Herbs

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Herb (Scientific Name)	Parts Used	Phytochemical and Nutrient Content	Actions and Uses	Comments
Oat straw (Avena sativa)	Whole plant.	Phytochemicals: Benzaldehyde, beta- carotene, beta-ionone, beta-sitosterol, betaine, caffeic acid, campesterol, caryophyllene, chlorophyll, ferulic acid, lignin, limonene, p-coumaric acid, quercetin, scopoletin, sinapic acid, stigmasterol, vanillic acid, vanillin. Nutrients: Calcium, folate, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, selenium, zinc, vitamins A, B1 B2, B3, B5, B6, and E.	Acts as an antidepressant and restorative nerve tonic. Increases perspiration. Helps to ease insomnia. Good for bed-wetting, depression, stress, and skin disorders.
Olive leaf (Olea europaea)	Extract from leaves	Phytochemicals: Apigenin, beta- (sitosterol glucoside, cinchonidine, esculetin, kaempferol, luteolin, mannitol, maslinic acid, oleanic acid, oleuropein, quercetin, rutin, tannins. Nutrients: Calcium	Fights all types of bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. Helps stave off colds and flu. May have antioxidant properties. Has shown potential for lowering high blood pressure. Good for virtually any infectious disease, as well as for chronic fatigue syndrome, diarrheal diseases, inflammatory arthritis, and psoriasis.
Oregon grape (Mahonia aquifolia)	Roots.	Berberine, tannins.	Purifies the blood and cleanses the liver. Acts as a laxative. Good for many skin conditions, from acne to psoriasis.	Has actions similar to those of goldenseal and barberry.
Papaya (Carica papaya)	Fruit, leaves	Phytochemicals: Benzaldehyde, beta-carotene, caryophyllene, linalool, lycopene, malic acid, methyl salicylate, myristic acid, papain, phytofluene, zeaxanthin. Nutrients: Calcium, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, zinc, vitamins B2, B3, B5, and C.	Stimulates the appetite and aids digestion. Good for heartburn, indigestion, and inflammatory bowel disorders.	The leaves can be used to tenderize meat.
Parsley (Petroselinum crispum) stems.	Fruit, leaves, roots,	Phytochemicals: Alpha-pinene, apigenin, apiole, benzaldehyde, bergapten, beta-carotene, caffeic acid, chlorogenic acid, geraniol, glycolic acid, kaempferol, limonene, linalool, lutein, myristic acid, myristicin, naringenin, p-coumaric acid, psoralen, quercetin, rosmarinic acid, rutin, xanthotoxin. Nutrients: Calcium, folate, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, selenium, zinc, vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, B5, C, and E.	Contains a substance that prevents the multiplication of tumor cells. Expels worms, relieves gas, stimulates normal activity of the digestive system, and freshens breath. Helps bladder, kidney, liver, lung, stomach, and thyroid function. Good for bed-wetting, fluid retention, gas, halitosis, high blood pressure, indigestion, kidney disease, obesity, and prostate disorders.	Contains more vitamin C than oranges by weight.
(Pass/flora incarnate)	Flowers, leaves, roots, stems.	Phytochemicals: Apigenin, flavonoids, harmaline, kaempferol, luteolin maltol, quercetin, rutin, scopoletin stigmasterol, umbelliferone, vitexin. Nutrients: Amino acids, calcium.	Has a gentle sedative effect and helps lower blood pressure. Helpful for anxiety, hyperactivity, insomnia, neuritis, and stress-related disorders.	Also called maypop. Caution: Should not be used during pregnancy, as it may stimulate the uterus.
Pan d'arco (Tabeto'a heptaphylla)	Inner bark.	Phytochemicals: Beta-carotene, beta-sitosterol, lapachol..	Fights bacterial and viral infection. Cleanses the blood. Good for candidiasis, smoker's cough, warts, and all types of infection. Helpful for AIDS, allergies, cancer, cardiovascular problems, inflammatory bowel disease, rheumatism, tumors, and ulcers.	Also called lapacho, taheebo.
