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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.

Green tea

Antioxidant; protects against effect of radiation exposure; has anticarcinogenic properties; blocks the body’s absorption of dietary cholesterol.

Leaf

Standardized extract, tea

In tea form, can cause jitteriness and insomnia if taken in excess.

Use decaffeinated standardized extract rather than tea if you are sensitive to caffeine.

Hawthorn

Antioxidant; general heart tonic.

Leaf, flower, berry.

Standardized extract

None known

If you are currently taking prescription medicine for a heart condition, use only under the supervision of a physician.

Horsetail

Diuretic; good source of silica; used for health of skin, hair, and nails.

Spring shoots

Standardized extract

May deplete vitamin B6

Take a multiple vitamin when taking this herb.

Kava kava

Eases anxiety, nervousness, and tension; may be helpful for insomnia.

Root

Standardized extract, capsule, root.

May interact with prescription medicines for anxiety.  Prolonged use of high doses can cause skin rash.

Do not use if you have Parkinson’s  disease.  Avoid alcohol while using this herb.  Use caution when driving and performing tasks requiring alertness.

Licorice

Tonic; expectorant; soothing to respiratory tract; tonic for the adrenal glands; increases energy; used for symptoms of peptic ulcer.

Root.

Standardized extract, tincture, capsule, chewable tablet, tea, liquid extract.

Can lead to loss of potassium and high blood pressure with long-term use unless DGL form is used.

Do not take if you have high blood pressure or heart disease.  Use with caution during pregnancy.

Marshmallow

Demulcent; helpful for sore throat and lung congestion

Root

Tea, capsule

None known

May decrease absorption of some medications; check with your pharmacist.

Milk thistle

Detoxifies the liver; used for chronic liver problems.

Seed

Standardized extract.

None known

If you have chronic liver disease, use only under the supervision of a physician.

Nettle

Leaf used for allergies and hay fever; root used for nervous conditions and addictive disorders

Leaf, root

Standardized extract, tea, capsule

None known

Leaf should be freeze-dried.

Oat straw

Calming; may help decrease cravings for nicotine and opiates; used for nervous conditions and addictive disorders

Whole plant

Capsule, liquid, extract, tea

None known.

 

Parsley

Increases urination; helpful in treating bladder infection.

Leaf

Tea, capsule

Dizziness, headache, warmth, nausea, vomiting, itching

Use with caution during pregnancy, excessive amounts can stop milk production in nursing mothers.

Passion- flower

Calms and relaxes; used for nervous conditions, stress, insomnia

Vine

Standardized extract (liquid or capsule).

None known

May interact with other medications used for anxiety and insomnia.  Avoid alcohol while using this herb.  Use caution when driving and performing other tasks requiring alertness.

Peppermint

Aids digestion; relieves nausea,; reduces fever; relieves diarrhea, gas, heartburn.

Leaf

Tincture, tea, capsule

In large doses, can cause stomach irritation and coldness of the body.

Do not use id you are taking homeopathic remedies.

Red clover

Blood purifier; helpful in treating skin infections; mild sedative

Flower

Tincture, tea, capsule

None known.

Do not use if you have a bleeding disorder.

Red raspberry

Astringent; used fro excessive menstrual bleeding

Leaf

Liquid extract, capsule, tea

None known

Tea is an excellent uterine tonic for pregnant women.

Rosemary

Antispasmodic, stimulating tonic; helpful in treating colds, sore throats, headaches; increases circulation.

Leaf

Tea, in soup

Nausea, diarrhea

A strong tea can also be used topically to enhance scalp health and hair growth.                                                

 

 

Sage

Increases urination; aids digestion; antiseptic; helpful for nasal discharge, sore throat.

Leaf

Tincture, tea, capsule, topically on cuts or abrasions.  Can also be used as a gargle for sore throats

Dry mouth, local irritation

Do not use during pregnancy.  May decrease milk production in nursing mothers.                                                

Saw palmetto

Beneficial for the male reproductive system; used for benign prostrate hypertrophy (BPH)

Berry

Standardized extract

None known

 

Shiitake

Enhances immunity; used for stress and fatigue

Mushroom

Standardized extract

None known

Do not use if you have a fever or other sign of acute infection.

Siberian ginseng

Helps the body cope with stress; enhances energy, immunity, and mood.

Root

Standardized extract.

May cause nervousness and restlessness in some individuals.  May increase digoxin levels in those taking this drug

Take in cycles – four weeks on, two weeks off.  If you are taking medications for a heart condition, take only under the supervision of a physician.

Skullcap

Sedative, nerve tonic.

Leaf

Tincture, tea, capsule

Giddiness, irregular heartbeat

Best used in combination with other calmatives.

Slippery elm

Helpful in treating constipation, diarrhea, irritated/inflamed gastrointestinal tract.

Bark

Capsule, powder

None known

 

St. John’s wort

Antiviral; used for mild depression; used topically for bruises and sprains

Flowering buds

Standardized extract, topical oil

May cause increased sensitivity to the sun.

If you are currently taking prescription medication for depression, use only under the supervision of a physician.  Do not use if you are taking a monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitor.

Thyme

Antiseptic; relieves lung congestion, diarrhea, lack of appetite, colic, flatulence; useful for peptic ulcer disease.

Leaf

Capsule, tea, in soup

In large doses, can cause diarrhea.

May be used as a mouthwash.

Turmeric

Antioxidant; used for inflammatory conditions such as arthritis; may lower blood cholesterol levels.

Root

Standardized extract

May cause minor stomach upset or rash in sensitive individuals.

Do not use if you have s bleeding disorder or peptic ulcer.  Do not take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen when taking this herb.

Yellow dock

Detoxifier; mild laxative; antiworm; relieves cough and lymphatic congestion.

Root

Tincture, tea, capsule

In large doses, can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea.

Encourages perspiration.

 

 

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