Herbs: Health Conditions: Herbal Remedies

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DISCLAIMER: These pages are presented solely as a source of INFORMATION and to provide stern warnings against use where appropriate. No claims are made for the efficacy of any herb nor for any historical herbal treatment. In no way can the information provided here take the place of the standard, legal, medical practice of any country. Additionally, some of these plants are extremely toxic and should be used only by licensed professionals who have the means to process them properly into appropriate pharmaceuticals. One final note: many plants were used for a wide range of illnesses in the past, but be aware that many of the historical uses have proven to be ineffective for the problems to which they were applied.

E

♠ = Denotes a POISONOUS agent/s. Professionals only! These agents are more common in Chinese medicine where they are especially processed to render them safe, or else used in homeopathic tinctures which are safe to take. There are also instances where one component of the plant is safe, as in the Castor Bean which is deadly, but its oil is safe to use.
Consider this page a starting point for your research and/or discussion with your medical professional as it cannot endorse the herbs which have been used traditionally for these conditions.
If you have a better link than the ones I have provided, please let me know.
The DO FIRST section will lead you to professional medical pages online for more information on the topic.
The HOW TO USE/MORE INFO section will take you to a more in depth discussion of the ways to use natural agents. Although not always stated, more information can be obtained on the individual herb pages.
The Healthline links are not all the same; they will take you to pages related to the specific topics.

Ear Edema Elephantitis Enuresis Epilepsy Esophagitis Eye/Vision Problems

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EAR

Is composed of the outer ear which protrudes from the side of the head; the inner ear which contains the actual organs of hearing and balance; and the middle ear which includes the bones, the ear cavity, the eustachian tubes leading to the throat and the mastoid bone cells

TYPE DO FIRST NATURAL AGENTS HOW TO USE/MORE INFO

EARACHE See Healthline → See Aches/Pains and Ear

DISCHARGE FROM See Healthline Balsam of Peru See Ear

FOREIGN OBJECTS See MC FIRST AID GUIDE and seek immediate medical assistance if not easily corrected → →
HEARING PROBLEMS See Healthline Achryanthes Root; Betony
♠ = Castor Bean Requires medical assistance to determine cause

EAR INFECTION See Healthline Agrimony; Mullein; Plantain See Ear and
Infection

MIDDLE EAR PROBLEMS See Healthline Stoneroot Requires medical assistance to determine cause

TINNITUS See Healthline Ash, Prickly; Ginkgo; Selfheal
♠ = Black Cohosh See Tinnitus

EDEMA

Accumulation of fluid in the tissues which causes swelling. Usually the result of heart or kidney disease, but other causes are possible.

TYPE DO FIRST NATURAL AGENTS HOW TO USE/MORE INFO

GENERAL See Healthline Adder's Tongue; Agave; Agrimony, Hemp; Agrimony, Water; Alder, American Black; Allspice; Aloe, False; American Ivy; Angostura; Anise; Apple; Arrowhead; Ash; Ash, Prickly; Ash, White; Asparagus; Asparagus, Chinese; Aspen, Quaking; Astragalus; Atractylodes lancea; Atractylodes macrocephela; Balm of Capaiba (unresponsive); Balmony; Balsam; Banana, Ryukyu; Bean; Beechdrops; Betel; Betel Nut; Bilberry; Bindweed; Birch, Common (cardial); Bistort; Blackberry; Blackberry Lily; Blueberry; Bogbean; Boneset; Bowman's Root; Broom, Dyer's; Buchu; Burdock; Butcher's Broom; Butter-and-Eggs; Cajuput; Candytuft; Carrot, Wild; Cashew; Cattail; Cedar, White; Celandine; Cereus, Night-blooming; Chamomile; Chervil; Chicory; Cleavers; Cohosh, Blue; Corn; Couchgrass; Dandelion; Elder; Ginkgo; Horseradish; Parsley; Stoneroot; Thistle, Blessed; Water Plantain; Yellow Vetch (see Astragalus)
♠ = Abrus; Aconite; Adonis; Alder Buckthorn; Arrowwood; Asarabacca; Belladonna, Japanese-2; Black Cohosh; Bloodroot; Blue Flag; Bonduc Nut; Broom, Scotch (chronic); Broom, Spanish; Castor Bean Requires medical assistance to determine cause. Also see Dropsy

ELEPHANTITIS

A disease of tropical regions caused by a nemotode (Wuchereria bancrofti) and which obstructs the lymphatic system resulting in enlargement of body parts/organs, inflammation of the skin and underlying tissue, especially the legs and scrotum.

