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DISCLAIMER: These pages are presented solely for INFORMATION purposes 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.
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♠ = 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. |
| Debility | Deficiency | Diabetes | Digestive Problems | Diphtheria | Dropsy | Dysentary |
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| DEBILITY | |||
| Weakness usually as a result of a severe illness, but can also be ascribed to a number of other causes both mental and physical. | |||
| TYPE | DO FIRST | NATURAL AGENTS | HOW TO USE/MORE INFO |
| GENERAL | If unsure of the cause, consult your doctor | Agrimony; Almond; Angelica; Apple; Asafetida; Ash, American; Ashwaganda; Asparagus; Aspen, Quaking; Astragalus; Avens; Balmony; Balmony, Indian; Barberry, Common; Barley; Beggartick; Black Currant; Boneset; Candle Nut; Chamomile; Chickweed; Chives; Ginseng; Ginseng, Siberian; Poplar, Balsam (lungs); Poplar, White; Pussytoes, Lesser; Pussytoes, Plantain-leaved; Rose; Sage; Sage, Purple ♠ = Boxthorn |
See Nutritional Problems, Convalescence, and Debility |
| LOW ENERGY | Same as above | Astragalus; Balloon Flower; Birch, Silver; Fo-Ti; Ginseng; Ginseng, Siberian; Gotu Kola; Rosemary; Yellow Vetch (see Astragalus) | Same as above |
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| DEFICIENCY | |||
| A lack of something, usually vitamins and minerals, needful for good health. | |||
| TYPE | DO FIRST | NATURAL AGENTS | HOW TO USE/MORE INFO |
| MINERALS/VITAMINS | See Healthline | Alfalfa; Parsley (iron) | See individual herb pages plus Minerals |
| YANG | A term of Chinese medicine referring to a masculine principle represented by sun, heat and fire | Bupleurum | See individual herb pages |
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| DIABETES | |||
| A term used to indicate a variety of different types of this disease which are characterized by excessive output of urine and marked thirst. The most common is Diabetes mellitus (or sugar diabetes) which is caused by an inability to burn up sugars (carbohydrates) due to an insufficient production of insulin by the pancreas. The following agents have been used historically to treat Diabetes mellitus. Today, some of them might be useful in a supporting role together with medically prescribed agents and regimens. The spices especially have been used to substitute flavor for sweetness. Also see Hyperglycemia | |||
| TYPE | DO FIRST | NATURAL AGENTS | HOW TO USE/MORE INFO |
| GENERAL | See Healthline | Agrimony; Alfalfa; Allspice; Amur Cork Tree; Apple; Anemorrhena; Artichoke; Asparagus, Chinese; Aspen, Quaking; Astragalus; Atractylodes macrocephela; Balloon Flower; Balsam Pear; Barberry, Common; Barley; Bay; Bean (mild); Bearberry; Beech, American; Bilberry; Blueberry (borderline); Bottle Gourd; Buchu; Bugleweed; Burdock; Carrot, Wild; Cat's Claw; Cayenne; Centaury, European; Chicory; Cinnamon; Cohosh, Blue; Coriander; Cranesbill; Dandelion; Fennel; Fenugreek; Garlic; Ginseng; Ginseng, Siberian; Jerusalem Artichoke; Geranium, Scented; Mugwort; Nettle, Stinging; Onion; Reishi; Sage; Selfheal; Stevia; Suma; Water Plantain ♠ = Stargrass |
See Diabetes |
| CIRCULATORY PROBLEMS, DUE TO | See Healthline and Diabetes.org | Bilberry | Same as above plus Circulation |
| DIABETIC NERVE DAMAGE/NEUROPATHY | See Healthline plus same as above | Cayenne | See Diabetes and Nervous Afflictions |
| DIABETIC PALSY | See Healthline plus Diabetes.org | Cayenne | See Diabetes and Palsy |
