Herbal Primer Using the Healing Herbs

Herbal Primer Using the Healing Herbs

© Christopher Hobbs L.Ac., A.H.G. Share



Introduction

The use of medicinal plants for the relief of the common ailments to which the flesh is "heir" is of very ancient origin. In fact many of the herbs we use so casually today, such as ginger, garlic and cardamon, were recommended by physicians, and used by common people, for many of the same health imbalances that we use them for today--over 5,000 years ago! This safe history of use is reassuring in an age where dozens of new synthetic drugs are coming on the market every year. Although a few of these drugs may be of some use, and are thoroughly tested for safety, many herbalists believe they are not energetically oriented to our human constitution, and may later cause further imbalances, as well as use up vital energy--which our body uses for its repair and healing process.

Today's herbalism is an exciting re-discovery of our heritage of long acquaintance with mother earth's remedies. The energy of the chemical compounds in these plants may be imbedded in our very DNA, for it is likely that we co-evolved with them over many thousands of years. The use of medicinal herbs is also prominently mentioned in most spiritual works throughout the world, such as the Bible and the Rig Vedas. This is an indication that herbs are not just a collection of active chemical compounds that simply affect the dynamic biochemical balance of the body, but they can also play an important part in our spiritual and emotional well-being as well. This aspect of herbalism is often emphasized by today's herbalist, who honors the blessings of the herbal "green people."

Today, herbalism is in the process of rediscovering its "roots." A new world herbalism is evolving from the various healing cultures, especially Ayurveda, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Traditional European Medicine (TEM).

The following herbal prescriber comes from over 20 years and 3 generations experience with herbs, and drawing on the collective experience of many North American and European herbalists, which I honor as my teachers and family members.

All the herbs mentioned can be found in natural food stores or herb stores throughout the country, either in bulk form, liquid extract, extract tablets or capsules or in powder form.

The common ailments mentioned are grouped according to body systems to make the information more accessible.

Upper Respiratory Tract Conditions and their Complications

Colds

Colds are a natural part of the human life cycle and offer us valuable protection. They are mediated by a number of viruses, such as Rhinovirus. The average person has 2.4 colds/year in the U.S.--which adds up to a whopping 3/4 of a billion cold cases overall, throughout the country. Despite the transitory misery, colds have a strong positive side--they increase elimination, both by sweat and through the copious discharge of mucus from the nose; they reduce our feeling of well-being, encouraging us to rest; and they activate and exercise many immune functions--like a fire drill. Colds are not considered serious in systems of traditional healing--for instance, in Chinese Medicine they are considered "surface" phenomenon. If we rest and drink cleansing teas and immune activators, the miserable feelings should be minimal. In fact, our opportunity is to feel better after the cold because of the excellent healing and environmental "adjustments" our bodies have accomplished.

Colds are often characterized by an early-warning signal in the form of a slight sore throat and can often be bypassed entirely by immediately taking full dropper doses of echinacea tincture every two hours (if the sore throat is particularly severe, a half dropperful of propolis or usnea tincture should be added as well.) The echinacea is known to accomplish some of the same beneficial activities as the cold itself, such as activation of our phagocytes, or "garbage elimination" system.

Where runny noses are involved, golden seal is known to be useful for easing excess secretions. A classic soothing tea for colds which aids the release of heat from the body, and supports the body's desire to eliminate accumulated toxins, can be made by mixing equal parts of peppermint leaf, yarrow flowering tops, and elder flowers. Use one teaspoonful per cup of the mixture and steep 20 minutes. Drink several cups of the mixture throughout the day and get plenty of rest. Further herbal remedies for this common ailment can be found under Fevers, Coughs, Sore Throats and Sinus Infections.

Fevers

Besides the peppermint, yarrow, elder tea for reducing heat in the body, try adding 4 drops of lavender oil to a bowl of tepid water and sponging the hands, feet, and forehead with the mixture. Another excellent remedy: steep common honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica) flowers (or fresh or dried elder flowers) in hot water for 20 minutes, let cool, add the juice of one-half lemon and a teaspoon of honey. Let the mixture cool and drink several cups of it as needed.

Coughs

Coughs that produce white or clear sputum, especially when chronic, usually result from a colder condition than yellow or green mucus which means there is more heat.

For coughs accompanied by heat, to soothe and relax the upper respiratory tract, make a tea of the following herbs: plantain leaves (1 part), coltsfoot (1 part), thyme (1/2 part), marshmallow root (1/4 part), and licorice (1/4 part). Drink freely throughout the day. Full dropper doses of echinacea can be taken in addition, every 2 hours, to activate macrophages in the bronchial area.

