Herbal Remedies: Healing Herbs List

Alfalfa

Parts Used: leaves
Healing Capabilities: lowers cholesterol, prevents and manages various heart diseases, improves respiratory problems, promotes menstruation, improves bad breath
How to Prepare:
Infusion: Steep 1 - 2 teaspoons of dried Alfalfa leaves in one cup of boiling water for 20 minutes. Strain out herb before drinking. Drink up to 3 cups a day.
Safety Precautions: Never eat alfalfa seeds because they contain a toxin. Never use alfalfa while pregnant as it can cause a miscarriage.

Allspice

Parts Used: mature, unripe green berries
Healing Capabilities: helps digestion, helps muscle pain, anesthetic for the mouth How to Prepare:
Infusion: Steep 1 - 2 teaspoons of Allspice powder in 1 cup of boiling water for 20 minutes. Strain out herb before drinking. Drink up to 3 cups a day.
Safety Precautions: Never swallow allspice oil because it can cause vomiting and convulsions. Applying allspice oil to sensitive skin may cause inflammation.

Aloe Vera

Parts Used: gel inside leaves
Healing Capabilities: soothes burns, heals wounds, prevents infection
How to Prepare:
Ointment: Choose a lower leaf and cut off 2 - 4 inches. Slice it lengthwise, scoop out gel and apply to affected area.
Safety Precautions: Never use aloe as a laxative. It's too powerful and can cause severe cramps and diarrhea.

Angelica

Parts Used: leaves, roots, seeds
Healing Capabilities: improves respiratory problems, improves digestion, calms arthritis
How to Prepare:
Infusion: Steep 1 teaspoon of powdered seeds or leaves in 1 cup of boiling water for 20 minutes. Strain before drinking.
Decoction: Add 1 teaspoon of powdered Angelica root to 1 cup of water. Bring to a boil and let simmer for 2 minutes. Remove from heat and let stand 15 minutes. Strain before drinking. Drink up to 2 cups a day.
Tincture: Use 1/2 - 1 teaspoon up to twice a day.
Safety Precautions: Long term use of angelica may lead to a sunlight sensitivity that can cause a rash.

Anise

Parts Used: fruit (also called seeds)
Healing Capabilities: cough expectorant, relieves menopause symptoms, improves digestion, lessens morning sickness, promotes milk production in nursing mothers
How to Prepare:
Infusion: Steep 1 teaspoon of crushed Anise seeds in 1 cup of boiling water for 20 minutes. Strain before drinking. Drink up to 3 cups a day.
Tincture: Use 1/2 - 1 teaspoon up to 3 times a day.
Safety Precautions: If your doctor has advised you against taking birth control pills, don't take anise because it contains chemicals similar to estrogen.

Astragalus

Parts Used: roots
Healing Capabilities: immune booster, improves digestion, boosts the effect of cancer drugs, reduces high blood pressure, improves sperm motility, prevents kidney stones, protects liver
How to Prepare:
Decoction: Boil 1 teaspoon of dried Astragalus root in 2 cups of water for 15 minutes. Strain before drinking. Drink up to 3 cups a day.
Tincture: Use 1/2 - 1 teaspoon up to 3 times a day.
Safety Precautions: Do not use while taking beta-blockers. Do not use when feverish.

Balm

Parts Used: leaves
Healing Capabilities: fights infection caused by bacteria, tranquilizer, fights viral infections (herpes, mumps), improves digestion, calms menstrual cramps
How to Prepare:
Infusion: Steep 2 teaspoons of Balm leaves in 1 cup of boiling water for 20 minutes. Strain before drinking. Drink up to 3 cups a day.
Tincture: Use 1/2 - 1 1/2 teaspoons up to 3 times daily.
Safety Precautions: Do not use if you have a thyroid condition.

Barberry

Parts Used: root bark
Healing Capabilities: fights infection, immune booster, treats pink eye, lowers high blood pressure
How to Prepare:
Decoction: Boil 1/2 teaspoon of powdered Barberry root bark in 1 cup of water for 30 minutes. Strain and let cool to room temperature before drinking. Drink up to one cup a day.
Safety Precautions: High doses can cause vomiting, convulsions and heart problems. Taking while pregnant can cause miscarriage.

Basil

Parts Used: flowers and leaves
Healing Capabilities: immune booster, kills intestinal parasites, clears acne
How to Prepare:
Infusion: Steep 2 - 3 teaspoons of dried Basil leaves in 1 cup of boiling water for 20 minutes. Strain before drinking. Drink up to 3 cups a day.
Tincture: Use 1/2 - 1 teaspoon up to 3 times a day.
Safety Precautions: Use only culinary amounts when pregnant.

Bay

Parts Used: leaves
Healing Capabilities: light sedative, fights minor infections, cockroach repellent
How to Prepare:
Infusion: Steep 1 - 2 teaspoons of crushed Bay leaves in 1 cup of boiling water for 20 minutes. Strain before drinking. Drink up to 3 cups a day.
Tincture: Use 1/2 - 1 teaspoon up to 3 times a day.
Safety Precautions: Use culinary amounts when pregnant. Bay oil can cause a rash on sensitive skin.

Bayberry

Parts Used: root bark
Healing Capabilities: lowers fever, treats diarrhea
How to Prepare:
Decoction: Boil 1 teaspoon of powdered Bayberry root bark in 1 pint of water for 15 minutes. Strain, let cool to room temperature and add a little milk before drinking. Drink up to 2 cups a day.
Tincture: Use 1/2 teaspoon up to 2 times a day.
Safety Precautions: Large doses can cause vomiting. Do not use if you have chronic gastrointestinal conditions, or if you have a history of cancer. If you have a heart condition, ask your doctor before using.

