Barberry
( Berberis Vulgaris)
Other Names:: : Common Barberry, European Barberry, Berberis
A bitter liver tonic,contains berberine, an antimicrobial and antifungal compound. Increases bile production and has been used to lower high blood pressure as it dilates blood vessels. By itself it's a weak antibiotic but extracting it's components displays significantly strong activity. Berberine is predominantly found in the roots. A perennial, deciduous shrub, up to 3 meters tall.
Large doses can cause vomiting. Should not be used while pregnant or breast feeding. Can interfere with liver of small infants. Adverse reactions with antibiotic tetracycline.
Energetics::
Drying
Remove excess fluid from tissue, causing it to become more firm and dense, relieve conditions of dampness and sweling.
Cooling
Sedate or slow down metabolism to decrease energy production while cooling or soothing irritation and redness
Properties::
Bitter
Triggers the gastrointestinal system to get ready to eat
Antiseptic
Removes toxins from the body and waste accumulations such as pus. prevent the growth of disease-causing microorganisms
Antimicrobial
Stimulates positive cellular forces (white blood cells). destroys germs
Anti-Fungal
Stops or inhibits fngal growth
Alterative
Gradually restoring healthy bodily functions - slow working, increase assimilation of nutrients.
Astringent
Constriction / knitting together of body tissues - good to reduce chronic inflammation of the bowels.
Ailments::
Vagina
Spleen
Sore Throat
Skin Problems
Rheumatism
Mouth Sores
Liver
Kidneys
Jaundice
Heartburn
Heart
Gums
Gas
Gall Stones
Gall Bladder
Fever
Douche
Digestive Disorders
Diarrhea
Constipation
Colon
Boils
Blood Purifier
Blood Pressure (high)
Bladder
Arthritis
Appetite (improve)
Anemia
Associated with ::
Kidneys
Heart
Sinuses
Digestive
Hepatic
Immune
Integumentary
Blessed Thistle
( Cnicus Benedictus)
Other Names:: : Holy thistle, ladys thistle, carduus cardin, St benedicts thistle
Used for centuries to increase breast milk. Works to tonify the liver and cleanse the blood. Stimulates overall circulation to treat simple headaches and help brain stimulation and decrease foggy thinking.
Large doses can cause vomiting. Use with caution if have allergies in the Aster Family, do not use while pregnant
Energetics::
Drying
Remove excess fluid from tissue, causing it to become more firm and dense, relieve conditions of dampness and sweling.
Cooling
Sedate or slow down metabolism to decrease energy production while cooling or soothing irritation and redness
Warming
Stimlate or speed up metabolism; increase energy production and warmth; bring blow flow and vitality to tissues that are pale and cool
Properties::
stimulant
Raises levels of physiological or nervous activity in the body
Nervine
Calm the body, mind, spirit. fortify frayed nerve endings that result from chronic stress and unrest.
Galactagogue
Increase breast milk production
Carminative
Relieve gas by suppressing the formation of gas in the intestines and promoting expulsion of gas.
Bitter
Triggers the gastrointestinal system to get ready to eat
Alterative
Gradually restoring healthy bodily functions - slow working, increase assimilation of nutrients.
Ailments::
Appetite (improve)
Arthritis
Constipation
Digestive Disorders
Fever
Gall Bladder
Gas
Headaches
Hormones (female)
Kidneys
Lactation
Leucorrhea
Liver
Lungs
Menstrual Cramps
Migraine Headaches
Urinary Disorders
Associated with ::
General muscle aches
Respiratory System
Sinuses
Heart
Intestines
Gastrointestinal
Alfalfa
( Medicago Sativa)
Other Names:: : Lucerne, Purple Medic, Spanish Clover
Sweet smelling, extremely deep rooted perennial with weak reclining stems. up to 60 cm tall. leave divided into 3 oblong leaflets, sharply tooted on upper half.
Flowers deep purple to bluish (rarely white), slender, pea like 7-10 mm long, in dense 2-4 cm heads. Once established it grows abundantly and returns each year. Roots will spread underground and keep sprouting new plants each year. Rich source of vitamins, minerals, trace minerals, and other nutrients. Goof tor the pituitary glad, mild alterative and blood purifier; Has been used for arthritis, poor appetite, general weakness, and mineral deficiencies. Good mixed with peppermint for digestive issues.