My favorite cough remedy is a tea of 2 parts organic lemon peels, 1 part garden sage (Salvia officinalis) and 1/2 part thyme. Add the herbs to boiling water, remove from the heat, cover and steep for 15 minutes. Add the juice of 1/2 lemon, 1 tsp honey and drink 2 or 3 cups during the day as needed. Over the years, I have found this blend to be delicious and effective.

For coughs due to coldness, or for chronic coughs of long-standing, expectorant herbs are generally recommended. A good expectorant tincture product might include herbs such as grindelia, yerba santa and balm of gilead. This mixture can be used also be used as a tea, adding some of the herbs for coughs due to heat above, as needed.

Sore throats

For painful sore throats, the natural antibiotic, usnea, works well either singly or in formulations, both as a gargle and internally in tincture form--40 drops mixed with water. White sage tea, 1 teaspoon in 1 cup water steeped for one minute, and mixed with lemon juice and honey, is very antiseptic. Green tea is another option, as it contains tannins (polyphenols) which are antibacterial and astringent, helping to eliminate mucus and reduce the infection. Herbal immune activators and antiseptic herbs such as echinacea or propolis are sometimes added, as well as soothing antiinflammatory herbs such as licorice or marshmallow root tea. Antibiotic tinctures can be added to this soothing tea base.

Flu

Influenza is a viral-based elimination syndrome that is more severe than a cold--but it is often difficult to tell the two apart.

The aches and pains, fevers, and congestion which accompany flu are all addressed in the following blend of herbs--boneset (2 parts), elder (1 part), peppermint (1 part), echinacea (1 part), and yerba mansa (1 part). Drink it warm and freely.

Other known flu herbs are garlic, which I sometimes take by cutting up a clove or two into pill-size pieces and swallowing with tea, and anti-viral herbs such as lemon balm, St. John's wort, baptisia or thuja.

If digestive symptoms, such as diarrhea and abdominal tension or soreness occur, add marshmallow root, lemon balm or black walnut in tincture or tea form. If there is fever and nervousness, add lemon balm or blue vervain in tea form.

Sinus Infections

For reducing heat and infection in the sinuses, echinacea (3 parts), usnea (1 part) and golden seal (1 part) work well in combination, either in capsule (2 every 4 hours) or tincture (40 drops of echinacea, 15 drops of usnea and 15 drops of golden seal every 4 hours). A mild golden seal tea used as a nasal wash can speed up the process. To help relieve stuffiness and promote drainage, put 4 drops of eucalyptus oil in a bowl of boiled water, put a towel over your head, lean over the bowl, and inhale for a few minutes.

Bronchitis

When mild upper respiratory tract ailments, such as colds or sinustis are not treated and accompanied by rest, the infection may go deeper, leading to bronchitis. At this stage, it is essential to rest, eat light, nourishing food, and follow full courses of herbal treatment for at least a week. Usnea, grindelia, yerba santa and echinacea are especially indicated.

Asthma

Teas or extracts of the following herbs can help alleviate the frightening symptoms of breathlessness and wheezing common to asthma sufferers: grindelia and yerba santa are more appropriate for asthma accompanied by heavy white sputum, for their expectorant and antispasmodic effects on the bronchi; coltsfoot, marshmallow root, mullein and licorice are better for dry types of asthma for their soothing and moisturizing qualities, and ma huang (use cautiously) for its brocho-dilating effects. It is sometimes beneficial to eliminate dairy products for several months when one is experiencing symptoms of asthma, and regular aerobic exercise is surprisingly effective.

Besides hereditary influence, asthma has emotional, immune, and stress components. Emotional upset and depression is aided by St. John's wort standardized extract (1 tablet as needed), and anxiety by passion flower, California poppy, and valerian (use the fresh plant tincture or extract). For immune weakness, use an astragalus and reishi mixture and for stress, eleuthero and licorice is helpful.

Women's Imbalances
PMS

To help balance hormones, strengthen the generative organs, and lessen monthly emotional ups and downs, any of the following herbs may be used in tea, extract, or capsule form, though because of the strong taste, most people usually prefer to take an extract or powder in tablet or capsule form: Vitex (essential), black cohosh, false unicorn root, skullcap, and Dandelion. Begin taking the herbs twice daily 10-12 days before the onset of menstruation and continue until 3 days after. Because the health of the liver is considered an important factor in PMS, dandelion root (tea or tincture) and milk thistle (standardized extract or tincture) can be added for additional support. In particularly difficult cases, the herbs should be taken as a tonic for several months or until the condition improves.

Menopause

One dropperful of vitex (chaste tree) tincture taken each morning is the most frequently prescribed natural remedy in Europe to relieve hot flashes, night sweats, emotional swings, and other symptoms of menopause. Vitex works through the pituitary gland to balance all the reproductive hormones. Dong Quai, though not hormonal, is also considered an important herb for menopause. It is the premier builder for any blood-deficient condition, and is especially recommended for anemia, or as an addition to other female tonic herbs.

