Herbs, Vitamins and Minerals

I am an herb garden enthusist! I'm also heavily into the use of Essential Oils. I've been into metaphysics for quite some time, and Essential Oils have amazed me with their validity.

As for my own garden, I've planted a myriad of herbs and plants near my kitchen window. I hope you enjoy exploring the uses of herbs and Essential Oils as much as I do! I'll be updating this section as much as I can over the next days and weeks. Come back often!

Agunus-Castus is also known as chasteberry, chaste tree, monk's pepper, or vitex. It's a restorative herb - a good all around balancing herb for women. Often used to treat menopause and PMS.

Agrimony is also known as cocklebur or sticklewort. It's an astringent herb and can be used to stop bleeding. It's also used for urinary infections as well as intestinal tract infections.

Alfalfa is also known as lucerne. It's a nutritious and restorative tonic. It's rich in beta-carotene, citamins C, D, E and k, as well as minerals such as calcium, potassium, magnesium and iron.

Precaution: Do not eat alfalfa seeds - it is the leaves and sprouts that should and can be used.

Many parts of the almond plant are used. The kernel can be used as a safe and natural alternative to dry soaps and shampoo. The oil has skin nourishing qualities. Some studies have shown that using almond oil in your diet may lower your cholesterol level.

In recent times, this plant has received a lot of media attention for it's healing qualities especially on burns.

Aloe can be used many ways! When taken internally, aloe vera can relieve constipation as well as being beneficial to the liver. Used externally, it is good for burns, cuts, and scrapes.

Precaution: Aloe vera should not be taken internally by pregnant women.

This is a very versatile herb as a tonic as a remedy for many types of ailments. It promotes good circulation and warms the body. In women, it has been used to relieve menstrual cramps. Other uses are to relieve stomachaches and indigestion.

Angelica can be used both internally and externally. External uses can be for muscle spasms, rheumatic pain, and stomach cramps.

The Essential Oil, White Anglelica is a combination of many oils, used during ancient times to increase the Aura.

Precaution: Women who are pregnant should not take Angelica internally. As it may increase blood sugar levels, diabetics should not use it.

Aniseed is often known because of it's licorice flavor. Used as far back as ancient Egyptian times, it helps with digestive disorders, colds, colic, nausea and flautulence.

Taken externally, aniseed may be helpful in treating lice and scabies.

Sometimes known as Wolf's bane or less commonly as leopard's bane, it is used as an oil or liniment for bruises, strains, aches, and swelling.

Precaution: Arnica should NOT be taken internally and used only on injuries without broken skin or bleeding. It should be discontinued if a rash develops.

Not often thought of as an "herb", nonetheless artichokes have many good herbal qualities. Eating them is a good way to reduce your cholesterol level, and stimulate the flow of bile from the liver. Artichokes have often been used in the treatment of liver disease, kidney disease, and diabetis. It is a natural diuretic which can reduce excess water weight.

Many people are familiar with asparagus and eat the shoots. However, the root has been used as an herbal treatment since ancient times.

In Chinese herbal medicine, the root is used as a tonic in small doses. It is believed that it helps enhance feelings of compassion and love.

In India it has been used as a tonic as a hormone balance for women.

The root does contain steroidal glycosides, which may well account for it's reputation for giving positive feelings.

It is also a diuretic and has been used to increase the flow of urine, a urinary tract soother and tonic.

It also has the reputation of being a nutritive tonic that relieves some of the symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome, tuberculosis, and recently for AIDS.

This is a Chinese herb which has been used to give resistance to disease. It's also been used to treat diabetes, heart disease, and hypertension.

Astragalus has a warming effect on the body.

It is generally used in combination with other herbs.

This herbal remedy often used for treatment of upper respiratory infections and colds has been mentioned in the Bible.

This herb from poplar trees is soothing to the mucous membranes. Generally, it is combined with coltsfoot, which is a cough suppresent.

Sometimes known as jaundice berry, Barberry contains berberine which is an infection fighting agent. It has antiboitic qualities, therefore is often used for sore throat infections, diarrhea, urinary tract infections, gallbladder infections, liver problems as well as yeast infections.

This well could be one of the most useful herbs for many kinds of infections.

The bark of the root or stem is used.

Precaution: It should not be taken by women who are pregnant. It also should be taken in small doses - as larger doses can cause nausea, vomiting and a decrease in blood pressure. It is recommended that one should not take this herb without supervision of a qualified herbalist.

Bayberry is also commonly known as waxberry, candleberry and wax myrtle. It contains an antibiotic chemical called myricitrin. It is useful for fighting bacteria. Good for reducing fever and in treating diarhea.

