Inflammation is both a root cause and a symptom in a wide variety of health conditions.
Herbs and herbal oils can be used to decrease inflammation and painful swelling in skin irritations, arthritis pain, and more.
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Alfalfa |
Medicago sativa L. |
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dried leaves, stems, unopened flowers, sprouts :
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The cut and sifted form of this herb is a popular tea having a very soft, delicate flavor that melds very nicely with mint. ...
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Aloe |
Aloe vera |
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Juice of the inner leaf :
Greek :
The leaf juices of the aloe plant have important medicinal uses, making aloe one of the most respected medicinal plants found in many gels, creams and ...
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Apple |
Malus domestica |
Apple cider vinegar, wine vinegar |
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fruit, flowers, bark :
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In addition to the fruit of the apple tree, its bark, flowers, and leaves all have healthy properties ...
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Ashwagandha |
Withania sonmiferum |
Ashwaganda |
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root :
7 :
It is often touted as the Indian version of ginseng because,like ginseng, ashwaganda is revered as a non-specific tonic, an adaptogen that is used alo ...
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Balm of Gilead |
Populus spp |
Poplar Buds |
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Leaf buds :
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The dried, unopened buds of the poplar tree are used in ointments and skin treatments to reduce pain and inflammation ...
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Balsam, Peru |
Myroxylon pereirae |
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Peru balsam is collected from wild trees along the coast of El Salvador. A large and beautiful tree with a valuable wood like ...
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Barberry, Common |
Berberis vulgaris L. |
Huang Lian, Chinese Goldthread, Pepperidge-bush |
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bark, root-bark :
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The Barberry used to be cultivated for the sake of the fruit, which was pickled and used for garnishing dishes. ...
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Barley Grass |
Hordeum vulgare |
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Dried or fresh shoot :
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Young barley grass is one of a group of 'green' or superfoods, along with wheat grass and blue green algae, that are characterized by their emerald gr ...
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Bayberry |
Myrica cerifera |
Candleberry, wax myrtle |
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Roots, berries :
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Early American colonists used the wax covering the plants berries to make candles. ...
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Bilberry |
Vaccinium myrtillus |
Huckleberry |
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The ripe fruit. The leaves :
1 :
The huckleberry of North America and the Bilberry of England are all closely related to the cranberry and blueberry. ...
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Birch |
Betula alba |
White Birch, Sweet Birch, Cherry Birch |
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Bark, leaves :
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Teas of the birch bark contain salicylate, the compound found in aspirin. Salicylate relieves inflammation and pain associated with osteoarthritis, rh ...
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Black Seed Oil |
Nigella sativa |
Black cumin, black caraway, Roman-coriander, fennel-flower |
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Seeds :
Middle Eastern :
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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Blessed Thistle |
Carbenia benedictus |
Holy thistle, St. Benedict's thistle |
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Root, aerial parts and seeds :
Medieval :
Medieval monks held this plant in high esteem, as the name suggests and considered it a cure for everything from smallpox to ...
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Boldo |
Peumus boldus Molina |
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leaves :
South American :
The Incas used the herb to treat are used to treat bladder and urinary tract infections, the same uses as you will find it recommended for today ...
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Boneset |
Eupatorium perfoliatum |
Common Thorough wort, Agueweed, Indian Sage |
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Aerial parts :
American :
Only the advent of aspirin displaced boneset as the popular choice for colds and fever. ...
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Borage |
Borago officinalis |
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seed oil, leaves,flowers :
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Borage oil should not be heated, and must be used cold to take full advantage of its health benefits. For topical applications, either apply directly, ...
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Boswellia |
Boswellia thurifera |
Olibanum, Indian Frankincense, Arabic Frankincense, and Salai guggal |
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gum resin :
Middle East :
Boswellia or Indian frankincense is one of the Ayurvedic gum resins which are referred to collectively as guggals. ...
