GOLDENSEAL / Buttercup / Yellow Root / Hydrastis canadensis / Ranunculaceae / North America. It is an expensive herb due to the fact that it was over-harvested and is now scarce in the wild. N.B: Externally: It is a strong Dye and may stain clothing. N.B: Should not be used over long periods of time because of its effect on Intestinal Bacteria, which can affect the absorption of Vitamin B. Actions: Anti Biotic, Anti - Inflammatory, Anti - Fungal, Anti - Catarrhal, Anti - Haemorrhagic, anti - Malarial, anti - Parasitic, Anti Septic, Anodyne, Astringent, Bitter, Detergent, Gentle Laxative, Muscular Stimulant, Oxytocic & Tonic.
Cultivation: A tall growing herb with a most disagreeable and persistent odour. Product: use the Rhizomes. Tea: use a pinch of the powder in a cup of hot water and add Honey to change the Bitter taste.
Used to Treat: Anorexia: Internally to create over secretion of Mucous Membranes. Athlete's Foot: contains Berberine a powerful Anti - Bacterial & Anti - Fungal compound and is therefore an excellent Anti - Biotic. Other herbs with the compound also are Barberry, Goldthread, Oregon Grape & Yellow Root all also used for Yeast Infections. The Tincture can be added to juice 3 times a day. Breath - Bad: from Infection or Bacteria in the Mouth - use as a Gargle & Mouth Wash. Baldness: Bladder - Infections: Bleeding: As an Astringent to stop, both Internally & Externally. Candidas: as an Anti - Parasitic assisting to eradicate Toxic Organisms. Canker Sores: all types of Wounds as it is an Astringent & Anti - Septic. Catarrh: due to it's positive effect on Skin Tissue and on Mucous Membranes. Chonic Fatigue Syndrome: Colds & Flu: is Anti - Septic & Immune stimulating as it increases the Blood supply to the Spleen, the organ that is the area for the fighting Cells of your Immune System. It contains Berberine the compound that activates the special White Blood Cells - Macrophages - that destroy Bacteria, Fungi, Viruses & Tumour Cells. Colitis: as an Anti - Parasitic assisting to eradicate Toxic Organisms. Conjunctivitis: combined with Eyebright and / or Bayberry to make an Infusion, cool and filter and use as an Eye Wash or Lotion morning and night. Constipation: assists to prevent Constipation as a Laxative and normalizes Bowel function and reduces the chance of new Toxins and their absorption into the Bloodstream. Crohn's Disease: as an Anti - Parasitic assisting to eradicate Toxic Organisms. Cuts- Wounds: along with other Yellow Rooted species Barberry, Goldthread, Oregon Grape & Yellow Root it contains several Anti - Septic compounds especially Berberine & Hydrastine. Poultice: Use the crushed Root. Detoxification: Should be added to other herbs in a regime when trying to stimulate Liver function in relation to the Digestive Tract & Liver. Diarrhoea: can assist on occasions. Digestive Tract - Disturbances: Good for the Digestive System & Mucous Membranes to heal as it produces extra Stomach Acid, as normal Stomach Acid needs to be produced for a healthy Digestion. It is used with other herbs including Slippery Elm Powder to protect the damaged area and used with Gentian Root to stimulate normal Digestion. Diverticulitis: as an Anti - Parasitic assisting to eradicate Toxic Organisms. Duodenal Ulcers: as an Anti - Parasitic assisting to eradicate Toxic Organisms. Dyspepsia: Internally used to create over secretion of Mucous Membranes. Ear - Ache: is a natural Anti - Biotic and can be combined with Echinacea & Liquorice Root for flavour. Tea: use a teaspoon of each herb or put a dropper full of each Tincture per cup of boiling water and take 3 times a day. Eye - Allergy Conditions: combined with Eyebright & Bayberry with 400mg of these combined herbs to 1 cup of heated distilled water as an Eye Wash and let stand for an hour and strain to bath the Eyes. Eye Tonic - Puffiness: due to it's positive effect on Skin Tissue and on Mucous Membranes, combined with Eye Bright. Puffiness: place cooled wet Tea bags on the Eyes, or make an Infusion from the powdered herb with a 1/2 teaspoon to 1 cup of boiling water, strain and bathe. Used in tiny quantities as part of an Eye - Wash to soothe irritation from Infection, Dust or Flies. Flatulence: by drinking a mild Tea of Goldenseal & Honey. Fungal Infections: contains Berberine a powerful Anti - Bacterial & Anti - Fungal compound found also in Barberry, Goldthread, Oregon Grape & Yellow Root all used to treat Fungal Infections & Yeast Infections. Tincture: could be used, following the directions, added to juice 3 times a day. Gall Bladder - Sluggish: combined with Barberry. Gall - Stones: as it affects the Mucous Membranes if there is going to be damage to the Membranes lining the Ducts. Add to Liver herbs. Gastric Intestinal Tract Disorders: Specific as it has a Soothing Laxative action. Gastritis: as it produces extra Stomach Acid for a healthy Digestion and is used with other herbs including Slippery Elm Powder