shepherd's purse

Capsella bursa-pastoris

Flavonoids, plant acid. Astringent,

diuretic, anti-inflammatory.

 

Traditional Uses:

Internal: May be used to assist with water retention due to kidney problems. It can used to purify the blood. Beneficial effect on blood pressure, poor circulation. It may be used as a heart stimulant. May be of benefit in the treatment of urinary and bladder infections. May alleviate period pains as well. Can be useful as a mild diuretic. Has been recommended for passive hemorrhage, diarrhea as well as dysentery.

External: Also used to stop bleeding of wounds and for bruises. May also be used for varicose veins and nose bleeds. May be useful for rheumatic joints

 

Directions to use:

Infusion: Pour 1 cup of boiling water onto 1-2 teaspoons of herb. Infuse for 10-15min. Strain and drink three times per day. Or for menstrual conditions every 2-3 hours.

 

Safety precautions:

Do not use if pregnant or lactating. Do not use when you have kidney stones. Consult with a medical practitioner before use.

Sheep Sorrel

Rumex acetosella

Antiscorbutic, astringent, diuretic,

laxative, febrifuge, vermifuge.

 

Traditional Uses:

Used to treat excessive menstruation. For mouth ulcers, sore throats, fever, and inflammation. Can be used as a blood purifier. Used to treat and assist with poor digestion and the removal of bile from the system. Used for liver detoxification and cleansing. May help relieve constipation. May be of assistance in the treatment of worm infestations within the body.

 

Directions to use:

Infusion: 1 - 2 teaspoons of herb in 1 cup of boiling water. Infuse for 10 - 15min. Strain. Drink two to three times per day. Drink cold to assist with lowering fevers.

 

Safety precautions:

May cause poisoning in large doses. Not recommended for use by people with liver or kidney disease. Do not use if pregnant or lactating. Consult with a medical practitioner before use.

Skullcap herb

Scuttellaria lateriflora

Acts as an anti-inflammatory,

antispasmodic, slightly astringent,

emmenagogue, febrifuge, nervine tonic,

sedative and strongly tonic.

 

Traditional Uses:

Benefit in the treatment of many nervous conditions such as epilepsy, insomnia, hysteria, and anxiety. It may assist in the renewal and revival of the central nervous system. Reputed to help prevent epileptic seizures. May also be used in the withdrawal from barbiturates and tranquilizers. Used to promote menstruation and assist with pre-menstrual tension. May be useful in the treatment of throat infections. Recommended for sleeplessness. May be used to treat conditions associated with depression and anxiety. Used currently to treat ADD and other nervous disorders.

 

Directions to use:

Infusion: Pour 1 cup of water onto 1-2 teaspoons of herb. Infuse for 10-15min. Strain and drink three times a day.

Powder: Use a ¼ teaspoon in a cup of water. Steep for 10min. Give in ½ cup doses, three times per day.

 

Safety precautions:

Not to be consumed by children under 6 years. Avoid taking with a sleeping pill, narcotic pain medicine, muscle relaxer, or medicine for anxiety, depression, or seizures. Do not take if you are using insulin or oral diabetes medicine. Do not use if pregnant or lactating. Consult with a medical practitioner before use.

Spearmint

Mentha crispa/spicata

Acts as an antispasmodic,

analgesic, carminative,

anti-androgenic, anti-fungal, antioxidant.

 

Traditional Uses:

Used for queasiness, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach flu, under active gall bladder, colds, influenza, stomach ulcers, intestinal spasms, colic, nerve pains and rheumatism. Nausea, heart burn, fever, migraines. May prevent vomiting. Promotes bile flow. May ease sore throats. Cleanse the liver. Ease travel sickness. May reduce the levels of free testosterone in the blood while not effecting total testosterone and DHEA. For indigestion, gas, colic, hiccups, fever, and upper respiratory tract infections.

 

Directions to use:

Infusion: Pour 1 cup of boiling water onto 1-2 teaspoons of herb. Leave for 10min. Strain and sip slowly.

