african potato

Hypoxis rooperi/

hemerocallidea

Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory,

anti-diabetic, anti-convulsant

and anti-cancer.

 

Traditional Uses:

Immune booster, liver detox, anti-candida, anti-inflammatory. Acts as tonic and has been used for prostate problems. Traditional use also includes testicular tumours, prostate hypertrophy, and urinary infections.

 

Directions to use:

Decoction: 1 - 2 teaspoons in 500ml of water. Bring to the boil and simmer 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.

ANGELICA ROOT

Angelica archangelica

Astringent, tonic, diuretic,

vulnerary, cholagogue,

anti-inflammatory. Volatile oil,

furanocoumarin compounds, angelica acid, sugars, flavonoids, and sterols.

 

Traditional Uses:

Internal: Helps with arthritis and eczema. Coughs, bronchitis, and pleurisy. Warms up and stimulates the digestive system, lungs, and circulation. Reduces problems like flatulence and colic. In cystitis it acts as a urinary antiseptic. Powdered root is said to cause disgust for liquor. Stimulate appetite.

External: Salves and baths containing Angelica root will help for inflammation of the chest, rheumatism, and gout. Also helps with acne if washed with an infusion. Helps for athlete’s foot.

Is used in gin making. Can be used as an insecticide.

 

Directions to use:

Decoction: 1 teaspoon in 1 cup of water, bring to a boil and simmer for 2min. Remove from heat, let stand for 15min. Drink 1 cup three times per day.

 

Safety precautions:

Do not use if pregnant or lactating. Can cause photosensitivity. Can affect anticoagulant medication. Consult with a medical practitioner before use.

ASTRAGALUS  ROOT

Astragalus

membranaceus

mmunomodulator

 

Traditional Uses:

Immune booster, diabetes, heart tonic, anaemia. Increases white blood cell count, anti-cancer properties. Acts as a tonic to protect he immune system. Aids adrenal gland function and digestion. Increases metabolism, produces spontaneous sweating, promotes healing, and provides energy to combat fatigue and prolonged stress. Increase stamina.

 

Decoction: 2 - 4 teaspoons of root in 1 cup of water. Bring to a boil simmer for 10 – 15min. Drink three times per day.

Powder: 500mg – two to three times per day.

The dried root in the form of tea, encapsulated or as an extract. Powder is mildly sweet and may be sprinkled on food or whipped into a shake or smoothie.

 

Safety precautions:

Not for people using immune suppressive medication. Do not use if fever is present, an effect on anticoagulant medication. Consult with a medical practitioner before use.

ASHWAGANDA  ROOT

Withania somnifera

Strengthens immune system,

antioxidant, rejuvenating.

abortifacient, adaptogen, antibiotic,

aphrodisiac, astringent, anti-inflammatory, anti-anxiety, anti-tumor, immuno-modulating, diuretic; narcotic, sedative, tonic.

 

Traditional Uses:

General tonic and considered to be effective against many aliments. Sedative and adaptogen effect. Cholesterol lowering properties. Increase immunity to colds and infections, vitality, male fertility, and libido. Combats impotence and helps regulate blood sugar.

 

Directions to use:

Decoction: 3g - 6g root used, boil in 500ml water. Remove and let steep for 10 - 15min. Strain and drink before meals.

 

Safety precautions:

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

BURDOCK ROOT

Arctium lappa

Alterative, diuretic, bitter,

antioxidant, antifungal,

antibacterial.

 

Traditional Uses:

Relieving the soreness and swelling caused by arthritis and rheumatism. Increases the flow of urine and promotes sweating. Externally it is good for skin problems such as eczema, psoriasis and even canker sores. Soothing for haemorrhoids and skin irritation in general. Helps cleanse the blood. May help to protect against cancer by helping control cell mutation.

 

Directions to use:

Decoction: Pour 1 cup of water over 1 teaspoon of root. Bring to a boil and simmer for 10 – 15min. Drink three times per day.

Poultice: For external use.

 

Safety precautions:

Can interfere with iron absorption. Do not use if pregnant or lactating, or have diabetic, or cardiovascular difficulties. Consult with a medical practitioner before use.

BUTTERBUR ROOT CUT

Petasites hybridus

Essential oil, mucilage,

pyrrolizidine alkaloids, volatile oil,

anti-spasmodic, diuretic, diaphoretic.

