Some Basic Information about Using Herbs
But First the Disclaimer : All the information has been collected from various reputable sources and I thank the original writers. I have collected this information to one place to enable you to use it as a basic reference point. It is always best to do further research on herbs and their uses to enable you to truly understand the workings of a particular herb and its practical use for you.
Pursuant to State & Federal Laws, Accolent is unable to make claims as to the effectiveness of products sold by Accolent for medical, health, or super-natural purposes. I do not claim to be a medical practitioner in any form, and my products are not a substitute for competent medical care. I am not responsible for the purchase/and or use by a customer of any product that contains a known, or unknown allergen. Accolent does not bear any liability for the consequences of self treatment – research and advice from a qualified, practising Medical Advisor/Naturopath/Homeopath will always be the sensible approach.
All information presented is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies, clinical research and traditional usage. Results may not necessarily occur in all individuals. Natural Remedies may in some cases have an adverse reaction or interact badly with medications already being prescribed to some people. It is important to seek advice from your Medical Adviser before trying new products.
DO NOT cease taking any prescribed medications until you have checked with your doctor, naturopath, homeopath or other medical adviser.
Each of the items described within the Accolent store website is being sold as a dietary supplement. The herbal and health information provided is intended for educational purposes only. The support products described are intended solely as food and dietary supplements to enhance general health, and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Nothing listed should be considered as medical advice for dealing with a given problem.
Please note that I am legally not permitted to recommend or prescribe any herbs or dosages for medicinal use – Accolent is only the seller of quality herbs.
Some of The Benefits of Tea
More and more research and studies of the health benefits of drinking tea is being completed all over the world. Research and studies to date have shown by the drinking of various types of herbal tea, many benefits may be obtained …… Antioxidants to remove free radicals from the body Reduce the risks of heart disease Reduce the risk of stroke Reduce the risk of blood clots Bad cholesterol is removed from the body High blood pressure is reduced Blood sugar reduced Assist with reducing arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis Help prevent osteoporosis Help prevent allergies Assist in preventing colds and flu Assisting with the symptoms of colds and flu Keeping fluid balance Relieve fatigue Boost the immune system Provides fluoride assisting in oral care and less cavities Helps the liver Assists with stress relief And no doubt further studies will uncover more uses for the humble teas.
Drinking tea has its pleasures, but to know that drinking tea is a healthy decision and that drinking different herbal blends to assist your mind and body is safe, is a wonderful way to partake of the benefits of our natural world. Most research completed to date has been done on loose leaf teas. It appears that the very processed, powdered and tea bag teas have fewer or none of the antioxidant properties of loose tea. Loose teas use the whole leaf, while tea bags use cut, ground or dust, which produce fewer antioxidants and more caffeine. Another thing to consider is bleach residue, a chemical on the tea bag. Tea – unlimited tastes and combinations that not only taste great, but are actually very good for you. Herbal teas are often much more potent than the store bought manufactured teas. Many store bought herbal teas have been ground to a very fine powder to enable infusion through the tea bags, these teas, generally speaking, have NOT the same potency as basic dried herbs that haven’t been ground to fine powders etc. The less the herbs have been manufactured, the greater the potency. The flavour of some herbs can be quite strong, and at times unpleasant. Use herbs like Stevia – a very, very small amount is needed as Stevia is sweeter than sugar, has no calories and is suitable for diabetics. Other herbs such as licorice, anise, peppermint, spearmint and many more are wonderful if used not only for their individual merits, but the flavours usually cover the taste of any unpleasant tasting herbs you may need to use.
To make the tea, generally use one or two heaped teaspoonsful of dried herbs per cup of boiling water. After boiling the water, leave for a minute or two, this will ensure when poured over the herbs they wont burn or scorch. Allow to infuse for approximately 10 minutes, or more, strain and sip away. Some herbs do require longer infusing times and some roots and seeds require to be boiled. Generally, consume two or three times daily.
As a general rule, teas made from the leaf or flower of the herb should be allowed to infuse for 10/15 minutes. Teas using the bark or roots should be simmered for at least 15 minutes to 30 minutes. Metal and plastic are not suitable for steeping teas. If preparing additional quantity of your herbal tea, keep in a thermos flask for later but do not keep for more than 24 hours. To make a herbal tea from a tincture or extract, place the suggested number of drops of the extract into a cup of hot water, allow to sit for five minutes to allow some of the alcohol to evaporate.