Vaginal Yeast Infections

Many women have found near-miraculous relief from the burning and itching of yeast infections by taking 1/2 teaspoon of tea tree oil, adding it to a quart of water and douching. Experience shows that this mixture does not cause further irritation. Some women have found it helpful to use capsules of acidophilus as vaginal suppositories, and research clearly documents the benefits of oral supplementation with a good probiotic formula, which usually includes Lactobacillus acidophilus or other beneficial bacteria.

If the condition is chronic and difficult to heal, it is very important to strictly avoid hot, spicy foods and caffeine-containing or refined sugar products.

Men's Imbalances

Prostatitis

As men pass the age of 50 or 55, testosterone levels start to decline, which can lead to an irritation or enlargement of the prostate gland, as well as lowered sex drive.

Inflammation of the prostate gland can be treated by drinking a tea 3 times daily made with equal parts of the following herbs: saw palmetto (tonifies bladder and prostate), echinacea, nettle and horsetail (antiinflammatory, diuretic), buchu (urinary antiseptic and tonic), and corn silk (soothing diuretic and tonic). A new herb, Pygeum africanum, is gaining in popularity as more clinical experience and scientific support accumulates. This herb is taken in extract form (follow the instructions on the product label.

Pumpkin seeds, which are rich in zinc, are usually added to the diet, to accompany the herbal program.

Low sexual drive

A lack of sexual energy can sometimes be addressed by tonifying the body with these herbs--damiana, a stimulating nerve tonic, ginger, a popular herb for increasing warmth and circulation, ginseng, probably the most documented herb (by a long history of use and much laboratory work) for stimulating the production of testosterone in the body, saw palmetto, a nourishing tonic for the sex organs, and wild oats, an excellent nerve tonic, especially recommended for supporting sexual energy. Eleuthero is highly beneficial for supporting the adrenal system and increasing overall energy production in the body. Make a tea of equal parts of the herbs and drink 2 cups per day. A number of commercial products which contain some or all of these herbs are widely available in natural food stores.

Note: a number of herbs are often sold as sexual tonics and testosterone stimulants, including damiana, saw palmetto, sarsaparilla, and wild yam. These herbs, though they have their place in herbal therapy, are not documented either by history of use or scientific testing, to replace testosterone or increase the production of testosterone in the body. Yohimbe, the African plant widely known as an aphrodisiac has been documented medically for its ability to relieve certain types of functional impotence, and yohimbine hydrochloride, an alkaloid derivative from the plant, is prescribed by doctors for this condition. Although yohimbe extract and powder can be purchased in natural food stores, it should be noted that the herb is a central nervous system stimulant and in its concentrated extract form can cause such side-effects as nervousness, anxiety and sleeplessness. Use the herb cautiously.

Digestive Disorders
Stomach Ache

Stomach aches brought on by nervous tension or overeating can often be relieved by drinking a cup of tea made from 1 part chamomile, 1 part catnip, 1/4 part ginger, and 1/4 part licorice. For a fast kitchen medicine remedy, fill one 00 capsule with ginger powder, one with cinnamon powder, and a third with golden seal powder in the larger part of the capsule and cayenne in the smaller part and take with tea or other suitable liquid.

Other important digestive herbs, many of which are best taken in tea form, are fennel, caraway, peppermint, artichoke leaves, and gentian. A little experimentation will determine which herbs and combinations work best for you.

Nausea

Nausea, whether caused by overeating, motion sickness, hormonal imbalances, overindulgence in alcoholic beverages, or other factors, can by relieved by a combination of ginger (either 2 capsules or 1 dropperful of the tincture in a little water) and 2 drops of lavender oil in a cup of water. Great things have been said about a combination of kudzu and umeboshi plum. Mix 1/2 teaspoon of kudzu in a little cool water, then add the mixture to 1 cup of warm water to which an umeboshi plum has been added.

Constipation

This is often a chronic condition brought on by a combination of heredity, nervousness and stress, overwork, lack of vigorous physical activity and lack of fiber in the diet. Herbal laxatives, such as senna or aloe, which add more moisture to the stools or stimulate peristalsis are popular, but should not be depended on for long-term use. This can lead to habituation and further dissipation of vital energy in the bowels.

Even the most intractable constipation is easy to remedy when a high-fiber diet is followed, along with a good program of physical exercise, coupled with stress-relief techniques. It is also wise to massage the abdominal area with a little flax seed oil (or castor oil if more stimulation is desired) in a clockwise direction for 10 minutes, morning and evening. Go in deep and try to work out any tender spots. Give the intestines a rest by not eating past 7 pm or in the morning until one is active for at least 30-60 minutes.