Blackberry

Parts Used: fruit, leaves, bark, root
Healing Capabilities: stops minor bleeding, soothes hemorrhoids, treats diarrhea
How to Prepare:
Infusion: Steep 2 - 3 teaspoons of dried Blackberry leaves in 1 cup of boiling water for 20 minutes. Strain and add a little milk before drinking. Drink up to 3 cups a day.
Infusion #2: Steep a handful of crushed Blackberries (fresh or dried) in 1 cup of water for 20 minutes. Straining is up to you. Drink up to 3 cups a day.
Decoction: Boil 1 teaspoon of powdered Blackberry root in 1 cup of water for 30 minutes. Strain before drinking. Drink up to 3 cups a day.
Tincture: Use up to 2 teaspoons a day.
Safety Precautions: Large doses can cause vomiting. Do not use if you have chronic gastrointestinal conditions, or if you have a history of cancer.

Black Cohosh

Parts Used: root, rhizome
Healing Capabilities: lowers high blood pressure, relieves menstrual cramps, relieves menopause symptoms
How to Prepare:
Decoction: Boil 1/2 teaspoon of powdered Black Cohosh root in 1 cup of water for 30 minutes. Strain. Take 2 tablespoons every 2 hours, up to 1 cup a day.
Tincture: Use 1/2 - 1 teaspoon a day.
Safety Precautions: Large doses can cause diarrhea, vomiting, tremors, and heart problems. Do not use during pregnancy. Do not use if you have heart disease.

Blue Cohosh

Parts Used: root
Healing Capabilities: induces labor, calms menstrual cramps, reduces incontinence
How to Prepare:
Decoction: Boil 1/2 teaspoon of powdered Blue Cohosh root in 1 cup of water for 30 minutes. Strain. Let cool and add 2 tablespoons to a flavored drink every couple of hours. Drink up to 1 cup a day.
Tincture: Use up to 1 teaspoon a day.
Safety Precautions: During pregnancy, don't use until the last 2 weeks. When treating any ailment, only use blue cohosh as a last resort.

Black Haw

Parts Used: bark
Healing Capabilities: calms menstrual cramps, pain reliever, fever reducer, prevent miscarriage
How to Prepare:
Decoction: Boil 2 teaspoon of dried Black Haw bark in 1 cup of water for 10 minutes. Strain and let cool before drinking. Drink up to 3 cups a day.
Tincture: Use up to 2 teaspoons up to 3 times a day.
Safety Precautions: Only use during the last 5 weeks of pregnancy and only use if showing warning signs of premature labor. Do not give to children under 16. Large doses may cause vomiting.

Boneset

Parts Used: flowers and leaves
Healing Capabilities: calms arthritis, fights minor viral and bacterial infections
How to Prepare:
Infusion: Steep 1 - 2 teaspoons of dried Boneset leaves in 1 cup of boiling water for 20 minutes. Strain before drinking. Drink up to 3 cups a day.
Tincture: Use 1/2 - 1 teaspoon up to 3 times a day.
Safety Precautions: Never eat fresh boneset. Boneset is toxic until dried. Large doses can cause vomiting and diarrhea. Do not use if you have a history of cancer, liver disease or alcoholism.

Buchu

Parts Used: leaves
Healing Capabilities: diuretic, lowers high blood pressure, treats urinary tract infections
How to Prepare:
Infusion: Steep 1 - 2 teaspoons of dried, crumbled Buchu leaves in 1 cup of boiling water 20 for minutes. Strain before drinking. Drink up to 3 cups a day.
Tincture: Use 1/2 - 1 teaspoon up to 3 times a day.
Safety Precautions: If using buchu, also take a potassium supplement.

Buckthorn

Parts Used: berries, bark
Healing Capabilities: laxative
How to Prepare:
Decoction: Boil 1 teaspoon of dried Buckthorn bark in 3 cups of water for 30 minutes. Strain and let cool. Drink one teaspoon at a time before bed.
Tincture: Use 1/2 teaspoon before bed.
Safety Precautions: Using for longer than 2 weeks can cause lazy bowel syndrome. Bark must be dried and stored for a year before using.

Burdock

Parts Used: leaves, roots, seeds
Healing Capabilities: fights infections (fungal, ringworm, bacterial, gonorrhea, etc)
How to Prepare:
Decoction: Boil 1 teaspoon of Burdock root in 3 cups of water for 30 minutes. Strain and cool before drinking. Drink up to 3 cups a day.
Tincture: Use 1/2 - 1 teaspoon up to 3 times a day.
Safety Precautions: Burdock looks very similar to another, more toxic plant, Belladonna. So make sure you're using the right herb.

Caraway

Parts Used: fruit (also called seeds)
Healing Capabilities: improves digestion, relieves menstrual cramps
How to Prepare:
Infusion: Steep 2 - 3 teaspoons of bruised Caraway seeds in 1 cup of boiling water for 20 minutes. Strain before drinking. Drink up to 3 cups a day.
Tincture: Use 1/2 - 1 teaspoon up to 3 times a day.
Safety Precautions: Using during pregnancy can cause miscarriage.

Cascara Sagrada

Parts Used: dried aged bark
Healing Uses: laxative
How to Prepare:
Decoction: Boil 1 teaspoon of aged dried Cascars Sagrada bark in 3 cups of water for 30 minutes. Strain and cool to room temperature before drinking. Drink up to 2 cups before bed.
Tincture: Use 1/2 teaspoon at bedtime.
Safety Precautions: Must be stored 1 year before using. Do not use longer than two weeks.

Catnip

Parts Used: flowers and leaves
Healing Capabilities: improves digestion, sedative, prevents infection, relieves menstrual cramps
How to Prepare:
Infusion: Steep 2 teaspoons of dried catnip in 1 cup of boiling water for 20 minutes. Make sure not to boil catnip! Strain before drinking. Drink up to cups a day.
Tincture: Use 1/2 - 1 teaspoon up to 3 times a day.
Safety Precautions: None

Celery Seed

Parts Used: fruit (also called seeds)
Healing Capabilities: sedative, lowers high blood pressure, diuretic, reduces blood sugar levels, promotes menstruation
How to Prepare:
Infusion: Steep 1 - 2 teaspoons of freshly crushed Celery Seed in 1 cup of boiling water for 20 minutes. Strain before drinking. Drink up to 3 cups a day.
Tincture: Use 1/2 - 1 teaspoon up to 3 times a day.
Safety Precautions: Always use in conjunction with a potassium supplement. Using during pregnancy can cause miscarriage.

