|
Herbal Table
Here is a table of
herbs and their uses in homeopathic medicine. It is by no means a complete
listing nor is is to
replace treatment
or advice given by your healthcare practitioner. This table was taken
from,
"Smart
Medicine for Healthier Living" by Janet Zand, Allan N. Spreen, and James B.
LaValle.
Herb
|
Medicinal Use
|
Plant Part Used
|
How Taken
|
Possible Side Effects
|
Comments
|
|
Aloe Vera
|
Topically: Pain reliever, excellent
for burns, sore nipples, itching.Internally: Relieves stomach inflammation
and constipation |
Pulp from inside leaf
|
Liquid applied topically to affected
area or taken internally
|
None known.
|
Topically: Use pulp from inside plant
leaf. Internally: use
prepared food-grade liquid.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
American Ginseng
|
Helps strengthen overall constitution;
helpful in relieving fatigue or debilitation after an illness
|
Root.
|
Standardized extract, tea, tincture.
|
Nervousness, insomnia, diarrhea
|
Do not take if you have a fever.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Astragalus
|
Immunotonic; reduces fatigue; used for
colds and flu
|
Root.
|
Standardized extract, liquid extract,
tea.
|
None known.
|
Do not take if you have acute
inflammation or fever.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Bilberry
|
Antioxidant; helps strengthen
capillaries and blood vessels; good for eyesight.
|
Fruit.
|
Standardized extract.
|
None known.
|
Use with caution if you have a
bleeding problem or are taking anticoagulants.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Black Cohosh
|
Balances female hormones and
strengthens the female reproductive organs, lowers blood sugar.
Also used for arthritis, rheumatism, and tinnitus.
|
Rhizome.
|
Standardized extract, tea.
|
In excessive amounts, may cause
nausea, vomiting, headache, dizziness, slow pulse.
|
Do not use if you are allergic to
aspirin.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Black Currant
|
Has anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant
actions, and benefits the skin; used for chronic inflammation, diabetes,
PMS, and skin diseases.
|
Seed oil.
|
Capsules, liquid oil.
|
None known.
|
Contains balanced essential fatty
acids.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Borage
|
Has anti-inflammatory effect and
benefits he skin; used for chronic inflammation, diabetes, PMS, and skin
diseases.
|
Root.
|
Capsules, liquid oil.
|
None known.
|
Contains omega-6 essential fatty
acids.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Bupleurum
|
Liver detoxifier; strengthens immune
system; helpful in treating chronic conditions such as allergies.
|
Root.
|
Tincture, capsule (taken in
combination with other herbs).
|
None known.
|
Most commonly used in combination with
other herbs, not by itself. Do
not take if you have a fever or other signs of acute infection. Do not use
if you have high blood pressure.
|
|
Burdock
|
Blood purifier and cleanser.
|
Root.
|
Tincture, tea, capsule, fresh cooked
root.
|
Dilated pupils, dry mouth
|
Do not take for more than 2
consecutive weeks. Alternate
2 weeks on, 2 weeks off.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Calendula
|
Antiseptic; speeds tissue healing;
useful for cuts, blisters, burns, abrasions.
|
Flower.
|
Lotion, cream, or tincture, applied
topically to the affected area.
|
None known.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Chamomile
|
Soothes upset stomach, calms nerves
and relaxes.
|
Flower.
|
Standardized extract, tea, tincture.
|
Allergic reactions in sensitive
individuals.
|
Use with caution if you are allergic
to ragweed.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Chinese (Korean) Ginseng
|
Helps strengthen overall constitution;
helpful in relieving fatigue or debilitation after an illness.
|
Root.
|
Standardized extract, liquid extract,
tea.
|
Nervousness, insomnia, diarrhea.
|
Take in cycles – three weeks on, two
weeks off.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cordyseps
|
Antioxidant, strengthens the immune
system; increases oxygen supply to body systems; protects the lungs.
|
Mushroom
|
Standardized extract.
|
None known.
|
Use with caution if you are having a
bleeding problem or are taking anticoagulants.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dandelion
|
Promotes excretion of fluids; used as
a diuretic.
|
Leaf.
|
Liquid extract, fresh plant juice,
fresh leaf.
|
May cause fluid loss if used in high
doses.
|
Contains vitamins and minerals,
especially vitamin A and potassium.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dong quai
|
Blood tonic and hormonal regulator
used for problems such as PMS and menopausal symptoms; also has mild
sedative effect.
|
Root.
|
Standardized extract, liquid extract,
tea.
|
May cause increased sensitivity to the
sun.
|
Contains phytoestrogens.
Do not use if you have a bleeding problem.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Echinacea
|
Antibiotic; boosts immune system.
Useful in treating many infections, insect bites, and stings.
|
Root.
|
Standardized extract, tea, tincture,
salve.
|
None known.
|
Long-term use not advised. Best used for 5 days to 1 week at a time.
Alternate 1 week on, one week off.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Evening primrose
|
Has an anti-inflammatory effect and
benefits the skin; used for chronic inflammation, diabetes, PMS, and skin
diseases.
|
Seed oil.
|
Capsule, oil.
|
May cause minor stomach upset or rash
in sensitive individuals.
|
Contains omega-6 essential fatty
acids.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Flax
|
Soothing to digestive tract; relieves
constipation.
|
Seed.
|
Tea, capsule, oil.
|
Agitation, excitement, rapid
breathing.
|
Contains balanced essential fatty
acids. Seeds are safe when
cooked; leaves can be toxic and are not normally used.
|
Herb
|
Medicinal Use
|
Plant Part Used
|
How Taken
|
Possible Side Effects
|
Comments
|
|
Garlic
|
Antibiotic, antiseptic, antiworm;
lowers blood pressure and cholestorol
|
Clove.
|
Fresh whole herb, standardized
extract, capsule, liquid.
|
Stomach upset, contact dermatitis,
flatulence.
|
Fresh cloves may be used, but odorless
capsule form may be more palatable for some people.
Use with caution if you have a bleeding problem or are taking
anticoagulants.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ginger
|
Aids digestion; relieves congestion;
promotes perspiration and relieves fever; soothes achy muscles
|
Root.
|
Standardized extract, tincture, tea,
bath or oil for achy muscles.
|
Diarrhea, nausea.
|
Use with caution if you have a
bleeding problem or are taking anticoagulants.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gingko biloba
|
Increases blood flow to the brain and
extremities; used for Alzheimer disease and other conditions requiring
increased blood flow, as well as for asthma, ringing in the ears and mild
depression
|
Leaf.
|
Standardized extract.
|
May cause minor stomach upset, rash,
or headache in sensitive individuals.
|
Do not use if you have a bleeding
problem. Use with caution if
taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen.
|
|
Goldenseal
|
Antibiotic; tonifies mucous membranes
of the respiratory and digestive system; used to treat many infections.
|
Root.
|
Standardized extract, tea, tincture,
capsule.
|
Irritation of mouth and throat,
nausea, vomiting, diarrhea.
|
Do not take during pregnancy. Do not take for more than 1 week to 10 days at a time.
This is now classified as an endangered species.
Oregon grape root can be used as a substitute.
|
|
Gotu kola
|
Enhances mental performance and
improves learning ability; topically used for wound healing of skin and
connective tissues.
|
Whole plant
|
Standardized extract, liquid extract,
capsule, topical aerosol spray.
|
May cause rash in sensitive
individuals
|
Works well in combination with gingko.
|
|
|
|
|
|
