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Billberry/blueberry

Vaccinium myrtillus

Antioxidant, diuretic, and urinary

antiseptic.

Traditional Uses:

Anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, strengthens capillaries, reduces cholesterol, assist in eye health, diabetes, anti-cancer, stomach ulcers.

Directions to use:

Decoction: Berries

Safety precautions:

May interfere with iron absorption. If diabetic only use under supervision of health practitioner. Do not use if pregnant or lactating. Consult with a medical practitioner before use.

chastE tree berries

Vitex Agnus-castus

Gynaecological

Traditional Uses:

Used for hormonal complaints and imbalances such as Fibrocystic breast disease, infertility (female), menopause, menorrhagia (heavy menstruation) menstrual difficulties (secondary amenorrhea), menstrual pain, premenstrual syndrome, and infertility. Useful in the treatment of endometriosis. Can be used as postpartum support. May normalize the reproductive organs. May be useful in treating progesterone deficiency. Treatment for acne, (especially with premenstrual flare up) due to hormonal balancing. Yet it can be used by men as well for acne. May have pain relieving properties.

Directions to use:

Infusion: Pour 1 cup of boiling water over 1-2 teaspoons of the berries. Infuse for 10-15 minutes. Drink three times per day.

Safety precautions:

Do not use with any other product or drug that affect the female hormone system, such as HRT or the contraceptive pill. Do not use if pregnant or lactating. Consult with a medical practitioner before use. Not to be given to children.

elder berries

Sambucus nigra

Analgesic, diuretic, laxative, diaphoretic,

antioxidant.

Traditional Uses:

Aids in the treatment of rheumatism. Treat colds and influenza. For catarrhal inflammation of the upper respiratory tract, such as hay fever and sinusitis. For sore throats and anemia. Acts as a blood, kidneys, liver, and skin purifier. Cleanses mucous from the tissues. May stimulate peristaltic action in the colon. Serves overall as an excellent detoxifier and cleanser of excess mucous. Can be of assistance in the treatment of dropsy. For colic and diarrhea. Induces perspiration and aids in the treatment of bronchitis. Can be of benefit for patients suffering from HIV. Has been used to reduce inflammation of the urinary tract.

Directions to use:

Decoction: 1 - 2 teaspoons in 500ml of water. Bring to the boil. Simmer for 10-15min. Strain and drink three times per day.

Safety precautions:

Do not use if pregnant or lactating. Do not use the stems of this plant. Consult with a medical practitioner before use.

hawthorn berries

Crataegus laevigata

Cardiotonic, diuretic, astringent,

hypotensive.

Traditional Uses:

Best tonic remedies for the heart and circulatory system. It normalizes the heart by acting upon its need in a gentle way. Used in heart failure or weakness, for prolonged periods. It may reduce the risk of chronic heart failure, congestive heart failure and degeneration of blood vessels. Help when you have a feeling of tightness or pressure in the heart area. Lowers high blood pressure, arteriosclerosis, and angina pectoris. Has cholesterol lowering effects. Can be used in cases of palpitations. Acts as a tonic for the circulatory system.

Directions to use:

Infusion: 2 teaspoons of herb in 1 cup of boiled water, infuse for 10 - 15min. Drink three times per day. Only effective if taken for periods of 6 weeks.

Safety precautions:

Do not take if you already take medication for heart disease without consulting with health practitioner. Do not give to children under 12 years old. Do not use if pregnant or lactating. Consult with a medical practitioner before use.

Juniper Berries

Juniperus communis

Diuretic, anti-inflammatory,

decongestant, antimicrobial,

carminative, antirheumatic.

Traditional Uses:

May be used as an antiseptic in conditions like cystitis, uteritis, kidney inflammation (not infection) and water retention. The bitter action aids digestion and eases flatulence colic. It is used in rheumatism, gout, and arthritis.  It may help to ease pain in the joints or muscles, rheumatic pain, and neuralgia. Steamed inhalations of the berries are an excellent treatment for coughs and colds.

Directions to use:

Infusion: Pour a cup of boiling water onto 1 teaspoon of lightly crushed berries. Infuse for 20min. Strain and drink morning and night. For rheumatism this should be drunk for at least 4-6 weeks.

Safety precautions:

Do not use if pregnant or lactating. May interfere with absorption of iron and other minerals when taken internally. Should not be used by persons with kidney disease. Consult with a medical practitioner before use. Stay within recommended dosage.

rosehip

Rosa canina

Diuretic, good source of Vit. C.

Traditional Uses:

Use as a defense against infections like bronchial infections and colds, as it is a good source of Vit. C. Makes an excellent spring tonic and will boost the body. Use for general debility and exhaustion. Will help in cases of constipation and diarrhea. To treat mild gall bladder, kidney, and bladder problems.

Directions to use:

Pour 1 cup of boiling water over 2 teaspoons of chopped rose hips. You can use rose hips with or without their seeds. Steep and cover for 15min. Strain and drink.

Safety precautions:

High in vitamins. Do not use if pregnant or lactating. Consult with a medical practitioner before use.

saw palmetto berries

Serenoa repens

Diuretic, urinary antiseptic,

endocrine agent.

Traditional Uses:

For prostate problems, it reduces the amount of dihydotesterone in the prostate. For BPH (benign prostatic hyperplasia). It has a tonic effect on the neck of the bladder and the prostate. For treatment of enlarged prostate. It is a specific in toning and strengthening the male reproductive system. For infections of the genitor-urinary tract and hesitant urinary and the desire to urinate overnight. Use where a boost to the male sex hormones is required. It may improve the sex drive and libido. For asthma and all kinds of throat problems. Colds and bronchitis associated with an excess of mucous discharge from the sinuses and nose. Also beneficial for diseases of the ovaries. For Bright’s disease and diabetes.

Directions to use:

Decoction: Put 2 - 4 teaspoons of the berries into 1 cup of water. Bring to the boil and simmer gently for 5min. Drink three times per day.

Safety precautions:

Have prostate checked on a regular basis. Do not use if pregnant or lactating. Consult with a medical practitioner before use.

Schisandra berries

Schisandra chinensis

Adaptogens, Antibacterial,

Antitussive, Hypoglycemic, Vasodilator

lignans: schizandrin, deoxyschizandrin,

gomisins, and pregomisin.

Traditional Uses:

Schisandra berries have been known to Chinese medicine for the past two millennia. Schisandra berry health benefits are traditionally said to include better functioning of the immune system, reproductive system, central nervous system, respiratory system, digestive system, liver and kidneys, skin and eyes, mental functioning and memory recall, emotional functioning, ability to sleep well, increased physical stamina and capacity for work.

Directions to use:

Infusion: Place 1 tablespoon in a cup of water, bring to the boil and steep for 10-15 min. Drink three times per day.

Safety precautions:

Do not use if pregnant or lactating. Consult with a medical practitioner before use. Not recommended for people experiencing acute infections such as colds or flu etc.