The Herbal Resource

Elecampane constituents are inulin, mucilage, volatile oil (helenin, camphor, alantol), alantoic acid, a thymol derivative, sesquiterpene lactones (including alantolactone, isoalantolactone), triterpenoid saponins, sterols, and bitter principles (possibly including dammaradienol, stigmasterol, friedlin), resin, pectin, and possible alkaloid. Its actions are expectorant, antitussive, sedative, … [Read More...] about What are the health benefits of Elecampane?

Witch hazel is used to stop bleeding and is believed to be effective on both internal and external injuries. It is used to stop the bleeding on cuts, reduce bruising directly after an injury and as part of the treatment for stomach ulcers. It is believed that the tannins present in witch hazel (especially the bark), along with various oils, help speed coagulation. Because of its … [Read More...] about What is Witch Hazel used for?

This strongly bitter herb has been utilized for a long time as a folk medicine. An herbal tea made from the leaves has been used traditionally for irregular menstruation, to strengthen appetite, increase the secretion of digestive fluids, indigestion, and enhance nutrient absorption. Bogbean is closely related to yellow gentian (Gentiana lutea) and contains similar bitter … [Read More...] about What is Bogbean used for?

Black horehound has a long history of use in herbal medicine and it was once regarded to be helpful for ailments related to eyes and ears. It was also thought that it was an effective remedy or an antidote of sorts for bites by dogs infected with rabies. Compressions or wraps of the leaves were then placed on the infected areas, which allegedly counteracted the cramps. Although the herb is … [Read More...] about What are the health benefits of Black Horehound?

Avocado leaves contain essential oil (with estragole, caryophyllene and eugenol), flavonoids (afzelin, cynaroside, luteolin, quercetin), tannins and procyanidins. The avocado fruit is considered one the most nutritious of all fruits and very high in calories (220 kcal per 100 g). The fruit contains a fatty oil based on linoleic acid, linolenic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid and other fatty … [Read More...] about What are the health benefits of Avocado?

The use of onion as a medicine is worldwide and the health problems it is claimed to treat are numerous. According to the World Health Organization the health problems for which onion is used as a folk remedy include: bruises, colic, ear-ache, bronchitis, colds, fevers, intestinal parasites, high blood pressure, jaundice, sores, and impotence. Add to this list of conditions … [Read More...] about What are the health benefits of Onions?

Although cyclamen is currently not used much as a medicinal herb, it is known that it was used quite extensively in the past. The root of cyclamen has a very powerful effect, and when it was used it had to be done with great care. Despite the dangerous side effects, cyclamen was once recommended as a remedy for a variety of ailments, including eye diseases, gout, snakebites, tinnitus, … [Read More...] about What is Cyclamen used for?

The caraway seeds contain 2-7% of essential oil consisting of carvone (45-65%), smaller amounts of limonene, carveol and some other substances. Furthermore, the seeds contain around 20% fatty oil. Plants that grow in the wild usually contain more oil than plants that are cultivated and have therefore a stronger flavor. The leaves of caraway are rich in vitamin B and C, as well as … [Read More...] about What is Caraway used for?

The main ingredients consist of triterpene saponins, a bitter substance (polygamarin), tannins and essential oils with salicylates. Dwarf milkwort has similar medical properties as its related species, common milkwort (Polygala vulgaris) and senega root (Polygala senega). Due to the saponins and bitter substances found in the plant, it has expectorant and diuretic properties and stimulates … [Read More...] about What is Dwarf Milkwort used for?

Ma huang is used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) as an herbal treatment for asthma, hay fever, nose and lung congestion, chest tightness, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and for patients with fever and lack of perspiration (anhidrosis). Ephedra is used as a performance booster; to increase the blood circulation to the muscles for energy and endurance from an increase of … [Read More...] about What is Ephedra (Ma Huang) used for?

Cumin is a crop that was in use in the Mediterranean and the Middle East already in antiquity. The herb is mentioned in the Bible and also on Sumerian clay tablets. In the Egyptian Ebers Papyrus (written around 1550 BC) cumin is described as an ingredient in several of the Egyptian medicines, and the seeds have been found inside some of the Egyptian pyramids. Among Europe’s oldest cultures, … [Read More...] about What is Cumin used for?

Asafetida is said to be endowed with magical powers and thought to ward off evil spirits. It was believed that the strong pungent smell of the plant could keep certain diseases at bay. For that reason, it was a practice in some European countries for children to keep small cloth bags containing the herb close to their chest, as an amulet to protect them against infectious diseases, especially … [Read More...] about What is Asafetida used for?