FALSE UNICORN (CHAMAELIRIUM LUTEUM)
This herb is also known as Helonias. The roots of this herb are used medicinally. False Unicorn is found though out the American Southeast.
HISTORY: This herb was used by Native Americans to help regulate menstruation and for pregnancy related problems.
INTERNAL USE: This herb is taken as a tincture to help PMS, hormonal balances, increase fertility, alleviate morning sickness and induce menstruation.
FENNEL (FOENICULUM VULGARE)
This perennial herb is a close relative of the Dill plant. The roots, stems and seeds of this herb are used medicinally, and it can grow up to six feet high. Fennel originated in Europe, but is now found world wide due to its popularity. It contains vitamin E, potassium, sodium and sulfur. It also contains four- percent volatile oil, which is composed of phenolic ether, terpenoid anethole and fenchone. The phenolic ether has antiseptic qualities, the anethole serves as an intestinal stimulant, and the fenchone as an internal anesthetic agent. Do not use this herb if you have epilepsy or are pregnant.
HISTORY: This herb has been used for centuries in Europe as an herbal remedy as well as a flavoring for cooking many different kinds of stews and meals containing fish. The use of Fennel Seeds was supposed to have granted immortality to the Greek God Prometheus, who is famous because he gave the gift of fire to humankind.
INTERNAL USE: Fennel can be taken as a tea, tincture or as the raw seeds. Use this herb for cramps, gas, heartburn, indigestion, increase menstrual flow, increase milk production, stomach acid and increased urine flow. It also has anticonvulsive properties, and is a good sedative for small children. It has a diuretic effect because of its potassium content.
FENUGREEK (TRIGONELLA FOENUM-GRECUM)
The seeds of this plant are used medicinally. Fenugreek can grow up to two feet high, and although it is a native to Europe and Asia, it is now found world wide due to its popularity. It contains vitamins A, B1, B2, B3 (nicotinic acid), D, and cholines, lecithin, iron, trigonelling and trimenthylamine. Fenugreek seeds are a very strong antiseptic.
HISTORY: In addition to it’s historical medicinal uses, Fenugreek is also believed to be an aphrodisiac.
INTERNAL USE: This herb can be taken as a tincture or as a capsule. Fenugreek is used to treat asthma, abscesses, arthritis, cholesterol, cramps, coughs, dissolve fatty deposits, dissolve mucus deposits in the lungs, gas, increase milk flow and menstrual cramps. The primary antiviral properties of Fenugreek come from the nicotinic acid found in each seed. This acid can destroy parasites, and treat smallpox.
EXTERNAL USE: The Fenugreek oil makes an excellent insect repellant. The presence of Fenugreek seeds has also been known to deter bugs from laying eggs or entering areas.
FEVERFEW (MATRICARIA PARTHENOIDES)
This perennial herb is from the COMPOSITAE family. It is also known as Chrysanthemum Parthenium, Featherfew, Featherfoil, Flirtwort, Bachelor’s Buttons, and Tanacetum Parthenium. Feverfew is from the Latin word "Fetrifugia" which means to drive out fevers. It contains compounds called sesquiterpene lactones. These substances give Feverfew it’s strong medicinal ability to relieve pain and act on the body’s circulatory system. The leaves of Feverfew are used medicinally. This herb has daisy-like flowers and grows up to three feet high, and is often confused with wild Chamomile. Yellow dyes can be made from this plant.
HISTORY: This herb dates back to Greco-Roman times. The Greek word Parthenos meaning Virgin was attributed to this plant, which was used to help young women with menstrual cycle problems.
INTERNAL USE: Available in capsule, tea, fresh leaves or tablet form. The tablets do not have as much uniform strength as capsules. It is used to treat arthritis, asthma, coughs, depression, fevers, menstrual irregularities, migraines, nervousness and nausea.
EXTERNAL USE: Bruised and heated, the leaves are used for colic, insect bites, ear aches and facial pain.
FIGS
The fruit, stem and leaves can be used medicinally.
HISTORY: The fruit of the Fig Tree has been a popular food source for peoples from Europe through West Asia for centuries.