Chamomile

Parts Used: flowers
Healing Capabilities: sedative, improves digestion, relieve menstrual cramps, calms arthritis, prevents infections, immune booster
How to Prepare:
Infusion: Steep 3 heaping teaspoons of dried Chamomile flowers in 1 cup of boiling water for 20 minutes. Strain before drinking. Drink up to 3 cups a day.
Tincture: Use 1/2 - 1 teaspoon up to 3 times a day.
Safety Precautions: None
My Little Extra: Chamomile is my absolute favorite herb. I love the way it smells, looks, and tastes. Try adding a little honey to your next cup!

Chaparrel

Parts Used: leaves and twigs
Healing Capabilities: fights tooth decay, reduces cavities, treats gum disease, shrinks cancerous tumors, calms arthritis
How to Prepare:
Infusion: Steep 1 tablespoons of dried Chaparrel leaves and stems in 1 quart of boiling water for 60 minutes. Strain before drinking. Drink up to 3 cups a day.
Safety Precautions: Do not use if you have a kidney or lymph node condition.

Cinnamon

Parts Used: inner bark
Healing Capabilities: improves digestion, relieves pain from minor cuts, prevents infection
How to Prepare:
Infusion: Steep 1/2 - 3/4 teaspoon of powdered Cinnamon in 1 cup of boiling water for 20 minutes. Strain before drinking. Drink up to 3 cups a day.
Safety Precautions: Cinnamon oil can cause a burning sensation on the skin. Never ingest cinnamon oil!

Clove

Parts Used: flower buds
Healing Capabilities: improves digestion, fights infection, oral anesthetic
How to Prepare:
Infusion: Steep 1 teaspoon of powdered Clove in 1 cup of boiling water for 20 minutes. Strain before drinking. Drink up to 3 cups a day.
Safety Precautions: Do not use if you have a history of cancer.

Coltsfoot

Parts Used: flowers, leaves
Healing Capabilities: treats respiratory problems (cough, asthma)
How to Prepare:
Infusion: Steep teaspoons of in 1 cup of boiling water for minutes. Strain before drinking. Drink up to cups a day.
Decoction: Boil teaspoon of in 1 cup of water for minutes. Strain before drinking. Drink up to cups a day.
Tincture: Use 1/2 - 1 teaspoon up to 3 times a day.
Safety Precautions: Large doses can cause liver damage. Do not use if you have a history of liver disease or alcoholism.

Comfrey

Parts Used: leaves, roots
Healing Capabilities: improves digestion, promotes wound healing
How to Prepare:
Infusion: Steep teaspoons of in 1 cup of boiling water for minutes. Strain before drinking. Drink up to cups a day.
Decoction: Boil teaspoon of in 1 cup of water for minutes. Strain before drinking. Drink up to cups a day.
Tincture: Use 1/2 - 1 teaspoon up to 3 times a day.
Safety Precautions: Taking large doses or using for longer than a month can cause liver damage.

Coriander

Parts Used: leaves, seeds
Healing Capabilities: improves digestion, prevents infection
How to Prepare:
Infusion: Steep 1 teaspoon of bruised Coriander seeds in 1 cup of boiling water for 5 minutes. Strain before drinking. Drink up to 3 cups a day before or after meals.
Safety Precautions: None

Dandelion

Parts Used: leaves, root
Healing Capabilities: diuretic, lowers high blood pressure, prevents cancer causing cell damage, prevents yeast infections, improves digestion
How to Prepare:
Infusion: Steep 1/2 ounce of dried Dandelion leaves in 1 cup of boiling water for 10 minutes. Strain before drinking. Drink up to 3 cups a day.
Decoction: Boil 2 - 3 teaspoons of powdered Dandelion root in 1 cup of water for 15 minutes. Strain and cool before drinking. Drink up to 3 cups a day.
Tincture: Use 1 - 2 teaspoons up to 3 times a day.
Safety Precautions: May cause a rash.
My Little Extra: I like to eat the fresh picked leaves of young dandelions. They're a great addition to a salad and full of healthy benefits!

Dill

Parts Used: seeds
Healing Capabilities: improves digestion, relieves gas, prevents urinary tract infections, improves bad breath
How to Prepare:
Infusion: Steep 2 teaspoons of bruised Dill seeds in 1 cup of boiling water for 10 minutes. Strain before drinking. Drink up to 3 cups a day.
Tincture: Use 1/2 - 1 teaspoon up to 3 times a day.
UTI Prevention: Add a handful of dill to your bath water.
Safety Precautions: May cause a rash.

Echinacea

Parts Used: roots
Healing Capabilities: fights infections, immune booster, fights viruses, treats yeast infections, promotes wound healing, calms arthritis
How to Prepare:
Decoction: Boil 2 teaspoons of Echinacea root in 1 cup of water for 15 minutes. Strain before drinking. Drink up to 3 cups a day.
Tincture: Use 1 teaspoon up to 3 times a day.
Safety Precautions: None

Elecampane

Parts Used: root
Healing Capabilities: fights intestinal parasites
How to Prepare:
Decoction: Boil 1 - 2 teaspoon of dried, powdered Elecampane root in 3 cups of water for 30 minutes. Strain. Drink 1 - 2 tablespoons at a time up to 2 cups a day.
Tincture: Use 1/4 - 1/2 teaspoon up to 3 times a day.
Safety Precautions: Using during pregnancy can cause miscarriage. May cause a rash.

Eucalyptus

Parts Used: leaf oil
Healing Capabilities: treats cough, promotes wound healing
How to Prepare:
Infusion: Steep 1 - 2 teaspoons of dried crushed Eucalyptus leaves in 1 cup of boiling water for 10 minutes. Strain before drinking. Drink up to 2 cups a day. Safety Precautions: Do not ingest eucalyptus oil.

