Herb facts

Question 1

Agrimony

Answer 1

Scientific Name: Agrimonia eupatoria
Common Names: Common agrimony, church steeples or sticklewort
Family: Rosaceae
Part Used: Aerial parts
Habitat: Agrimony is native to Europe, but can also be found in temperate climate in most parts of the Northern hemisphere.

Agrimony tea is soothing and good for sore throats. It is sometimes used by singers to gargle with. This herb is used to refresh and clear the throat. Agrimony is sometimes used for loose bowels as well. This herb is sometimes prescribed for fevers, digestive and bowel troubles, coughs and asthma. It can be used externally for skin sores.

CAUTION: This herb may make the skin more sensitive to sunlight and may increase the risk of sunburn. Do not take if pregnant or nursing or if you are planning to have surgery within two weeks.

Question 2

Alfalfa

Answer 2

Scientific Name: Medicago sativa
Common Names: Buffalo grass, chilean clover, lucerne
Family: Fabaceae
Part Used: Leaves, stems, sprouts
Habitat: Alfalfa is native to southwestern Asia and Southeastern Europe. Also grows in North America and North Africa.

Alfalfa is known as the “Father of all foods” for good reason. It’s loaded with important vitamins, minerals, trace minerals and protein. It’s roots go down as far as 30 feet to pull valuable nutrients from the earth. This plant is commonly used for arthritis, digestive problems, as a diuretic and for reducing high cholesterol. It’s a very inexpensive source of easily digested nutrients. Alfalfa is high in beta-carotene and builds the immune system. This plant also contains chlorophyll, which is good for reducing bad breath and body odor.

CAUTION: Pregnant and nursing women should not eat alfalfa seeds due to their content of stachydrine and homostachydrine (may promote menstruation or cause miscarriage). People in general should never eat alfalfa seeds. They contain high levels of the toxic amino acid canavanine. Alfalfa is high in vitamin K and may work as an anti-coagulant so it shouldn’t be taken by people taking blood thinning

Question 3

Aloe

Answer 3

Scientific Name: Aloe vera
Common Names: Aloe, cape, barbados
Family: Asphodelaceae
Part Used: Leaves
Habitat: Aloe is native to the Mediterranean. It also grows in Latin America and the Caribbean.

The gel inside of the leaves of the Aloe plant can be used externally to treat minor burns, sun burn, cuts, scrapes and poison ivy. Aloe gel is good for moisturizing the skin and is a main ingredient of many skin care products. Many people use it to reduce acne and treat other skin problems.

CAUTION: Some people have taken Aloe internally as a laxative. The Mayo Clinic website states that this is not safe and can lead to severe cramping, diarrhea and dangerous imbalances of electrolytes even if used infrequently.

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Question 4

American Ginseng

Answer 4

Scientific Name: Panax quinquefolius
Common Names: Ginseng, xi yang shen
Family: Araliaceae
Part Used: Root
Habitat: American Ginseng grows in the eastern part of North America and Canada.

American ginseng is an adaptogen. An adaptogen is a substance which is good for the body in general and protects against stress of all types. This type of ginseng has been used to strengthen the immune system, increase strength and stamina, treat digestive disorders, treat diabetes, treat ADHD and as a general tonic for wellness. Many people believe that the best American ginseng comes from the state of Wisconsin in the U.S. American ginseng is considered a cooling ginseng, where Korean ginseng has a more warming effect on the body.

CAUTION: American Ginseng should not be taken by people with high blood pressure or by women who are pregnant.

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Question 5

Amla

Answer 5

Scientific Name: Phyllanthus emblica
Common Names: Indian gooseberry
Family: Phyllanthaceae
Part Used: Fruit
Habitat: Amla is native to India

Amla is often used in the Ayurvedic medicine system of India. It is rich in vitamin C and also contains many other vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Amla is often used to treat inflammation of the joints, fevers, urinary tract infections and to control blood sugar. It is high in fiber and may be helpful in treating constipation.

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Question 6

Angelica

Answer 6

Scientific Name: Angelica archangelica
Common Names: Garden angelica, norwegian angelica, holy ghost, wild celery, masterwort
Family: Apiacae
Part Used: Leaves, stems, seeds, roots
Habitat: Angelica grows in Asia, Europe and the eastern U.S.

Angelica has traditionally been used for menopausal troubles, flatulence, appetite loss, digestive problems, respiratory ailments and arthritis. Like it’s Chinese counterpart Angelica sinensis (dong quai), this herb is used by many women for the reproductive system. It is believed to be a hormonal regulator and uterine tonic. Angelica tea is often used to treat PMS as well.

CAUTION: Angelica is not recommended during pregnancy.

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