Alternate Names: White Horehound

Family: LAMIACEAE

Parts Used: Above ground portion.

Properties: Antispasmodic, Appetizer, Bitter Tonic, Cholagogue, Demulcent, Diaphoretic, Diuretic, Emmenagogue, Expectorant.

Internal Uses: Asthma, Bronchitis, Catarrh, Colds, Cough, Croup, Laryngitis, Paratyphoid, Sore Throat, Tachycardia, Tuberculosis, Typhoid, Whooping Cough, Worms

Internal Applications: Tea, Tincture, Capsules, Syrup, Lozenges.

The essential oils in Horehound help dilate the arteries and relieve lung congestion. The extreme bitterness helps drive away worms. Horehound increases circulation to the lungs, expels mucus, and cools infection.

Topical Uses: Dog Bites, Eczema, Shingles, Wounds

Topical Applications: Made into an oil for applying to wounds. Compress for wounds, eczema, shingles and dog bites.

Culinary uses: Candy, Liqueurs, Ales.

Energetics: Bitter, Pungent, Cool, Dry.

Chemical Constituents: Essential oil (pinene, limonene, camphene), diterpene alcohols (marrubinol, marruciol, silareol), sterols, saponins, bitter lactone, alkaloids (betonicine, stachydine), tannin, mucilage, bitter principle (marrubin), vitamin C.

Contraindications: Large doses may be a laxative.

Comments: The genus name, Marrubium, is thought to be derived from marrob, the Hebrew word for ‘bitter juice’. It is believed that Horehound was one of the original bitter herbs of the Jewish Passover tradition. The common name, Horehound, is from the old English, har hune, meaning ‘downy plant’.

Hoerhound was used by Navaho Indians to help a woman through childbirth.

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Alternate Names: Hop Bine, Ch-ku-tsao

Family: CANNABIDACEAE

Parts Used: Female inflorescence, called strobiles.

Properties: Anaphrodisiac, Anodyne, Antibacterial, Antiseptic, Antispasmodic, Aperient, Bitter Tonic, Diuretic, Febrifuge, Phytoestrogenic, Emmenagogue, Galactagogue, Hypnotic, Muscle Relaxant, Nervine, Sedative, Soporific.

Internal Uses: Anorexia, Anxiety, Cough, Crohn’s Disease, Diarrhea, Dysentery, Dysmenorrhea, Flatulence, Headache, Hysteria, Indigestion, Insomnia, Irritable Bowel, Leprosy, Pain, Restlessness, Stomachache, Stress, Tuberculosis

Internal Applications: Tea, Tincture, Capsules.

It helps coughs and diarrhea due to nerves. Hops helps a person sleep without causing a headache, and it also quiets excessive sexual desire, especially in men. Hops helps clear stagnation and toxins from the body. Humulone exhibits antibacterial properties.

Topical Uses: Boils, Cough, Cysts, Dandruff, Earaches, Headache, Rash, Toothache, Tumors, Wounds

Topical Applications: Hops can be made into a sachet and placed in ones pillowcase as a sleeping aid and nightmare preventive. Hops poultices are used to treat boils, cysts, rashes, wounds, headaches, earaches, toothaches, and tumors. When added to a salve it is used as a chest rub to quiet a cough (best mixed with Eucalyptus and Peppermint). Use as hair rinse for dandruff, in lotions for softening the skin, and as a bath herb for relaxation.

Culinary uses: The young shoots are blanched and eaten in the spring and also cooked like asparagus. It is used in making beer, where it acts as a preservative and also imparts a bitter flavor. However, some European beer makers were initially reluctant to use it, believing it to cause melancholy.

Energetics: Bitter, Cold, Dry.

Chemical Constituents: Humulone, lupulinic acid, bitter principle (lupulin), essential oil, valerianic acid, flavonoids (quercitin, rutin), choline, phytoestrogens, tannin.

Contraindications: Avoid during pregnancy. Not for people suffering from depression. Fresh plant may cause contact dermatitis in some individuals. The tincture has a long shelf life, but the dried plant lasts for only six to eight months, so replace supplies as needed.

Comments: The word hops comes from hoppan, meaning ‘to climb’ in reference to Hops being a climbing vine. It can benefit a person that has a quarrelsome nature, always ready to pick a fight. The hormonal effects of Hops were noticed when female gatherers of the plants got their menstrual cycles early. Ancient Hebrews used Hops to deter the spread of the Bubonic Plague.