Fennel

Parts Used: fruit (also called seeds)
Healing Capabilities: improves digestion, promotes menstruation, promotes milk production in new mothers, helps treat prostate cancer
How to Prepare:
Infusion: Steep 1 - 2 teaspoons of bruised Fennel seeds in 1 cup of boiling water for 10 minutes. Strain before drinking. Drink up to 3 cups a day.
Tincture: Use 1/2 - 1 teaspoon up to 3 times a day.
Safety Precautions: If your doctor has advised you against taking birth control pills, don't take fennel because it contains chemicals similar to estrogen. Do not use if you have a history of alcoholism, liver disease or hepatitis. Using during pregnancy can cause miscarriage.

Fenugreek

Parts Used: seeds
Healing Capabilities: relieve sore throat, calms arthritis, reduces cholesterol, promotes menstruation
How to Prepare:
Decoction: Boil 2 teaspoons of bruised Fenugreek seeds in 1 cup of water for 10 minutes. Strain before drinking. Drink up to 3 cups a day.
Tincture: Use 1/4 - 1/2 teaspoon up to 3 times a day.
Safety Precautions: Using during pregnancy can cause miscarriage.

Feverfew

Parts Used: leaves
Healing Capabilities: prevents migraines, improves digestion, lowers high blood pressure, relieves menstrual cramps
How to Prepare:
Infusion: Steep 1/2 - 1 teaspoon of Feverfew leaves in 1 cup of boiling water for 10 minutes. Strain before drinking. Drink up to 2 cups a day.
Other: Chew 2 fresh or frozen Feverfew leaves a day.
Safety Precautions: Using while pregnant can cause miscarriage. Do not take if you're on anticoagulants. Feverfew only prevents migraines when taken consistently, and it quits working if you stop taking it. Feverfew has been found safe to take long term.

Garlic

Parts Used: bulb
Healing Capabilities: treats and prevents infections (viral, bacterial, fungal), lowers risk of heart disease, reduces blood sugar levels, prevents cancer
How to Prepare:
Infusion: Steep 6 chopped garlic cloves in 1 cup of cool water for 6 hours. Strain before drinking. Drink up to cups a day.
Tincture: Use up to 3 tablespoons a day.
Safety Precautions: In order to be effective, garlic must be chewed, chopped, crushed or bruised.

Gentian

Parts Used: roots
Healing Capabilities: improves digestion, promotes menstruation, calms arthritis How to Prepare:
Decoction: Boil 1 teaspoon of powdered Gentian root in 3 cups of water for 30 minutes. Strain and let cool. Drink 1 tablespoon before meals.
Tincture: Use 1/4 - 1 teaspoon before meals.
Safety Precautions: Do not use if you have high blood pressure. Large doses can cause vomiting. Using during pregnancy can cause miscarriage.

Ginger

Parts Used: root
Healing Capabilities: relieves morning sickness, improves digestion, relieves menstrual cramps, calms arthritis, fights cold/flu, reduces cholesterol
How to Prepare:
Tea: Steep 2 teaspoons of powdered or grated Ginger root in 1 cup of boiling water for 10 minutes. Strain before drinking.
Safety Precautions: If you have a history of miscarriage, do not use while pregnant.
My Little Extra: Whatever you do, don't use too much Ginger in your tea. The first time I tried it, I used way to much and when I took that first sip, my mouth felt like it was on fire!

Ginkgo Biloba

Parts Used: leaves, seeds
Healing Capabilities: improves memory, prevents heart attack, relieves impotence, improves macular degeneration, treats vertigo, treats tinnitut
How to Prepare:
Tincture: Use 1 teaspoon up to 3 times a day.
Safety Precautions: The best way to take Ginkgo is in the form of a capsule. Do not use if you have a clotting disorder. Large doses may cause vomiting, diarrhea, and irritability.

Ginseng

Parts Used: roots
Healing Capabilities: immune booster, reduces blood sugar levels, protects liver, reduces high cholesterol, stimulates appetite, improves memory, boosts energy, protects healthy cells during radiation treatment
How to Prepare:
Decoction: Boil 1/2 teaspoon of dried pulverized Ginseng root in 1 cup of water for 10 minutes. Strain before drinking. Drink up to 2 cups a day.
Safety Precautions: Can cause asthma attack, heart problems, allergic reaction, insomnia or increased blood pressure. Do not use if you have a fever, high blood pressure, emphysema, asthma, cardiac arrhythmia, or a clotting disorder.

Goldenseal

Parts Used: roots and rhizome
Healing Capabilities: improves digestion, immune booster, antibiotic
How to Prepare:
Infusion: Steep 1/2 - 1 teaspoon of powdered Goldenseal root in 1 cup of boiling water for 10 minutes. Strain before drinking. Drink up to 2 cups a day.
Tincture: Use 1/2 - 1 teaspoon up to 2 times a day.
Safety Precautions: Do not use if you have heart disease, high blood pressure, glaucoma, diabetes, or a history of strokes. High doses can cause vomiting.

Gotu Kola

Parts Used: leaves
Healing Capabilities: promotes wound healing, improves blood circulation, treats leprocy, treats psoriasis
How to Prepare:
Infusion: Steep 1/2 teaspoons of Gotu Kola leaves in 1 cup of boiling water for 10 minutes. Strain before drinking. Drink up to 2 cups a day.
Safety Precautions: May cause a rash.

Hawthorn

Parts Used: flowers, fruits, leaves
Healing Capabilities: treats heart disease, lowers blood pressure
How to Prepare:
Infusion: Steep 2 teaspoons of or crushed Hawthorn leaves or fruit in 1 cup of boiling water for 20 minutes. Strain before drinking. Drink up to 2 cups a day.
Tincture: Use 1 teaspoon before bed and after waking up.
Safety Precautions: Large doses can cause a dangerous drop in blood pressure.

