Identifying Some Common Herbs and Their Uses

Most natural remedies are botanical. Due to the many different botanicals and combinations, I will help you to identify the most common and their uses. These should not be considered as the only use for a specific herb.

To avoid any confusion I will only be using the "common name" and not the latin name of these herbs.

Agar Agar- An algae from seaweed, it is a gelatinous natural thickener and is a natural laxative.

Agrimony- A valuable remedy for the digestive system that stimulates the digestive and liver secretions. It is also the herb of choice for appendicitis. Agrimony also treats incontinence, sore throats and laryngitis. As a salve it will aid in healing wounds and bruises.

Alder Tree- Use the leaves for swelling. It is especially helpful in easing pain from swollen breast or burning and aching feet. This herb should be avoided if pregnant.

Alfalfa- A highly nutritive herb, good for the pituitary gland, it alkalizes the body rapidly and detoxifies the liver. It is essential in rebuilding decayed teeth and helps with arthritic and rheumatic pain.

Aloes- Such as Aloe Vera, are good for burns. While this is a well known treatment, what you may not know is that aloes are also helpful in treating cancer and stomach ailments.

Angelica- Use both the root and seed. Roots and leaves are used medicinally, the stems and seeds are used inconfectionery. This herb is a useful expectorant for coughs, bronchitis and pleurisy, especially when they are accompanied by fever, colds or influenza.

Aniseed- Use the dried fruit. The strong oil in Aniseed provides the basis for its internal use to ease griping, intestinal colic and flatulence. It also has an expectorant and anti-spasmodic action and may be used in bronchitis, in tracheitis where there is persistent irritable coughing, and in whooping cough. The oil itself can be the base for an ointment to help control lice and the can be used directly in the control of lice.

Apple Tree- Use the bark to create a tonic that will treat gravel in the bladder and also aid in reducing fever.

Arnica- Not to be taken internally, this is an excellent treatment for bruises and sprains. Will also help relieve rheumatic pain as well as pain and inflammation of phlebitis.

Arrowroot- Use as a demulcent and nutritive food for urinary and bowel infections in infants and invalids in convalescence.

Astragalus- Widely used in Chinese Medicine, it boosts the immune system. Use for anything from the common cold to aid in cancer treatment.

Balm- Also known as Lemon Balm, Sweet Balm or Melissa. Using the green leaves and flowers, balm is a natural deterrent to perspiration, will also bring boils to a head, is useful for stings and toothache as well as flatulence and digestion.

Balm of Gilead- Also known as Poplar buds and Balsam Poplar. Bark and leaves are used to alleviate discomfort of cold coughs, kidney and lung trouble. The buds can also be used as a tea for gargling making it an excellent remedy for sore throats, coughs and laryngitis.

Balmony- Known as Bitter Herb, Snake Head, Turtle Head or Turtle Broom. Used in the treatment of eczema and is also good for the liver and stomach. It stimulates the appetite, eases colic, dyspepsia and billiousness and is helpful in debility. Also used in the treatment of gall stones, inflammation of the gall- bladder and in jaundice.

There is nothing in a plants makeup that tells us what would be its best use. There are over half million known herbs that could be used as possible remedies.

All the best,

Sean Babb