It started in Eden. God gave us a garden filled with wholesome vegetation. Plants are gift to humanity. They feed us, people, and further more they fuel the animal kingdom. Not only plants are the food source for us humans, but they help us with many ailments to improve our health. With copious amount of necessary nutrients, plants including herbs and spices can help us to live healthier, and therefore higher quality lives.
Substantial amount of people are realizing that food industry had failed us. We no longer know what we eat. It is time for us to take food back into our hands and take care of the bodies that God gave us. As the old saying goes: “We are what we eat.”
I have been interested in plants, herbs, spices and natural medicine for quite some time. I have been researching what plant aids to what body misalignment. Research lead me to make notes about our healthy plants. Because our lives are so busy, I merged the information into the most important and short version, where one can quickly see how each plant aids to our bodies.
Every plant on this site starts with bolded information of how it helps with particular conditions. If it is bolded it means that the plant has the highest impact on particular complaints.
Below bolded verbiage you can read additional information with which the plant can help you, including other interesting information.
Poems are here not only to entertain you, but perhaps to help you better memorize the important information about particular plant.
Recipes are aimed at using these herbs, spices and foods, so one can learn slowly to implemented it into daily use. Together we are stronger, therefore I invite you to post additional helpful information, including your own recipes. May love for each other be the center of this site. May God guide us to help each other.
Please note, this site is not here to replace your doctor’s advice.
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Kava kava
Piper methysticum
Relaxant, Pain
Anxiety – relaxes body and mind without losing mental alertness; restlessness; nervous tension; antispasmodic (internally and externally); mild depression; sleep aid; epilepsy; neuroprotective; enhances brain’s pleasure and reward signals
Pain – taken internally; relieves trauma pain due to anesthetic effect (heat up the leaf from and apply to trauma site); anti-inflammatory; rheumatic pain
Other uses – UTI; treatment of drug addiction; to paralyze hookworms before killing them; PMS; cancer (blocks tumor growth); sexual arousal; mouth wash for canker sores and toothache; eyes;
Parts used: leaves externally; roots (best extracted in fat such as coconut milk)
Best is to be warmed up in fat (don’t boil else it looses its medicinal properties)
It can be also soaked in cold coconut milk.
SE: liver damage (obtain frequent liver tests); nausea – add digestion aid such as ginger, cinnamon, cardamon; euphoria (if taken in access); mouth can go numb (normal); driving impairment; skin issues (clears once use is discontinued)
Contraindications: don’t take longer than 3 months; pregnancy; breastfeeding; caution if taken with other sedatives; liver disease; if taking antiviral medications
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Fenugreek
Trigonella foenum-graecum
GI, Nourishing, Women health, Circulatory
GI – soothing (gastritis, gastric ulcer), indigestion, laryngitis, sore throat
Nourishing – great for kids, anemia, anorexia, appetite stimulator – high in protein, copper, magnesium, manganese, iron, phosphorus (strengthens nerves, fatigue), sulfur, dietary fiber, B1, B2, B3
Women health – induces childbirth, increases milk production; gynecological problems (infection, inflammation – douche for discharge), cramping, PCOS
Circulatory – enhances blood circulation to the hair roots, anticoagulant
Other uses: fever, hay fever, balances cholesterol levels; lowers BG; it is anti-inflammatory, skin (boils, abscess, eczema, burns, improves complexion); gout; Parkinson’s; tinnitus; arthritis; cancer; makes glossy hair (massage in)
Used: seeds
Contraindication – pregnancy
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Red Clover
Trifolium pratense
Phytoestrogenic, Respiratory, Cleanser, Skin
Phytoestrogenic – regulates estrogen (increase it if low, and decrease it if high), menopausal symptoms (great as a combo with black cohosh), osteoporosis.
Respiratory – bronchitis, whooping cough, dry, spasmodic cough (soothing and expectorant)
Cleanser – lymphs, blood
Skin – skin conditions (great as a combo with burdock)
Other uses: colds, anticoagulant, cancer inhibitor (daily tea), lowers lipids, regulates blood sugar, anti-inflammatory, folk medicine used it for breast cancer (compresses), antispasmodic, hay, soil nitrogen-fixer.
Vitamin K1, A, rich in iron, copper, molybdenum, sodium, calcium, potassium, magnesium
Parts used: flowers; simmer in covered pot 10-20 min
Contraindications: pregnancy
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Uva-Ursi
Arctostaphylos uva-ursi
Antimicrobial (UTI), Vaginitis, Skin
Antimicrobial – primarily used with prevention and treatment of UTI (urinary tract infection) and works best in alkaline urine (avoid acidic diet – including cranberry juice)
Vaginitis – postpartum sitz bath – (tonifies and soothes vaginal and cervical tissue)
Skin – tannins – diminishes pigment and signs of aging when used topically
It has been used also as a mild diuretic; to stimulate uterine contractions; chronic diarrhea; prevention of kidney stones
Used: dried leaves (post flowering – late spring, to summer – arbutin is the most concentrated) (tea or tincture)
Contraindication: pregnancy (may have vasoconstricting effect on uterine lining); lactation; not recommended for children
Limit use to two weeks due to possible irritating effect of the gastric mucosa and kidneys (or combine with marshmallow and/or corn silk).