to protect the damaged area. Internally used it creates over secretion of the Mucous Membranes. Gravel: as it effects the Mucous Membranes if there is going to be damage to the Membranes lining the Ducts. Add to Liver herbs. Gum Disease: from Infection or Bacteria in the Mouth - use as a Gargle & Mouth Wash. Gums - Bleeding: from Infection or Bacteria in the Mouth - use as a Gargle & Mouth Wash. Haemorrhoids: used as a Cream locally. Hives: with 7ml of this herb combined with 28ml Yarrow, 28ml Nettle, and 56ml Dandelion, cover and simmer for 20 minutes in 1 litre of water. Dosage: take 1 Tablespoon every 4 hours. Indigestion: by drinking a mild Tea of Goldenseal & Honey. Infected Wounds: with a Salve of this herb and Vitamin A Ointment. Intestinal Parasites: contains Berberine a proven Amebicide, which is also available in 5 herbs with yellow roots including, Goldenseal, Gold Thread, Barberry, Oregon Grape & Yellow Root. N.B: Do not "over use" as it is 10 times a strong as required to kill the Parasites. Dosage: 1/3 to 1/2 ounce only of the dried herb divided into 3 parts and taken over 1 day in Capsules or Tea. N.B: Also do not use if Pregnant because it could cause miscarriage. Laxative: as a Tea. Liver Conditions: as a Tea but not specific for Liver choose others first for Specific Liver or Gall Bladder Conditions. Liver - Sluggish: combined with Barberry. Lymphatic System: Combines well with other herbs especially for the Lymphatic System. Menstrual Conditions: Internally as it creates over secretion of Mucous Membranes. Mouth Ulcers: due to it's positive effect on Skin Tissue and on Mucous Membranes used for Infection or Bacteria in the Mouth as a Gargle & Mouth Wash. Mouth Wash: 2 teaspoons of dried herb per cup of boiling water and steep until cool and rinse the Mouth 3 - 4 times a day. Barberry & Oregon Grape have similar healing effects. Nausea: by drinking a mild Tea of Goldenseal & Honey. Pneumonia: contains two broad - spectrum anti - Microbial constituents, Hydrastine & Berberine. Use a Tincture and follow the package directions while there are other herbs with a similar action such as Barberry, Goldthread, Oregon Grape & Yellow Root. Pregnancy: used as a Tea to counter the Nausea of Morning Sickness. Tongue - Coated: from Infection or Bacteria in the Mouth - use as a Gargle & Mouth Wash. Sinusitis: Internally used to create over secretion of Mucous Membranes to relieve. Skin Infections: make a Decoction using 5 - 7 teaspoons of dried Golden Seal to a cup of water and boil and simmer for 20 minutes until cool, strain out the plant material and apply to the affected area 1 - 3 times a day with a cotton ball or clean cloth. Skin Conditions: due to it's positive effect on Skin Tissue and on Mucous Membranes as an Ointment it is anti Septic, soothing and drawing for Skin Pustules. Sties: is an Immune booster similar to Echinacea and an anti - Biotic also as it contains Berberine that is active against Staph infections and these are also contained in Barberry, Goldthread, Oregon Grape & Yellow Root. Can be taken orally in Capsules or as a Tea and is also helpful as a Compress. Stomach - Ulcers: as it produces extra Stomach Acid as even with this Condition normal Stomach Acid needs to be produced for a healthy Digestion and it is used with other herbs including Slippery Elm Powder to protect the damaged area. Teeth: after extraction put a few drops of boiling water on a Goldenseal Tea bag, tap some extra Goldenseal Powder - open a Capsule to obtain) and put on this and place it over the Wound to reduce bleeding, pain and swelling, Tinnitus: may assist. Ulcers: Internally used to create over secretion of Mucous Membranes and as an Anodyne it reduces the Pain and promotes healing. Vaginitis: is a broad spectrum herbal Anti - Biotic as it contains Berberine & Hydrastine used to treat Trichomonal Vaginitis caused by an Amoeba and also has some Immune stimulating activity. It can be combined with Echinacea also Immune stimulating and an Anti - Biotic and be consumed as Capsules, Teas & Tinctures. Combine the dried herb mix of 25% of this herb, Squaw Vine 25%, Chaparral 25% and Echinacea 25% and fill "00" Gelatin Capsules with the mix and take 2 Capsules 3 times a day before meals. Vaginal - Douche: combine 28gm of this herb with 28gm Slippery Elm Powder, 28gm Comfrey, 28gm Squaw Vine and 28gm Chaparral and take 30gm of the mixture to 600ml of water, cover and simmer for 30 minutes then cool and strain. Add 14ml of Apple Cider Vinegar and use once daily for 1 - 3 days. Viral Infections: similar to Echinacea as it is an Immune stimulant as it contains Berberine and can be combined with Echinacea. Worms: combined with Wormwood. Wounds: see also Cuts. Yeast Infections: contains the Anti - Biotic Berberine as does Barberry, Goldthread, Oregon Grape & Yellow Root, effective against many micro - organisms including Yeasts. Can be taken as a Tincture or as a Tea.