 

Safety precautions:

Do not use if pregnant or lactating. Can decrease milk production in breast-feeding mothers. Do not give in any form to children under 3 years. Consult with a medical practitioner before use.

Stevia leaves

Stevia rebaudiana

Anti-hyperglycemic,

antihypertensive, antioxidant,

antimicrobial activity, anticancer effect,

anti-inflammatory and immune-modulatory effect, diuretic.

 

Traditional Uses:

It is 300 times as sweet as sugar. Its best-known medicinal quality is based on what it lacks - calories. This makes stevia valuable in treating obesity and makes it therapeutic in some kinds of diabetes treatment. Stevia can also treat high blood pressure. As a medicinal herb, it is free of most side effects and provokes no allergies. Good for your digestive system, curbing candidiasis. It inhibits the growth of all sorts of bacteria. It helps with an upset stomach, soothing acidity. Washing your hair with stevia extract prevents dandruff. It increases energy levels and promotes an overall feeling of well-being.

 

Directions to use:

Infusion: Take 1 leaf, pour 300ml of boiled water over it and let stand for 10min. Taste the water, if not sweet enough add another leaf. Bring water to a boil and let stand for another 10min.

 

Safety precautions:

Consult with a medical practitioner before use. Is being used as a dietary supplement.

St John's wort cut

Hypericum perforatum

Anti-inflammatory, astringent,

vulnerary, nervine, antimicrobial.

 

Traditional Uses:

Helps to ease fibrositis. Used for neuralgic pain, sciatica, and rheumatic pain. It may have sedative and pain-relieving effect. Used for neuralgia, anxiety, tension, and similar problems. For sleeplessness, decreased vitality, bed-wetting, depression, neuritis. Use for injured nerves and nervous affections. Used for irritability and anxiety caused by menopausal changes. As a tonic for the liver and gall bladder. Stimulates gastric and bowel secretions. Beneficial to strengthen the female organs and promote regular menstruation during puberty.

 

Directions to use:

Infusion: Pour 1 cup of boiling water onto 1-2 teaspoons of herb. Leave for 10-15min. Strain and drink three times per day.

 

Safety precautions:

Do not take with other anti-depressants unless under medical supervision. May increase sensitivity to sunlight. It can interact with some drugs including anti-depressants, birth control pills, and anti-coagulants. Do not use if pregnant or lactating. Consult with a medical practitioner before use.

Strawberry leaves

Fragaria vesca

Diuretic, astringent.

 

Traditional Uses:

Internal: Good tonic for convalescence and can be enjoyed by children. May help stop diarrhea. Assists with the control of diabetes. Beneficial for kidney infections as well as liver and digestion problems. Also helps for gout and rheumatism. Useful in the treatment of urinary tract infections.

External: Use as a gargle or mouthwash for sore gums and mouth ulcers.

 

Directions to use:

Infusion: 1-2 teaspoons in 1 cup of boiling water. Infuse for 10-15min. Strain and drink two to three times per day.

 

Safety precautions:

Normal garden strawberry leaves do not have any medical properties. May cause allergic reaction in people who are allergic to strawberry fruit. Consult with a medical practitioner before use.

tansy herb

Tanecetum vulgare

Aromatic, diaphoretic, emmenagogue,

carminative, vermifuge and tonic

 

Traditional Uses:

It is primarily used and very effective to rid the digestive tract of infestation of worms such as roundworm and threadworm. Orally or as an enema. Helps to ease dyspepsia. Can be used as an emmenagogue to stimulate menstruation. One of the most mineral rich of all herbs. Used for hysteria, kidney weaknesses, nervousness, and fever

 

Directions to use:

Infusion: pour 1 cup of boiling water onto 1 level teaspoon of herb. Leave for 10-15min. Strain and drink once or twice per day.

