YouHerbal.com is dedicated to providing  Alternative Herbal  health information. Our Herbal Facts database  provide a resource for teachers, students and others who needed factual information about Herbal Health. Our herbal facts database is not to be considered medical advice. We intend it to be used only as a starting point for your research on herbs and encourage you to explore all information available about a particular herb before you begin treatments. Always consult your doctor before beginning any herbal treatment as they are the best ones to address how these herbal treatments may effect any ongoing medical conditions you may have.   A Alfalfa - Medicago sativa Excellent for bad breathe, has a high chlorophyll content.   Aloe - Aloe Vera Juice of this plant helps reduce pain, gel from plant helps prevent infection and speeds healing of burns, drink helps reduce size of kidney stones.   Angelica -Angelica archangelica L Arthritis remedy - contains anti-inflammatory compounds. Relaxes the   windpipe - may be useful for asthma sufferers.   Artichoke -Cynara scolymus L. (The flower or head) enhances sexual desire, never scientifically proven. relieves excess water gain, reduces cholesterol, improves liver function.     B   Balm -Melissa officinalis L. Tranquilizer, sedative.   Barberry -Berberis vulgaris L. Contains substance called berberine that possesses infection-fighting properties. Stimulates the immune system, treats pink eye, urinary tract infections.   Basil -Ocimum bacilicum L Good for acne, has anti-bacterial properties.   Bayberry -Myrica cerifera L Treats diarrhea.   Black Haw -Viburnum prunifolium L. Bark of this North American native contains a chemical called salicin which is closely related to salicyclic acid (the main ingredient in Aspirin) as a result can be used to relieve arthritis inflammation and pain.   Bladderwrack -Fucus versiculosis L. (Kelp:a common seaweed) helps goiter caused by under active thyroid gland.   Boneset -Eupatorium perfoliatum L Excellent for the flu.   Buchu -Barosma betulina L. Excellent diuretic, relieve bloating in PMS. (Pregnant or Nursing Women should not use Buchu)   Bugleweed - Lycopus Virginicus Treat overactive thyroid glands especially when symptoms include tight chest and nervous palpitations.   Burdock -Arctium Lappa Purifier, increases flow of urine and promotes sweating which rids the body of toxins.   Butchers Broom -Cytisus scoparius L Plant contains steroid like compounds that can relieve arthritis inflammation and pain.     C   Calendula -Calendula Officinalis L (Marigold, Gold-bloom) Helps relieve diaper rash (ointment), mild germ killing action makes it good for earaches.   Cascara Sagrada - Rhamnus purshiana (Sacred Bark) Helps relieve constipation.   Catmint - Nepeta cataria Reduces fever.   Catnip -Nepeta cataria Contains chemicals called nepetalactone isomers, that are cousins to chemicals found in valarian. sedative, helps with anxiety.   Cayenne -Capsicum annuum Stimulate the circulatory system.   Celery Seed - Apium graveolens Increases the elimination of uric acids.   Chamomile -Anthemis nobilis L. (Roman) -Matricaria chamomilla (German) Relaxant, great bedtime drink, slows down central nervous system.   Chickweed - Stellaria media Good for itchy skin, soothes a rash (ointment)   Chives -Allium schoenoprasum L Rich in vitamin C and Iron, helpful in treating anemia.   Cleavers - Galium aparine (Goosegrass, Catchweed, Cleavers Goosegrass, Zhu Yang Yang Reduces inflammation and tones the lymphatic system.   Cloves -Syzygium aromaticum Clove oil is rich in eugenol, dentists use eugenol as a local anesthetic. Help reduce tooth ache pain.   Coltsfoot - Tussilago farfara (Horsehoof) Soothes a cough, fight bronchial infections.   Cramp Bark (Black Haw) -Viburnum prunifolium L. Muscle relaxant, reduces menstrual cramps.  D Dandelion -Taraxacum officinale L. Gentle laxative, well recognized liver remedy, rich in minerals and iron, helps to prevent iron deficiency anemia.   Devil's Claw -Harpagophytum procumbens Anti-inflammatory arthritis remedy. (Do not take Devils Claw during pregnancy)   Dong Quai -Angelica sinensis Gynecological and menstrual problems, regulates menstrual cycle, eases cramping and suppresses PMS. Rich in Vitamins A, B12 and E. May help to prevent anemia.  E   Echinacea -Echinacea Angustifolia Stimulates the immune system, great for bacterial and viral infections. relieves laryngitis.   Elderberry - Sambucus canadensis Great cold remedy.. high in vitamins A B and C   Elecampane - Inula Helenium Relieves arthritis, bronchitis, helps in expelling phlegm. Soothes the larynx and lungs.   Eucalyptus oil -Eucalyptus globulus L. Relieves arthritis pain when rubbed on skin. (Do not take internally. Do not rub on broken or irritated skin)   Evening Primrose Oil Useful to alcoholics to help prevent mood swings, anxiety and liver damage. also treats chronic fatigue syndrome.   Eye Bright - Euphrasia officinalis Relieves sore itchy eyes due to allergies (especially hay fever) help to treat minor eye ailments (conjunctivitis).    F   Fennel - Foeniculum vulgare Aids digestion   Fenugreek - Trigonella foenum-graecum L Coughs and colds, sore throats, helps prevent and treat diabetes.   Feverfew - Tanacetum parthenium Can reduce the frequency and severity of migraine headaches. It works effectively only if taken daily. It wont help if taken once you have a migraine.   Fo-ti - Polygonum multiflorum (Also known as ho-shou-wu) rejuvenating tonic, increases fertility, enhances strength and vitality. Protects against heart disease and prevents heart attacks by reducing blood pressure. Has anti-clotting properties.  