H - K
Hawthorn
Cratagus oxyacanthoides
Constituents: Saponins, glycosides, flavonoids, acids including ascorbic acid, tannin, procyanidines, trimethylamine
Actions: Cardiac tonic, hypotensive, vasodilator, astringent, relaxant, antispasmodic, diuretic
Indications: Improves poor circulation, and opens the coronary arteries I the heart, thereby improving blood flow and softening deposits and makes an excellent remedy for angina. Settles irregularities in heartbeat. The berries having astringent effects may be used for diarrhea and dysentery. Has a relaxant effect on the nervous system, relieving stress and anxiety, calming agitation, restlessness and nervous palpitations. Also has a diuretic effect, relieving fluid retention.
Precautions: See physician for interactions with heart medications.
Dosage: Infusion 2tsp berries per cup boiling water, let steep 20min. Drunk 3 times per day. Tincture take 2-4ml 3x/day.
Constituents: Saponins, glycosides, flavonoids, acids including ascorbic acid, tannin, procyanidines, trimethylamine
Actions: Cardiac tonic, hypotensive, vasodilator, astringent, relaxant, antispasmodic, diuretic
Indications: Improves poor circulation, and opens the coronary arteries I the heart, thereby improving blood flow and softening deposits and makes an excellent remedy for angina. Settles irregularities in heartbeat. The berries having astringent effects may be used for diarrhea and dysentery. Has a relaxant effect on the nervous system, relieving stress and anxiety, calming agitation, restlessness and nervous palpitations. Also has a diuretic effect, relieving fluid retention.
Precautions: See physician for interactions with heart medications.
Dosage: Infusion 2tsp berries per cup boiling water, let steep 20min. Drunk 3 times per day. Tincture take 2-4ml 3x/day.
Holy Basil
Ocimum Sanctum
Constituents: Eugenol app., B-caryophyllene, sesquiterpenes, monoterpenes viz, ?-pinene, ?-sitosterol, ? -elemene, bornyl acetate, methyleugenol, neral, camphene, a-pinene, ursolic acid, campesterol, cholesterol, stigmasterol, and methyl esters of common fatty acids.
Actions: Adaptogenic, Antioxidant, Immunity, Hypoglycemic
Indications: Used in India for centuries for the treatment of stress, fatigue, promote immunity, support strength and stamina and promote a sense of calm. It is currently being studied for its beneficial properties and has been found to be effective for cancer, diabetes, high cholesterol levels, stress, wound healing, the immune system, inflammations, liver support and protection, hypoglycemic conditions, ulcers, digestion, chronic fatigue syndrome, arthritis, radiation poisoning, cataracts, the memory, respiratory system, urinary problems, eczema, psoriasis and other skin conditions, and it is an antioxidant.
Precautions: Has an anti-fertility effect, so it is not recommended for pregnant, nursing women or women trying to get pregnant. May lower blood sugar. Has mild blood thinning properties.
Dosage: Infuse 1 tsp per cup boiling water. 2-3 capsules, 2-3 times per day.
NOTES: There are three distinct varieties of Tulsi: Vana, which grows wild in the forests, Krishna, which is entirely purple, and Rama, the most commonly found type.
Constituents: Eugenol app., B-caryophyllene, sesquiterpenes, monoterpenes viz, ?-pinene, ?-sitosterol, ? -elemene, bornyl acetate, methyleugenol, neral, camphene, a-pinene, ursolic acid, campesterol, cholesterol, stigmasterol, and methyl esters of common fatty acids.
Actions: Adaptogenic, Antioxidant, Immunity, Hypoglycemic
Indications: Used in India for centuries for the treatment of stress, fatigue, promote immunity, support strength and stamina and promote a sense of calm. It is currently being studied for its beneficial properties and has been found to be effective for cancer, diabetes, high cholesterol levels, stress, wound healing, the immune system, inflammations, liver support and protection, hypoglycemic conditions, ulcers, digestion, chronic fatigue syndrome, arthritis, radiation poisoning, cataracts, the memory, respiratory system, urinary problems, eczema, psoriasis and other skin conditions, and it is an antioxidant.
Precautions: Has an anti-fertility effect, so it is not recommended for pregnant, nursing women or women trying to get pregnant. May lower blood sugar. Has mild blood thinning properties.
Dosage: Infuse 1 tsp per cup boiling water. 2-3 capsules, 2-3 times per day.
NOTES: There are three distinct varieties of Tulsi: Vana, which grows wild in the forests, Krishna, which is entirely purple, and Rama, the most commonly found type.
Hops
Humulus lupulus
Constituents: Lupulin, volatile oils, resins and bitters.
Indications: Hops is a remedy that has an obvious relaxing effect upon the central nervous system. It is used extensively for the treatment of insomnia, and other sleep disorders. It will relieve tension and anxiety, and may be used where this tension leads to restlessness, headache and possibly indigestion.
Combos: Goes well with Valerian.
Precautions: The hops in beer are responsible for an unfortunate condition in men known in German herbal medicine as “beer drinker’s droop,” or erectile dysfunction. Avoiding excessive consumption of beer or hops helps men retain potency.
