Herb Uses and Herb Pictures   
Quassia  - Sweetgrass  Q R S

Quassia Bark/Chips,  (Picraena excelsa)
Chips/Powder

Properties and Uses: Anthelmintic, febrifuge, stomachic, bitter tonic. An infusion of quassia wood has been used to treat fever, rheumatism, and dyspepsia. Taken Internally It kills roundandworms, and as enema it kills pinworms. The tea is also said to destroy appetite for alcohol. Water left standing overnight in a cup made of qui5sia wood becomes a weak Infusion suitable as a bitter tonic for the stomach. An Infusion also serves as a scalp rinse to counteract dandruff.

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Quebracho Blanko Bark,  (Aspidosperma quebracho) (blanco)
Powder

Properties and Uses: Tonic, febrifuge and anti-asthmatic. When a preparation of Quebracho or Aspidosperma is indected into the circulation, the rate and depth of the respiration increases largely, apparently due to direct action on the respiratory centre, and the blood-pressure falls. Aspidosperma is used in medicine for the relief of various types of dyspnoea, especially in emphysema and in asthma. It is not generally useful to. interrupt the paroxysm, but, as a rule, if used continuously, it will reduce the frequency and severity of attacks.

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Queen Of The Meadow Herb,  (Eupatorium purpureum)
C/S & Powder

Properties and Uses: Astringent, diuretic, tonic. Queen of the meadow's role in American medicine has been mostly that of tile diuretic, useful for kidney problems' urinary difficulties and gravel, dropsy, rheumatism, and neuralgia. The rootstock has some astringent properties and can be used for conditions where an astringent is helpful. One American Indian tribe considered the plant useful as an aphrodisiac. A New England Indian named Joe Pye became famous by curing typhus with "joe-pye weed."

In decoctions, the flowers are diuretic and tonic. The roots are astringent and useful as such, as in diarrhea.

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Properties and Uses: Essential oil, fixed oil, coloring matter, malic acid, tartaric acid, tannin, resin, sugar. Aspirant, nervine, astringent. Much employed for making rose water.

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Rooibos Tea, (Aspalathus linearis)
C/S

Properties and Uses: Perfectly Healthy Medical science is only beginning to discover the many healthy advantages of Rooibos. Ongoing research and case studies confirm that there seems to be no end to its benefits, It has been found to relieve insomnia, stomach cramps and constipation, as well as allergic symptoms such as hay-fever and asthma. When directly applied to the affected area, it can significantly easeitching and skin irritations like eczema and acne, and has seen increasing use in the cosmetics industry as a natural additive for improving the complexion. Rooibos can be strongly recommended for individuals suffering, from nervous tension, mild depression or hypertension, due to its soothing, effect and absence of caffeine. The many healthy - advantages of Rooibos. Mothers find Rooibos to be of benefit in common infant ailments like colic and stomach cramps. When given in addition to babies' normal feeding. Rooibos supplements the daily intake of calcium, manganese and fluoride needed by growing children for strong teeth and bones. However, mothers themselves can also profit from drinking Rooibos, During pregnancy and breast-feeding the body's iron levels become depleted. Rooibos contains very little tannin and thus does not have the negative effect on the absorption of iron. The lack of caffeine means a pregnant mother can drink Rooibos throughout the day without worsening pregnancy's two biggest discomforts - nausea and heartburn.

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Rosehips, (Rosa canina)
C/S & Powder & Whole

Properties and Uses: Rosa rugosa An astringent affecting primarily the kidneys, bladder and colon, controlling diarrhea and reducing urine excretion and intestinal leakage. Helps to stabilize the kidneys.

 

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Rosemary Leaf,  (Rosmarinus officinalis)
Whole

Properties and Uses: Natural stimulating formula which helps promote liver function, the production of bile and aids in proper digestion, helping ease conditions like flatulent dyspepsia. It is also an antispasmodic which makes it useful for nervous conditions such as stress-related headaches. Powerful anti-oxidant and cardiac tonic. Helps to prevent damage to the heart from free radicals and other toxins. Helps regulate the blood pressure. Good for migraine headaches. Aromatic, carminative, diaphoretic, stimulant . astringent, anti-spasmodic.

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Royal Jelly Fresh

Properties and Uses: Fountain of Youth Royal jelly is a white, milky substance produced in the glands of worker honeybees to feed the queen bee. All the larvae receive this royal jelly or bees' milk for the first three days of their lives, Afterwards, they are nourished on a diet of honey, pollen and water. This bees' milk is a concentrated super food responsible for turning an ordinary worker bee into a long-lived reproductive dynamo-the queen bee. It is her only food. The queen bee grows 40 to 60% larger than the worker bees and lives five or more years compared to her genetically identical sister whose lifespan is only 40 days.