Hibiscus

Parts Used: flowers, leaves, roots
Healing Capabilities: lowers blood pressure, lowers high cholesterol, immune booster, treats hypertension
How to Prepare:
Infusion: Steep 1/2 Tablespoon of dried Hibiscus flower in 1 cup of boiling water for 15 minutes (no more than 20 minutes). Strain before drinking. Drink 16 ounces before breakfast daily.
Decoction: Boil teaspoon of in 1 cup of water for minutes. Strain before drinking. Drink up to cups a day.
Tincture: Use 1/2 - 1 teaspoon up to 3 times a day.
Safety Precautions: None
My Little Extra: Hibiscus makes a delicious eye catching red tea and in my opinion, it tastes best cold. Here's my favorite Hibiscus Tea Recipe.

Hop

Parts Used: strobiles
Healing Capabilities: improves digestion, sedative, prevents infections
How to Prepare:
Infusion: Steep 2 teaspoons of Hop in 1 cup of boiling water for 5 minutes. Strain before drinking.
Safety Precautions: Do not use if you have estrogen dependent breast cancer, or if you're pregnant.

Horehound

Parts Used: flowers, leaves
Healing Capabilities: cough expectorant
How to Prepare:
Infusion: Steep 1/2 - 1 teaspoon of dried Hawthorn leaves in 1 cup of boiling water for 10 minutes. Strain before drinking. Drink up to 3 cups a day.
Tincture: Use 1/4 - 1/2 teaspoon up to 3 times a day.
Safety Precautions: None

Horsetail

Parts Used: stems
Healing Capabilities: diuretic, calms arthritis
How to Prepare:
Infusion: Steep 1 - 2 teaspoons of dried Horsetail in 1 cup of boiling water for 10 minutes. Strain before drinking. Drink up to 2 cups a day.
Tincture: Use 1/2 - 1 teaspoon up to 2 times a day.
Safety Precautions: Using during pregnancy can cause birth defects.

Hyssop

Parts Used: flowers, leaves
Healing Capabilities: cough expectorant, treats herpes/cold sores
How to Prepare:
Infusion: Steep 2 teaspoons of Hyssop leaves and flowers in 1 cup of boiling water for 10 minutes. Strain before drinking. Drink up to 3 cups a day.
Tincture: Use 1 teaspoon up to 3 times a day.
Safety Precautions: None

Juniper

Parts Used: berries
Healing Capabilities: induces labor, lowers high blood pressure, calms arthritis, diuretic
How to Prepare:
Infusion: Steep 1 teaspoon of bruised Juniper berries in 1 cup of boiling water for 20 minutes. Strain before drinking. Drink up to 2 cups a day for no more than 6 weeks.
Safety Precautions: High doses can cause kidney damage. Do not use if you have a kidney infection or any other kidney problem. Never take longer than 6 weeks. Do not take if you have hay fever. Pregnant women should only take this in the last few days of their pregnancy and only under the supervision of a doctor.

Kelp

Parts Used: "stems" and "leaves"
Healing Capabilities: lowers blood pressure, lowers high cholesterol, prevents infections
How to Prepare:
Infusion: Steep 2 - 3 teaspoons of dried powdered Kelp frond in 1 cup of boiling water for 10 minutes. Strain before drinking. Drink up to 3 cups a day.
Safety Precautions: None

Kola

Parts Used: seed leaves (also called nuts)
Healing Capabilities: treats asthma, boosts energy
How to Prepare:
Decoction: Boil 1 - 2 teaspoons of powdered Kola nuts in 1 cup of water for 10 minutes. Strain before drinking. Drink up to 3 cups a day.
Safety Precautions: Kola contains caffeine, and should be regulated accordingly (ie: don't drink right before bed, etc)

Licorice

Parts Used: roots, rhizome
Healing Capabilities: improves digestion, prevents infections, treats hepatitis, calms arthritis, fights herpes, tones skin, heals mouth sores, immune booster, relieves depression, relieves menopause symptoms, treats eczema and rosacea, treats respiratory illnesses
How to Prepare:
Decoction: Boil 1/2 teaspoon of powdered Licorice root in 1 cup of water for 10 minutes. Strain before drinking. Drink up to 2 cups a day for 2 - 4 weeks.
Tincture: Use 1/2 - 1 teaspoon up to 2 times a day.
Safety Precautions: Do not take if you have heart failure, heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, kidney disease, or liver disease. Do not take if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Do not use licorice root for longer than 3 weeks at a time.
My Little Extra: You don't even need to prepare licorice root in order to ingest it. Something I love is to chew on a dried piece of root. It's surprisingly sweet!

Marjoram

Parts Used: flowers. leaves
Healing Capabilities: improves digestion, relieves menstrual cramps, treats herpes
How to Prepare:
Infusion: Steep 1 - 2 teaspoons of dried Marjoram leaves and flower tops in 1 cup of boiling water for 10 minutes. Strain before drinking. Drink up to 3 cups a day.
Tincture: Use 1/2 - 1 teaspoon up to 3 times a day.
Safety Precautions: None

Marsh Mallow

Parts Used: flowers, leaves and root
Healing Capabilities: soothes minor wounds, immune booster, relieves pain from sore throat, cough and bronchitis
How to Prepare:
Decoction: Boil 1/2 - 1 teaspoon of crushed or chopped Marsh Mallow root in 1 cup of water for 15 minutes. Strain before drinking. Drink up to 3 cups a day. Safety Precautions: None

Meadowsweet

Parts Used: flowers, leaves
Healing Capabilities: treats diarrhea, pain reliever, improves digestion
How to Prepare:
Infusion: Steep 1 - 2 teaspoons of dried Meadowsweet in 1 cup of boiling water for 10 minutes. Strain before drinking. Drink up to 3 cups a day.
Tincture: Use 1/2 - 1 teaspoon up to 3 times a day.
Safety Precautions: Do not use while pregnant.

