Useful For: Absorption of fats and proteins. Helps to prevent kidney stones. Helpful with allergies, arthritis, and asthma. Can also assist with energy levels.
Herbal Sources: Alfalfa, Catnip, Oatstraw, Nettle, Red Clover, Peppermint, Fenugreek
Food Sources: Whole grains, organ meats, sweet potatoes, avocado, egg yolks, fish, whey
Useful For: Teeth, bones, nerves, heart, kidneys
Herbal Sources: Burdock, Turkey Rhubarb, Slippery Elm
Food Sources:
Name: Stinging Nettle
Latin: Urtica Dioica
Other Common Names:
Family:
Parts Used:
Vitamins/Minerals: Calcium, Magnesium, Zinc, Iron, Cobalt, Potassium, Copper, B-Vitamins
Used for: Due to the nutritional denseness of this plant, it is one of the best tonic herbs. Eating a bit of this a day, or drinking a cup of infusion daily, will almost insure that you are getting enough of the basics. The nutrients contained make this herb particularly good for the kidneys, adrenals, and thyroid, which allows them to stabilize and increases energy levels. It also contains chromium in enough quantity to help stimulate appetite, under the right circumstances. If utilized regularly, nettle also assists with minimizing the effects of hayfever and other allergies. The sheer amount of calcium and magnesium also strengthens bones, hair, skin, and teeth. An additional side effect of the nutritional denseness is and increase in fertility, making nettle one of the best choice for that particular goal. The array of nutrients also make this a supportive herb for the nervous system.
Use in tandem with:
Directions & Warnings:
Name: Cranberries
Latin:
Other Common Names:
Family:
Parts Used:
Vitamins/Minerals:
Used for: Good for gastrointestinal health, as they improve blood vessel function, inhibit kidney stones, and can be helpful for kidney and bladder infections. They also have a lot of antioxidants, making them a good addition to an anticancer or heart health diet. They also have tannins that help to keep bacteria from sticking to cells.
Use in tandem with:
Directions & Warnings: They freeze quite well, so get extra to stock up.
Other Uses for:
Growing:
Name: Agrimony
Latin: Agrimonia Eupatoria
Other Common Names:
Family: Rose
Parts Used:
Vitamins/Minerals:
Used for: Flowering tops can be brewed into a tea to assist with spleen, liver, or kidney stress. It can also be used to ease indigestion or the pain of gallstones. Salve or oil is said to relieve varicose veins.
Use in tandem with:
Directions & Warnings:
Name: Marshmallow
Latin: Althea officinalis
Other Common Names:
Family:
Parts Used: Root
Vitamins/Minerals:
Used for: Marshmallow is one of the most effective mucilaginous herbs. It is good for acid problems of the digestive tract (ulcers, irritation, stones, and infections.) It is also useful for respiratory ailments, as it both calms the throat, and helps to expel mucous. It can be used as a poultice on sprains. It can also be used as a tea to increase the flow of milk when breastfeeding, and to enrich the milk. The mucilage also acts as a soothing and protective agent for inflamed and damaged nerves.
Use in tandem with:
Directions & Warnings:
Name: Crampbark
Latin:
Other Common Names:
Parts Used: Bark
Vitamins & Minerals:
Used for: This is one of the rarer herbs that can be used for the female reproductive system. It relaxes the ovaries and uterus, meaning that it can both help to stop a miscarriage, and ease a rough period. It is also a stimulant to the kidneys, increasing their ability to clean the body. The relaxant and anti-spasmodic effects are not merely useful for the uterus, so this herb can be used in preparations for other muscular issues as well. This herb can also be used in pain preparations, as it has rejuvenating effect on the nervous system, strengthening and easing it over time.
Name: Oatstraw
Latin: Avena Sativa
Other Common Names:
Parts Used:
Vitamins & Minerals: Silica, B Vitamins, Calcium
Used for: This is a nutrient rich herb that is quite good used as either a tonic infusion, or as a solid foundation for herbal teas. It is particularly high in silica, and assists in the assimilation of calcium. I have found it to have a synergistic effect with other herbs, strengthening their effects. Due to the action it has on calcium absorption and the amount of silica it contains, it helps to build stronger nails and bones, and makes hair healthier. Due to the sorts of vitamins it contains, it also has mild anti-depressant effects, and helps to calm anxiety. As it is also high in calcium, it can assist in relaxing the muscles and nerves. The combination of nutrients and effects make this herb a nerve tonic, toning and rehabilitating the nervous system over time. They also have enough mucilage that they function as a nerve cushioner, soothing and healing inflamed nerve endings. Oats are also a good basis for foods for convalescing. They are easy to digest, easy to flavor, and are gentle enough that they can usually be eaten following a high fever, a bout of food poisoning, or nasty flus. Oats are also good for the skin, and a wonderful choice for toiletries.