| C |
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Cacao
|
Theobroma cacao L. |
Chocolate, cocoa |
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herb :
Theobromine, the alkaloid contained in cacao beans, resembles
caffeine in its action, but its effect on the central nervous system is less
powerful and does not have the sleep disturbing effects of caffeine....
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Cajeput Oil
|
Melaleuca leucadendron, M. leucadendra |
Weeping tea tree, weeping paperbark |
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Tree :
Cajeput essential oil has a sweet middle note and is very stimulating and warming with a penetrating, camphoraceous scent. Cajeput is a good inhalant oil for colds and sinus infections....
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Calamus root
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Acorus calamus |
Sweet Sledge. Sweet Myrtle, Sweet Flag |
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perennial wetland monocot :
Sweet flag, or calamus has been in use worldwide in Asian European and Native American herbal traditions since the times of ancient Greece...
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Calendula
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Calendula officinalis |
Pot marigold |
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perennial herbaceous plants :
Calendula flower oil is one of the first herbs to consider in minor first aid applications.
Particularly good treatment for cuts, scrapes, bruises, and minor wounds....
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California Poppy
|
Eschscholzia californica |
Gold Poppy |
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Tender Perennial :
The above ground parts and roots of this wildflower show promise in the treatment of insomnia without the side effects and dependency risks of sleep aids....
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Camphor
|
Cinnamomum camphora |
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Evergreen Tree :
When first applied camphor oil numbs and cools the peripheral nerve endings, then warms the painful area as it stimulates circulation to cold, stiff muscles and limbs....
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Canola oil rapeseed
|
Brassica napus |
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:
Like soybean, canola contains both high oil content as well as high protein content....
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Caralluma
|
Caralluma fimbriata |
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Succulent :
Today, most interest is centered on caralluma's
use as an appetite suppressant. Caralluma works in much the same way as hoodia,
both hoodia and caralluma contain preganane glycosides, thought to aid in weight
loss....
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Caraway Seed
|
Carum carvi |
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herb :
Caraway, source of the crunchy seeds atop dark rye bread, is also one of the best carminative herbs, acting to prevent gas and bloating. Caraway is a good remedy for colds and congestion and helps to relax the muscles that cause coughing spasms....
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Cardamom
|
Elettaria cardamomum |
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:
Cardamom is an incredibly rich yet light aromatic spice and essential oil. Like its close relative ginger, cardamom is well known for relief of nausea, especially morning sickness in pregnancy. ...
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Carob
|
Ceratonia siliqua |
Locust Bean, St.John's-Bread |
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Evergreen tree :
Carob is widely used as a healthy substitute for chocolate, and can be used in much the same manner as cocoa powder and is lower in calories...
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Carrot, Wild
|
Daucus carota L. |
Wild Carrot; Queen Anne's Lace; Bird's-nest |
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Perennial Herb :
Domesticated carrots are not the same species as the wild carrot, commonly know as Queen Annes Lace, whose seed is the part used medicinally...
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Cascara Sagrada
|
Rhamnus purshiana DC |
Buckthorn |
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tree :
Dried, aged cascara sagrada bark is often prescribed for chronic constipation. The herb must be allowed to age at least a year before use to break down its anthrone chemicals....
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Cashew Nut
|
Anacardium occidentale |
Cajueiro, jambu |
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Evergreen tree :
Cashews are more than a healthy snack. Extracts of the nut contain naturally occurring analogs of the latest diabetes drugs....
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Cassia Nomame
|
Cassia nomame |
Hama-cha, Kita; nomame herba; Mimosoides tea |
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:
Native to China and originally produced in the south of the Changjiang river an extract of this herb is showing up in many weight loss and diet formulations as a natural lipase (fat) inhibitor. ...
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Castor Oil
|
Ricinus communis |
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Evergreen shrub/annual :
Apply castor oil externally for muscle and arthritis pain, bruising and nerve damage. It is well suited to the slow relief of chronic pain and swelling...
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Cat's Claw
|
Uncaria tomentosa |
una de gato |
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Tropical Vine :
Cat's claw bark is traditionally used for inflammatory arthritis and intestinal complaints such as stomach ulcers....