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Broom, Butcher's |
Ruscus aculeatus |
Jew's Myrtle, Sweet Broom |
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rhizome :
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The matured branches used to be bound into bundles and sold to butchers for sweeping the blocks, hence the name. ...
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Bupleurum |
Bupleurum chinense |
chai hu, Chinese thorowax root |
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root :
Chinese :
Bupleurum is an important Chinese tonic herb for the liver and circulatory system ...
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Calendula |
Calendula officinalis |
Pot marigold |
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flowers and leaves :
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Calendula flower oil is one of the first herbs to consider in minor first aid applications.
Particularly good treatment for cuts, scrapes, bruises, a ...
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Cat's Claw |
Uncaria tomentosa |
una de gato |
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bark :
South American :
Cat's claw bark is traditionally used for inflammatory arthritis and intestinal complaints such as stomach ulcers ...
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Chamomile |
Matricaria recutita |
Camomile, Chamomilla |
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Flowers :
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The seemingly endless list of problems chamomile is said to help can all be traced to its effects of the nervous system and digestive system, as well ...
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Chickweed |
Stellaria media |
Starweed |
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whole herb :
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Chickweed is best known for it's ability to cool inflammation and speed healing for internal or external flare-ups. Herbalists often recommend it as ...
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Chrysanthemum |
Chrysanthemum morifolium, C. sinense |
Mums, Ju Hua, Chu Hua,Florist's Chrysanthemum |
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flowers :
Chinese :
We value the chrysanthemum for
their burst of fall color that signals the approach of winter, but like many
ornamental plants, chrysanthemums hav ...
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Cinnamon |
Cinnamomum zeylanicum, C. aromaticum |
Cassia Bark |
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Dried bark :
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The distinct, spicy aroma of cinnamon bark, Cassia, or Chinese cinnamon, is the spice sold as cinnamon in the United States. ...
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Clary Sage |
Salvia sclarea |
Clarysage |
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Clary sage has a special affinity with the female system in general and is recommended for women ...
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Coleus Forskohlii |
Plectranthus barbatus |
Forskolin, Indian Coleus, False Boldo |
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root :
Ayurvedic :
Traditional Ayurevedic medicinal plant used to treat high blood pressure, help in losing weight, improving digestion and nutrient absorption, fighting ...
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Copaiba Balsam |
Copaifera Officinalis |
balsam, copaiva, Jesuit's balsam, copal, palo de aceite, capivi |
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oleoresin obtained from the trunk :
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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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root :
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Coptis root is used in much the same manner as other berberine containing herbs,barberry, goldenseal, and Oregon grape root. ...
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Corn Silk |
Zea mays |
Indian Corn |
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silk :
Mayan :
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 rel ...
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Cornflowers |
Centaurea cyanus |
Bachelor’s-button, , bluebottle, bluebonnets |
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flowers :
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The petals of cornflowers are the part used in herbal folklore. According to M. Grieve “ cornflowers are considered to have tonic, stimulant and ...
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Couch grass |
Agropyron repens |
Twitch grass, witchgrass, dog's grass, scutch, quick grass, triticum |
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Rhizome :
Greek :
Couch grass it valued by herbalists for its mucilage rich rhizome. ...
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Cumin |
Cuminum cyminum |
cummin |
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Seeds :
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Cumin is aromatic, containing up to 4 percent essential oil, warm, spicy and slightly sweet. ...
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Devil's Claw |
Harpagophytum procumbens |
grapple plant, wood spider |
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tuberous root :
Africa :
This herb has an extensive history of use as an anti-inflammatory, pain reliever, and digestive stimulant ...
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Echinacea |
Echinacea angustifolia |
Purple coneflower |
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Most often roots, stems and flowers are also used but are weaker :
North American :
There are dozens of dozens of biochemical compounds that act in therapeutic synergy in this complex plant that support disease resistance in several ...
