Common Herbs and Their Uses

By strict definition, an herb is a plant whose stem is soft and dies down to the ground after flowering. However, the term "herb" is often applied to any plant, part or all or which has been used to flavor food, supplement nutrition or treat medical illnesses. Herbs and herbal medicine have played, and will continue to play, an important role in the healthcare practices.

Common Herbs Health Care Guide
Herb	Uses	Possible Benefits
Bilberry	Circulatory system Visual acuity	Maintain integrity of capilaties Treatment of circulation disorders (vaicose veins) Helps preserve eyesight and prevent eye damage
Cayenne (Capsicum)	Catalyst for other herbs Inflences blood flow	Speed circulation Slow bleeding Regulate heart and blood pressure
Chamomile	Calming effect on smooth muscle tissue First used by ancient Egyptians	Good for digestion Helps settle a "nervous" or "restless" stomach Relaxing effect Relieves back pain Sleep aid Relieves headaches and cramps
Devil's Claw	Used for over 250 years in Africa and Europe Anti-inflammatory	Reduces pain of arthritis and rheumatism Relieves constipation Helps normalization of cholesterol and blood sugar levels
Dong Quai	Most important female tonic in Chinese medicine	Improves poor vitality, tiredness Relieves menstrual and menopausal symptoms Strengthen and normalize uterine contractions
Echinacea	First used by Indians of the Great Plains to heal wounds Healing Positive effect on the immune system	Boosts the immune system Promotes healing of skin wounds Fights bacterial and viral infections Shortens duration of colds and flu
Evening Primrose Oil	Gamma Linolenic Acid found in the seeds Essential fatty acids	Relieves cramps, hot flashes Relieves symptoms of PMS Effective against eczema
Feverfew	Used against all "pains in the head" inhibits the release of two inflammatory substances thought to contribute to migraine attacks	Eliminates or helps reduce severity of migraine attacks Alleviates inflammation and discomfort of arthritis Helps to reduce fever
Garlic	Wonder drug of the herbal world Used by ancient Egyptians to keep their slaves healthy	Overall health enhancer Helps prevent heart disease by reducing blood pressure and blood lipids Helps fight infection Appears to reduce the risk of certain cancers, especially of the digestive tract Excellent digestive aid Relieves gas
Ginger	One of the most widely used roots for culinary and medical purposes	Relieves motion sickness and nausea Calms the stomach and improves appetite
Ginkgo Biloba	One of the oldest living trees, over 200 million years Traditionally used in Chinese medicine for respiratory and brain function	Increases circulation to the brain helping memory, concentration, vertigo, dizziness... Helpful in cases of head injury, numbness and tingling
Ginseng	Means "Root of Man" Used by Chinese for over 5,000 years Stimulant Enhances athletic performance	Increases physical and mental endurance Helps the body adjust to stressful situations Normalizes body functions Reduces cholesterol Increases energy May enhance sexual desire May slow down the various effects of aging
Goldenseal	Used by Native American healers for a wide range of ailments Used for infections and inflammation	Helps relieve pains from inflammation, heals wounds and stops bleeding Anti-bacterial -helps reduce or prevent infection of open sores Has been used as a laxative
Kelp	Type of seaweed Rich in iodine Contains 23 minerals	Beneficial to reproductive organs Tones walls of blood vessels Excellent for thyroid gland and goiters Good for nails and hair
Milk Thistle	Popular in Europe as a tonic for the liver	Rejuvenates the liver Protects against the action of liver poisons Increases production of bile used for breakdown of fats
Parsley	Exhibits a diuretic action Increases the secretion of stomach acid and promotes gastric function It is often combined with garlic to decease the latter's unpleasant odor.	Used for GI upset including dyspepsia and flatulence Aids digestion and offers a rich source of nutrients Aids in urinary dysfunction resulting from enlargement of the prostate Offers relief in cases of gout and rheumatism
St. John's Wort	Exhibits anti-anxiety and sedative effects Has been shown to inhibit several varieties of retrovirus, including HIV	Used in the treatment of mild to moderate depression Used topically, as the oil, to treat minor burns and skin abrasions
Saw Palmetto	Used by American Indians to nourish the body and encourage appetite and normal weight gain	Helpful in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia Remedy for impotence, inflammation of the prostate and low libido in men
Spirulina	Blue-green algae Source of 8 amino acids, chelated minerals, trace minerals and enzymes	Excellent vegetarian supplement because it contains b-12 Contains potassium, calcium, zinc, magnesium, manganese, selenium, iron and phosphorus Rich in chlorophyll Reduce both total cholesterol and LDL levels
Valerian	"Valium of the nineteenth century" Recognized worldwide for its relaxing effect	Calms you down Relieves insomnia Good during periods of extreme emotional stress Relieves cramps and gas pains
Vegetal Silica (Horsetail)	This plant is valued for its astringent and antibiotic properties	Used for wound healing Strengthens connective tissue Helps to heal bleeding ulcers

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