COMFREY
TASTE: Sweet, Bland, Astringent
MERIDIANS: Lung, Stomach, Bladder
Comfrey is a
highly demulcent mucilage which allows it to soothe inflamed areas of the body. Internally it was once widely used by herbalists for coughs, stomach ulcerations, and digestive upsets, while externally it is excellent for treating bruises, sprains and even fractures. It encourages cell growth due to the chemical predominantly involved called Allantoin. It can speed up the repair of wounds and traumatic injuries.
CAUTIONS: It is suggested to avoid excess internal use. Do not use on dirty wounds or deep lacerations, or it may lead to abscesses. Avoid use if pregnant.
Derived from the Latin word for comfrey means “I grow together”
Allantoin is a very smart chemical that helps with producing skin cell growth and also reduces inflammation. Comfrey contains a high amount of Allantoin which gives it these qualities.
STINGING NETTLE
TASTE: Astringent, Slightly Bitter
MERIDIANS: Liver, Spleen, Urinary Bladder
Stinging Nettle comes from the Urticaceae family.
Nettles sting because the hairs on their stems and leaves are needle-like. These hairs contain histamines, a potent irritant for the skin. They make an ideal "Spring Tonic" to cleanse the system and are helpful in chronic skin conditions and arthritis. Their high mineral content may be helpful for dry or falling hair, while extracts of nettle leaf are added to shampoos and rinses. Externally, nettle oil and ointments can be used for skin problems and rheumatic pain. The root is a Central European remedy to strengthen hair and may ease prostate problems.
CAUTIONS: None noted.
There is a healing practice called Urtication Therapy. During this practice, people will prick themselves with the Nettle's stinging hair to directly insert neurotransmitters into pressure points to stimulate circulation.
Stinging Nettle can grow up to 2 meters tall which Its about 6 1/2 feet and even larger
Stinging Nettle is high in protein up to 30% of the leaf’s dried mass is protein. High in non-heme iron, calcium and magnesium high in vitamin C one of the richest sources of vitamin C found in the wild
BURDOCK ROOT
TASTE: Pungent, Bitter
MERIDIANS: Lung, Stomach, Kidney
Burdock Root has long been used as a cleansing herb for chronic skin and rheumatic problems and wherever a sluggish digestion is contributing to a buildup of toxins. Traditionally it was combined with Dandelion as a popular cleansing cordial. The leaf is less effective than the root, but is still used for stomach problems such as indigestion and weakness. In China the seeds, known as Niu Bang Zi, are used for testing feverish colds, measles, acute tonsillitis, and abscesses, while modern research suggests antimicrobial activity.
CAUTIONS: Avoid using the seeds (Niu Bang Zi) in diarrhea
Burdock Root is a great diuretic which helps you urinate. Great for the kidneys. Great for the liver. It is one of my favorite herbs because it’s benefits to the overall body.
MOTHERWORT
TASTE: Pungent
MERIDIANS: Heart, Liver, Kidney
Motherwort is generally used as a heart tonic and sedative, although it takes its name from its traditional use to calm anxiety in childbirth. Recent research suggests that it can help prevent thrombosis (blood clotting in the blood vessels obstructing circulation). Motherwort is popular for treating menopausal upsets and premenstrual syndrome. It helps to circulate Qi and relieve heart Qi contraint, as well as blood stagnation contributing to menstrual problems. It is used for angina pectoris (chest pain and discomfort that keeps coming back). This herb is often combined with vervain as a relaxing nerving in menopausal upsets and other emotional problems. The Chinese use a related species (L.heterophylus) as a circulatory stimulant and to relieve menstrual problems.
CAUTIONS: Avoid use in pregnancy, except during labor, as it is a uterine stimulant.
PLANTAIN LEAF
TASTE: Bitter , Astringent
MERIDIANS: Large intestines, Lung
Plantain is a great vulnerary used for healing wounds. This herb is also used for pulling out toxins both when used topically and ingesting it could be used to pull out toxins from snake venom, spider bites, bee stings. Mild antibiotics which is great for leaky gut because they’re demulcent properties. It is also an expectorant which can be used to soothe the lungs and break up mucus in the respiratory system making it a useful remedy for laryngitis, coughs, sore throats.
