HERBS PAGE 3
Parthenium
Used for liver disorders, bladder and kidney problems, viral infections,
congestion, colds, ear infections, sore throats and fever. Recognized as a
immune- enhancer, blood purifier and liver stimulant. Classification:
Bitter herb. Cool energy. Parthenium (Parthenium integrifolium) also known
as Missouri Snake Root, is a perennial herb indigenous to North and South
America and the West Indies. As its nickname indicates, it grows readily in
Missouri as well as in open woods areas from Massachusetts to Georgia, and
as far west as Texas. In years past, parthenium was often mislabeled
echinacea by herbal suppliers, but the plant's properties are entirely
different from those of echinacea. Parthenium contains sesquiterpene
esters, which may support the immune system in its normal functions.
Passion Flower
Used for insomnia, various neurologic disorders, stress, shingles, anxiety,
hypertension, coughs and headaches. Classification: Bitter herb. Cool
energy. Passion Flower (Passiflora incarnata) grows widely in the eastern
half of the U.S. Spanish Christian missionaries thought it resembled the
crown of thorns and named it after the Passion of Christ--his suffering
following the last supper until his death. The plant is also nicknamed
Maypop, descriptive of the popping sound the fruit makes when mashed.
Psyllium
Soften the stools,preventing constipation,colitis and hemorrhoids,clean the
intestines.
Red Clover
Excellent blood purifier. Used for skin problems, eczema, menopausal
symptoms, nervous disorders, coughs, colds, inflammation of joints, liver
congestion and jaundice. Classification: Bitter herb. Cool energy. Red
Clover (Trifolium pratense) is a well-known, purple- flowered plant that
dots fields across America, where as many as 80 species are indigenous. The
plant grows best where soils are rich in calcium, phosphorus and potassium.
Like alfalfa, it serves as common fodder for domestic animals. Red clover
is useful in human nutrition as well. The flowers produce a mild,
sweet-flavored clover honey. The blossoms and leaves are used in herbology
as a source of magnesium, copper, calcium, chromium, iron, phosphorus and
vitamins A, B-complex and C. Researchers from the National Cancer Institute
(NCI) have found anti-cancer properties in this herb. Clover, like alfalfa,
is a source of vitamin B17. Because it is mild, it makes an excellent
nutritional supplement for children.
Red Raspberries
Used by women throughout pregnancy to facilitate delivery, prevent
miscarriage and alleviate morning sickness. Also used for diarrhea, flu and
childhood diseases. Classification: Astringent herb. Cool energy. Red
Raspberries (Rubus idaeus) are believed to be native to Europe, but are
widely cultivated in North America, Britain, Scandinavia and Scotland. The
fruit is too common to need explanation; the leaves are widely used in
herbology. They are rich in vitamin C, and contain astringent qualities due
to their high tannin content. Red raspberry leaves have been used by women
for centuries as a support to the reproductive system, especially during
pregnancy. The leaves contain manganese, and are also a source of iron and
niacin. Nature's Sunshine provides red raspberry in a number of
combinations and as a single herb.
Reishi Mushroom
Also known as Ling-Zhi(chinese), recent studies found maybe helpful for
treating high cholesterol,normalizing blood pressure,regulating circulatory
system and help cure on allergies,contains high amount of polysaccharides
which are essential for immune system also known as tumor fighters.
Rose Hips
Good for all infections and bladder problems. helps combate stress.
Royal Jelly
Contains high in B-complex vitamins,is the natural source of acetylcholine.
Good for bronchia asthma,liver,pancretitis,insomnia disorders,ulcers,kidney
disease.
Safflowers
Used for liver congestion, digestive disorders, gas, uric acid (gout) and
water retention. Classification: Bitter herb. Cool energy. Safflowers
(Carthamus tinctorius) are probably native to the Euphrates basin and are
cultivated throughout Europe, Asia and the U.S. The flowers contain two
substances which are valuable as yellow and red dyes, chiefly used to dye
silk. The plant is extensively used for cooking oil in the U.S., which can
be obtained in grocery stores and health-food stores. The oil contains a
high concentrate of polyunsaturates. Polyunsaturates provide the raw
material for prostaglandins, the hormonelike substances that function in
cell membranes and molecular regulation. Safflowers are also a natural
nutritional aid for the digestive system.