 

Traditional Uses:

For fevers, shortness of breath, gout, and epilepsy. Headaches and inflammation. Seasonal allergies such as itchy eyes, itchy and runny nose as well as nasal congestion. Promotes perspiration.

 

Directions to use:

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

 

Safety precautions:

Do not use for longer than 4-6 weeks consecutively. Do not use if you have liver or kidney problems. May cause indigestion, vomiting, headaches as well as abdominal pain. Please stay within recommended dosages. Do not use if pregnant or lactating. Consult with a medical practitioner before use.

CALAMUS ROOT CUT

Acorus calamus

Contains: Mucilage, volatile oil,

bitter principles, glycoside, tannin.

Acts as a carminative, demulcent,

anti-spasmodic.

 

Traditional Uses:

Internal: It strengthens and is used for any weaknesses of the digestive system and flatulence as well as colic. For gastritis and gastric ulcers. Glandular disorder and gout. Stimulates sluggish stomach and intestines and dissipates excess mucus. Helpful for a slow metabolism, anaemia and dropsy. Improves the appetite, may be beneficial for people suffering from kidney disorders and is a good remedy for cleansing of the whole system. Helps for children with an indigestibility of grain. Chewing the dried root may help smokers quit. Dispels intestinal worms. Helps for gum diseases and as a breath freshener. Has a calming effect.

External: Can be used as an alcohol rub for aching muscles. In a bath to relax the nerves and for rheumatism.

 

Directions to use:

Cold infusion: 1-2 teaspoons of root. Soak in a cup of cold water overnight, lightly warm the next morning (optional) and strain. Drink ½ cup an hour before a meal, twice per day.

 

Safety precautions:

Do not use for prolonged periods of time. Stay within recommended dosage. Do not use if pregnant or lactating. Consult with a medical practitioner before use.

DANDELION ROOT

Taraxacum officinale

Diuretic, cholagogue,

anti-rheumatic, laxative, tonic.

High in Vit. A and C, also contains

Vit. B and D. Rich source of iron, magnesium, calcium, and potassium.

 

Traditional Uses:

It is regarded as one of the best herbs to treat kidney and liver illnesses. Used for kidney and water retention due to heart problems. Its action is compared with the drug ‘Frusemide’ which side effects are the loss of vital potassium from the body. Dandelion does not leach potassium from the body, as its rich potassium content replaces what the body loses. Used for inflammation and congestion of the liver and gall bladder. Breaks down gallstones. Helpful in treating rheumatism and gout. Strong blood purifier. Mild laxative and used for dyspepsia. For congestive jaundice. For muscular rheumatism when used with other herbs. General tonic. Reduces fluid retention and removes toxins from the body. Helps for infected acne and eczema. Also helps for diabetes, lowers blood sugar.

 

Directions to use:

1 heaped tablespoon of the root is soaked in cold water overnight, then bring to the boil and strain. Sip approximately 30min before and after breakfast.

 

Safety precautions:

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

DEVILS CLAW MILLED

Harpagophytum

procumbens

Anti-inflammatory, diuretic,

sedative, antirheumatic, anodyne,

hepatic.

 

Traditional Uses:

Relieves pain and reduces inflammation. Acts as a diuretic, sedative, and digestive stimulant. Good for diabetes, allergies, liver, gallbladder, and kidney disorders. Arthritis, inflammation, assist with elimination of uric acid. Reduces inflammation in the joints and will help with arthritis (especially osteoarthritis of the knee and hip), backache, and muscle stiffness. It aids in liver and gall-bladder complaints. As a topical treatment for, skin problems, ulcers, and wounds.

 

Directions to use:

Decoction: ½ - 1 teaspoon of root in 2 cups of water. Bring to boil and simmer for 10 - 15min. Drink three times per day.

 

Safety precautions:

Do not use if pregnant or lactating. Consult with a medical practitioner before use. Use for at least 1 month before effect will be evident. Not recommended for people with stomach or duodenal ulcers.

DEVILS CLAW MILLED

Harpagophytum

procumbens

Anti-inflammatory, diuretic,

sedative, antirheumatic, anodyne,

hepatic.

 

Traditional Uses:

Relieves pain and reduces inflammation. Acts as a diuretic, sedative, and digestive stimulant. Good for diabetes, allergies, liver, gallbladder, and kidney disorders. Arthritis, inflammation, assist with elimination of uric acid. Reduces inflammation in the joints and will help with arthritis (especially osteoarthritis of the knee and hip), backache, and muscle stiffness. It aids in liver and gall-bladder complaints. As a topical treatment for, skin problems, ulcers, and wounds.