Different Methods to extract the Goodness Out of the Herbs
Herbal Baths Is as much a treatment as anything else. Soluble ingredients like baking soda or aloe vera gel are simply dissolved in the hot water. Dried herbs can be placed into a cotton bag and hung from the flowing taps and then to wallow in the bath. Usually use around 150 g of dried herbs per bath. Occasionally, give a gentle squeeze to the bag of herbs and use this rich extract on the areas requiring attention or just swish into the general bath water.
Decoctions A decoction is herbs that have been simmered in water. It is the best method for drawing the healing elements from tough plant parts such as bark roots, stems and heavy leaves. To make a decoction use approx. 30 g. of dried herbs to 600 mls. water which has been brought to a boil. Keep the water just below boiling for about 30 minutes and let the herbs simmer. Simmering may take up to 1 hour, depending on the herb used. A higher heat than infusions is necessary because of the toughness of the plant parts. Decoctions should always be strained while hot, so that the matter that separates on cooling may be mixed again with the fluid by shaking when the remedy is used. Use glass, ceramic or earthenware pots, or clean, unbroken enameled cast iron. Do not use plain cast iron with astringent plants.
Electuary To produce a more pleasant taste or to make them easier to use internally, powdered herbs are mixed with juice, syrup, honey, brown sugar, or glycerin. These are rarely prepared in advance, but are done when needed. Different substances need different proportions of syrup. Light vegetable powders usually require twice their weight, gum resins 2/3 their weight, mineral substances about half their weight. If an electuary is made up in advance and it hardens, add more syrup. If it swells up and emits gas, beat it in a mortar.
Extracts are solid substances resulting from the evaporation of the solution of vegetable principles. The extract is obtained in three ways: by expressing the juice of fresh plants, by using a solvent such as alcohol, or simmering a plant tea and reducing it to a thickened state. The last is done by simmering a plant and by repeating the process until most of the water used has evaporated, making a decoction. This gives a distillation of the most active principles in the plant. Add 1/4 teaspoon of alcohol (brandy, gin or vodka will do), glycerin, or tincture of benzoine to preserve the extract.
Fomentations - A fomentation is a strong herbal tea in which a clean cloth is dipped then applied to the affected part.
Infusions: Usual Method for Most Dried Herbs Infusions are a process of soaking herbs in water for a longer period of time than making a general herbal tea.
Hot Infusion : To make an infusion, boil water. Allow the boiled water to cool for a minute or two – this ensures the herbs will not be burnt/scorched. Usually use one or two heaped teaspoonsful of dried herbs per cup of water. Cover and let steep for 10- 30 minutes, strain and cool. Are taken as teas, added to the bath, used on furniture and floors, and to anoint the body. Seeds, resins, nuts, barks, roots and powdered herbs may be used in infusions, but to extract most goodness from these, will require to be simmered.
Cold infusion : Steep in cold water or cold milk for several hours. Wet, mashed herbs can be used internally as a tea or as poultices on the body.
Oils: Aromatic oils and rectified alcohol can be combined. The oils seep into the alcohol to produce an essence. Oils may be captured by evaporation from flower petals. Vegetable, nut, or fruit oils can be used as a medium for steeping aromatic plants to extract volatile oils. Aromatic oils can also be steeped in alcohol to extract essence. To make an oil, pick your own fresh herbs or purchase dried herbs form a reputable source. Pack a large jar with the chosen herb and pour in any favorite mono unsaturated or polyunsaturated oil. Use enough to cover the herb. Close tightly. Label the jar and place in a sunny place for several weeks. Strain out the herb by pouring through cheesecloth into a fresh jar. Hold the cheesecloth over the opening of the jar containing the herbs and secure with a rubber band. Invert the jar and pour the infused oil through the cheesecloth. Before discarding the herbs, squeeze all the oil out of them. Repeat the entire procedure. Repack a clean jar with more of the same herb. Add the infused oil, plus enough additional oil to cover the herbs. Keep in sunlight, then again strain through the cheesecloth and place into a labeled jar and store until required.
