Francesca s top 30 herbs

Size: px

Start display at page:

Download "Francesca s top 30 herbs"

Anna Gibson
5 years ago
Views:

1 Francesca s top 30 herbs 1) ALOE WHY: it is a powerful healer successfully employed for millennia. Soothing and healing, emollient, astringent, anti-inflammatory, anti-septic, pain releaving, antioxidant, anti-fungal PRIMARY FUNCTIONS: tonic and builder for the skin, neutralizes harmful foreign skin substances, penetrates the skin four times faster than water, tonic for the stomach, cleanser for the colon, stimulates the smooth muscles (uterous, stomach, intestine), enhances the immune system BEST DELIVERY FORM AND DOSADGE: juice (internally), 1-2 tsp up to 3 times a day; fresh leaves plant (externally) 3-5 years growth 2) ASTRAGALUS WHY: excellent long-term Qi tonic (TCM), adaptogenic, anti-fatigue, effective in degenerative diseases, anti-inflammatory PRIMARY FUNCTIONS: improves the function of the spleen, immune modulating and stimulating; tonic to kidneys, lungs, heart, rais;es metabolism BEST DELIVERY FORM AND DOSADGE: tincture, 40 drops 3/4 times daily (at least for 2 months); decoption, 1-2 sticks per cup of tea 3) BEE POLLEN WHY: the world most perfect food. Beneficial for rehabilitation and for growing children, contains all nutrients necessary for human health, contains anti-oxidants, increases energy, vitality and endurance, enhances the absorption of other nutrients, anti-inflammatory activity PRIMARY FUNCTIONS: spleen and immune system tonic, strenghtens the endocryne system, strenghtens and protects epitelial tissue in the body, bio stimulating effect on liver, kidneys and adrenals BEST DELIVERY FORM AND DOSADGE: Granules, if allergic start with 1-3 granules sublingual, 1-3 times per day, every 3-4 days increase the dosage, first ro 1/32 tsp (4 granules), then to 1/16 tsp, then to 1/8 tsp, then to 1/4 tsp, three times a day, then every 3-4 days increase by 1/4 tsp until you are taking 1 tb (3tsp), 3 times per day. If not allergic 1/4 tsp, 1-3 times per day, every 3-4 days increase the dosage by 1/4 tsp, until 1 tb, 3 times a day. Don't take at night before bed. Children: take the weight of the child, divide it by the NORMAL weight of the same sex parent 4) BEE PROPOLIS WHY: superstar of throat infections pharyngitis tonsilitis laryngitis gastric and dudenal ulcers, anti-fungal, anti-viral, anti-microbial, antiseptic, disinfectant, anti-bacterial, effective on infections throughout the body, analgesic, anti-inflammatory internal and external, astringent, anti-oxidant, anti cancer effect cytotoxic PRIMARY FUNCTIONS: endocrine ehancing or stimulating for liver kidney and spleen, anti-allergy raises body reaistance to infections stimulates immune factors strengthenes the thymus gland strengthens and tones epithelial tissue BEST DELIVERY FORM AND DOSADGE: tincture, 1,5 dropperful initially diluited in room temperature water, then 1 dropperful every 4 hours for a total of 4-5 max doses per day; gelatine capsules, 500 mg, 3 caps 3 times dailyor 4 caps 2 times daily 5) BURDOCK ROOT WHY: Queen of the blood-lymph system, alterative, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, diuretic, diaphoretic PRIMARY FUNCTIONS:

