Puncture vine, Caltrops / Tribulus terrestris

This plant has been used for at least 2,000 years in both western and eastern traditions as a remedy for kidney and bladder problems, particularly kidney stones. It also possesses a longstanding reputation as a tonic and aphrodisiac.

Feverfew / Tanacetum parthenium

A cooling, bitter remedy that was once used to treat fever, feverfew is now a standard remedy for tension headache and migraine. Research, which has by and large confirmed the herb’s effectiveness, began after a Welsh doctor’s wife found feverfew cured her 50-year-long history of migraine.

Theobroma cacao / Cacoa, Chocolate

For the Mayas, cacoa or chocolate was “the food of the gods.” More a food than a medicine, it offers distinct health benefits. Traditionally used as a heart and kidney tonic, dark chocolate is today recommended as an antioxidant for cardiovascular health.

Milk thistle

Silybum marianum syn. Carduus marianus

Extensively researched over the last 30 years, milk thistle is a powerful friend of the liver that protects against poisoning, toxicity, and inflammatory damage. It stimulates liver repair and regeneration, inhibits inflammatory processes resulting from infection, and promotes effective liver detoxification.

Thyme, Common thyme / Thymus vulgaris

A classic kitchen herb, thyme makes a refreshing tea that counters infection and tones the

respiratory system. Useful in almost any problem affecting the ear, nose, throat, and chest, thyme disinfects the air passages, soothes coughing, and stimulates clearance of phlegm.

Thuja, Tree of life / Thuja occidentalis

Native Americans employed thuja for conditions such as headache, fever, and rheumatism, and burned it as a cleansing “smudge.” Thuja’s main application is for warts, though it helps in other infectious conditions as well—notably sinusitis, tooth abscesses, bronchitis, cystitis, and fungal infections.

Linseed - Other uses

Respiratory disorders Taken in the form of soaked seed as described for digestive problems, linseed soothes the chest and airways and can prove helpful in conditions such as chronic or irritable coughs, hoarseness, bronchitis, pleurisy, and emphysema. The seed may also be applied to the chest wall as a poultice (see Topical use, below) to relieve congestive bronchitis.

Topical use Linseed also finds use when applied locally to the skin as a poultice. Put warm soaked seed in gauze or muslin and hold or bind in place on burns, bites and stings, boils, and hemorrhoids. A warm poultice can also be used to “draw” splinters and boils, the mucilage in the seed soaking up fluids and waste products.

Other uses Although research is so far not conclusive, there are indications that linseed can prove to be a useful remedy in a remarkably wide range of serious health problems. It appears to have a soothing effect on the kidneys and may be helpful in kidney disease. Within the gut it helps to prevent absorption of fats and sugars, and makes a good addition in both cholesterol-lowering regimes and diet-controlled diabetes. Partly as a result of its high phytoestrogen content, linseed appears to have important cancerpreventative activity, particularly against estrogen-dependent cancers such as breast cancer. It is thought to reduce re-absorption of estrogens within the colon, and is likely to prove useful in the treatment of colon cancer. In the above conditions, use linseed only after consulting your doctor or herbal practitioner.

Comfrey / Symphytum officinale

Comfrey root is highly effective in stimulating tissue repair. When applied regularly to damaged tissue such as sprains, bruises, sports injuries, and operation scars, it promotes regrowth and shortens recovery or repair time. Comfrey ointment or cream merits a place in every home first aid kit.

Sarsaparilla / Smilax spp.

Long used in the Americas and Europe, sarsaparilla is a valuable remedy for chronic infections, chronic inflammatory disease, and menopausal problems.

Saw palmetto / Serenoa repens

In many European countries, saw palmetto is used as a standard medical treatment for enlarged prostate gland. Strong research evidence supports its use in treating benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH) and the urinary difficulties that go with it.

Lemon / Citrus limon

One the most useful home remedies, lemon works well in a host of common complaints. The traditional drink of lemon and honey can be spiced up with ginger and garlic to make a potent brew for colds, flu, coughs, and digestive disorders. Overall, the fruit improves resistance to infection.