TYPE DO FIRST NATURAL AGENTS HOW TO USE/MORE INFO

GENERAL See Healthline Bala; Caesar Weed; Cashew
♠ = Bonduc Nut Requires medical diagnosis and treatment

ENURESIS/BEDWETTING

When the problem occurs outside what is usually expected of a child or an older adult, then a professional medical evaluation is needed to determine cause.

TYPE DO FIRST NATURAL AGENTS HOW TO USE/MORE INFO

GENERAL See Healthline Black Musli; Bearberry; Blueberry; Buchu; Cardamom; Cleavers; Corn; Damiana Seek professional help for problem bedwetting

EPILEPSY

A disorder of the brain characterized by convulsions and loss of consciousness which can be caused by a number of underlying conditions. Medical supervision absolutely required.

TYPE DO FIRST NATURAL AGENTS HOW TO USE/MORE INFO

GENERAL See Healthline Ailanto; Amber; Angelica; Anise; Apricot, Japanese; Aster; Bay; Bayberry; Bistort; Blueberry; Cannabis; Cardamine; Caroba; Mugwort; Water Plantain
♠ = Arum; Belladonna; Belladonna, Japanese-2; Black Cohosh; Boxwood; Calabar Bean; Camphor See Epilepsy

ESOPHAGITIS

Inflammation of the esophagus (food pipe). Can be a result of Acid Reflux

TYPE DO FIRST NATURAL AGENTS HOW TO USE/MORE INFO

GENERAL See Healthline Marshmallow See Digestion and
Acid Reflux

EYE/VISION PROBLEMS

Organ of sight. DON'T MESS AROUND WITH YOUR EYESIGHT. Get your eyes checked at regular intervals. This is especially important as you age. An eye exam can reveal problems going on within the body that might not otherwise be noticible.
Of historical interest is Belladonna which is still used in eye exams (pharmaceutical grade) to dilate the pupils as Italian belles of hundreds of years ago dropped the juice of the berries into their own eyes, thinking the wide open-pupil look was attractive. I'd snicker, but I have to think going around half-blind must have been torture. On the flip side of the coin, Calabar Bean has been used to contract the pupil.

TYPE DO FIRST NATURAL AGENTS HOW TO USE/MORE INFO

GENERAL See Healthline Arrowhead; Bachelor Button; Barberry, Common; Barberry, Indian; Barrenwort; Bodhi Seeds; Burnut; Carrot; Carrot, Wild; Eyebright; Pinks, Chinese; Sage, Clary; Walnut, Black
♠ = Anemone, Canadian; Borax; Camphor See Eyes

BLACK EYE See Healthline Hyssop Same as above

BLOODSHOT See Healthline Bamboo, Black; Bayberry Same as above

BLURRED VISION See Healthline Abalone; Celosia Same as above

BURNING/ITCHY See Healthline Agrimony Same as above

CATARACT See Healthline Capers; Carrot, Wild; Catnip; Celandine
♠ = Butterfly Bush See individual herb pages

CONJUNCTIVITIS See Healthline Agrimony; Bachelor Button; Bodhi Seeds; Calendula; Celosia; Centipeda; Chamomile; Chervil; Clover, Red; Cucumber; Elder; Eyebright; Fennel; Parsley; Selfheal; Walnut, English Same as above

CORNEAL ULCERS See Healthline Bachelor Button Same as above

CROSSED EYES/LAZY EYE See Healthline ♠ = Anemone, Canadian; Castor Bean Same as above

DOUBLE VISION See Healthline Asafetida Same as above

EYELIDS, INFLAMED/BLEPHARITIS See Healthline Agrimony; Chervil; Walnut, English
♠ = Asthma Weed Same as above

