193 healing herbs for 972 illnesses - our guide helps you find those that are right for you

By DEREK CLONTZ
Your World Report

Herbs are used medicinally each and every day by billions of men, women, children and even animals around the world.

And even though Western scientists often ridicule the healing power of the simple plants we find in Nature, there can be no doubt: Herbs have helped more people over a longer period of time than any synthetic drug or surgical technique ever devised by mankind.

Here are 197 popular herbs and spices along with a few of their common and traditional uses.

If you see something that piques your interest, research it at your local library or buy one of a number of excellent books on herbs and natural healing that will go into greater detail.

If you need help choosing a book, e-mail me at wrensongfarm@earthlink.net and I’ll help you find just the right one based on how much you already know - or don’t know - about herbs, your educational level, etc.

Or you can talk them over with a trusted health professional. If you can’t find what you are looking for below, click the big green and yellow banner at the end of this report to find even more medicinal herbs.

Here you go:

1. African Bird Pepper. Circulation, pain, energy, metabolism, healthy eyes, heart and brain function.

2. Agnus Chaste Berry. Hormone balancing herb for PMS, difficult menstrual cycle, menopause. Has been used to diminish sex drive.

3. Agrimony. Cuts and wounds. Source of vitamins B & K.

4. Alfalfa. Hardening of the arteries, high cholesterol, bad breath. Prized for vitamin, mineral, nutrient and chlorophyll content.

5. Alisma. Said to sharpen vision, reduce cholesterol, regulate blood sugar.

6. Aloe. Used internally for healthy skin, acne, cold sores, clogged colon, arthritis, inflammations of all kinds. Externally, aloe is used for burns, including sunburn, insect bites and wounds.

7. American Ginseng. An adaptogenic herb that tends to nudge the body back into a state of balanced health and well-being. Not as “hot” or as energizing as Oriental varieties, which makes it attractive to heart patients and people with high blood pressure.

8. Anise. Easy breathing and healthy lungs, indigestion, gassiness, fresh breath.

9. Antler Velvet. Cardiovascular tonic and natural source of the anti-inflammatory, chondrotin, which is in wide use by arthritics. Considered to be a powerful sex tonic for men and women.

10. Apple Pectin. Blood sugar regulation, cholesterol. Fiber source.

11. Apple Vinegar. Healthy metabolism, arthritis, general complaints. In traditional use, a “panacea” used for countless complaints.

12. Astragalus. Healthy immune-system, colds and flu, most diseases, generalized infections.

13. Ashwagandha. Fatigue, brain function, reproductive system, asthma, indigestion, arthritic inflammation, skin disease.

14. Atractylus. Appetite and weight control, healthy metabolism, digestion, energy.

15. Barberry. Fevers. Like Goldenseal, contains the alkaloid berberine, which is considered to be tonic to the colon and also possess estimable powers as a natural antibiotic.

16. Barley Grass. Energy booster’ fights allergies, especially those associated with gluten. Superfood, packed with trace elements, nutrients.

17. Bayberry. Digestive aid, gas fighter, sore throat, upper respiratory and sinus complaints.

18. Bee Pollen. Trace minerals, amino acids, energy, healthy sex drive. Superfood more complete than milk.

19. Beet Root. Healthy liver and gall bladder function.

20. Bilberry. Healthy eyes and vision, night vision, blood sugar regulation, arterial elasticity, blood pressure regulation, collagen support and skin support, anti-wrinkling.

21. Birch Bark. Pain relief.

22. Bitter Melon. Diabetes, blood sugar control.

23. Black Cohosh. Arthritis, tinnitus, generalized pain, neuralgia, bronchitis, nervous tension, PMS, symptoms of menopause, high blood pressure.

24. Black Haw. Female tonic.

25. Black Snake Root (Sanicle). Blood disorders.

26. Black Walnut Hull. Intestinal parasites; improves digestion.

27. Blackberry Leaf. Chronic diarrhea, liver function, blood impurities, sores of the skin and mouth, childbirth, bad breath.