INTERNAL USE: Use Figs to relieve boils, constipation, carbuncles, and lung inflammation. Figs are also reputed to help fight Lymphatic cancer.
EXTERNAL USE: Use a compress of the stem and leaves to heal warts.
FLAX (LINUM USITATISSIMUM)
This herb is from the LINACEAE family The name is from the Latin meaning "Most Useful". The seeds of this plant are used medicinally. It contains vitamins A, B, E, as well as having linoleic, linoleni and oleic acids, mucilage and glycosides.
HISTORY: Mankind has used Flax for over 7,000 years. It is used to make paper, string and clothe, as well as being used to improve the health of its users. The oil from Flaxseeds are also used medicinally, as well as a fuel source for lamps in ancient times.
INTERNAL USE: This herb is taken either drinking as a tea, or the consumption of its seeds. It helps to treat arthritis, asthma, bronchitis, constipation, cough, eczema, female disorders, gallstones, hemorrhoids, pleurisy, pneumonia and sore throats. It is also used as a laxative.
EXTERNAL USE: Use Flaxseeds to treat boils, burns, carbuncles, inflammation, tumors and many types of skin disease.
FOLIC ACID - Folate
Requirements:
1 to 3 years old: 150 microgram (µg)
4 to 8 years old: 200 µg
9 to 13 years old: 300 µg
Males:
14 to 70+ years old: 400 µg
Females:
14 to 70+ years old: 400 µg**
CAN PREVENT –
- Neural birth defects
- Digestive problems
- Premature birth
- Heart disease and stroke by lowering homocysteine levels
- Cervix and Colon cancer
- Folic acid anemia
ALSO –
- Needed for energy production and formation of red blood cells
- Boosts immune system by aiding in formation of white blood cells
- Essential in healthy cell division and replication
- Involved in metabolism of protein
- May help with depression and anxiety
- Could provide relief from arthritis, chronic fatigue, skin disorders, menopausal symptoms
DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMS-
Sore, red tongue, anemia, nausea, digestive disturbances, fatigue, lack of appetite, growth impairment, insomnia, mood swings, memory problems, paranoia/dementia, weakness, headaches, birth defects in offspring
DEFICIENCY RISK –
Pregnant/breastfeeding women, alcohol abuse, smokers, elderly, persons taking birth control pills
OTHER RISKS -
Excess amount of folic acid could mask a vitamin B-12 deficiency, paving the way to crippling, irreversible nerve damage.
For safety sake, the upper limit for synthetic folic acid, added in fortified foods and/or supplements, is set at 300 µg (ages 1 to 3), 400 µg (ages 4 to 8), 600 µg (ages 9 to 13), 800 µg (ages 14 to 18), and 1,000 µg (adults).
SOURCES –
Asparagus, barley, beef, bran, brewer’s yeast, brown rice, cheese, chicken, dates, green leafy vegetables, lamb, legumes, lentils, liver, milk, mushrooms, oranges, split peas, pork, root vegetables, salmon, tuna, wheat germ, whole grains, whole wheat, kidney, broccoli, kale, turnip greens, beets, corn, spinach
• cereals, fortified, 1 serving (100-400 µg)
• lentils, 1/2 cup, boiled (179 µg)
• spinach, 1/2 cup, boiled (131 µg)
• asparagus, 6 spears, boiled (131 µg)
• orange juice, from concentrate, 1 cup (109 µg)
• chickpeas, 1/2 cup, canned (80 µg)
• kidney beans, 1/2 cup, canned (62 µg)
• pasta, fortified, 1 cup, cooked (60 µg)
• rice, white, fortified, 1 cup, cooked (68 µg)
• bread, wheat, fortified, 1 slice (20 µg)
SUPPLEMENTS –
1-2 mg needed to experience benefits of folic acid; works well when supplemented with Vitamin B12 and C; always consult your doctor before supplementation.
OTHER –
In order for birth defect prevention, supplementation must begin before conception; alcohol consumption and anticonvulsant medications inhibit absorption; cooked/microwaved vegetables lose folic acid content.