It is often combined with ginger to treat digestive tract problems. Used externally it very useful for applying to wounds for faster healing.

Precaution: Bayberry should be used in small doses as larger doses can cause nausea and vomiting.

Bistort is also known as adderwort, dragaon weed, snakewee, or English serpentary. It is an astringent herb used for helping to control or stop bleeding. It is very powerful in treating digestive problems. It can also be used as a mouthwash in order to combat gum disease. Other uses include as a douche for treating vaginal discharge.

Precaution: If using as a douche, one should not use it too often. Pregnant women should not use as a douche.

Black cohosh is also kown as black snakeroot, bugbane and rattle root. It is a remedy for nervous consitions and women's health ailments. It is a good muscle relaxer. Often used to relieve labor pains, as well as cramps and tension. It is very effective for use in treatment of respiratory problems and also improves the circulation.

Precaution: Black cohosh is one of the more powerful herbs and should be taken with supervision of a qualified herbalist. Do not take it while pregnant unless administered by a herbalist or obstetrician.

Native American Indians have long used Black Haw which is also known as sweet viburnum. It is used to treat women's reproductive system ailments. Often used to diminish menstrual cramps. It is often combined with other herbs in treatment of women's health ailments.

Blessed thistle is used in for treatment of stomach, liver, kidney and lung problems. Blessed thistle is also often used to correct hormonal imbalances that cause irregular cycles.

It also stimulates your memory, improves appetite as well as relieving stomach cramps, gas and indigestion.

Precaution: Women who are pregnant or nursing should not take Blessed Thistle.

Also known as feverwort and thoroughwort, it is used in treating fevers and flu symptoms as well as constipation.

Buchu is used for treatment of urinary and prostrate problems. Often combined with uva ursi for treatment of prosate enlargement. Precaution: If you have kidney problems such as pain while urinating, blood in your urine do not take Buchu.

Also known as bardane, beggar's buttons, lappa and thorny burr. It contains chemicals which kill bacteria and fungi.

Burdock is rich in iron and often used as a blood purifier and in ridding the body of toxins.

Precautions: This is an herb which should only be used with the supervision of a qualified herbalist. Burdock is very powerful and needs to be taken in small doses. Overdoses can increase symptoms and can be dangerous.

Also women who are pregnant or nursing should not use Burdock.

Also known as sweet broom, Butcher's broom has steriod-like qualities and is often used to relieve swelling and inflammation.

Taken either internally or externally, Calendula is good for healing wounds. It is from the same family of herbs as arnica, however Calendula is not toxic like arnica. Therefore Calendula may be taken internally.

Taken internally it is used to treat gastritis and duodenal ulcers, break fevers and reduce menstrual cramps.

Externally, Calendula is good for burns and helps speed the healing of cuts and wounds. Used as an oil, it is helpful for earaches.

Precautions: Women who are pregnant should not take Calendula as it is a uterine stimulant.

Cascara sagrada is also known as buckthorn. It is a very effective, gentle laxitive. It is often combined with a bulk type laxitive.

It is also used as a tonic to stimulate the digestive system, and is good for reducing intestinal gas, colitis and hemorrhoids.

Precaution: Women who are pregnant should not use Cascara sagrada - or any other laxitive type herbs. Also, one should begin with a small dose as excessive amounts can cause diarrhea and cramps.

This herb, of course, is famous for it's effects upon cats, but it also has many beneficial uses for humans! It is a particularly mild herb with sedative effects. Often it is combined with other herbs such as chamomile and lemon balm.

I have several plants growing in my herb garden, and it's fun to watch my cats just lie face down in them!

Because it is such a mild herb, it is often used for hyperactive children.

It is also used in treating colds, fevers, bronchitis, and diarrhea.

Cayenne is generally thought of for it's spicy flavor, however it has many healing effects. It's good for digestion, the circulation, and the heart. It is rich in Vitamin C and antioxidants.

Used externally, it makes an excellent poultice for arthritis, rheumatism and inflammations of many kinds.

Precaution: It is not a good idea to use cayenne if you have hemorrhoids or have stomach or intestinal ulcers. Used externally, it should not be used for extended periods of time.

Chamomile is well known for it's calming effects and many herbal tea companies use it in their products. Camomile isn't thought of as just a "New Age" remedy! It helps to relieve stress, as well as insomnia, menstrual cramps and indigestion.

In fact, Chamomile has a large variety of uses - internally and externally. Teas, oils, extracts and poultices are just some of the many ways to use it.