Safe herbal bowel tonics that can be used for up to a month or two, in tea, powder or extract form, include the following, (in order of potency from least to most potent):

dandelion
burdock
yellow dock
cascara sagrada
Chinese rhubarb (caution, use small amounts, for not more than 2 weeks)
Intestinal Gas (Flatulence)

A very effective, practical and fast-acting remedy is 1-3 drops of peppermint oil added to a cup of water--or take 1/2-1 teaspoon of fennel or anise seeds, chew them up thoroughly and swallow with water or tea, a little at a time. A useful tea blend can be made using 1 part chamomile, 1/2 part ginger, 1/2 part wild yam, and 1/4 part lavender. A strong tea of chamomile flowers is the universal remedy for bowel irritation and colic, with or without gas, both in children and adults.

Sluggish liver, poor fat digestion

The liver is a vital organ for proper immune and digestive function, and plays a crucial role in energy storage and supply, as well as being the major organ of detoxification.

To help the liver function more efficiently, make a tea or take an extract of one or more of the following herbs, chosen for their bitter, tonifying and bile-promoting properties: milk thistle (extract only), dandelion, skullcap, artichoke leaf, oregon grape, gentian, cardamon, orange peel or ginger. Drink a cup of the tea or 30 drops of the extract in water fifteen minutes to 1/2 hour before each meal. Many commercial preparations of these herbs are available under the general name "bitters." They promote proper liver function and help restore weakened digestive power.

Cardiovascular Problems
High cholesterol

Blood cholesterol is considered an important risk factor for heart attacks, stroke and other cardiovascular diseases. While a few important herbs are considered useful for lowering blood cholesterol, they work slowly and must be persisted in over a period of months or years, and ideally, are coupled with a low-fat, high fiber diet and proper vigorous exercise.

Garlic is by far the most widely-documented and clinically useful herb and home remedy for lowering blood cholesterol. Cook with it, eat it raw (if you don't mind the odor) and take garlic supplements, many of which offer high quality and potency, thanks to modern analytical methods.

Other useful herbs include green tea extract, dandelion root (unroasted) taken daily as a tea or extract, alfalfa powder, shepherd's purse, the Chinese herb eucommia, and the "medicinal high-fiber foods," oat bran and wheat bran.

Bruising

A combination of arnica, calendula and St. John's wort oils is very effective for bruising. Apply the preparation as soon as possible to increase its effectiveness.

Immune Disorders
Hay Fever

To effectively combat the common symptoms of hay fever--itchy eyes, runny nose and sneezing--it is important to begin herb treatment at least a month before the allergy season begins in earnest. The following Chinese herb blend for symptomatic relief of hay fever has turned many allergy sufferers into believers: 1/2 oz pinelia, 1/2 oz astragalus, 1/4 oz ma huang, 1/4 oz licorice, and 1/8 oz ginger. Simmer the herbs gently in 4 cups of water for 45 minutes; drink one cup morning and evening. Because ma huang contains the stimulating alkaloid, ephedrine, it is not recommended for those with high blood pressure or weak digestion.

Other excellent hay fever herbs include stinging nettles (antiinflammatory, antihistamine activity), eyebright (mild antihistamine), dong quai (immune modulator), and golden seal (antiinflammatory, mucous membrane tonic).

When one has extremely severe allergies, it is good to add adaptogenic herbs, such as Siberian ginseng, licorice, reishi or schizandra, to help support the adrenals, a weakness of which is often associated with hay fever. Avoiding dairy products, and possibly wheat, during these times of seasonal discomfort can also be helpful.

Candidiasis

This common ailment is best treated by herbs that support immune function, retard the growth of Candida albicans, support proper digestion, and that support the adrenal-vital energy functions of the body. Proper rest, diet and how stress is handled makes a major difference, in my experience. I have found the most effective herbal program to include astragalus and reishi for the immune system, eleuthero and rehmannia for the adrenals, pau d'arco, garlic, black walnut and usnea for inhibiting the growth of Candida albicans, and ginger powder or tea or bitter tonics to aid digestion and assimilation of nutrients.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

This increasingly common ailment is probably a non-specific viral syndrome brought on by environmental and emotional stress and aggravated by poor nutrition, overwork, too much headwork, and lack of proper exercise. It is often a disease of mismanagement of our personal vital energy resources. Use the same herbs as for candidiasis, but add licorice, St. John's wort, lemon balm and Lomatium as anti-virals.

Kidney bladder imbalances
Bladder infections (Cystitis)

To soothe the burning sensation which accompanies bladder infections, make a cold-water infusion of marshmallow root by soaking 4 teaspoons of the herb in a quart of water and letting it sit overnight. Drink the preparation freely. One or more of the tinctures of usnea, sandalwood, golden seal, or echinacea can be added in severe cases, for their antiseptic and antibiotic qualities. Where there is suppressed urination, pipsissewa, dandelion leaf, and parsley root tea should be added.

