Herb
(Scientific Name) |
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Parts
Used |
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Phytochemical
and Nutrient Content |
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Actions
and Uses |
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Comments |
Calendula
(Calendula officinalis)
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Flower
petals. |
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Phytochemicals:
Alpha-amyrin, beta- amyrin, beta-sitosterol, caffeic acid, campesterol,
caryophyllene, chloro- genic acid, faradiol, galactose, gentisic acid, kaempferol,
lutein, lycopene, malic acid, myristic acid, oleanolic acid, p-coumaric
acid, phytofluene, quercetin, rutin, salicylic acid, saponin, stigmasterol,
syringic acid, taraxasterol vanillic acid, zeta- carotene. Nutrients: Calcium,
coenzyme Q10, vitamins C and E. |
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Reduces
inflammation and is soothing to the skin. Helps regulate the menstrual cycle
and lower fever. Useful for skin disorders, such as rashes and sunburn,
as well as for neuritis and toothache. Good for diaper rash and other skin
problems in small children. |
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Also
called pot marigold. Usually nonirritating when used externally. |
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Cascara
sagrada (Frangula purshiana)
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Bark. |
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Phytochemicals:
Aloe-emodin, anthra- quinones, barbaloin, beta carotene, casanthranol, chrysophanic
acid, chrysophanol, frangulin, malic acid, myristic acid. Nutrients: Calcium,
iron, linoleic acid, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, selenium,
sili- con, zinc, vitamins B1, B2, B3, and C. |
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Acts
as a colon cleanser and laxative. Effective for colon disorders, constipation,
and parasitic infestation. |
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Tastes
very bitter taken as a tea. |
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Catnip
(Nepeta cataria)
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Leaves. |
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Phytochemicals:
Alpha-humulene, beta-elemene, camphor, carvacrol, caryophyllene, citral,
citronellai, geraniol, myrcene, nepetalactone, piperitone, pulegone, rosmarinic
acid, thymol. Nutrients: Calcium, chromium, iron, magnesium, manganese,
phosphorus, potassium, selenium, silicon, zinc. |
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Lowers
fever (catnip tea enemas reduce fever quickly). Dispels gas and aids digestion
and sleep; relieves stress; stimulates the appetite. Good for anxiety, colds
and flu, inflammation, pain, and stress. |
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Can
be given to children. |
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Cat's
claw (Uncaria tomentosa)
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Inner
bark, roots. |
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Phytochemicals:
Alloisopteropodine, allopteropodine, isomitraphylline, isopteropodine, mitraphylline,
oleanolic acid, pteropodine, rhynchophylline, ursolic acid. |
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Acts
as an antioxidant and anti- inflammatory. Stimulates the immune system.
Cleanses the intestinal tract and enhances the action of white blood cells.
Good for intestinal problems and viral infections. May help people with
AIDS, arthritis, cancer, tumors, or ulcers. |
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Also
called uņa de gato. According to USDA research, cat's claw seeds contain
an enzyme instrumental in converting saturated fats to unsaturated fats.
Caution: Should not be used during pregnancy. |
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Cayenne
(Capsicum frutescens or C. annum)
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Berries. |
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Phytochemicals:
Alpha-carotene, beta-carotene, beta-ionone, caffeic acid, campesterol, capsaicin,
carvone, caryophyllene, chlorogenic acid, citric acid, cryptoxanthin, hesperidin,
kaempferol, limonene, lutein, myristic acid, 1,8-cineole, p-coumaric acid,
quereetin, scopoletin, stigmasterol, zeaxanthin. Nutrients: Amino acids,
calcium, essential fatty acids, folate, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium,
zinc, vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, C, and E. |
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Aids
digestion, improves circulation, and stops bleeding from ulcers. Acts as
a catalyst for other herbs. Good for the heart, kidneys, lungs, pancreas,
spleen, and stomach. Useful for arthritis and rheumatism. Helps to ward
off colds, sinus infections, and sore throats. Good for pain when applied
topically. Used with lobelia for nerves. |
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Also
called capsicum, hot pepper, red pepper. Caution: Avoid contact with the
eyes. |
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Cedar
(Cedrus libani)
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Leaves,
tops. |
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Phytochemicals:
Borneol, quinic acid. |
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Acts
as an antiviral, antifungal, expec- torant, lymphatic cleanser, and urinary
antiseptic. Stimulates the immune system. Increases venous blood flow. Can
be used externally for warts. |
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Celery
(Apium graveolens)
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Plant,
roots, seeds. |
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Phytochemicals:
Alpha-pinene, apigenin, bergapten, beta-carotene, caffeic acid, carvone,
chlorogenic acid, coumarin, eugenol, ferulic acid, isoquercitrin, limonene,
linalool, luteolin, mannitol, myristic acid, myristicin, p-coumaric acid,
rutin, scopoletin, shikimic acid, thymol. Nutrients: Amino acids, boron,
calcium, choline, essential fatty acids, folate, inositol, iron, magnesium,
manganese, phosphorus, potassium, selenium, sulfur, zinc, vitamins A, B1,
B2, B3, B5, B6, C, E, and K. |