Ointments - An ointment is a soothing, healing, slightly oily or fatty substance into which the essence of a healing plant has been dissolved. This is done by heating the fat or oil with the plant until it loses its normal colour and the oil or fat has absorbed the healing chemical principles. The plant is then strained out, and beeswax is added to harden the ointment. Preservatives such as drops of tincture of benzoin, poplar bud tincture, or glycerin are optional additions. If you make ointments in small batches and keep them tightly closed with paraffin wax, they won't decompose. The traditional folk, herbal, and pharmaceutical base for ointments is pork lard. Purify it by simmering and straining. It has healing abilities even without the addition of herbs, but so do a lot of fats and oils. It is said to have great drawing power. Purified, liquefied anhydrous lanolin is also used as a base for ointments. Lanolin is the substance washed from the wool of sheep. It comes in many levels of purity, so the results vary depending on the product. This oil is the closest to skin oil. Almond oil, cocoa butter, wheat germ, and vitamin E are neutral bases for ointments. . All ointments must contain one substance that will thicken the final product. Lanolin is a thickener, as is cocoa butter. Both are non sticky and mix well with most other oils. Other useful but sticky thickeners are glycerin, honey, or liquid lecithin. Also, various powdered resins and gum swell up and thicken when first soaked in cold water, then simmered in gently boiling water, and added to preparations. Agar-agar and Irish moss are seaweed thickeners. Green apples provide and excellent acid fruit pectin that is a good addition to creams and ointments. While any of the above sticky and non sticky thickeners will help swell a product and keep it emulsified, you will still need some wax to harden a cold cream or ointment. Beeswax is perfect, although expensive. It may be combined with paraffin wax.
Poultices A hot poultice can be very comforting to a distressed person. The active ingredients will be absorbed through the skin. Place a steamer, colander, sieve over a pot of rapidly boiling water. Lay chopped herbs in the steamer, and reduce the heat to simmering temperature, cover the pot. Allow the steam to thoroughly penetrate and wilt the herbs. After about five minutes, spread the warmed and softened mixture on a clean, white, loosely woven cloth (like cheese cloth) and apply to the affected area. To hold in the heat, you can over-wrap the poultice with something warm. The poultice should remain in place for 20 – 30 minutes and in need, overnight. Poultices are effective for bruises, putrid sores, to soothe abrasions, help to withdraw toxins. They may be applied hot or cold, depending on the health need. Cold poultices (and compresses) are used to withdraw the heat from an inflamed or congested area. Use a hot poultice or compress to relax spasms and for some pains.
Syrups: Medicinal syrups are formed when sugar is incorporated with vegetable infusions, decoctions, expressed juices, fermented liquors, or simple water solutions. Sometimes tinctures are added to a simple syrup, and the alcohol is evaporated. The tincture is sometimes combined with sugar and gently heated, or exposed to the sun until the alcohol is evaporated. The syrup is then prepared with the impregnated sugar and water. Refined sugar makes a clearer and better flavoured syrup - any simple syrup can be preserved by substituting glycerin for a certain portion of the syrup. Always make syrups in small quantities. To make herbal syrup, add 60 g of dried herbs to 1 litre of water in a pot. Boil down to reduce then add 1-2 tablespoons of honey. If you want to use fresh fruit, leaves, or roots in syrups, you should double the amount of herbs. Store in refrigerator for up to a month. Honey-based syrups are simple and effective way to preserve healing qualities of herbs. Syrups can soothe sore throats and provide some relief from coughs.
Tea Infusion Herbal teas are often much more potent than the store bought teas. The flavour can be quite strong, and at times unpleasant. Using herbs like Stevia – a very, very small amount is needed as Stevia is sweeter than sugar, has no calories and is suitable for diabetics. To make the tea, generally use one or two heaped teaspoonsful of dried herbs per cup of boiling water. After boiling the water, leave for a minute or two, this will ensure when poured over the herbs they wont burn or scorch. Allow to infuse for approximately 10 minutes, strain and sip away. As a general rule, teas made from the leaf or flower of the herb should be allowed to infuse for 10 /15 minutes. Teas using the bark or roots should be simmered for at least 15 minutes and then allowed to infuse for at least another 5 minutes. Metal and plastic are not suitable for steeping teas. If preparing additional quantity of your herbal tea, keep in a thermos flask for later. To make a herbal tea from a tincture or extract, place the suggested number of drops of the extract into a cup of hot water, allow to sit for five minutes to allow some of the alcohol to evaporate.