| SORES | Same as above | Selfheal | See Diabetes, Wounds, Skin, and Ointments |
| THIRST | Same as above | Anise; Apple; Asparagus; Asparagus, Chinese | See Thirst Quencher |
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| DIGESTIVE PROBLEMS | |||
| And there are so many. Some are simple and others more serious and involved and require the care of a medical professional. Although the process of digestion begins the moment you put food in your mouth, to keep this as simple as possible, this topic begins with the stomach and ends with the large intestine, the whole otherwise known as the gastrointestinal tract. Also see Bowels | |||
| TYPE | DO FIRST | NATURAL AGENTS | HOW TO USE/MORE INFO |
| GENERAL | See Healthline | Agrimony; Ajuga; Alfalfa; Aloe; Allspice; Ambrette; Amomum; Anaphalis; Angelica; Angostura; Anise; Anise, Star; Annatto; Apple; Aquilaria; Arrowroot; Ash, Japanese Prickly; Ash, Northern; Ash, Prickly; Asparagus; Asparagus, Chinese; Aspen, Quaking; Astragalus; Atractylodes ovata; Avens; Avens, Rough; Avens, Water; Bala; Balmony; Banana; Barberry, Common (chronic); Barley; Basil, Holy; Bay; Bayberry; Bayberry, English; Bearswort; Bee Pollen; Beech; Beet; Bergamot; Betony; Bilberry; Birch Mushroom; Birch, Silver; Black Chebula; Blackberry; Boneset, Asian; Buchu; Burdock; Burnet, Salad; Butternut; Calendula; Canella; Cardamom; Cardamom, Bastard; Cardamom, Round (see Amomum); Cascara Sagrada; Catnip; Cayenne; Cedron; Centaury, European; Chamomile; Chervil; Chicory; Chickweed; Cinnamon; Clove; Comfrey; Coriander; Coriander, False; Costmary; Crampbark; Cumin; Currant, Red (see Black Currant); Damiana; Dandelion; Dill; Fennel; Fenugreek; Ginger; Goldenseal; Horseradish; Lemon; Licorice; Linden; Marjoram, Sweet; Mint; Mugwort; Mustard; Nettle, Stinging; Oregano, Greek; Poplar, Ontario; Poplar, White; Sage, Clary; Shatavari (see Asparagus); Turmeric; Walnut, Black; Yarrow ♠ = Alder Buckthorn; Bearded Darnel; Black Cohosh; Blackroot; Bryony; Columbine; Stargrass; Wormwood |
See Digestion |
| ACID REFLUX |
See Healthline | Chamomile (vagus nerve) | Same as above plus Acid Reflux Coffee is the biggest offender and often triggers the vagus nerve making the sufferer feel as though he/she is having a heart attack. Chocolate is also a problem. Eliminating both from the diet is helpful. |
| ACID, STOMACH (too much/overacidity) |
See Healthline | Agrimony; Alfalfa; Anise; Apple; Bamboo, Moso; Bay; Chicory; Clover, Red; Marshmallow; Meadowsweet; Plantain (neutralize); Shatavari (see Asparagus) | Same as above |
| ACID STOMACH/ACHLORHYDRIA (too little) |
See Healthline | Apple; Apricot | See individual herb pages |
| BILIOUSNESS | See Healthline | → | See Digestion and Liver |
| BLEEDING (from/in digestive tract) |
Seek professional medical help for an evaluation | → | See Digestion and Bleeding |
| BLOATING | See Healthline | Atractylodes ovata; Betel Nut; Buchu; Bupleurum (abdominal); Burnut; Cairo Morning Glory (stomach); Cleavers ♠ = Birthwort |
See Digestion |
| CANCER | See your doctor | → | See Cancer and Cancer-1 |
| CHILLS, STOMACH | See Healthline | Chives, Garlic; Cinnamon; Clove | See Cold Conditions/Chill |
| COLIC (severe stomach pain) |
