SAFFLOWER (CARTHAMUS TINCTORIUS)
This herb is from the ASTERACEAE family. It is also known as False Saffron, Dyers Saffron, Parrot Plant and Hoang-Chi. The flower of the Safflower plant is used medicinally. It contains vitamins F and K. Dried Safflower unites with oxygen to produce natural sugar like compounds with volatile properties. These make the adrenal gland produce more adrenaline, and the pancreas to produce more insulin.
HISTORY: This herb is native to the areas between India and Iran. It has been used for centuries as a source of red and yellow dye, as well as a source of cooking oil.
INTERNAL USE: This remedy is taken as a tea, tincture or in capsule form. This herb is used as a remedy for jaundice, slow liver function, and gall bladder problems. It is also used to lower cholesterol, and combat wheat, corn, dust, and feather and wool allergies. It also is able to remove hardened phlegm from the lungs.
SAGE (SALVIA OFFICINALIS)
This herb originally came from the Mediterranean, but is now commonly found around the world, including North America. It contains vitamins A, B complex and C as well as calcium, potassium, sulfur, silicon, phosphorus and sodium.
HISTORY: This herb is one of the oldest medicinally used herbs. It has been used by countless people though the years to treat women going through menopause and to improve the flavor of many prepared foods.
INTERNAL USE: Sage helps alleviate mental fatigue, improves memory, and increases concentration ability. It is also used to normalize upset stomachs, help fight colds, flu, diarrhea, gas, worm expulsion and dysentery. Lactating mothers should not drink this tea, as it will dry up the milk in the mammary gland. It is also used to stop nightly sweating and perspiration, as well as stop the sweating caused by menopause. It can also be used to stop yeast infections as a douche. Rubbing Sage on teeth helps whiten them.
EXTERNAL USE: It is an excellent Gargle when mixed with fresh Lemon Juice and Honey. It is also a great hair rinse to stimulate hair growth and can be used to treat insect bites, insect stings, and as an antibacterial agent on cuts and scrapes.
SARSAPARILLA (SMILAX )
This herb is also known as Chinese Root and Small Spikenard. This small plant originally came from North America, but is now found all over the world. The root of this plant is used medicinally. It contains vitamins A, B complex, C and D, as well as iron, manganese, sodium, silicon, sulfur, copper, zinc and iodine. It has the amino acids menthionine and cystein. It also has a saponin called diosgenin, which contains the female hormone progesterone and the male hormone testosterone. In addition, it has silacin, sarsaponin, paroaparic acid, resin and volatile oils. Saponins help the body absorb other nutrients.
HISTORY: Famous as an ingredient for a beverage of the same name, Sarsaparilla is also used medicinally to help treat many illnesses relating to the nervous system.
INTERNAL USE: Sarsaparilla helps treat venereal diseases, as well as helps grow hair. It is also used to strengthen nerve fibers, brain tissue and spinal cord tissues. It is also used as a treatment in mercury poisoning as well as removing other heavy metal contaminant from the blood. Sarsaparilla Tea is also used to break up intestinal gas, increase sweating and increase urine flow.
EXTERNAL USE: An external wash of Sarsaparilla Tea can help acne, skin eruptions, pustules, sores, wounds and ringworm. It is also excellent eyewash.
SAW PALMETTO (SERENOA REPENS)
This herb is also known as Sabal. It grows up to ten feet high, and contains vitamin A, as well as the compounds alkaloids, resins, dextrin, glucose, volatile oil and fixed oil of 12%.
HISTORY: This herb has been used for centuries to increase male sex hormones.
INTERNAL USE: This herb can be taken in powder, capsule form, or in berry form. Berries can be taken either dried or fresh berries. Saw Palmetto is used to treat Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), which is the non-malignant enlargement of the prostate gland. It also has a slight anti-inflammatory effect. It also helps with the urinary flow in men with BPH. It also helps rebuild the body by feeding the endocrine system. It helps rebuild atrophied testicles and increase female breast size. The alkaloids help reduce spasms in whooping cough or croup. It is also used in treating advanced gonorrhea, and early stages of diabetes. It is commonly combined with Bearberry and Echinacea.
schizandra
The schizandra herb is highly prized by Chinese women as a sexual enhancer and youth tonic. Schizandra is believed to preserve beauty and is a mild sedative. Schizandra is also reputed to increase sexual stamina among men. Until recently coveted by the wealthy and a favorite among the Chinese emperors. Schizandra is also considered an adaptogen, and similar to ginseng, it is believed to increase stamina and fight against fatigue.
