Materia Medica
The following is an abbreviated Materia Medica, consolidating information representing the traditional use of herbal medicine, which can be found in most herbal books on the market. It is not intended for self-prescription, but as an information reference. All herbal prescriptions at Botanica Medica are made after an appropriate evaluation of the patient by a qualified Medical Herbalist.
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Achillea millefolium (Yarrow)
Actions: Diaphoretic, Hypotensive, Vasodilator.
Traditional Uses: Fever, Common cold, Amenorrhoea (no period), Hypertension
Acorus calamus
Actions: Carminative, Spasmolytic, Diaphoretic
Traditional Uses: Gastritis, Gastric ulcer, Dyspepsia (indigestion), Anorexia
Aesculus hippocastanum (Horse Chestnut)
Actions: Anti-inflammatory, Astringent, Protects the blood vessels.
Traditional Uses: Piles, Varicose veins, Chilblains, Bruises.
Alchemilla vulgaris (Lady's Mantle)
Actions: Astringent, Antihaemorrhagic.
Traditional Uses: Diarrhoea, Menorrhagia (heavy periods)
Althaea officinalis (Marshmallow)
Actions: Demulcent, Expectorant, Emolient, Vulnerary
Traditional Uses: Bronchitis, Cystitis, Urethritis, Urinary gravel, Gastritis, Oesophagitis, Dry irritating cough
Ammi visnaga
Actions: Anti-spasmodic, Broncho-dilator, Coronary vaso-dilator
Traditional Uses: Asthma, Chronic bronchitis
Anemone pulsatilla (Pulsatilla)
Actions: Sedative, Analgesic, Spasmolytic, Bactericidal
Traditional Uses: Dysmenorrhea (painful periods), Orchitis (inflamed testes), Tension headache, Insomnia, painful conditions of the male or female reproductive system.
Angelica archangelica (Angelica)
Actions: Carminative, Spasmolytic, Diaphoretic, Expectorant, Bitter aromatic.
Traditional Uses: Flatulent dyspepsia (gas and indigestion), Bronchitis with catarrah.
Angelica sinensis (Dong guai)
Actions: Anti-spasmodic, Hormone regulator, Female adaptogenic
Traditional Uses: Menopause, Female debility, Amenorrhoea (no periods), Dysmenorrhoea (painful periods), Infertility.
Apium graveolens (Celery Seed)
Actions: Urinary anti-septic, Detoxification agent – Anti-rheumatic
Traditional Uses: Cystitis, Arthritis,
Arctostaphylos uva-ursi (Uva ursi)
Actions: Diuretic, Urinary anti-septic, Astringent.
Traditional Uses: Cystitis
Armoracia rusticana (Horse radish)
Actions: Diuretic, Urinary Antiseptic, Diaphoretic, Circulatory stimulant, Digestive tonic, Anti-thyroid action, Anti bacterial against gram neg bacteria
Traditional Uses: Coughs and colds, Low stomach acid, Hyperthyroidism, Poor circulation, Chilblains.
Arnica montana
Actions: Anti-coagulant
Traditional Uses: Bruises
Artemisia absinthium (Wormwood)
Actions: Bitter digestive agent, Choleretic, Anthelmintic, Emmenagogue
Traditional Uses: Poor digestion, Amenorrhoea (absence of periods), Bowel parasites and worms, Poor appetite and nausea.
Artium lappa (Burdock)
Actions: Alterative, Hepatic, Lymphatic, Laxative,
Traditional Use: Arthritis, Gout, Eczema
Asclepias tuberosa (Pleurisy Root)
Actions: Expectorant, Anti-Spasmodic, Diaphoretic
Traditional Uses: Bronchitis, Pleurisy, Influenza
Asparagus rasemosus (Shatavari)
Actions: Female tonic, Galactagogue (encourages milk production), Sexual tonic, Adaptogenic (builds stamina), Spasmolytic
Traditional Uses: Menopausal symptoms, Infertility, Lack of libido, Poor milk flow.
Astragalus membranaceus
Actions: Immune tonic, Adaptogenic
Traditional Uses: Ongoing infections, Poor immune function, Debility and fatigue,
Avena sativa (Milky Oats)
Actions: Antidepressive, Thymoleptic (lifts the spirits).
Traditional Uses: Nervous debility and fatigue, Poor sleep.