G Garlic -Allium sativum L. Lowers blood pressure and cholesterol levels, anti-bacterial properties helps to relieve cold and flu faster.   Ginger - Zingiber Officinale Helps colds and flu, promotes perspiration and soothes the throat.   Ginseng -Panax quinquefolium L. (Siberian) regulates hormones, relieves hot flashes, vaginal dryness, reduces sweats and anxiety in menopausal women, reduces blood sugar levels.   Ginkgo -Ginkgo Biloba L. Improves blood flow to the brain, may help prevent blood clots and mood swings, may also help relieve asthma, phlebitis and vertigo.   Goats Rue - Galega Officinalis Increases milk production in nursing mothers.   Golden Seal -Hydrastis canadensis L. Boosts immune system and fights microbes, useful for the treatment of diarrhea. (Do not give to children under 2 years of age)   Gurmar - Gymnema Sylvestre Native to India, lowers blood sugar levels in Type 1 and 2 diabetes. H Hawthorn Berries -Crataegus oxyacantha Tonic for heart and circulatory system. J Jasmine - Jasminum grandiflorum, Jasminum officinale Calms the nerves, settles the stomach.   L   Lavender - Lavandula angustifolia Mild sedative effect, relieve gassy stomach.   Lemon Balm -Melissa officinalis L. Calms nerves, protects from bacterial infections, can use to treat cold sores caused by herpes simplex virus.   Licorice - Glycyrrhiza glabra L. Soothes mucous membranes, helps ulcers. (Pregnant or nursing women as well as people who have glaucoma, diabetes, high blood pressure, strokes or heart disease should not use licorice)    M Marigold - Calendula Officinalis L Helps relieve diaper rash (ointment), mild germ killing action makes it good for earaches.   Marshmallow Root - Althaea officinalis Soothes inflamed or sore gums.   Meadowsweet - Filipendula ulmaria Reduces stomach acids, soothes the digestive tract, reduces nausea.   Milk Thistle - Silybum marianum The chemical silymarin found in milk thistle not only shields the liver from damage but also aids in the regeneration of liver tissue. commonly used for hepatitis and cirrhosis.   Myrrh - Commiphora myrrha Helps to fight infections in mononucleosis and mouth ulcers. N Nettle -Urtica dioica L. Helps to increase milk production in nursing mothers, relieves inflammation and clears up teary eyes, runny nose, scratchy throat and chest congestion in hay fever. (Do not take if you have high blood pressure)    O   Onion - Allium cepa L. Raises good HDL cholesterol, blood thinner.  P Parsley - Carum petroselinum Diuretic (rids body of water), rich source of vitamin C. (Do not use during pregnancy)   Passionflower - Passiflora incarnata One of natures best tranquilizers, contains at least 3 tranquilizing or sedating compounds, relieves muscle tension, insomnia, mild headache relief. (Not recommended for pregnant women or children under 2....Do not drive or operate heavy machinery after using passionflower)   Pau d'arco -Tabebuia impetiginosa Immune stimulating compounds belived capable of fighting certain types of cancer, lowers blood sugar levels. (Cancer is a very serious condition, we strongly recomend that you seek the advice of your doctor)   Pennyroyal - Mentha pulegium Promotes menstral process and strengthens menstral contractions (Do not take during pregnancy)   Peppermint -Mentha piperita L. Aids digestion.   Periwinkle - Vinca minor Aids in excessive blood loss during menstration.   Amaranth (common name: Pilewort) -Amaranthus hypochondriacus L. Useful for hemorrhoids.   Poke Root - Phytolacca decandra Effective for mumps, detoxifies glands and removes phlegm.   Plantain, Psyllium - Plantago Psyllium Lowers cholesterol   Pygeum - Pygeum africanum Helps reduce inflammation, reduces prostate enlargement.    R   Red Sage - Salvia officinalis var. rubia Soothes inflamed or bleeding gums. S Sage - Salvia officinalis Lowers blood sugar levels.   St. John's Wort -Hypericum perforatum L. Used as a muscle relaxant to relieve menstrual problems, a mild tranquilizer, also helps treat depression and insomnia, used to treat mild earaches and infections. (Do not use during pregnancy.)   Saw Palmetto (Sabal) - Serenoa repens, Sabal serrulatum, Sabal serulata, Sabalis serulata, Sabalis serulatae, Serenoa serrulata, Serenoa serrulatae Remedy for reducing inflammation and fighting infections of the prostate.   Senna - Cassia angustifolia Powerful laxative.   Skullcap - Laterifolia Relaxes the body, good for exhaustion and depression, also menstrual cramps.   Slippery Elm - Ulmus rubra Soothes irritated mucous membranes of the intestines.   Stone Root - Collinsonia Canadensis Treatment and prevention of bladder stones, effective in easing the stones out of the system.   Sweet Flag - Acorus Calamus Helps relieve flatulence.   T   Tea Tree Oil - Melaleuca Alternifolia Natural antiseptic, used for acne and skin irritations. V Valerian -Valeriana officinalis L. Good safe alternative to prescription sleeping pills and tranquilizers, also relieves tension and anxiety.   Vervain - Verbena officinalis Aids digestion, natural relaxant.  W Wild Cherry Bark - Prunus serotina Soothes irritating coughs. Wild Lettuce - Lactuca virosa Effective in calming the throat and chest and reducing coughs.   Willow Bark - Salix alba Relieves headaches.   Witch Hazel - Hamamelis virginiana Good for soothing mosquito bites and helps treat acne.   Wormwood - Artemisia absinthium Effective remedy to treat worms. Y Yarrow -Achillea millefolium L. Aids in the treatment of cystitis- inflammation of the bladder, reduces fever.