Parts Used: Leaves. Function: Peppermint has an analgesic, antispasmodic and warming effect on the body. Uses: Peppermint is used as a digestive aid for conditions such as poor appetite, vomiting, colic, nausea, diarrhea, irritable bowel, gas, heartburn, stomachache and intestinal cramping. Peppermint is also useful for gingivitis, tension headaches and is widely used as a [...]
Parts Used: Leaves, flowers and stems. Function: Uses: Passionflower is widely used as a mild sedative for anxiety, nervousness, hyperactivity, insomnia and headaches caused by tension and it also relaxes tense muscles. Guidelines: Passionflower should be blended with other herbs such as valerian and lemon balm for optimal effect. Passionflower tea can be taken 2 [...]
Parts Used: Rind. Function: Essential oil of orange has an antispasmodic, antidepressant and relaxing effect on the body. Uses: The essential oil of orange is used for constipation, insomnia, mouth ulcers and as a mouthwash. Orange can be used in an incense burner for a soothing effect. Guidelines: * Essential oil of orange can be [...]
Parts Used: Inner nut of the fruit. Function: Nutmeg has a warming effect on the body. Uses: Nutmeg is used for conditions such as rheumatic pain, improves circulation and stimulates the heart. Generally nutmeg is used as a winter warmer. Nutmeg is also widely used as a flavoring in sweet and savory food. Guidelines: Nutmeg [...]
Parts Used: Roots and leaves. Function: Nettle has an anti-inflammatory effect on the body. Uses: * Traditionally nettle has been used for making cloth, as a vegetable, and to treat conditions such as tuberculosis, arthritis and coughs. * More recently nettle has also been used for hay fever, congestion, pregnancy support, water retention, benign prostatic [...]
Parts Used: Leaves and flowers. Function: Mullein has a soothing effect due to its mucilage content and an expectorant action making it especially useful for respiratory tract disorders. Uses: * Traditionally mullein has been used for dry coughs, bronchitis, congestion, stomach cramps, diarrhea, pain, insomnia and to soothe inflamed skin and burns. * Currently mullein [...]
Parts Used: Dried seeds, fruit and leaves. Function: The flavonoid silymarin is the active constituent of milk thistle and has a direct antioxidant effect on the cells of the liver. Uses: * Traditionally milk thistle has been used for jaundice, congestion of the liver, kidneys and spleen and as a tonic for the liver. * [...]
Parts Used: Rind. Function: Mandarin has a stimulating effect on the stomach and liver and calming effect on the intestine. Uses: Mandarin is primarily used for digestive problems especially in children, the elderly and pregnant. Mandarin is ideal to blend with other oils such as other citrus and lavender. Guidelines: Mandarin is best used with [...]
Parts Used: Rind and fruit. Function: Uses: Essential oil of lime is used for colds, flu, sore throat, mouth ulcers, oily skin and fatigue. Guidelines: * Lime is extremely effective to soothe the pain of a sore throat and improve symptoms of mouth ulcers. Use 2 drops in 50 ml of warm water and gargle [...]
Parts Used: Root. Function: Licorice has powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Uses: * Traditionally licorice was used by the Chinese for coughs, sore throats, diabetes, fever, inflammation, tuberculosis and to soothe and coat the digestive and urinary tract. * Currently licorice is used in the treatment of respiratory disorders such as asthma, coughs and bronchitis [...]