Schizandra (Schizandra chinensis) of the family Schizandraceae is a creeping vine with small red berries that is native to Northern China. In ancient China, Schizandra was used as a staple food for hunting and gathering tribes. As a traditional medicinal herb, Schizandra, called Wu-wei-tzu in China, has been used as an astringent for a treatment for dry cough, asthma, night sweats, nocturnal seminal emissions and chronic diarrhea. It is also used as a tonic for the treatment of chronic fatigue.
During the early 1980's Chinese doctors began researching Schizandra as a treatment for hepatitis, based on its potential for liver-protective effects and the nature of its active constituents. Schizandra is now a recognized "adaptogen," capable of increasing the body's resistance to disease, stress, and other debilitating processes.
In Asia, the schizandra adaptogenic property is said to stimulate immune defenses, balance body function, normalize body systems, help surgery recovery, protect against radiation, counteract the effects of sugar, optimize energy in times of stress, increase stamina, protect against motion sickness, normalize blood sugar and blood pressure, reduce high cholesterol, shield against infection, improve the health of the adrenals, energize RNA-DNA molecules to rebuild cells and produces energy comparable to that of a young athlete.
Studies conducted on Schizandra effects have noted that the drug has a stimulating effect in low doses, but this effect disappeared with larger doses. The compounds thought responsible for the liver-protective effects of Schizandra are lignans composed of two phenylpropanoid. More than 30 of these have been isolated in Schizandra and some 22 of which were tested in 1984 by the Japanese scientist H. Hikino for their ability to reduce the cytotoxic effects of carbon tetrachloride and galactosamine on cultured rat liver cells.
Western herbalists commonly recommend Schizandra for the lungs, liver and kidneys, and to help with depression due to adrenergic exhaustion. In Russia, Schizandra is used to treat eye fatigue and increase acuity.
CAUTION:
Schizandra should not be used in large amounts during pregnancy except under medical supervision to promote uterine contractions during labor. Schizandra in larger amounts should be avoided by persons with peptic ulcers or epilepsy.
Schizandra is also known as:
Wu Wei Zi, Schisandra chinensis
SCULLCAPS (SCUTELLARIA LATERIFLORA)
This herb is also known as Helmet Flower. Varieties of this herb are found in North America, as well as in Asia. This herb contains vitamins C and E as well as calcium, potassium, magnesium, iron, zinc scutellarin, volatile oil, tannin and bitter principles. The scutellarin acts on the central nervous system. It also works by quieting the cerebrospinal centers and calming heart and hysteria. This herb should be used as fresh as possible.
HISTORY: This herb was used originally as a sedative, and is still used to treat nervousness, tension, insomnia and other situations where calmness is desired.
INTERNAL USE: Skullcaps are used to help in any kind of conditions such as rabies or a raging fever, which produces delirium. It exerts properties over the brain and spinal column as a sedative. It is also useful on epilepsy or with twitching problems scutellarin produces natural endorphins which act on headaches. Skullcaps are used to help wean drug addicts off of barbiturates and valium. It is also used with Ginger to wean off alcoholics from their addition to alcohol. A Tea with Pennyroyal and Crampbark is used to cure nymphomania.
SELENIUM
RDA – 70 mcg
CAN PREVENT –
- Formation of free radicals in conjunction with Vitamin E
- Heart disease, hardening of arteries
- Rheumatoid arthritis, cataracts due to free radical damage
- Colon, lung, prostate cancer in recent study (200 mcg per day)
ALSO –
- Needed to make glutathione peroxidase – most abundant antioxidant in the body
- Produces antibodies with Vitamin E to help maintain healthy heart and liver
- Needed for pancreatic function and tissue elasticity
- Found to protect the liver in people with alcohol cirrhosis
- Can strengthen immune function
- Helps remove metals from the body
- May provide relief of enlarged prostate with Zinc and Vitamin E
DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMS –
Exhaustion, growth impairment, high cholesterol levels, infections, liver impairment, pancreatic insufficiency, sterility; linked to heart disease and cancer
TOXICITY SYMPTOMS –
(more than 600 mcg per day)-arthritis, brittle nails, garlicky breath odor, gastrointestinal disorders, hair loss, irritability, liver and kidney impairment, metallic taste in the mouth, pallor, skin eruptions, yellowish skin
SOURCES –
Meat and grains, depending on soil where raised; braxile nuts, brewer’s yeast, broccoli, brown rice, chicken, dairy products, dulse, garlic, kelp, liver, molasses, nuts, oatmeal, onions, organic produce, salmon, seafood, torula yeast, tuna, vegetables, wheat germ, whole grains
Herbs – alfalfa, burdock root, catnip, cayenne, chamomile, chickweed, fennel seed, fenugreek, garlic, ginseng, hawthorn berry, hops, horsetail, lemongrass, milk thistle, nettle, oat straw, parsley, peppermint, raspberry leaf, rose hips, sarsaparilla, uva ursi, yarrow, yellow dock
SUPPLEMENTS –
Benefits gained from 200 mcg daily dose; yeast-based, organic supplements are best absorbed; do not take more than 600 mcg per day due to toxicity; difficult to find food sources of selenium because of soil content where food is grown.