Tinctures - Tinctures are solutions of medicinal substances in alcohol or diluted alcohol. To make a tincture, grind plant parts with mortar and pestle (or a blender). Add just enough high-quality vodka, whiskey or grain alcohol to cover herbs. Let sit for 21 days then add a small quantity of glycerin (about 2 tbls per litre, about 10 % volume of spring water. Strain and store in airtight amber colored glass. If kept cool and dry it will last for up to 5 years. Dose is usually 20 drops in a cup of tea or warm water, 4 times a day. For a stronger tincture place herbs in a cone-shaped piece of parchment paper. Pass alcohol repeatedly through the powdered or cut herb. Catch the slow drippings in a jar. When it has passed once, you may use it, but the more you repeat the process, the stronger the tincture will be. It is acceptable to dilute any alcohol tincture with water. Add approx. 125mls. of water and 1 teaspoon of glycerin for every 600mls of alcohol .The glycerin is optional, it is an additional preservative. Non Alcoholic Tincture Alcohol is a near perfect preservative of plant attributes. If for some reason you wish to evaporate the alcohol, add the tincture dose to a cup of water then add 1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon of boiling water. Some herbs can be steeped in milk to make a milk tincture. Strain out the herbs, and store in a labeled jar in the refrigerator.
For those following traditional magick, begin your tinctures on the night of the new moon, and strain on the full moon, so that the waxing powers of the moon extract the maximum amount of healing agents from the herbs.
Vapour Inhalation Herbal inhalation is very helpful for respiratory and sinus conditions. It assists to open congested sinuses and lung passages, helping to discharge mucus and to breathe more easily. Fill a pot – not too wide or tall, with water, add your herbs and allow to boil then turn down heat to simmer for five minutes. Remove the pot from the heat and allow to cool slightly. Drape a towel over your head, like a tent over the pot, lean over and inhale the steam for at least five minutes. Please note: If the mixture is too hot, it may burn the nasal passages.
Vinegars Herbs that are soluble in alcohol are usually soluble in vinegar, and are useful for salad vinegars, cosmetic vinegars, some liniments and preventive sickroom "washes". Waters Distilled water and alcohol and steeped herbs plus honey and other fruits are often called waters. Sometimes extracts or spirits of various herbs, such as lavender, are also called waters.
Caution IS Needed With Herbs
There are many common misconceptions regarding herbal healing. Safety with any treatment is essential for overall health and well-being, whether it be allopathic or alternative in nature.
Herbs Are Medicine - Herbs must be treated with the very same respect that most of us give to prescription drugs. Many herbs can be harmful in large or prolonged dosages, as can most anything in this life. Many herbs can be addictive after long term improper use. Some are poisonous. Some can have toxic side effects if not properly balanced with herbs that counteract those effects.
Herbs should never be used indiscriminately without the proper guidance of a health care professional. Herbs should never be used on a daily basis without the proper guidance of a health care professional. Many people feel that just because herbs are natural, they can't be hurt by them - herbs are medicine, know what you are taking, how much you are taking and how long you will take it for.
Never cease taking any prescribed medications until you have discussed your situation with your health care professional. More Is Not Always Better - Many people think that if a little makes me feel better, a lot will make me feel wonderful. This is not the case with herbs. Dosages need to be carefully controlled, as with any medicine, whether prescribed by your doctor or an alternative treatment. You wouldn't swallow a whole bottle of antibiotics at one time to kill a bacterial infection - apply the same caution to herbal medicines. It is possible to overdose!
Herbs work slowly, with the body and its own natural defenses. You must give herbs time to work before changing your dosages. In this modern world of a "pill for everything", we have come to expect instant cures, instant relief. You should note that with chronic illness, even prescription drugs take time to work. The same applies with herbal medicines. Give herbs time to work and support them with a proper diet, exercise, sufficient rest and patience. If the herbs aren't working for you after a suitable time (often around 4 – 6 weeks), the incorrect combinations, dosages, or you aren't adhering to a proper healing regimen could be the reason.
Contact a health care professional for guidance as to what works best for you. Your Dose May Not be My Dose - Age and body size as well as symptoms play an important part in determining dosage of medicines. The dose must fit the individual. The dosages need to be based on the illness treated, your past and present medical history, your age, your weight, and several other factors. Combinations must be chosen so as not to interfere with any specifics with your particular body, and so as not to further aggravate that which is being treated. A health care professional can help you choose the proper combinations and dosages for your unique body and health concerns.
