The Herbal Resource

Common figwort contains amino acids, flavonoids, phenolic acids (ferulic acid, vanillic acid, caffeic acid, cinnamic acid), saponins, cardiac glycoside, phytosterols, essential fatty acids, and asparagine. The scientific Genus name, Scrophularia, comes from the plant’s traditional use as a remedy for scrofula, a tuberculous infection of the lymph nodes in the neck. This use was due to the … [Read More...] about What is Figwort used for?

The primary product from the Eucalyptus globulus is its essential oil, which has a diverse range of therapeutic uses. The oil contains eucalyptol (1,8-cineol). It is also a valuable source of kinos, a plant gum produced by various plants and trees, widely used in medicine and tanning lotions. The essential oil is a popular decongestant remedy for upper respiratory infections and inflammatory … [Read More...] about What is Eucalyptus used for?

Bayberry contains triterpenes (such as taraxerol, taraxeron and myrikadiol), flavonoids (myricitrin), tannins, phenols, resins and rubber substances. The European settlers who came to North America learned about the medicinal properties of bayberry from the Native Americans. A description from 1737 states that the plant “removes air and relieves all kinds of pain caused by cold, and is a … [Read More...] about What is Bayberry used for?

Medicinally, buchu has a very long and well-defined history. It has been used for many ailments outside of its prescribed treatments, but there is little or no verification of those added benefits. It is well suited for use with children and for the elderly, owing primarily to its mild effects. It was used in the treatment of urinary problems in Africa before Europeans arrived … [Read More...] about What is Buchu used for?

Juniper has been used traditionally to treat arthritis, gout and rheumatism. Test tube studies have shown that the berries can inhibit prostaglandin synthesis which indicates that this traditional use has some merit. Juniper has diuretic and antiseptic properties which explain its uses as an herbal remedy for urinary tract infections such as cystitis and urethritis. Modern … [Read More...] about What is Juniper used for?

In today’s herbal medicine chicory is considered to be of particularly great value as a tonic for the liver and gastrointestinal tract. The medicinal properties of the herb are similar to those found in dandelion (Taraxacum officinale). Chicory is viewed as an excellent bitter agent that increases the secretion of bile which in turn stimulates the appetite and aids in digestion. … [Read More...] about What is Chicory used for?

The traditional use of devil’s claw by tribes in Africa involved the root being chopped and dried in the sun for three days to make medicinal preparations. The bitter preparation was used in folk tradition for its analgesic (numbing) and antipyretic (temperature reducing) properties. European colonists took the plant back to their countries where it was used to treat arthritis. The … [Read More...] about What is Devil’s Claw used for?

Your mental health is immensely important. If you’re not taking care of yourself, you’re going to experience serious issues. Your mental fatigue will ultimately take a toll on your physical health too. Then, it will begin impacting your professional and personal relationships. It is vital to take steps to prevent these problems from ruining your life. However, you shouldn’t rely on pharmaceuticals … [Read More...] about Ways to Naturally Improve Mental Health at Home

In Germany the plant is often depicted as a religious symbol associated with the Virgin Mary; the species name “marianum” honors this symbolic association. According to popular legend, the milky white fluid that comes from the leaves when crushed is the milk of the Virgin Mary. The active constituents of milk thistle are flavonoids (silybin, silydianin, and silychristin); essential oil; bitter … [Read More...] about What is Milk Thistle used for?

This plant has many external uses, including rheumatism and gout relief and skin eruptions like varicose ulcers, pimples, acne and blemishes and even scrofulous sores and eczema without noted adverse effects in moderate use. 3 From ancient times agrimony has been used for healing wounds and snake bites and for halting bleeding. Due to its high silica content, it is … [Read More...] about What is Agrimony used for?