 

Directions to use:

Decoction: ½ - 1 teaspoon of root in 2 cups of water. Bring to boil and simmer for 10 - 15min. Drink three times per day.

 

Safety precautions:

Do not use if pregnant or lactating. Consult with a medical practitioner before use. Use for at least 1 month before effect will be evident. Not recommended for people with stomach or duodenal ulcers.

dong quai root

Angelica sinensis

Phyto-estrogen,

anti-inflammatory,

anti-spasmodic. Tonic, anemia,

constipation, irregular menstruation, and pain.

 

Traditional Uses:

Vaginal dryness, irregular or painful period, sinusitis, allergies. Acts as mild sedative, laxative, diuretic, antispasmodic and pain reliever. Strengthens the reproductive system. Used to treat female problems such as hot flashes, other menopausal symptoms, and premenstrual syndrome. Fertility, chronic inflammation such as rheumatoid arthritis. Endometriosis and uterine fibroid tumors. Hepatitis and common blood disorders such as anemia. Can also be used as an herbal tonic for women and to speed up recovery after child birth.

 

Directions to use:

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

 

Safety precautions:

Do not use if pregnant or lactating. Consult with a medical practitioner before use. Do not use if diabetic or light sensitive. It enhances the action of blood thinning medication. Use for at least 1 month before effect will be evident.

echinacea root

Echinacea purpurea radix

Antimicrobial,

immunomodulator,

anti-inflammatory, anti-catarrhal,

vulnerary, alterative.

 

Traditional Uses:

Internal: Helpful for microbial infections. Immune booster, acne, sinus, cystitis, boils, poison, flu, antibiotic, anti-viral. Help fight colds, flu, and infections. Effective in the treatment of laryngitis, tonsillitis and for catarrhal conditions of the nose and sinus. For coughs, headaches and stomach aches and swollen glands. Purifies blood. Boost blood cell production, especially white. Stimulate certain white blood cells. Especially effective in upper respiratory tract. Helps the body to rid itself of microbial infections.

External: Gargle with the tea for ulcers or sore gums, or add to rinse water for acne, oily skin, rashes, and spots. Put on wounds for pain killing and as a disinfectant. Use for boils, septicemia, and other infections. Dab with cotton wool onto insect bites for relief. Also provides an anti-toxin to treat snake bites. This should not replace medical treatment. Can be used as a douche for vaginal discharge.

 

Directions to use:

Decoction: 1 - 2 teaspoons of root in 1 cup of water. Drink three times per day.

 

Safety precautions:

Do not use if pregnant or lactating. Consult with a medical practitioner before use. Not to be used if you suffer from autoimmune disease such as rheumatoid arthritis of lupus. Do not use for longer than 3 weeks only during acute infections.

elcampane ROOT

Inula helenium

Expectorant, antitussive,

diaphoretic, hepatic, antimicrobial.

 

Traditional Uses:

Has a very soothing, calming, and expectorant action on the respiratory system. For treating bronchial coughs, especially in children. Use wherever there is copious catarrh (excessive mucous). Bronchitis and emphysema. For allergies. Also, for asthma and bronchial asthma. May act against tuberculosis bacteria. Stimulates the immune system. Beneficial for kidney health, blood sugar control and cholesterol reduction. Stimulates digestion and appetite. Can be of assistance in the treatment of parasitic worms.

 

Directions to use:

Infusion: 1 cup of cold water, poor over 1 teaspoon of root. Let it stand for 8 – 10 hours.

Heat and drink hot, three times per day.

 

Safety precautions:

Do not use if pregnant or lactating. Consult with a medical practitioner before use. Do not use when you have a dry cough. Can cause allergies. Can irritate the mucous membranes of the nose, throat, stomach, and intestines.

garlic flakes

Allium sativum

Antimicrobial, diaphoretic,

hypercholesteraemic, cholagogue,

hypotensive, antispasmodic.

 

Traditional Uses:

Acting on bacteria, viruses, and parasites of the alimentary tract. Infections of the respiratory systems, chronic bronchitis, recurrent colds, and influenza. Preventative against most infectious conditions, digestive as well as respiratory. Supports the development of natural bacterial flora while killing pathogenic organisms. Supports cardiovascular health, reduces serum cholesterol and triglyceride levels while raising levels of high-density lipoproteins. Helps to prevent atherosclerosis. Has some cancer-preventive properties esp. gastrointestinal tract. Used for fungal infections (ringworm and pinworm).

