|
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.
|
|
