Herbs to learn Flashcards
Dandelion
- Latin name - Taraxacum officinale
- Energetic - cooling, drying
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herbal action or actions - leaf: diuretic, alterative, nutritive, digestive stimulant;
root: alterative, nutritive, choleretic, cholagogue, mild laxative - medical indications - Liver and kidney trouble, PMS, weight loss, hypertension, yeast infection.
- key constituents - taraxasterol, inulin
- plant part used. - all parts are used
- Best preparation methods. - roots: eat as regular roots in food. Roast in and make into a tea. Extract in vinegar or alcohol. Leaves: salad, tea, tincture, or vinegar extract. Flowers: salad, jelly, wine, cookies, bread.
- Safety considerations - GRAS when used in amounts commonly found in food. AHPA suggests using with caution when using medical amounts. And do not use medical amounts while pregnant only food amounts. Contraindications in those with acute gallbladder inflammation, bile duct obstruction, and intestinal blockage since it stimulates the bile duct and acts as a laxative.
cilantro/coriander
- Latin name - Coriandrum sativum
- Energetics - warming, drying, and aromatic
- herbal action or actions - antispasmodic, carminative, antimicrobial, anti-fungal, diuretic, antioxidant
- medical indications - culinary, gas, bloating, belching, hiccups, diarrhea, indigestion, anodyne, modulate blood sugar, urinary tract infections, high blood pressure, optimize cholesterol levels
- key constituents
- plant part used - Leaf or seeds
- Best preparation methods - lipids, sterols, and tocols, linalool, coriandrin, geranyl acetate
Alfalfa
Latin name - Medicago sativa (L.)
Energetic - Bitter
herbal action or actions - Laxitive
medical indications - Lowers cholesterol, lowers blood sugar and hyperglycemic effects, antifungal properties, anti-inflamitory, anti-oxidant, Anti-anxiety
key constituents - canavanine; vitamins A, C, E, and K4; and minerals calcium, potassium, phosphorous, and iron.
plant part used. - sprouts, leaves and flowers
Best preparation methods. - sprouts, tea
Safety considerations - use with caution if on Warfarin, alfalfa will make it less effective.
Constituents have a potential estrogenic effects, avoid during pregancy
Makes the symptoms of Lupus erythematosus worse.
Lemon Balm
Latin name - Melissa officialis (L.)
Energetic - cooling and drying; sour
Herbal action or actions - aromatic, relaxing nervine, antiviral, relaxing diaphoretic, aromatic digestant, antispasmodic, antioxidant
Medical indications - nervous system (sympathetic excess), hyperthyroidism, heart
Key constituents - Monoterpene glycosides, Citronellal, Geraniol
plant part used. - the whole plant, above-ground portion, fresh if possible
Best preparation methods. - Cooking with food like chicken, tea (simmer fresh leaves for a short time instead of steeping like a normal infusion).
Safety considerations - GRAS
Blackberry
Latin name - Rubus fruticosus (L.)
Energetic - bark-astringent; berries-sour; both-cooling,
Herbal action or actions - astringent
Medical indications - kidneys, skin, fluids; coughs, anti-inflammatory
Key constituents - tannin (roots), anthocyanin (leaves),
Plant part used. - roots, leaves, ripe berries
Best preparation methods. - syrup or fresh (berries), chewing leaves and roots, decoction
Safety considerations - tannins in high doses can be harmful to the liver and kidneys. Avoid using a decoction of roots for longer than 2 weeks
Borage
Latin name - Borago officinalis (L.)
Energetic - cold and moist
Herbal action or actions - astringent, expectorant, mild diuretic, anti-inflammatory, cardio-depressant, cardio-relaxant
Medical indications - Mucous membranes irritation, coughs, and sore throats; asthma, arthritis, dermatitis, lower blood pressure
Key constituents - tannins, malic acid, potassium nitrate
Plant part used. - leaves, flowers, seeds
Best preparation methods. - oil from the seeds
Safety considerations - any herb with large quantities of tannins can cause constipation. Prolong use can cause liver damage. It contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids, which are toxic if used excessively.