 

Safety precautions:

Tansy herb can be extremely toxic. Do not use if pregnant or lactating. Consult with a medical practitioner before use. Can be poisonous even when applied externally. An overdose of oil or tea can be fatal. May cause dermatitis.

thyme

Thymus vulgaris

Carminative, antimicrobial,

antispasmodic, expectorant,

astringent, anthelmintic.

 

Traditional Uses:

Helps for dyspepsia, digestive infections, and sluggish digestion. It is a gentle astringent and can be used in childhood diarrhea and bed wetting. Eases coughs, whooping coughs, phlegm, asthma, respiratory infections, and bronchitis. Acts as an expectorant. May be helpful for allergic rhinitis, hay fever. For insomnia, poor circulation, hangovers. It stimulates the production of white blood corpuscles that aids to resist infection. For back pain. Recently noted as an anti-aging herb. May be used to ease period pains. Increases the flow of urine and menstruation. May speed up delivery in normal birth and may help dispatch miscarriages. Aids digestion and prevents wind. Prevents and may stop diarrhea and calms abdominal cramps. Use thyme oil for paralysis, stroke, multiple sclerosis, muscular atrophy, rheumatism, and sprains. Take a big sip hourly when there is danger of pneumonia. It is also recommended for epileptic fits and facial neuralgia.

 

Directions to use:

Infusion: Pour 1 cup of boiling water onto 2 teaspoons of herb. Steep for 10min in a closed container. Strain and drink three times per day.

For a bath: Take 200g of herb for a full bath.

Herb pillow: Fill a material bag with the herb and sow it up.

 

Safety precautions:

Amounts commonly found in food, are found to be safe for pregnant women. Pregnant women should avoid using thyme in medicinal amount. Consult with a medical practitioner before use.

tormentil

Potentilla erecta

Contains: 18% - 30% tannins,

glycosides, resin, ellagic and kinovic

acids and red colouring matter. Acts as

an astringent, vulnerary.

 

Traditional Uses:

Internal: As a mouth wash for laryngitis, pharyngitis, bleeding gums, and mouth ulcers. Use as a lotion to ease hemorrhoids. A strong decoction can be used to wash inflamed eyes. It will speed up the healing of wounds and cuts.

External: Most useful in cases of diarrhea, especially when it is acute or of nervous origin. For intestinal infections. For dysentery, gastroenteritis, and enterocolitis.

 

Directions to use:

Decoction: Put 1-2 teaspoons of herb with 1 cup of cold water. Bring to the boil and simmer gently for 10-15min. Strain and drink three times per day.

 

Safety precautions:

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

vervain herb

Verbena officinalis

Nervine tonic, sedative,

antispasmodic, diaphoretic,

hypotensive, galactagogue, hepatic.

 

Traditional Uses:

May strengthen the nervous system whilst relaxing any tension and stress. Can have an uplifting effect on the mood. May also be used to ease depression and melancholia, especially after feverish illness such as flu. Of assistance in the treatment of seizures and hysteria, neuralgia, sciatica, and shingles. May be used in early stages of fever. For inflammation of the gall bladder and jaundice. Used to aid digestion, treat stomach upsets and diarrhea. Use as a mouthwash against caries and gum diseases.

 

Directions to use:

Infusion: Pour 1 cup of boiling water over 1 - 3 teaspoons of herb. Infuse in a covered container for 10 - 15min. Strain and drink three times per day.

 

Safety precautions:

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

veronica speedwell

Veronica officinalis

Acts as an expectorant, alterative,

tonic and diuretic.

 

Traditional Uses:

Helps lower high cholesterol levels. May assist in cleansing the blood. For senile pruritis. Used by weak people as a stomachic and to stimulate digestion. It may help with the treatment of intestinal disorders. Of great value for nervousness caused by mental over exertion. Improves memory and, together with celery, can help with depression. May improve memory. For jaundice, gravel in the bladder, rheumatism, and gout. Used also in coughs and catarrh.

 

Directions to use:

Infusion: Pour 1 cup of boiling water onto 1 heaped teaspoon of herb. Leave for 5-10min. Strain and drink twice per day.