Azadirachta indica (Neem)
Actions: Anthelmintic
Traditional Uses: Parasitic infections, Lice
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Baptisia tinctoria (Wild Indigo)
Actions: Immune enhancing
Traditional Uses: Sinusitis, Tonsillitis, Boils, Mouth Ulcers, Pneumonia, Colds
Berberis aquifolium (Oregon grape)
Actions: Depurative (detoxifying), Anti-microbial, Anti-inflammatory, Hepatic
Traditional Uses: Skin conditions such as psoriasis, acne, eczema, Digestive aid, Gut parasites.
Berberis vulgaris (Barberry)
Actions: Anti-microbial, Cholagogue, Bitter tonic
Traditional Uses: Acute diarrhoea, Helicobacter pylori infection, Poor digestion, Liver support.
Betula alba (Birch)
Actions: Anti-inflammatory, Diuretic
Traditional Uses: Arthritis, Stimulant to hair growth, Cystitis
Borago officinalis (Borage)
Actions: Adrenal restorative, Demulcent
Traditional Uses: Lifts the spirits, Supports adrenal glands, Dry coughs
Boswellia serrata (Frankincense)
Actions: Anti-inflammatory, Anti-microbial
Traditional Uses: Arthritis or inflammatory conditions.
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Calendula officinalis
Actions: Vulnerary (Healing agent), anti-inflammatory, Anti-viral and Anti-fungal
Traditional Uses: Oral inflammations and ulcers, Oral thrush, Acne, Burns, Sunburn, Leg ulcers, gastric ulcers, eczema, intestinal permeability.
Capsella bursa-pastoris (Shepherds purse)
Actions: Anti-haemorrhagic, Urinary anti-septic.
Traditional Uses: Menorrhagia (heavy period), Haematuria (blood in urine), Cystitis.
Capsicum minimum (Chilli peppers)
Actions: Circulatory stimulant, Rubefacient (brings blood flow to local area), Diminishes substance-P (pain reliever).
Traditional Uses: Poor peripheral circulation, chilblains, post-herpetic neuralgia
Carduus marianus (Milk Thistle)
Actions: Liver restorative, Choleretic (promotes bile flow), Hepatoprotective.
Traditional Uses: Liver damage, Hepatitis, Skin conditions due to sluggish liver function, Gallbladder problems.
Carum carvi (Caraway)
Actions: Carminative, Spasmolytic, Expectorant.
Traditional Uses: Colic, Flatulence, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Bronchitis.
Cassia angustifolia (Senna)
Actions: Bowel stimulant.
Traditional Uses: Laxative.
Caulophyllum thalictroides (Blue cohosh)
Actions: Antispasmodic, Uterine and ovarian tonic, Emmenagogue, Oxytocic.
Centella asiatica (Gotu Kola)
Actions: Vulnerary (healing agent), Anti-inflammatory, Rejuvenating tonic, Nervine tonic, Depurative (cleansing agent).
Traditional Uses: Improving the healing of epidermal tissue, Improving mental stamina and clarity, Mental debility, Scar tissue and skin conditions.
Cimicifuga racemosa (Black Cohosh)
Actions: Oestrogen modulator, Anti-rheumatic, Anti-spasmodic, Uterine tonic.
Traditional Uses: Menopausal symptoms, Pre-menstrual symptoms, Arthritis, Myalgia (muscle pain), Whooping cough.
Cinnamomum zeylanicum (Cinnamon)
Actions: Carminative, Anti-microbial, Astringent, Anti-fungal.
Traditional Uses: Candida, Bowel parasites, Infectious diarrhoea, Mouth ulcers, Dyspepsia (Indigestion), Flatulence.
Codonopsis pilosula
Actions: Tonic.
Traditional Uses: Fatigue, Weakness in the lungs.
Cola nitida
Actions: Stimulant, Thymoleptic (lifts the spirits), Stimulant anti-depressant.
Traditional Uses: Poor concentration, Depression, Melancholia.
Commiphora molmol (Myrrh)
Actions: Anti-bacterial, Anti-fungal, Anti-septic, Astringent, Anti-catarrhal.
Traditional Uses: Candida, Bronchial infections, Mouth Ulcers, Helicobacter pylori, Infected wounds or ulcers, Tonsillitis and Pharyngitis, Infected sinus and bronchial catarrh.
