Here are some of the herbs I gather annually:

The information about each herb has been collated from the books in my herbal bibliography. It is therefore only as reliable as the work of those authors. We do not intend to either suggest or promote the use of herbal preparations which you have not thoroughly researched yourself. Remember: even the experts disagree about the safety of some herbs. All dosages refer to standard tinctures.


Basil - Anti-depressant, antiseptic, stimulates the adrenal cortex, prevents vomiting, tonic, carminative, febrifuge, expectorant, soothes itching. Nervous conditions, coughs, bronchitis, rub on insect bites, insect repellent, antiseptic, skin cleanser and toner. 40 drops, 3 times/day

Black Raspberry (c) - Astringent, tonic, refrigerant, parturient, preparative for childbirth, stimulant, digestive remedy Dilute tincture for use on wounds and inflammations, gum inflammations, mild diarrhea, sore throats, eases childbirth (ref. Ody), menstrual cramps, canker sores, diarrhea. Avoid in early pregnancy (uterine stimulant). 30 drops, 3 times/ day

Black Walnut - Hepatic, tonic, antifungal, antiseptic, antiparasitic, promotes bowel regularity. Diarrhea, liver stimulant, anemia, constipation, useful against fungal and parasitic infections (yeast), warts (growths caused by viruses), eczema, herpes, psoriasis, skin parasites 20 drops, 3 times/ day

Blue Vervain - Antiperiodic, diaphoretic, emitic, expectorant, tonic, vermifuge, vulnerary. Natural tranquilizer, stress, congestion (throat and chest), insomnia. 15 drops, 3 times/ day

Boneset - Diaphoretic, aperient, tonic, anti-spasmodic, relaxes mucous membranes, anitpyretic, febrifuge. Influenza, fever, mucous congestion, constipation, general cleansing agent, muscular rheumatism, coughs and upper respiratory infections, calming effect, expectorant (taken warm), laxative (taken cold), reduces phlegm, clears nasal passages. 30 drops, 3 times/ day

Borage (information only - not for sale) Diaphoretic, expectorant, tonic, anti-inflammatory, galactogogue. Revives adrenal glands after steroid or cortisone treatments, stress, fevers, pleurisy, coughs, stimulates production of adrenaline, ulcers, PMS (contains gamma linoleic acid). Contains lasiocarpine. Risk of cancer and liver damage. 30 drops, 3 times/ day

Buckthorn Berries (c) Laxative, alterative, diuretic. Safe and effective laxative in the dosage prescribed. Do not exceed prescribed dosage! Diarrhea and vomiting may result. 20 drops/ a.m. and p.m.

Burdock (c) - Alterative, blood cleanser, diuretic, bitter, mild laxative, diaphoretic, antirheumatic, antibiotic. Dry/ scaly skin, eczema, rheumatic complaints, anorexia nervosa, cystitis, aids kidney function, alterative, dandruff, detoxifies system, urinary stones, gravel, arthritis, rheumatism, sciatica, lumbago, psoriasis, canker sores, hemorrhoids. Transient toxemia can occur with rapid cleansing. 30 drops, 3 times/ day

Calendula - Astringent, antiseptic, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, menstrual regulator, stimulates bile production, antipyretic, febrifuge, antispasmodic. Treats stagnant liver, sluggish digestion, menstrual disorders, burns, wounds, earache (oil), fevers, ulcers, shingles (herpes zoster), intestinal bleeding (find cause!), jaundice, liver disease, vaginal infections, sunburn. 15 drops, 3 times/ day

Catmint - Diaphoretic, astringent, carminative, anti-spasmodic, sedative, relaxant, cools fevers, promotes sweating, astringent, mucous congestion, good for restless babies, cold and flu remedy, bronchitis, stomach upsets, flatulence, diarrhoea (children), cramps, indigestion and gas. 30 drops, 3 times/ day

Chamomile (c) - Anti-inflammatory, anti-spasmodic, bitter, sedative, prevents vomiting, carminative, analgesic, antiseptic, vulnerary. Irritable bowel syndrome, insomnia, tension, anxiety, stress (sedative), gastritis, indigestion, gingivitis, sore throat, nasal catarrh, flatulence, anorexia, dyspepsia.. Ointment for insect bites, wounds, eczema, anal or vulval irritation. Do not use essential oil in pregnancy. Herb can cause contact dermatitis in sensitive individuals. 40 drops, 3 times/ day

Chinese Lantern - Diuretic, kidney and urinary disorders, gravel, gout, arthritis, rheumatism. Small quantities can be eaten for their high vitamin C content. 3 berries, 3 times/ day

Coltsfoot (information only - not for sale) - Expectorant, anti-tussive, demulcent, anti-catarrhal, diuretic, anti-spasmodic. Chronic or persistent coughs, soothing expectorant, good source of zinc, bronchitis, whooping cough, asthma, emphysema, cystitis. Risk of carcinogenic activity. See Mills, p. 480 for details. 30 drops, 3 times/ day

Comfrey (information only - not for sale). Vulnerary, demulcent, astringent, expectorant, cell proliferator, heals wounds. Heals wounds inside and out, gastric and duodinal ulcers, hiatus hernia, ulcerative colitis, coughs, bronchitis, reputed anti-cancer action, injuries, diverticulitis, bone fractures. Torn cartilage, tendon or ligaments. Contains lasiocarpine. Risk of cancer and liver damage (See Mills p. 545). 30 drops, 3 times/ day