Catnip
Latin name - Nepeta cataria (L.)
Energetic - warmish, drying
Herbal action or actions - diaphoretic, antispasmotic, carminative
Medical indications - fevers (promotes perspiration), insomnia, anxiety, gastroenteritis
Key constituents - nepetalactone, essential oil, geranyl acetate, citronellyl acetate, citronellol, and geraniol, verbascoside, and 1,5,9-epi-deoxyloganic acid
Plant part used. - Leaves and flowering tops
Best preparation methods. - tea
Safety considerations - Excessive quantities can cause headaches and a general feeling of unwellness. Large amounts of catnip can cause vomiting. A study of a child eating catnip-soaked raisins and chewing on the tea bag developed stomach ache, irritability, lethargy, and a hypnotic state.
Roman Chamomile
Latin name - Chamaemelum nobile (L.)
Energetic - slightly warming, drying
Herbal action or actions - hypotonic,
Medical indications - calms frayed nerves.
Key constetuents - terpenoids, flavonoids
Plant part used. - whole plant, flowers have most of the medicinal properties
Best preparation methods. - whole plant but flowers have the most medicinal properties
Safety considerations - GRAS, however, AHPA recommends avoiding while pregnant since it is believed to be abortifacient.
German chamomile
Latin name - Matricaria recutita
Energetic - slightly warming, drying
herbal action or actions - aromatic, relaxing nervine, carminative, relaxing diaphoretic, mild sedative, antispasmodic, vulnerary, modulates inflammation
medical indications - irritability, restlessness, insomnia, indigestion, dyspepsia, gas, fevers, colds, flu, teething, colic, externally for burns, rashes and conjunctivitis
key constituents - terpenoids
plant part used. - the flowers
Best preparation methods. - tea, tincture, essential oil, infused oil, hydrosol, steam inhalation
Safety considerations - GRAS, however, AHPA recommends avoiding while pregnant since it is believed to be abortifacient.
Chickweed
Latin name - Stelleria media
Energetic - cool and moist
herbal action or actions - lymphatic, nutritive, alterative, vulnerary, emollient, diuretic, modulates inflammation, demulcent, febrifuge, expectorant, galactagogue
medical indications - swollen or stagnant lymph, rashes, inflammation, nutrient deficiencies, obesity, fevers, dry coughs, infections (such as pink eye)
key constituents - saponins
plant part used - whole above-ground parts
Best preparation methods - oil/salve, cream/lotion, food, succus (expressed juice), tincture, vinegar
Safety considerations - GRAS
Cleavers
Latin name - Galium aparine
Energetic - cool, neutral
herbal action or actions - alterative, diuretic, lymphatic, vulnerary, anti-inflammatory
medical indications - stagnant lymph, urinary tract infections, hot skin conditions, wounds
key constituents - phenols, tannins, alkaloids, anthraquinones, coumarins, iridoids asperuloside, alkanes, flavonoids and saponins.
plant part used - above-ground parts
Best preparation methods - juice (succus), juice preserved with alcohol or frozen, fresh plant tincture, tea, salve
Safety considerations - considered safe when used appropriately. It is suggested that diabetics use the juice with caution. Due lack of toxicological and pharmacological data, avoid while pregnant.
Comfrey
Latin name - Symphytum officinale
Energetic - cooling, moistening
Herbal action or actions - cell proliferant, nutritive, demulcent, expectorant, vulnerary
Medical indications - external use: healing clean wounds, broken bones, pulled ligaments/sprains, varicose veins, burns, and hernias;
internal use: with caution for coughs, ulcers, internal bleeding, hemorrhoids;
garden amendment
Key constituents - allantoin, tannin, choline, mucilage, alkaloids
Plant part used. - Leaves and roots
Best preparation methods. - infusion, decoction, oil, poultice
Safety considerations - because of the pyrrolizidine alkoloid, the AHPA classifies comfrey as external use only and not to be used while pregnant. Recommended to use for 4-6 weeks of daily use only. In small quantities internally is minimal danger.