Advise Your Doctor - You wouldn't hide the fact that you are a smoker or a drinker or have a heart condition from your physician, and it is just as important to advise your health professional that you are using herbal medicines.
Some herbs can have serious adverse reactions when improperly mixed with prescription drugs. Even natural herbs can have unwelcome and sometimes very adverse reactions. Herbal healing is becoming much more main stream today, and many physicians are learning about herbs as medicine. If yours isn't, then help educate him or her, or find a doctor that can help you work with your herbs. Most communities have herbal professionals, naturopathic doctors, Chinese Medicine practitioners, and other professionals that are trained in the proper uses of the healing herbs. Find one that you can relate to and feel comfortable with, before you make some major mistakes with your precious body.
Herbs are a group of several thousand plants with widely varying actions. Some nourish, some tonify, some stimulate and some have a sedative effect and some are potential poisons. To use them wisely and well, we need to understand each category.
Herbs that nourish are the safest of all herbs; side effects are rare. Nourishing herbs are usually taken in any quantity for any length of time. They are used as foods, just like spinach. Nourishing herbs provide high levels of proteins, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, carotenes, and essential fatty acids. Some of the nourishing herbs are: alfalfa, amaranth, astragalus, calendula flowers, chickweed, comfrey leaves, dandelion, fenugreek, flax seeds, honeysuckle flowers, lamb’s quarter, marshmallow, nettles, oatstraw, plantain (leaves/seeds), purslane, red clover blossoms, seaweed, Siberian ginseng, slippery elm, violet leaves, and wild mushrooms.
Tonifying herbs act slowly in the body and have a cumulative, rather than immediate, effect. They build the functional ability of an organ (like the liver) or a system (like the immune system). Tonifying herbs are most beneficial when they are used in small quantities for extended periods of time. The more bitter the tonic tastes, the less you need to take. Bland tonics are usually taken in quantity, like nourishing herbs. Side effects occasionally occur with tonics, but are usually quite short-term. Some herbalists mistakenly equated stimulating herbs with tonifying herbs, leading to widespread misuse of many herbs, and severe side effects. Some of the tonifying herbs are: barberry bark, burdock root/seeds, chaste tree, crone(mug)wort, dandelion root, echinacea, elecampane, fennel, garlic, ginkgo, ginseng, ground ivy, hawthorn berries, horsetail, lady’s mantle, lemon balm, milk thistle seeds, motherwort, mullein, pau d’arco, raspberry leaves, schisandra berries, turmeric root, usnea, wild yam, and yellow dock.
Sedating and stimulating herbs may cause a variety of rapid reactions, some of which may be unwanted. Some parts of the person may be stressed in order to help other parts. Strong sedatives and stimulants, whether herbs or drugs, push us outside our normal ranges of activity and may cause strong side effects. If we rely on them and then try to function without them, we wind up more agitated (or depressed) than before we began. Habitual use of strong sedatives and stimulants - whether opium, rhubarb root, cayenne, or coffee - leads to loss of tone, impairment of functioning, and even physical dependency. The stronger the herb, the more moderate the dose needs to be, and the shorter the duration of its use.
Herbs that tonify and nourish while sedating/stimulating are some of my favorite herbs. Use them freely, as they do not cause dependency. Sedating/stimulating herbs that also tonify or nourish: boneset, catnip, citrus peel, cleavers, ginger, hops, lavender, marjoram, motherwort, oatstraw, passion flower, peppermint, rosemary, sage, skullcap. Strongly sedating/stimulating herbs include: angelica, black pepper, blessed thistle root, cayenne, cinnamon, cloves, coffee, licorice, opium poppy, osha root, shepherd’s purse, sweet woodruff, turkey rhubarb root, uva ursu leaves - bearberry, valerian root, wild lettuce sap, willow bark, and wintergreen leaves.
Potentially poisonous herbs are intense, potent medicines that are taken in tiny amounts and only for as long as needed. Side effects are common. Examples of potentially poisonous herbs are: belladonna, blood-root, celandine, chaparral, foxglove, goldenseal, henbane, iris root, Jimson weed, lobelia, May apple (American mandrake), mistletoe, poke root, poison hemlock, stillingia root, turkey corn root, wild cucumber root. If unsure of the herb’s use, or if it will interact with prescribed medications, ALWAYS check with a professional – herbs are medicine.