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Alternate Names: Gum Nan Fah, Woodbine, Gold And Silver Flower, Jin Yin Hua

Family: CAPRIFOLIACEAE

Parts Used: Flowers.

Properties: Alterative, Antibacterial, Antifungal, Antiseptic, Antispasmodic, Antitumor, Astringent, Diaphoretic, Diuretic, Expectorant, Febrifuge, Hypoglycemic, Laxative, Refrigerant.

Internal Uses: Asthma, Bacterial Infection, Boils, Breast Cancer, Cough, Diarrhea, Dysentery, Fever, Flu, Food Poisoning, Headache, High Cholesterol, Laryngitis, Lymphatic Congestion, Sore Throat, Ulcers

Internal Applications: Tea, Tincture, Compress, Syrups.

Research in China indicates that Honeysuckle may be helpful in the treatment of breast cancer. Studies show that it helps normalize blood sugar levels. Honeysuckle has a cooling effect upon inflammation, heat and infection.

Topical Uses: Poison Ivy, Poison Oak, Rash, Sore Throat, Sunburn, Swellings, Ulcers

Topical Applications: Compress for poison oak or ivy, skin rashes, sunburn and swellings. Gargle for sore throat and ulcerations.

Culinary uses: Buds can be added to stir fry dishes. It is commonly used in cooling summer beverages.

Energetics: Sweet, Bitter, Cold.

Chemical Constituents: Tannins, glycoside, flavonoids, mucilage, sugars.

Contraindications: Avoid in cases of excess phlegm or inflammation in the upper respiratory tract. Don’t use in cases of watery diarrhea, due to internal coldness. Avoid using Honeysuckle berries, which are toxic. The caprifolium and pericylmenum varieties are only used externally.

Comments: The genus name, Lonicera, refers to Lonicer, a sixteenth century German physician. The common name Honeysuckle is from the practice of children sucking the nectar from the blossoms. Honeysuckle is a Bach Flower Remedy used to treat homesickness and nostalgia.

The common name Honeysuckle also refers to the species Lonicera caprifolium and Loniceria periclymenum, which are used interchangeably with Lonicera japonica. However, please note different species’ uses under Contraindications.

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Alternate Names: Flowery Knotweed, He Shou Wu, Foti, Chinese Cornbind, Ye Jiao Teng (Chinese), Fo Ti

Family: POLYGONACEAE

Parts Used: Root.

Properties: Alterative, Analgesic, Antibacterial, Anti-inflammatory, Antispasmodic, Antitumor, Antiviral, Aphrodisiac, Cardiotonic, Chi Tonic, Diuretic, Hepato-tonic, Laxative, Rejuvenative, Yin Tonic.

Internal Uses: Anxiety, Arteriosclerosis, Colic, Constipation, Diabetes, Early Menopause, Enteritis, Gout, Hemorrhoids, High Cholesterol, Hot Flashes, Hyperacidity, Hypertension, Hypoglycemia, Infertility, Insomnia, Kidney Deficiency, Lumbago, Malaria, Pain, Swollen Lymph, Tuberculosis, Vertigo

Internal Applications: Tea, Tincture, Capsules.

It helps one to retain youthful hair color and strengthens the eyes, endocrine glands, blood, bones and muscles. It is also used to treat both benign and malignant growths. Good for constipation due to dry intestines.

Culinary uses: Soups. Young shoots are eaten as a cooked vegetable.

Energetics: Bitter, Sweet, Warm.

Chemical Constituents: Chysopanol, emodin, rhapontin, phenolic glucosides, unsaturated fatty acids, lecithin, oxymethylanthroquinine, potassium, magnesium, phosphorus.

Contraindications: Avoid using during bouts of diarrhea.

Comments: The name, Ho Shou Wu, in Chinese means ‘Mr. Wu’s hair stays black.’ Indeed, this herb is widely used to prevent premature aging. Darker roots are considered better quality than those lighter in color. It is one of the main herbal tonics used in Asian medicine.

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Alternate Names: Red Tea, China-rose, Roselle, Jamaica Tea, Sudanese Tea, Japa (Sanskrit)

Family: MALVACEAE

Parts Used: Flowers (calices).

Properties: Alterative, Antibacterial, Anti-inflammatory, Antiparasitic, Antiscorbutic, Antispasmodic, Astringent, Demulcent, Diuretic, Emmenagogue, Hemostatic, Refrigerant

Internal Uses: Cough, Cystitis, Fever

Internal Applications: Tea, Tincture, Capsules.