Large amounts can cause bloating, blood-clotting disorders and contains canavanine which is potentially toxic and may cause recurrence of lupus in patients with the disease.
Energetics::
Moistening
Increase moisture content of tissues: lubricate and soften dry, brittle or hardened tissues
Nourishing
Provide essential nutrients that aid tissue healing, improving tissue structure and function.
Warming
Stimlate or speed up metabolism; increase energy production and warmth; bring blow flow and vitality to tissues that are pale and cool
Properties::
Bitter
Triggers the gastrointestinal system to get ready to eat
Galactagogue
Increase breast milk production
Mineralizer
Catalyst for absorbtion of minerals
Nutritive
Provides nutrition and is often high in vitamins and minerals
Antioxidant
Protects cells from damage
Anti-Inflammatory
Helps control inflammation
Ailments::
Allergies
Anemia
Appetite (improve)
Arthritis
Bad Breath
Blood Purifier
Bursitis
Colon
Cramps
Diabetes
Digestive Disorders
Endurance
Energy
Flu
Fractures
Gout
Hay Fever
Hypoglycemia
Kidneys
Lactation
Morning Sickness
Nausea
Pituitary Gland
Rheumatism
Senility
Teeth
Uterus
Vitality
Associated with ::
Kidneys
Digestion
Heart
Gastrointestinal
Circulatory
Respiratory
Musculoskeletal
Urinary
Black Cohosh
( Actaea racemosa, Cimicifuga racemosa)
Other Names:: : snake root, squar root, rattle root, bugbane, macrotys, tall bugbane, bugwort, rattleweed
Has an estrogenic effect. Relief of menopausal symptoms. Relieves anxiety and muscle tension - often used as a relaxant and anti-spasmodic. Relieves rheumatism and inflammatory pain. Breaks up mucus in lungs and aides eliminatory secretions of the kidneys, liver and lymphatic system.
Decoction: 2 - 4 oz 3 times a day. Tincture :: 3 - 30 drops (.1 - 1ml) 3 times a day. Glycerite :: 6 drops - 1ml 3 times a day.
Large doses can cause, headaches, dizziness, irritation of central nervous system, nausea, vomiting. Should NOT be used during first trimester of pregnancy. At full term pregnancy can used helpful to initiate and regulate labor contractions.
Energetics::
Cooling
Sedate or slow down metabolism to decrease energy production while cooling or soothing irritation and redness
Drying
Remove excess fluid from tissue, causing it to become more firm and dense, relieve conditions of dampness and sweling.
Relaxing
Relax muscle cramps and spasms, relieving excess tension in the tisues. promotes easier flow and movement and can help increse deficient secretion.
Properties::
Alterative
Gradually restoring healthy bodily functions - slow working, increase assimilation of nutrients.
Anti-Arrhythmic
Suppress abnormal heart rhythms
Anti-Depressant
Helps prevent, cure or alleviate mental depression
Antirheumatic
Helps ease pain of rheuatism and inflammation of joints and muscles
Antispasmodic
Quick relief of pain and spasms, muscle and or gastrointestinal.
Antivenomous
Treat certain venomous bites and stings
Astringent
Constriction / knitting together of body tissues - good to reduce chronic inflammation of the bowels.
Bitter
Triggers the gastrointestinal system to get ready to eat
Emmenagogue
Regulates, induces normal menstruation
Expectorant
Facilitates removal or secretions and phlegm
stimulant
Raises levels of physiological or nervous activity in the body
Anti-Inflammatory
Helps control inflammation
Ailments::
Arthritis
Asthma
Bee Stings
Blood Pressure (high)
Blood Purifier
Bronchitis
Circulation
Convulsions
Coughs
Cramps
Diabetes
Diarrhea
Headaches
Heart
Hormones (female)
Hot Flashes
Insect Bites
Kidneys
Liver
Lumbago
Lungs
Menopause
Menstruation
Nervous Disorders
Rheumatism
Skin Problems
Smoking
Snake Bite
Thyroid
Uterus
Associated with ::
General muscle aches
Musculoskeleton
Skin
Sinuses
Heart
Liver
Immune System
Endocrine
Reproductive
