Herb
(Scientific Name) |
|
Parts
Used |
|
Phytochemical
and Nutrient Content |
|
Actions
and Uses |
|
Comments |
Damiana
(Turnera diffusa)
|
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Leaves. |
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Phytochemicals:
Alpha- pinene, beta- carotene, beta-pinene, beta-sitosterol, 1,8-cineole,
tannins, thymol. Nutrients: Calcium, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus,
potassium, selenium, zinc, vitamins B1, B2, B3, and C. |
|
Stimulates
muscular contractions of the intestinal tract and delivery of oxygen to
the genital area. Used as an energy tonic and aphrodisiac, and to remedy
sexual and hormonal problems. A "sexuality tonid" for women. |
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Caution:
Interferes with iron absorption when taken internally |
Dandelion
(Taraxacum officinale)
|
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Flowers,
leaves, roots, tops. |
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Phytochemicals:
Beta-carotene, beta- sitosterol, caffeic acid, cryptoxanthin, lutein, mannitol,
p-coumaric acid, saponin, stigmasterol. Nutrients: Calcium, iron, magnesium,
manganese, phosphorus, potassium, selenium, zinc, vitamins B1, B2, B3, and
C. |
|
Acts
as a diuretic. Cleanses the blood and liver, and increases bile production.
Reduces serum cholesterol and uric acid levels. Improves functioning of
the kidneys, pancreas, spleen, and stomach. Relieves menopausal symptoms.
Useful for abscesses, anemia, boils, breast tumors, cirrhosis of the liver,
constipation, fluid retention, hepatitis, jaundice, and rheumatism. Believed
to help prevent age spots and breast cancer. |
|
Leaves
can be boiled and eaten like spinach (young leaves can be used in salads).
Caution: Should not be combined with prescription diuretics. Not recommended
for people with gallstones or biliary tract obstruction. |
Devil's
claw (Harpagophytum procumbens)
|
|
Rhizome. |
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Phytochemicals:
Chlorogenic acid, cinnamic acid, harpagide, harpagoside, kaempferol, luteolin,
oleanolic acid. Nutrients: Calcium, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus,
potassium, selenium, zinc. |
|
Relieves
pain and reduces inflam- mation. Acts as a diuretic, sedative, and digestive
stimulant. Good for back pain; arthritis; rheumatism; diabetes; allergies;
liver; galibladder and kidney disorders; arteriosclerosis; lumbago; gout;
and menopausal symptoms. |
|
Also
called grapple plant, wood spider. Caution: Should not be used during pregnancy
|
Dong
quai (Angelica sinensis)
|
|
Roots. |
|
Phytochemicals:
Alpha-pinene, bergapten, beta-carotene, beta- sitosterol, carvacrol, falcarinol,
ferulic acid, ligustilide, myristic acid, p- cymene, scopoletin, umbelliferone,
vanillic acid. Nutrients: Calcium, folate, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus,
potassium, selenium, zinc, vitamins B1, B2, B5, and C. |
|
Acts
as a mild sedative, laxative, diuretic, antispasmodic, and pain- reliever.
Improves the blood. Strengthens the reproductive system. Assists the body
in using hormones. Used to treat female problems such as hot flashes and
other menopausal symptoms, premenstrual syndrome, and vaginal dryness. |
|
Also
known as Chinese angelica. Caution: Should not be used during pregnancy.
Should not be used by people who have diabetes or are light- sensitive.
|
Echinacea
(Echinacea species)
|
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Leaves,
roots. |
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Phytochemicals:
Alpha-pinene, apigenin, arabinogalactan, beta- carotene, beta-sitosterol,
betaine, borneol, caffeic acid, caryophyllene, chlorogenic acid, cichoric
acid, cynarin, echinacoside, ferulic acid, kaempferol, luteolin, quercetin,
rutin, stigmasterol, vanillin, verbascoside. Nutrients: Calcium, iron, magnesium,
manganese, phosphorus, potassium, selenium, zinc, vitamins B1, B2, B3, and
C. |
|
Fights
inflammation and bacterial and viral infection. Stimulates certain white
blood cells. Good for the immune system and the lymphatic system. Useful
for allergies, colic, colds, flu, and other infectious illnesses. Also helpful
for snakebite. |
|
For
internal use, a freeze-dried form or alcohol-free extract is recommended.