See Healthline | Angelica; Angelica, American; Angelica, European Wild; Angelica Tree; Annatto; Aquilaria; Asafetida (with gas); Ash, American; Ash, Prickly (exceptionally severe); Avens (exceptionally severe); Baeckea; Bala; Balm, Lemon; Balmony; Balsam; Bay; Bayberry (exceptionally severe); Beggar-lice; Bindweed; Black Currant; Blueberry; Buckwheat; Caesar Weed; Cajuput; Caraway; Carrot Wild; Catnip; Centaury, European; Chamomile; Cinnamon; Clove; Cohosh, Blue; Coriander; Crampbark; Cranesbill; Dill; Fennel; Marshmallow; Mint; Monarda; Mugwort; Poplar, White; Stoneroot; Tarragon, Winter; Thistle, Blessed (with gas); Thyme; Valerian; Walnut, Black; Yarrow ♠ = Asthma Weed; Bonduc Nut; Stargrass |
See Digestion |
| COLIC, INTESTINAL (severe abdominal pain) |
Same as above | Angelica; Apple; Crampbark; Parsley | Same as above |
| COLIC, INFANT | Same as above | Anise; Asafetida; Bergamot; Bunchberry; Caraway; Dill; Fennel; Slippery Elm | See Babies/Children |
| DIFFICULT DIGESTION (of certain foods) |
See Healthline | Dandelion; Dill ♠ = Asarabacca |
See Digestion |
| DIGESTION of FATS | See Healthline | Fennel; Schizandra | See individual herb pages |
| DIGESTION of MILK (infants) |
See Healthline | Barley | Same as above |
| DIGESTIVE DISEASES | See Healthline | Szechuan Pepper-2 | See Digestion |
| DISTENTION | See Healthline | Anise; Barley; Water Plantain | Same as above |
| FLATULANCE/GAS | See Healthline | Agar-Agar; Agave; Allspice; Ambrosia; Amomum; Angelica; Angelica, American; Anise; Aquilaria; Artemesia; Asafetida; Ash; Ash, Prickly; Balloon Flower; Bay; Bayberry; Betel Nut; Burdock; Caesar Weed; Calamint; Caraway; Cardamom; Carrot, Wild; Catnip; Chamomile; Chickweed; Clove; Clover, Red; Coriander; Costmary; Cumin; Fennel; Fenugreek; Garlic; Goldenrod, Sweet; Lavender; Lovage; Lovage, Black; Mint; Monarda; Onion; Parsley; Sage; Sage, Purple; Sarsaparilla; Savory; Thistle, Blessed ♠ = Arum; Castor Bean |
See Digestion |
| FOOD POISONING | Seek immediate medical help! !!!FIND YOUR LOCAL POISON CONTROL CENTER or PHONE 1-800-222-1222!!! See Healthline |
Cinnamon (Clostridium botulinum); Coriander (ptomaine); Cranesbill | See individual herb pages |
| FOUL BACTERIA | See Healthline | Agave | Same as above |
| HEARTBURN | See Healthline | Almond; Aloe; Angelica; Angelica, American; Apple; Barberry, Common; Betony; Centaury, European; Chamomile; Chicory; Coriander; Dandelion; Walnut, Black | See Digestion |
| INDIGESTION/UPSET STOMACH/DYSPEPSIA | See Healthline | Adrue; Agave; Agrimony; Alder, American Black; Alder, Tag; Allspice; Amaranth; Angelica; Angelica, European Wild; Angelica lucida; Anise; Apple; Arrowhead; Artemisia; Artichoke; Asafetida; Ash, Chinese; Ash, Prickly; Ashwaganda; Aspen, Quaking; Atractylodes chinensis; Atractylodes lancea; Atractylodes macrocephela; Atractylodes ovata; Avens, Water; Bachelor Button; Balloon Flower; Balmony; Balmony, Indian; Barbate Cyclea; Barley; Basil, Holy; Bay; Bayberry; Bead Tree; Betel Nut; Black Cherry; Bogbean; Boldo; Boneset; Boneset, Asian; Bowman's Root; Bupleurum; Burdock; Burnet, Salad; Butternut (with constipation); Caesar Weed; Calamint; Calamint, Lesser; Canary Island Tea Plant; Caraway; Cardamom; Carrot, Wild; Catnip; Cayenne; Centaury, European; Centipeda; Chamomile; Chicory; Cinnamon; Clove; Cohosh, Blue; Costmary; Cranesbill; Cucumber (children); Dandelion (with constipation); Dill; Fennel; Marshmallow; Mint; Oregano, Greek; Parsley; Pearly Life Everlasting; Sage; Sage, Purple; Shatavari (see Asparagus); Slippery Elm; Stoneroot; Thistle, Blessed; Thyme; Wrinkled Giant Hyssop (see Anise Hyssop); Yarrow ♠ = Alder Buckthorn; Arrowwood; Ash, Mountain; Birthwort, Frail; Black Cohosh; Blackroot (related to liver disease & chronic); Bloodroot; Camphor; Castor Bean; Stargrass |
Same as above |
| INDIGESTION, NERVOUS | Same as above | Bugleweed; Catnip; Chamomile; Hops | Same as above plus Nervous Afflictions |