Sage
Dry up breast milk, worms, night sweats, sore gums, sore throat, grey hair.
Sage--the garden variety, not desert-variety sagebrush-- is grown
extensively in its native Mediterranean region, where it is valued for both
its culinary and its health benefits. Many Italians eat the leaves with
bread and butter as part of a healthy diet. A member of the mint family,
sage's name comes from the Latin salvare, which means "to heal," a name
indicative of the respect it commanded in times past. More than 500 species
grow around the world. The plant is highly astringent. Extracts of sage
have antioxidant properties, meaning they act as a preservative, which
probably explains sage's wide use as a meat seasoning for centuries. The
gray-green leaves are used in herbology. Sage has also been used externally
as a cosmetic to darken the hair.
Sarsaparilla
An excellent blood purifier. Used for skin and liver disorders, urinary and
female problems, inflammation of the prostate and impotence.
Classification: Bitter herb. Neutral to cool energy. Sarsaparilla (Smilax
officinalis) is a perennial trailing vine with prickly stems, native to
tropical America and the West Indies. Its name comes from the Spanish words
sarza, for shrub, and parilla for little vine. Its roots, which are used in
herbology, burrow deeply into the ground, while its vines are avid
climbers. In the mid-1800s, the brewed plant was very popular in the U.S.
as a spring tonic. The root has been used commercially as a foaming
ingredient and flavoring in root beer and other soft drinks. Sarsaparilla
root contains sulfur, iron, calcium, potassium, and magnesium.
Saw Palmetto
Used for enlarged prostate, impotence, frigidity and urinary tract
infections. Acts as a regulator of weight and hormones. Classification:
Aromatic herb. Warm energy. Saw Palmetto (Serenoa repens) a member of the
palm family and native to the coastal areas of Florida and Texas, was an
important food source for Indians. They used the plant's ground-up seeds as
food, and believed the fruits had special health benefits. The plant's
fanlike branches were used as brooms by early English settlers, and in
modern times saw palmetto is sometimes used for garden cover. In herbology
it is used primarily to support glandular tissues and balance the hormones.
Shiitake
Japanese mushroom.Good for prevent blood pressure,heart disease,control
cholesterol level, build resistance against viruses and disease.and against
cancers.
Slippery Elm
Used for sore throat, dryness of the respiratory tract, diarrhea,
hemorrhoids, ulcers, sores and wounds. Soothes irritated mucus membranes.
Classification: Mucilaginous herb. Neutral energy. Slippery Elm (Ulmus
fulva) grows widely throughout North America, and is also known by the
names Red Elm, Moose Elm and Indian Elm. The plant contains mucilage, a
long chain of sugars (polysaccharides) that make a slippery substance when
combined with water. This mucilage is believed to soothe the digestive
system. Slippery elm is also rich in nutrients and is easy to digest,
making it an excellent food to replace those that may cause digestive
discomfort. It can be made into a gruel for food purposes. In times of
famine early American settlers used it as a survival food; it is said
George Washington and his troops survived for several days on slippery elm
gruel during the bitter winter at Valley Forge. Nature's Sunshine's
slippery elm in bulk form can be added to recipes for enhanced nutrition.
SOD(Superoxide Dismutase)
is an enzyme, it revitalizes the cells and reduces the rate of cell
destruction. It removes the most common free radicals.
Spirulina
Considered as the immediately food resource. Contains GLA,linoleic and
arachidonic acids,high amount of B12,high iron and protenin
content,essential amino acids,RNA & DNA nucleic acids,chlorophyll.
St. John's Wort
Stress, minor depression, alcohol cravings. St. John's Wort (Hypericum
perforatum) is an important herb for the nervous system. "Wort" comes from
an Old English word meaning "plant or root." In this case, the plant is
named for St. John, also known as the Baptist. Information about the herb
predates Christianity. Native Americans used it dried as meal, as they did
acorns. They also used the fresh leaves for their soothing effect. It has
long been popular for replenishing the nervous system, especially when the
brain seems depleted, or when the nervous system is out of balance. St.
John's wort contains hypericin, a natural compound that helps support the
nervous system by minimizing the effects of minor depression.
Suma
Also called Brazilian ginseng. Has properties that combat anemia fatigue
stress and diabetes. An immune system booster.