28. Bladderwrack. Rich source of iodine; weight control.

29. Blessed Thistle.Sluggish digestion, healthy brain function and good memory.

30. Blue Cohosh. Menstrual difficulties, healthy brain function and good memory.

31. Boldo. Stimulates secretion and helps eliminate bile, allowing better food digestion, used as a liver tonic, and is used in the treatment of gallstones.

32. Boneset. Aches and pains associated with colds and flu.

33. Borage. Stress, nervous tension, depression.

34. Boswella. Supress inflammation, reduces joint swelling, increases mobility, and reduces arthritic pain.

35. Bromelain. Inflammation, sports injuries, respiratory tract infections, digestion, may enhance chemotherapy.

36. Buckthorne. Fights fatigue during convalescence, prevents infections.

37. Bugleweed. Regulates menstruation, internal and external hemorrhaging; nosebleed, hemorrhoids, post-childbirth.

38. Bupleurum. Liver, stomach, colon.

39. Burdock. Skin problems, eczema, psoriasis, arthritis, sciatica, hemorrhoids; blood purification, kidney stones, kidneys in general.

40. Butcher’s Broom. Vein tonic, hemorrhoid relief, PMS, menopause, circulation improvement.

41. Cascara Sagrada. Strong, healthy colon function.

42. Catnip. Insomnia, fevers, nausea, toothaches/ sore gums, inflamed eyes.

43. Cat’s Claw. Immune system, inflammation, arthritis, high blood pressure, constipation, irritable bowel syndrome, fibromyalgia, liver problems, blood sugar control, benefits for tobacco smokers.

44. Catuaba. Increases sex drive and improves sexual response.

45. Cayenne (Heat Units vary: 40,000, 90,000, 135,000, 180,0000 and occasionally higher): Circulation, arthritis, pain relief, diabetic neuropathy, asthma, gastrointestinal function, cholesterol, chemotherapy relief.

46. Cedar Berries. Blood sugar regulation, diabetes, tonic to lungs.

47. Chamomile. Calming herb. Also used for inflammation, spasms, healthy skin and hair.

48. Chervil. Disorders of the eyes: cataracts, glaucoma, detached retina.

49. Chickweed. Blood poisoning, itching/rashes associated with contact allergies, weight loss.

50. Chicory. Increases appetite, digestion, high blood pressure prevention.

51. Chitosan. Fat absorption. Note: Chitosan (pronounced KITE-o-san) is made from the shells of shrimp, crabs, lobsters, etc., and can cause an allergic reaction in sensitive individuals.

52. Chlorella. Provides body with important micronutrients; immune booster, detoxifying, helps digestion.

53. Cinnamon. Lowers high blood sugar with specific uses for diabetics. Helps with chills and dizzy spells.

54. Citrus Bioflavonoids. Allergies, helps the body absorb and use vitamin C, skin strengthener.

55. Cleavers. Rejuvenates mature, loose skin. Helps to minimize and reduce severity of epileptic seizures.

56. Cloves. Alcoholism, minimizes bad breath and toothaches. Add to foods for enhanced flavor.

57. Comfrey Root. Superb healing herb. Externally applied for inflammation, joint/bone disease, wounds, ulcers.

58. Coral Calcium. Promotes strong, healthy bones and teeth and enhances all body functions; boosts immune system, cleanses kidneys and intestines.