EYESTRAIN See Healthline Chamomile
𗾺 = Butterfly Bush See Eyes

EYEWASH See Healthline Anise Homemade eyewash is not recommended as anything touching the eye must be sterile and unwanted complications can result

FAILING EYESIGHT/WEAK EYES See Healthline Allspice, Carolina; Apricot, Japanese; Bilberry (to improve); Blueberry (to improve); Clove; Eyebright
♠ = Asarabacca; Boxthorn See Eyes

FILM OVER EYES See Healthline Barley See individual herb pages

FLESHY GROWTHS See Health Finder Cicimatic See individual herb pages

GLAUCOMA
(Requires medical care to preserve sight. Can lead to loss of eye/s) See National Institute of Health Bilberry; Cannabis
♠ = Ash, Mountain-1; Calabar Bean Same as above

INFECTION See your doctor
See Healthline Capers Same as above

MACULAR DEGENERATION Requires professional medical care
See Healthline Bilberry Same as above

NIGHT BLINDNESS See Healthline Annatto; Atractylodes chinensis; Atractylodes lancea; Atractylodes macrocephela; Atractylodes ovata; Bilberry; Blueberry
♠ = Butterfly Bush Same as above

PTERYGIUM
(An overgrowth of mucous membrane which extends over the inner portion of the conjunctiva of the eye) See Healthline Abalone Same as above

RETINAL HEMORRHAGE See your doctor
See Healthline Buckwheat; Celosia Same as above

SENSITIVITY to BRIGHT LIGHT See your doctor; can signal a serious condition
See All About Vision Abalone; Celosia Same as above

SORE/INFLAMED/TIRED EYES See Allergies and My Dr.com Angelica; Angelica, American; Apple; Ash, Black; Ash, Northern; Aspen, Quaking; Balsam; Bayberry; Beechdrops; Burnut; Cabbage; Calendula; Celandine; Celosia; Chamomile; Chicory; Cucumber; Hyssop; Mullein; Plantain; Ragwort; Selfheal; Squawvine; Walnut, English
♠ = Asthma Weed; Castor Bean; Thimbleweed (see Anemone) See Eyes

STYES See Healthline Burdock; Celandine; Chamomile; Comfrey; Fennel; Nasturtium Same as above

SWOLLEN EYES See Healthline Bethroot Same as above

TEAR DUCT INFLAMMATION See Healthline Chamomile See individual herb pages

TICS See Healthline

♠ = Anemone, Canadian Same as above

VISION, LOSS OF/BLINDNESS Requires professional care.
Refer to Healthline Achryanthes Root; Centaury, American; Centaury, European; Coriander (as a result of smallpox)
♠ = Arnica Same as above

©2007 by Ernestina Parziale, CH


EAR
Is composed of the outer ear which protrudes from the side of the head; the inner ear which contains the actual organs of hearing and balance; and the middle ear which includes the bones, the ear cavity, the eustachian tubes leading to the throat and the mastoid bone cells
TYPE	DO FIRST	NATURAL AGENTS	HOW TO USE/MORE INFO
EARACHE	See Healthline	→	See Aches/Pains and Ear
DISCHARGE FROM	See Healthline	Balsam of Peru	See Ear
FOREIGN OBJECTS	See MC FIRST AID GUIDE and seek immediate medical assistance if not easily corrected	→	→
HEARING PROBLEMS	See Healthline	Achryanthes Root; Betony ♠ = Castor Bean	Requires medical assistance to determine cause
EAR INFECTION	See Healthline	Agrimony; Mullein; Plantain	See Ear and Infection
MIDDLE EAR PROBLEMS	See Healthline	Stoneroot	Requires medical assistance to determine cause
TINNITUS	See Healthline	Ash, Prickly; Ginkgo; Selfheal ♠ = Black Cohosh	See Tinnitus