Skullcap / Scutellaria lateriflora

A key nerve tonic, skullcap is thought to have a “deeper” action on the nervous system than

almost any other herb. Although poorly researched, it is used as a standard remedy for anxiety and nervous exhaustion, as well as related symptoms such as disturbed sleep, lowered mood, and headache.

Black cohosh

Cimicifuga racemosa syn. Actaea racemosa

Recent interest in black cohosh as an alternative to hormone replacement therapy (HRT) has led to a dramatic increase in its popularity, especially as a treatment for menopausal symptoms. A Native American remedy, black cohosh has always been seen as a herb for women’s ailments.

German Chamomile

Chamomilla recutita syn. Matricaria recutita
Known more as a pleasant-tasting tea than as a medicine, chamomile provides effective treatment for health problems as diverse as indigestion and acidity, travel sickness, cramps, inflamed skin, and poor sleep. Make sure to use good-quality chamomile to achieve the best results.

Cinnamon / Cinnamomum verum

An ancient spice, the inner bark of cinnamon leaves a pleasant and warm taste on the tongue. Its undoubted health benefits are not that well known. Recent research points to an entirely new use for it—cinnamon appears to work with insulin to help stabilize blood sugar levels in the body.

Helonias, False unicorn root

Chamaelirium luteum, Veratrum luteum
Used by Native American women, helonias was made popular in the 19th century by eclectic doctors in the US, trained in herbal and conventional medicine.

Medicinal uses of Dan shen, Asian red sage

Part used Root

Key actions Anticoagulant • Lowers blood pressure • Sedative • Tonic for heart and circulation

Heart tonic Similar in some respects to hawthorn (Crataegus spp.), dan shen increases blood flow through the coronary arteries and has a marked relaxant action on the circulation to the heart, making it a key remedy for angina and a weak or under-performing heart. Dan shen is best taken on the recommendation of an herbal or medical practitioner.

High blood pressure and poor peripheral circulation Dan shen relaxes arterial circulation and thins the blood, both factors that contribute to a lower blood pressure and stronger circulation to the hands and feet.

Other uses The herb has strong anticoagulant activity—seek professional advice if taking blood-thinning medication or where a tendency toward bleeding or bruising exists.

Medicinal uses of Yellow dock

Parts used Root • Leaf (topically)

Key actions Detoxifier • Laxative

Chronic skin problems Yellow dock is best used in combination with other herbs rather than on its own. It fits well in formulas that contain other “blood cleansers” such as burdock (Arctium lappa) to support bowel clearance and liver detoxification. Yellow dock is called for in conditions involving chronic toxicity, including skin disorders such as acne and boils, eczema, and psoriasis. Often the best approach is to take small amounts regularly over several months, promoting gradual but effective detoxification. Other types of chronic illness that involve poor elimination, like swollen glands and throat infection, can also benefit from the root’s cleansing activity.

Other uses Yellow dock combines well with nettle (Urtica dioica) in allergic and rheumatic conditions. Both herbs also contain appreciable levels of iron and can be used as a natural iron supplement in mild cases of anemia.

Sage, Spanish sage / Salvia officinalis, S. lavandulifolia

In 1551, the English herbalist William Turner noted that sage “restores natural heat ... comforts the vital spirits ... helps the memory, and quickens the senses.” Such praise is not misplaced for sage, which is truly a versatile and effective tonic.

Dandelion / Taraxacum officinalis

One of nature’s most versatile remedies, dandelion is both a nutritious salad vegetable and a detoxifying remedy for the liver and kidneys. Loved by herbalists for its gentle cleansing effect, dandelion root finds use in toxic states of all kinds, including chronic skin disorders and recurrent infection.

Yellow dock / Rumex crispus

A common weed and wayside plant, yellow dock has a deep taproot that draws up iron and other minerals from the soil, presenting them in an accessible form for absorption. The root is therefore prescribed in cases of iron-deficiency anemia, although its main use is for sluggish bowels and mild constipation.