2 lymph and blood cleanser, removes toxins from fat tissue, skin cleanser, stimulates stomach and liver function, blood tonic, alterative for reduced thyroid function, promotes kidney function, kidney cleanser BEST DELIVERY FORM AND DOSADGE: tincture, drops, 3 times a day room temperature; fresh root, classic decoction, a fingersize piece of root each day 6) CHAMOMILE (GERMAN) WHY: used throughout history for both internal and external health concerns, treates anxiety stress insomnia, today used also safely and effectively in personal care and skin care (smoothes, heals and moisurizes the skin), mild enough for use by children, anti-inflammatory, analgesic (pain relief), anti-spasmodic, contains calcium and has a good calcium- magnesium ratio so it is well absorbed PRIMARY FUNCTIONS: sedative on lungs and stomach/gastro-intestinal nerve flow, slightly calming and sedating to nerves without sedating the central nervous system, tonic for adults and children, enhances immunity, soothing tonic to uterine muscles, good for menstrual cramps, helps prevent and treats ulcers, gastritis, diverticulitis and flautolence, tonic for the skin, relaxes the smooth muscles BEST DELIVERY FORM AND DOSADGE: tincture: 45 drops, 3 times a day (1 dose during the day 2 doses 1,5 hours and 0.5 hours before bedtime); compress; tea 7) COMFREY ROOT WHY: cell proliferant (causes rapid growth of healthy cells), excellent astringent (ulcers, internal bleeding, cuts), taken internally benefits a wide array of problems, use for urgent problems and anytime there is an internal bleeding PRIMARY FUNCTIONS: strengthens the spleen and the immune system, alkalizes the stomach, strengthens the mucous membranes (lungs, digestive system, skin), cell proliferant, taken internally heals ulcers and repairs tissues (galbladder, stomach, intestine, endometrio), applied externally accelerates healing of broken bones, cartilage, ligaments, strengthenes and soothes lungs BEST DELIVERY FORM AND DOSADGE: external, apply salve, compress or poultice; tincture, drops 2-4 times per day; classic decoction (root); standard infusion (leaves) 8) DANDELIUM ROOT WHY: alterative (because of its effect on the liver), strengthening energy PRIMARY FUNCTIONS: liver strengthener, liver cleanser, increases iron levels and absorption, stimulates bile flow (laxative effect), increases HCl and pepsin production, increases salivary amylase (stimulates appetite), decreases blood sugar (diabetes), improves lymph drainage, improves nerves, mild diuretic transmission, stimulates milk flow, inhibits tumor cells BEST DELIVERY FORM AND DOSADGE: classic decoction, 1-2 oz several times during day; tincture, drops, 3-4 times daily 9) ECHINACEA WHY: anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, effective for preventing and treating any infection both chronic and acute, cold or flu due to virus or bacteria especially in the early stages of infection, effective for a wide range of common symptons (bronchitis, candidiasis, coughs, herpes, troath infections urinary infections); superstar of the following systems: bladder, spleen, Immune system, lymphatic system, respiratory system, skin, support herb for ears, female and male reproductive system; easly available and safe PRIMARY FUNCTIONS: immune system stimulant and strengthener, bladder cleanser, tonic for the spleen, king of the blood and lymphatic cleansers, stimulates regeneration of cellular connective tissue