SENNA (CASSIA SENNA OR CASSIA ANGUSTIFOLIA)
This herb is from the Pea family. The Senna plant originated in West Asia and China. This herb is used commonly as a laxative. made from the leave and pods of the Senna plant. This herb contains chrysophanol, aloe-emodin, rhein, other glucosides and glycosides. Both European and American extracts are approved as over-the-counter stimulant laxatives. The German government has approved the use of Senna for all purposes where a soft stool is desired. There are not known to be any side effects from the use of Senna, other than those normally found with any laxative.
HISTORY: Originally used in ancient Arabic Medicine.
INTERNAL USE: Use Senna when laxative action is needed for the bowels. Senna Tea should be drunk cold, to reduce the amount of stomach griping, constipation or cramping. A good Tea formula would be 1/10th ounce ginger, Anise or Fennel with 1 ounce of Senna. Steep for 25 minutes and drink cold. It does not seem to mix well with Peruvian Bark, Limes and Mineral Acids. It also helps expel parasites and worms. This herb should not be used during pregnancy or by nursing mothers.
SERINE
- Plays an important role in the catalytic function of enzymes
- Participates in Purine and Pyrimidine biosyntheses (utilized in the construction of RNA and DNA)
- Helps alleviate pain
- Can act as a natural anti-psychotic
- Also added as a natural skin moisturizing factor in cosmetics
- Deficiency could cause a common cough, nervousness, hypersensing, and electric hyper motion
- Glands and organs affected - Brain, Stomach, Pancreas, Solar Plexus, Spine, Hypothalamus, Eyes, Pineal
- Complementary Vitamins - B Complex C, B-5, B-3, B-2, B-12, Folic acid, B-6, A, B-5,E
- Complementary Minerals - Calcium, Selenium, Magnesium, Sulfur, Chromium, Zinc.
SHEPHERD’S PURSE
The whole Shepherd’s Purse plant may be used medicinally. It is high in vitamins C, E and K as well as calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium, tin, zinc, sodium, sulfur and acetyocholine. Acetycholine plays a key role in the transmission of nerve impulses though out the nervous system.
INTERNAL USE: This herb is used to arrest excessive bleeding after childbirth, stopping internal hemorrhaging, bleeding lungs, colon, bladder, kidneys or hemorrhoids. It will stop diarrhea when all else does not work. It also helps to normalize blood pressure and heart action.
EXTERNAL USE: Use as a poultice on rheumatic pain, and a salve on wounds.
SIBERIAN GINSENG
This herb is also known as Eleuthero. It is one of the best Adaptogen herbs existence. It helps increase the body’s ability to resist and endure stress.
HISTORY: Siberian Ginseng has been extensively researched and tested successfully in the Soviet Union.
INTERNAL USE: Use this herb internally to help with atherosclerosis, diabetes, gastritis, and recovery from cancer treatments. Siberian Ginseng also helps reduce the narcotic effect of sedatives and the destructive nature of many cancer fighting drugs.
SILICON
NEEDED FOR –
- Formation of bones, cartilage, connective tissue
- Flexible arteries and prevention of cardiovascular disease
- May help in preventing Alzheimer’s disease and osteoporosis
- Can stimulate the immune system
DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMS –
Very rare due to food content
SOURCES –
Beets, brown rice, seafood, potatoes, beans, bell peppers, soybeans, leafy green vegetables, whole grains
Herbs – alfalfa, horsetail
SUPPLEMENTS –
Not necessary
OTHER –
Works with boron, calcium, magnesium, manganese and potassium
skullcap
Traditionally, the herb skullcap has been used for many purposes including neuralgia, insomnia, excitability, restlessness, rickets, headaches, hiccoughs, incessant coughing, hypertension and nervous disorders and tetanus.
According to The Eclectic Materia Medica , Pharmacology and Therapeutics (1985) by Harvey Wickes Felter, MD, specific indications for skullcap are nervousness, after an illness, or from mental or physical exhaustion or teething, nervousness with muscular excitation, tremors, hysteria, with inability to control muscular action, functional heart disorders of a purely nervous type, with intermittent pulse.
Skullcap is calmative to the nervous and muscular systems and offers some tonic properties. By controlling nervous irritability and lack of muscular coordination, it gives rest and permits sleep. When insomnia is due to worry or nervous irritability, exhaustion, or restlessness then skullcap may help.