 

Safety precautions:

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

Wild Chicory

Cichorium intybus

Volatile oils, small amounts of

tannins. Appetizer, astringent,

carminative, digestive, hepatic mild laxative, tonic.

 

Traditional Uses:

Internal: Very similar to Dandelion. Increases the flow of bile. Eliminates excessive mucous. A specific remedy for gall stones. For prevention of rheumatism, gout, and liver complaints because it eliminates uric acid from the body. Stimulates the appetite and purifies blood. Helps to expels worms. Recommended for jaundice or spleen problems.

External: For painful inflammations apply a poultice to the affected area.

 

Directions to use:

Decoction: Use 1 teaspoon of herb to ½ a cup of cold water. Bring to the boil and strain. Take ½ to 1 cup a day, a mouthful at a time.

For animals: Jaundice, lack of appetite, liver ailments.

 

Safety precautions:

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

walnut leaves cut

(black)

Juglans regia

Tannin, anti-bacterial agents, high in

Vit. C. Acts as an astringent, antibacterial,

vermifuge.

 

Traditional Uses:

Internal: Infusions of the leaves can be taken internally as a digestive tonic. Very useful in the treatment of diarrhea, infections of the mouth throat and eyes. Inner bark can be used to treat constipation. Outer nut rind is used in the treatment of diarrhea.

External: For cuts, grazes, and skin disorders such as eczema. Use for infections of the mouth, throat, larynx, and eyes. Take a bath with a decoction of the leaves for scrofula, rickets, caries and swelling of the bone. For festering toe and fingernails and chill blains. Will quickly improve the condition of cradle-cap, scabs and scurf if washed with a decoction of the leaves. For acne, festering eczema, ringworm, and sunburn. Helps for sweaty feet and hands. For leucorrhea. Massage into scalp for hair loss and dandruff. The infusion can also be used for eye inflammations such as blepharitis and conjunctivitis.

 

Directions to use:

Infusion: Pour 1 cup of boiling water onto 1 - 2 teaspoons of herb. Infuse for 10 - 15min. Strain. Drink two to three times per day.

 

Safety precautions:

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

walnut shells/husks

(Black)

Juglans regia

Tannin, anti-bacterial agents, high in

Vit. C. Acts as an astringent, antibacterial,

vermifuge.

 

Traditional Uses:

Internal: Infusions of the leaves can be taken internally as a digestive tonic. Very useful in the treatment of diarrhea, infections of the mouth throat and eyes. Inner bark can be used to treat constipation. Outer nut rind is used in the treatment of diarrhea.

External: For cuts, grazes, and skin disorders such as eczema. Use for infections of the mouth, throat, larynx, and eyes. Take a bath with a decoction of the leaves for scrofula, rickets, caries and swelling of the bone. For festering toe and fingernails and chill blains. Will quickly improve the condition of cradle-cap, scabs and scurf if washed with a decoction of the leaves. For acne, festering eczema, ringworm, and sunburn. Helps for sweaty feet and hands. For leucorrhea. Massage into scalp for hair loss and dandruff. The infusion can also be used for eye inflammations such as blepharitis and conjunctivitis.

 

Directions to use:

Decoction: Add 2 teaspoons of herb to 1 cup of water. Bring to the boil and simmer for 15min.

Bath: Add the decoction.

 

Safety precautions:

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

wild garlic/ramsons

Allium ursinum

Divinyl sulfide, dimethyl thiosulfonate, methyl

cyctein sulfoxid and the latter's

degradation products, methyl allyl

thiosulfonate and methanethiol. Acts as an astringent, expectorant.

 

Traditional Uses:

May be used to cleanse the system, particularly to get rid of stomach and gut parasites, but may also cleanse the liver, gall bladder and blood. Can be of assistance in the treatment of high blood pressure. Helpful for arteriosclerosis, even in advanced conditions. For pinworms. For diarrhea, colic, and lack of appetite. To treat gastrointestinal catarrh with both diarrhea and constipation. Can be used as supportive treatment of emphysema, bronchitis.