Horses: N.B: External use only and must not be used Internally as it is extremely Bitter and causes Scouring.
GOOSEBERRY / Ribes grossularia & divaricatum. Constituents: a good source of Vitamin A &C, Iron, Niacin, Phosphorus, Potassium, Riboflavin & Thiamine. Used to Treat: Blood - Sluggish: the Leaves used in Salads in the Spring. Inflammation: use the Juice of the Berries. Toxins: the Leaves used in Salads in Springtime to expel.
GOOSE GRASS - Product: Leaves: an Infusion of the Leaves is used to heal as they are gently Astringent with deodorant properties. Deodorant / Body Spray: used as an ingredient. Used to Treat: Skin - Oily: to regularly cleanse to prevent blocked Pores that develop into Blackheads, infected, reddened areas or spots.
GOTU KOLA / Arthritis Herb / Asiatic Pennywort / Centella asiatica. syn. Hydrocotyle. Apiaceae. N.B: Do not use if Pregnant or Breast Feeding. N.B: Consult a healthcare professional before using. Main Use: Nerve Tonic. Product: Whole Herb above the ground. Leaves. Use the fresh Leaves as required or dry out of direct Sunlight in single layers or under warm fan - forced air and store in an airtight container or juice the Leaves and add to juice. Related to Celery & Parsley. Cultivation: An easy to grow small creeping plant spread by Stolons similar to Strawberries that form plantlets that take root in the soil forming a dense mat with basal rosettes of shiny, kidney - shaped, slightly fleshy, serrated, long stalked Leaves with the flowers in Umbels below the Leaves. Likes damp positions along streams and around ponds. Can be grown in a large pot or in a free - draining sandy soil enriched with Compost and kept moist in full - Sun to light - shade. Keep undercover in Winter in a cool climate and it will die back and re - emerge in Spring. Can be grown from seed and also by the individual rooted plantlets attached to the Stolons.
Used to Treat: Aging: Alzheimer's Disease: Anxiety: to reduce. Burns: to heal Topically. Longevity: to promote. Memory: to improve. Rheumatic Conditions: to improve. Senility: to slow. Skin Conditions: Sores: Varicose Veins: to strengthen. Wounds: to heal Topically.
GOUTWORT / Gout Weed / Aegopodium podagraria / Europe. Actions: Sedative with peculiar virtues and also a Diuretic. Cultivation: A small spreading herb. Product: Leaves used. Used to Treat: Gout: As an Infusion to relieve quickly. Sciatica: As an Infusion to relieve quickly. Can also be used as a Poultice.
GRAPE / Vitis vinifera. Used to Treat: Arthritis: Bruises: Heart Disease: Wrinkles:
GRAPEFRUIT- Used to Treat: Asthma:
GRAVEL ROOT / Eupatorium purpureum / USA. *Safe and pleasant to use. Cultivation: A low growing herb from the Dandelion Family. Product: Rhizomes used. Used to Treat: Bladder - Stones: Kidney - Stones: Urinary Conditions:
GREATER CELANDINE / Celandine / Chelidonium majus - Papaveraceae Poppy Family / Europe. N.B: Not to be confused with Lesser Celandine / Raununculus ficaria - Ranunculaceae Family. N.B: Large dose can have a dramatic effect. N.B: Must not be taken on a regular basis unlike Dandelion. Actions: Alterative, Anti - Spasmodic, Anodyne, Cholagogue, Diuretic & strong Purgative. Medicinal herb and should be combined with other Liver herbs. Tincture: 1 to 2ml x 3 times a day (Do not exceed this.)
Cultivation: Dig the Roots up in the Summer or Autumn and dry. Product: The whole herb / Leaves are used Leaves & Flowers should be picked when Flowering and dried in the Sun.
