HERBAL COMBINATIONS for COMMON ILLNESSES

Healing herbs are often used in combinations when combatting an illness. Herbs are combined to give the benefits needed from each, some to give a boost to others, some to boost the body with healing energies. Below are some of the more popular herbal combinations. The herbs can be taken singly for these illnesses as well, although the suggested combinations are best. Don't fret if you don't have all of the suggested herbs for any given combination - use what you have, and add the rest as soon as you can. These combinations can usually be in any form you choose - teas, tinctures, capsules, etc. You will want to use equal parts of each herb, or use more of the herb most needed, with equal parts of the booster herbs.

Remember that in any herbal healing undertaken, diet is also very important. These combinations are not meant to be used in the place of a doctor's advice. Also realize that you should not take herbs continually over a long period of time on a daily basis, as your body may build an immunity to the herb itself, or you may experience side effects. The exception to this would be when treating a chronic illness, but even then, there should be time off for your body from the herbs on a regular schedule. Herbs are medicine, and should always be treated as such.

Often, when taking antibiotic herbs, or prescription antibiotics, the natural bacteria in our digestive system is destroyed, making digestion difficult (and sometimes causing constipation) for several days to several weeks. To combat this, eat fresh real yogurt daily (not the stuff with lots of sugar and flavors, and make sure it has active cultures), or take acidophilus or probiotic capsules, to restore the natural digestive bacteria. This can also help to alleviate vaginal yeast infections in women.

When using an herb or herbal combination to combat an illness or strengthen various systems in the body, it is best to start with a small amount, and then wait a few hours to be sure you are not going to have an adverse reaction, before continuing with the therapy. Stop any ingestion of herbs at the first sign of any adverse reaction.

This is of course not a complete list, this is only to give you a general idea of what may be needed for common ailments. My book has more information on additional illnesses, and there are plenty of naturopathic doctors available, including myself, to answer questions about other ailments. This listing is not meant to diagnose, only to inform. Your body and medical history may dictate that you need very different combinations from these to treat your specific ailments.

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ACNE

Herbs Used: Evening Primrose Oil, Raspberry Leaf, Nettle, Dandelion, Lemon Grass
Recipe for Acne Help
Bring to a simmer in a non-metallic pan 2 quarts water, 3 tablespoons Witchhazel bark, 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon, 1 tablespoon ground cloves; let simmer for 5 minutes. Then add 1/2 cup chopped fresh thyme, 1 cup fresh chopped peppermint leaves, and 1/2 cup fresh chopped marjoram. Simmer 5 more minutes, set aside until cold. Mix 1/2 cup of the simmered mixture with 2 teaspoons cider vinegar, 2 ounces grain alcohol(vodka is best), 4 drops lemon oil, and enough water to make one pint. Apply with cotton to acne prone areas after washing. A good aloe moisturizer afterwards is recommended.

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ALLERGIES

Herbs used: Blessed Thistle, Scullcap, Goldenseal, Cayenne, Marshmallow, Lobelia, Burdock.
Other uses: Colds, Hay Fever, Upper respiratory infections

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ANEMIA

Herbs Used: Red Beet, Yellow Dock, Lobelia, Burdock, Nettle, Mullein
Other uses: Energy, Fatigue, Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson's Disease

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ARTERIOSCLEROSIS

Herbs Used: Cayenne, Garlic, Hawthorne, Parsley
Other Uses: Blood Pressure, Heart

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ARTHRITIS

Herbs Used: Yucca, Comfrey, Alfalfa, Yarrow, Cayenne, Lobelia, Burdock, Chaparral, Black Cohosh, Cat's Claw, Lemon Grass
Other uses: Bursitis, Rheumatism, Gout, Blood Cleanser

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CHRONIC FATIGUE SYNDROME

Herbs Used: For the acute phase of CFS, a combination of echinacea, goldenseal, and licorice. If this combination is needed for more than seven days, add potassium-rich foods and/or herbs to your diet. For the chronic phase, a combination of goldenseal, astragulus, licorice, ginseng, and evening primrose oil. One month on, one month off is the recommended usage frame.
Other Uses: The combination of herbs for the chronic phase is being studied for the treatment of Multiple Sclerosis.