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Catnip
|
Nepeta cataria |
Catmint, Nep,Catnep |
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Perennial herb :
A harmless high for felines, and beneficial for humans, Catnip leaves contain considerable quantities of vitamins C and E, both excellent antioxidants...
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Catuaba
|
Erythroxylum catuaba |
caramuru, catagu, catigu, catigua, chuchuhuasha, pau de reposta, or tatuaba |
|
tree :
Catuaba is the most famous of the Brazilian aphrodisiac plants, noted for it's ability to strengthen erections....
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Cayenne Pepper
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Capsicum minimum |
Capsicum ,African Pepper, Chillies, Bird Pepper |
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Tender perennial shrub :
Capsicum, an extract from cayenne and other peppers, can dramatically reduce chronic nerve pain, and is effective against chronic pain like arthritis and neuralgia...
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Cedarwood, Atlas
|
Cedrus atlantica |
Atlas cedar |
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Evergreen Tree :
Cedarwood is known for use in problem skin, as an insect repellent and as an inhalant in respiratory complaints....
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Celandine
|
Chelidonium majus |
Greater or common celandine |
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Biennial Herb :
Celandine was used more extensively in the past than it is now, due to concerns about toxicity. Celandine is most often used by modern herbalists for treating gallbladder problems....
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Celery Seed
|
Apium graveolens |
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herb :
Celery seed helps rid the body of uric acid that often causes pain and inflammation in gout and arthritis. It acts as a natural diuretic and helps to increase circulation....
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Centaury
|
Centaurium erythraea |
Erythraea centaurium, bitterherb, centaury gentian |
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Annual/Biennial Herb :
bitter tonic effect on the digestive system. A gentle laxative, and an excellent remedy for heartburn...
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Chaga Mushroom
|
Inonotus obliquus |
Cinder conk, Birch mushroom |
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Mushroom :
Chaga and the similar reishi mushroom both have a reputation as tonics for longevity and health. These mushrooms show great promise for their anti-viral activities...
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Chamomile
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Matricaria recutita |
Camomile, Chamomilla, German chamomile |
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Annual herb :
Chamomile is an excellent remedy for any emotional disorders that involve stress, anxiety, and tension. The apple-like aroma relaxes and calms and the tea is used home remedies....
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Chanca Piedra
|
Phyllanthus niruri |
phyllanthus, quebra pedra, kidney stone tree |
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Tropical Herbaceous Shrub :
This traditional native medicine is used to treat kidney stones in both human and veterinary herbal medicine....
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Chaparral
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Larrea tridentata |
hediondilla, Shegoi |
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Desert Shrub :
Chaparral has potent and long-lasting anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects in the treatment of arthritis. Chaparral herb should only be externally in baths,creams and lotions...
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Chaste Tree
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Vitex agnus-castus |
Vitex, Chasteberry, Monk's Pepper |
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:
Chasteberry's normalizing and balancing action is what makes the herb valuable in treating irregular menses and infertility. For chronic problems, it is most effective when taken over a prolonged period of time....
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Cherry
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Prunus serotina |
Wild Cherry, Black Cherry, chokecherry |
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Deciduous :
Black cherry is an very effective herbal cough remedy. The main use of the bark main use is to still irritated, nagging coughs. ...
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Chervil
|
anthriscus cerefolium |
chervel, sweet cicely |
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Annual Herb :
Although chervil is considered to be foremost a culinary herb, is also has a history of use in herbal medicine. ...
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Chickweed
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Stellaria media |
Starweed |
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Annual/Perennial Herb :
Chickweed is best known for it's ability to cool inflammation and speed healing as a poultice or ointment for skin irritations, skin abscesses and boils...
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Chicory root
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Cichorium intybus |
Succory, Blue Sailors |
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perennial herb :
Know best as a caffeine-free substitute for coffee, chicory also has been used in traditional medicine as a bitter digestive tonic and a specific treatment for gallstones....
