60 Herbs & Their Uses

Agnus Castus

Helps regulate progesterone levels in women, easing menopausal symptoms plus some menstrual problems such as breast tenderness and menstrually-related migraines and acne. Do not use if taking HRT. Can be combined with Black Cohosh, Sage and Feverfew as appropriate.

Aloe Vera

Aloe gel is a wonderful skin treatment. Can be used on burns, scars, wounds, acne, sunburn, varicose veins and ulcerated skin. Internally, can ease gastritis, peptic ulcers and irritable bowel syndrome.

Arnica

Arnica cream helps with bruising. Can also restore hair loss. Do not use the cream on broken skin, do not take arnica internally (except in tiny homeopathic doses), and never use undiluted arnica as it can be toxic.

Anise

Decoction of seeds with honey to relieve a cough.

Basil

Infusion to drink for migraines. Douche with it for yeast infection. Pregnant women should not have any basil.

Black Cohosh

Regulates oestrogen production in women, helping with menstrual problems such as cramps, and useful during the menopause for reducing hot flashes and menopausal depression. Also helps with rheumatoid arthritis, some types of headache, osteoporosis, high blood pressure and tinnitus.

Borage

Stimulates the adrenal glands, useful in dangerous or stressful situations and for anxiety, depression and grief, giving us the courage to go on. Also helps with rheumatoid arthritis and acts as a diuretic and cleanser of the kidneys.

Buchu Leaf

Works as an antiseptic in the urinary system, relieving cystitis, thrush, prostate problems and all urinary tract diseases. Also reduces catarrh and intestinal wind and bloating.

Caraway

Regulates menstruation and helps with cramps.

Cayenne

Relieves arthritis pain. Helps regulate blood sugar.

Celery

Sedative. Relieves hypertension. Helps the kidneys to detoxify the body.

Celery Seed

Eases arthritis pain, including osteoarthritis, and relieves gout with regular use. Helps with urinary tract infections such as cystitis. Can also ease chest problems such as asthma and bronchitis.

Chamomile Flowers

Mildly sedative, helping with sleep problems. It also has anti inflammatory properties and is very useful for digestive problems including gastro-intestinal irritation, ulcers, colitis and irritable bowel. It can relieve cramps either related to indigestion or menstrual cramps. It also makes the body more receptive to other remedies, working well in combination.

Chickweed

It may come as a surprise to many gardeners to hear that this well-known and rampant weed has some good qualities! Chickweed cream can be very effective for eczema and other dry, irritated skin, as well as minor burns, stings and scars. It also helps relieve rheumatism.

Chicory

Dissolves gallstones. Cleans the liver.

Cilantro

Antibacterial. Relieves stomach upsets of bacterial origin. Helps to preserve meat.

Cinnamon

Helpful for bronchitis. For persistent coughs, use 4 drops of the essential oil in a bowl of boiling water and inhale the steam.

Clove

Clove oil is a wonderful remedy for toothache. Cloves also help against alcoholism.

Comfrey

This herb contains allantoin, which aids growth and healing in cartilage, bone and muscle. It has been used to help heal fractures and sprains for centuries. Reduces swelling. For external use only – apply as a poultice. Comfrey can also help with acne and scars – mix a teaspoonful of powdered comfrey root with water to make a paste and apply it as a face pack, leaving on for as long as possible.

Cramp Bark

Useful for any kind of cramps. In the case of menstrual cramps, start taking it a few days before menstruation is due. Also helps with menopausal aches and pains. Can also be used to help control the bladder in cases of incontinence or bedwetting, and for irritable bowel syndrome.

Damiana

This Mexican herb was prized as an aphrodisiac and traditionally is mainly used for male sexual problems including impotence and premature ejaculation. It can also be helpful in stimulating the reproductive organs in women and relieving menstrual pains. Also used for depression linked to nervous exhaustion, and urinary infections.

Dandelion

Dandelion leaves are used in salad in many countries. It is a great detoxifier, helping the liver, kidneys and gallbladder to eliminate waste. For warts, rub the wart with the white juice from a dandelion leaf or stem twice a day for a few weeks.

Devil’s Claw

Eases the pain of arthritis and rheumatism, and persistent back pain. Works as an anti-inflammatory, also useful for fevers. Stimulates the digestion.

Dill

Insomnia.

Echinacea Root

Boosts the immune system, with anti-viral and anti-bacterial effects. Good for flu, colds, throat infections, tonsillitis, and even ME (myalgic encephalomyelitis). Also for boils, tooth abscess and acne where body toxicity is the cause.

Fennel

Bad breath.

Fenugreek

Soothing for the digestive system, relieving problems such as colitis, ulcers, irritable bowel, gastro-enteritis and diarrhea. Fenugreek also has a reputation as an aphrodisiac and the seeds are used for male impotence in China.

Feverfew

Anti-inflammatory. Take small doses as a preventive treatment for migraine, especially menstruation-related migraines. Also effective for minor headaches, hangovers, and arthritic and rheumatic pain.

Garlic

Antibiotic, especially effective for bronchitis and other chest infections. Reduces blood cholesterol levels, reducing the risk of heart attacks. Thins the blood, helping to prevent strokes. Antiseptic and antifungal, helpful for athlete’s foot, infectious rashes and warts. Contraindications: may irritate the digestive tract in some people; not to be taken by nursing mothers as it can cause colic in the baby.

Ginger

Calms the gastro-intestinal tract, preventing travel sickness and nausea. May be useful for morning sickness in pregnancy (check with your doctor). Eases symptoms of colds, flu, bronchitis and whooping cough. Also thins the blood to reduce stroke risk.