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Reduces
blood pressure, relieves muscle spasms, and improves appetite. Good for
arthritis, gout, and kidney problems. Acts as an diuretic, antioxidant,
and sedative. |
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Caution:
The seeds should not be used during pregnancy nor should large amounts of
the herb. |
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Chamomile
(Matricaria recutita or M. chamornilla)
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Flowers,
plant. |
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Phytochemicals:
Alpha-bisabolol, apigenin, azulene, borneol, caffeic acid, chlorogenic acid,
farnesol, gentisic acid, geraniol, hyperoside, kaempferol, luteolin, p-coumaric
acid, perillyl alcohol, quercetin, rutin, salicylic acid, sinapic acid,
tannin, umbelliferone. Nutrients: Choline, vitamins B1, B3, and C. |
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Reduces
inflammation, stimulates the appetite, and aids digestion and sleep. Acts
as a diuretic and nerve tonic. Helpful for colitis, diverticulosis, fever,
headaches, and pain. Good for menstrual cramps. A traditional remedy for
stress and anxiety, indigestion, and insomnia. Useful as a mouthwash for
minor mouth and gum infections. |
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Also
called German chamomile, wild chamomile. Roman chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile)
is also available, but is less common. Caution: Should not be used daily
for long periods of time, as this may lead to ragweed allergy. Should be
used with caution by those who are allergic to ragweed. Should not be used
with sedatives or alcohol. |
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Chanca
piedra (Phyllanthus niruri)
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Entire
plant. |
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Phytochemicals:
Limonene, lupeol, methyl salicylate, quercetin, quercitrin, rutin, saponins.
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Fights
inflammation and bacterial and viral infection. Acts as a diuretic. Useful
for kidney stones, gallstones, colds, flu, digestion, asthma, bronchitis,
diarrhea, pain relief, fever, sexually transmitted diseases, and muscle
spasms. |
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A
rainforest herb whose name means "stone crusher!' Also known as seed-on-the-
leaf. |
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Chaparral
(Larrea tridentata)
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Leaves. |
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Phytochemicals:
Alpha-pinene, beta- carotene, borneol, camphene, camphor, gossypetin, limonene,
nordihydroguaiaretic acid. Nutrients: Amino acids, calcium, magnesium, selenium,
sulfur, zinc, vitamins B1, B2, B3, and C. |
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Fights
free radicals and chelates heavy metals. Has anti-HIV activity. Protects
against harmful effects of radiation, sun exposure, and the formation of
tumors and cancer cells. Relieves pain. Good for skin disorders. |
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Caution:
Recommended for external use only. Taken internally, especially in large
doses and/or for prolonged periods, can cause liver damage. |
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Chaste
tree (Vitex agnus- castus)
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Fruit,
leaf. |
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Phytochemicals:
Alpha-pinene, alpha-terpineol, chrysosplenol, flavonoids, limonene, linalool,
myrcene, 1,8-cineole, pinene, progesterone, testosterone. |
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Has
a calming and soothing effect. Relieves muscle cramps. Regulates and normalizes
hormone levels and menstrual cycles. Increases and improves breast milk.
Good for symptoms of PMS and menopause. |
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Also
called chasteberry, vitex. Caution: Should not be used during pregnancy.
Should not be given to children. |
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Chickweed
(Stellaria media)
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leaves,
stems.
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Phytochemicals:
Beta-carotene, genistein, rutin. Nutrients: Calcium, essential fatty acids,
iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, selenium, silicon, sulfur,
zinc, vitamins B1, B2, B3, C, and E. |
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Relieves
nasal congestion. May lower blood lipids. Useful for bronchitis, circulatory
problems, colds, coughs, skin diseases, and warts (applied topically). A
good source of vitamin C and other nutrients. |
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Also
called starweed. |
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Chuchuhuasi
(Maytenus krukovit)
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Bark. |
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Anthocyanidins,
catechin, maytensine, nocotinyl, sesquiterpenes, triterpenes, tannins. |
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Fights
inflammation and stimulates the immune system. Supports the adrenal system
and balances and regulates menstrual cycles. Good for arthritis, rheumatism,
back pain, muscle spasms, fever, skin tumors, bronchitis, diarrhea. |
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A
rainforest herb used traditionally to stimulate sexual desire. |
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Cinnamon
(Cinnamomum verum)
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Bark,
plant. |
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Phytochemicals:
Alpha-pinene, benzaldehyde, beta-carotene, beta- pinene, borneol, camphor,
caryophyl- lene, cinnamaldehyde, coumarin, cuminaldehyde, eugenol, farnesol,
geraniol, limonene, linalool, mannitol, mucilage, 1,8-cineole, phellandrene,
tannin, terpinolene, vanillin. Nutrients: Calcium, chromium, copper, iodine,
iron, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, zinc, vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, and
C. |
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Relieves
diarrhea and nausea; counteracts congestion; aids peripheral circulation.