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Rue Herb,  (Ruta graveolens)
C/S & Ground

Properties and Uses: Properties and Uses: Anthelmintic, carminative, emmerlagogue, stimulant stomachic. The main uses for rue are to relieve gouty and rheumatic pains and to treat nervous heart problems, such as palpitations in women going through menopause. The infections is also said to be useful in eliminating worms. In European folk medicine, rue serves to relieve gas pains and colic, improve appetite and digestion, and promote the onset of menstruation. Rue can also be made into an ointment for external use gout, rheumatism, and sciatica.

Caution: Large doses can cause mild poisoning. Contact with the fresh plant may cause dermatitis In sensitive persons; the juice is a local irritant. Rue is not to be used by pregnant women.
 

Rupturewort,  (Hernaria glabra)
C/S

Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius)

Properties and Uses: Diaphoretic, diuretic. Taken hot, safflower tea produces strong perspiration and has thus been used for colds and related ailments. It has also been used at times for its soothing effect in cases of hysteria, such as that associated with chlorosis.

Saffron American/Spanish, (Carthamus tinctorius / Crocus sativus)
C/S / Whole

Properties and Uses: Anodyne, antispasmodic, aphrodisiac, appetizer, emmenagogue expectorant, sedative. Saffron has been used, in small doses only, for coughs, whooping cough, stomach gas, gastrointestinal colic and insomnia. As an ingredient in herb liqueurs, it serves as a stimulant to appetite; and it is sometimes made into a salve for treatment of gout.

Caution: Saffron contains a poison that acts on the central nervous system and damages the kidneys. Large doses can have severe effects; 10 to 12 grams Is a fatal dose for human beings. The high cost of saffron and the availability of synthetic substitutes make its use as medicine rare.

Sage Leaf,  (Salvia officinalis/apiana)
Rubbed / On the Branch / White, Rubbed/Whole

Properties and Uses: Can be used in ulcer formulas to decrease hypersecretions in stomach; it is antiseptic and diaphoretic to increase sweating in fevers and flues; will decrease lactation, not recommended for nursing mothers. Stimulates gastrointestinal tract, also stimulates central nervous system.

 

Salvia Seng Root Sliced, Sliced, (Radix salvia miltiorrhiza)

Sassafras Leaf/Root Bark,  (Sassafras officinale/albidum)
C/S & Powder

Properties and Uses: A wonderful, natural remedy for stimulating the liver by purifying the blood. It is used as a spring tonic which cleanses the entire system, and thins the blood after a heavy winter. Alterative, carminative, diaphoretic, diuretic, stimulant.

Anodyne antiseptic, diaphoretic, diuretic, stimulant. A hot infusion of Sassafras bark makes a good "blood purifier," promoting perspiration and urination. it has therefore been recommended for the rheumatism, gout, arthritis and skin problems. For the latter, as for various ulcers combined internally and externally use is recommended. The bark of the roots contains a volatile oil that has anodyne and antiseptic properties useful in treating head lice applied topically. It has been used in the past as a pain reliever and also to treat venereal disease. American Indians used an infusion of Sassafras roots to bring fever.

Sassafras tea has also had its day as a popular tonic drink, and was used to flavour Root Beer until it was found that Sassafrass Oil taken internally is toxic.

Savory Leaf,  (Satureja hortensis)
C/S

Properties and Uses: Primarily culinary use.

Saw Palmetto Berries,  (Seronoa repens)
C/S & Powder & Whole

Properties and Uses: Strengthens the joints, ligaments and muscles. Stimulates growth and repair. It has been used to help underweight people gain weight. It has also been used to help develop small breasts.

Used in almost all prostate herbal formulas.

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Self Heal Herb (Heal All), (Prunella vulgaris)
C/S

Properties and Uses: The aerial parts are astringent and antiseptic, and may reduce blood pressure. They treat sore throats, bleeding gums, hemorrhoids, and heavy menstruation. In China, the antiseptic, cooling flower spikes are considered a liver and gallbladder stimulant, and treat the symptoms associated with an unbalanced liver, including hypertension and conjunctivitis.

 

Senna Leaf/Pods, (Cassia acutifolia)
C/S & Powder & Whole

Properties and Uses: Stimulant laxative. This effective laxative should be combined with ginger or fennel to prevent cramping.

Caution: Senna should not be used in cases of piles, prolapsed intestine or inflammation anywhere in the intestinal tract. It has a tendency to be habit forming if taken for an extended time. As it is a stimulant laxative, do not use during pregnancy.