The safety of any herbal remedy is dependent on the way it is prepared and used. Tinctures and extracts contain the alkaloids, or poisonous, parts of plants and need to be used with care and wisdom. Tinctures are as safe as the herb involved (see cautions below for tonifying, stimulating, sedating, or potentially poisonous herbs). Best used/sold as simples, not combinations, especially when strong herbs are being used. Dried herbs made into teas or infusions contain the nourishing aspects of the plants and are usually quite safe, especially when nourishing or tonifying herbs are used. Dried herbs in capsules are generally the least effective way to use herbs. They are poorly digested, poorly utilised, often stale or ineffective, and quite expensive. Infused herbal oils are available as is, or thickened into ointments. They are much safer than essential oils, which are highly concentrated and can be lethal if taken internally. Herbal vinegars are not only decorative but mineral-rich as well. A good medium for nourishing and tonifying herbs; not as strong as tinctures for stimulants/sedatives. Herbal glycerins are available for those who prefer to avoid alcohol but are usually weaker in action than tinctures.
Some Poisonous Herbs Please exercise caution and seek guidance from your health care professional if using the undermentioned herbs : Aconite Apple Balsam Apple Bitter Azaleas Baneberry Belladonna, Bloodroot Black Bryony White Bryony Cabbage Tree Calabar Bean Calotropis Caster Beans Celladine Cherry Laurel Clematis Coca Cocculus Dropwort Elder Berry Foxglove Gelsemium Goldenseal Hellebore Hemlock Hemp Ignatius Beans Poison Ivy Laburnum Mountain Laurel Lily of the Vallet Lovage Mescal Morning Glory Nightshade Nutmeg and Mace Nux Paris Pokeroot Poppy Saffron Spurges Stavesacre Stophanthus Tansy Thornapple Wake Robin Wolfsbane Wormwood Yew Herbs Not Safe During Pregnancy
Remember, everything you eat or drink passes through the placenta and into your baby. This includes: Food, Allergies, Drugs – all kinds, alcohol, caffeine, tobacco, x-rays and ultra-sound. All these things can pose a health risk to your baby. The baby may be born with defects or develop serious health problems as it grows up. Other complications can be: infertility, miscarriage, low birth weight, mental defects and physical deformity.
Some Herbs to be cautious of are: Don’t forget to watch the herbs used in cooking too. This list can no doubt be increased. Agave, Aloes Angelica Artimegia Bayberry Bethroot Birthwort Black Walnut Blue and Black Cohosh Blue Flag Buchu Buckthorn Calendula Cascara Sagrada Caster Oil Coffee Cotton Root Cubeb Berry Dong Quai False Unicorn Root Feverfew Flaxseed Ginseng Goldenseal Hops Horsetail Juniper Berry Lemon Balm Licorice Male Fern Milkweed Mistletoe Motherwort Oceteo Osha Pennyroyal Perriwinklw Pipsisiwa Plurisy Root Pokerfoot Pyrola Rhuburb Root Rue Sage Senna Shepards Purse Tansy Uva Ursi (Bearberry) Verbane Wormwood Yarrow Yew Yucca Herbs to be avoided or short term use for those suffering with Hepatitus C There are a range of herbs that are toxic to the liver. This includes many of the herbs commonly used for nervous conditions. As many people living with hepatitis C experience depression and sleep disorders there is a high probability of coming across such herbs when looking for natural remedies. Check the ingredients in natural sedative preparations before commencing on treatment.