Commiphora mukul (Guggul)
Actions: Reduces cholesterol, Anti-inflammatory, Antiobesity.
Traditional Uses: Cholesterol reducing, Fat reducing, Thyroid support.
Convallaria majalis (Lily of the Valley)
Actions: Cardio-active.
Traditional Uses: Arrhythmia, Weak heart, Oedema of cardiac origin.
Crataegus spp. (Hawthorn)
Actions: Coronary and peripheral vaso-dilator, Cardioprotective, Collagen stabilizer, Astringent, Anti-arrhythmic.
Traditional Uses: Hypertension, Cardiac insufficiency, minor angina pectoris, Tachycardia (rapid heart rate).
Curcuma longa (Turmeric)
Actions: Anti-inflammatory, Antioxidant, Hypolipidemic (reduces blood fats), Anti-platelet.
Traditional Uses: Arthritis, Inflammatory bowel disease, High cholesterol, Liver disease/jaundice, adjunct in cancer therapy.
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Dioscorea villosa (Wild Yam)
Actions: Antispasmodic, Anti-inflammatory, Anti-rheumatic, Cholagogue.
Traditional Uses: Menopausal symptoms, Adrenal fatigue, Intestinal colic, Arthritis, Myalgia (muscle pain), Dysmenorrhoea (painful periods), Gallbladder colic.
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Echinacea angustifolia
Actions: Immune support, Lymphatic decongestant, Sialagogue (saliva stimulating).
Traditional Uses: Recurrent colds or infections, Tonsillitis, Abscesses, Boils, Mouth ulcers, Sinusitis, Glandular infections, Poor immune function, Adjunct to cancer therapy.
Eleutherococcus senticosus (Siberian ginseng)
Actions: Adaptogenic, Immune tonic, Adrenal tonic.
Traditional Uses: Fatigue and exhaustion, poor immunity, Adrenal fatigue, Post viral recovery.
Ephedra sinensis
Actions: Antasthmatic, Bronchodilator, Stimulant.
Traditional Uses: Asthma, Seasonal hayfever, Allergic symptoms.
Epimedium sagittatum (Horny goat weed)
Actions: Aphrodisiac, Fertility tonic.
Traditional Uses: Low libido, May enhance fertility.
Equisetum arvense (Horsetail)
Actions: Genito-urinary astringent, Antihaemorrhagic.
Traditional Uses: Prostatic enlargement with the inability to control urination.
Eschscholzia californica (Californian poppy)
Actions: Sedative.
Traditional Uses: Poor sleep, Anxiety.
Eucalyptus globulus
Actions: Expectorant, Antiseptic, Diaphoretic, Anti-rheumatic, Immune tonic.
Traditional Uses: Upper and Lower respiratory tract infections, Urinary tract infections, Laryngitis, Tonsillitis, Pharyngitis, Bronchitis, Sinusitis.
Eupatorium perfoliatum (Boneset)
Actions: Diaphoretic, Immune tonic. May stimulate anti-bacterial and anti-viral immunity, Expectorant.
Traditional Uses: Fever, Restores appetite, Flu with deep muscle pain, Colds with bronchial infection.
Euphrasia officinalis (Eyebright)
Actions:Anti-catarrhal, Astringent, Anti-inflammatory to the mucous membranes.
Traditional Uses: Sore itchy eyes from hayfever, Conjunctivitis, Nasal catarrh.
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Filipendula ulmaria (Meadowsweet)
Actions: Anti-inflammatory, Antacid.
Traditional Uses: Hyperacidity, Arthritis, Myalgia (muscle pain), Gastritis.
Foeniculum vulgare (Fennel)
Actions: Carminative, Diuretic, Expectorant, Anti-inflammatory, Galactogogue.
Traditional Uses: Colic and flatulence, Conjunctivitis, Blepharitis (inflammation of the margins of eye), Poor milk production.
Fucus vesiculosus (Kelp)
Actions: Iodine rich, Rich in minerals, Anti-obesic.
Traditional Uses: Obesity, Hypo-thyroid.
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Galega officinalis (Goats Rue)
Actions: Hypoglycaemic agent, Galactagogue.
Traditional Uses: Used to increase bust size, Reduce blood sugar, Increase milk secretion.