Uva Ursi
Used for urinary infections, kidney stones, urinary disorders, cystitis,
bladder infections, water retention, diarrhea and hemorrhoids. Uva Ursi
(Arctostaphylos uva ursi)--known as kinnikinnick by the Indians, as
mountain cranberry, and as bearberry--is an evergreen shrub growing close
to the ground, especially in elevations above 6,000 feet. Bears like the
red berries, as did the American Indians. It is also used in Europe, where
it grows in northern latitudes. Most commercial uva ursi is grown in Spain.
The leaves contain an antiseptic substance known as arbutin, making it a
helpful nutritional supplement for the urinary system. Uva ursi contains
vitamin A, iron, and manganese. It is also so high in tannin that it has
been used to tan leather.
Valerian Root
Good for
nervousness,ulcers,headaches,colic,gas,pain,stress,anxiety,insomnia,conv
ulsion,muscle cramps and spasms,improve circulation and acts as sedative.
Wheatgrass
Rich in nutritional food. Contains great variety of vitamins,minerals,and
trace elements.
White Oak Bark
Used for cankers, hemorrhoids, varicose veins, diarrhea, mouth sores,
ulcers, urinary disorders and insect bites. Helps stop bleeding in
digestive tract. Classification: Astringent herb. Cool energy. White Oak
Bark (Quercus alba) is native to England and has been naturalized in the
U.S., where it is found mainly in the East. It grows as high as 100 feet
and can live as long as 1,000 years. The trees are often used as a timber
whose beauty is valued in the making of cabinets, tables, and other
furniture. Oak trees also bear acorns, which were a staple in the American
Indian diet, sometimes leached, dried and ground into flour. The Indians
often gathered the acorns and stored them to ensure a continual winter food
supply. The key substances of white oak bark are tannin and quercin. Tannin
is present in the bark at approximately 11 percent, and accounts for white
oak's bitter and astringent qualities. White oak contains the minerals
manganese, calcium and zinc
Wild Yam
Hot flashes, irritability, depression, insomnia, and other symptoms due to
menopause. Wild Yam has been known to nourish, in particular, the female
reproductive system. Not to be confused with tuberous sweet potato yam,
wild yam is widely used in the world today to supply nutrients essential
for optimal glandular function. It nutritionally benefits the urinary,
nervous and respiratory systems, too. Known botanically as Dioscorea
villosa, it was commonly called Colic root and Rheumatism root a hundred
years ago in America. It is also used in Chinese herbal lore and has been
known as China root, Chinese Yam and Shan-yao. Wild Yam has also been known
as barbasco, bitter yam, devil's bones, liver root, South American yam and
Yuma.
Yarrow
Colds, fever, flu, chicken pox, nose bleeds, obstructed perspiration.
Yarrow a member of the sunflower family, can be found along roadsides, in
meadows and in pastures in Europe, Asia, South Australia and North America.
It grows in altitudes as high as 8,500 feet. The plant has a long history
of use, going back thousands of years. Legend has it yarrow's unique
virtues were discovered by Achilles. It was once associated with evil, as
evidenced by its alternative names Devil's Nettle, Devil's Plaything and
Bad Man's Plaything, and was used in spells. An old American and English
superstition held that young girls should tickle their noses with yarrow to
see if their lovers were being faithful; if the nose bled, the man's heart
was true. Yarrow's effects are mostly astringent. It contains an alkaloid
principle called achillein, as well as potassium and calcium salts, resin,
gum and tannin. Yarrow nutritionally supports mucus membranes. It is
closely related to chamomile, both botanically and chemically.
Yellow Dock
Used for anemia, skin diseases, acne, liver congestion, hepatitis.
Excellent blood purifier and cleanser. Classification: Bitter herb. Cool
energy. Yellow Dock (Rumex crispus), a member of the buckwheat family,
grows abundantly throughout the U.S. The Indians used it for its special
health benefits and legend has it they endeavored to keep it secret from
the Europeans. Pioneers also used it for nutritional support of the urinary
system. Yellow dock can be cultivated domestically but because it is
prolific it often takes over as a weed. It contains varying amounts of
phosphorus, vitamins A and C, and calcium.
Yucca
A sweet herb used for gout.also beneficial in the treatment of urethritis
and prostatitis. A blood purifier.