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Properties and Uses: Constituents are silicic acid and water-soluble silicic compounds; saponins; phytosterol; flavanoids; aconitic acid; traces of the alkaloids, nicotine, palustrine and palustrinine. Diuretic; vulnerary; genito-urinary astringent; weak anti-hemorrhagic. Commonly called Horsetail. Aqueous extract of the fresh plant contains the trace mineral silicon, useful in repair and maintenance of bone, flesh, cartilage, hair, skin, nails, and stimulates the immune system.

 

 

Shepherd's Purse,  (Capsella bursa pastoris)
C/S

Properties and Uses: The fresh extract is valuable in bladder irritations associated with bleeding and phosphate deposits; also used for menstrual hemorrhaging and placental delivery in childbirth. (NP)

 

 

 

Siberian Ginseng Root, (Eleutheroccocus senticosus)
C/S & Powder

Properties and Uses: An adaptogen, meaning it increases performance, stamina and endurance levels, decreases the bodies resistance to stress, increases mental alertness and provides a normalizing action on metabolism; shows some protective ability to radiation toxicity. (NP)
This elegant hedging plant, tolerant of urban pollution, may have medicinal properties, but so far research has centered on the similar-looking shrub Siberian Ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus), whose roots and leaves share the medicinal attributes of Panax Ginseng and are cheaper and less stimulating. Russian research on astronauts and athletes shows it increases stamina, strengthens resistance, and reduces stress.

Silverweed Herb, (Potentilla anserina)
C/S

Properties and Uses: Antispasmodic, astringent. Silverweed tea (made with water or milk) is an excellent remedy used for various astringent purposes, as in diarrhea, etc. and is even said to be good for dysientery.

As an antispasmodic it can also be used to relieve cramps, but it is generally mixed with balm leaves and German camomile flower to make a tea for that purpose. The tea is also useful as an external astringent for skin problems, mouth and throat sores, and similar complaints.

Skunk Cabbage Root, (Dracontium foetidum)
C/S

Properties and Uses: Internally it is a stimulant, exerting expectorant, anti-spasmodic effects, with slightly narcotic influences. It has been used in the spasms of asthma, whooping-cough, nasal catarrh, and bronchial irritation.

Externally used in the form of an ointment, it has soothing effect.

Slippery Elm Bark - (Ulmus rubra/fulva)
Inner Bark / Natural, C/S & Powder

Properties and Uses: Slippery Elm is demulcent and emollient. Useful internally for diarrhea, coughs due to colds, etc. Externally as a poultice for skin irritation and in rectal and vaginal suppositories.

Demulcent, emollient, nutritive. It is used to soothe and allay irritation of mucous membranes. It stops diarrhea caused by irritation of the gastro intestinal lining and is especially good for soothing sore throats and irritated respiratory passages.

Small Willow Flower Herb,  (Epilobium parviflorum)
C/S & Powder

Properties and Uses: Tea of the European species is believed to be helpful in diarrhea, blood disorders, fevers, gout, hepatitis, pimples, sore throats, and even worms. In studies with mice, the European species A pilosa has shown antitumor activity.
 

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Properties and Uses: Cholagogue, diuretic, expectorant, purgative. A decoction of the rootstock is used most Commonly as an expectorant for congestion. It has also been used for gout and externally as a wash or fomentation for dermatitis, itching skin, furuncles, and tumors. Soapwort has mild purgative action.

Contains saponin (saporubin), saponarin, gum, resin, acids, and mucilage.

Solomon's Seal Root,  (Polygonatum multiflorum)
C/S

Properties and Uses: Astringent, emetic, mucilaginous, astringent, tonic. The rootstock of solomon's seal has found application mainly for external problems. It makes a good poultice for bruises, inflammations, and wounds and a good wash for skin problems and blemishes. It has also been used as a wash to counteract the effects of poison ivy.

NOTE: All parts are potentially toxic, and large doses can be harmful.

Spearmint Leaf,  (Mentha spicata)
C/S & Powder

Properties and Uses: Antispasmodic, carminative, diuretic, stimulant, stomachic. Spearmint shares many of the uses described under peppermint, above. It is also often given, for common women's complaints and for suppressed or painful urination. An Infusion of spearmint combined with horehound is sometimes given to children for fever.

 

Speedwell Herb,  (Veronica officinalis)
C/S

Properties and Uses: Diuretic, expectorant, stomachic, tonic. Although speedwell has a reputation, especially in Europe, as a healer of all illnesses, it is used primarily as an expectorant for respiratory problems. It has also been used for stomach ailments, migraine headache, and as a gargle for mouth and throat soars, The fresh juice taken in large quantities is helpful for gout, and it can also be used externally to relieve chronic skin problems.
 