Galium aparine (Clivers)
Actions: Diuretic, Lymphatic cleanser.
Traditional Uses: Reducing body fat, Glandular fever, Tonsillitis, Breast engorgement, Menstrual breast lumps.
Gelsemium sempervirens (Yellow Jasmine)
Actions: Analgesic, Sedative.
Traditional Uses: Neuralgia, Migraine.
Geranium maculatum (American Cranesbill)
Actions: Astringent, Anti-haemorrhagic.
Traditional Uses: Diarrhoea, Haemorrhoids, Menorrhagia (heavy periods), Metrorrhagia (prolonged periods).
Ginkgo biloba (Maidenhair tree)
Actions: Circulatory stimulant, Peripheral vasodilator, Anti-platelet aggregator, Anti-oxidant.
Traditional Uses: Raynaud's disease, Thrombosis, Cerebral insufficiency, Intermittent claudication (cramps in legs), Impaired mental agility.
Glechoma hederacea (Ground Ivy)
Actions: Anti-catarrhal, Mild expectorant.
Traditional Uses: Chronic respiratory catarrh, Bronchitis, Tinnitus.
Glycyrrhiza glabra (Liquorice)
Actions: Expectorant, Demulcent, Anti-inflammatory, Cortisol-sparing, Adrenal restorative, Laxative, Vulnerary (healing agent).
Traditional Uses: Peptic ulcers, Bronchial catarrh, Adrenal fatigue, Constipation, Inflamed intestine.
Gymnema sylvestre
Actions: Hypoglycaemic.
Traditional Uses: Diabetes, Sugar cravings, Yeast overgrowth.
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Hamamelis virginiana (Witch hazel)
Actions: Astringent, Anti-haemorrhagic, Anti-inflammatory.
Traditional Uses: Diarrhoea, Piles, Sore throats, Varicose veins, Mucous colitis, Bruises.
Harpagophytum procumbens (Devils Claw)
Actions: Anti-inflammatory, Analgesic.
Traditional Uses: Rheumatism, Arthritis, Gout, Myalgia (muscle pain), Fibromyalgia.
Humulus lupulus (Hops)
Actions: Sedative, Hypnotic, Oestrogenic.
Traditional Uses: Poor sleep, Priapism, Intestinal spasm, Menopausal flushes and sleep deprivation, Neuralgia.
Hydrastis Canadensis (Golden Seal)
Actions: Oxytocic, Anti-bacterial, Mucous membrane tonic, Anti-haemorrhagic.
Traditional Uses: Menorrhagia (heavy periods), Respiratory catarrh, Bronchial infections, Post-partum haemorrhage, Appetite stimulant.
Hypericum perforatum (St Johns Wort)
Actions: Nervous system tropho-restorative, Seratonin Re-uptake Inhibitor, Anti-viral, Liver tonic, Analgesic.
Traditional Uses: Depression, Nervous debility, Shingles, Burn wounds.
Hyssopus officinalis (Hyssop)
Actions: Expectorant, Sedative.
Traditional Uses: Bronchitis, Catarrhal coughs, Nasal catarrh.
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Inula helenium (Elecampane)
Actions: Expectorant, Anti-bacterial, Lung tonic, Vermifuge.
Traditional Uses: Bronchial infections, Recurrent bronchial infections, Catarrhal cough, Worms.
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Juniperis communis (Juniper berry)
Actions: Diuretic, Urinary antiseptic, Anti-rheumatic, Carminative.
Traditional Uses: Cystitis, Flatulent colic, Kidney infection
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Lactuca virosa (Wild lettuce)
Actions: Mild sedative, Anodyne, Hypnotic
Traditional Uses: Insomnia, Restlessness in children, Irritable cough.
Lavendula angustifolia (Lavender)
Actions: Carminative, Anti-spasmodic, Sedative, Anti-septic.
Traditional Uses: Headaches, Flatulent dyspepsia, Insomnia, Burn wounds, Neuralgia.
Leonorus cardiaca (Motherwort)
Actions: Sedative, Anti-spasmodic, Hypothyroid, Emmenagogue.
Traditional Uses: Palpitations associated with hyperthyroidism, Palpitations associated with anxiety, Amenorrhea (absent periods).
Lobelia inflata (Indian tobacco)
Actions: Respiratory stimulant, Antasthmatic, Anti-spasmodic, Expectorant, Emetic.