Bladder infections are another instance where one should avoid cold drinks, spicy foods, products containing refined sugar, caffeine, and alcohol. Soothing sitz baths are helpful for bladder infections, as they bring blood to the area and help flush out the infection. Alternate the bath by sitting in hot water for three minutes, followed by one minute of cold water. Do three rounds in the evening.

Unsweetened cranberry juice powder or liquid is a classic remedy to accompany the herbal treatments, and is even recommended by doctors, recently being written up in the American Medical Journal.

Skin Ailments
Poison Oak

Grindelia tincture used externally and internally is very helpful for stopping the itching and burning of poison oak. This sticky plant contains resins and when applied externally, reduces the irritation and can keep the rash from spreading to other parts of the body. If one gets poison oak around the eyes, it is good to use aloe vera in this sensitive area for cooling and drying up the rash.

One of the best-tested and near-miraculous remedies I've ever found (I usually throw caution to the winds, wading through poison oak in the fall looking for edible mushrooms) is the following mixture. Dissolve 1 teaspoon of salt in 1/2 cup of water, blending in 2 or 3 teaspoons of a fine cosmetic clay (preferably skin-colored). When the consistency is that of a thick paste, but is still spreadable, beat in 5-15 drops of peppermint oil. The salt and clay draw and dry and the peppermint oil (due to its menthol) lowers inflammation and cools by stimulating the skin's "cool" receptors.

Burns

Keeping peppermint or lavender oil in a handy place in the kitchen is excellent burn insurance. Both of these oils, when applied promptly, work quickly to alleviate the pain of burns and facilitate healing. With any first or second-degree burn of localized extent, it is essential to immerse the affected area (where possible) in cool water for 10-20 minutes. For more serious burns, it is often necessary to seek medical support.

Another tried and true remedy for burns is the application of oils or salves containing St. John's wort or calendula, the latter for its strong antiinflammatory and immune-activating virtues and the former for its antiinflammatory effect on the skin.

Cuts, Bites, Stings

Small cuts can be easily cared for by washing the area with an herbal soap (containing echinacea or calendula) and then applying moist compresses of echinacea tincture, which can accelerate wound healing and protect healthy cells from invasion by bacteria or fungus. Tea tree oil, a strong antiseptic, also works well and does not sting when applied. For more serious cuts, apply cayenne or yarrow leaf powder directly to the wound to staunch bleeding; this sounds like "heroic" herbalism, but the cayenne does not cause burning when used in this way.

The most time-honored remedy recommended by herbalists for cuts, as well as any kind of spider bites or bee stings is plantain. Plantain is always available as a garden weed or waste-lot plant. There are two methods for its preparation: the blender method or the saliva method. Use the saliva method by chewing one leaf up thoroughly to make a mucilaginous paste and apply to the spot. This method is excellent for kids (who love the attention), for oneself or family members. The blender method works for the more fastidious, but it takes longer and requires more equipment. I recently watched a plantain "poultice" heal a severe staph infection, where the whole forearm was swollen bright red. The whole program consisted of a plantain poultice on the focal point of the infection (in this case, the knuckle), with the addition of 20 drops of echinacea tincture and 10 drops of usnea tincture. The poultice was changed every few hours and usnea and echinacea was taken internally, 1 dropperful of each every 3 hours. By the next day, the swelling and redness had mostly subsided, and antibiotics were avoided.

The use of fresh plantain for any kind of infection has been supported by the discovery in its leaves of the antibiotic substance aucubin.

Sports Herbs

Strains, sprains

Sprains are best treated initially with cold water, followed by arnica compresses (30 drops of liquid extract in a bowl of water) to help reduce inflammation. (Caution: Do not use arnica if the skin is broken.) Repeat every 2 hours. After the first 24 hours, warm arnica compresses should be used. Arnica, in homeopathic doses, can be used internally, taken as directed.

Energy

Herbs known for their potential energizing effects include damiana, Panax ginseng, eleuthero, wild oats, and rosemary (in either tea or extract form). These herbs are safe, do not contain stimulating alkaloids (such as caffeine or ephedrine) and can be taken as needed, though ginseng might be too stimulating for some people and should be used moderately.

Herbs that are stimulating to the nervous system, but are known to have side-effects such as nervousness, restlessness possibly raising the blood-pressure, include coffee, black tea, guarana, kola nut, chocolate, and ma huang (Ephedra sinensis). Although the latest figures show that over 120 million people drink coffee in this country, this and the other stimulant drugs should be used cautiously, as they are possible risk factors for heart disease and nervous disorders, at the very least.

Nervous System
Stress relief

Stress is apt to weaken or imbalance our nervous system, leading to symptoms such as anxiety, tension or depression. It can also impact our immune and hormonal systems (which work together closely), accompanied by such symptoms as lowered resistance to infections, or eventually, such ailments as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome or Candidiasis. Constant or long-term stress can also affect our digestion, leading to ulcers, constipation or irritable bowel syndromes.