Warms the body and enhances digestion, especially the metabolism of fats.
Also fights fungal infection. Useful for diabetes, weight loss, yeast infection,
and uterine hemorrhaging. |
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Caution:
Should not be used in large amounts during pregnancy. |
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Clove
(Syzygium aromaticum)
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Flower
buds, essential oil. |
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Phytochemicals:
Beta-carotene, beta- pinene, beta-sitosterol, campesterol, carvone, caryophyllene,
chavicol, cinnamaldehyde, ellagic acid, eugenol, gallic acid, kaempferol,
linalool, methyleugenol, methylsalicylate, mucilage, oleanolic acid, stigmasterol,
tannin, vanillin. Nutrients: Calcium, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus,
potassium, zinc, vitamins A, B1, B2, and C. |
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Has
antiseptic and antiparasitic properties, and acts as a digestive aid. Essential
oil is applied topically for relief of toothache and mouth pain. |
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Caution:
Clove oil is very strong and can cause irritation if used in its pure form.
Diluting the oil in olive oil or distilled water is rec- ommended. Essential
oil should not be taken internally except under the careful supervision
of a health care professional. |
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Comfrey
(Symphytum officinale)
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Leaves,
roots. |
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Phytochemicals:
Allantoin, beta- carotene, caffeic acid, chlorogenic acid, rosmarinic acid,
sitosterol, stigmasterol. Nutrients: Calcium, iron, magnesium, manganese,
phosphorus, potassium, selenium, zinc, vitamins B1, B2, B3, and C. |
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Speeds
healing of wounds and many skin conditions. Beneficial for bedsores, bites
and stings, bruises, inflamed bunions, burns, dermatitis, dry skin, bleeding
hemorrhoids, leg ulcers, nosebleeds, psoriasis, scabies, skin rashes, and
sunburn. |
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Also
called knitbone. Caution: May cause liver damage if taken internally Not
recom- mended for internal use except under the careful supervision of a
health care professional. External use is generally considered safe. Should
not be used during pregnancy. |
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Corn
silk (Zea mays)
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Styles,
stigmas ("tassels") |
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Phytochemicals:
Benzaldehyde, beta- carotene, betaine, beta-sitosterol, caffeic acid, campesterol,
carvacrol, caryophyllene, dioxycinnamic acid, geraniol, glycolic acid, limonene,
1,8-cineole, saponin, thymol, vitexin. Nutrients: Calcium, chromium, iron,
magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, vitamins B1, B3, and C. |
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Acts
as a diuretic. Aids the bladder, kidney, and small intestine. Lessens the
incidence of bed-wetting when taken several hours before bedtime. Good for
carpal tunnel syndrome, edema, obesity, premenstrual syndrome, and prostate
disorders. Used in combination with other "kidney herbs," opens the urinary
tract and removes mucus from the urine. |
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Cramp
bark (Viburnum opulus)
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Bark,
root. |
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Phytochemicals:
Esculetin, scopoletin, valerianic acid. Nutrients: Calcium, iron, magnesium,
manganese, phosphorus, potassium, selenium, zinc. |
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Relieves
muscle spasms and pain. Good for menstrual cramps. Useful for lower back
and leg spasms. |
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Also
called guelder rose. Closely related to black haw, which has the same medicinal
properties. Caution: Should be avoided during pregnancy. |
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Cranberry
(Vaccinium macrocarpon)
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Fruit. |
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Phytochemicals:
Alpha-terpineol, anthocyanosides, benzaidehyde, benzoic acid, beta-carotene,
chloro- genic acid, ellagic acid, eugenol, ferulic acid, lutein, malic acid,
quercetin. Nutrients: Calcium, folate, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus,
potassium, selenium, sulfur, zinc, vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, B5, C, and E.
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Acidifies
the urine and prevents bacteria from adhering to bladder cells. Good for
the kidneys, bladder, and skin. Has anticancer properties. Helpful for infections
of the urinary tract. |
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A
good source of vitamin C. Cranberry juice cocktail products that contain
sugar should be avoided. |