| The following herb reference
guide summarizes the actions and properties of some commonly used herbs. It is intended to
be used for general information and reference purposes only.
It is not designed to replace the
advice of a qualified health professional or medical herbalist/phytotherapist.
|
| HERB |
USES |
| Agnus castus (Vitex agnus castus) |
Menstrual
problems, menopausal conditions and skin conditions linked to hormone imbalances. |
| Aloe vera |
Gel used as
first aid cure for burns and sunburn. Juice taken internally to help soothe and heal.
Often used to help irritable bowel syndrome. |
| Artichoke (Cynara scolymus) |
A bitter herb
used for liver and digestive health. Herbal bitters aid the digestive process. Bile
production and gall bladder health. |
| Astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus) |
Immune system stimulant. Also used for stress and
to combat fatigue. |
| Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus) |
Night vision
and eye health. Cardiovascular health. |
| Celery (Apium graveolens) |
Seeds are
used for their antirheumatic properties, especially for gout. Celery is also sometimes
used as a urinary antiseptic. |
| Damiana (Turnera diffusa) |
Tonic and
restorative for reproductive system, especially in males. |
| Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) |
Liver and
digestive tonic. Also a gentle diuretic. |
| Devil's claw (Harpagophytum procumbens) |
Used as an
anti-inflammatory and analgesic for arthritic and rheumatic conditions. |
| Dong quai (Angelica senensis) |
Menstrual and
menopausal problems. |
| Echinacea sp. ("ek-in-aysha") |
Immune system
stimulant, colds, 'flu and other minor infections. Urinary infections. |
| Elder (Sambucus nigra) |
Used for
colds, catarrh and as an expectorant. |
| Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium) |
Mainly used
for preventing or treating migraine headaches. Needs to be taken regularly over a period
of time to be effective. |
| Garlic (Allium sativum) |
Natural
antibiotic and antifungal, used for colds, catarrh, coughs, chestiness. Helps maintain
heart health, regulates cholesterol levels, anticoagulant. Taken to support respiratory
health. |
| Ginger (Zingiber officinalis) |
Circulatory
stimulant described by herbalists as a "warming" herb. Used for chills and catarrhal
colds. Travel sickness, nausea, indigestion and as an appetiser. |
| Ginkgo biloba |
Circulatory
stimulant, especially cerebral and peripheral circulation. Sometimes used to maintain
memory function. May also help some tinnitus sufferers. |
| Ginseng, Korean (Panax sp.) |
Adaptogenic
action normalising body systems. Stress, mental exertion.
Supports adrenal function.
Tonic, stimulant, improves stamina. If taken regularly it is often
recommended to take a short break
every two to three months. |
| Ginseng, Siberian (Eleutherococcus senticosis) |
Different
family, but with similar actions to Panax ginsengs. Some authorities suggest Siberian
ginseng has a slightly gentler action. |
| Hawthorn (Crataegus sp.) |
Cardiac
tonic, atherosclerosis. |
| Horse chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum) |
Varicose
veins and haemorrhoids. Helps strengthen venous walls. |
| Kava kava (Piper methysticum) |
Calming herb with relaxant effects, helps anxiety. |
| Milk thistle (Silybum marianum) |
Liver health,
stimulates bile flow. |
| Oats (Avena sativa) |
Insomnia,
anxiety, depression and as a nerve tonic. Also used for shingles. |
| Passion flower (Passiflora incarnata) |
Calming and
sedative properties. Irritability, insomnia. |
| Sage (Salvia officinalis) |
Used for
menopausal conditions, especially to help reduce perspiration/night
sweats (antihydrotic). |
| St John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum) |
A calming
herb. Has a restorative effect on the nervous system.
Commonly used for anxiety and mild
depression. Applied externally, the red plant oil is a gentle
antiseptic and can also be used
for mild burns. |
| Stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) |
Taken to
stimulate the circulation and cleanse the system. Arthritis, gout and eczema. Fluid
retention. |
| Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) |
Gentle,
natural tranquilliser and sedative. Digestive relaxant. One of the main herbs used for
insomnia. |
