archangelica -  Also called Wild Celery.  Used for digestive com-
plaints.   Also for respiratory complaints such as colds, flu, bronchitis.

ASTRAGALUS - Astragalus Membranaceus -  It is an organ toning herb, particulary stimulating to the immune system.

BLACK COHOSH - Cimicifuga Racemosa -  Also known as Squawroot or Snakeroot.  Named Black because of its dark medicinal roots.  The Indians used it for rattlesnake bite, hence the name Snakeroot, but it was primarily used by Native American women for gynecological problems and childbirth.  It has estrogenic effects and may help with menstrual discomforts and menopausal symptoms.

BLESSED THISTLE - Cnicus Benedictus - Also called Holy Thistle.  A tonic for liver and digestion.  Enriches flow of mothers milk.  A female hormone balancer.

BLUE COHOSH - Caulophyllum Thalictriodes - Also known as Papoose Root, believing that it brought on labor and hastened childbirth.  Not safe for persons with high blood pressure, heart disease, and diabetes.  The berries are poisonous, although they look edible to children, as they closely resemble a blueberry.

CHAMOMILE - Matricaria Recutita -  Used for digestive problems, soothes a nervous stomach.  It also has a calming effect.  Great for babies and children.  Used internally and externally to speed wound healing.

CHAPARRAL - Larrea Tridentata - Contains Antioxidants, used for major disease healing and rebuilding.  A blood purifier.  Mouthwash used to prevent tooth decay and gum disease.

ECHINACEA ANGUSTIFOLIA AND PURPUREA -   Also called Purple Coneflower.  Native flower of the midwest.  Boosts the immune system.  Great for use at the onset or during bacterial or viral infections , such as colds, flu, sore throat, bronchitis, etc.  Can be used alone or in conjunction with allopathic treatment (ie. antibiotics).  The root  is most medicinal.

EYEBRIGHT - Euphrasia Officinalis - Treats combinations ofeye problems, conjunctivitis, weak eyesight, chronic eye inflammation, etc.  Can be taken internally or used as an eyewash.

FO-TI ROOT - Ploygonium Multiflorum - A liver and blood tonic used to restore vigor and energy.  Can counter the effects of aging, such as hair color loss.

GINKO BILOBA -  Has been tested in the use for impaired memory and hearing.  The standardized extract is used widely by physicians in Europe.  Increases blood flow to the brain, heart and to nerves involved in hearing.  Has been used to treat tinnitis.

GINSENG - Panax Quinquefolium - An overall tonic used to counteract fatigue.  Counteracts damage caused by physical and emotional stress, enhances memory.

HAWTHORNE BERRY - Crataegus Oxyacantha -  It is a tonic for the heart, improving the blood supply.  May eliminate some forms of arrhythmia.  Also effective in reducing high blood pressure.

HYSSOP - Hyssopus Officinalis  Tea is used for soothing sore throat and coughs.  May drink tea or gargle with it.

KAVA KAVA - Piper Methysticum -  A great herb for nervous exhaustion and depression.  Do Not Use This Herb With Prescription Antidepressants.

LEMON BALM - Melissa Officinalis -  Soothing and calming.  Good for Children.  Treats nervousness.

MILK THISTLE - Sylibum Marianum -  Used in liver conditions.  It actually repairs and rebuilds damaged liver cells.  Increases mother's milk.

MULLEIN LEAF - Verbascum Thapsus -  Great for colds and coughs, sore throats and diarrhea.  Flowers can be infused in oil and used for eardrops in ear pain and ear infection.

NETTLE -  Urtica Dioca - Used by nursing mothers to increase milk flow.  Freeze-dried Nettles works most effectively for upper respiratory complaints caused by allergies such as hayfever.  Also used in inflammatory skin conditions, externally to clean wounds.

PASSIONFLOWER - Passiflora Incarnata -  Has a slight sedative effect, for use in nerve disorders.  Also used for menstrual cramping and headaches caused by tension.

RASPBERRY LEAF -  Rubus Idaeus - Used for menstrual problems.  Strengthens and tones the female system, used in combination with other "female herbs" for painful or profuse menstruation.

RED CLOVER - Trifolium Pratense - A blood purifying herb with a mild anti-biotic effect.  Used in inflammatory skin conditions.   Great for colds and chest congestion and bronchitis.

SHEPERDS PURSE - Capsella Bursa Pastrois -  A hemostat that controls excessive bleeding in situations such as menstruation and childbirth.  Can be used for internal bleeding such as stomach ulcers.  Can also be used externally on wounds.

ST. JOHN'S WORT -  Hypericum Perforatum - Often used in depression, sometimes clinical depression, helps rebuild nerves.  Helps with nerve pain and for mental burnout.  It can also be used topically for minor abrasions, cuts and burns.

VALERIAN - Valeriana Officinalis -  A pain relieving, sedative herb safely used for insomnia and anxiety.  It is anti-spasmodic so it works well for menstrual cramps and muscle spasms.Combine with Feverfew for relief of migrane headaches.