The following is meant to be a quick guide to common herbs one might find in the home or garden and their usages. This is for general information only. As with all alternative medicines, please consult with your doctor or medic and please do not exceed the recommended dose. AGNUS CASTUS – menstrual problems e.g. PMT, menopause ALOE – soothing and healing, variety of uses (buy in gel form) ANGELICA –debilitating illnesses, convalescence ANISEED – laxative, colic, coughs ARNICA – bruises, sprains and strains (use externally! Toxic!) BLACK COHOSH – rheumatism, cramps, inflammation BLUE COHOSH – menstrual problems, menopause CARAWAY – colic, flatulence, chesty colds CARADOM – flatulence, colic, laxative CATMINT – colds and flu, colic, diarrhoea, fever, flatulence CAYENNE – colds and flu, colic, dyspepsia, flatulence CHAMOMILE – colic, diarrhoea, flatulence, nausea, period pains, insomnia CINNAMON – dyspepsia, digestive problems COMFREY – bruises, cuts, grazes, sprains, wounds DANDELION – constipation, cystitis DILL – flatulence, colic (useful for children) DONG QUAI – menstrual problems, muscle pain ECHINACEA – acne, cystitis, flu, laryngitis, thrush, tonsillitis EYEBRIGHT – catarrh, conjunctivitis, eye problems FENNEL – colic, flatulence, constipation, FEVERFEW – headaches, migraines, digestion GARLIC – colds and flu, catarrh, fever, circulation GINGER – colic, flu, morning sickness, circulation, rheumatism GINSENG – stimulant, exhaustion, stress LAVENDER – anxiety, depression, headaches, insomnia, stress LEMON BALM – anxiety, insomnia, periods MARIGOLD – burns, cuts, grazes, ulcers NETTLE – acne, rheumatism, skin problems, tonic NUTMEG – nausea, colic, digestion (warning: brings on mental disorder!) OATS – debilitating illnesses and convalescence PARSLEY – digestion, urinary, debility PEPPERMINT – colds and flu, digestion, nausea, periods RASPBERRY LEAF – pregnancy, labour, periods ROSEMARY – anxiety, hair problems, headaches, muscles SAGE – laryngitis, sore throat, tonsillitis SLIPPERY ELM – diarrhoea, digestion, inflammation ST JOHNS WORT – anxiety, depression, stress THYME – bronchitis, laryngitis, sore throats VALERIAN –anxiety, insomnia, migraines VEVAIN – debility, fever, migraine WITCH HAZEL – bruises, swellings, wounds