Used to Treat: Blood: to cleanse. Constipation: Cramping Pains: As an Anti - Spasmodic & Anodyne to relax the Muscles of the various Ducts and reduce. Eczema: Use an Infusion. Digestive Conditions: Gall Bladder Conditions: Gall - Stones: contains Chelindonine and other compounds that soothe the Smooth Muscles of the Biliary Tract improving Bile flow and contains Upper Abdominal distress. Liver: to cleanse. Scrofulous Conditions: as an Infusion. Skin - Cancers: Yellow Juice from the Stem can be applied Topically to the Skin to remove them. Tinea: to destroy the Organisms. Verrucae: Yellow Juice from the Stem can be applied to the Skin to remove them. Warts: Yellow Juice from the Stem can be applied to the Skin to remove them as it contains some of the same compounds as Bloodroot, Chelerythrine, Sanguinarine & Proteolytic Enzymes and the Juice can inhibit the Wart Virus or even kill it. If the fresh herb is available you can apply the yellow juice directly to the Wart once or twice a day for 5 - 7 days or Topically apply a strong Tea made from the dried herb.
GRECIAN LAUREL / Bay Laurel / Noble Laurel / Roman Laurel / Royal Laurel / Sweet Bay.
GRINDELIA / Grindelia camporum / South America & USA. Cultivation: A low growing sturdy herb with yellow flowers. Products: Leaves & Stems are used. Proven Medicinal value. Also a reliable Diuretic. Used to Treat: Asthma & Bronchial Conditions: to relieve. Given to Children for Whooping Cough.
GRINDELIA / Grindelia robusta. Actions: an Expectorant & Mild Sedative for relief of Asthma: Respiratory Tract Infections:
GROUND IVY / Glechoma hederacea / Europe. Cultivation: A smaller Ivy with very dark green leaves. Products: Leaves & Stem used. Abscesses: as a Compress. Boils: as a Compress. Kidney Conditions: Tonic: qualities. Ulcers: as a Compress.
GROUNDSEL / Senecio vulgaris / Northern Hemisphere. Actions: Also used as an Emetic. Cultivation: A semi - trailing small herb that grows anywhere. Products: the Leaves & Stem are used. Perspiration: As an Infusion to promote.
GUAIACUM / Lignum Vitae / Guaiacum officinale / South America & West Indies. N.B: Should only be used on professional advice or prescription! Actions: Alterative as a Blood Cleanser where Rheumatoid factors are present such as Septic Arthritis, Diaphoretic, Anti - Septic & Diuretic. Cultivation: A strong tree producing the heaviest and strongest wood. Products: Gum & Shavings used.
Used to Treat: the pain of Arthritis - Pain: to relieve. Rheumatism - Pain: to relieve as it is one of the most effective cures known. Improves Joint Mobility: as it lubricates, reduces Heat and Friction and has a beneficial affect on Synovial Fluid. Joints - Post - Viral Syndrome: where they have been affected, such as Ross River Fever.
GUARANA / Brazilian Cocoa / Paulinia cupana / Brazil. Actions: a powerful Stimulant. Constituents: Contains a high percentage of Caffeine. Cultivation: A tall arching shrub. Product: Seeds roasted, pulped and used as a beverage. Arthritis: effective. Head - Aches: to relieve very quickly. Menses: to bring on. Migraines: to relieve very quickly. Used to Treat: Impotence:
GUAVA, Cherry / Strawberry / Psidium littorale / longpipes. Constituents: high in Vitamin C. Cultivation: This variety is more cool hardy and can tolerate moderate frosts when established and is evergreen and does not grow so quickly nor as tall as the Tropical variety and had deep green glossy leaves. Grows in subtropics and even warm Temperate climate but is frost sensitive when young and becomes hardier as it develops and reach a height of 3m and the deep red fruit varies 25mm in size shape, colour, seed content and flavour in great numbers. Usually a pale - yellow exterior with white flesh with some pink and may be produced in the second year with the fruit maturing mostly in Autumn and Winter. Take cuttings from a tree that produces high quality fruit or propagate by air layering and plant in late Winter or early Spring before new growth appears and protect from frost and thin out branches when too thick especially in the centre. Likes 20g Nitrogen to 350g by 10th year, Phosphorus & Potassium. Used to Treat: Infertility:
GUAVA, Tropical / Psidium guajava - Cultivation: see Cherry / Strawberry above. Constituents: high in Vitamin C.
GURMA / Gymnema sylvestre. Used to Treat: Diabetes:
Home Page Health Herbs Hartstongue - Holy Thistle