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
Other Names:: : Wholly Burdock
Bitter herb used for skin conditions and general liver issues. Stimulates bile function and strengthens liver. Helps indigestion, clears up acne and other skin irritations. Leaves may be used as poultice for infected sores. Strong decoction of the root used in baths for itching. Helps stabilize mast cells which reduces allergic reactions.
Pregnant or diabetic should not use. Can be confused with common cocklebur - toxic, has rough leaves instead of burdocks velvety
Energetics::
Cooling
Sedate or slow down metabolism to decrease energy production while cooling or soothing irritation and redness
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.
Properties::
Alterative
Gradually restoring healthy bodily functions - slow working, increase assimilation of nutrients.
Bitter
Triggers the gastrointestinal system to get ready to eat
Ailments::
Acne
Blood Purifier
Cancer
Digestive Disorders
Itching
Liver
Skin Problems
Skin Rash
Associated with ::
No Body Associations Set
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
Agrimony
( Agrimonia eupatoria)
Other Names:: : Church steeples, Cocklebur, Sticklewort
A perennial herb with yellow flowers, commonly used in traditional medicine for its astringent properties. An Astringent that helps stop urinary bleeding and diarrhea. Has an energetic effect on the nervous system and can help relieve emotional tension. Helpful for urinary tract infections and cystitis. Relaxes blood flow to the liver. In traditional Chinese medicine it helps constricted liver chi.
SPECIFIC INDICATIONS: Atonic conditions of the urinary apparatus. Improves the tone of all mucous membranes.
Decoction: 4 -8 oz 4 times a day. Tincture: 5 drops - 3ml 3 times a day. Glycerite: 1/4 - 1 teaspoon, 3 times a day. Topically: Apply as needed a salve, ointment, or compress.
Energetics::
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::
Anti-Inflammatory
Helps control inflammation
Astringent
Constriction / knitting together of body tissues - good to reduce chronic inflammation of the bowels.
Hemostatic
Coagulation, wound healing
Ailments::
Anxiety
A feeling of worry, nervousness, or unease, typically about an imminent event or something with an uncertain outcome.
Bladder
Bladder Infection
Bladder Weakness
Liver
Mucous Membranes
Stress
Tension
Urinary Disorders
Yeast Infection
Associated with ::
Gastrointestinal
Liver
Urinary