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Chamomile
Roman Chamomile
Chamaemelum nobile
German Chamomile
Matricaria recutita
Calming, Gi, Skin, Anti-inflammatory, Antimicrobial, Pain
Calming – mild sedative action, reduces stress (can be added to bath), relaxant, hyperactivity, insomnia, asthma, cough
Gi – digestive aid for sluggish digestion, flatulence, colic, pain, tones, helps with diarrhea, nausea, nervous dyspepsia (German), gastritis, IBS, Crohn’s disease, intestinal worms
Skin – wound healing, hemorrhoids (German), bed sores, itching, repairs damaged skin tissue, bites, boils, ulcers, rosacea, blemishes, hives, psoriasis, eczema, wounds, cuts, perineal tears
Anti-inflammatory – topically – boils, abscesses, canker sores, mouth ulcers (German), eyes, gastritis (internally)
Antimicrobial – antiviral, antibacterial, anti-fungal, yeast, periodontitis, cuts, wounds, conjunctivitis (pink eye) (German)
Pain – can be used externally and internally, premenstrual headaches, rheumatism, sore throat, neuralgia, teething (ice cubes), strained eyes
German chamomile is slightly stronger than the Roman one. Chamomile also promotes menstruation. It helps with mild fever (hot tea). It can be used as a final hair wash or night cap to lighten up blond hair. It is rich in calcium. When infusing chamomile, cover it so the tea does not lose the medicinal properties in the escaping vapor. The plant is well safe to use for babies.
Usage: leaves and flowers; flowers are most medicinal
Caution: allergic reaction; prolonged use; do not overuse during pregnancy
antibacterial, antifungal, babies, calming, chamomile, Chamomile roman, colic, eczema, essential-oils, flatulence, gastric, german chamomile, gi, healer, healing, health, herb, Herbs, indigestion, insomnia, natural, pain, plant, relaxant, sedative, skin, soothing, stomach, tea, wound -
Witch hazel
Hamamelis virginiana
Skin, Vasoconstrictor, Anti-inflammatory, Antimicrobial
Skin – insect bites, wrinkles, dark rings under eyes, sun damage, sunburn, burns, bee stings, rashes, skin irritation, acne, scalp sensitivity, perineal use post birth
Vasoconstrictor – (constricts blood vessels) varicose veins, hemorrhoids, bruises, postpartum, nose bleeds, extensively bleeding cuts/wounds (soak cloth and hold pressure), bleeding gums
Anti-inflammatory – inflammation of the skin such as post bug bites and other conditions, inflammation due to hemorrhoids, sore muscles, mucous membranes due to colds, sinusitis (combo with salt), perineal use post birth (soak pads in with hazel and freeze – apply to sooth), vaginitis (warm tea douche great with cypress combo to fight microbes)
Antibacterial – sore throat, strep throat – gargle, teeth cleanser, mouth wash, cold, flu, cold sores, respiratory aid – cough, inflamed airways, asthma (chest compresses, steam inhaling), vaginitis
Used: leaves, bark, young twigs, seeds (edible)
Caution: when used internally in excess – Gi irritation, vomiting, constipation; allergy (f.e. skin irritation,…)
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Nettle
Urtica spp.
Detoxifier, Anemia, Tonic, Hemostatic, Nutritional, Kidneys
Detoxifier – clears out waste products; prevents build up of uric acid = helpful with gout, rheumatism, arthritis
Anemia – weakness (helps to free iron from the liver storage)
Tonic – strengthens urinary system; enlarged prostate (BPH); fertility and pregnancy (high nutritional value) as it strengthens tissues of the uterus and vasculature
Hemostatic – K vitamin – treats excessive bleeding
Nutritional – calcium, potassium, iron, iodine, copper, magnesium, lecithin, sodium,, chlorine, phosphorous, silica, sulfur, C, A, D, K – great for breastfeeding mothers; menopause and PMS; curvy (C); thyroid (iodine); nerve and brain activity (iodine and silica); hair growth and color; skin – burns, bruises, dandruff, eczema, sores, insect bites; rhinitis, allergies and hay fever
Kidneys – diuretic, lowers blood pressure
Antidotes for stinging – Urtica Urens 30c homeopatic; Dock leaf (Rumex obtusifolius)
anemia, arthritis, bleeding, bph, detoxifier, enlarged prostate, food, gout, healing, hemostatic, herb, iron, natural, nettle, nutritious, pain, plant, rheumatism, skin, stinging, tonic, weed -
Valerian
Valeriana officinalis
Relaxant, Gi, Pain, Circulatory
Relaxant – sleep aid for insomnia (10% of people opposite effect – test), restlessness, stress relief, depression, hysteria
Gi – indigestion from emotional upset, gas, bloating
Pain – menstrual cramps, neuralgia, ointment topically, headache (tension), antispasmodic
Circulatory – warming; increases circulation to heart, lungs and stomach
The plant has also slight diuretic effect. It can be used for excessive caffeine intake. Attracts earthworms to garden. Valerian combines well with hops, passionflower, and lemon balm for calming effect.
Used: all of the parts, but roots are the strongest; can be taken as capsules, tea infusion, tincture or raw; take one week break each month
Contraindication: pregnancy; breastfeeding; can cause next day grogginess
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Mullein
Verbascum thapsus
Respiratory, Urinary tract, Ear ache, Anti-inflammatory
Respiratory – dry cough, expectorant, bacterial lung infections, asthma, bronchitis, lung congestion, inflammation of trachea, laryngitis
Urinary tract – bladder weakness (root), cystitis, diuretic
Ear ache – infused warm mullein flower oil with combination of garlic oil – always treat both ears
Anti-inflammatory – eyes, skin, sunburn
Pain, Swollen glands; Wounds and cuts – enhances effects of plantain; Mites in dogs; Hair color; hemorrhoids; diarrhea; warts
Used: leaves (infusion or smoked), roots
Contraindications: oil inside the ear if punctured eardrum is present; pregnant; breastfeeding; allergic reaction
Herbs, Spices, Weeds, Plants and more 