Useful For: Liver and bone health. Longevity
Herbal Sources: Alfalfa, Oatstraw, Green Tea, Kelp, Nettle, Shepherd’s Purse
Food Sources:
Vitamin K
Category Archives: Herbs
Amaranth Greens
Name: Amaranth
Latin:
Other Common Names:
Family:
Parts Used:
Vitamins/Minerals: Lysine, Calcium, Iron
Used for: This plant is one of the top herbs for use in treating depression. It also contains lysine, an amino acid the body uses to make protein. Amaranth is actually considered a complete protein.
Use in tandem with:
Directions & Warnings: Try substituting amaranth for 1/4 the flour in your bread and pasta recipes.
Other Uses for:
Growing:
Rose (Rosa rugosa)
Name: Rose
Latin: Rosa rugosa, Rosa canina, and others…
Other Common Names:
Family: Rosaceae
Parts Used: All
Vitamins/Minerals: Vitamin C, antioxidants
Used for: Heart disease, cancer, mental decline. Immune system booster/strengthener. Rose can also act as a hormonal balancer, and are useful for mood issues. Due to the nutritional content of roses, this is almost a must for sickness and toxicity.
Use in tandem with:
Directions & Warnings:
Echinacea (Echinacea augustifolia)
Name: Echinacea
Latin: Echinacea Augustifolia
Other Common Names:
Family:
Parts Used:
Vitamins/Minerals:
Used for: Excellent lypmphatic cleanser. Strengthens the immune system. Anti-viral.
Use in tandem with: Myrrh
Tincture Dosage: Up to 1 drop tincture per lb body weight per day.
Directions & Warnings:
Herbs for Facial Care
Calendula – Anti-fungal, Anti-inflammatory, antiseptic
Chamomile – Anti-fungal, soothing, cleansing, good for reducing persistent inflammation. Especially recommended for around the eyes.
Elder Flower – A gentle cleanser, toner, and astringent. Elder flower can also be used to reduce inflammation.
Lavender Flower – Though slightly drying, it is soothing, reduces inflammation, and cleanses.
Lime (or Linden) Flower – Similar to chamomile, especially good for aging skin.
Mallow – Gentle anti-inflammatory will soothe irritated skin.
Mint – Tonifier
Rosemary – Antiseptic, toning, and vitalizing. Will improve blood circulation. Add Yarrow for a more potent astringent effect.
Thyme – Strong anti-bacterial herb, it can be effective as a skin wash for acne or other infections. Use with calendula or chamomile for a more soothing effect.
Yarrow – Toner, astringent, antiseptic. Good for aging or damaged skin.
Blue Cohosh (Cauphyllum thalictroides)
Name: Blue Cohosh
Latin: Cauophyllum thalictroides
Other Common Names:
Family:
Parts Used: Root/Rhizome
Vitamins/Minerals:
Used for: Primarily useful during childbirth, it helps to stimulate the uterine muscles and dilate the cervix. Antispasmodic and antirheumatic. Strangely, it can help to avert later term miscarriages. Helps to deal with the symptoms of menopause.
Use in tandem with:
Directions & Warnings: Usage during pregnancy or labour should be supervised.
Mouse-Eared Hawkbit (Hieracium pilosella)
Name: Mouse-eared Hawkbit
Latin: Hieracium pilosella
Other Common Names:
Family:
Parts Used:
Vitamins/Minerals:
Used for: This plant has antibiotic properties.
Use in tandem with:
Directions & Warnings:
Peppermint (Mentha piperita)
Name: Peppermint
Latin: Mentha piperita
Other Common Names:
Family: Mint
Parts Used:
Vitamins/Minerals: Calcium
Used for: Fights inflammation, is a bronchiodilator, has some effect against headaches, can be a coffee substitute, and is an effective element in cold and flu preparations. It is also good for most digestive issues. It can ease pain, and supports proper liver and nerve function. One of the reasons it makes a good coffee substitute is that the stimulation it gives comes from a healthier angle. Peppermint stimulates because of the nutritive value and by increasing circulation. It wakes the system up, rather than agitating it. Because it is kind of a catchall, I often use it to make medicinal teas more palatable, as it assists in mitigating unpleasant flavours.
Use in tandem with:
Uses for Pets:
Directions & Warnings:
Edibility: So many different ways. In water, in tea, in cocoa, in lemonade, in cookies, in cakes, in frosting, in….. I also saw a suggestion for mixing sprigs of it in with peas, which I will have to try.
Other Uses for: Bugs don’t like it when fresh and growing, so it can be used as a barrier along a house, or as an assist for more delicate plants.
Growing: Mint likes shade, so if you have a darker area that you aren’t sure what to plant, mint is a good fill-in. A bit literally, actually, because it really likes space, and will propagate itself in a number of ways all over the place.
Bayberry (Myrica cerifera)
Name: Bayberry
Latin: Myrica cerifera)
Other Common Names:
Family:
Parts Used: Roots and Bark
Vitamins/Minerals:
Used for: Used as a poultice on sores. It is an astringent. Can be used to slow or stop bleeding. Tea can be used as a gargle for sore throat. It also improves circulation.
Use in tandem with:
Directions & Warnings: Be careful with dosage, as too much can cause nausea and vomiting.
Black Cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa)
Name: Black Cohosh
Latin: Cimicifuga racemosa
Other Common Names:
Family:
Parts Used: Root
Vitamins/Minerals:
Used for: As a natural supplier of estrogen, black cohosh is an herb that is useful for a wide variety of female issues. The research studies have focused primarily on its use for menopausal symptoms, including hot flashes, vaginal discomfort, and osteoporosis. It also assists with incidences of menstrual migraines. It is also useful for pms, assisting with a wide range of symptoms, and helping to ease painful menstruation. It is useful during labour, facilitating effective contractions. Also assists with the recovery after the child is born. It is said to ease false labour pains, but overall I do not suggest using at all during pregnancy until labour has begun.
Use in tandem with: Red Clover
Directions & Warnings: Do not take this herb if you are pregnant or planning on becoming so. Do not give this herb to children. Also, if you begin having headaches after taking black cohosh, it is likely a sign that your estrogen levels are fine and you should use something else. Sarsaparilla and Ginseng are decent substitutes. Over 50 years of studied use in Germany have yielded no sign of toxicity, side effects, or drug interactions.