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Eucalyptus |
Eucalyptus globulus |
Eucalyptus |
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Leaves, oil :
Australian :
Eucalyptus is best known for it's ability to relieve congestion and ease breathing in colds. The essential oil of eucalyptus contains cineole, a pote ...
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Feverfew |
Tanacetum parthenium |
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arial parts :
Europe :
Feverfew inhibits platelet aggregating in the bloodstream, thus preventing blockage of small capillaries, one of the reasons behind feverfew's popular ...
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Figwort |
Scrophularia nodosa |
Carpenter's square |
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Aerial parts and roots :
American :
Figwort is used in salves and poultices to soothe inflamed skin in cases of psorisos and eczema, and to heal burns. 1 Herbalists today c ...
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Geranium |
Pelargonium graveolens |
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Leaves :
Africa :
Many people still call pelargoniums by their common name, scented geraniums ...
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Ginkgo biloba |
Ginkgo biloba L. |
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Leaves and Nuts :
China :
Today gingko is one of the most commonly prescribed herbs and is a great example of a tonic herb - one that balances ...
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Grindelia |
Grindelia spp |
Gumplant, tarweed, rosinweed |
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Aerial parts :
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Grindelia is a indigenous North America bush best known medicinally for its expectorant properties ...
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Hops |
Humulus Lupulus |
Hops |
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flowers :
Europe :
The Hop was first mentioned by Pliny who speaks of it as a garden plant among the Romans, who ate the young shoots in spring ...
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Immortelle |
Helichrysum angustifolium |
Everlasting, Strawflower |
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flowers :
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Helichrysum is known for its anti-inflammatory, analgesic and regenerative properties. ...
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Joe-pye weed |
Eupatorium purpureum |
Gravel or kidney root, Trumpet weed, purple or tall boneset |
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Rhizome and roots :
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Gravel root, reflects its main use as a diuretic used to treat urinary infections and stones ...
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Lavender |
Lavandula officinalis |
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Flowers, leaves and stems :
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Fresh lavender makes a wonderful, aromatic bouquet, and discourages insects from invading your home ...
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Lemongrass |
Cymopogon citratus, C.flexuosus |
lemongrass |
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stalk, essential oil :
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Lemon grass herb is commonly used in teas, soups, and curries. It is also suitable for poultry, fish, and seafood. The essential oil can be used in ma ...
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Mallow, Marsh |
Althaea officinalis L. |
Marshmallow, Wymote |
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Primarily root, the leaves and flowers to a lesser extent :
Europe, N. America :
Marshmallow is a soothing and healing plant mainly due to it's high mucilage content. ...
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Milk Thistle |
Silybum marianum L. |
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ripe seeds :
Europe, N. America :
Whole seeds of milk thistle or a tincture made from them are now used in the United States as well as Europe, for both protection and regeneration of ...
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Mullein |
Verbascum, various species |
Flannel Leaf, Mullein Dock, Aaron's Rod |
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Leaves, flowers, roots :
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Traditionally used as a tea, and is frequently combined with other herbs in mixtures for treating cough. ...
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Myrrh |
Commiphora myrrha |
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Resin :
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Natural myrrh resin is one of the oldest known perfumery materials. Myrrh has been used as a cleansing, purifying agent since ancient times. ...
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Oats |
Avena sativa L. |
Groats. Oatmeal. Oatstraw |
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Leaves and stems of the preflowering plant :
Europe, N. America :
Oats have always had a reputation as a wholesome, healthy food. The grain is a rich source of complex sugars used by the body. Green oatstraw teas, oa ...
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Oregon Grape |
Mahonia aquifolium |
Mountain Grape, holly leaved barberry |
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root :
N. America :
Oregon grape shared many of the properties of goldenseal,but is not botanicaly related. ...
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Papaya |
Carica papaya |
Papaw, Melon Tree, Papaya Vulgaris |
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fruit,seeds :
S.America :
Papaya fruit offers not only the luscious taste but is a rich source of antioxidants. Papaya leaf is used as a dewormer. ...