For helping to relax a tense mind or body, a flavorful, relaxing tea can be made by steeping one part each of chamomile, lavender, linden, and lemon balm and 1/2 part orange peel. This stress-reducing tea is excellent after dinner and has the added benefit of aiding digestion. For extra-strength stress relief, add equal parts of valerian (tincture or powdered extract from the fresh plant is best, in my experience), passion flower and California poppy to the above mixture--or take in capsule or extract form, as the taste is not as pleasant.

For adrenal weakness, herbs such as euleuthero, licorice, rehmannia and reishi can be found in many commercial preparations.

For immune weakness, astragalus, ligustrum, reishi and shiitake are widely recommended for their powerful deep immune supportive properties. The bulk herbs can be purchased in Chinese herb stores or many natural food stores. These can be added to soups and stews. My recipe for "Wei Qi" (protective vitality) soup:

**Recipe**

Fill a soup pot with water (about 1 gallon) and add 5-10 sticks of astragalus, 1-2 medium sized reishi mushrooms, one quarter cup of ligustrum fruits and 5-8 small to medium shiitake mushrooms (available from most markets). Simmer the herbs for 30 minutes, then add an assortment of your favorite vegetables (such as carrots, beets, potatoes, yams, parsley and celery). The addition of a quarter cup of barley will make the soup thicker, and is very strengthening and soothing to the digestion. When the soup is done, drink the broth and eat the vegetables. Store in the refrigerator for several day's use. The more fibrous herbs such as astragalus are too tough to eat, so simply put them aside. The shiitake mushrooms are delicious and fine-textured, however.

Sleep disturbances

Drinking a cup of the following herb mixture can often ensure a restful night's sleep--passion flower, skullcap, valerian, hops, and California poppy. Steep 2 teaspoons of the mixture in one cup of water. These herbs can also be taken in extract form, 1 dropperful 1/2 hour before bedtime. For children who don't sleep well at night, try giving them a bath before bedtime to which a handful of linden tied up in a muslin bag has been added.

Anxiety

A combination of hops, California poppy and hawthorn, either in tea or tincture form, effectively allays anxiety, having a quieting effect on the central nervous system.

Depression

Herbs which can help lift depression include St. John's wort, rosemary, lavender, wild oats, and damiana. Steep 2 teaspoons of the mixture in a cup of water and drink 3 times daily. An mood-elevating bath can be made by adding a few drops of lavender, rose, or orange oil to the water. The same oils can be added to sweet almond or apricot kernel oil to be used for massage. St. John's wort is the most commonly prescribed natural remedy in Europe for mild depression. Take 1-2 tablets of the standardized extract as needed, but not more than 4 in a day.

Addiction

For symptoms of drug withdrawal, whether from nicotine or alcohol, wild oats have been shown to be useful for their strengthening effect on the nervous system, as well as their anti-addictive properties. A tea can be made, steeping 1 teaspoon of herb in 1 cup of water, or a liquid extract can be used--40 drops 3 times per day.

Headaches

For headaches, try this "aspirin replacement" herbal blend (no side-effects)--passion flower, periwinkle herb (Vinca major), wood betony, white willow bark (1 part each), and lavender (1/2 part). Steep 2 teaspoons of the mixture in 1 cup of water and drink 1 cup as needed. Various commercial preparations are available which contain one or more of these herbs.

For migraine headaches, feverfew is the herb of choice, and it has 2 double-blind studies demonstrating its effectiveness to its credit. Take 1-2 tablets of the powder, or 1-2 dropperfuls of the tincture morning and evening. Experience shows that it may take up to 3-6 months before its full effects are felt. Some people have experienced relief where nothing else has worked. The herb must be taken on an on-going basis.

Smart Herbs: memory and brain herbs

Ginkgo has a positive effect on cerebral circulation, glucose metabolism, and neurotransmitter balance, all of which can have a strengthening effect on the memory, as well as improving mental vigor. Take 1-2 tablets (of the standardized extract) or dropperfuls of the tincture morning and evening. The traditional Ayurvedic herb, gotu kola, is also recommended by herbalists, especially as a fresh plant tincture, for maintaining strong mental vigor.

Herbs for Daily Use
Arnica, oil--One of the best-known trauma herbs, used externally as an oil or liniment. Use homeopathic product for internal use.

Astragalus--The premier deep toning immune herb, used as a tea, tincture or powdered extract.

Calendula oil--An excellent skin remedy, applied locally for burns, bites, stings and other trauma.

California poppy--The extract (tincture or tablet form) is helpful for relieving tension, sleeplessness and anxiety; safe for children.