Peppermint (Mentha piperita)	Flowering tops, oil leaves.	Phytochemicals: Acetic acid, alpha- carotene, a/pha-pinene, azulene, beta-carotene, beta-ionone, betaine, caffeic acid, carvacrol, carvone, chlorogenic acid, coumarin, eugenol, hesperetin, limonene, linalool, luteolin, menthol, 1,8-cineole, p-coumaric acid, pectin, rosmarinic acid, rutin, tannin, thymol, vanillin.	Increases stomach acidity, aiding digestion. Slightly anesthetizes mucous membranes and the gastrointestinal tract. Useful for chills, colic, diarrhea, headache, heart trouble, indigestion, irritable bowel syndrome, nausea, poor appetite, rheumatism, and spasms.	Caution: May interfere with iron absorption. Should not be used by nursing mothers. Do not ingest pure menthol or pure peppermint leaves
Plantain (Plantago major)	Leaves.	caffeic acid, chlorogenic acid, cinnamic acid, ferulic acid, fiber, luteolin, oleanolic acid, p-coumaric acid, salicylic acid, tannin, ursolic acid, vanillic acid. Nutrients: Potassium, vitamin A. aucubin, apigenin, benzole acid, Phytochemicals: Adenine, allantoin,	Acts as a diuretic and is soothing to the lungs and urinary tract. May slow the growth of tuberculosis bacteria. Has a healing, antibiotic, and styptic effect when used topically for sores and wounds. Useful for indigestion and heartburn. Applied in a poultice, good for bee stings and any kind of bite.	Young leaves are tasty and can be eaten in salads. Caution: Do not mistake plantain for foxglove (Digitalis lanata), which has a similar appearance.
Pleurisy root (Asclepias tuberosa)	Rhizome.	isorhamnetin, kaempferol, lupeol, quercetin, rufin, viburnifol asclepiadin, beta-amyrin, Phytochemicals: Alpha-amyrin,	Reduces inflammation of the pleural membranes of the lungs, enhances secretion of healthy lung fluids, and stimulates the lymphatic system. Has antispasmodic properties. Induces sweating and aids expectoration. Beneficial for pleurisy, pneumonia, bronchitis, flu, and coughs.	Also called butterfly weed.
Primrose (Oenothera biennis)	Seed oil	Phytochemicals: Beta-sitosterol, caffeic acid, campesterol, ellagic acid, gallic acid, kaempferol, lignin, p-coumaric acid, phytosterols, quercetin, tannin. Nutrients: Amino acids, calcium, essential fatty acids, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, vitamin E, zinc.	Promotes cardiovascular health. Aids in weight loss and reduces high blood pressure. Acts as a natural estrogen promoter. Helpful in treating alcoholism, arthritis, hot flashes, menstrual problems such as cramps and heavy bleeding, multiple sclerosis, and skin disorders.	Also called evening primrose. Caution: Primrose roof should not be used during pregnancy.
Pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo)	Flesh, seed.	Phytochemicals: Astragalin, beta- carotene, beta-sitosterol, caffeic acid chlorogenin, cryptoxanthin, diosgenin, ferulic acid, gitogenin, kaempferol, lutein, mannitol, myristic acid, phytosterols, quercetin, ruscogenin, salicylic acid, zeaxanthin. Nutrients: Amino acids, calcium, essential fatty acids, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, selenium, zinc, vitamins A, C, and E.	Useful for prostate disorders and irritable bladder.
Puncture vine (Tribulus terrestris)	Flowers, fruit, leaves, stems.	Phytochemicals: Astragalin, beta- sitosterol, campesterol, chlorogenin diosgenin, gitogenin, kaempferol, quercetin, ruscogenin, rutin, stigmasterol. Nutrients: Amino acids, calcium, essential fatty acids, iron, phosphorus, potassium, vitamin C.	Improves sex drive. Eases menopausal symptoms. Stimulates production of and balances male and female hormones. Enhances the immune system. Helps build muscles and increase stamina and endurance. Has antifungal, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory actions. Useful as a general tonic and revitalizer for the liver, kidneys, and urinary tract.	Also called caltrop
Pygeum (Pygeum africanum	Bark.	Phytochemicals: Beta-sitosterol, oleanic acid, ursolic acid.	Reduces inflammation and decon-gestion. Lowers levels of inflammatory compounds in the prostate. Effective in reducing prostate enlargement.	Used clinically in Europe to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia.
