Dan shen, Asian red sage / Salvia miltiorrhiza

A cousin of garden sage, dan shen is the Chinese remedy for heart and circulation, and has been used for over 2,000 years. The root has an impressive range of activity on the cardiovascular system, benefiting conditions such as high blood pressure, poor peripheral circulation, and heart failure.

Willow bark, White willow / Salix alba

An ancient remedy for aches and pains, fevers, and rheumatic conditions, willow bark contains aspirin-like substances. It is often thought of as the herbal equivalent of aspirin, but its mode of action is only partly the same—it cannot be used as a straightforward aspirin replacement.

Bilberry, Blueberry / Vaccinium myrtillus

Bilberry tones up small blood vessels, especially capillaries, that permeate the tissues of the body. In particular, bilberry acts on the micro-circulation of the eye and can help to improve night vision and eyesight.

Valerian / Valeriana officinalis

Used wherever nervous tension, overactivity, or an inability to relax are present, valerian’s gently sedative action helps to soothe and slow a nervous system that is beginning to spin out of control. It is one of the first herbs to consider when a remedy is needed to ease anxiety and panic attacks.

Linseed, Flax - medicinal uses

Part used Seed

Key actions Antioxidant • Demulcent • Estrogenic • Laxative • Nutritive

Food supplement, menopausal symptoms Ground or cracked seed (untreated seed is not absorbed) makes an excellent addition to the diet: take 1–2 tablespoons a day with muesli, breakfast cereal, or yogurt. Since the seed soaks up large quantities of liquid, drink a large glass of water at the same time. The a-linoleic acid and omega-3 oil content in the seed is similar to fish oils, although less biologically available. High levels of phytoestrogens make linseed a useful supplement for menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes and headache. Store ground or cracked seed in an airtight container in the refrigerator to prevent the seed oils going rancid. Use within two to three weeks.

Digestive problems An excellent bulk laxative, linseed is a safe and frequently effective remedy for chronic constipation. Soak 1 tablespoonful of seed in at least 5 times its volume of warm water. Leave for a few hours, then swallow, preferably drinking additional water. The resulting jelly-like brew will often prove helpful for constipation and can also relieve acid indigestion and diarrhea. Long-term problems such as acid reflux and esophagitis, peptic ulcer, and chronic constipation are likely to need ongoing treatment with linseed.

Raspberry - medicinal uses

Part used Leaf

Key actions: Aids preparation for childbirth • Antidiarrheal • Astringent

To aid preparation for childbirth Take raspberry leaf as an infusion or capsule on a daily basis for the last three months of pregnancy, and freely during labor to ease contractions. The normal daily dose is 1–2 cups of tea.

Heavy menstrual bleeding Raspberry leaf can help control heavy menstrual bleeding, combining well with yarrow (Achillea millefolium) to reduce blood loss. It is sometimes taken to relieve premenstrual symptoms and period pains.

Other uses With its strong astringent action, an infusion of the leaves makes a gentle-acting and effective remedy for diarrhea and loose bowel movements in children. It is equally useful as a gargle for sore throats and a lotion for sore eyes.

Other uses of Birch

favorite Scandinavian remedy, birch twig bundles are used in saunas and steam baths to penetrate the skin and muscles in order to stimulate sweating, invigorate, and relieve tender and aching muscles. Birch oil, extracted from the leaves and twigs, is a traditional northern European product, commonly used in external applications for rheumatic aches and pains.

Vervain / Verbena officinalis

Used in western and Chinese herbal traditions, vervain is restorative, acting mainly on the nervous and digestive systems. Traditional indications include nervous exhaustion, headaches, migraine, menstrual problems, weak digestive function, and urinary tract infection.

Cramp bark, Guelder rose / Viburnum opulus

Useful in problems affecting both skeletal muscle and internal organs, cramp bark lives up to its reputation as an effective antispasmodic. A key remedy in Western herbal medicine, cramp bark relaxes excessive muscle tone, thereby easing tensed and cramping muscles.

Heartsease, Wild pansy / Viola tricolor

Perhaps appreciated more for its beautiful flowers than as a medicine, heartsease is a valued traditional remedy for skin and chest problems.

Mistletoe / Viscum album

The main therapeutic value of mistletoe lies in treating high blood pressure, although it has traditionally been used to treat epilepsy, insomnia, and tinnitus.

Chaste berry / Vitex agnus-castus

One of the few herbal medicines known to have a progesterone-type activity within the
body, chaste berry is a specific for menstrual and perimenopausal problems. Acting on the pituitary gland at the base of the brain, it improves menstrual regularity.

Medicinal uses of Birch

Parts used Bark: Leaf

Key actions: Anti-inflammatory, Astringent, Diuretic, Mild analgesic

Rheumatic and kidney problems Birch’s unusual combination of actions makes it a valuable remedy in conditions where symptoms reflecting kidney weakness—poor urine output, fluid retention, and puffiness—occur side by side with rheumatic problems such as stiff and aching muscles, arthritic pain, and leg cramps. By aiding the clearance of waste products in urine, birch leaves increase the body’s ability to remove waste products from joint and muscle tissues. The leaves contain aspirin-like substances which contribute to their ability to control inflammation and relieve pain. Traditional uses of birch include rheumatic pain, gout, fibromyalgia, and kidney and urinary tract infections such as cystitis. A warm decoction of the leaves and twigs can be applied to ease stiff and aching muscles. The sap is thought to have diuretic properties.