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COLDS

Herbs used: Chamomile, Slippery Elm, Cayenne, Goldenseal, Myrrh, Peppermint, Sage, Lemon Grass, Rose Hips, Garlic
Other uses: Bronchitis, Ear infections, Fevers, Flu, Tonsillitis

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COLIC

Herbs Used: Alfalfa, Peppermint, Fennel, Catnip
Other uses: Digestive disorders, Heartburn, Appetite

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CONSTIPATION

Herbs Used: Aloe Vera, Slippery Elm, Barberry
Other uses: Cleansing, Colon

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COUGHS

Herbs Used: Elecampane, Wild Cherry Bark, Licorice, Comfrey Root, Lobelia
Other uses: Hay fever, Sore throats

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DRUG WITHDRAWAL

Herbs Used: Chamomile, Ginseng, Licorice, Cayenne, Gotu Kola
Other uses: Endurance, Energy, Memory

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EARACHES

Herbs Used: Oil of Mullein, Garlic Oil, or Lobelia Extract drops directly into the ear.

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ENERGY

Herbs Used: Cayenne, Ginseng, Gotu Kola
Also add: Bee pollen, bee propolis, royal jelly
Other uses: Endurance, Fatigue, Memory

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EYE PROBLEMS

Herbs Used: Goldenseal, Bayberry, Eyebright
Other uses: Eyewash, Allergies, Hay fever, Cataracts

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FEMALE PROBLEMS

Herbs Used: Black Cohosh, Ginger, Raspberry Leaf, Blessed Thistle, Dong Quai
Other uses: Hormonal balance, Vaginal problems, Uterine infections

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FLU

Herbs Used: Ginger, Cayenne, Goldenseal, Licorice
Other uses: Nausea, Motion sickness

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FRACTURES

Herbs Used: Comfrey, Horsetail, Alfalfa, Slippery Elm
Other uses: Fingernails, Hair, Joints, Teeth

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GALL BLADDER (TO CLEANSE)

Before bed, mix together the juice of 2 lemons, 4 ounces olive oil, 6 ounces Coke Classic; drink. Upon rising, take 10 ounces of magnesium citrate (available in drug stores). Do not eat until you have had your first bowel movement. Bowel movements will continue sporadically for several hours, so do this on a day you are at home!

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GUM DISEASE

Herbs Used: Goldenseal, Myrrh (both internally and as a mouthwash)

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HEART

Herbs Used: Hawthorne, Cayenne, Garlic
Other uses: Arteriosclerosis, Cholesterol, Circulation

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HEARTBURN

Herbs Used: Anise seed, Fennel seed, Peppermint, Cinnamon, Lavendar

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IMMUNE SUPPORT

Herbs Used: pau d'arco(taheebo), Echinacea, Burdock, Spirulina, Kelp, Cat's Claw

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INFECTIONS

Herbs Used: Echinacea, Goldenseal, Cayenne, Myrrh
Other uses: Colds, Earaches, Fevers, Flu, Measles, Mumps

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INSECTS, REPELLING

For repelling insects on skin: Mix 1 teaspoon each of essential oils of pennyroyal, citronella, eucalyptus, rosemary, and tansy. Shake oils in 1 cup of vegetable or olive oil. Store away from light in a sealed container. Use by rubbing a small amount between the palms of your hands, and then apply to any exposed skin. Avoid applying to the face to prevent eye contact. Reapply as necessary. Discontinue using if a rash develops(some people are sensitive to pennyroyal oil. Test on a small area first). Also safe for animal use. DO NOT INCLUDE THE PENNYROYAL OIL IF PREGNANT OR NURSING!!