Also contain allantoin.
CAMPHOR
TASTE: Pungent, Bitter
MERIDIANS: Heart
Camphor is used in Ayurvedic medicine to open the senses and clear the mind. It is often combined with sesame oil as a massage to help meditation and is burned in incense to purify the atmosphere and encourage devotion and worship. In India a pinch of powder is taken like snuff as a nasal decongestant and for headaches; the infusion is also taken internally for a range of respiratory problems and emotional upsets. It is never used internally in the West, especially since it is known to contain safrole, which is carcinogenic. Instead it is traditionally used in medicated chest rubs for coughs, influenza, bronchitis, and breathing difficulties. A compress soaked in a weak camphor infusion can relieve backache and the herb is used in lotions for cold sores. In China camphor is primarily used like smelling salts to combat fainting and coma and is also a popular ingredient in external plasters and rubs for traumatic injuries, sprains and strains.
CAUTIONS: Do not take internally and only use pure raw camphor, not synthetic substitutes. Avoid in pregnancy.
MULLEIN
TASTE: Slightly sweet
MERIDIANS: Lung, Stomach, Urinary bladder
Mullein is a tall biennial with yellow flowers and leaves covered in thick, woolly hairs. The flowers were once the preferred part and were used in cough syrups and infused oils. They make a good, relaxing expectorant for all sorts of dry, chronic, hard coughs (such as whooping cough, tuberculosis, asthma, and bronchitis) and are soothing for throat inflammations, including tracheitis, laryngitis, tonsillitis. Mullein flowers also relieve hay-fever symptoms. The infused oil is used to soothe inflammations and wounds - including sores, boils, chilblains and piles - while drops may be used to ease earaches.
Biannual- Typically the leaf and flower is used for respiratory complaints. It has a calming influence on the nerves and when taken internally it calms the nerves around your bronchi and depresses a cough. Has some very important antiviral properties to help against influenza and other respiratory viruses. Also has mild expectorant properties which will help get rid of excess mucus within the lungs. The flower is the strongest part, but most people use the leaf because it’s easiest to harvest. The flower can be used for earaches by making an infused oil.
The root is also a medicine which strengthens the bladder. So it’s great for those with a weak bladder.
The root is also great for back pain and known for deworming.
LAVENDER (OIL)
TASTE: Bitter, Pungent
MERIDIANS: Heart, Pericardium, Liver, Lung
Lavender is a vulnerary that has been used for ages as a cleansing, aromatic herb. It is helpful for digestive upsets and is uplifting and antidepressant, so it makes a valuable addition to remedies for tension and emotional upsets. It is ideal for migraine and headaches, both taken internally as a tea made from the flowers or used as an oil to massage the neck and temples. Added to bathwater, lavender oil is relaxing and soothing for nervous tension and insomnia; in massaging oils it can be helpful for muscular aches and pains, strains and some rheumatic problems.
CAUTIONS: None noted.
The name lavender is derived from the Latin verb lavare —to wash
Great calming effect for anxiety and stress, over thinking, over compensating the mind; it can be calmed by using lavender
While at the same time is great blood mover so it gives energy also.
Antiseptic
ROSEMARY (OIL)
TASTE: Pungent, Bitter
MERIDIANS: Lung, Spleen, Heart
Rosemary is a stimulating tonic herb; very calming and warming which makes it useful for temporary fatigue and overwork. It makes a pleasant tea. The herb will also stimulate the circulation and can relieve headaches, migraines, indigestion, and the cold feelings that come with poor circulation. The oil is a valuable remedy for arthritis, rheumatism, and muscular aches and pains. Rosemary is reputed to darken graying hair, but it also makes a good rinse for auburn hair and will help to clear dandruff.
Effective for fighting off cancer cells.
Increases mood and memory, reduces oxidative stress
Natural pain killer. Anti inflammatory
Treats hormone imbalance and improve fertility
Great for hair growth
This herbs stimulates blood circulation.
Improves digestion because it increases the production of bile
References: The Holistic Herbal Directory A DIRECTORY OF HERBAL REMEDIES FOR EVERYDAY HEALTH PROBLEMS WRITTEN BY: Penelope Ody