Useful For: Prevention of anemia. Protects the nervous systems, aids in concentration and digestion. Can assist with energy issues.
Herbal Sources: Alfalfa, Bladderwrack, Hops, Oatstraw, Nettle, Red Clover, Peppermint, Fenugreek
Food Sources: Whole grains, organ meats, sweet potatoes, avocados, egg yolks, fish, and whey
Useful For: Teeth, bones, nerves, heart, kidneys
Herbal Sources: Burdock, Turkey Rhubarb, Slippery Elm
Food Sources:
Useful For: Water balance, muscles, nervous system, heart
Herbal Sources: Catnip, Hops, Horsetail, Nettle, Plantain, Red Clover, Sage, Scullcap
Food Sources: Potatos, Benanas, papayas, edamame, tomato sauce, spinach, oranges, celery, cabbage, seaweed
Other notes: Potassium is not something to try to get from supplements. When not gained through food, potassium has a tendency to build up in the body, which can lead to very serious medical conditions.
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.
Use in tandem with:
Directions & Warnings:
Name: Ginseng
Latin: Panax quinquefolium
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Used for: Senility, longevity, energy, and memory. Strengthens the endocrine glands, which assists in the metabolism of vitamins and minerals. Used in conjunction with Sarsparilla to regulate male hormones. Can also strengthen your immune system. Supports the health and vitality of the nervous system. Can be used as a gentle stimulant during times of stress.
Use in tandem with:
Directions & Warnings: This herb should be used with care, as it does have a very intense action.
Name: Marshmallow
Latin: Althea officinalis
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Parts Used: Root
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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:
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Name: Red Clover
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Vitamins & Minerals: Most, in good quantity
Used for: This is a lovely tonic and nutritive herb, containing a long list of vitamins and minerals in good quantity. Due to the flavour it adds to teas, it also helps to mitigate or cover that of some of the more bitter medicinals. Mixed with mint, it makes a good cold remedy. It ranks neat the top of herbal fertility promoters. It is a liver and blood strengthener. Because of the intense nutritive quality, it is also anti-cancer. It can assist with calming nerves, and alleviating nervous disorders. As with the products of the bees who love it so much, it can be used for a variety of skin issues.
Use in tandem with:
Name: Oatstraw
Latin: Avena Sativa
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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.