Simple and Natural Herbal Living - An Earth Lodge Guide to Holistic Herbs for Health (eBook)

Herbs & Their Properties

Astragalus

Astragalus membranaceus, Astragalus mongholicus

Parts Used: roots

Properties: alterative, anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, diaphoretic, diuretic, immuno-stimulant, stimulant.

Astragalus is very instrumental in augmenting flagging immune systems, and boosting overall health. In Chinese traditional medicine (TCM) it is generally combined with other strengthening herbs, being used historically to raise energy levels, treat chronic diseases and cancers, and significantly improve liver, kidney and adrenal function. It has been shown in recent scientific studies to have beneficial effects on heart functions, and to possibly improve chemotherapy benefits, and more studies are currently targeting astragalus as a cancer adjunct therapy.

Astragalus is so good at raising immune responses that when it is used against infections it can increase or prolong fevers. Therefore, I generally do not use it if there is already a fever present, and if a fever presents while using astragalus, I recommend backing off of it for several days. Once the fever presents, the immune system is already doing its job!

Because it hones the immune system, without actually over-stimulating it as Echinacea can sometimes do, astragalus has been used traditionally to help treat those with multiple allergies, where the cause is believed to be a faulty immune system: Astragalus has the ability to “reboot” the immune system, similar to Cat’s Claw.

Astragalus can lower blood pressure and blood sugar, so if you are already on diabetic medications or have very low blood pressure, Astragalus is not indicated.

Barberry

Berberis vulgaris

Parts Used: berries, roots, bark

Properties: antibacterial, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, astringent, demulcent, febrifuge, hypotensive, immuno-stimulant, sedative, uterine stimulant.

Barberry was used by the Egyptians for thousands of years, and is still widely used today in Iran to treat gallbladder and digestive disorders. Barberry’s name actually derives from its prolific use in England were it can be found throughout the land forming impervious hedges which bar all trespassers.

Barberry contains notable quantities of the antibacterial alkaloids berberine and berbamine. It increases white blood cell production and is often used to treat diarrhea, intestinal parasites, and viral, bacterial and fungal infections. For kidney or bladder stones, barberry can be very effective given in half-doses three times a day.

Note: Barberry is contraindicated during pregnancy and lactation, and in people with decreased liver function.

Bilberry

Accinium myrtillus

Parts Used: berries and leaves

Properties: astringent, antibacterial, antioxidant, antiseptic, laxative, diuretic, refrigerant.

Bilberryhas a long tradition as an eye treatment in Europe, even having been used during World War II in Britain to improve airplane pilots’ night vision.

Taken internally, bilberrycan lower blood pressure behind the eyes and deliver more oxygen to the eyes, and are an herbal remedy for macular degeneration, glaucoma and cataracts. This is attributed in large part to the fact that bilberries contain anthocyanidins and proanthocyanidins, anti-oxidants that can reduce inflammation, strengthen blood vessels and regulate proper blood flow throughout the body.

Bilberryleaves, like its “cousin” blueberry, are native to North America, and have valuable astringentqualities as a diuretic and to treat urinary tract issues, diarrhea and colic. They can help prevent bladder or kidney stones, and benefit a variety of digestive conditions. Due to their anti-oxidant properties, bilberries are also believed to be beneficial in adjunct cancer therapies. Bilberry allows wounds and tissues to heal more effectively, and Native Americans traditionally washed external wounds with bilberry infusions to speed healing.

Bloodroot

Sanguinaria Canadensis

Parts Used: root

Properties: alterative, emetic, expectorant, tonic

Bloodroot has been used extensively in many native and herbal traditions to treat external cancers, tumors and warts. It is noted for its ability to encourage mutated cells to self-destruct, while not affecting healthy skin tissue. Recently, bloodroot has been steadily declining in the wild and should not be wild-crafted. Seek bloodroot through reputable sources who have taken care to ensure the proliferation of this fragile and beautiful plant.

Bloodroot is toxic to the nervous system when administered internally, and extreme caution should always be taken that children cannot lick it off their bodies if used. In general, Goldenseal has many of the same anti-growth properties as bloodroot, with gentler effects, and can be used as a safer alternative to bloodroot. Because it is gentler, it also works more slowly.

Note: Use only when supervised by a qualified practitioner.

Boneset

Eupatorium perfoliatum

Parts Used: leaves and new blossoms

Properties: aperient, antispasmodic, diaphoretic, emetic, febrifuge, stimulant, tonic.

After being properly dried, boneset acts as a tonic and febrifuge, strengthening weakened constitutions and combating recurring fevers.

European research has found that boneset’s capacity to stimulate the immune systemand combat bacterial infectionsmake boneset a powerful instrument for occasional use. It was used extensively throughout the United States by Native Americans and settlers alike, combating influenza and common colds.

Its name derives from its treatment of “breakbone fever,” or dengue fever, which is generally accompanied by joint pain. Boneset is quite adept at alleviating this sort of discomfort, along with pains in the bones. Ancient herbalists used to see an herb’s appearance as an indicator of its properties: boneset’s leaves actually appear skewered by its stem. Given to people that have been badly bruised or suffered boneand ligamentinjuries, boneset may lessen pain.

When taken warm, boneset encourages the passing of fecal matter, and can be used in this manner to help relieve constipation.

Note: Boneset taken in large doses can cause diarrhea. Only use boneset after it has been dried to eliminate the presence of tremerol, a toxic chemical. Also, related species of Eupatorium have been found to contain pyrolizzidine alkaloids. Phytochemical research has yet to conclude whether or not Boneset also contains these alkaloids, however, there is concern that boneset taken over long-term periods may lead to liver damage if it does them contain . Therefore, use boneset only in small, short-term bursts, preferably in conjunction with milk thistle to counteract possible side-effects.

Borage

Borago Officinalis

Parts Used: leaves and oil.

Properties: anti-inflammatory, aperient, diaphoretic, diuretic, demulcent, emollient, febrifuge, galactagogue, refrigerant, stimulant.

Borageis a very soothing mucilaginous herb, both inside and outside the body with mild anti-inflammatory properties. It can be used internally to treat feversand clear respiratory congestion, as well as to soothe and restore stressed adrenal glands. The ancient Romans used it as a mild stimulant, and it has been used throughout the ages as an herbal remedy for depressed spirits.

Borage oil is particularly rich in GLA (gamma linolenic acid) and fights plaque deposits in arteries, as well as delivering a potent punch to allergies and skin conditions. Borage seeds contain trace amounts of pyrolizzidine alkaloids which can be damaging to the liver, but scientific studies done on the oil derived from the seeds have determined that the alkaloids are not present in the oil. Commercially-prepared borage oil and borage leaves are both generally believed to be safe and PA free. Externally, borageis extremely useful in reducing bruises and inflamed muscles or joints.

Note: Borage can over-stimulate the nervous system in large doses. It is not recommended for pregnant or nursing women for the same reason.

Burdock

Arctium lappa, Arctium minus

Parts Used: leaves and roots

Properties: alterative, demulcent, diaphoretic, diuretic, nutritive.

Burdockis a wonderful blood-cleansing herb that detoxifies the liver, blood, kidneys and entire lymphatic system. In China, it has long been used as the foremost detox herb, and to treat arthritis. In Western herbal medicine, it has a long history of being used to reduce inflammationin joints and muscles, and help lower fevers. Lesser Burdock (arctium minus) can be used similarly.

Burdock can be used to treat eye infections by removing unwanted substances from the body and healing irritated tissue. Burdock is part of many herbal anti-cancer regimens due to its ability to remove environmental toxins from the body and encourage healthy bone marrow....