| INFECTION, GASTROINTESTINAL | See Healthline | Agrimony; Avens; Cajuput (stomach); Capers; Plantain; Thyme | See Digestion and Internal Infection |
| INFECTION, STOMACH | Same as above | Cajuput; Hops | Same as above plus Infection |
| INFLAMMATION of DIGESTIVE TRACT/ GASTROENTERITIS/GASTRITIS (stomach lining inflammation) |
See Healthline | Acacia; Angelica; Ash, Winged Prickly; Atractylodes; Atractylodes macrocephela; Atractylodes ovata; Basil, Holy; Bayberry; Betony; Birch Mushroom; Black Cherry; Caesar Weed; Cat's Claw; Chamomile (stomach); Cinnamon; Clove; Cranesbill; Ginger; Mallow, Purple-rose; Marshmallow; Meadowsweet; Plantain; Stoneroot; Yarrow ♠ = Belladonna; Blue Flag; Butterfly Weed |
See Digestion and Bowels |
| IRRITATION (GI tract) | Same as above | Angelica (stomach); Asafetida (stomach); Avens (stomach); Barley (stomach) ♠ = Ash, Mountain |
Same as above |
| MOTION SICKNESS/SEASICKNESS | See Healthline | Anise; Basil; Basil, Holy; Ginger; Marjoram, Showy | See Motion Sickness |
| NAUSEA | See Healthline | Amomum; Anise; Anise Hyssop; Apple; Apricot; Aquilaria; Asparagus; Atractylodes macrocephela; Avens, Water; Balloon Flower; Balm, Lemon; Bamboo, Moso; Basil; Basil, Holy; Bayberry; Bilberry; Boneset, Asian; Bupleurum; Burnet; Calendula; Cardamom; Cardamom, Bastard; Cinnamon; Clove; Coriander; Lavender; Mint; Monarda; Raspberry; Szechuan Pepper-1 ♠ = Aconite, Carmichael's; Asthma Weed; Birthwort, Frail; Stargrass |
See Nausea |
| NERVOUS STOMACH | See Healthline | Balm, Lemon; Clove | See Digestion and Nervous Afflictions |
| OVERACTIVE DIGESTION | See Healthline | Chamomile | See | Digestion
| PAINFUL DIGESTION/STOMACHACHE | See Healthline | Anise; Arbutus; Ash, Prickly; Barbate Cyclea; Bay; Bead Tree; Birch, River; Blackberry Lily; Cabbage; Caesar Weed; Calendula; Cardamom, Bastard; Coriander; Dill; Ginger; Petitgrain; Rose; Szechuan Pepper-1; Szechuan Pepper-2 ♠ = Ambrosia-2; Anemone; Arnica; Asthma Weed; Belladonna, Japanese-1; Belladonna, Japanese-2; Bloodroot; Camphor |
See Digestion |
| PROTEIN ABSORPTION (to assist) |
See Healthline | Allspice | See individual herb pages |
| RELAXANT, DIGESTIVE SYSTEM | See Healthline | Chamomile | See Digestion |
| SPASMS/CRAMPS, DIGESTIVE TRACT | See Healthline | Ambrette; Angelica; Asafetida; Ash, White (stomach); Basil, Holy; Calendula; Caraway; Cayenne; Selfheal; ♠ = Asarabacca (stomach); Bloodroot (stomach); Belladonna; Stargrass |
See Cramps, Internal |
| TUMORS (benign) | See Healthline | Atractylodes macrocephela; Bay | See Tumors, Benign and Tumors |
| ULCERS/ULCERATIONS, STOMACH | See Healthline | Agrimony; Alfalfa; Allspice; Aloe; American Ivy; Angelica; Angelica, American; Anise; Apple; Ash, Prickly (indolent); Ash, Prickly Southern; Aspen, Quaking; Astragalus; Bala; Balloon Flower; Balloon Vine; Balmony; Balsam (indolent); Banana; Barberry, Common; Basil, Holy; Bay; Bayberry (indolent); Bead Tree (indolent); Beech, American; Beechdrops; Beggartick, Hairy; Benzoin; Bethroot; Betony; Birch, Silver; Birch Mushroom; Bistort; Blackberry; Black Chebula; Black Cherry; Bletilla; Blueberry (preventative); Borage; Bugleweed; Burdock; Cabbage; Calendula (duodenal/stomach); Candle Nut; Caraway; Carrot, Wild; Cat's Claw; Cayenne; Cedar, True; Celandine; Chamomile; Chickweed; Cleavers; Clover, Red (indolent); Coltsfoot; Comfrey (gastro-intestinal); Coriander; Crampbark (bleeding/peptic); Crampbark (peptic); Elder; Figwort; Licorice; Marshmallow; Meadowsweet; Pilewort (see Amaranth); Plantain; Plantain, Banana; Redroot Pigweed (see Amaranth); Shatavari (see Asparagus); Stoneroot; Thistle, Blessed; Walnut, Black ♠ = Bloodroot; Blue Flag; Butterfly Weed; Castor Bean; Melon, Bitter Indochinese |