Medicinal uses of Boswellia

Part used Resin

Key actions: Anti-inflammatory • Anti-arthritic • Antiseptic • Reduces fever

Arthritic problems Boswellia is fast becoming one of the most commonly taken medicines for arthritic problems. Concerns over the safety of conventional anti-inflammatories have increased interest in herbal alternatives, and in boswellia’s case, there is a significant and growing body of research that indicates both its safety and effectiveness. The specific anti-inflammatory action of the resin makes it an important remedy for chronic inflammatory conditions such

Medicinal uses of Buchu

Part used Leaf Key action Urinary antiseptic Urinary tract infection Buchu is used specifically for cystitis and infection in the urinary tract as a whole, since its essential oil has marked antiseptic activity. The herb is best taken as an infusion and is probably most effective when used shortterm for acute infections. Other herbs such as cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon) may be better for chronic conditions.

Linseed, Flax / Linum usitatissimum

Grown as a food crop in temperate climates, linseed, or flax, is a valuable and readily available dietary supplement. A rich source of protein and omega-3 oils, linseed also contains high levels of phytoestrogens—roughly 10 times more than other seeds, making it a key remedy for menopause.

Raspberry / Rubus ideaus

Known in classical times as an aid to childbirth, raspberry leaf is thought to act on the womb, relaxing the cervix, and toning the muscles that contract during labor. Recent studies indicate that it is a safe remedy that shortens labor and reduces the likelihood of a forceps delivery.

Boswellia / Boswellia serrata

Boswellia is highly prized in traditional Indian medicine and has been used to treat conditions as varied as arthritis, asthma, bronchitis, dysentery, and fever. The rationale for its traditional use has been largely confirmed by recent scientific research.

Birch

The birch tree has a long history of use in northern temperate regions of the world. Birch tar oil, distilled from the bark, is a traditional treatment for chronic skin diseases. The leaves are used in kidney and rheumatic disorders, and the sap, tapped early spring, is taken as a refreshing and cleansing tonic.

Buchu / Barosma betulina

A key tonic, antiseptic, and mild stimulant herb in South African traditional medicine, buchu helps relieve urinary tract infections and gas.

Grape vine / Vitis vinifera

Grapes have astringent, laxative, and tonic qualities, and are almost universally recommended for convalescence—flowers and grapes are the gifts onebrings to the ill and infirm. Traditionally, grapes are used to cool fevers and, as part of a grape fast, promote tissue cleansing.

Oregon grape

Berberis aquifolium syn. Mahonia aquifolium A strongly bitter-tasting herb from the Pacific northwest, Oregon grape has a long history as a digestive tonic and appetite stimulant. Over the last 20 years, evidence that supports its use in treating chronic skin disorders has grown.

Wild indigo root / Baptisia tinctoria

A Native American herb used to cleanse wounds and counter infection, wild indigo has been used with echinacea to treat acute infection.

Bacopa / Bacopa monniera

An important Ayurvedic herb, bacopa is known for reducing nervous overactivity and improving mental performance.

Neem / Azadirachta indica

A large evergreen tree, neem is a veritable pharmacy in its own right, as well as a natural insecticide. The seed, seed oil, leaf, and bark are used medicinally, and have have been used in conditions as diverse as scabies
and psoriasis, malaria, diabetes, and anxiety.

Oats / Avena sativa

Better known as a food, oats are a valuable medicinal plant that benefit the health of the nervous system. A good source of both B vitamins and vitamin E, oats are absorbed slowly into the blood stream, have a low glycemic index, and support better-balanced blood sugar levels.

Withania, Ashwagandha / Withania somniferum

Still relatively unknown in the West, withania has been prized in Ayurvedic medicine for over 4,000 years. Often compared to ginseng, withania is more of a sedative than a stimulant, its calming, restorative action helping to relieve stress and xhaustion.

Astragalus / Astragalus membranaceus

This remarkable herb has been used in Chinese herbal medicine for over 2,000 years, and scientific research is beginning to confirm (and to some degree, extend) its range of uses. Astragalus is a safe remedy, often helpful in cases of chronic infection.

Prickly ash / Zanthoxylum clava-herculis

A highly valued North American remedy, prickly ash has traditionally been used for numerous conditions, ranging from toothache and rheumatic pain to cramps and poor peripheral circulation. Although bitter and hot to taste, the bark has long been a standby method for cleaning the teeth.

Burdock / Arctium lappa

Traditionally combined with dandelion to make a tonic, cleansing drink, burdock is an important detox remedy in both Western and Chinese herbal traditions. Often used to treat skin problems, burdock also supports the immune system during infection and chronic illness.

Cornsilk, Maize fronds / Zea mays

Maize is one of the world’s most popular foods, yet few realize that the silky brown fronds wrapped
around the cob make a valuable medicine. Best prepared as an infusion, cornsilk works specifically
on the urinary system, soothing and protecting the kidneys, bladder, and urinary tract.

Celery / Apium graveolens

A good detoxification remedy, celery stem, leaf, and seed stimulate the kidneys to clear waste products, especially helping to cleanse salts that accumulate in joints, causing stiffness and inflammation. Although celery today is considered to be a mild sedative, in earlier times it was believed to be an aphrodisiac.

Angelica / Angelica archangelica

The botanical name of angelica points to the highly prized status of this northern European herb in the past. A warming tonic that is good for both poor digestion and weak circulation, angelica is also an excellent remedy to support recovery from chronic illness and to revitalize a delicate digestive system.