The Essential Oil has been a highly respected oil for over 3,000 years and has beenused for helping skin condiditons, such as dematitis, boils, acne, rashes, and exzemea. It is also used for hair care, burns, cuts, toothaches, teething pains, inflammed joints, menopausal problems, inxomnia, migrane headaches and stress related complaints.

Precaution: People who suffer from allergies should take caution to ensure they do not suffer a reaction.

Chaparral is also known as greasewood or stinkweed. It is one of nature's natual antibiotics and has even been used by the medical community.

Studies have shown that Chaparral may well reduce the risks of cancer due to the chemical make up of Chaparral. Chaparral contains NDGA, which is believed by some to prevent cancer.

Precaution: Although Chaparral is a natural antibiotic, it should be used only with supervision from a qualified herbalist. Long term use of Chaparral has been linked to kidney damage and lymph problems, therefore should be used with caution. Women who are pregnant or young children should not use Chaparral.

Cleavers is also known as bedstraw, clivers and goose grass. It is a natural diuretic and excellent for treatment of swollen glands, tonsillitis and adenoids. It may be used both internally and externally.

Cloves is another herb commonly found in kitchens for it's flavor! Cloves contain the chemical called eugenol which gives anesthetic and antiseptic qualities. You will find clove oil used in many commercial mouthwashes.

Cloves are used both as the dried flower (what we know as cloves) as well as in an oil and extract.

Cloves are often used in many other herbal mixtures to make them more flavorfully palitable.

The Essential Oil is anti-infectious, antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, antiparasitic, and antiseptic. It is used in European hospitals for dental infections, viral hepatitis, bacterial colitis, cholera, amoebic dystentery, infectious acne, nervites, cystites, sinusitis, bronchitis, flue, tuberculosis, hypertension, thyroid dysfunction, and fatigue.

Ruled by Venus.

Also known as coughwort or horse hoof is a natural cough suppresent and expectorant that has been used for thousands of years. Precaution: This herb contains pryrrolizide alkaloids which are chemicals that when used in large amounts may cause liver problems or cancer. Therefore, it is advisable to consult an experienced, knowledgeable herablist before taking Coltsfoot.

Do not take Coltsfoot if you have a history of any liver disease or alcoholism. Pregnant women should not take Coltsfoot.

Ruled by Saturn.

This herb is also known as knitbone and is known as a healing herb. It contains antioxidant nutrients that can help prevent cancer. On the flip side it does have some toxic ingredients.

Used as an ointment, it is good for sores, bruises, or abrasions.

Precautions: Comfrey is another herb that should only be used under the care of a trained and qualified herbalist. Not recommended for internal use.

Do not take Comfrey if you are pregnant, have a history of liver disease, or are an alcoholic.

Cramp bark is well named as it helps relieve cramps as well as muscle spasms. It has often been used to relieve mentrual cramps, as well as cramps during pregnancy. It is often combined with other herbs.

Cranberry is well known for it's use in preventing urinary tract infections, especially in women.

Precaution: Although very effective in prevention of urinary tract infections, antibiotics may be necessary if symptoms persist. Always consist your health care practitioner.

Cranesbill is effective in treating burns, hemorrhoids, as well as diarrhea. It can be helpful in treating bleeding disorders.

Damiana has a reputation for being an aphrodisiac, which may be the result of it's containing alkaloids that act like the male hormone testosterone.

Damiana is also used as a tonic for the nervous system to relieve anxiety. It should be noted that small amounts should be used, as larger doses can actually be overstimulating.

Dandelion has been widely used for a number of years. The leaves are a natural diuretic and good for when you feel bloated. Women may find it extremely useful for pre-menstrual bloating.>

The root of the dandelion is a good liver tonic and also contains antioxidants and vitamins.

Devil's Claw is effective as an anti-inflammatory thereby making it useful for arthritic pains. It has a cortesone type of effect on swollen joints.

Precaution: Pregnant women should not use Devil's Claw.

Ruled by Mercury.

Often thought of as a flavoring spice, it is also a natural preservative and makes a wonderful digestive aid. It is mild enough to be used for children suffering from gas or colic.

Dill is rich in minerals,and is vry aromomatic and pungent. I have some growing in my herb garden. Took a while to get started, but once it did, it grew by leaps and bounds!

Often thought of as the "women's ginseng", it is very effective in treating women's gynecological problems. It is a very effective balancing herb.

Precaution: Pregnant women should not use dong quai, or while experiencing heavy menstrual flow.

Even people who aren't "in to" herbs may well know about Ecninacea! It has excellent immune boosting as well as healing qualities. It is a best used as a preventative type of herb...taking before the fact. However, taking it during a bad cold or flu can help to relieve the symptoms.