Gingko Leaf

Aids memory and concentration by helping circulation in the brain, particularly for seniors. Is used to treat dementia. Antidepressant, helps to prevent strokes and thrombus, and relieves tinnitus. Taken by many multiple sclerosis sufferers.

Ginseng (Korean)

Relieves stress. Although generally a stimulant (including reputed aphrodisiac qualities for men) it will not prevent sleep if the body needs it. Improves health and spirits generally, especially in old age. Do not take with caffeine or alcohol, and do not use if you have hypertension. Siberian Ginseng is a milder form, but still should not be taken in these circumstances.

Golden Seal

Helpful for any problems with mucous membranes including respiratory ailments. Eases thrush in women, and athlete’s foot. Helps with peptic ulcers, liver problems and urinary infections, and stimulates the appetite.

Hawthorn Berry

Used under medical supervision for coronary heart disease and angina. Regulates blood pressure and helps stabilize irregular heartbeat. Not to be taken without medical advice.

Horseradish

Eases chest congestion. Relieves muscular aches.

Hyssop

Anti-inflammatory, widely used by asthma sufferers. Also helpful for hay fever and for colds (at the early stages). Relieves the nerves, preventing nervous diarrhea, and helps with nervous exhaustion, anxiety, depression, grief and guilt.

Lavender

Lavender oil can help relieve chilblains. Add a pinch of lavender flower to other mild herbal teas as a tonic, and to lime flower tea for migraine.

Lemon Balm (Melissa)

Calming and cheering, lemon balm can relieve mild depression, irritability, anxiety and panic. Can calm palpitations. Good for digestive problems caused by stress or anxiety. Externally, helps with herpes sores including cold sores.

Licorice

Balances the nervous system. Not to be used long term as it can damage the liver.

Lime Flower

For restlessness and nausea. Also helps with insomnia and migraine.

Marigold (Calendula)

Relieves skin problems including acne, rashes, cuts and sunburn. Essential oil can help relieve cold sores. Also helps with fungal infections including athlete’s foot, thrush and ringworm. Can be used for liver problems, including hepatitis.

Milk Thistle

For liver disorders, including all types of hepatitis, problems resulting from alcohol abuse, or to assist and protect the liver during chemotherapy (as always, discuss with your doctor). Also useful against melancholic depression which is associated with the liver.

Mint

There are many different species of mint. Garden mint tends to be milder than peppermint in its effects. Relieves heartburn and flatulence, helps stomach aches, nausea and travel sickness. Useful for head colds and flu, sore throats, headaches and eye infections. Antibacterial. Can help to lower a high temperature by provoking sweating.

Mustard

Relieves some types of heartburn. Helps with muscle sprains.

Nutmeg

Helps with indigestion.

Oregano

Reduces fever. Relieves indigestion, flatulence and bloating. Helps to regulate menstruation.

Parsley

High in vitamin C, but only if eaten raw. Also aids digestion, acts as a decongestant and diuretic, helps with bad breath, and cleans the blood.

Passiflora

A natural, non-addictive tranquilizer for anxiety, irritability, insomnia, excitability and panic. Antispasmodic, sometimes prescribed for convulsions, useful for hypertension, menstrual cramps and asthma.

Raspberry Leaf

High in calcium, useful for preventing osteoporosis. Heals wounds, relieves sore throats, canker sores and gingivitis (gum disease). For women, can control heavy menstrual bleeding and traditionally used in pregnancy to prevent nausea and miscarriage and relax the cervix in preparation for childbirth (as always, discuss with your doctor). Also good for post-natal depression.

Red Clover

Relieves eczema and psoriasis. Used in treatment of some cancers.

Rosemary

Stimulant for the heart and nervous system. Improves blood circulation to the brain and scalp, helping with migraines, hair loss, and to improve memory, especially for examinations. Helps with convalescence after a serious illness and increases optimism.

Sage

For all throat and gum infections. Also for menopausal hot flashes. Helps with irritable bowel and diarrhea. Relieves insect bites and stings. Is said to help with failing memory in old age. A versatile herb!

Slippery Elm

Good for digestive problems and disorders of the colon including constipation, colitis and hemorrhoids. Also for chest infections – colds, flu, bronchitis, pleurisy and even tuberculosis. Not to be taken in pregnancy.

St John’s Wort

Well known as an antidepressant. Also antiviral, used to treat flu, hepatitis and HIV. Can have side effects – only to be taken under medical supervision.

Tarragon

Helps with insomnia and depression.

Tea Tree

Tea tree oil is extracted from the leaves of a plant native to Australia. It has wonderful antiseptic powers and is also antifungal and rejuvenating. Helps with all surface problems of the body whether internal or external – problems of the skin including acne, mouth, sinus, bronchial passages, plus ear infections and dandruff.

Thyme

Antibiotic. Helps with asthma and respiratory tract infections.

Tumeric

Antioxidant.

Valerian

Tranquilizer and sleep remedy. Helpful in panic attacks. However, can have the side effect of causing headaches in some people.

Vervain

Relieves depression, especially after a viral illness like flu.

Willow Bark

The active ingredient in willow bark was extracted in the 19th century and found to be a very effective pain reliever. It is now produced synthetically as aspirin. Willow bark has the pain relieving and anti-inflammatory properties of aspirin, but does not thin the blood. Good for relieving arthritic pain.

Witch Hazel

Astringent, for external use on skin wounds, bruises and sprains. Helps rejuvenate sagging skin.

Yarrow

Aids blood clotting, helpful for wounds and nose bleeds. Used for some cardio-vascular conditions under medical supervision. Relieves catarrh and other symptoms of colds and flu.