59. Cornsilk. Urinary function, kidney inflammation, bacterial infections of genito-urinary tract.

60. Cramp Bark. Relieves cramps and pain; muscle relaxant.

61. Damiana. Increases circulation, sexual desire, strengthens nervous system, and alleviates menopause symptoms.

62. Dandelion. Liver/kidney function, gallstones, rheumatic pains.

63. Dendrobi. Speeds recovery from sexual excess. Calming.

64. Devil’s Claw. Relieves pain and inflammation, restores appetite, helps with skin problems.

65. Dill Weed. Digestion, increases appetite, stomach cramps, sleep aid.

66. Dong Quai. Menopause and PMS relief, allergies, tonic to intestines, uterus. Balancing for the entire body.

67. Echinacea. Infections, cancer, colds, boosts immune system.

68. Elecampane. Digestion, bronchitis, emphysema, bowels.

69. Ephedra (Ma huang). Metabolism, asthma, fevers, cough, stimulates perspiration.

70. Evening Primrose. Schizophrenia, PMS, high blood pressure, relief for a number of chronic disorders.

71. Eyebright. Ailments of the eyes, digestive disorders, respiratory inflammation, sinus infections and complaints.

72. False Unicorn. Venereal disease, bad breath, uterine tonic.

73. Fennel Seed. Respiratory expectorant, eye problems, digestive disorders.

74. Fenugreek. Blood sugar control, swelling, ulcers, boils.

75. Feverfew. Prevents migraines, fever reduction, arthritic pain and inflammation.

76. Flax Seed. Inflammatory discharge, swelling, ulcers, boils.

77. Fo-Ti. Healthy heart, improves libido and cholesterol; body tonic thought to have powerful anti-aging properties.

78. Frankincense. Respiratory ailments, memory loss.

79. Garcinia Cambogia. Weight loss.

80. Garlic. Diabetes, high blood pressure, healthy cholesterol, fights infections, natural antibiotic, fights cancer.

81. Gentian. Digestive complaints, intestinal inflammation, liver and gall bladder problems.

82. Ginger Root.Nausea especially when vomiting, colds, stomach aches.

83. Ginkgo Biloba. Memory. Concentration. Enhanced blood flow to brain and other areas fed by small blood vessels. Impotence, frigidity, healthy sexual function and response, senile dementias, including Alzheimer’s.

84. Ginseng (Asian, including Chinese White and Red Panax, and Korean White and Red Panax). Body strength, impotence, uterine health, anemia, senility.

85. Glucosamine Sulfate. Arthritic inflammation and pain relief.

86. Goldenseal. Naturally antibiotic; supports proper function of the mucous membranes, gallbladder, colon and liver. Helpful with inflammation, menstruation.

87. Gota Kola. Concentration, memory, nervous conditions, insomnia, varicose veins, fatigue.

88. Gravel Root. Urinary tract, prostate, rheumatism, uterine function.

89. Green Barley. Superfood, body tonic, energy, endurance.

90. Green Tea. Asthma, diarrhea, cancer, healthy immune function.

91. Guar Gum. Weight loss aid, high cholesterol, reduces diabetic’s sugar craving.

92. Guarana. Natural source of caffeine and other stimulating alkaloids; powerfully energizing.

93. Gugulipid. High cholesterol and triglycerides, healthy heart, anti-inflammatory.

94. Gymnema Sylvestre. High blood sugar; diabetes. When drunk as a tea, Gymnema temporarily suspends the ability to taste sugar, which has helped some to control sugar and appetite in weight-loss programs.

95. Hawthorne. Circulation, high blood pressure, congestive heart disease.

96. Heal All. Internal and external infections of all kinds.

97. Horse Chestnut.For strong, healthy heart function and circulation, especially circulation in the legs and pain stemming poor circulation and unhealthy arteries and vines.