It is a mild antibacterial with soothing properties. Hibiscus makes a beautiful red or pink colored tea that is refreshing when taken cool in hot weather.

Topical Uses: Balding, Dandruff, Hemorrhoids, Wounds

Topical Applications: Mixed with oil and used by Chinese and Indian women to stimulate hair growth and treat dandruff. In China, the juice of the petals is used to darken eyebrows. A wash is made from Hibiscus to treat wounds. Use as a salve for hemorrhoids.

Culinary uses: Hibiscus is used in jams, chutneys, curries, liqueurs, wines and natural food colorings. Young leaves can be cooked in curries.

Energetics: Sour, Sweet, Cool.

Chemical Constituents: Vitamin C, hibiscic acid, malic acid, tartaric acid.

Contraindications: Avoid giving to a person who is very chilled.

Comments: The common name Hibiscus also refers to the species Hibiscus rosa-sinensis, Hibiscus syriacus, and Hibiscus esculentus, which are used interchangeably with Hibiscus sabdariffa.

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Alternate Names: Haw, May Blossom, May Day Flower, White Thorn

Family: ROSACEAE

Parts Used: Leaves, flowers, berries (collected after first hard frost).

Properties: Astringent, Cardiotonic, Carminative, Diuretic, Hypotensive, Vasodilator.

Internal Uses: Angina, Arrhythmia, Arteriosclerosis, Blood Clots, Bradycardia, Hemorrhoids, High Cholesterol, Hypertension, Hypotension, Infertility, Insomnia, Loose Teeth, Obesity, Pulmonary Edema, Tachycardia, Varicose Veins

Internal Applications: Tea, Tincture, Capsules, Paste, Syrup.

It is a mild astringent. Hawthorn increases the body’s ability to utilize oxygen and the heart’s ability to utilize calcium. It can actually help regulate both high and low blood pressure and slowly break down cholesterol and fat deposits. It strengthens the contractive force of the heart and gently dilates and relaxes the coronary blood vessels. Hawthorn can also be used to strengthen joint lining, collagen and spinal discs. Use to help one better retain a chiropractic adjustment. In China, it is used for weight loss.

Culinary uses: Fruits can be eaten raw or made into pemmican, jam and soup. Hawthorn is so effective as a medicine in softening hard substances that the Chinese use it in cooking tough old chickens. Added to wine.

Energetics: Sour, Cool, Dry.

Chemical Constituents: Vitamin C, flavonoids (quercitin, quercitrin), glycosides, proanthocyanidins, anthocynaidins, saponins, tannins, cratetegin (most prevalent in the flowers, then leaves, then berries).

Contraindications: Using Hawthorn may potentiate the effects of heart medications. Consult with a competent health professional, as the medication dosage may need to be lowered. Use with caution in cases of colitis and ulcers.

Comments: The genus name Crataegus comes from the Greek, kratos, referring to the hardness of the wood. In Celtic folklore, fairies are said to hang out in Hawthorn groves. Both Greeks and Romans associated Hawthorn with marriage and fertility.

The common name Hawthorn includes the species Craetegus douglasii, Craetegus columbiana, Craetegus cuneata, Craetegus pinnatifida, and other Craetegus species, which are used interchangeably with Craetegus oxyacantha.

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Alternate Names: Chebulic Myrobalan, Abhaya, He Zi (Chinese), Harao (Hindi), Harada

Family: COMBRETACEAE

Parts Used: Fruit.

Properties: Alterative, Anthelmintic, Aperitive, Astringent, Expectorant, Laxative, Nervine, Rejuvenative, Restorative, Tonic.

Internal Uses: Asthma, Bloating, Cough, Dysmenorrhea, Edema, Heartburn, Hemorrhoids, Hiccups, Indigestion, Jaundice, Laryngitis, Leukorrhea, Parasites, Prolapse, Spermatorrhea, Urinary Infections

Internal Applications: Tea, Tincture, Capsules.

Used in the popular formula Triphala, which enhances digestion and bowel health. Haritaki is laxative without being irritating.

Topical Uses: Asthma, Bleeding Gums, Eye Soreness, Leukorrhea, Mouth Sores, Vaginitis

Topical Applications: Gargle for mouth sores and bleeding gums. Use a powder as toothpaste. Douche for vaginitis and leukorrhea. Compress for sore eyes. It is smoked in a water pipe to relieve asthma.

Energetics: Salty, Warm.

Chemical Constituents: Anthraquinones, chebulic acid, tannins.