Mint

Parts Used: flowers, leaves
Healing Capabilities: improves digestion, prevents infections, decongestant, morning sickness (peppermint), pain reliever
How to Prepare:
Infusion: Steep 1 - 2 teaspoons of dried Peppermint or Spearmint leaves in 1 cup of boiling water for 10 minutes. Strain before drinking. Drink up to 3 cups a day.
Tincture: Use 1/4 - 1 teaspoon up to 3 times a day.
Safety Precautions: Do not ingest pure peppermint oil.

Motherwort

Parts Used: flowers, leaves, stems
Healing Capabilities: sedative, induces labor, promotes menstruation, treats heart disease
How to Prepare:
Infusion: Steep 1 - 2 teaspoons of dried Motherwort leaves, flowers or stems in 1 cup of boiling water for 10 minutes. Strain before drinking. Drink up to 2 cups a day.
Tincture: Use 1/2 - 1 teaspoon up to 2 times a day.
Safety Precautions: Do not use if you have a clotting disorder. May cause a rash.

Mullein

Parts Used: flowers, leaves, roots
Healing Capabilities: diarrhea, hemorrhoids, soothes sore throat
How to Prepare:
Infusion: Steep 1 - 2 teaspoons of dried Mullen leaves, flowers or roots in 1 cup of boiling water for 10 minutes. Strain before drinking. Drink up to 3 cups a day.
Tincture: Use 1/2 - 1 teaspoon up to 3 times a day.
Safety Precautions: Never eat mullein seeds. They're toxic.

Myrrh

Parts Used: gum resin from the stem
Healing Capabilities: fights tooth decay, treats mouth ailments (gingivitis, inflammation)
How to Prepare:
Infusion: Steep 1 teaspoon of powdered Myrrh in 1 cup of boiling water for 10 minutes. Strain before drinking. Drink up to 2 cups a day.
Mouthwash: Steep 1 teaspoon of powdered Myrrh and 1 teaspoon of boric acid in 1 pint of boiling water for 10 minutes. Let cool 30 minutes and strain.
Tincture: Use 1/4 - 1 teaspoon up to 3 times a day.
Safety Precautions: Large doses can cause violent diarrhea, vomiting and heart problems.

Nettle

Parts Used: leaves, stems
Healing Capabilities: lowers high blood pressure, diuretic, relieves hay fever, relieves pms, reduces pain from gout
How to Prepare:
Infusion: Steep 1 - 2 teaspoons of dried Nettle leaves and stems in 1 cup of boiling water for 10 minutes. Strain before drinking. Drink up to 2 cups a day.
Tincture: Use 1/4 - 1 teaspoon up to 2 times a day.
Safety Precautions: Large doses can cause stomach upset. Do not use if you're pregnant.

Onion

Parts Used: bulb
Healing Capabilities: improves asthma, lowers blood sugar, lower blood pressure, soothes bee stings
How to Prepare:
For bee stings: Cut a slice of raw onion and hold it directly against the bee sting.
Cooking: Add 1 - 7 ounces to your diet everyday by adding it to your food.
Safety Precautions: None

Oregeno

Parts Used: leaves, stems
Healing Capabilities: cough expectorant, improves digestion
How to Prepare:
Infusion: Steep 1 - 2 teaspoons of dried Oregano in 1 cup of boiling water for 10 minutes. Strain before drinking. Drink after meals up to 3 cups a day.
Safety Precautions: Do not use during pregnancy

Papaya

Parts Used: fruit, leaves
Healing Capabilities: improves digestion, prevents ulcers, treats a herniated disk
How to Prepare:
Infusion: Steep 1 - 2 teaspoons of dried Papaya leaves in 1 cup of boiled water for 10 minutes. Do not boil Papaya leaves! Strain before drinking. Drink during or after meals.
Safety Precautions: Eat papaya fruit in moderation during pregnancy. Large amounts can cause birth defects or miscarriage.

Parsley

Parts Used: fruit (also called seeds), leaves, roots
Healing Capabilities: lowers high blood pressure, prevents allergy attacks, reduces fever, freshens breath, induces labor, promotes menstruation
How to Prepare:
Infusion: Steep 2 teaspoons of dried Parsley leaves or root in 1 cup of boiling water for 10 minutes. Strain before drinking. Drink up to 3 cups a day.
Infusion #2: Steep 1 teaspoon of bruised Parsley seeds in 1 cup of boiling water for 10 minutes. Strain before drinking. Drink up to 3 cups a day.
Tincture: Use 1/2 - 1 teaspoon up to 3 times a day.
Safety Precautions: May cause a rash.

Passionflower

Parts Used: leaves
Healing Capabilities: improves digestion, relieves menstrual cramps, sedative, relieves pain in minor wounds
How to Prepare:
Infusion: Steep 1 teaspoon of dried Passionflower leaves in 1 cup of boiling water for 15 minutes. Strain before drinking. Drink up to 3 cups a day.
Tincture: Use 1/4 - 1 teaspoon up to 3 times a day.
Safety Precautions: None

Pennyroyal

Parts Used: flowers, leaves
Healing Capabilities: improves digestion, decongestant
How to Prepare:
Infusion: Steep 1 - 2 teaspoons of dried Pennyroyal in 1 cup of boiling water for 15 minutes. Strain before drinking. Drink up to 2 cups a day.
Tincture: Use 1/4 - 1/2 teaspoon up to 2 times a day.
Safety Precautions: Do not ingest pennyroyal oil.