Caution: Should be used with caution by people who are allergic to ragweed
or to plants in the sunflower family. Should not be taken for prolonged
periods by people with auto- immune disorders, as it stimulates the immune
system. |
Elder
(Sambucus nigra)
|
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Flowers,
fruit, inner bark, leaves, roots. |
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Phytochemicals:
Alpha-amyrin, astragalin, beta-carotene, beta- sitosterol, betulin, caffeic
acid, campesterol, chlorogenic acid, cycloartenol, ferulic acid, isoquercitrin,
kaempferol, lupeol, malic acid, myristic acid, oleanolic acid, p-coumaric
acid, pectin, quercetin, rutin, shikimic acid, stigmasterol, ursolic acid.
Nutrients: Calcium, essential fatty acids, vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, and C.
|
|
Combats
free radicals and inflammation. Relieves coughs and congestion. Builds the
blood, cleanses the system, eases constipation. Enhances immune system function.
Increases perspiration, lowers fever, soothes the respiratory tract, and
i stimulates circulation. Effective against flu viruses. The flowers are
used to soothe skin irritations. |
|
Also
called black elder, European elder. Caution: Should not be used during pregnancy
The stems of this plant should be avoided. They contain cyanide, and can
be very toxic. |
Ephedra
(Ephedra sinica)
|
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Stems. |
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Phytochemicals:
Beta-carotene, d-norpseudoephedrine, ellagic acid, ephedrine, gallic acid.
Nutrients: Calcium, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, selenium,
zinc, vitamins B1, B2, B3, and C. |
|
Relieves
congestion, aids in the elimination of fluids, relieves bronchial spasms,
and stimulates the central nervous system. May decrease appetite and elevate
mood. Useful for allergies, asthma, colds, and other respiratory complaints,
as well as for depression and obesity. |
|
Also
known as ma huang. Caution: Should not be used by persons who have anxiety
disorders (panic attacks), glaucoma, thyroid disease, diabetes, heart disease,
or high blood pressure, or who are taking monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitor
drugs. |
Eucalyptus
(Eucalyptus globulus)
|
|
Bark,
essential oil, leaves. |
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Phytochemicals:
Alpha-pinene, beta- pinene, caffeic acid, carvone, chlorogenic acid, ellagic
acid, ferulic acid, gallic acid, gentisic acid, hyperoside, 1,8-cineole,
p-cymene, protocatechuic acid, quereetin, quercitrin, rutin. |
|
Acts
as a decongestant and mild antiseptic. Reduces swelling by helping to increase
blood flow. Relaxes tired and sore muscles. Good for colds, coughs, and
other respiratory disorders. Inhaling vapor from a few drops of the oil
helps to break up mucus. |
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Recommended
for external use only. Should not be used on broken skin or open cuts or
wounds. |
Eyebright
(Euphrasia officinalis)
|
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Entire
plant, except the root. |
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Phytochemicals:
Beta-carotene, caffeic acid, ferulic acid, tannins. Nutrients: Calcium,
chromium, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, selenium, zinc,
vitamins B1, B2, B3, and C. |
|
Prevents
secretion of fluids and relieves discomfort from eyestrain or minor irritation.