According to the Wild Rose College of Natural Healing, the main influence of skullcap is on the central and sympathetic nervous systems. Skullcap has antispasmodic, nervine, antihistamine and anti-inflammatory properties.
Skullcap has no known toxicity.
Skullcap is also known as:
Skutellaria lateriflora
SLIPPERY ELM (ULMUS RUBRA)
This tree is native to North America and is also known as Red Elm or Moose Elm. It grows up to sixty feet high. The inner bark, or cambium layer of Slippery Elm is used medicinally. It contains vitamins C, E, F, K and P, as well as iron, sodium, calcium, selenium, iodine, copper, manganese, zinc, potassium and phosphorus.
INTERNAL USE: Slippery Elm is used to neutralize stomach acid, gas, coughs, gastritis, inflammation of mucus surfaces, constipation, diarrhea, or as an enema or douche for burning inflammation.
EXTERNAL USE: A poultice can help heal sores, wounds, burns, poison ivy and infected skin areas.
SODIUM
NEEDED FOR –
- Fluid balance in the body
- Blood pH maintenance
- Stomach, nerve, muscle function
DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMS –
Abdominal cramps, anorexia, confusion, dehydration, depression, dizziness, fatigue, flatulence, hallucinations, headache, heart palpitations, low blood pressure, impaired memory, weakness, nausea/vomiting, weight loss
DEFICIENCY RISK –
Deficiency very rare due to food content; elderly men and women who take diuretics and are on a low-sodium diet are most susceptible
SOURCES –
Almost all foods contain sodium
SUPPLEMENTS –
Not necessary, in most cases men and women have too much sodium in their diets; only increase intake with doctor’s recommendation
OTHER –
Excessive sodium intake can result in high blood pressure, potassium deficiency, liver and kidney disease; should be kept in balance with potassium intake for good health – imbalance could lead to heart disease; recommended intake each day is below 2400 mg, or 1 teaspoon of salt.
SPIRULINA (SPIRULINA MAXIMA AND SPIRULINA PLATENSIS)
This algae has a blue green color, and is actually very tiny water plants. This herb is very rich in protein, vitamins, fatty acids, minerals and essential amino acids.
INTERNAL USE: This herb is usually taken in capsules or as a powder. It is used by itself or with other herbs to promote weight loss.
SQUAW VINE (MITCHELLA REPENS)
This herb is also known as Partridgeberry, and contains alkaloids, bitter glycosides, tannin and saponins. It also has the amino acid tryptopan. The alkaloids and tannins work as a natural antiseptic, while the saponins regulate and stimulate childbirth contractions.
INTERNAL USE: Squawvine taken during pregnancy will insure successful milk production, while alleviating morning sickness. It also will alleviate PMS, congestion of uterus and ovaries, and help with vaginal infections. It will also help in removal of gravel from kidneys and the bladder.
ST. JOHN’S BREAD (CERATONIA SILIQUA)
This tree is also known as Carob. This herb originated in the Eastern Mediterranean region of the world. The seedpods and resin of this tree are used medicinally.
HISTORY: This herb supposedly received its name by being eaten by John the Baptist.
INTERNAL USE: St. John’s Bread is generally taken as a powder, and is used to relieve diarrhea and soften stools.
ST. JOHN’S WORT (HYPERICUM PERFORATUM)
This perennial herb is from the HYPERICACEAE family. This plant is also known as Amber. St. John’s Wort and grows to a height of three feet, with pale green leaves and bright yellow flowers. It is one of the most popular herbs today, it is found in Asia, Europe and Britain. Over 3 million prescriptions for St. John’s Wort are issued each year in Germany alone! St. John’s Wort contains the active component hypericin. It has mild sedative properties, and would-healing abilities.
HISTORY: The name Hyperieum is derived from the Greek and it means "Over the Apparition".
INTERNAL USE: This herb helps raise the spirits of the person, reducing depression and elevating moods. It acts as an anti-depressant on the body’s central nervous system. It also helps fibrositis, sciatica, and rheumatism. It is also used to treat viral infections such as influenza and HIV, the removal of worms, and the treatment of haemoptysis, jaundice .
EXTERNAL USE: Is used as a lotion or oil to help heal sunburns, mild burns, varicose veins, bruises cuts and scrapes.
Stearic acid
Stearic acid is an essential saturated fat that can actually lower blood cholesterol in your body. High blood cholesterol is linked to coronary heart disease which is the number one cause of death in the USA.
Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs) like stearic acid are one of the fifty nutrients needed to sustain your body's good health. EFAs will remain liquid at body temperature and because of their bent shape they do not cause clogging of our arteries and cardiovascular system like saturated fats will do.
Essential fatty acids such as stearic acid are helpful to our body's immune system response.