3 BEST DELIVERY FORM AND DOSADGE: tincture, early symptoms 1 tsp initial, then ½ tsp every 2 hours for 3 days beyond absence of symptoms or drops in room temperature water 4 times per day. Prevention: 6-8 weeks, off 2-4 weeks, repeat the cycle 10) ELEUTHERO WHY: adaptogen, helps to adapt to non specific stress, brings body to homeostasis, improves general health, long term tonic, antioxidant activity PRIMARY FUNCTIONS: strengthener and tonic for the adrenals, tonic for the spleen and the immune system, tonic for the stomach (increases the absorption of vitamins B1 and B2, increases the retention of vitamin C), tonic and regulator for the thyroid, strengthener and tonic for the nervous system (helps the body to adapt to stress, helps stabilize emotions, balances energy and regulates sleep), stimulates enzymes for cell repair, adapts to temperature changes BEST DELIVERY FORM AND DOSADGE:, tincture, 40 drops, 3 times per day, daily for 3-4 months, discontinue 1-2 months, repeat the cycle; classic decoction 11) FENNEL WHY: aromatic, carminative, prevents cramps when using strong laxatives, aids digestion expecially carbohydrates, safe for babies (colicky babies, sweetens and increases mother s milk) even on a daily base, mild estrogenic effect PRIMARY FUNCTIONS: absorbs the excess of stomach acid, strengthener and soother for the stomach (stomach and intestinal inflammations), increases mucous in the small intestine (bleeding ulcers), menstrual stimulant BEST DELIVERY FORM AND DOSADGE: seeds, 1 tsp; infusion 1 to 2 tsp of bruised seeds per cup of boiling water, steep 10 minutes; tincture ½ to 1 tsp up to 3 times per day 12) GINGER WHY: anti-inflammatory, antioxodant, analgesic, antispasmodic, aromatic, carminative, digestive aid of proteins and fats, improves the body s ability to assimilate other herbs, diaphoretic (hot tea), diuretic (room temperature tea) PRIMARY FUNCTIONS: cleanser for the heart (helps to reduce cholesterol, to lower blood pressure, to prevent internal blood clots), cardio-tonic; helps to expell mucus (bronchial congestion, lungs, kidneys, stomach, small intestine, large intestine); strengthener for the stomach, improves peristalsis while exerting an antispasmodic effect; strengthener of endocrine system, increases metabolism BEST DELIVERY FORM AND DOSADGE: compress for muscles, soak cloth in a strong decoction and apply to area; tea, 2 tsp powdered or grated root per cup of boiling water, steep 10 minutes; capsules for inflammatory conditions: mg daily 13) GINKO WHY: primary brain herb, strong antioxidant (more effective than beta carotene and E vitamin), long term tonic, tissue specific (head area: ears, eyes, brain) PRIMARY FUNCTIONS: tonic for the heart and cardiovascular system, improves blood circulation, improves peripheral circulation especially to the head, improves blood flow and oxygen supply to ears and eyes, restores damnaged membranes throughout the body BEST DELIVERY FORM AND DOSADGE: take the standardized exctract on a daily base for 3-5 months, therapeutic dose: 40 mg, 3 times per day; preventative dose: 40 mg, 1 time per day. Don t take all at once because excreted within 12 hours

4 14) GOLDENSEAL WHY: anti-inflammatory, alterative, astringent, antiseptic, restorative tonic, heat cleaning herb, hepatic, effective on 9 body systems PRIMARY FUNCTIONS: tonic for mucus membrane (colon, stomach, kidneys, lungs), strengthenes and tones epitelial tissue, stimulates the digestive system, tonic to the gastro intestinal tract, soothes the intestines, stimulates bile secretion (gallbladder), improves the function of the spleen, increases the activity of immune cells, stimulant (mild) for nervous system, adrenals strengthener, mild stimulant for respiratory system BEST DELIVERY FORM AND DOSAGE: capsules 325 mg, 2 times daily; infusion, 1/2 to 1 tsp, powdered root per cup of boiling water, steep 10 minutes, drink up to 2 cups daily; decoction: 1-2 swallows, 2 times daily 15) HAWTHORN WHY: the best cardiotonic, effective on 19 on 21 heart disorders, very potent antioxidant for the hearth and blood vessel walls, astringent, diuretic PRIMARY FUNCTIONS: strengthener and tonic for cardio-vascular system, improves metabolic function of hearth cells, vasodilatator, brings more oxygen to the heart, increases intracelolular vitamin C levels BEST DELIVERY FORM AND DOSADGE: decoction, 2-5 minutes, 1 oz herb to 16 oz water; tincture, drops, 3-4 times per day. A heart patient would want to take it for the whole life 16) LICORICE WHY: great adjunct herb, herbal formulas harmonizer, covers the taste of really harsh herbs, counteracts side effects of other strong herbs, leads other herbs into energy meridian (TCM), detoxifier, mild astringent, energy tonic, reduces pain and inflammation, soothing and demulcent, estrogen like effect PRIMARY FUNCTIONS: tonifies stomach and strengthenes digestion, strengthens/builds mucous membranes (stomach, small intestine, large intestine, lungs, respiratory system), mild laxative, strengthens and tonifies the adrenals on an energetic level, stabilizes blood sugar, weak immune tonic, tonic to the spleen, mild relaxant of the nervous system BEST DELIVERY FORM AND DOSADGE: classic decoction, therapeutic: 2-3 grams daily; preventative: 1 gram, 3 times daily; tincture: 40 drops, 3-4 times daily 17) MARSHMALLOW WHY: demulcent, astringent, antiseptic, alterative, anti-inflammatory PRIMARY FUNCTIONS: building to colon and mucous membranes of gastrointestinal tract, soothes gallbladder, lungs and respiratory tract, kidneys, bladder, soothes and tones spleen, reproductive system, and mucus membranes in general BEST DELIVERY FORM AND DOSAGE: classic decoction, 1 cup, 2-3 times daily (main use comes from its mucilage content); compress or poultice, apply externally to soothe 18) MILK THISTLE WHY: Superior herb for the liver, powerful antioxidant, primarly for liver but also for intestine, brain, central nervous system, protects the body against airborne pollutants PRIMARY FUNCTIONS: detoxification and cleansing of the liver, tonic for liver and gall bladder, stimulates bile secretion (mild laxative), regulates blood sugar levels, immunostimulant effect BEST DELIVERY FORM AND DOSADGE: capsules 140 mg, prevention: 1-2 caps daily/therapeutic: 3-4 caps per day. Not all in once. Tincture, prevention: 1 dropperful 2 times daily/therapeutic: 1