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Chinese Foxglove
|
Rehmannia glutinosa |
Chinese Foxglove, Shu Di Huang |
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:
Similar in appearance to foxglove with most leaves at ground level under yellow to purplish brown flowers, it is native to...
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Chrysanthemum
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Chrysanthemum morifolium, C. sinense |
Mums, Ju Hua, Chu Hua,Florist's Chrysanthemum |
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herbaceous perennial :
We value the chrysanthemum for
their burst of fall color that signals the approach of winter, but like many
ornamental plants, chrysanthemums have an ancient reputation in the East as
a medicinal plant. ...
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Cilantro
|
Coriandrum sativum |
Chinese parsley, cilantro |
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Annual Herb :
The leaves of young cilantro plants, which resemble flat-leaved parsley, are staples in Mexican, Chinese and Thai cooking, as are the roots. ...
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Cinchona
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Cinchona various species |
Jesuit's Powder, Peruvian bark |
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tropical tree :
The powdered bark of this South American Andes tree is the source of quinine, which became famous for the treatment of malaria, fever and pain in the 17th century....
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Cinnamon
|
Cinnamomum zeylanicum, C. cassia |
Cassia Bark, Sweet cinnamon |
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Evergreen Tropical Tree :
Cinnamon is recommended for treating weak digestion, low appetite and stomach upsets. It has powerful antibacterial and
antiviral properties and may help lower blood sugar....
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Citronella oil
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grass :
Citronella Grass is similar to lemongrass. Citronella oil, is best known as a mosquito repellent in insect sprays and candle...
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Clary Sage
|
Salvia sclarea |
Clarysage |
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Perennial Herb :
Clary sage oil is ideal to use on a regular basis in baths or perfumes to revitalize and rejuvenate the body and mind. It is recommended for women who are experiencing hot flashes...
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Cleavers
|
Galium aparine |
Clivers, Goose Grass, Catchweed, Sweet Woodruff |
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Annual Herb :
Herbalists have long regarded cleavers as a valuable lymphatic tonic and diuretic. In essence the lymph system is the body's mechanism to wash tissues of toxins...
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Clove
|
Syzygium aromaticum |
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Tropical evergreen tree :
Clove is an antibacterial, antiseptic and analgesic essential oil that is used to treat colds, viruses, and dental pain. Put a few drops on a cotton ball for toothache...
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Club Moss
|
Lycopodium clavatum, |
Wolf's Claw |
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Primitive vascular plants :
The dry, finely powdered spores of club moss are used to promote healing of wounds and skin. As a supplement club moss is taken to enhance memory....
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Coca, cocaine
|
Erythroxylum coca |
cocaine |
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:
Coca leaves have been used as a stimulant by the indigenous people of Peru, Bolivia, and northern Argentina for centuries; it also has religious and symbolic significance....
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Coconut oil
|
Cocos nucifera |
|
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tree :
Coconut oil works wonders for dry and damaged skin, cuts, bruises, and speeds the healing while it fights infection. Coconut oil is different from other saturated fats because it is composed of medium-chain fatty acids, MCFAs....
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Codonopsis
|
Codonopsis pilosula |
Dang Shen, tangshen, Bastard Ginseng, bonnet bellflowers |
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perennial vine :
Codonopsis is a relatively inexpensive herb that is often substituted for Panax ginseng in herbal tonics. It is believed to have an action similar to that of Ginseng, but milder....
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Coffee
|
Coffea arabica |
java, joe |
|
:
Coffee is probably the most popular drug in the world, Americans consume the equivalent of 500 cups per person...
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Cohosh root
|
Cimicifuga racemosa |
Black snake root, Squaw Root, Bugbane |
|
:
Black cohosh contains numerous chemical constituents, among them isoflavones like formononetin, which makes it useful for hot flashes, vaginal dryness, and even the depression sometimes associated with menopause....
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Coleus Forskohlii
|
Plectranthus barbatus |
Forskolin, Indian Coleus, False Boldo |
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tropical perennial plant :
Traditional Ayurevedic medicinal plant used to treat high blood pressure, help in losing weight, improving digestion and nutrient absorption, fighting cancer, and immune system support....