All of the herbs listed below should not be taken internally as a regular treatment for people with hepatitis C. Always use natural herbal preparations with caution and seek professional advice before commencing treatment. Barberry Berberis vulgaris, also Oregon Grape Berberis aquifolium has been used to promote bile flow and may be present in liver tonics. Comfrey Symphytum officinale has been linked in some research to liver cancer and should never be taken internally. The main uses for comfrey are external in the form of poultices and creams. Golden Ragwort Senecio aureus is a close relative of groundsel and may be used for the treatment of internal haemorrhaging, genito-urinary tract infections, for female complaints and in childbirth. It is best to avoid unless under strict medical supervision as it may prove toxic. Groundsel Senecio vulgaris may be used in homeopathic medicines. It was once used in conditions relating to blood circulation or haemorrhaging, however today it is most likely to be used externally as a wash for cuts. Groundsel should not be taken internally as large doses can cause liver damage. Huang qin (Skullcap baicalensis) Scutelaria baicalensis is used in traditional Chinese medicine mainly to clear heat from the respiratory and digestive systems. It may also be used to treat skin and urinary tract infections, and for high blood pressure when it is associated with over heating. Misletoe Viscum album lowers blood pressure and slows the heart rate. It may be used in combination with other herbs or in medical treatments for hypertension and nervous complaints. Pennyroyal Mentha piperita officianalis may be used for minor gastric disturbances nausea headache and menstrual cramps or as an ingredient in a mixture for coughs and colds. The oil is potentially very toxic and should be used externally only (not to be eaten) Sassafras Sassafras albidum is a carminative used in gastrointestinal complaints and as a purgative for constipation. The oil should never be taken internally as it can cause liver and kidney damage. Scullcap Scutelaria latiflora is used to treat nervous conditions and can be found in herbal nerve tonics, pre-menstrual and epilepsy treatments. Senna Cassia senna is used as a laxative. Valerian Valariana officinalis, also known as Garden Heliotrope, is a herb that is often used for nervous and sleep disorders. Wall Germander Teucrium chamaedrys, may be called simply germander, is mainly used in gall bladder and digestive disorders. The herb may be used as a tea to aid digestion or for the relief of gout. Wood Sage Tuecrium scordonia is a close relative to germander, however whether this is also toxic to the liver is unclear. It is advised that you seek professional advice before taking preparations containing wood sage. In addition, consider these thoughts given to me by a lady who found them on the internet (thank you to the original writer) Herbs safely. Respect the power of plants to change the body and spirit in dramatic ways. Increase trust in the healing effectiveness of plants by trying remedies for minor or external problems before, or while, working with major and internal problems. Develop ongoing relationships with knowledgeable healers - in person or in books - who are interested in herbal medicine.
Honour the uniqueness of every plant, every person, every situation. Remember that each person becomes whole and healed in their own unique way, at their own speed. People, plants, and animals can help in this process. But it is the body/spirit that does the healing. Don’t expect plants to be cure-alls.
Glossary and Definitions
A simple guide to those words often used in herbal and medicinal information
Abortifacient brings on an abortion, often only in very large and toxic doses
Alkaloid compound that contains nitrogen, and often has multiple medicinal applications Alterative gently improves the condition of the body
Anaesthetic a substance producing either local or general loss of sensation
Analgesic relieves pain, without producing anaesthesia or loss of consciousness
Anodyne general pain reliever
Anthelmintic helps kill and get rid of parasites in the body
Antibacterial destroys or stops the growth of bacteria Antibiotic destroys or stops the growth of microorganisms in the body
Anticatarrhal cuts down on mucus or stops the production
Anticoagulant prevents clotting Antifungal destroys or stops the growth of fungi, such as athlete's foot
Anti-inflammatory reduces or counteracts inflammations
Antineoplastic tumor inhibitors
Antioxidant inhibits or prevents oxidation
Antispasmodic relieves voluntary and involuntary muscle spasms
Antipyretic relieves or reduces fever
Antitussive prevents or eliminates coughing
Antiviral inhibits or eliminates a virus
Aphrodisiac creates or enhances sexual arousal Aromatherapy relies on the aroma of healing plants to stimulate healing, relaxation, mood alteration, and overall well-being
Astringent firms organs and tissues as well as reduces excretions
Bolus an herbal suppository inserted in the vagina or rectum
Calmative soothing action on the body's systems
Carcinogenic causes cancer Cardiac about or relating to the heart
Cardiotoxic having a harmful effect on the heart
Carminative relieves intestinal gas and accompanying annoyances Catarrh inflammation of the mucous membranes of the nose and breathing passages, sometimes chronically Cystitis inflammation and irritation of the urinary bladder
Decoction an extract made by putting the parts of a healing plant into water and bringing it to a boil, then cooled and strained for medicinal use
Demulcent protects and soothes internal mucous membranes
Derivative a substance formed from a primary compound by chemical reaction
Dermatitis inflammation or irritation of the skin
Detoxicant eliminates toxins
Diuretic eliminates excess fluids and aids the kidneys and bladder
Essential oil plant oils, usually highly scented, extracted from healing plants for healing applications
Expectorant aids discharge of phlegm and mucous from the lungs and throat
Extract withdrawing the desired constituents from a plant through physical and/or chemical means
Fast to abstain from all or most foods for a specific period
Fomentation a hot compress made by soaking a cloth in a decoction or infusion, then applying externally
Haemorrhage is bleeding Hepatic having to do with the liver
Herbalism the practice of identifying and using plants that have medicinal qualities Histamine an amine present in many tissues, release of which may cause dilatation of capillary blood vessels, flushing etc.