5 dropperful 3-4 times daily. For liver disease 1-2 weeks beyond absence of symptoms. For toning the liver 4-6 weeks out of the year 19) MULLEIN WHY: anti-inflammatory, astringent, specific for ear infections, demulcent, emollient, childhood diseases PRIMARY FUNCTIONS: cleansing, soothing, building, tonic for ears, soothing for eyes, nervine to thyroid, stimulates lymph flow, reduces swallen glands, tonic to lungs and bronchials, nervine to lungs (spastic cough) BEST DELIVERY FORM AND DOSADGE: tincture, drops, 3-4 times daily; tea, heaping tsp to 1 TB/cup water, 3-4 times daily. Take on an empty stomach 20) NETTLES WHY: long term tonic for the whole body, anti-inflammatory, astringent, nutritive (rich in nitrogen and minerals), superstar herbal supplement, can replace spinach in the diet (without oxalic acid), classic herb for arthritis PRIMARY FUNCTIONS: tonic for lungs, stomach, urinary tract (urinary stones), strengthens kidneys, blood builder (anemias), building to the liver, tonic for the nervous system (nerve vascular cycle), strengthens connective tissue and bones BEST DELIVERY FORM AND DOSADGE: infusion, 1 tsp to 1 tb dried herb per cup of water, 3-4 times daily; tincture, 50 drops, 3-4 times daily 21) PANAX GINSENG WHY: king of all tonics for both men and women, superior adaptogen, restorative, stimulating, warming to the body, effective for convalescense and fatigue, protects against radiation and chemical toxines, helps to adapt to temperature changes, strengthens male reproductive health, may have estrogen-like effect in women PRIMARY FUNCTIONS: tonic for the liver, balances digestion, regulates the adrenals and improves endocrine function, regulates the immune system, stimulates the Nervous Central System BEST DELIVERY FORM AND DOSADGE: tincture, 1-2 ml/day: 1:1 extract equivalent to 1-2 g ginseng root, take for 4 weeks to 3 months, then take a break of 1-2 months; root, take a piece of the root and suck on it for a long time; tea, cook the herb for minutes, because different constituents are extracted depending on the length of cooking time, first drink the infusion, then simmer the herb for 5 minutes and drink the tea, then for 20 minutes and drink the tea, finally simmer for 40 minutes and drink the tea 22) PASSION FLOWER WHY: effective and safe nervine good to use with kids, effective sleep aid its advantage is that people having trouble falling or staying asleep will experience a good night s sleep and will wake up without feeling the grogginess that they might feel after taking strong herbal nervines such as hops and valerian PRIMARY FUNCTIONS: calming effect on the nervous system, relaxant but not sedative useful for PMS symptoms BEST DELIVERY FORM AND DOSADGE: tincture drops, 3 times daily; standard infusion, 3 cups daily. Take 1 dose during the day, then 2 doses at night-1 and 1/2 hours before bed, 1/2 hour before bed 23) RED RASPBERRY WHY: mild astringent (effective in case of diarrhea also for kids), antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, works throughout in the body, especially gastro intestinal tract and uterus