Traditional Uses: Asthma, Chronic bronchitis, To reduce the craving for nicotine.
Lycopus virginicus (Bugleweed)
Actions: Anti-thyroid, Cardioactive diuretic, Increases the force of myocardial contraction and reduces heart rate.
Traditional Uses: Hyperthyroid with tachycardia and tremor.
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Marrubium vulgare (White horehound)
Actions: Expectorant, Bitter, Antiseptic.
Traditional Uses: Bronchitis, Catarrhal coughs, Lower respiratory tract infections.
Matricaria recutita (German Chamomile)
Actions: Sedative, Carminative, Antispasmodic, Anti-inflammatory.
Traditional Uses: Colic, Intestinal spasms, Inflammatory bowel disease, Gastritis, Eczema, Restless sleep.
Melissa officinalis (Lemon Balm)
Actions: Sedative, Diaphoretic (induces perspiration), Febrifuge, Anti-viral, Anti-thyroid.
Traditional Uses: Anxiety and restlessness, Mild depression, Palpitations of a thyroid origin.
Mentha piperita (Peppermint)
Actions: Carminative, Spasmolytic, Antemetic (anti-nausea), Diaphoretic (induces perspiration), Analgesic.
Traditional Uses: Colic or irritable bowel disorders, travel sickness, Pain relief for arthralgia or myalgia.
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Nepata cataria (Catnip)
Actions: Febrifuge (reduces a fever), Antispasmodic, Sedative.
Traditional Uses: Colds and flu in children, Nocturia in children, Sleeplessness in children.
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Olea europaea (Olive leaf)
Actions: Hypotensive, Anti-viral.
Traditional Uses: Colds and flu, Hypertension.
Origanum vulgare (Oregano)
Actions: Anti-fungal, Anti-bacterial, Antioxidant.
Traditional Uses: Bowel fungal overgrowth, athlete's foot, Helicobacter pylori, Bronchitis, Bronchiectasis, Bronchial asthma.
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Paeonia lactiflora (White Peony)
Actions: Anti-spasmodic, Skeletal muscle relaxant, Oestrogen modulator, anticonvulsant, anti-inflammatory, cognition enhancer, anti-allergic.
Traditional Uses: Polycystic ovary syndrome, Endometriosis, Fibroids, Adenomyosis, Excess testosterone or oestrogen, Epilepsy, Poor memory, Dysmenorrhoea, Menorrhagia, Cramps.
Panax ginseng (Korean ginseng)
Actions: Tonic.
Traditional Uses: A tonic for the elderly or debilitated, Poor libido, Enhance fertility, Adrenal fatigue.
Parietaria diffusa (Pellitory of the wall)
Actions: Diuretic.
Traditional Uses: Cystitis, Kidney stones.
Passiflora incarnata (Passion flower)
Actions: Sedative, Hypnotic, Antispasmodic, Hypotensive, Anodyne.
Traditional Uses: Poor sleep, Anxiety, Hypertension, Tension headaches.
Phytolacca decandra (Pokeroot)
Actions: Lymphatic depurative, Anti-inflammatory, Immune enhancing.
Traditional Uses: Tonsillitis, Glandular fever, Colds and flu with glandular swelling.
Piscidia erythrina (Jamaican dogwood)
Actions:Analgesic, Sedative, Anti-spasmodic.
Traditional Uses: Neuralgia, Whooping cough, Migraine, Insomnia.
Plantago lanceolata (Plantain leaf)
Actions: Demulcent, Refrigerant (cooling), Astringent, Anti-inflammatory.
Traditional Uses: Inflamed mucous membranes during hayfever season, Irritable cough, Excess mucus, Sore throat.
Ptychopetalum olacoides (Muira puama)
Actions: Aphrodisiac, Tonic, Enhances memory, Anti-depressant.
Traditional Uses: Used by the aging male for symptoms of Andropause.
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Ranunculus ficaria (Pilewort)
Actions: Astringent.
Traditional Uses: Haemorrhoids.
Rehmania glutinosa
Actions: Adrenal tonic, Anti-inflammatory, Hypoglycaemic agent.
Traditional Uses: Asthma, Rheumatoid arthritis, Fibromyalgia, Debility, Reducing the suppressive effect on the adrenal glands caused by corticosteroid treatment.