 

Directions to use:

Infusion: Pour 1 cup of boiling water over 1 - 2 teaspoons of herb. Steep for 10 - 15min. Strain and drink three times per day.

 

Safety precautions:

Toxic symptoms can occur when taken in too large quantities. Do not use during pregnancy or whilst breast feeding.

wilde dagga

Leonotis leonurus

Anti-inflammatory

 

Traditional Uses:

Can include coughs, colds, and Bronchitis. Help aches and pains in the muscles and itchy skin conditions such as Eczema. A strong infusion can be dabbed onto the skin to relieve the stings of insects such as bees and wasps. Wild Dagga has been connected to the treatment of Diabetes, Epilepsy, High blood pressure, constipation, and hemorrhoids. It has also been used to reduce water retention and obesity. The anti-inflammatory properties of the plant should give relief within one week. Bone spurs and ganglion cysts can also be treated via the same method.

 

Directions to use:

Infusion: 1 teaspoon of leaves in 1 cup of boiling water. Steep for 10 – 15min and drink once per day. A strong infusion can be dabbed onto the skin to relieve the stings of insects such as bees and wasps.

 

Safety precautions:

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

wilde als/african

wormwood

Artemisia afra

Analgesic, antimicrobial, antioxidative,

anthelmintic, antihistamine, decongestant,

narcotic, antiseptic.

 

Traditional Uses:

Primarily used as a bitter and therefore has the effect of stimulating and invigorating the whole of the digestive process. Use where there is indigestion, especially when due to a deficient quantity or quality of gastric juices. Use in the treatment of worm infestations, especially roundworm and pinworm. It may also be used to help the body deal with fever and infections. Due to the general tonic action, it will be of benefit in many diverse conditions because it benefits the body in general. Assists during coughs, colds, flu, and whooping cough. For loss of appetite, dyspeptic complaints and liver and gallbladder complaints. The effect on TB is currently being researched.

 

Directions to use:

Infusion: Pour 1 cup of boiling water onto 1 teaspoon of herb. Leave for 10 - 15min. Strain and drink three times per day.

For animals: For worms, digestive problems, arthritis, rheumatism, toxic build up, jaundice, constipation, tumours, water retention, obesity, paralysis. For parasites, mange, lice, fleas, flies, loss of hair, ear inflammation, conjunctivitis.

 

Safety precautions:

Do not use if pregnant or lactating. Do not use for prolonged periods. Smoking this herb has hallucinogenic and toxic effects. Consult with a medical practitioner before use.

Willow Herb small

Herba epilobium

Anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer,

aromatase inhibitor, astringent,

demulcent

 

Traditional Uses:

May be used as supportive therapy for bladder cancer, cystitis as well as kidney and bladder problems. May be useful in the treatment of urinary tract infections. May be beneficial in the treatment of inflammation of the prostate gland as well as hyper-trophy of the prostate gland. Can be of benefit for the treatment of any prostate disorders as well as any kidney or bladder complaints.

 

Directions to use:

Infusion: Pour 1 cup of boiling water over 1 - 2 teaspoons of herb. Infuse for 10 - 15min. Drink two cups per day. One cup in the morning on an empty stomach. 1 cup in the evening, 30min before meals.

 

Safety precautions:

Do not use if pregnant or lactating. Consult with a medical practitioner before use. Should not replace medical treatment of cancer.

Witch hazel leaves

Hamamelis virginiana

Astringent, anti-inflammatory,

anti-haemorrhagic, tannins,

flavonoids, volatile oils, saponins, resin.

 

Traditional Uses:

Internal: This herb is found as a valuable first aid remedy in most households. As a strong astringent it may be useful whenever the stopping of bleeding is concerned, both internally and externally. It may be especially useful in the easing of hemorrhoids and varicose veins. It may assist in the control diarrhea and ease dysentery.