Garlic
Latin name - Allium sativum
Energetic - warming, drying
Herbal action or actions - circulatory stimulant, alterative, stimulating diaphoretic, stimulating expectorant, antimicrobial, carminative, immune-modulating, vermifuge
Medical indications - hypertension, fungal infections, bacterial infections, optimizing cholesterol levels, colds, influenza, bronchial congestion, small intestinal bacteria overgrowth, digestion, asthma, dysentery, plague, cancer, parasites, type 2 diabetes, insulin resistance
Key constituents - vitamins A, C, B, B2, manganese, copper, iron, zinc, calcium, sulfur, chlorine, iodine, potassium, phosphorous, and selenium. Mucilage, enzymes, albumin, amino acids (tryptophan, alliin)
Plant part used. - bulb
Best preparation methods. - food, oil, vinegar, honey, extract capsules, powder
Safety considerations - DO NOT use if suffering a degenerative or diseased liver, gallbladder, bile duct, or pancreas. Avoid in high doses while pregnant. May increase the risk of bleeding
Horehound
Latin name - Marrubium vulgare (L.)
Energetic - bitter and cool
Herbal action or actions - antidiabetic, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory,
Medical indications - Cough, Pertussis, Bronchitis, Asthma, Fevers (especially those associated with Malaria), Digestion, Gallbladder support, Stimulating the appetite
Key constituents - alkaloids, flavonoids, diterpenes (e.g., marrubiin), and trace amount of volatile oils
Plant part used. - Whole herb (above ground parts). Collect leave just as it begins to flower
Best preparation methods. - garnish on food, candy or syrup, some early american beer recipes.
Safety considerations - GRAS. Shouldn’t be used while pregnant.
Lavender
Latin name - Lavandula angustifolia
Energetic - warming
Herbal action or actions - aromatic, antimicrobial, analgesic, relaxing nervine, carminative, cholagogue
Medical indications - bacterial and fungal infections, tension, poor sleep, anxiety, pain, wounds, burns, depression, headaches, dyspepsia, bug bites, insect repellent
Key constituents - linalyl acetate, linalool, lavandulol, 1,8-cineole, lavandulyl acetate, and camphor
Plant part used. - flower buds, aerial parts
Best preparation methods. - tea, tincture, essential oil, culinary
Safety considerations - GRAS
Sage
Latin name - Salvia officinalis
Energetic - warming, drying
Herbal action or actions - aromatic, astringent, carminative, diaphoretic, antiseptic, blood moving
Medical indications - sore throat, excessive sweating, infections, stagnant digestion, type 2 diabetes, hot flashes, toothache, sore muscles, high cholesterol, Alzheimer’s disease
Key constituents - 1,8-cineole, camphor, α-thujone, β-thujone, borneol, and viridiflorol
Plant part used. - leaves, flower buds
Best preparation methods. - tea, culinary, tincture, tooth powder, facial steam, essential oil
Safety considerations - approved for food. Do not use it while breastfeeding since it will dry up the milk production. Do not use it while pregnant. Not recommended to use essential oil for long-term use. Camphor and thujone are toxic in large doses, and they cumulate in the system. The essential oil can be a skin irritant. However, a study has shown 6 cups of sage tea a day don’t have the thujone’s toxic levels.
Yellow Dock
Latin name - Rumex crispus
Energetic - cooling, drying
Herbal action or actions - alterative, laxative, blood-building
Medical indications - skin conditions, constipation, anemia
Key constituents - anthraquinones, oxalates, and tannins
Plant part used. - roots, leaves, seeds
Best preparation methods. - tincture, decoction, syrup, food
Safety considerations - because of the tannins avoid in excessive quantities. Tannins interfere with the absorbsion of iron. Anyone with a history with kidney stones should use with caution. Should not be taken if there is an intestinal obstruction, during pregnancy, or while breastfeeding.
Astragalus
Latin name - Astragalus propinquus
Energetic - slightly warming
Herbal action or actions - adaptogen, antioxidant, cardioprotective, diuretic, hepatoprotective, immunomodulator
Medical indications - anemia, angina, asthma, fatigue, hepatitis, hypertension, immune system dysfunction (from frequent colds and flu to cancer), prolapsed organs, type 2 diabetes
Key constituents - isoquercitrin, isorhamnetin-3-b-glucoside, ononin, calycosin, and formononetin.
