Herb Guide To Common Healing Herbs

This herb guide lists some common herbs and their uses. Although not intended to take the place of medical advice, herbs can be a great way to treat certain illness and incorporating herbs into your daily routine can help to protect you against future disease.

This herb guide lists the herbs in alphabetical order by herb name.

Aloe Vera
The gel within this plant is reputed to heal wounds and other skin problems such as sunburn. It is also a strong laxative. The plant can be grown in your garden in tropical climates or on your window sill. Slit open the leaves and use the juice inside.

Bilberry
This herb has strong antioxidant properties and is good for your eyes. It has been shown to improve night vision and is also good for the circulation.

Black Cohosh
This is a Native American herb that is used to relieve symptoms associated with menstruation and menopause.

Cayenne
Our herb guide tells us that cayenne is great for the circulation. It's no wonder with it's spicy bite!

Chamomile
This herb has many uses. In a tea, it has a relaxing effect and can sooth the digestive system. It is also excellent for the skin when applied topically in a cream or lotion. Many herbal soaps, shampoos and lotions include this herb which has been used since ancient times.

Echinacea
This much publicized herb can help stabilize the immune system. It can be taken as a pill or tincture or pulled out of the ground an eaten as a snack! You may have some of these purple daisy like flowers growing near you and not even realize that they have medicinal properties.

Feverfew
Like the name says, this herb is used to treat fever. It is also used for migraines and is reputed to be a remedy for arthritis.

Garlic
You thought it was just a tasty root to put on bread but this herb has been used since ancient Egypt and has properties that strengthen the immune system. It is used as a treatment for infections, coughs and colds.

Ginger
Our herb guide likes ginger as it can be used in so many dishes. It is reputed to aid in circulation.

Ginkgo Biloba
Another much publicized herb, it has been used by the Chinese for centuries. The leaves from this ancient tree are reputed to enhance mental clarity.

Gotu Kola
This restorative herb promotes well being and comes from India where it has been used since ancient times.

Liquorice
This very sweet herb is used to treat hormonal imbalance.

Marshmallow
Marshmallow is a soothing herb used for respiratory illness and also for urinary problems.

Parsley
Rich in potassium, this herb is often used as a garnish and left uneaten. I suggest you put it right in your salad and eat it up - it has many vitamins and is reputed to strengthen the kidneys and help with waste removal.

Rosemary
This herb stimulates circulation and aids in memory.

St. John's Wort
No herb guide would be complete without mention of this herb which is used to treat mild depression and elevate mood.

Valerian
Another ancient herb which is used as a mild tranquilizer - it is so effective that it is being included in sleeping aids on the European market.

Willow Bark
The predecessor to asprin, it has been used for thousands of years to treat aches and fevers.

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