Monthly Archives: January 2013

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White Willow

Name:  White Willow

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Used for:  The herb, mixed with vinegar, is said to be effective against warts and corns.  During menopause, willowbark has been found to lower incidences of night sweats and hot flashes.  Willowbark can also be used to lower fevers.  However, the primary usage for willowbark is as a pain reliever.  Aspirin was created from a compound found within willowbark, and they have similar actions and effects.  There are benefits to using the herb rather than the pill.  For one, the other constituents of willowbark make it far gentler on the stomach, and though it takes a bit longer to act than aspirin, the effects are longer lasting, and generally more effective.

Use in tandem with:

Directions & Warnings:  Same as aspirin, although to a far lesser extent.

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Feverfew

Name:  Feverfew

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Used for:  Used for headaches, particularly migraines.

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Directions & Warnings:  Not for use during pregnancy, or if wishing to become pregnant.  Feverfew is a potent emmenagogue.

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Comfrey (Symphytum officinale)

Name:  Comfrey

Latin:  Symphytum officinale

Other Common Names:  Knitbone

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Vitamins/Minerals:  Potassium, Calcium, Vitamin A

Used for:  Used as a poultice for burns, sprains, bruises, and wounds.  Can make the pain lessen, as well as speed healing.  Taken internally it will assist with the speed of knitting broken bones.  It can also act as a mild laxative.  It contains high amounts of a compound called allantoin, which encourages cell regeneration.

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Directions & Warnings:  The FDA is really worried about comfrey, and while I argue most of the ways they approach dealing with herbs (especially when compared to how they deal with Big Pharma), comfrey they are pursuing to an extent that I only suggest it for external use.

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Purslane

Name:  Purslane

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Vitamins/Minerals:  Omega 3’s, calcium, magnesium, potassium, phenylalanine, tryptophan, Vitamin E, Vitamin C, Vitamin A

Used for:  Due to the nutrients contained within purslane, it is one of the best herbs for fighting depression.  It is also a potent nutritive, a one cup serving giving you all of your vitamin E, magnesium, calcium, and potassium.  The same nutritive qualities make this excellent for strengthening bones, maintaining healthy nerves, and balancing electrolytes.

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