FLUORIDE
RDA – 1.5-4.0 mg
NEEDED FOR –
- Formation and maintenance strong bones
- Prevention and treatment of tooth decay
DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMS –
No known deficiency
DEFICIENCY RISK –
Persons not using a fluoride toothpaste or living in area without fluoridated water will not gave benefits
SOURCES –
No dietary sources except for trace amounts in tea and seafood
SUPPLEMENTS –
Fluoridated water in certain communities; fluoridated toothpaste; fluoride treatments from dentist visits; do not supplement without recommendation from doctor or dentist.
OTHER –
Filtered, bottled, well water will not contain fluoride; there is some evidence that areas with fluoridated water have less incidence of osteoporosis; too much fluoride can cause permanent teeth discoloration.
FO-TI (POLYGONUM MULTIFLORUM)
This herb is from the POLYGONACEAE family.. Fo-Ti is also known as the Chinese Herb Ho Shou Wu, He Shou Wu, Flowery Knotweed and Foti. It is known as "The Elixir of Life". The name Ho Shou Wu means in Chinese "Mr. Wu’s hair stays black". It is known to be helpful in reversing graying hair! This plant is a native to China, and is still widely grown in Asia. The root of this plant is used medicinally
HISTORY: This herb is famous in China, and most of Asia as a cure to aging.
INTERNAL USE: Fo-ti helps arteriosclerosis, blood purification, colic, constipation, diabetes, diarrhea, gout, hemorrhoids, hot flashes, hyperacidity, hypertension, hypoglycemia, increased stamina, infertility, insomnia, lumbago, malaria, nourish endocrine glands, tuberculosis and menstrual flow irregularities.
FOXGLOVE (DIGITALIS PURPUREA)
This herb is from the SCROPHULARIACEAE family. It is also known as Witches Gloves, Dead Men’s Bells, Fairy’s Glove, Gloves of our Lady, Bloody Fingers, Virgins Glove, Fairy Caps, Folks Glove and Fairy Thimbles. The leaves and seed extracts of this plant are used medicinally. Foxglove grows from 4 to 8 feet high, with leaves up to a foot long. It has tubular, mottled, bell shaped hanging flowers, which are purple to reddish in color. This plant is also used as ornamentation as well as medicinal purposes. Although a favorite flower of many insects, including honeybees, no animals disturbs this plant, as they all recognize its extreme poisonous nature.
HISTORY: This herb is originally native to Central through Western Europe, including Great Britain. Vincent Van Gogh supposedly took Foxglove for his Epilepsy. This drug creates a "yellow" vision when used, and may have influenced his creation of art.
INTERNAL USE: Foxglove is used to help treat Epilepsy, increase heart muscle strength and stamina, stabilization of heart palpitations, stop internal hemorrhaging, inflammatory diseases, delirium, and the prevention of acute mania. It is the action of Digitalis that makes Foxglove so dangerous, as it can manifest itself all at once. Foxglove digitalis poisonous action can lead to hypertrophy of the heart, cause cerebral symptoms, blue vision and other disturbances of the brain. When Digitalis fails to help the heart, Lily-of-the-Valley has been substituted.
FRANKINCENSE (BOSWELLIA CARTERI)
This herb is from the BURSERACEAE family. It is also known as Galbanum. The resin of this plant is used medicinally. It originated in the Middle East, and most Frankincense is still gathered there.
HISTORY: Famous as one of the gifts brought to Bethlehem by the Three Wise Men, Frankincense is still obtained by many nomadic Bedouin tribes in the deserts of the Middle East. It is collected by making a cut into the bark of the Frankincense Trees, and collecting the hardened white colored sap. This resin is most often tossed into a flaming brazier, and its unique smoke fills the air. It is used often in Hospitals to keep down air borne infections.
INTERNAL USE: This herb is used in teas, tinctures and in capsule form. It is used to treat amenorrhea and dysmenorrhea.
EXTERNAL USE: A balm of Frankincense can help with asthma, bronchitis, emphysema, rheumatism and helps heal wounds and cuts.