See Ulcers |
| VOMITING | See Healthline | Adder's Tongue; Amomum; Cardamom, Round (see Amomum); Angelica; Anise; Anise Hyssop; Apple; Apricot; Aquilaria; Atractylodes; Balloon Flower; Bamboo, Black; Basil; Basil, Holy; Bilberry; Blackberry; Boneset; Cardamom; Catnip; Chives; Cinnamon; Clove; Coriander; Goldenrod, Sweet; Mint; Monarda; Raspberry; Walnut, Black ♠ = Asarabacca |
See Vomiting |
| VOMITING BLOOD | Requires professional medical care. Same as above |
Agrimony; Cattail; Plantain | Same as above |
| VOMITING MUCOUS | Same as above | Balloon Flower | Same as above |
| WEAK/POOR DIGESTION | See Merck.com | Ague-weed; Ash, Prickly; Atractylodes macrocephela; Balmony; Barley; Basil, Holy; Betony; Black Cherry; Burdock; Cinnamon; Ginger (associated with migraines); Plantain | See Digestion |
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| DIPHTHERIA | |||
| A real nasty for which we fortunately have a vaccine. This is an acute, contagious disease caused by the bacillus Corynebacterium diphtheriae. Nature of the disease is inflammation of the upper respiratory tract with the formation of fibrin (false membrane) of the mucous membranes and creation of an exotoxin which acts on the heart and cranial or peripheral nerve cells. More likely to be seen in poorer countries. Absolutely requires professional medical care. | |||
| TYPE | DO FIRST | NATURAL AGENTS | HOW TO USE/MORE INFO |
| GENERAL | See Healthline | Alder; Angelica; Ash, American; Asparagus, Chinese; Bay; Cayenne; Lavender; Walnut, Black ♠ = Betel; Bloodroot |
See individual herb pages |
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| DROPSY | |||
| Obsolete term associated with fluid-retention due to heart failure or kidney disease. See Edema | |||
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| DYSENTARY | |||
| Inflammation of the large bowel accompanied by pain, cramps, and diarrhea and caused by a pathogen. Requires professional medical care. | |||
| TYPE | DO FIRST | NATURAL AGENTS | HOW TO USE/MORE INFO |
| GENERAL | See Healthline | Agave; Agrimony; Ailanto; Alstonia; Amaranth; Amur Cork Tree; Angostura; Apple; Apricot, Japanese; Arenaria; Artemisia; Asafetida; Asparagus, Chinese; Aspen, Quaking; Aster; Avens; Bael; Bala; Balloon Flower; Balsam of Peru; Balsam Pear; Barberry, Amur; Barberry, Common; Basil, East Indian; Basil, Hoary; Bayberry (typhoid); Bearberry; Beech; Bee Pollen; Benjamin Bush; Betel Nut; Bilberry; Birch, Sweet; Bistort; Blackberry; Black Chebula; Black Cherry; Blueberry; Boat Lily; Boneset, Asian; Brucea (chronic); Bugleweed; Burnet; Caesar Weed; Carrot, Wild; Cattail; Cayenne; Cedar, White; Celosia; Ceylon Spinach; Cinnamon; Comfrey; Coriander; Costmary; Cranesbill; Hops; Pearly Life Everlasting; Pussytoes, Lesser; Pussytoes, Plantain-leaved; Shatavari (see Asparagus); Szechuan Pepper-1 (see Ash, Prickly);Walnut, Black; Water Plantain ♠ = Asthma Weed; Belladonna, Japanese-1; Belladonna, Japanese-2; Birthwort, Frail; Bittersweet, American; Blackroot; Bloodroot; Butterfly Weed; Melon, Bitter Indochinese; Stargrass |
See Dysentary |
| AMOEBIC DYSENTARY | Same as above | Bala; Brucea; Cajuput ♠ = Ambrosia-2; Asthma Weed |
Same as above |
| BACILLARY DYSENTARY | Same as above | Ash, Northern-2; Burnet | Same as above |
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