Good, quality Echinacea will cause slight a tingling sensation on your tongue, but this is normal.

Elder has been used for centuries for the treatment of colds. It is also good for treatment of upper respiratory problems, hay feaver, sinusitis and congestion. Externally, elder is effective for burns, cuts, scrapes, rashes and bruises.

This herb is also known as horseheal, scabwort, velvet dock and wild sunflower. Another herb that has been used for many centuries, it is used for many kinds of respiratory problems such as bronchitis and asthma.

Some use it for the treatment of emphysema and whooping cough. It is a good expectorant and has both stimulating and calming qualities.

Precaution: Elecampane may raise the blood sugar so people who are diabetic should avoid it's use.

Ephedra may well be the oldest herbal remedy in existance and has been used widely by many cultures. It has been used to treat upper respiratory problems, asthma, bronchitis, as well as allergies.

Many of the commercial products for asthma, bronchitis and allergies contain the same alkaloids that are present in Ephedra.

Precaution: Pregnant women or women who are nursing should not use Ephedra.

Since Ephedra is also a stimulant since one of it's components is ephedrine. It is on the list of banned substances by the US Olympics.

People with high blood pressure should not take this herb, as well as anyone who has heart disease, thyroid problems, glaucoma, or diabetes.

This is one of those herbs that it is highly advised to consult a trained herbalist before using.

Eucalyptus has also been known as blue gum, Austrialiam gum, as well as gum tree.

It is been approved by the FDA as a cold and flu remedy. You'll find it in many over the counter preparations, such as Vicks Vapor rub, Dristan and many other decongestants.

It is a good and effective expectorant simply by inhaling it's aroma - which is quite pleasing.

The Essential Oil is anti-inflammatory, anti-infectious, antibacterial, antiviral, anticatarrhal, and expectorant. It has been known to help with inflammation of the ear, sinusitis, bronchitis, hay fever, inflammation of the iris, vaginitis, endometriosis, and acne.

Health Clubs often use Eucalyptus oil in their steam rooms.

Precaution: This should be taken externally as it can be toxic if ingested internally in too high a dosage. External applications are considered to be safe and in fact, very beneficial.

Evening primrose is sometimes known as sundrops. It is effective in treating a multitude of ailments. The American Indians used it for treating women's menstrual problems - especially to allieviate bloating and PMS symptoms.

Precaution: Women who are pregnant should not take Evening Primrose.

Eyebright is aptly named as it has been used for centuries to treat eye ailments. It is an effective and safe remedy when used for eyedrops.

Especially good to reduce itchy eyes and sinuses accompanied by colds and allergies.

This herb is also known as helonias root. It is an especially good tonic for women's reproductive systems. False Unicorn is a precursor of the hormone estrogen.

Fennel, also known as carosella or finocchio has long been used as a digestive aid. It relieves cramps, indigestions as well as gas.

This is herb may well help reduce cholesterol and high levels of blood sugar. Fenugreek also contains a chemical which has an estrogen like effect. Women who are not pregnant may help to bring on their menses by using Fennel.

Used externally, it can aid in reducing muscle aches, as well as facilitating healing of wounds.

Since it is a uterine stimulant, pregnant women should not take Fennugreek.

Other names for Feverfew are midsummer daisy and featherfew. It is very beneficial to migrane sufferers as it is felt that it both reduces the severity and the occurance of migraines. There are some studies which validate it's effectiveness for migraines.

Pregnant women should not take feverfew, nor people who have blood clotting problems.

Fo Ti is a Chinese herb - usually called ho shou wu. It is used as a tonic to improve longevity. Many believe this herb to be an aphrodisiac as well as increasing fertility.

Ruled by Mars.

Garlic is probably one of the world's oldest remedies as well as one of the most versatile! It's been used widely by healers in many cultures. Today many companies offer odor-free capsules.

Genitan is a tonic, albeit a bitter tasting one that helps in digestion. It is good to pack when travelling in countries where dysentery is a problem.

This is a very safe herb, but should be avoided by pregnant women.

Ginger is well known for it's abilities to help soothe indigestion. After all, Ginger Ale comes from Ginger! Ginger is also an effective remedy for motion sickness.

Ginger is a safe herb, but if it causes heartburn you should decrease the dosage.

The Essential Oil has been used in the East for thousands of years. It is used for relief from arthritis, rheumatism, sprains, muscular aches and pains, catarrh, congestion, coughs, sinusitus, sore throats, diarrhea, colic, cramps, indigestion, loss of appetite, motion sickness, fever, chills, and infectious disease.