Used as an eyewash. Good for allergies, itchy andlor watery eyes, and runny
nose. Combats hay fever. |
|
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False
unicorn root (Chamaelirium luteum)
|
|
Roots. |
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Phytochemicals:
Chamaelirin, helonin, saponins. |
|
Balances
sex hormones. Helps treat infertility, menstrual irregularities and pain,
premenstrual syndrome, and prostrate disorders. May help prevent miscarriage.
|
|
Also
called helonias. |
Fennel
(Foeniculum vulgare)
|
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Fruit,
roots, stems. |
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Phytochemicals:
Alpha-pinene, benzoic acid, bergapten, beta-carotene, beta- phellandrene,
beta-sitosterol, caffeic acid, camphor, cinnamic acid, cynarin, ferulic
acid, fumaric acid, isopimpinellin, isoquercitrin, kaempferol, limonene,
linalool, myristicin, 1,8-cineole, p-coumaric acid, pectin, protocatechuic
acid, psoralen, quercetin, rutin, scopoletin, sinapic acid, stigmasterol,
umbelliferone, vanillic acid, vanillin, xanthotoxin. Nutrients: Amino acids,
calcium, choline, essential fatty acids, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus,
potassium, selenium, vitamins B1, B2, B3, C, and E. |
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Used
as an appetite suppressant and as an eyewash. Promotes the functioning of
the kidneys, liver, and spleen, and also clears the lungs. Relieves abdominal
pain, colon disorders, gas, and gastrointestinal tract spasms. Useful for
acid stomach. Good after chemotherapy and/or radiation treatments for cancer.
|
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The
powdered plant can be used as a flea repellent. |
Fenugreek
(Trigonella foenum- graecum)
|
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Seeds. |
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Phytochemicals:
Beta-carotene, beta-sitosterol, coumarin, diosgenin, kaempferol, luteolin,
p-coumaric acid, quercetin, rutin, saponin, trigonelline, vitexin. Nutrients:
Amino acids, calcium, essential fatty acids, folate, iron, magnesium, manganese,
phosphorus, potassium, selenium, zinc, vitamins B1, B2, B3, and C. |
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Acts
as a laxative, lubricates the intestines, and reduces fever. Helps lower
cholesterol and blood sugar levels. Helps asthma and sinus problems by reducing
mucus. Promotes lactation in nursing mothers. Good for the eyes and for
inflammation and lung disorders. |
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Oil
of fenugreek has a maple-like flavor. |
Feverfew
(Chrysanthemum parthenium)
|
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Bark,
dried flowers, leaves. |
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Phytochemicals:
Beta-carotene, parthenolide, santamarin. Nutrients: Calcium, iron, magnesium,
manganese, phosphorus, potassium, selenium, zinc, vitamins B1, B2, B3, and
C. |
|
Combats
inflammation and muscle spasms. Increases fluidity of lung and bronchial
tube mucus, promotes menses, stimulates the appetite, and stimulates uterine
contractions. Relieves nausea and vomiting. Good for arthritis, colitis,
fever, headaches, migraine headaches, menstrual problems, muscle tension,
and pain. |
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Chewing
the leaves is a folk remedy, but this may cause mouth sores. Also called
featherfew, featherfoil. Caution: Should not be used during pregnancy. People
who take pre- scription blood-thinning medications or who regularly take
over-the- counter painkillers should consult a health care provider before
using feverfew, as the combination can result in internal bleeding. |
Flax
(Linum usitatissimum)
|
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Seeds,
seed oil. |
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Phytochemicals:
Apigenin, beta- carotene, beta-sitosterol, campesterol, chlorogenic acid,
cycloartenol, lecithin, luteolin, myristic acid, squalene, stigmasterol,
vitexin. Nutrients: Amino acids, calcium, essential fatty acids, iron, magnesium,
manganese, phos- phorus, potassium, sulfur, vanadium, zinc, vitamins B1,
B2, B3, B5, and E. |
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Promotes
strong bones, nails, and teeth, as well as healthy skin. Useful for colon
problems, female disorders, and inflammation. |
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The
seeds are an excellent addition to a diet that is low in fiber. |