Rhodiola rosea
Actions: Adaptogenic, Anti-depressant, Anti-inflammatory.
Traditional Uses: Altitude sickness, Emotional exhaustion, Depression, Debility.
Rosa damacena (Rose)
Actions: Astringent, Thymoleptic (lifts the spirits).
Traditional Uses: Sore throats, Gastritis, Diarrhoea, Sadness.
Rosmarinus officinalis (Rosemary)
Actions: Thymoleptic, Sedative, Circulatory stimulant, Carminative, Liver tonic.
Traditional Uses: Improves mental concentration, Supports liver detoxification, Headache, Depression, Debility, Hypotension and poor circulation.
Rumex crispus (Curly dock)
Actions: Cholagogue, Bowel tonic.
Traditional Uses: Constipation, Skin diseases.
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Salix alba (White willow)
Actions: Anti-inflammatory, Febrifuge, Analgesic.
Traditional Uses: Arthritis, Headaches and migraine, Fevers.
Salvia officinalis (Sage)
Actions: Astringent, Anti-microbial, Antihyperhidrotic (reduces sweating)
Traditional Uses: Pharyngitis (sore throats), Excessive sweating, Menopausal symptoms, Mouth ulcers, Tonsillitis, Flatulent dyspepsia, Gingivitis, Stops excessive milk flow.
Schizandra chinensis
Actions: Liver tonic, Adaptogenic, Astringent, Nerve tonic, Antioxidant, Anti-tussive.
Traditional Uses: Liver disease, Debility, Insomnia, Chronic coughs, Aphrodisiac, Improving physical stamina, Night sweats.
Scrophularia nodosa (Figwort)
Actions: Dermatological agent, Depurative.
Traditional Uses: Chronic skin disease.
Scutellaria lateriflora (Skullcap)
Actions: Sedative, Anti-convulsive.
Traditional Uses: Anxiety and Nervous conditions, Headache, Tremor.
Serenoa serrulata (Saw Palmetto)
Actions: Male tonic, Urinary antiseptic, Antiprostatic.
Traditional Uses: Benign prostatic hyperplasia, Low libido, Inflammation of the urinary tract.
Smilax officinalis (Sarsaprilla)
Actions: Antipruritic, Antiseptic, Anti-inflammatory, possibly contains testosterone-like phyto-hormones.
Traditional Uses: Chronic skin eruptions, Psoriasis with irritation and heavy desquamation, Sexual weakness, Arthritis, Build muscle tissue.
Solidago virgaurea (Golden rod)
Actions: Anti-catarrhal, Anti-inflammatory, Diuretic.
Traditional Uses: Chronic catarrh, Chronic sinusitis, Tonsillitis, Pharyngitis, Cystitis, Urethritis.
Stachys officinalis (Betony)
Actions: Sedative, Bitter agent.
Traditional Uses: Headache, Anxiety, Nervous debility, Vertigo and dizziness.
Symphytum officinalis (Comfrey leaf)
Actions: Vulnerary, Demulcent, Cell-proliferant.
Traditional Uses: Fractures, Gastric ulcers, Ulcerative colitis, Dry cough.
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Tabebuia impetiginosa (Pau D'Arco)
Actions: Anti-fungal, Anti-parasitic, Anti-bacterial, Immune tonic.
Traditional Uses: Intestinal parasites, Systemic or Intestinal candida.
Tanacetum parthenium (Feverfew)
Actions: Vermifuge, Anti-inflammatory, Febrifuge, Anti-thrombotic, Vasodilator.
Traditional Uses: Migraines and headaches, Osteo -arthritis, Worms, Dysmenorrhea (painful periods), Amenorrhoea (absent periods).
Taraxacum officinalis (Dandelion)
Actions: Diuretic, Liver tonic, Cholagogue, Laxative.
Traditional Uses: Liver disorders, Inflammation of the gall bladder, Oedema, Cystitis.
Thuja occidentalis
Actions: Anti-viral, Expectorant, Nerve tonic.
Traditional Uses: Herpes, 'Flu, Post viral fatigue syndrome, Warts.
Thymus vulgaris (Thyme)
Actions: Anti-bacterial, Anti-fungal, Expectorant, Mucolytic, Anthelmintic.