 

Directions to use:

You should eat a clove size per day. If in acute infections, 1 clove size, three times a day. Garlic powder or flakes can be used at 4g – 6g per day.

 

Safety precautions:

Do not use if pregnant or lactating. May interact with blood thinning medication. Consult with a medical practitioner before use.

gentian root cut

Gentiana lutea

Bitter, sialagogue, hepatic,

cholagogue, antimicrobial,

anthelmintic, emmenagogue

 

Traditional Uses:

Bitter which may be used to stimulate the appetite and digestion by stimulating the digestive juices. Accelerates the emptying of the stomach. May be useful in the treatment of convalescence. May reduce fever and anemia. Generally fortifying effect. May be useful in the treatment of anorexia nervosa, alimentary insufficiency, biliousness as well as jaundice.

 

Directions to use:

Decoction: Put 2g – 4g of root in a cup of water and boil for 5min. Drink warm 15-30min before meals or when acute stomach aches.

 

Safety precautions:

Do not use if pregnant or lactating. May cause headaches. Do not use if suffering from gastric or duodenal ulcers. Consult with a medical practitioner before use.

ginger pieces

Zingiber officinale

Aromatic, carminative,

anti-emetic, circulatory stimulant,

expectorant, antispasmodic,

rubefacient and diaphoretic.

 

Traditional Uses:

May improves digestion and reduces flatulence and colic. Helps for morning sickness and motion sickness, nausea associated with chemotherapy, for coughs, bronchitis, colds influenza and peripheral circulatory problems. Useful for circulatory problems. It is excellent for ulcers and increases peristalsis and the secretion of bile and gastric juices. It lowers cholesterol. May reduces susceptibility to illness caused by cold weather. As gargle, helps with sore throats.

 

Directions to use:

Powered root: 1/4 teaspoon can be added to 1 cup boiling water and stand for 5min. Add a strong tea to some warm water for a footbath.

 

Safety precautions:

Should not be taken by people with inflammatory skin complaints, ulcers of the digestive tract or high fever. Not recommended for people who take anticoagulants or have gallstones. Large doses of 12g – 14g may enhance the effects of anticoagulant drugs. Limit intake when pregnant or lactating. Consult with a medical practitioner before use.

ginseng Root

siberian

Eleutherococcus

senticosus

Adaptogen, tonic, stimulant,

hypoglycaemic.

 

Traditional Uses:

Stimulates the nervous and immune system. Increases general stamina and strength. Useful for conditions such as angina, hypertension, hypotension, various types of neurosis. Increase the body’s resistance to stress and infections. May increase your ability to cope with stress and work or exams. Used to raise lowered blood pressure to a normal level. May assist with weakness and exhaustion. May act as an aphrodisiac. Can be beneficial in the treatment of irregular hormonal secretion. Protects against the effects of radiation exposure. May lower blood sugars. May be beneficial in the treatment of exhaustion, irritability, insomnia, and mild depression.

 

Directions to use:

Decoction: 1 - 2 teaspoons in 1 cup of water boil for 10min. Drink three times per day. The root may be chewed.

 

Safety precautions:

Do not use if pregnant or lactating. May interfere with cardiac medication and hypoglycemic agents. Consult with a medical practitioner before use.

horseradish Root

Armoracia rusticana

Respiratory and urinary tract

infections.

 

Traditional Uses:

Mainly of benefit for arthritis, gout, sciatica as well as respiratory, and urinary infections. May be used as a circulatory stimulant. Has some antibiotic properties and is used as a diuretic. Can help when suffering from cold sweats. Can also help to reduce bacterial infections and when taken with honey as a cough mixture. Known as a stimulant herb and is of good use as a general tonic for debility.

 

Directions to use:

Infusion: Pour 1 cup of boiling water over 1 teaspoons of root. Infuse for 5min. Strain and drink three times per day. Dosage may be increased during times of colds and influenza.

 

Safety precautions:

Do not use if pregnant or lactating. Stay within recommended dosages. Consult with a medical practitioner before use. Not recommended for people with stomach ulcers and goiter problems. Use carefully on sensitive skin, for it may cause irritation.

hydrangea Root

Hydrangea arborescens

Diuretic, antilithic.