External: Can be of assistance in the treatment of bruises and inflamed swelling. Can ease the pain and stop the bleeding of minor injuries. Helps for minor burns and is excellent in the treatment of insect bites and stings. Also, for varicose veins and hemorrhoids. Use as a mouthwash or gargle for inflammation of the gums.

 

Directions to use:

Infusion: 1 cup of boiled water over 1 teaspoon of herb. Steep for 10 - 15min. Drink three times per day. Can be made into ointment.

 

Safety precautions:

Do not use internally, if pregnant or lactating. Can be used topically during pregnancy. Consult with a medical practitioner before use.

Wood betony

Stachys betonica

Alkaloids, miscellaneous, betaine,

choline, tannins, nervine, bitter..

 

Traditional Uses:

Known to be one of the most valuable nervines. Use for any problem associated with the nervous system, whether of physical or psychological origin. May be helpful in the treatment of herpes infection such as shingles. For inflammations such as sciatica and neuralgia. Take it for anxiety states, panic attacks and insomnia. For depression, debility, and headaches.

 

Directions to use:

Infusion: Pour 1 cup of boiling water onto 1 - 2 teaspoons of herb. Steep for 10 - 15min. Strain and drink three times a day.

 

Safety precautions:

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

Wormwood Cut

Artemisia absinthium

Bitter, carminative, anti-microbial,

anthelmintic, anti-depressant.

 

Traditional Uses:

Primarily used as a bitter and therefore has the effect of stimulating and invigorating the whole of the digestive process. Use where there is indigestion, especially when due to a deficient quantity or quality of gastric juices. Use in the treatment of worm infestations, especially roundworm and pinworm. It may also be used to help the body deal with fever and infections. Due to the general tonic action, it will be of benefit in many diverse conditions because it benefits the body in general. For loss of appetite, dyspeptic complaints and liver and gallbladder complaints.

 

Directions to use:

Infusion: Pour 1 cup of boiling water onto 1 teaspoon of herb. Leave for 10 - 15min. Strain and drink three times per day.

 

Safety precautions:

Do not use if pregnant or lactating. Do not use in high doses or for extended periods. Should not be used by those who suffer from any type of seizure disorder. Consult with a medical practitioner before use.

Wormwood,

sweet annie

Artemisia annua

Anti-malaria, tonic, febrifuge, antibiotic.

 

Traditional Uses:

In Chinese medicine it is considered a cooling herb. It is useful in the following conditions dyspeptic, fever, malaria both preventative and treatment. Useful in Cancer conditions.

 

Directions to use:

Infusion: Pour 1 cup of boiling water onto 1 teaspoon of herb. Leave for 10 - 15min. Strain and drink three times per day.

 

Safety precautions:

Do not use if pregnant or lactating. People with diabetic conditions should not use

this product. Consult with a medical practitioner before use.

yarrow

Achillea millefolium

Diaphoretic, hypotensive, astringent,

anti-inflammatory, anti-spasmodic,

diuretic, anti-microbial, bitter, hepatic.

 

Traditional Uses:

Internal: It is beneficial for the reproductive organs. Inflammation of the ovaries. Abdominal disorders. Bedwetting of children and older people. For prolapse of the uterus. Menopause. Colds, cramps fevers kidney disorders toothaches, skin irritations, hemorrhages, and bleeding hemorrhoids. Today yarrow is valued mainly for its action in colds and influenza, and for its effect on the circulatory, digestive, excretory and urinary systems. Use for cystitis and fevers.

External: Treating wounds and stopping blood. Take a Yarrow bath for fibroids; carry on until there is no sign of them anymore. A bath for neuritis in arms and legs. Take a sitz bath or wash for itching in the vagina.

 

Directions to use:

Infusion: Pour 1 cup of boiling water onto 1 - 2 teaspoonful of herb. Leave for 10 - 15min. Strain and drink hot three times a day. Drink hourly for fever.

 

Safety precautions:

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