Plant part used. - root
Best preparation methods. - decoction, cooked with food, powder, capsule, tincture
Safety considerations - contradict with imminosupressants. Avoided if there is a yin or heat deficiency. Be cautious of the use of yellow dyes on the root.
Holy Basil/tulsi, tulasi
Latin name - Ocimum sanctum
Energetic - warming, drying
Herbal action or actions - adaptogen, anti-microbial, aromatic digestive, relaxing nervine, cardiovascular tonic, expectorant, neuroprotective, antioxidant, immunomodulator, analgesic
Medical indications - stress, anxiety, high blood pressure, viral infections, fungal infections, depression, colds and flus, herpes simplex virus (HSV), high blood sugar, allergic rhinitis, ulcers, pain
Key constituents - oleanolic acid, ursolic acid, rosmarinic acid, eugenol, carvacrol, linalool, and β-caryophyllene
Plant part used. - leaves, flowers
Best preparation methods. - tea, decoction, tincture, fresh juice, poultice, powder, infused into ghee or honey
Safety considerations - May have anti-fertility effects on both male and female. Be mindful while using Tulsi while on insulin.
Nettle/Stinging Nettle
Latin name - Urtica dioic
Energetic - cooling, drying.
Herbal action or actions - nutritive, kidney/adrenal trophorestorative, alterative, adaptogen, diuretic, astringent, hemostatic
Medical indications - arthritis, eczema, sluggish metabolism, hypothyroidism, weak hair/teeth/bones, fatigue, deficient blood, seasonal allergies, urinary tract infections, asthma, menstrual cramps
Key constituents -
Plant part used. - young leaves (before the plant flowers), seeds, roots
Best preparation methods. - nourishing herbal infusion, tea, tincture, food, freeze-dried product
Safety considerations - GRAS. It can cause headaches, probably from dehydration, since it is such a good diuretic.
Oregano
Latin name - Origanum vulgare
Energetic - hot, dry
Herbal action or actions - antimicrobial, diffusive, carminative, stimulating expectorant, stimulating diaphoretic, anti-fungal, emmenagogue, vermifuge, high in antioxidants
Medical indications - infections (bacterial/fungal), cold/stagnant digestion, sore throat, cold fevers, lung congestion, delayed menses, intestinal parasites
Key constituents - carvacrol, β‐fenchyl alcohol, thymol, and γ‐terpinene
Plant part used. - aerial
Best preparation methods. - tea, food, tincture, vinegar, oxymel, infused oil, capsules, essential oil
Safety considerations -
Using oregano in larger-than-culinary amounts or as an essential oil is generally contraindicated in pregnancy because of its emmenagogue effects.
Tumeric
Latin name - Curcuma longa
Energetic - warming, drying
Herbal action or actions - analgesic, antioxidant, astringent, blood mover, carminative, cholagogue, hemostatic, modulates inflammation, modulates immune system, vulnerary
Medical indications - arthritis, bleeding, cancer, cognitive health, colds and flu, diarrhea, digestion, eczema, heart health, liver health, pain, type 2 diabetes, ulcers, wounds
Key constituents - curcuminoids; curcumin (diferuloylmethane, the primary constituent responsible for yellow color of turmeric), demethoxycurcumin, and bisdemethoxycurcumin, volatile oils (tumerone, atlantone, and zingiberene)
Plant part used. - rhizome, tuber
Best preparation methods. - food, juice, oil, powder, succus
Safety considerations - The following people should avoid turmeric: people who are currently taking blood thinners, have blood clotting disorders, or have known gallstones (although this is controversial). Turmeric will stain everything it touches a golden yellow (your hands, cutting board, counters, etc).
Acai
Latin name - Euterpe oleracea
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Bitter Orange
Latin name - Citrus aurantium
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Grape Seed
Latin name - Vitis spp.
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Noni
Latin name - Morinda citrifolia
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Soy
Latin name - Glycine max
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