Butterbur / Petasites hybridus

Formerly used to treat plague, butterbur has long been used in Europe as a cough and cold remedy, and for stomach and gall bladder problems. Clinical trials suggest butterbur extract provides effective relief for migraines and hay fever, and the extract is now commonly available over the counter.

Blackcurrant / Ribes nigrum

The tart, crisp flavor of blackcurrant reflects the fruit’s high vitamin C content and marked antioxidant activity. Long given to children to protect them from colds and throat infection, the fruit, juice, and extracts are thought to have significant anti-inflammatory and antiviral activity.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.