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INSOMNIA

Herbs Used: Valerian, Scullcap, Hops
Other uses: Headaches, Stress, Hyperactivity

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KIDNEYS

Herbs Used: Juniper, Uva Ursi, Marshmallow, Ginger, Goldenseal, Dandelion
Other uses: Bladder, Urinary problems

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Liver

Herbs Used: Dandelion, Parsley, Horsetail, Blessed (or Milk) Thistle, Chamomile, Lobelia, Wild Yam, Ginger, Sassafras, Kelp
Other uses: Cleansing, Kidneys, Spleen, Gall Bladder

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LUNGS

Herbs Used: Comfrey, Fenugreek, Marshmallow, Mullein, Chickweed
Other uses: Asthma, Bronchitis, Coughs, Hay Fever, Pneumonia

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MEMORY

Herbs Used: Gingko Biloba, Gotu Kola, Ginseng
Other Uses: Energy, Circulation, Tinnitus

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Menopause

Herbs Used: Black Cohosh, Licorice, False Unicorn, Ginseng, Squaw Vine, Blessed Thistle
Other uses: Hormone imbalance, Menstrual problems, Hot flashes, Uterine problems

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MENSTRUAL CRAMPS

Herbs Used: Cramp Bark, Ginger root, Raspberry Leaf, Yellow Dock, Vitex, Wild Yam

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MIGRAINES

Herbs Used: Fenugreek, Thyme, Lobelia, Wood Betony, Feverfew
Other uses: Fever, Flu, Headache

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MORNING SICKNESS

Herbs Used: Wild Yam, Dandelion, Ginger, Vitex

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NERVES

Herbs Used: Black Cohosh, Cayenne, Valerian, Ginger, St. Johnswort, Hops, Wood Betony
Other uses: Headaches, Anxiety, Stress

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POISON IVY/OAK

Herbs Used: Burdock, Mullein, Yellow Dock (bathing in a peppermint tea bath will relieve the itching as well as aid in drying up the oak/ivy)
Other uses, Itching, Insect Bites

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PREMENSTRUAL SYNDROME

Herbs Used: Evening Primrose Oil, Dong Quai, Vitex
Other uses: Menstrual regulation, Painful breasts

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Prostate

Herbs Used: Black Cohosh, Licorice, Kelp, Gotu Kola, Ginger, Cayenne, Juniper, Uva Ursi, Taheebo, Saw Palmetto, Cat's Claw
Other uses: Bladder, Liver, Spleen

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REDUCING WEIGHT

Herbs Used: Chickweed, Licorice, Safflower, Echinacea, Black Walnut, Hawthorn, Papaya, Fennel, Dandelion
Other uses: Energy, Cleanser

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SEXUAL DESIRE

Stimulant:

Damiana, Ginseng, Saw Palmetto, Gotu Kola

Depressant:

Hops, Scullcap, Valerian

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SKIN

Herbs Used: Horsetail, Sage, Rosemary
Other uses: Hair, Nails

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SORE THROAT

Herbs Used: Marshamallow, Fenugreek
Alternate: Cayenne, Ginger mixed with honey and lemon

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STOP SMOKING

Herbs Used: Hops, Scullcap, Slippery Elm, Valerian, Lobelia
Other uses: Cough, Nerves, Stress

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THYROID

Herbs Used: Irish Moss, Kelp, Parsley, Black Walnut, Sarsparilla
Other uses: Fatigue, Glands, Lymphatic System

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TUMORS

Herbs Used: Chaparral, Red Clover, Taheebo (Pau d'arco)
Other uses: Cleansing, Blood Disorders

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ULCERS

Herbs Used: Cayenne, Goldenseal, Myrrh, Marshmallow, Calendula
Other uses: Indigestion, Heartburn

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YEAST INFECTION

Herbs Used: Cayenne, Garlic, White Oak Bark, Marshmallow, Mullein (all mixed together and used as a bolus)
Other uses: Leuchorea, Vagina