Dosage: Hops is extremely bitter, so it is generally tinctured or encapsulated. Take 1 tsp at night time for restful sleep.
Constituents: Lupulin, volatile oils, resins and bitters.
Indications: Hops is a remedy that has an obvious relaxing effect upon the central nervous system. It is used extensively for the treatment of insomnia, and other sleep disorders. It will relieve tension and anxiety, and may be used where this tension leads to restlessness, headache and possibly indigestion.
Combos: Goes well with Valerian.
Precautions: The hops in beer are responsible for an unfortunate condition in men known in German herbal medicine as “beer drinker’s droop,” or erectile dysfunction. Avoiding excessive consumption of beer or hops helps men retain potency.
Dosage: Hops is extremely bitter, so it is generally tinctured or encapsulated. Take 1 tsp at night time for restful sleep.
Horsetail (Shavegrass)
Equisetum arvense
Constituents: Alkaloids (including nicotine), silica, saponins, tannins, flavonoids, phytosterols, minerals (potassium, magnesium, manganese), bitters
Actions: Diuretic, astringent, styptic, vulnerary
Indications: As a rich source of silica and other minerals, it makes a great nutritious tonic. Works well on the urinary system as a mild diuretic, soothing and healing infection of the urinary tract. Its toning action makes it a useful herb for incontinence and bedwetting. It is also used for brittle nails and hair, debility and anemia. Silica helps the absorption of calcium. Useful, in cases of inflammation or benign enlargement of the prostate gland. In some cases it has been found to ease pain of rheumatism and stimulate the healing of chilblains.
Precautions: When taking horsetail powder for its diuretic effect, be sure to drink extra water for maximum benefit. Avoid if there are kidney stones. Don’t take horsetail herb if you take an ACE inhibitor for high blood pressure and you have congestive heart failure, as the combination of the herb and the drug can cause accumulation of excessive potassium. Not recommended while pregnant. Toxicity similar to nicotine poisoning has been seen in children who ingest large amounts.
Combos: Often combined with Hydrangea in the treatment of prostate troubles.
Dosage:Infusion: 2 tsp per cup boiling water, let steep 15-20min, take 3x/day. Bath: Allow 3 ½ oz of herb to a quart jar, let steep for 1 hour and then add to bath water for rheumatic pain and chilblains. Tincture: take 2-4ml of the tincture 3x/day.
NOTES: Horsetail is a descendent of prehistoric plants which grew as high as trees.
Constituents: Alkaloids (including nicotine), silica, saponins, tannins, flavonoids, phytosterols, minerals (potassium, magnesium, manganese), bitters
Actions: Diuretic, astringent, styptic, vulnerary
Indications: As a rich source of silica and other minerals, it makes a great nutritious tonic. Works well on the urinary system as a mild diuretic, soothing and healing infection of the urinary tract. Its toning action makes it a useful herb for incontinence and bedwetting. It is also used for brittle nails and hair, debility and anemia. Silica helps the absorption of calcium. Useful, in cases of inflammation or benign enlargement of the prostate gland. In some cases it has been found to ease pain of rheumatism and stimulate the healing of chilblains.
Precautions: When taking horsetail powder for its diuretic effect, be sure to drink extra water for maximum benefit. Avoid if there are kidney stones. Don’t take horsetail herb if you take an ACE inhibitor for high blood pressure and you have congestive heart failure, as the combination of the herb and the drug can cause accumulation of excessive potassium. Not recommended while pregnant. Toxicity similar to nicotine poisoning has been seen in children who ingest large amounts.
Combos: Often combined with Hydrangea in the treatment of prostate troubles.
Dosage:Infusion: 2 tsp per cup boiling water, let steep 15-20min, take 3x/day. Bath: Allow 3 ½ oz of herb to a quart jar, let steep for 1 hour and then add to bath water for rheumatic pain and chilblains. Tincture: take 2-4ml of the tincture 3x/day.
NOTES: Horsetail is a descendent of prehistoric plants which grew as high as trees.
Indian Gooseberry (Amla)
Emblica Officianalis
Constituents: Ascorbic acid, tannins, polyphenols, flavonoids, kaemferol, ellagic acid, gallic acid
Actions: In Ayurvedic medicine amla is considered to be aphrodisiac, anti-inflammatory, rejuvenative, a nutritive tonic, laxative, refrigerant, stomachic, hemostatic, and astringent.
Indications: It is astoundingly high in vitamin C–with a pound of amla berries containing about 20-30 times more vitamin C than a pound of oranges-which of course makes it an extremely effective antioxidant. Studies have shown that if taken as a tonic for the eyes over a period of several years, it will reduce near-sightedness and help prevent cataracts, possibly because the high vitamin C content fights the free radicals that cause cataract formation. Its action against free radicals has also shown signs of being effective in preventing fibroids, protecting against melanoma, and inhibiting toxic conditions of the liver, and amla may indeed prove to be one of the premier anti-cancer herbs due to its cell-protecting qualities. Amla lowers blood cholesterol (although only temporarily unless dietary measures are also taken), enhances the functioning of the digestive system, regulates blood sugar, strengthens the teeth, hair and nails, and is used to treat a number of inflammatory conditions including hemmorhoids and gastritis. In India, the berries are consumed raw after being soaked in salt water and turmeric to lessen the sour taste. Amla is also pickled as a digestive tonic, as well as being included either raw or cooked in a variety of dishes, including “Chyavanprash”, a revitalizing jelly. Amla is believed to nourish the hair and so is often included in shampoos and treatments to prevent premature gray hair. The high tannin content also makes amla an excellent mordant, or fixative, for dyes, so it is frequently incorporated into inks.