 

Traditional Uses:

Enlarged prostate problems, kidney stones, incontinence, or bed-wetting. Stimulates the kidneys. Good for bladder infection, kidney disease, obesity, and prostrate disorders.

 

Directions to use:

Decoction: 2 teaspoons of root in 1 cup of water. Bring to boil and simmer for 10 - 15min. Drink three times per day.

 

Safety precautions:

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

LIQUORICE Root CUT

Glycyrrhiza glabra

Expectorant, demulcent,

anti-inflammatory,

anti-hepatotoxic, anti-spasmodic,

mild laxative

 

Traditional Uses:

Have effects on endocrine system and the liver among other organs. For bronchial problems such as catarrh, bronchitis, asthma, allergies, and coughs. Has a laxative effect and helps for adrenal gland problems. For chronic fatigue, fever, and hypoglycemia. For peptic ulceration, abdominal colic, gastritis, and ulcers. It inhibits the growth of several DNA and RNA viruses and irreversibly inactivates herpes simplex virus particles.

 

Directions to use:

Decoction: Add ½ - 1 (1 – 5g) teaspoon of the root in 1 cup of water. Bring to the boil and simmer for 10 -15min. Strain and drink once or twice per day.

 

Safety precautions:

Do not use if pregnant or lactating. Do not use when suffering from untreated high blood pressure, or if you suffer with diabetes, glaucoma or have a history of stroke. Might deplete potassium. Consult with a medical practitioner before use.

marshmallow Root

Althaea officinalis

Demulcent, emollient, diuretic,

anti-inflammatory, expectorant.

Mucilage, traces of essential oil,

pectin, asparagine, tannins.

 

Traditional Uses:

Mainly used for the lungs and the urinary system. For bronchitis, respiratory catarrh, and irritating coughs. For urethritis and urinary gravel. Roots:  digestive system Leaves: Urinary system and lungs. Acute respiratory disease, gastroenteritis, peptic ulcer, cystitis, urethritis, inflammation of the mouth and throat, inflamed hemorrhoids, and wounds, burns and scalds, bedsores, abscesses, boils, and skin ulcers.

 

Directions to use:

Cold infusion: Root: 2g - 4g, steep overnight. Drink three times per day.

 

Safety precautions:

Do not use if pregnant or lactating. May delay the absorption of other drugs taken at the same time. Consult with a medical practitioner before use.

NETTLE STINGING

Root CUT

Urtica dioica

Diuretic, expectorant, pain reliever

and tonic, anti-rheumatic,

urological (roots).

 

Traditional Uses: The key action is cleansing and detoxifying but are one of the most widely applicable plants we have. It strengthens and supports the whole body. Specific in child wood eczema and nervous eczema. Essential for gout, arthritis. Poor kidney function and fluid retention. Eases hay fever, asthma, eczema, and allergic disorders. Treats anemia and sciatica. Reduces mucus in lungs and bronchial catarrh. Improves breast milk production. Reduce an enlarged and painful prostate. For internal hemorrhage. Dysentery, jaundice, and infertility. Makes a great tonic after the winter as they are one of the best sources of minerals. Nettle root has been used in early stages of benign prostatic hyperplasia. It improves urine flow, reduces urinary frequency and nocturia, and decreases the volume of residual urine.

 

Directions to use:

Roots: Decoction: The usual daily dosage is 4g - 6g. Boil 3 - 4 teaspoons of dried root in 250ml of water for 10min, and then strain.

 

Safety precautions:

Fresh nettle causes urticaria if applied topically. Internal use may theoretically decrease the efficacy of anticoagulant drugs. Do not use if pregnant or lactating. Consult with a medical practitioner before use.

rhubarb root

Chinese

Althaea officinalis

Acts as a bitter stomachic, mild

purgative, astringent.

 

Traditional Uses:

Use for indigestion and diarrhea. Liver and gall bladder complaints. Purgative action during constipation (with fevers, ulcers, infections). Jaundice, hemorrhoids, constipation as well as diarrhea. It can be used as a mouthwash for mouth ulcers.

 

Directions to use:

Decoction: Take ½ - 1 teaspoon of herb with 1 cup of water. Bring to the boil and simmer gently for 10min. Strain and drink morning and evening. Use in very small doses for diarrhea and gastric upset and in larger doses for chronic constipation.