Raspberry Leaf

Parts Used: leaves, fruit
Healing Capabilities: preventing miscarriage, promotes a healthy pregnancy, treats diarrhea
How to Prepare:
Infusion: Steep 1 - 2 teaspoons of dried Raspberry leaves in 1 cup of boiling water for 10 minutes. Strain before drinking. Drink as needed.
Tincture: Use 1/2 - 1 teaspoon up to 3 times a day.
Safety Precautions: None

Red Clover

Parts Used: flowers
Healing Capabilities: relieves menopause symptoms, treats cancer
How to Prepare:
Infusion: Steep 1 - 3 teaspoons of dried Red Clover flower tops in 1 cup of boiling water for 15 minutes. Strain before drinking. Drink up to 3 cups a day.
Tincture: Use 1/2 - 1 1/2 teaspoons up to 3 times a day.
Safety Precautions: Do not use if you have a history of blood clots, heart disease or stroke.

Rhubarb

Parts Used: roots
Healing Capabilities: treats diarrhea, treats constipation, promotes menstruation How to Prepare:
Infusion for Constipation: Boil 1 - 2 teaspoon of powdered Rhubarb root in 1 cup of boiling water for 10 minutes. Strain and take 1 teaspoon at a time throughout the day, up to 1 cup a day.
Tincture for Constipation: Use 1/2 - 1 teaspoon a day
Decoction for Diarrhea: Boil 1/2 teaspoon of powdered Rhubarb root in 1 cup of water for 10 minutes. Strain and take 1 teaspoon at a time throughout the day, up to 1 cup a day.
Tincture for Diarrhea: Use 1/4 teaspoon a day.
Safety Precautions: Do not use if you're pregnant, nursing or if you suffer from intestinal problems. Using for longer than 2 weeks can cause lazy bowel syndrome. Do not ingest rhubarb's leaf blade.

Rose Hips

Parts Used: hips
Healing Capabilities: treats cold/flu
How to Prepare:
Infusion: Steep 2 - 3 teaspoons of dried chopped Rose Hips in 1 cup of boiling water for 10 minutes. Strain before drinking. Drink as needed.
Tincture: Use 1/2 - 1 teaspoon as needed.
Safety Precautions: High doses can cause diarrhea and strain the kidneys.

Rosemary

Parts Used: leaves
Healing Capabilities: improves digestion, decongestant, prevents infections, promotes menstruation
How to Prepare:
Infusion: Steep 1 teaspoon of crushed Rosemary in 1 cup of boiling water for 15 minutes. Strain before drinking. Drink up to 3 cups a day.
Tincture: Use 1/4 - 1/2 teaspoon up to 3 times a day.
Safety Precautions: Do not ingest rosemary oil. Do not use during pregnancy.

Saffron

Parts Used: stigmas
Healing Capabilities: lowers high blood pressure, promotes menstruation, lowers cholesterol, lowers risk of heart disease
How to Prepare:
Infusion: Steep 10 - 15 Saffron Stigmas in 1 cup of boiling water for 10 minutes. Strain before drinking. Drink up to 1 cup a day.
Safety Precautions: Using while pregnant could cause miscarriage or death.

Sage

Parts Used: leaves
Healing Capabilities: improves digestion, fights infections in minor wounds, lowers blood sugar levels, promotes menstruation, treats mouth ailments (sore throat, canker sores, infected gums), antiperspirant
How to Prepare:
Infusion: Steep 1 - 2 teaspoons of dried Sage leaves in 1 cup of boiling water for 10 minutes. Strain before drinking. Drink up to 3 cups a day.
Tincture: Use 1/2 - 1 teaspoon up to 3 times a day.
Safety Precautions: Do not ingest sage oil.

St. Johns-Wort

Parts Used: flowers, leaves
Healing Capabilities: antidepressant, promotes wound healing, excellent possibility of being used to treat leukemia and AIDS in the future
How to Prepare:
Infusion: Steep 1 - 2 teaspoons of dried St. John's-Wort leaves and flowers in 1 cup of boiling water for 15 minutes. Strain before drinking. Drink up to 3 cups a day.
Tincture: Use 1/4 - 1 teaspoon up to 3 times a day.
Safety Precautions: Do not use while taking MAO inhibitors.

Sarsparilla

Parts Used: roots, rhizome
Healing Capabilities: lowers high blood pressure, diuretic, treats syphilis
How to Prepare:
Decoction: Boil 1 - 2 teaspoons of powdered Sarsparilla root in 1 cup of water for 15 minutes. Strain before drinking. Drink up to 3 cups a day.
Tincture: Use 1/4 - 1/2 teaspoon up to 3 times a day.
Safety Precautions: None

Savory

Parts Used: leaves
Healing Capabilities: cough expectorant, improves digestion
How to Prepare:
Infusion: Steep 1 - 4 teaspoons of dried Savory leaves in 1 cup of boiling water for 10 minutes. Strain before drinking. Drink up to 3 cups a day.
Tincture: Use 1/2 - 1 teaspoon up to 3 times a day.
Safety Precautions: None

Senna

Parts Used: leaves, seed pods
Healing Capabilities: treats constipation
How to Prepare:
Infusion: Steep 1 - 2 teaspoons of dried Senna leaves in 1 cup of boiling water for minutes. Strain before drinking. Drink up to 1 cup a day for up to 3 days.
Infusion #2: Steep 4 Senna seed pods in 1 cup of warm water for 6 - 12 hours. Strain before drinking. Drink up to 1 cup a day for up to 3 days.
Tincture: Use 1/2 - 1 teaspoon once a day for up to 3 days.
Safety Precautions: Do not use if you have a chronic gastrointestinal condition. Using for longer than 2 weeks can cause lazy bowel syndrome. Large doses can cause diarrhea, cramps and dehydration.