Chamomile--A world-renowned digestive and relaxing herb for colic, bowel irritation, relaxation; safe for children.

Echinacea--One of the best studied and clinically proven herbs for immune stimulation. Best taken in up to three 10-day cycles, then discontinued. Use only when needed in large amounts (1-2 droppersful several times daily). Small doses (5-15 drops daily) can be useful as a mild immune tonic for longer-tern use.

Elder Flowers--The flowering tops of blue or black elders makes an excellent tea for reducing fevers and increasing elimination of wastes for colds and flus.

Eleuthero--The best-researched "adaptogen," which helps us to adapt to stress by supporting adrenal function, and increasing energy efficiency. Often used by weight-trainers and other sports enthusiasts.

Eucalyptus oil--The oil has strong antiseptic properties and is useful in steams for sinus problems to relieve congestion.

Ginger--The best herb for supporting digestion, relieving nausea (from any cause) and generally stimulating circulation. Taken as a tea, extract or as a powder in capsules.

Ginkgo--One of the most interesting herbs of the last few years. Improves brain function, including memory and alertness. Protects blood vessels, improves circulation and is a powerful antioxidant. Best herb for ringing in the ears (tinnitis).

Ginseng--The panacea herb of ancient China. Excellent for people over 50, to improve vital energy, sexual energy and enhance digestive powers. Often blended with other herbs in formulas.

Golden Seal--This North American native herb is widely known and used for colds, flus and sinus infections. Lowers inflammation, helps cool infections of the mucous membranes. Useful when blended with echinacea (1:3).

Gotu kola--The ancient Ayurvedic herb, thought to improve memory and mental vigor and act as an adaptogen. Preliminary research supports this view. The herb should be used fresh, as the dried herb rapidly loses its potency.

Grindelia--A native of North America, this sticky yellow-flowered plant from the daisy family was a favorite Native American remedy for poison oak and other rashes. It was official in the United States Pharmacopoeia as an internal remedy for asthma, bronchitis and other upper respiratory tract ailments.

Hawthorn--The extract is well-researched and has a long history of use as the herb of choice for strengthening and protecting the cardiovascular system, especially the heart. To be used in extract form long-term, even over a number of years.

Hops--One of the major flavor components of beer. An excellent digestive bitter herb which has good relaxing properties.

Lavender oil--The distilled oil from lavender is used in aromatherapy and as an internal medicine to lift the spirits and allay nausea.

Licorice--Licorice root is an important herb for flavoring and harmonizing herbal blends. It has proven anti-viral and anti-inflammatory properties and is commonly used for upper respiratory tract, digestive tract and urinary tract irritation or infections. The herb has also shown benefit for healing ulcers and is considered an important adrenal support herb.

Marshmallow root--This mucilaginous herb is used as a tea or liquid extract to soothe mucous membranes in the digestive, upper respiratory and urinary tracts. Marshmallow has recently shown some immune-stimulating properties.

Milk Thistle--The great liver protector and healer. Well-researched and clinically-proven for hepatitis, cirrhosis or for extra nutritional support for people who drink alcoholic beverages or use pharmaceutical or recreational drugs.

Nettles--An excellent nutrient herb which has also shown anti-allergic properties for hay fever, and antiinflammatory activity for enlarged or irritated prostate glands.

Peppermint, oil--One of the best home remedies for relieving intestinal gas, bowel inflammation or irritation. A tea of the leaf is also widely used.

Plantain--The ubiquitous weed that every herbalist loves. It has a high percentage of mucilage to soothe, allantoin to speed wound-healing and aucubin as a strong anti-microbial substance to prevent infections. Use fresh as a poultice, tea, or tincture, or the fresh juice internally or externally.

Reishi--An herb renowned for its powerful deep immune-strengthening activity. It has also shown blood-sugar regulating properties and may help lower cholesterol. Use as a tea, tincture or powdered extract.

Rosemary--This common garden herb contains natural camphor, which helps energize the nervous system, without over-stimulating. It also contains powerful natural anti-oxidant properties and is a good digestive herb.

Shiitake--This common mushroom is as delicious as it is medicinal. One of its active constituents, lentinan, has shown anti-tumor, anti-viral and immune-strengthening properties. It is used in soups, stews, stir-frys and as a tea or extract.

St. John's wort extract, oil--The extract of this common European and American weedy plant shows great promise as an anti-viral (against the AIDS virus), anti-inflammatory and remedy for mild depression. The standardized extract is used internally, and the oil is applied externally for burns and nerve pain or trauma due to tension or accidents.

Tea Tree oil--An Australian import emerging as an important herb for fungal infections of the skin or nails, vaginal yeast infections and gum inflammation or sores.

Usnea--Called the herbal antibiotic, this common lichen has shown powerful inhibitory activity against strep, staph and pneumonia infections. Excellent in combination with echinacea for strep throat or staph infections (such as impetigo).