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Rooibos |
Aspalathus linearis |
Redbush Tea, Red tea |
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Leaves :
Africa :
Rooibos is naturally caffeine free and therefore suitable for children, infants and breast-feeding mothers ...
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Rose |
Rosa centifolia |
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Hips, flower petals, leaves, bark :
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Attar of rose is the steam-extracted essential oil from rose flowers that has been used in perfumes for centuries. Rose water, made from the rose oil, ...
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Sarsaparilla |
Smilax sarsaparilla |
zarzaparrilla |
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Root :
Americas :
The spicy, pleasant smelling root is what gave old fashioned root beer its bite and is the part used medicinally ...
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Sea Buckthorn Oil |
Hippophae rhamnoides |
Sallow Thorn, Yellow Spine |
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Seed Oil :
Russian :
Sea Buckthorn oil is used superficially to assist in healing skin injuries, burns, wounds, eczema, lesions, sun damaged skin, and abrasions. ...
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Shea Butter |
Butyrospermum parkii |
Vitellaria,Karité |
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Nut oil :
African :
Shea butter is rich in vitamins, minerals and fatty acids that rejuvenate
and hydrate skin and hair. Use shea butter to treat damaged skin, help he ...
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Soapwort |
Saponaria officinalis |
Bouncing Bet, Fuller's herb, Sweet William, Bruisewort, Old Maids Pink |
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Rhizome :
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The common name of this member of the carnation family indicates it's traditional uses in washing ...
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Spearmint |
Mentha spicata |
Spear mint |
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Leaves, essential oil :
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Spearmint has much the same properties as peppermint, but is milder and good for use with children's complaints ...
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Spikenard |
Aralia racemosa |
Indian Root; Spignet, Fleabane |
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root :
North Amercian :
Spikenard root has a mild, pleasant licorice like flavor, often used as a substitute for sarsaparilla, though unrelated botanically, Spikenard is a ...
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Tamanu Oil |
Calophyllum inophyllum |
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seed oil :
Asia :
Fiji natives use Tamanu oil for joint pains, arthritis, bruises, oozing wounds, chapped lips and preventing diaper rash. ...
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Turmeric |
Curcuma longa L. |
Curcuma, Indian saffron |
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rhizome :
Ayurvedic :
Turmeric is a mild aromatic stimulant used in the manufacture of curry powders and mustards.The curcumin in turmeric has recently been shown effective ...
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Uva Ursi |
Arctostaphylos uva-ursi |
Bearberry |
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Leaves :
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Uva ursi contains a considerable amount of tannins ( up to 40 percent) making it one of natures most powerful astringents. Uva usi is a strong herb th ...
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White Peony |
Paeonia albiflora |
Bai Shao Yao, Peony root, and Chinese Peony |
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Root :
Chinese :
The white
peony is one of the oldest remedies in traditional Chinese medicine ...
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White Willow |
Salix Alba |
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Bark :
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White willow has been used to combat fevers and pain for thousands of years, it may be the oldest herb known to treat pain an ...
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Wild Cherry |
Prunus serotina |
Black Cherry, chokecherry |
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bark, fruit :
N. America :
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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Witch Hazel |
Hamamelis virginiana |
Spotted Alder, Winterbloom, Snapping Hazelnut |
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Bark, leaves :
Europe,N.America, S.Amercia :
A general and all purpose remedy for abrasions, burns, scalds, insect bites and other inflammatory conditions of the skin. ...
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Yarrow |
Achillea millefolium |
Milfoil, Old Man's Pepper, Nosebleed |
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aerial parts, essential oil :
Europe, N. America :
Yarrow is one of the best-known herbal remedies for fevers, and bleeding. The chemical makeup of yarrow is complex, and it contains many active medici ...
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Yucca |
Yucca schidigera |
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Roots :
SouthWest :
Yucca' s most promising use is in the treatment of both osteo and rheumatoid arthritis. ...
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