Shepherd's Purse

Parts Used: flowers, leaves
Healing Capabilities: induces labor, encourages blood to clot, soothes hemorrhoids
How to Prepare:
Infusion: Steep 1 teaspoon of dried Shepherd's Purse leaves and flower tops in 1 cup of boiling water for 10 minutes. Strain before drinking. Drink up to 2 cups a day.
Tincture: Use 1/4 - 1/2 teaspoon up to 2 times a day.
Safety Precautions: None

Skullcap

Parts Used: leaves
Healing Capabilities: sedative
How to Prepare:
Infusion: Steep 1 - 2 teaspoons of dried Skullcap leaves in 1 cup of boiling water for 15 minutes. Strain before drinking. Drink up to 3 cups a day.
Safety Precautions: None

Slippery Elm

Parts Used: inner bark
Healing Capabilities: promotes wound healingsoothes sore throat, treats cough
How to Prepare:
Decoction: Boil 1 - 3 teaspoons of powdered Slippery Elm inner bark in 1 cup of water for 15 minutes. Strain before drinking. Drink up to 3 cups a day.
Poultice: Add enough water to powdered Slippery Elm inner bark to make a paste and apply directly to wound. It will dry as an herbal bandage.
Safety Precautions: None

Tarragon

Parts Used: leaves
Healing Capabilities: prevents infection, oral anesthetic
How to Prepare:
Infusion: Steep 1 - 2 teaspoons of fresh or frozen Tarragon leaves in 1 cup of boiling water for 15 minutes. Strain before drinking. Drink up to 3 cups a day.
Tincture: Use 1/2 - 1 teaspoon up to 3 times a day.
Safety Precautions: Do not use if you have a history of cancer.

Thyme

Parts Used: flowers and leaves
Healing Capabilities: improves digestion, relieves menstrual cramps, antiseptic, cough expectorant
How to Prepare:
Infusion: Steep 2 teaspoons of dried Thyme leaves and flower tops in 1 cup of boiling water for 10 minutes. Strain before drinking. Drink up to 3 cups a day.
Tincture: Use 1/2 - 1 teaspoon up to 3 times a day.
Safety Precautions: Do not ingest thyme oil.

Tumeric

Parts Used: roots
Healing Capabilities: improves digestion, prevents infections in minor wounds, calms arthritis, protects liver, fights intestinal parasites
How to Prepare:
Infusion: Stir 1 teaspoon of dried powdered Tumeric roots in 1 cup of warm milk. Drink up to 3 cups a day.
Decoction: Boil teaspoon of in 1 cup of water for minutes. Strain before drinking. Drink up to cups a day.
Tincture: Use 1/2 - 1 teaspoon up to 3 times a day.
Safety Precautions: Do not use if you have a clotting disorder.

Uva Ursi

Parts Used: leaves
Healing Capabilities: lowers high blood pressure, promotes wound healing, diuretic, treats urinary tract infections, treats diarrhea
How to Prepare:
Decoction: Soak Uva Ursi leaves in cold water overnight. Then boil 1 teaspoon in 1 cup of water for 10 minutes. Strain before drinking. Drink up to 3 cups a day.
Tincture: Use 1/2 - 1 teaspoon up to 3 times a day.
Safety Precautions: Uva ursi turns the urine dark green.

Valerian

Parts Used: root, rhizome
Healing Capabilities: sedative, lowers blood pressure
How to Prepare:
Infusion: Steep 2 teaspoons of powdered Valerian root in 1 cup of boiling water for 15 minutes. Strain before drinking. Drink 1 cup before bed.
Tincture: Use 1/2 - 1 teaspoon before bed.
Safety Precautions: None
My Little Extra: I use Valerian Root capsules to help me sleep at night. The best advice I can give you is to skip the capsules and skip using fresh or dried herb to make an infusion. Just use the tincture. Why? There's not a word revolting enough to describe the smell of Valerian. And the strength of that smell is amazing. When I open my bottle of capsules at night, my family can smell them 3 rooms away.

Vervain

Parts Used: flowers, leaves, roots
Healing Capabilities: treats constipation, pain reliever
How to Prepare:
Infusion: Steep 2 teaspoons of dried Vervain leaves, flowers and roots in 1 cup of boiling water for 15 minutes. Strain before drinking. Drink up to 3 cups a day.
Tincture: Use 1/2 - 1 teaspoon up to 3 times a day.
Safety Precautions: Do not use if you have a history of heart disease, asthma, gastrointestinal conditions, or if you're pregnant.

White Willow

Parts Used: bark
Healing Capabilities: reduces fever, relieves pain, relieves menstrual cramps
How to Prepare:
Infusion: Soak 1 teaspoon of powdered White Willow bark in 1 cup of cold water for 8 hours. Strain before drinking. Drink up to cups a day.
Safety Precautions: Do not use during pregnancy. Do not use if you have a gastrointestinal condition or if you're under 16 years of age.

Wild Cherry

Parts Used: inner bark, root bark
Healing Capabilities: treats cough, sedative
How to Prepare:
Infusion: Steep 1 teaspoon of powdered Wild Cherry bark (inner bark or root bark) in 1 cup of boiling water for 10 minutes. Strain before drinking. Drink up to 3 cups a day.
Tincture: Use 1/2 - 1 teaspoon up to 3 times a day.
Safety Precautions: Do not ingest wild cherry leaves, bark or fruit pits.

Witch Hazel

Parts Used: leaves, bark
Healing Capabilities: soothes hemorrhoids, astringent
How to Prepare:
Decoction: Boil 1 teaspoon of powdered Witch Hazel leaves or twigs in 1 cup of water for 10 minutes. Strain and cool completely. Apply to wounds or use as a skin toner.
Gargle: Boil 1 teaspoon of powdered Witch Hazel bark in 1 cup of water for 10 minutes. Strain and let cool completely.
Safety Precautions: None
My Little Extra: The witch hazel you buy in the store doesn't have the same effect as the witch hazel decoction you brew at home. The distillation process used by many companies actually destroy the helpful tannins.

Yarrow

Parts Used: flowers, leaves, stems
Healing Capabilities: improves digestion, relieves menstrual cramps, promotes wound healing, sedative
How to Prepare:
Infusion: Steep 1 - 2 teaspoons of dried Yarrow in 1 cup of boiling water for 15 minutes. Strain before drinking. Drink up to 3 cups a day.
Tincture: Use 1/2 - 1 teaspoon up to 3 times a day.
Safety Precautions: High doses will turn urine dark brown.

Herbal Remedies

Healing Herbs List

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