Spikenard Root, (Aralia racemosa)
C/S

Properties and Uses: Essential oil, sugar, pectin, resin. Diuretic, sudorific, antisyphilitic, alterative, antiscrofulous, antirheumatic.
 

Spinach Leaf, (Spinacea oleracea)
Powder

Properties and Uses: Alkaline nitrates, lecithin, sugar, fat, mucilage, chlorophyll, iron, saponin, vitamins A, B, C, and D, phosphates, albuminoids, iodine. Diuretic, laxative, cooling, demulcent, astringent, well-known vegetable.
 

Spirulina,  (Spirulina platensis)
Powder

Properties and Uses: Spirulina is used as a mild appetite suppressant. It is also an energy booster. It contains 60% protein which is assimilated faster than protein found in beef, eggs, or milk. Some studies show that spirulina lowers cholesterol.
 

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Properties and Uses: Being high in bioflavinoids, it contains the highly active ingredient hypericin. It can be used externally and internally to increase capillary integrity in problems with varicosities such as hemorrhoids, varicose veins and easy bleeders; internally acts as an anti-depressant, and a general remedy for the blues; contains anti-viral and anti-bacterial properties, good in ear infections, externally helps in nerve damage and inflammations along the spinal cord.
 

Stevia Herb,  (Stevia rebaudiana)
C/S & Powder

Properties and Uses: Stevia rebaudiana is a tropical annual wire very sweet leaves that yield the substance "slevioside. " This green powder is 250-300 times sweeter than sucrose.
 

Stone Root,  (Collinsonia canadensis)
C/S

Properties and Uses: Diuretic, tonic, vulnerary. An infusion of stone root, makes, a good diuretic for urinary problems and excessive water retention. Stone root is often included with other plants as part of a rnixture. The fresh leaves can be used externally, as poultice, or fomentation, to help heal wounds and bruises.

 

 

 

Strawberry Leaf,  (Fragaria vesca)
C/S
Properties and Uses: Tannin, potash, phosphoric acid.
 

Stillingia Root,  (Stillingia sylvatica)
C/S

Properties and Uses: Anti-syphilitic, anti-scrofulous, depurative, sialagogue, expectorant, laxative, diuretic, tonic, alterative, toxic.

Suma Root,  (Pfaffia paniculata)
C/S & Powder

Properties and Uses: Suma is called " Brazilian ginseng" because it is a near panacea in Brazil. Although it is not a true ginseng from the Panax plant family, like Ginseng, it has both adaptogenic and immune enhancing properties. Some researchers report that it has the ability to strengthen the immune system and reduce tumors. Other researchers have found that Suma acts primarily as a regulator of the endocrine, nervous, musculoskeletal and digestive systems without stimulatory or inhibitory effects, thus classifying it as a true adaptogen. An important ingredient in Suma is the saponin nortriterpenoid. Six different pfaffic acid sugar compounds have been isolated from nortriterpenoid. Five of these six pfaffic acid derivatives inhibit cuItured tumor cell melanomas and some of them have been reported to regulate blood sugar levels. Two plant hormones, sitosterol and stigmasterol, also occur naturally in Suma.
 

Sumac Berry, (Rhus glabra)
Whole & Ground

Properties and Uses: American Indians used berries to stop bed-wetting. Leaves smoked for asthma; leaf tea used for asthma, diarrhea, stomatosis, (mouth diseases), dysentery. Root tea emetic, diuretic. Bark tea formerly used for diarrhea, dysentery, fevers, scrofula, general debility from sweating; also for mouth or throat ulcers, leucorrhea, and anal and uterine prolapse; astringent, tonic, antiseptic. Warning: Do not confuse this sumac with Poison Sumac, which has white fruits and toothless leaves, and grows in or near swamps.

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Sweet Cicely Root,  (Myrrhis odorata)
C/S

Properties and Uses: Carminative, expectorant, stomachic. As Indicated by the categories, sweet cicely root is used much like anise. Take it for flatulence, mucous congestion, indigestion, and lack of appetite. American Indians chewed the root or gargled root tea for sore throats; Poultice root on boils, cuts, sores, wounds; tea a wash for sore red eyes, drunk for coughs.

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Sweet Gale Leaf & Bud,  (Myrica gale)
C/S

Properties and Uses: Leaves contain tannic acid. stimulant, alterative, depurative, vulnerary.

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Sweetgrass Blades, Braids (Hierochloe odorata)