98. Hops. Anxiety and tension relief, sleep aid, digestive disorders. Reduces sex drive in those prone to overdo it.

99. Horseradish. Sinusitis and other chronic and acute sinus complaints.

100. Horsetail. Healthy hair, skin and nails. Promotes healing.

101. Hydrangea. Urinary tract, prostate, prevention of gravel/stones, overall genito-urinary health.

102. Hyssop. Colds/flu, sore throat, coughs, fevers. A true “Bible herb” appearing in Psalms.

103. Iceland Moss. Digestive disorders, respiratory inflammation, appetite stimulation.

104. Irish Moss. High blood pressure, peptic ulcers, bronchitis.

105. Jujube. Stress- induced disorders, fatigue, amnesia, excessive thirst.

106. Juniper. Male tonic, urinary tract infections, urinary insufficiency, diuretic.

107. Kava Kava. Insomnia, sedation, tension, stress; alcohol substitute.

108. Kelp. High iodine content. Superfood.

109. Kola Nut. Fatigue, eases symptoms of drug withdrawals, powerfully energizing.

110. Kudzu. Reduces craving for alcohol; use instead of cornstarch and other thickeners in cooking.

111. Lady Slipper.Nerve tonic, anxiety, restlessness, insomnia.

112. Lavender. Delightful herb with many traditional uses, including headache, dizziness, tension.

113. Lemon Balm. Headache, anxiety, tension, heart palpitations.

114. Licorice. Hormone balancer, energy, liver, blood purification.

115. Lobelia. Smoking cessation, respiratory health, induces vomiting if needed.

116. Lycium. Liver/kidney function, vertigo, pain in knees and waist.

117. Lycopene. Healthy prostate.

118. Maca. Energy, stamina, endurance, sluggish metabolism; sex drive and erection difficulties in men.

119. Maitake. Immune stimulation, cancer.

120. Marshmallow Root. Respiratory ailments, asthma, stomach/intestines, colic pains in children, tonic to colon and all mucus membranes.

121. Milk Thistle. Healthy liver function, increases milk flow in nursing women (consult your health care professional). Healthy skin, liver disease, liver damage, alcoholism, drug addiction, hepatitis, blood purification.

122. Mistletoe. High blood pressure.

123. Motherwort. Prostate, heart stimulant, menopause, enlarged thyroid.

124. Muirapuama, or marapuama. Diminished sex drive for men and women, especially when psychological factors are involved.

125. Mullein. Asthma, coughs, lung congestion, skin problems, diarrhea.

126. Myrrh. Gum disease, pleasing breath, mouth sores.

127. Nettle. Gout, high blood pressure, congestive heart failure, hay fever, PMS.

128. Oat Straw, Oat Bran, Oats. High cholesterol, healthy sex drive, tonic to the central nervous system.

129. Olive Leaf. Healthy heart, circulation, high blood pressure, diarrhea, ulcers, urinary tract infections, allergies, bacterial infections, allergies, Lyme Disease, more.

130. Onion. Digestive stimulant, colon cleanser, high blood pressure, blood sugar problems, circulation.

131. Orange Bitters. Used as a catalyst to help other herbs perform optimally; also energizing, similar to ephedra.

132. Oregano. Rheumatism, respiratory infections, digestion, skin infections.

133. Oregon Grape Root. Skin conditions, including eczema, psoriasis, acne. Healthy liver function, anti-cancer, menstruation, inflamed gallbladder, naturally antibiotic, tonic to the colon, anti-inflammatory.

134. Oyster Shell Calcium. Healthy bones and teeth, promotes and facilitates all bodily functions - an essential mineral.

135. Panax Ginseng. Reproductive aid, anti cancer, fatigue, balances insulin levels in diabetics, stress relief, energy, endurance, stamina, sex drive. Panax (Asian) ginseng is considered to be balancing to all bodily functions and systems.

136. Papain. Digestive enzyme, shingles, thrombosis, inflammation, antioxidant, abnormal blood clotting, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis.

137. Papaya. Inhibits dangerous bacteria; used for hives, skin ulcers.

138. Parsley. Mild diuretic, laxative, kidney complaints, high blood pressure, bad breath. Diuretic and laxative.

139. Passionflower. Sedative, pain-killer, tension, sleeplessness.

140. Pau D’ Arco. Immune stimulation.

141. Peony. Female health; PMS, symptoms of menopause, difficult periods.

142. Pennyroyal. Digestive aid, anxiety.

143. Peppermint. Digestive disorders, gallbladder, mentally and physically stimulating.

144. Plaintain. Helps stop bleeding, gastrointestinal disorders, toothaches.

145. Poke Root. Skin disorders, reduces swelling of glands.

146. Poria. Diuretic, improves memory, especially long-term memory.

147. Prickly Ash. Arthritic pains, muscle stiffness, sickle cell anemia, oral health.

148. Psyllium. Constipation AND diarrhea, hemorrhoids, high cholesterol.

149. Pygeum. Male reproductive tonic; excessive urination, prostate health.

150. Pumpkinseed. Intestinal worms.

151. Red Clover. Coughs, upper respiratory complaints, including bronchitis and asthma, symptoms of menopause.

152. Red Pepper (Cayenne, capsicum, hot chili, African Bird, etc.). Circulation, energy, heart tonic, digestive aid, high blood pressure, pain, arthritis, shingles, headache.