Homeopathy a system of medicine that stresses the administration of minute doses that would produce symptoms of the disease in healthy persons; it is based on the system belief that "like cures like"
Hyperpyrexia abnormally high body temperature
Hypertension abnormally high blood pressure
Hypertensive raises the blood pressure, or deals with high blood pressure
Hypotension abnormally low blood pressure
Hypotensive lowers the blood pressure, or deals with low blood pressure
Hypnotic relaxant and sedative that induces sleep Infusion medicinal made by pouring boiling water over an herb, or adding an herb to boiling water, similar to a tea J
aundice yellowing of the skin caused by bile pigments in the tissues
Lactifuge increases flow of milk in mothers
Lacrimation the secretition of tears
Laxative aids in promoting bowel movements
Liniment a liquid or thin paste used externally as a pain reliever or counter-irritant
Metabolism chemical reactions occurring in organisms or is systems derived from organisms, where the function of nutrition is affected.
Naturopathy medical treatment based on using natural plants and agents as well as natural healing methods to cause a cure or prevention
Neurotoxic harmful to nerve tissue
Nervine strengthens and normalises the nervous system
Ointment a solid form of medication applied to the skin
Opthalmic soothes and heals the eyes
Photosensitive a heightened sensitivity to light or direct sun
Poultice a plaster applied externally, usually hot
Purgative super laxative, promote bowel movements and stimulate intestinal activity
Rubefacient (word means making redder) stimulate circulation when topically applied to the skin
Salicin is a glycoside substance in a plant that is related to many pain relievers like aspirin. Poplars and willows are a common source
Salve the same as an ointment
Saponin glycoside substance in a plant that makes foamy soap like bubbles in water. Useful as natural soaps or added to standard soaps, plants with high saponin content often have laxative properties.
Sclerosis hardening of tissue due to inflammation
Scopolamine an alkaloid from plants in the nightshade family that is poisonous. Can be used as a sedative and a truth serum. Often tastes bitter.
Sedative calms by lowering the activity of an organ or body part
Stimulant an agent that increases activity eg. increases internal body heat, strengthens metabolism and body circulation
Stomachic general physical body boosters, like a tonic
Styptic stop bleeding or shrink capillaries to stop haemorrhages, and can also be used internally for migraines
Systemic affecting the body as a whole
Tea a dried herb steeped in hot water for drinking
Tincture a medication derived from the medicinal agents in herbs being dissolved into alcohol
Tisane any herbal tea, usually not as strong as an infusion. Is often made with flowers
Tonic stimulates the overall body systems
Toxins poisons Ulcer a slow-healing wound, either internal or external
Unguent a substance that is like the consistency of butter, petroleum jelly etc , an ointment
Vaginitis irritation, inflammation, or infection of the vagina
Vasodilator relaxes the blood vessels
Vermifuge intestinal worm killers
Wash a preparation used to cleanse the skin or an area
Disclaimer of Liability: Pursuant to State & Federal Laws, Accolent is unable to make claims as to the effectiveness of products sold by Accolent for medical, health, or super-natural purposes. I do not claim to be a medical practitioner in any form, and my products are not a substitute for competent medical care. I am not responsible for the purchase/and or use by a customer of any product that contains a known, or unknown allergen.
All information presented is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies, clinical research and traditional usage. Results may not necessarily occur in all individuals. Natural Remedies may in some cases have an adverse reaction or interact badly with medications already being prescribed to some people. It is important to seek advice from your Medical Adviser before trying new products.
DO NOT cease taking any prescribed medications until you have checked with your doctor, naturopath, homeopath or other medical adviser. Each of the items described within the Accolent store website is being sold as a dietary supplement. The herbal and health information provided is intended for educational purposes only. The support products described are intended solely as food and dietary supplements to enhance general health, and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Nothing listed should be considered as medical advice for dealing with a given problem.
Please note that I am legally not permitted to recommend or prescribe any herbs for medicinal use – Accolent is only the seller of quality herbs.
) 
