Herbs
While many herbs are used for their flavour and medicinal properties, like drugs, any plant with the potential for healing when used appropriately also has the potential for harm when used irresponsibly. Although the most popular medicinal herbs are reasonably safe for most people, most of the time, and when taken in their recommended amounts, many medicinal herbs contain pharmacologically active compounds that have drug effects on the body. All drugs have the potential to cause allergic reactions, side effects, and interactions with other herbs and drugs. Anyone who uses herbs should do so cautiously, responsibly and be well informed on the herb they choose.
Nasturtium
Nasturtium: is said to help to clear skin problems like acne, and also to ease depression ...
Nettle
Nettle: taken therapeutically, nettle's energizing leaves stimulate the bladder and kidneys to ensure rapid removal of accumulated toxins ...
Nutmeg
Nutmeg: flavors food, makes it more digestible, and helps to sterilize food by killing or deterring potentially harmful microorganisms ...
Onion
Onion: a syrup made by steeping a chopped onion in honey is a good cough and cold medicine for children ...
Oregano
Oregano: Polish research indicates that oregano has the strongest immune-boosting power of 70 tested herbs, including goldenseal ...
Oregon-Grape
Oregon-Grape: the berry contains berberine, like goldenseal. This makes it a good substitute for the endangered goldenseal...
Parsley
Parsley: is a strong and friendly herb whose virtues go much farther than simply adding flavor to food ...
Passionflower
Passionflower: the leaves and stems provide a non-drowsy sedative for insomnia and anxiety, and can prevent a rapid heartbeat, reduce high blood pressure and relieve muscle tension...
Pepper, Black
Pepper: one of the world's oldest traded spices, black pepper has a sharp, invigorating taste and a scent that promotes mental clarity ...
Peppermint
Peppermint: a native of Europe, the medicinal variety is a hybrid - a naturally occurring combination of watermint and spearmint...
Plantain - Broadleaved
Greater Plantain: these commonplace weeds were prized in years gone by - and still valued by many - for their tasty and nutritious foliage, richer than spinach in iron and Vitamins A and C ...
Plantain - Ribgrass
Ribgrass Plantain: Ribgrass contains a large amount of mucilage, which makes it soothing. Allantoin helps speed healing and aucubin provides an antimicrobial, antibiotic compound to help infections...