153. Red Raspberry. Eases childbirth, flu and cold, PMS and symptoms of menopause.

154. Red Yeast. Natural source, low-dose lovastatin to lower bad cholesterol, increase good cholesterol.

155. Rehmannia. Anemia, impotence, fatigue. Thought of as a “full body tonic.”

156. Reishi. Immune stimulant’ cancer.

157. Rhubarb. Colon health and function; diarrhea and constipation.

158. Rose Hips. Skin care, prevents infections, liver, ulcers, nerves, rheumatism.

159. Rosemary. Infections, nasal congestion, digestion. Improves brain and memory function.

160. Safflower. Soothes hysteria and seizures, benign enlargement of the prostate.

161. Sage. Blood sugar regulation, body odor, sore throat.

162. Sarsaparilla. Blood purification, liver complaints, low sex drive, high blood pressure, circulation, complete digestion of micronutrients in colon.

163. Saw Palmetto. Benign enlargement of the prostate. Aphrodisiac for some women.

164. Schizandra. Lung, kidney, liver, skin and “radiance” tonic; low sex drive for men and women.

165. Scullcap. Insomnia, nervousness, tension, anxiety, stress, pain.

166. Senna. Constipation relief.

167. Sheep sorrel. Anti-cancer, beneficial to pancreas.

168. Shepherd’s Purse. Hemorrhoids.

169. Siberian ginseng. Increases energy, endurance and stamina; tonic to adrenal glands. Improves kidney function, stress and chronic fatigue. Rejuvenating and revitalizing.

170. Slippery Elm. Internally: Sore throat, cough, indigestion. Externally: Flesh wounds.

171. Spirulina. Candida, cholesterol, immune system, antioxidant. Weight loss.

172. St. John’s Wort. Depression, anxiety, insomnia, anti-viral, herpes, AIDS.

173. Stevia. Blood sugar control, weight loss.

174. Stoneroot.Tones veins for circulation, hemorrhoids, pelvic irritations.

175. Suma. Immune stimulation, chronic fatigue, PMS, menopausal symptoms, low sex drive for men, and, especially, women. Called “Brazilian ginseng.”

176. Turkey Rhubarb (Rhubarb). Colon health and function; diarrhea and constipation.

177. Turmeric. Anti cancer, bowels, inflammation and liver conditions, flatulence, healthy cholesterol.

178. Thyme. Indigestion, flatulence, immune stimulation.

179. Una de Gato (Cat’s Claw). Immune stimulation, arthritis, stomach and colon complaints, ulcers, circulation, liver problems, colds & flu, cancer, allergies, low energy and fatigue, blood pressure, intestinal disorders, more.

180. Uva Ursi. Kidney stones and kidney complaints, cystitis, urethritis, bladder and urinary complaints.

181. Valerian. Insomnia, stress, nerves and nervous tension, anxiety, pain.

182. Vervain. Water retention, digestion, menstruation, spleen and liver, fatigue, and depression.

183. Violet. As gargle and mouthwash, for mouth ulcers.

184. Watercress. Oral health, relieves headaches, healthy skin, helps ease water retention and coughs.

185. Wheatgrass. Skin ailments, lupus, ulcers, wounds. Energizing.

186. White Willow Bark. Contains salicylic acid; used as stomach-friendly aspirin (salicylic acid) substitute.

187. Wild Cherry. Suppresses coughs, increases appetite.

188. Wild Yam. PMS and symptoms of menopause, Crohn’s disease, inflammation, rheumatism and arthritis, said to slow the aging process. Promotes healthy sex drive and function in men and women.

189. Wormwood. Intestinal parasites, stomach/gallbladder function, bowels, flu, infections.

190. Yellow Dock. Purifies blood, emphysema, improves night vision. Good for liver, colon, constipation.

191. Yerba Mate. Energy, controls appetite, brain function, and allergy relief.

192. Yohimbe. Male reproductive aid; increases libido, improves blood flow to penis - used wide for erectile dysfunction. Uncomfortable side effects are common. Not for use by anyone taking prescriptions drugs or with health problems.

193. Yucca. Arthritis, back pain.

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