 

Safety precautions:

Do not use if pregnant or lactating. May reduce the absorption time of orally administered drugs. Can deplete potassium supplies. Consult with a medical practitioner before use.

sarsparilla Root

Smilax species

Alterative, antirheumatic,

diaphoretic, diuretic

 

Traditional Uses:

May be used as supportive therapy for chronic rheumatism, gout, and rheumatoid arthritis. Use for proper functioning of the body as a whole. May assist in relieving flatulence. May help purify the blood as well as urine-genital tract, thus assisting in the treatment of infections and inflammation. Useful in the treatment of scaling skin conditions such as psoriasis and scrofula.

 

Directions to use:

Decoction: Take 2-3 teaspoons of root with 500ml of water. Bring to the boil and simmer for 10-15min. Strain and drink three times per day.

 

Safety precautions:

Excessive consumption of the root may cause gastrointestinal distress. Do not use if pregnant or lactating. Consult with a medical practitioner before use.

Valerian Root

Valeriana officinalis

Nervine, hypnotic,

antispasmodic, carminative,

hypotensive, emmenagogue

 

Traditional Uses:

Used to reduce tension and anxiety, over-excitability, and hysterical states. Used effectively to aid in insomnia, inducing a natural healing sleep. Used for post-traumatic stress disorder or PTSD. Use for intestinal colic. May be beneficial for the treatment of period pains and cramps. Useful as a pain reliever where the pain is associated with tension. May also help with migraine and rheumatic pain. May reduce high blood pressure. Has also exhibited anticonvulsant effects that may help in the treatment of epilepsy.

 

Directions to use:

Infusion: Pour 1 cup of boiling water onto 1-2 teaspoons of root. Leave for 10-15min. Drink when needed.

Cold infusion: Pour 1 cup of water over 2 teaspoons of root. Steep for 8-10 hours.

 

Safety precautions:

Do not use if pregnant or lactating. Stay within the recommended dosages. Should not combine with alcohol. Consult with a medical practitioner before use.

WIld Yam root

Dioscorea villosa

Anti-spasmodic,

anti-inflammatory,

anti-rheumatic, hepatic,

cholagogue, diaphoretic, vasodilator

 

Traditional Uses:

Useful in treating symptoms of rheumatism and arthritis. These same qualities make it useful in treating cramps and muscular pain. It has also been used to treat digestive disorders including gallbladder inflammation, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and diverticulitis. The combination of its diuretic and anti-inflammatory effects makes it a good choice for urinary tract conditions. Contains a compound called Diosgenin, which is used in birth control pills and other steroid hormones. This supports the idea that wild yam may help regulate female sex hormones and it is considered a good herb for many of the symptoms associated with menopause. This herb has also been shown to lower blood pressure (temporarily) and cholesterol levels in the blood. Also been shown to benefit the spleen, kidneys, lungs, and stomach.

 

Directions to use:

Infusion: 1 - 2 teaspoon dried root to 1 cup water. bring to boil, reduce heat simmer for 20 - 30min. Strain and store in refrigerator. Take in ½ cup doses, twice per day

 

Safety precautions:

Hormone-sensitive condition such as breast cancer, uterine cancer, ovarian cancer, endometriosis, or uterine fibroids. Wild yam might act like estrogen. Do not use if pregnant or lactating. Consult with a medical practitioner before use.

yellow dock root

Rumex crispus

Alterative, laxative, hepatic,

cholagogue, tonic, purgative.

Nutrients: Calcium, Iron, Magnesium,

Selenium, Zinc, Vit. B.

 

Traditional Uses:

Internal: May be use in the treatment of chronic skin complaints such as psoriasis, eczema, urticaria, as well as prurigo. Especially associated with poor digestion and poor liver functioning or “toxicity”. Can be used for the relief of constipation without the griping effect. For poor digestion. Liver detox. Acts as a slight blood cleanser as it promotes the flow of bile. It serves as a general health tonic.

External: Combines well with Sarsaparilla for skin conditions.

 

Directions to use:

Decoction: 1 - 2 teaspoons of root. Bring to the boil in 250ml of water, simmer gently for 10-15min. Drink three times per day. Daily intake is 2g – 4g of root.

 

Safety precautions:

May cause mild diarrhea or loose stools in some people. Should not be used by people with kidney or liver diseases or an electrolyte abnormality. Do not use continuously for more than 1-2 weeks. Do not use if pregnant or lactating. Consult with a medical practitioner before use.