EDEMA
Accumulation of fluid in the tissues which causes swelling. Usually the result of heart or kidney disease, but other causes are possible.
TYPE	DO FIRST	NATURAL AGENTS	HOW TO USE/MORE INFO
GENERAL	See Healthline	Adder's Tongue; Agave; Agrimony, Hemp; Agrimony, Water; Alder, American Black; Allspice; Aloe, False; American Ivy; Angostura; Anise; Apple; Arrowhead; Ash; Ash, Prickly; Ash, White; Asparagus; Asparagus, Chinese; Aspen, Quaking; Astragalus; Atractylodes lancea; Atractylodes macrocephela; Balm of Capaiba (unresponsive); Balmony; Balsam; Banana, Ryukyu; Bean; Beechdrops; Betel; Betel Nut; Bilberry; Bindweed; Birch, Common (cardial); Bistort; Blackberry; Blackberry Lily; Blueberry; Bogbean; Boneset; Bowman's Root; Broom, Dyer's; Buchu; Burdock; Butcher's Broom; Butter-and-Eggs; Cajuput; Candytuft; Carrot, Wild; Cashew; Cattail; Cedar, White; Celandine; Cereus, Night-blooming; Chamomile; Chervil; Chicory; Cleavers; Cohosh, Blue; Corn; Couchgrass; Dandelion; Elder; Ginkgo; Horseradish; Parsley; Stoneroot; Thistle, Blessed; Water Plantain; Yellow Vetch (see Astragalus) ♠ = Abrus; Aconite; Adonis; Alder Buckthorn; Arrowwood; Asarabacca; Belladonna, Japanese-2; Black Cohosh; Bloodroot; Blue Flag; Bonduc Nut; Broom, Scotch (chronic); Broom, Spanish; Castor Bean	Requires medical assistance to determine cause. Also see Dropsy

ELEPHANTITIS
A disease of tropical regions caused by a nemotode (Wuchereria bancrofti) and which obstructs the lymphatic system resulting in enlargement of body parts/organs, inflammation of the skin and underlying tissue, especially the legs and scrotum.
TYPE	DO FIRST	NATURAL AGENTS	HOW TO USE/MORE INFO
GENERAL	See Healthline	Bala; Caesar Weed; Cashew ♠ = Bonduc Nut	Requires medical diagnosis and treatment

ENURESIS/BEDWETTING
When the problem occurs outside what is usually expected of a child or an older adult, then a professional medical evaluation is needed to determine cause.
TYPE	DO FIRST	NATURAL AGENTS	HOW TO USE/MORE INFO
GENERAL	See Healthline	Black Musli; Bearberry; Blueberry; Buchu; Cardamom; Cleavers; Corn; Damiana	Seek professional help for problem bedwetting

EPILEPSY
A disorder of the brain characterized by convulsions and loss of consciousness which can be caused by a number of underlying conditions. Medical supervision absolutely required.
TYPE	DO FIRST	NATURAL AGENTS	HOW TO USE/MORE INFO
GENERAL	See Healthline	Ailanto; Amber; Angelica; Anise; Apricot, Japanese; Aster; Bay; Bayberry; Bistort; Blueberry; Cannabis; Cardamine; Caroba; Mugwort; Water Plantain ♠ = Arum; Belladonna; Belladonna, Japanese-2; Black Cohosh; Boxwood; Calabar Bean; Camphor	See Epilepsy

ESOPHAGITIS
Inflammation of the esophagus (food pipe). Can be a result of Acid Reflux
TYPE	DO FIRST	NATURAL AGENTS	HOW TO USE/MORE INFO
GENERAL	See Healthline	Marshmallow	See Digestion and Acid Reflux