6 PRIMARY FUNCTIONS: uterine toner, building and balancer specific for genital area, astringent and tonic for kidneys, tonic and nutritive for gallbladder, strengthenes the connective tissue BEST DELIVERY FORM AND DOSADGE: tincture drops, 3 times daily 24) SAW PALMETTO WHY: nutritive herb, used for male reproductive concerns (i.e. BPH, low libido) and male and female urogenital disturbance PRIMARY FUNCTIONS: tonic for bladder, tonic for mucous membranes (respiratory, bladder), strengthens kidneys and bladder BEST DELIVERY FORM AND DOSADGE: 160 mg standardized exctract, 2 times daily, on an empty stomach; tincture should be avoided if there is any uro genital inflammation because alcohol is an irritant 25) SKULLCAP WHY: astringent, analgesic, used in the treatment of a wide range of nervous conditions, nutritive (contains Calcium), cooling PRIMARY FUNCTIONS: nervine sedative, helps muscles to relax, relaxing effect on the uterus, good for toning mucous passages in the kidneys BEST DELIVERY FORM AND DOSADGE: fresh plant tincture, drops 26) SLIPPERY ELM WHY: nutritive herb (Ca, Mg, Na), classic demulcent/emollient used both internally and externally, anti-inflammatory PRIMARY FUNCTIONS: soothing to the gastro intestinal tract (from mouth to anus), soothing to vaginal tract, lungs (for dry cough), bronchial, throat, skin, urinary tract BEST DELIVERY FORM AND DOSADGE: tea (its texture is the main effect) 27) St JOHN S WART WHY: used mainly for nervous and muscoloskeletal system: depression (acute, moderate, not for chronic), anxiety, insomnia and fatigue related to depression, sleep disorders; anti-inflammatory: low back pain, sciatica, ear infections, pain from herpes; anti-viral, anti-bacterial, astringent diuretic if taken cold, diaphoretic if taken hot PRIMARY FUNCTIONS:, nerve sedative, decreases inflammation in bowel disease, protects stomach from its own acid and decreases inflammation of stomach lining BEST DELIVERY FORM AND DOSADGE: capsules, 300 mg, standardized for 0.3% hypericin, 1 cap 3 times daily; tincture drops, 3 times per day, standard infusion, 3 caps daily 28) THYME WHY: antiseptic, anti-bacterial and anti-viral when dispersed in the air (respiratory infections), strong antioxidant, carminative, diuretic, emmenagogue, relieves menstrual cramps PRIMARY FUNCTIONS: expectorant, anti-spasmodic in gastro intestinal tract, immuno-stimulant, stimulates uterine contractions, tonic for thyroid BEST DELIVERY FORM AND DOSADGE: tincture: drops, 3 times per day/tea: infusion 1/2 tsp per cup of water; may slow down its function if taken on a daily base 29) UVA URSI WHY: specific for bladder and kidneys infections, diuretic, astringent and excellent antiseptic to urinary tract

7 PRIMARY FUNCTIONS: decreases the inflammation in the urinary tract, tones mucous membranes of kidney BEST DELIVERY FORM AND DOSADGE: standard infusion 3 cups daily; tincture drops 3 times daily 30) YELLOWDOCK WHY: hepatic herb, tonic, nourishing, strengthening to the whole body, most stimulating of the alteratives because it contains antraquinones, laxative, astringent, antibacterial, antibiotic, stimulates the absorption of the iron PRIMARY FUNCTIONS: blood cleanser, blood tonic, liver strengthener, improves bile flow, improves liver functions, helps prevent gallbladder attacks, liver inflammation, congestion, tones colon and intestinal lining, immune enhancing, neural tonic (small quantity), detoxification (lessens the toxins that have to go to the skin: skin eruptions, herpes II psoriasis eczema urticaria) BEST DELIVERY FORM AND DOSADGE: classic decoction; tincture 45 drops, 3 times daily

CULINARY HERBS AND SPICES

CULINARY HERBS AND SPICES Using Culinary Herbs and Spices Flavour and texture are a huge issue when it comes to introducing new foods to your diet Herb and spices can help make a new food seem like an