Valerian--A traditional herb with a wealth of clinical evidence to support its use as a sleep-aid, nerve tonic and relaxing herb.

Vitex--One of the best-known women's herbs, it was recommended by Hippocrates (450 B.C.) for the same purposes as today: menstrual imbalances, hormonal difficulties (PMS, menopause), and to bring on mother's milk.

Herbal Contraindications

A Note of Caution

Although the charge is often made that herbalists say that all herbs are safe, no responsible herbalist would ever make such a claim.

Herbs are often very safe--usually much safer than synthetic drugs, both on the person taking them and on our environment and energy resources. But they are complex mixtures of chemical compounds that can heal, change different body processes, and sometimes cause side-effects, especially when overused or used unconsciously.

Below is a list of the best-documented possible side-effects of the herbs mentioned in this article. Contraindications can be further researched in the books listed in the resource section.

Arnica--taking the herb, tea or tincture internally may lead to severe gastrointestinal irritation. Using the tincture or oil on open wounds or scrapes might increase inflammation. Arnica in homeopathic dilution is not toxic.

Essential oils (lavender, tea tree, peppermint, eucalyptus)--these plant essences are highly concentrated and should be used cautiously--reduce dose if any irritation develops, either externally or internally.

Golden seal--People with weak, cold digestion should use this herb sparingly. Do not use continuously for more than 10 days or 2 weeks--large doses (more than 2 "00" caps 3 x daily) is not recommended. Because it stimulates the uterus, it is not to be taken during pregnancy.

Laxatives (aloe, senna, cascara, rhubarb)--long-term use (over 2 weeks) might lead to dependency, loss of bowel tone and intestinal irritation.

Licorice--for people with high blood pressure, edema or electrolyte imbalance: long-term use of licorice root or its products (more than 2 weeks) can lead to sodium retention, excessive potassium excretion, and water retention. Moderate use is not considered problematic.

Red Clover--it contains small amounts of coumarin derivatives, which, when taken in excessive amounts, might potentiate blood-thinning drugs, such as warfarin. Red clover may be mildly estrogenic.

St. John's wort--large amounts might make the skin more sensitive to sunlight. For people whose skin is already sensitive, take extra precautions when using the herb therapeutically.

Valerian--very large amounts of the tea (over 2 cups at a time) or powdered extract might cause headaches in some people. Some people who take valerian are stimulated rather than calmed by the herb, but this paradoxical effect is rare with the fresh plant tincture, tea or extract.

Vitex--Not to be taken concurrently with birth-control pills.

**Sidebar**

The Shelf Life of Herbs and Herb Products

The overall effectiveness of any herb or herb product is determined not only by the quality of the herbs that went into them, but how long they have been sitting on the shelf. Most herbs are best stored in their whole form, kept in amber glass jars packed as close to the top as possible, and stored in a cool place out of direct sunlight. Under normal circumstances, most powdered herbs will only retain their full potency for a matter of 2 or 3 months. If they are encapsulated and in plastic bottles, as many herb products are, one should not count on any more than a one-year shelf-life. Whole herbs, if stored correctly may retain a fair quality for up to 3 years. Tinctures, according to recent studies, may hold much of their activity for up to 3 years, if stored in a cool, dark place. Extracts in tablet or capsule form will last longer in amber glass jars than in plastic bottles, which will allow oxygen and moisture to enter.

Sidebar The Importance of Herb Quality and Organic Herbs

All herbalists agree that herb quality is a number one priority. We are not satisfied with the quality when herbs are poorly grown, improperly harvested, dried or stored. Fortunately, the proper techniques for insuring the highest quality herbs are becoming better known and more closely followed. However, there are still some very good quality and some very poor quality herbs and products on the market. National organizations like the American Herbal Products Association (AHPA) and the American Herbalists Guild (AHG) are working hard to educate manufacturers and consumers about the importance of herb quality. For more information, write and support the efforts of these organizations by becoming a member of the AHG, or ask your manufacturer if they are a member of AHPA--if not, encourage them to join.

The best assurance today that you are getting the very best quality herbs is to look for "certified organic" products. When a company cares enough to pay more for these herbs, it will usually take more trouble in the manufacturing process. Of special concern is the rapidly dwindling resources of some native plants, such as echinacea and golden seal. We cannot afford to take these plants from the wild for much longer--so support organically cultivated herb products and insure the continuation of our wild heritage.
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About The Author
Christopher Hobbs is a fourth generation herbalist and botanist with over 30 years experience with herbs. Founder of Native Herb Custom Extracts (now Rainbow Light Custom Extracts) and the Institute for Natural Products Research. Christopher writes and lectures internationally on herbal medicine. He is a consultant to the herb industry and is currently practicing and working on a......more