EYE/VISION PROBLEMS
Organ of sight. DON'T MESS AROUND WITH YOUR EYESIGHT. Get your eyes checked at regular intervals. This is especially important as you age. An eye exam can reveal problems going on within the body that might not otherwise be noticible. Of historical interest is Belladonna which is still used in eye exams (pharmaceutical grade) to dilate the pupils as Italian belles of hundreds of years ago dropped the juice of the berries into their own eyes, thinking the wide open-pupil look was attractive. I'd snicker, but I have to think going around half-blind must have been torture. On the flip side of the coin, Calabar Bean has been used to contract the pupil.
TYPE	DO FIRST	NATURAL AGENTS	HOW TO USE/MORE INFO
GENERAL	See Healthline	Arrowhead; Bachelor Button; Barberry, Common; Barberry, Indian; Barrenwort; Bodhi Seeds; Burnut; Carrot; Carrot, Wild; Eyebright; Pinks, Chinese; Sage, Clary; Walnut, Black ♠ = Anemone, Canadian; Borax; Camphor	See Eyes
BLACK EYE	See Healthline	Hyssop	Same as above
BLOODSHOT	See Healthline	Bamboo, Black; Bayberry	Same as above
BLURRED VISION	See Healthline	Abalone; Celosia	Same as above
BURNING/ITCHY	See Healthline	Agrimony	Same as above
CATARACT	See Healthline	Capers; Carrot, Wild; Catnip; Celandine ♠ = Butterfly Bush	See individual herb pages
CONJUNCTIVITIS	See Healthline	Agrimony; Bachelor Button; Bodhi Seeds; Calendula; Celosia; Centipeda; Chamomile; Chervil; Clover, Red; Cucumber; Elder; Eyebright; Fennel; Parsley; Selfheal; Walnut, English	Same as above
CORNEAL ULCERS	See Healthline	Bachelor Button	Same as above
CROSSED EYES/LAZY EYE	See Healthline	♠ = Anemone, Canadian; Castor Bean	Same as above
DOUBLE VISION	See Healthline	Asafetida	Same as above
EYELIDS, INFLAMED/BLEPHARITIS	See Healthline	Agrimony; Chervil; Walnut, English ♠ = Asthma Weed	Same as above
EYESTRAIN	See Healthline	Chamomile 𗾺 = Butterfly Bush	See Eyes
EYEWASH	See Healthline	Anise	Homemade eyewash is not recommended as anything touching the eye must be sterile and unwanted complications can result
FAILING EYESIGHT/WEAK EYES	See Healthline	Allspice, Carolina; Apricot, Japanese; Bilberry (to improve); Blueberry (to improve); Clove; Eyebright ♠ = Asarabacca; Boxthorn	See Eyes
FILM OVER EYES	See Healthline	Barley	See individual herb pages
FLESHY GROWTHS	See Health Finder	Cicimatic	See individual herb pages
GLAUCOMA (Requires medical care to preserve sight. Can lead to loss of eye/s)	See National Institute of Health	Bilberry; Cannabis ♠ = Ash, Mountain-1; Calabar Bean	Same as above
INFECTION	See your doctor See Healthline	Capers	Same as above
MACULAR DEGENERATION	Requires professional medical care See Healthline	Bilberry	Same as above
NIGHT BLINDNESS	See Healthline	Annatto; Atractylodes chinensis; Atractylodes lancea; Atractylodes macrocephela; Atractylodes ovata; Bilberry; Blueberry ♠ = Butterfly Bush	Same as above
PTERYGIUM (An overgrowth of mucous membrane which extends over the inner portion of the conjunctiva of the eye)	See Healthline	Abalone	Same as above
RETINAL HEMORRHAGE	See your doctor See Healthline	Buckwheat; Celosia	Same as above
SENSITIVITY to BRIGHT LIGHT	See your doctor; can signal a serious condition See All About Vision	Abalone; Celosia	Same as above
SORE/INFLAMED/TIRED EYES	See Allergies and My Dr.com	Angelica; Angelica, American; Apple; Ash, Black; Ash, Northern; Aspen, Quaking; Balsam; Bayberry; Beechdrops; Burnut; Cabbage; Calendula; Celandine; Celosia; Chamomile; Chicory; Cucumber; Hyssop; Mullein; Plantain; Ragwort; Selfheal; Squawvine; Walnut, English ♠ = Asthma Weed; Castor Bean; Thimbleweed (see Anemone)	See Eyes
STYES	See Healthline	Burdock; Celandine; Chamomile; Comfrey; Fennel; Nasturtium	Same as above
SWOLLEN EYES	See Healthline	Bethroot	Same as above
TEAR DUCT INFLAMMATION	See Healthline	Chamomile	See individual herb pages
TICS	See Healthline
♠ = Anemone, Canadian	Same as above
VISION, LOSS OF/BLINDNESS	Requires professional care. Refer to Healthline	Achryanthes Root; Centaury, American; Centaury, European; Coriander (as a result of smallpox) ♠ = Arnica	Same as above