Herbs and Botanical Extracts ~ Page 2 din 9

Parts Used: Root. Function: Active constituents of wild yam have antispasmodic and antioxidant properties. Uses: * Traditionally wild yam was used for gastrointestinal problems, morning sickness, coughs and congestion. * More recently it has also been used for high triglycerides, high cholesterol, muscle pain, inflammation, kidney stones, PMS and symptoms of menopause. Guidelines: Use according to label instructions. Interactions: Large doses of wild yam may …

Parts Used: Root. Function: The active constituents of valerian exhibit a sedating effect. Uses: Valerian has been primarily used as a sedative for insomnia and nervous disorders, although it can also be used for conditions such as PMS, muscular cramps and tension as well as gas pain. Guidelines: Use according to label instructions. Interactions: * Do not combine valerian with alcohol. * Do not use …

Parts Used: Leaves. Uses: * Traditionally thyme was used in cooking to improve digestion for those with slow or convalescing digestive systems and to prevent food from going bad. Thyme was also used for infections of worms, respiratory tract infections, mouth infections, for urinary tract and bladder infections, to improve circulation, appetite and brain function. * Thyme can also be used for cold sores, rheumatic …

Parts Used: Algae. Uses: Spirulina is used for weight loss and obesity, it supports the immune system, reduces cholesterol and stabilizes blood sugar levels. It is also used as a food supplement as it contains extremely high levels of chlorophyll, protein, vitamins, minerals, amino acids and nucleic acids (DNA and RNA). Spirulina is useful for times of fasting as it helps to reduce the appetite. …

Parts Used: Leaves. Function: Active constituents in tea tree oil has antibacterial and antifungal properties. Uses: * Traditionally the Australian Aborigines used tea tree leaves for skin infections and cuts. Captain Cook later used the leaves to make tea. * More recently tea tree was used during WW1 as a disinfectant, for acne, athletes foot and other fungal infections, insect bites and stings, warts and …

Parts Used: Berries. Function: Saw palmetto has diuretic and antiseptic properties. Uses: Saw palmetto is used for cystitis, benign prostate enlargement (BPH), coughs, asthma, colds, congestion and poor appetite. Guidelines: 320 mg daily of saw palmetto extract in capsule form is used for BPH, otherwise use according to label instructions. Interactions: Always seek advice from a health care professional regarding treatment for BPH.

Parts Used: Root. Function: Sarsaparilla has anti-inflammatory and diuretic properties. Uses: Sarsaparilla has long been used for urinary tract infection, arthritis, rheumatism, fever, skin complaints such as psoriasis and eczema and also as a general tonic. Sarsaparilla has been used as a flavoring in foods and drinks and can also be used for PMS and to improve energy levels. Guidelines: Use according to label instructions. …

Parts Used: Petals and fruit. Uses: * Traditionally essential oil of the rose was used for women’s problems, especially irregular menstrual cycles, heavy menstruation, depression, grief, post-natal depression and sadness. Rose oil was widely used in perfumes and cosmetics, however due to its price, it is now often replaced with synthetic rose fragrance. * Rose hips are used for infections, bladder problems, diarrhea and as …

Parts Used: Flower. Function: The active constituents in red clover are thought to reduce the risk of cancer, especially breast and prostate cancer. Red clover also contains many vitamins, especially B group vitamins. Uses: * Traditionally red clover was used for coughs, congestion, water retention, for skin conditions and as a tonic. * More recently red clover has also been used to reduce the risk …

Parts Used: Needles, young twigs, cones and sometimes the wood of certain pine species. Function: Uses: Essential oil of pine is used for chest infections, colds, sore throat, catarrh and is used as an expectorant. Pine is commonly used in cleaning and cosmetic products because of its refreshing aroma and antibacterial properties. Guidelines: Pine oil is usually used only as an inhalant several times daily …

Parts Used: Leaves, flowers and stems. Function: Uses: Passionflower is widely used as a mild sedative for anxiety, nervousness, hyperactivity, insomnia and headaches caused by tension and it also relaxes tense muscles. Guidelines: Passionflower should be blended with other herbs such as valerian and lemon balm for optimal effect. Passionflower tea can be taken 2 – 3 times daily, 1 – 2 gm steeped in …

Parts Used: Rind. Function: Mandarin has a stimulating effect on the stomach and liver and calming effect on the intestine. Uses: Mandarin is primarily used for digestive problems especially in children, the elderly and pregnant. Mandarin is ideal to blend with other oils such as other citrus and lavender. Guidelines: Mandarin is best used with carrier oil (3 – 5:100) and massaged onto the abdominal …