Traditional Uses: Bronchitis, Catarrhal coughs, Cystitis, Candida, Worms
Tribulus terrestris
Actions: Tonic, Aphrodisiac, Fertility agent.
Traditional Uses: Male or female infertility, Loss of libido, Improves stamina.
Trifolium pratense (Red clover)
Actions: Gentle depurative, Oestrogen modulator.
Traditional Uses: Chronic skin disease, Menopausal symptoms.
Trigonella foenum-graecum (Fenugreek)
Actions: Demulcent, Nutritive, Laxative, Galactagogue.
Traditional Uses: Gastric ulcer, Diverticulosis, Colitis, Increases breast milk.
Turnera diffusa (Damiana)
Actions: Aphrodisiac, Thymoleptic, Stimulating tonic to the nervous system.
Traditional Uses: Low libido, Depression, Nervous exhaustion, Infertility.
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Uncaria tormentosa (Cats Claw)
Actions: Anti-inflammatory, Immune modulator, Antioxidant.
Traditional Uses: Low immunity, Debility, Rheumatoid or osteo-arthritis, Fibromyalgia, Autoimmune disease.
Urtica dioica (Nettle leaf, root and seeds)
Actions: Mineral tonic, Styptic (stops bleeding), Anti-allergic, Depurative, Anti-prostatic, Tonic.
Traditional Uses: Hayfever, Arthritis and gout, Menorrhagia (heavy periods), Chronic skin disorders, Benign prostatic hypertrophy, Debility in aging, Promoting hair growth, Spring tonic.
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Vaccinium myrtillus (Bilberry)
Actions: Strengthens blood vessel walls, Anti-oxidant.
Traditional Uses: Varicose veins, Haemorrhoids (Piles), Supports blood vessel integrity in diabetic retinopathy.
Valeriana officinalis (Valerian)
Actions: Anxiolytic, Hypnotic, Sedative, Anti-spasmodic.
Traditional Uses: Sleeplessness, Anxiety states, Muscular spasm, Colic of an anxiety origin, Migraine.
Verbena officinalis (Vervaine)
Actions: Gentle sedative, Nerve tonic, Anti-depressant, Galactagogue, Bitter agent.
Traditional Uses: Anxiety and nervousness, Depression caused by over-anxiety, Colic, Loss of appetite, Promotes lactation, Nervous exhaustion.
Viburnum opulus (Cramp bark)
Actions: Anti-spasmodic, Vasodilator, Astringent.
Traditional Uses: Dysmenorrhoea (painful periods), Threatened miscarriage, Spasm of voluntary and involuntary muscles, Hypertension (reduces blood pressure)
Viburnum prunifolium (Black Haw)
Actions: Anti-spasmodic with an affinity for the uterus, Astringent.
Traditional Uses: Dysmenorrhoea (painful periods), Postpartum bleeding.
Vinca minor (Lesser Periwinkle)
Actions: Cerebral stimulant, Cerebral Vasodilator, Hypotensive, Antispasmodic, Astringent, Sedative.
Traditional Uses: Hypertension (high blood pressure), Dementia due to insufficient blood supply to the brain, Menorrhagia (heavy periods), Anxiety states.
Viscum album (Mistletoe)
Actions: Hypotensive, Cardiac sedative, Vasodilator, Anti-cancer actions.
Traditional Uses: Lower heart rate and blood pressure, Epilepsy, Adjunctive therapy in cancer (Iscador).
Vitex agnus-castus (Agnus castus)
Actions: Hormone regulator, Anaphrodisiac (hence its name Monk's berry).
Traditional Uses: Amenorrhea, Menorrhagia, Acne, Fertility, Breast pain.
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Withania somnifera (Ashwaghanda)
Actions: Adaptogenic, Sedative, Immune modulator, Adrenal restorative.
Traditional Uses: Debility and exhaustion, Poor libido, Low immunity, Adrenal fatigue, poor memory and concentration, Fertility tonic.
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Zingiber officinalis (Ginger)
Actions: Circulatory stimulant, Anti-inflammatory, Anti-viral, Carminative, Antiemetic, Antiplatelet.
Traditional Uses: Nausea, Osteoarthritis, Colds and chills, Poor digestion, Poor peripheral circulation, Dysmenorrhea and menstrual blood clotting, Myalgia (muscle pain).
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