Herbs

 FRESH HERBS VS. DRIED HERBS:  Use a 1:3 ratio.  IE: 1tsp of dried to 1 TBS of fresh.

Note:  Dried herbs start out with a stronger and more concentrated flavor, but lose it pungency over time.  An older bottle of dried herbs might necessitate a greater quantity.

What is that?  is a document explaining what an "antispasmodic" or "carminative" or "sedative" is and what herbs help with that action.

Chamomile -  Antibiotic/Anti-inflammatory/Antispasmodic

Antibiotic: Used to treat many minor illnesses and reduce fevers. Tincture is used to treat diarrhea in children. Chamomile’s effectiveness against infection is reported to be 120 times more powerful than salt water.

Anti-inflammatory: Eternally used to reduce swelling and inflammatory discomfort, congested neuralgia, or facial swelling caused by abscesses.

Antispasmodic: Reduces indigestion and menstrual cramps. Also used to induce menstruation.

Other uses: Sedative, calms nerves, prevents nightmares, stimulates appetite and digestion, eases gout and headache, diuretic, eases delirium tremens

 Chervil:  - diuretic, expectorant, stimulant, dissolver of congealed blood, healer of eczema, digestive and a cure for high blood pressure, goug, kidney stones, pleurisy, dropsy and menstrual problems.  Of these most commonly used for reducing blood pressure.

Dandelion -diurtetic, laxative, carminative, tonic, antiseptic; for digestive disorders, arthritis, circulatory problems and healing wounds.used by European herbalists to treat diabetes and liver disease.  Also regarded as one of the best herbs for building up the blood and for curing anemia.  Used as a diuretic, mild laxative, aid for digestion, & as an appetite stimulate.

Dill -European and American herbalists use both the leaves and seeds to dispel flatulence, increase mother's milk and treat congestion in the breast due to nursing.

Also used to stimulate appetite and settling stomach.  Has been used to relieve colic in babies.

Dill Seed - anti-bacterial, antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory, galactogogue, stomachic, emmenagogue, sedative, anti-bacterial, calmative, and carminative.
Contains flavinoids, polyacetylenes, with potential anti-tumor and anti-cancer properties.
Several uses are applicable to veterinary medicine.

Dill seed is naturally high in mineral salts. A tea of dill seed will treat flatulence, hiccups, indigestion, insomnia, stomach or menstrual cramps, colds, flu, colic, and will increase lactation.
Used after eating to aid digestion and as a breath freshener. The seeds are diuretic.
Stimulates appetite, aids digestion, calms and tones the digestive system. Dill is safe for use in colic and certain digestive complaints in children.

Soaking fingernails in the tea will strengthen them.

Echinacea - roots:  Native Americas are credited with using the echinacea roots for wound-healing.  They also use it for rheumatism, streptococcus infections, bee stings, snakebites, dyspepsia, tumors, syphilis, gangrene, eczema, hemorrhoids and host of other ailments.

Modern usage remains as a blood purifier and an antibiotic.  Most commonly used as an immuno-stimlulant.

Garlic -   selenium, Vitamins a, B, C, and E

Used as an Antibiotic/Expectorant/Anticoagulant/Tonic

Garlic is used for a variety of ailments and can also be used to boost immunity.

Ginger - mild stimulant, promotes circulation, destressor, soothe indigestion, Antiseptic

Ginger is used to improve digestion and circulation.

Digestive System: Relieves nausea related to motion sickness and morning sickness. Ginger also helps to fight off infections in the digestive tract.

Respiratory: Ginger helps to warm the chest and can be soothing for someone suffering from cough. It also helps to soothe other symptoms of the cold and flu.

Circulatory System: Helps to improve circulation in the hands and feet by increasing blood pressure.

Fever: Helps to reduce fevers and stimulates sweating.

Hops Antispasmodic/Soporific/Sedative

Hops are primarily used to reduce tension and aid in sleep.

Sleep Aid: As a sleep aid, hops can be used in a sachet inside of a pillow. The aromatic properties of the herb will help one to fall asleep.

Tension: can be taken to help relax the muscles and soothe anxiety.

Digestive Aid: Hops can help to relax spasms of the digestive system and aid in digestion.

Lavender - spasmolytic, antiseptic, carminative, mild sedative.

Safe when used in moderation    ~  used in bath helps with sore feet

Teas:  relieves chest congestion   ~  compresses used to help brusies & bites in areas of France and Spain

Lemon Balm - Antithyroid/Antispasmodic/Carminative/Antiviral

Lemon balm is primarily used to relax the body.

Relaxation: Lemon balm may be used to help aid in relaxation. It can help to reduce anxiety and irritability.

Thyroid: Lemon balm may help to make the thyroid slow in people with hyperthyroidism.

Cold Sores: Lemon balm can help to speed up the healing time of viral cold sores from the herpes simplex virus. It can also prevent future outbreaks.

Fever: Lemon balm can help to reduce fever because of its ability to increase sweat production in the body.

Skin: Lemon balm can be used to treat minor skin irritations and insect bites.

Mint - helps with indigestion, flatulence and colic.  Promotes digestion.

Tea:  helps with stomach ache and  muscle spasm - particularly with menstrual cramps.

Peppermint is often too strong for infants and young children.

Oregano - in tea is used for indeigestion, coughs, headaches and to promote menstruation.  Is both a tonic and a stimulant.

Oregano in bath tea is recommended for stiff joints and aches.

Reishi Mushroom - sleep aid, anziety reducer, helps regulate sugar metabolism.  Also has been shown to reduce sholesterol & blood pressure, strengthen heart and stimulate the immune system.

Rosehip - Rosehips are so packed in vitamin C that some claim we ought to take rosehip tea as part of a daily diet.  Some reccommend for kidney ailments.  Hips are also rich in viatmins A, B, E & K.

Sage - anhidrotic, antiseptic, astringent and irritant.  Is useful in treating sore throats, mouth irritants & possibly cuts and bruises.

Sage is used cosmetically to color silver hair & stimulates skin in lotions and herbal baths.  Makes a soothing astringent aftershave.

 Skullcap -gets its name from the appearance of its seed capsules. When they're dried, they look like miniature skulls. Because of its name, it makes sense that skullcap affects the nervous system of the body. It is a powerful sedative and nerve tonic.

In addition, it can be used as an antispasmodic to relieve menstrual cramping and for headaches caused by tension.

Thyme - carminative, vermifuge, rubefacient, antispasmodic (Greeks used for asthma) and antiseptic.  Aids with GI problems and is often found in digestive drinks. 

Tea: shortness of breath and congested lungs.

Valerian - inducing sleep - but can be habit forming.  Not to be used by pregnant women.

Yarrow - antinflamatory, antispasmodic.  Cosmetically is a great astringent and cleanses skin.