| Herb |
Medicinal Use |
Part of
Plant used |
How Given |
Possible Side Effects |
Comments |
| Alfalfa |
Tonic; contains natural fluoride, helpful in preventing tooth decay. |
Leaf |
Tincture; tea; capsule. |
None known |
Excellent for increasing the production of breast milk. |
| Aloe vera |
Topically: Pain reliever, excellent for burns, sore nipples, itching of chickenpox. Internally: Relieves stomach inflammation and constipation |
Pulp from inside leaf. |
Liquid applied topically to affected area or taken internally. |
None known |
Topically: Use pulp from inside plant leaf. Internally: Use prepared food-grade liquid |
| American ginseng |
Helps strengthen overall constitution; helpful in relieving fatigue or debilitation after an illness. |
Root |
Tincture; tea |
Nervousness, insomnia, diarrhea. |
Do not use if a fever is present. |
| Burdock |
Blood purifier and cleanser; helpful in the treatment of acne. |
Root |
Tincture; tea; capsule; fresh cooked root. |
Dilated pupils, dry mouth. |
Do not use for more than 2 consecutive weeks. Alternate 2 weeks on, 2 weeks off. |
| Calendula |
Antiseptic; speeds tissue healing; useful on cuts, blisters, burns, abrasions. |
Flower |
Lotion, cream, or tincture, applied topically to the affected area. |
None known |
|
| Carob |
Helps to stop/slow diarrhea. |
Pod and seed |
Mix powdered carob with water and drink. |
None known |
|
| Chamomile |
Soothes upset stomach; relaxes, induces sleep; helpful for teething. |
Flower |
Tincture; tea; capsule; bath. |
Allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. |
Do not give to a child who is allergic to ragweed. |
| Dill |
Helps to relieve colic, stomach gas. |
Leaf |
Tea; in soup or vegetables. |
None known. |
Increases production of breast milk. |
| Echinacea |
Antibiotic; boosts immune system. Useful in treating many infections, insect bites, and stings. |
Root |
Tincture; tea; capsule; salve. |
None known |
Long-term use not advised. Best used for 5 days to 1 week at a time. Alternate 1 week on, 1 week off. |
| Fennel |
Helpful for colic, stomachache. |
Seed |
Tea; capsule |
In large doses, can cause skin irritation, nausea, vomiting. |
Do not use during pregnancy. |
| Fenugreek |
Expectorant; helpful in treating sore throat and chest congestion. |
Seed |
Tea; capsule. |
None Known |
May produce unusual body odor. This is only temporary, and not a cause for concern. |
| Flax |
Soothing to digestive tract; relieves constipation. |
Seed |
Tea; capsule; oil. |
Agitation, excitement, rapid breathing. |
Seeds are safe when cooked; leaves can be toxic and are not normally used. May be taken by a breastfeeding mother to relieve infant constipation. |
| Garlic |
Antibiotic, antiseptic, antiworm. |
Clove |
Fresh whole herb; capsule; liquid. |
Stomach upset, contact dermatitis, flatulence. |
Fresh cloves may be used, but odorless capsule form is more palatable for most children. |
| Ginger |
Aids digestion; relieves congestion, promotes perspiration and relieves fever, soothes achy muscles. |
Root |
Tincture; tea; bath or oil for achy muscles. |
Diarrhea, nausea. |
|
| Goldenseal |
Antibiotic; used to treat many infections. |
Root |
Tincture; tea; capsule. |
Irritation of mouth and throat, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea. |
Do not use during pregnancy. Do not take for more than 1 week to 10 days at a time. |
| Licorice |
Tonic; soothing to respiratory tract; increases energy. |
Root |
Tincture; tea; capsule. |
Can lead to high blood pressure with long-term use. |
Use cautiously in pregnancy or in the presence of high blood pressure or heart disease. |
| Ma huang( Ephedra) |
Decreases nasal and sinus swelling and congestion. |
Stems, twigs |
Tea; capsule. |
Increased blood pressure and heart rate, anxiety, |
Use cautiously in pregnancy or in the presence of high blood pressure, heart disease, thyroid disease, or diabetes. Not advised for children under 12. Best given before 3:00 P.M. to prevent insomnia. |
| Marshmallow |
Demulcent, helpful for sore throat and lung congestion. |
Root |
Tea; capsule. |
None known |
|
| Papaya |
Aids digestion; relieves indigestion and gas. |
Fruit, leaf |
Fruit eaten raw. Leaf in tea form. |
Heartburn. |
Seeds are used in Asia to eradicate parasites. |
| Parsley |
Increases urination, helpful in treating bladder infection. |
Leaf |
Tea; capsule. |
Dizziness, headache, warmth, nausea, vomiting, itching. |
Use with caution during pregnancy. Excessive amounts will stop milk production in nursing mothers. |
| Peppermint |
Aids digestion; relieves nausea; reduces fever; relieves diarrhea, gas, heartburn. |
Leaf |
Tincture; tea; capsule. |
In large doses, can cause stomach irritation and coldness of the body. |
|
| Red clover |
Blood purifier; helpful in treating acne, boils, skin infections; mild sedative. |
Flower |
Tincture; tea; capsule |
None known |
|
| Rosemary |
Antispasmodic, stimulating tonic; helpful in treating colds, sore throats, headaches; increases circulation. |
Leaf |
Tea; in soup. |
Nausea, diarrhea. |
A strong tea can also be used topically to enhance scalp health and hair growth. |
| Sage |
Increases urination; aids digestion, antiseptic, helpful for nasal discharge, sore throat. |
Leaf |
Tincture; tea; capsule; topically on cuts or abrasions. |
Dry mouth, local irritation. |
Can also be used as a gargle for sore throats. Do not use during pregnancy. May decrease milk production in nursing mothers. |
| Skullcap |
Sedative, nerve tonic. |
Leaf |
Tincture; tea; capsule. |
Giddiness, Irregular heartbeat. |
Best used in combination with other calmatives. Do not give to children under 6 years of age. |
| Slippery elm |
Helpful in treating constipation, diarrhea, irritated/inflamed stomach. |
Bark |
Mix powdered bark with water and drink. |
None known. |
|
| Thyme |
Antiseptic, relieves lung congestion, diarrhea, lack of appetite, colic, flatulence. |
Leaf |
Tea, in soup; |
In large doses can cause diarrhea. |
May be used as a mouthwash. |
| Yarrow |
Useful for colds, flu, fever. |
Leaf |
Tea; tincture; capsule. |
None known. |
Contains small amounts of bioavailable iron. Extended use may make skin more sensitive to sunlight. |
| Yellow dock |
Detoxifier; mild laxative; antiworm; relieves cough and lymphatic congestion. |
Root |
Tincture; tea; capsule. |
In large doses, can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea. |
Encourages perspiration |