Also known as the Maidenhair tree, this is one of the world's oldest trees. Used widely in Europe to improve the blood flow to the body. Often used to prevent strokes, heart attacks, circulation problems, especially with diabetics, and for stimulation of the memory.

Ginko should not be used by those with blood clotting problems. Do not overdose as large quantities can cause nausea and diarrhea.

Also known as Chinese Panacea or Panax. This is yet another herb used in very ancient times. It has reported aphrodiasiac properties. Good as a tonic for those who have digestive problems. Also used for the aged.

Also known as Galega. It is an herb that has been used to regulate sugar levels in the body.

Goat's Rue is a powerful herb and is best used under the supervision of a trained herbalist.

Also known as Yellow Root. Probably one of the more well known medicinal herbs. Good for digestive system, colds, flus. Good for flatulence problems.

Also known as sheep rot, Indian Pennywort, water pennywort, and marsh pennywort. Long used by Chinese and Indian healers for longetivity. Has also been used to improve circulation in the leg, and to expediate the healing of wounds.

Also known as May Tree. Often used for heart conditions, and is reported to be a very effective tonic for a myriad of cardiac problems.

Most people associate hops with beer as they are used to add flavor and preserve it. Hops are used medicinally for stomach ailments and as an aid to sleep.

This herb should be used with caution! Formally used as a tonic. Claimed to be good for rheumatoid ills. Consult a trained herbalist before using this herb.

Also known as Scouring Rushes. A very powerful astringent with diuretic properties. Good for kidney problems. Often used for cleaning - such as polishing or scouring as it has an abrasive action.

Used an a stimulent. Often used for women and those suffereing from kidney problems.

Used for women to ease heavy menstrual bleeding.

Ruled by Mercury.

Lavender is a truly beautiful plant, and I have several plants growing in my herb garden. It is very fragrant!

Of the Essential Oils, this is probably one of the most versatile, and should be in everyone's repitoire!

It's known as the universal oil, and may be beneficial for skin conditions, such as burns and rashes, and posoriasis, and may also help with insomina. It is antispasmodic, sedative, hypotensive, calming, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, anti-infectious, cardiotonic, and anticoagulant. It prevents scarring and relieves headaches and PMS symptoms.

Lemon Balm is a member of the mint family and is very aromatic. It is especially mild, and has often been used to treat colic in young children. Used for many children's ailments of colds and flus, as well as to settle the stomach of adults.

Often used in cough syrups as it helps expectoration. Also a gentle laxitive.

Often used in the treatment of asthma and whooping cough. It is both an expectorant and a stimulant.

Marigold is good as a first-aid treatment for cuts and burns. An ointment made from Marigold is often used as a treatment for varcoise veins. Has also been used to relieve indigestion, sooth ulcers, and regulate menstrual periods. You will find Marigold in many medicines that treat conjunctivitis.

Should not be used by pregnant women.

Also known as bridewort. Meadowsweet was used in the first aspirin formulated by German scientists. The name Meadowsweet comes from the fact that it is a very fragrant herb. Today, it is used as an alternative to commercial aspirin for relief of pain and inflammation.

Should not be used on children, and best used by adults.

Also known as St. Mary's Thistle, it has often been used as a liver tonic. Contains a substance known as silymarin that increases the flow of bile from the liver, which helps break down poisons in the body.

Motherwort has been used to stabilize heart functions. Used to quiet nervous tension and anxiety. For women, it can decrease hot flashes.

Should not be used by pregnant women.

The Essential Oil, Myrrh is anti-infectious and supportative to the immune system. The Arabian people found it to be beneficial for skin conditions such as athletes foot, chapped and cracked skin, eczema, ringworm, wounds and wrinkles. It was used to help with asthma, bronchitis, catarrh, coughs, gingivitis (gum infection), mouth ulcers and sore throats. It may also help alleviatediarrhea, dyspepsia, flatulence, and hemorrhoids. It also decongests the prostate and normalizes hyper-thyroid problems.

Ah..mints! One of my favorite kinds of herbs, although one should be careful not to plant it in the ground unless you won't mind it taking over! I grow it in pots and scatter the pots wherever I want to enjoy the fragrance.

The Essential Oil is versatile, and helps to reduce fevers, candida, nausea, vomiting, and aids in respiratory function. It may be used in water for flavoring, and helps in cooling the body during hot summer days. Peppermint has been found to improve mental accuracy, and soothe the respiratory system. It may also relieve nausea, fever, vomiting and acid stomach. In addition, it is used for air and water purification.

Ruled by the Sun in Aries.

I have some valerian growing in my herb garden, and it is surprisingly fragrant! I planted it right in a pot, and sunk it into the ground.

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