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Here you will find a partial list of herbs and their traditional uses.  We use many of these in our herbal remedies and soaps.
 
 
Arnica: In the same family as the sunflower, the dried or fresh flowers are used in preparations to treat bruises, sprains and sore muscles. Not for internal use or on broken skin.

Arrowroot powder: A neutral starch, the powdered root is a safe alternative to the toxic talc used in baby & body powders. Traditionally used by Indians as an antidote to arrow poison, hence its name.

Balm of Gilead Buds: Also known as Poplar buds, the unopened buds are dried before use. They are antibacterial and anti-inflammatory and are used to treat superficial injuries of the skin. Those allergic to aspirin may be mildly allergic to Balm of Gilead Buds. For external use only.

Boneset: Used historically to treat a viral infection known as “break bone fever”, this perennial daisy has contemporary uses for treating colds and congestion. Boneset contains polysaccharides that activate T-cells to fight bacteria.

Burdock Root: Commonly known as “Cocklebur” due to the sticky seed pods that stick to passing animals and people, Burdock is a bitter, powerful, anti-inflammatory containing numerous anti-oxidants and is used to treat acne, eczema and psoriasis.

Calendula: Often referred to as “Marigold”, Calendula is not to be mistaken for the common garden Marigold. Antibacterial and immunostimulant in nature, Calendula is often used in preparations to treat minor wounds and skin infections. Very useful on slow-healing cuts and on wounds of those with compromised immune systems. This herb stimulates the production of collagen at wound sites thus minimizing scarring.

Catnip: Although the herb of choice for cats, Catnip is a useful sleep aid for humans. It has antifungal and possible insect repellant properties, and is also a bactericide for Staphylococcus aureus, a leading cause of soft tissue infections as well as Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS).

Chamomile: Traditionally used as a sedative and sleep aid, Chamomile's apple scented blossoms are also very useful in treating cuts and scrapes.

Chickweed: Known as a “drawing herb” Chickweed is useful in treating skin irritations, acne, abscesses and eczema. Also used internally for ulcers.

Cleavers: A diuretic herb, Cleavers also has a special affinity for imbalances of the lymphatic system.

Coltsfoot: As a demulcent and expectorant, Coltsfoot is one of the most effective remedies for coughs.

Comfrey: Promotes rapid healing of bruises, sprains, fractures and broken bones. Comfrey can also be used to treat acne, boils and psoriasis. Care must be taken not to use Comfrey on dirty wounds because the rapid healing may trap dirt or pus, causing an abscess.

Damiana: A traditional aphrodisiac of the Mayan people, Damiana is an excellent tonic for the nervous system. It is also valuable in the treatment of depression, painful and delayed periods, urinary infections and as a sexual restorative for both men and women.

Dandelion Leaf: One of the best herbal diuretics, Dandelion is also used to treat a variety of liver and gallbladder disorders.

Echinacea: As the most important immune system stimulant in Western herbal medicine, Echinacea is used for infections of all kinds. Also very useful in the treatment of colds, flu, skin disorders and respiratory problems.

Elder Flowers: Ideal for colds, flu, coughs and other respiratory conditions. Reduces fever and tones the mucous linings of the nose and throat, making them more resistant to infection.

Elecampane: Gently stimulates the clearing of mucous from the lungs and has specific uses for bronchitis and bronchial asthma because it soothes the bronchial tube linings and is expectorant.

Feverfew: Most often used in the prevention and treatment of migraines. Also used to reduce fever.

Hops: Used most often as a sedative, Hops can also be blended with other herbs to help stress, tension anxiety and headaches.

Mullein: Valuable for coughs and congestion, especially bronchitis. Externally, Mullein is an excellent wound healer. Oil made from the flowers is used as an earache treatment.

Oatstraw: Used to treat a wide variety of nervous complaints and mild depression. Also a gentle sleep aid, safe for children.

Oregon Grape: Used mainly for digestive complaints, Oregon Grape is also an excellent remedy for eczema, acne, boils, herpes and other skin ailments but especially psoriasis.

Passionflower: An excellent remedy for insomnia, Passionflower is also widely used as a tranquilizer, sedative and pain reliever.

Peppermint Leaf: Used extensively for digestive complaints, Peppermint is also used as an inhalant and chest rub for respiratory infections and if applied to the skin, it relieves pain and reduces sensitivity. It can also relieve migraine and headache pain.

Plantain Leaf: Quickly stops blood flow in wounds and encourages the repair of damaged tissues. Plantain may be used in place of Comfrey in the treatment of bruises and broken bones.

Raspberry Leaf: Mainly used to encourage easy delivery during childbirth, Raspberry Leaf is also useful in treating diarrhea.

Rose Hips: Excellent source of vitamin C.

St John's Wort: Though mainly thought of as an herbal antidepressant, St John's Wort is also very useful in the treatment of anxiety, sleep disorders, wounds and burns. It also reduces the nerve pain of toothache and sciatica.

Skullcap: Supports and nourishes the nervous system, calms, relieves stress and anxiety. Often used alone or with other sedative herbs to treat insomnia.

Thyme: An effective remedy for throat and chest infections. Also used with other herbs for asthma, especially in children.

Valerian Root: Beneficial for almost any stress related condition, Valerian has a calming rather than a sedative effect on the mind. It is useful for insomnia and as a muscle relaxant.

White Willow Bark: Having many of the same anti-inflammatory and pain relieving actions of aspirin, White Willow bark doesn't irritate the stomach or thin the blood.

Yarrow Flowers: Stops internal and external bleeding helps cold and flu and the healing of wounds.

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