Red clover (Trifolium pratense)	Flowers.	Phytochemicals: Beta-carotene, beta-sitosterol, biochanin, caffeic acid, campesterol, chlorogenic acid, coumarin, coumestrol, daidzein, eugenol, formononetin, genistein, isorhamnetin, methyl salicylate, myricetin, p-coumaric acid, salicylic . acid. Nutrients: Calcium, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, selenium, zinc, vitamins B3, C, and E.	Fights infection, suppresses appetite, and purifies the blood. Has expectorant, antispasmodic, and relaxing effects. Good for bacterial infections, HIV and AIDS, coughs, bronchitis, inflamed lungs, inflammatory bowel disorders, kidney problems, liver disease, skin disorders, and weakened immune system.
Red raspberry , (Rubus idaeus)	Bark, leaves, roots.	Phytochemicals: Alpha-carotene, benzaldehyde, beta-carotene, beta-ionone, caffeic acid, ellagic acid, farnesol, ferulic acid, gallic acid, geraniol, lutein, tannin. Nutrients: Calcium, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, selenium, silicon, zinc, vitamins B2, B3, C, and E.	Reduces menstrual bleeding, relaxes uterine and intestinal spasms, and strengthens uterine walls. Promotes healthy nails, bones, teeth, and skin. Good for diarrhea and for female disorders such as morning sickness, hot flashes, and menstrual cramps. Also heals canker sores. Combined with peppermint, good for morning sickness.
Rhubarb (Rheum rhabarbarum)	Roots, stalks.	Phytochemicals: Acetic acid, beta- carotene, caffeic acid, chrysophanol, emodin, epicatechin, ferulic acid, fumaric acid, gallic acid, isoquercitrin, lutein, p-coumaric acid, protocatechuic acid, rutin, sinapic acid, vanillic acid. Nutrients: Calcium, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, selenium, sulfur, zinc, vitamins B2, B3, B5, C, and E.	Fights infection and eliminates worms. Enhances gallbladder function and promotes healing of duodenal ulcers. Good for constipation, malabsorption, and disorders of the colon, spleen, and liver.	Caution: Should not be used during pregnancy.
Rose (Rosa canina)	Fruit	Phytochemicals: Beta-carotene, betulin, catechin, epicatechin, flavonoids, isoquercitrin, lycopene, malic acid, pectin, tannin, vanillin, zeaxanthin. Nutrients: Calcium, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, selenium, zinc, vitamins BL B2, B3, C, and E.	Good for bladder problems and all infections. A good source of vitamin C when used fresh. Rose hip tea is good for diarrhea.	Many vitamin and other supplements are derived from rose hips
Rosemary (Rosmarinus Scinalis)	Leaves.	Phytochemicals: Alpha-pinene, apigenin, beta-carotene, beta-sitosterol, betulinic acid, borneol, caffeic acid, camphor, carnosol, carvacrol, carvone, caryophyllene, chlorogenic acid, diosmin, genkwanin, geraniol, hesperidin, limonene, linalool, luteolin, oleanolic acid, 1,8-cineole, phytosterols, rosmanol, rosmarinic acid, salicylates, squalene, tannin, thymol, ursolic acid.	Fights free radicals, inflammation, bacteria, and fungi. Relaxes the stomach, stimulates circulation and digestion, and acts as an astringent and decongestant. Improves circulation to the brain. Also helps detoxify the liver, and has anticancer and antitumor properties. Good for headaches, high and low blood pressure, circulatory problems, and menstrual cramps. Can be used as an antiseptic gargle	Makes a good food preservative. Caution: Should not be used during pregnancy.

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