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Colt's Foot
|
Tussilago farfara |
Coughwort |
|
Perennial herb :
Since the days of ancient Greece and Rome, coltsfoot has been used to relieve asthma, coughs and bronchial congestion. It remains one of the most effective herbal cough medicines today...
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Comfrey Leaf and root
|
Symphytum officinale |
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Perennial Herb :
Comfrey salves, ointments and teas are best known for the topical treatment of burns and just about any skin irritation....
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Copaiba Balsam
|
Copaifera Officinalis |
balsam, copaiva, Jesuit's balsam, copal, palo de aceite, capivi |
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tropical tree :
Copaiba is used topically to relieve inflammation and help heal athlete's foot, eczema and psoriasis, and heals damaged skin with minimal scarring. ...
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Coptis
|
Coptis spp |
Chinese goldthread, Huang Lian, Figwortflower,Canker Root |
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perennial :
Coptis root is used in much the same manner as other berberine containing herbs; barberry, goldenseal, and Oregon grape root....
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Coriander
|
Coriandrum sativum |
Chinese parsley, Cilantro |
|
herb :
Coriander (seeds) and Cilantro (leaves) are names for different parts of the same plant, Corlandrum sativum, a naturally healing food in both forms....
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Corn Silk
|
Zea mays |
Indian Corn |
|
:
Corn silks are the silky tassels running the length of an ear of corn. Those same strings you work so hard to get out of an ear of corn soothe and relax the urinary tubes, and are believed to have a beneficial effect on the kidneys....
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Cornflowers
|
Centaurea cyanus |
Bachelor’s-button, , bluebottle, bluebonnets |
|
Self-seeding annuals :
The petals of cornflowers are the part used in herbal folklore. According to M. Grieve “ cornflowers are considered to have tonic, stimulant and emmenagogue properties, with action similar to that of Blessed Thistle.&...
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Corydalis
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Corydalis spp |
fumewort, Yan Hu So |
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perennial herbaceous flowering plant :
Corydalis a member of poppy family, and like many Papaverceae
Corydalis is an anodyne, a central nervous system depressant, cardiotonic, and sedative. ...
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Costmary
|
Tanacetum balsamita L. |
Balsam Herb. Costmarie, Alecost |
|
Perennial herb :
Costmary has a pleasant balsam-like fragrance and was once a poplar herb for scenting bath water and rinses for the hair....
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Couch grass
|
Agropyron repens |
Twitch grass, witchgrass, dog's grass, scutch, quackgrass |
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Perennial Grass :
Couch grass it valued by herbalists for its mucilage rich rhizome....
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Cramp Bark
|
Viburnum opulus |
Stagbush, sweet viburnum, guelder-rose, water elder, arrowwood |
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deciduous shrub :
Black haw and cramp bark act in similar ways and both have a long history of use by Native and pioneer women to prevent threaten miscarriage, relieve uterine cramps, and painful periods...
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Cranberry
|
Vaccinium macrocarpon |
cranberry, American cranberry, bog cranberry |
|
berry :
Cranberry may help reduce both urinary tract infections and the amount of dental plaque-causing bacteria in the mouth....
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Cubeb
|
Piper cubeba |
Java pepper |
|
herb :
A red alternative to black pepper, cubeb is little used in the West. In Tibetan medicine, cubeb (ka ko la in Tibetan) is one of bzang po drug, six fine herbs beneficial to specific organs in the body. ...
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Cumin
|
Cuminum cyminum |
cummin |
|
herbaceous annual :
Cumin is aromatic, containing up to 4 percent essential oil, warm, spicy and slightly sweet. ...
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Cumin, Black Seed oil
|
Nigella sativa |
Kalonji, Black cumin, black caraway, Roman-coriander, fennel-flower |
|
Annual Herb :
Black cumin seed oil is used as a healthy dietary supplement. Black seed oil
contains fatty acids, vitamins and minerals in a unique cell structure...
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Cypress Oil
|
Cupressus sempervirens |
|
|
tree :
Cypress is best known for it's use in oily and over hydrated skin and is one of the essential oils often recommended for cellulite massage blends, treatment of varicose veins and wounds...
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