Contraindications: Avoid during pregnancy and in cases of deficiency such as emaciation, dehydration and severe exhaustion.

Comments: In Sanskrit, Haritaki means ‘carries away all disease’. It is used as a tonic to enhance intelligence, wisdom and fearlessness. It is considered sacred to Shiva and is pictured as being held in the hand of the medicine Buddha.

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Alternate Names: Gurmar (Hindi)

Family: ASCLEPIADACEAE

Parts Used: Leaves, root.

Properties: Astringent, Diuretic, Refrigerant, Stomach Tonic, Tonic.

Internal Uses: Diabetes, Fever, Hypoglycemia, Obesity, Sugar Addiction

Internal Applications: Tea, Tincture, Capsules.

When Gymnema is taken before eating, gymnemic acid blocks the taste of sugar, thereby reducing the desire to eat it. The molecules of the gymnemic acid fill the receptor sites for one to two hours, thus preventing the taste buds from being activated by the sugar molecules in food. It also helps to stabilize blood sugar levels and enhances insulin production.

Topical Uses: Snakebites, Swollen Glands

Topical Applications: In India, powdered Gymnema has been applied as a poultice for snakebites. Swollen glands are treated with a poultice of Gymnema and castor oil.

Energetics: Sweet, Cool.

Chemical Constituents: Gymnemic acid, tartaric acid, calcium oxalate, glucose, stigmasterol, betaine, choline.

Contraindications: If one is insulin dependent and uses Gymnema, consult with a physician, as insulin medication may need to be readjusted.

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Alternate Names: Lignum Vitae, Lignum Sanctum, Guaiac, Pockwood, Guayacan

Family: ZYGOPHYLLACEAE

Parts Used: Resin, bark, heartwood.

Properties: Alterative, Anti-inflammatory, Antispasmodic, Diaphoretic, Diuretic, Laxative, Stimulant.

Internal Uses: Arthritis, Catarrh, Gout, Rheumatism, Syphilis

Internal Applications: Tea, Tincture, Capsules.

Is a mild laxative. Guiacum is used both internally and externally to improve circulation.

Topical Uses: Arthritis, Herpes, Sore Throat, Swellings, Toothache

Topical Applications: Liniment for arthritic joints, swellings and herpes sores. Resin is applied to cottonballs and applied to an aching tooth. Lozenge for sore throats.

Culinary uses: The resin is used to help preserve fats.

Energetics: Bitter, Cool.

Chemical Constituents: Essential oil, resin (guaiaconic, guaianetic, guaiacic), lignans (furoguaiacidin), guaiacin, saponins, vanillin.

Contraindications: Although very rare, it is possible that Guiacum may cause diarrhea, nausea and vomiting.

Comments: Guiacum is native to the Carribean and the northern coast of South America. The wood is burned as an incense. Unfortunately, the plant has nearly been exterminated due to harvesting for medicinal uses. Therefore, please avoid using or purchasing products that have been made from wild plants. Use only the cultivated herb.

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Alternate Names: Gum Guggul, Indian Bedellium, Guggulow

Family: BURSERACEAE

Parts Used: Resin.

Properties: Alterative, Analgesic, Antiseptic, Antispasmodic, Expectorant, Astringent, Nervine, Rejuvenative, Stimulant, Thyroid Tonic.

Internal Uses: Arteriosclerosis, Arthritis, Bronchitis, Cystitis, Debility, Diabetes, Dyspepsia, Gout, Heart Disease, Hemorrhoids, High Cholesterol, Hypothyroid, Lumbago, Obesity, Rheumatism, Stroke, Tumors, Whooping Cough

Internal Applications: Tincture, Capsules.

Guggulu helps reduce high cholesterol, because it lowers harmful low-density lipoproteins while elevating the beneficial high-density lipoproteins. It helps prevent blood platelet aggregation and breaks up already formed blood clots. Thus, it helps prevent heart disease and stroke. Because it helps activate thyroid function by improving iodine assimilation, it may stimulate weight loss. It stimulates white blood cell production and has an antiseptic effect upon body secretions. It also helps to stimulate the regeneration of nerve tissue.

Topical Uses: Canker Sores

Topical Applications: A dropperful of tincture can be added to a glass of water and used as a gargle for canker sores.

Energetics: Bitter, Pungent, Warm.

Chemical Constituents: Phytosterols.

Contraindications: In rare cases, an allergic skin reaction can occur. It disappears when use of the herb is discontinued.

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