Precautions: None known
Dosage: Usually taken as capsules or a powder. For chronic conditions, use 1-2 grams per day; for acute uses, 6-8 grams per day.
Constituents: Ascorbic acid, tannins, polyphenols, flavonoids, kaemferol, ellagic acid, gallic acid
Actions: In Ayurvedic medicine amla is considered to be aphrodisiac, anti-inflammatory, rejuvenative, a nutritive tonic, laxative, refrigerant, stomachic, hemostatic, and astringent.
Indications: It is astoundingly high in vitamin C–with a pound of amla berries containing about 20-30 times more vitamin C than a pound of oranges-which of course makes it an extremely effective antioxidant. Studies have shown that if taken as a tonic for the eyes over a period of several years, it will reduce near-sightedness and help prevent cataracts, possibly because the high vitamin C content fights the free radicals that cause cataract formation. Its action against free radicals has also shown signs of being effective in preventing fibroids, protecting against melanoma, and inhibiting toxic conditions of the liver, and amla may indeed prove to be one of the premier anti-cancer herbs due to its cell-protecting qualities. Amla lowers blood cholesterol (although only temporarily unless dietary measures are also taken), enhances the functioning of the digestive system, regulates blood sugar, strengthens the teeth, hair and nails, and is used to treat a number of inflammatory conditions including hemmorhoids and gastritis. In India, the berries are consumed raw after being soaked in salt water and turmeric to lessen the sour taste. Amla is also pickled as a digestive tonic, as well as being included either raw or cooked in a variety of dishes, including “Chyavanprash”, a revitalizing jelly. Amla is believed to nourish the hair and so is often included in shampoos and treatments to prevent premature gray hair. The high tannin content also makes amla an excellent mordant, or fixative, for dyes, so it is frequently incorporated into inks.
Precautions: None known
Dosage: Usually taken as capsules or a powder. For chronic conditions, use 1-2 grams per day; for acute uses, 6-8 grams per day.
Kava Kava
Piper methysticum
Constituents: kawine, resins, volatile oil, alkaloids, kava lactones, yangonin, methysticcum, kavaine, starch.
Actions: Diuretic, anesthetic, sedative, muscle relaxant, anticonvulsive, anxiolytic
Indications: Panic attacks, anxiety and trauma are good indications for kava use. As an anesthetic it relieves all sorts of pain. Relaxes the body and wakens the mind. It produces a sense of relaxation while heightening your awareness and makes you feel brighter.
Precautions: Not for long term use or drug addicts. Not to be used while pregnant or nursing. Not recommended to be used by those under the age of 18 or those with a pre-existing liver condition. Excessive consumption may impair ability to drive or operate heavy machinery.
Dosage: Tincture: Start with ¼ tsp and increase as needed for trauma or panic. Decoction: 1tsp per cup boiling water, simmer 15 min, drink as needed for pain or stress.
NOTES: Tom Harrison, in his book “Savage Civilization” (1937) said that “You cannot hate with kava in you”, and whether that is true or not, Pacific Islanders have for centuries used Kava to calm nerves, and help with relaxation. It can be highly sedative and has been known to numb certain body parts of the body. Typically safe in controlled amounts and it makes a fine evening drink with no documented or substantiated side effects. It is considered safe by the German E Commission.
Constituents: kawine, resins, volatile oil, alkaloids, kava lactones, yangonin, methysticcum, kavaine, starch.
Actions: Diuretic, anesthetic, sedative, muscle relaxant, anticonvulsive, anxiolytic
Indications: Panic attacks, anxiety and trauma are good indications for kava use. As an anesthetic it relieves all sorts of pain. Relaxes the body and wakens the mind. It produces a sense of relaxation while heightening your awareness and makes you feel brighter.
Precautions: Not for long term use or drug addicts. Not to be used while pregnant or nursing. Not recommended to be used by those under the age of 18 or those with a pre-existing liver condition. Excessive consumption may impair ability to drive or operate heavy machinery.
Dosage: Tincture: Start with ¼ tsp and increase as needed for trauma or panic. Decoction: 1tsp per cup boiling water, simmer 15 min, drink as needed for pain or stress.
NOTES: Tom Harrison, in his book “Savage Civilization” (1937) said that “You cannot hate with kava in you”, and whether that is true or not, Pacific Islanders have for centuries used Kava to calm nerves, and help with relaxation. It can be highly sedative and has been known to numb certain body parts of the body. Typically safe in controlled amounts and it makes a fine evening drink with no documented or substantiated side effects. It is considered safe by the German E Commission.