Dandelion -Diuretic, cholagogue (aids flow of bile to the intestines), digestive, anti-rheumatic, laxative, tonic. Diuretic, stimulates kidney w/o depleting potassium, liver/ gallbladder stimulant, congestive jaundice, muscular rheumatism, indigestion, arhythmia (potassium content), lecithin protects against cirrhosis of the liver, iron-deficiency anemia. 50 drops, 3 times/ day

Echinacea - Anti-microbial, antiviral, antifungal, antibacterial, alterative, immune system stimulant, anti-allergenic, lymphatic tonic, diaphoretic. Bacterial, viral illnesses, colds, flu, boils, septicaemia, laryngitis, tonsillitis, catarrh, pyorrhoea and gingivitis, tumour growth, candida (with antifungal cream), psoriasis, eczema, restores immune system after chemotherapy, toothache, sore throat. 30 drops, 3 times/ day

Fennel - Powerful carminative, harmonizes digestive functions, anti-inflammatory, diuretic, stimulates lactation, anti-spasmodic, expectorant. Anorexia, belching, hiccuping, stomach pain relieved by warmth or pressure, white coating on tongue, slow pulse rate, intestinal cramps, colic, flatulence, increases milk production, bronchitis. 20 - 40 drops, 3 times/ day

Feverfew - Anti-inflammatory, vasodilatory, relaxant, digestive stimulant, uterine stimulant/ promotes menstruation, expels worms. Migranes (for cold type, where warmth provides relief , 5 - 10 drops tincture at onset and every 30 minutes), after childbirth, cleanses/ tonifies uterus, menstrual pain, arthritis in the acute phase, tinnititus, dizziness. Fresh leaves can cause mouth ulcers. Not with blood thinning drugs nor in pregnancy. 20 drops, 3 x/ day (normal)

Goldenrod - Anti-catarrhal, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, diaphoretic, carminative, diuretic. Upper respiratory catarrh, influenza, flatulence, dyspepsia, cystitis, urethritis, laryngitis, pharyngitis. 30 drops, 3 times/ day

Hops (c) - Sedative, anaphrodisiac, hypnotic, antiseptic, astringent, digestive stimulant, diuretic, restoring tonic for nervous system, visceral antispasmodic. Sedative for nervous tension, irritable bowel syndrome, insomnia. restlessness, headache and indigestion caused by nervousness, gas and cramps, stimulates appetite, insomnia (hops sprinkled with alcohol in pillow). Avoid in depression. 30 drops, 3 times/ day

Horse Chestnut (c) - Astringent, circulatory tonic, febrifuge, antipyretic, vagotonic (strengthens and tones veins). Strengthens and tones veins, phlebitis, hemorrhoids and varicose veins (for powder mix see Mindell), reduces fever and cold symptoms. Apply mixture gently on varicose veins. 30 drops, 3 times/ day

Horsetail Grass - Astringent, diuretic, vulnerary, anti-inflammatory, stops bleeding, tissue healer. Haemorrhage, incontinence and bedwetting in children, prostate gland (inflammation or benign enlargement, rheumatism, chilblains, facilitates absorbtion of calcium, hair and nail conditioner, reduces oil on skin, strengthen bones. 30 drops, 3 times/ day

Hyssop - Expectorant, carminative, relaxes peripheral blood vessels, diaphoretic, reduces phlegm, antiviral, antispasmodic Herpes simplex antiviral, bronchitis, coughs, chronic catarrh, common cold, anxiety, hysteria, petit mal, nasal congestion, general congestion in head and chest, herpes, indigestion, flatulence. 30 drops, 3 times/ day

Lavender (c) - Carminative, anti-spasmodic, anti-depressant, rubifacient. Headaches caused by stress, nervous debility, exhaustion, insomnia, rheumatism (oil), depression. Do not take the oil internally. No tincture. Infusion only. 1 tsp/cup 3x/ day.

Lemon Balm - Carminative, anti-spasmodic, anti-depressive, diaphoretic, hypotensive, sedative, digestive stimulant, antiviral, antibacterial, nervine. Depression, nervous exhaustion, indigestion, nausea, early stages of colds and influenza, flatulence, dyspepsia, tension, stress, lowers blood pressure, gas and colic, CNS relaxant. Excellent, safe children's remedy. 40 drops, 3 times/ day

Mint (c) - Antispasmodic, digestive tonic, prevents vomiting, carminative, diaphoretic, promotes bile flow, analgesic, visceral and uterine relaxant, hepatic. Nausea, travel sickness, indigestion, flatulence, colic, fevers, migranes . Max. 1 week at a time for children. Do not use when breastfeeding. For adults, it's best to cycle off the use of mint every 10 to 14 days and give it a rest for 3 - 4 days. This is to avoid the possibility of heart palpitations. 35 drops, 3 times/ day (Peppermint, Spearment, Ginger Mint, Orange Mint and Chocolate Mint are cultivated. Water Mint and Catmint are harvested in the wild.)

Motherwort (c) - Sedative, emmenagogue, anti-spasmodic, cardiac tonic, uterine stimulant. Stimulates delayed or suppressed menstruation, menopausal change, false labour pains, heart tonic, heart conditions associated with anxiety and tension, PMS. Avoid in pregnancy (uterine stimulant). May be used in labour. 30 drops, 3 times/ day

Mullein - Expectorant, demulcent, mild diuretic, mild sedative, vulnerary, astringent, anti-inflammatory. Tones mucous membranes, bronchitis, inflammation of the trachea / sore throat, coughs, relieves stomach cramps and helps to control diarrhea, gastrointestinal distress. Smoking Mullein can temporarily increase lung capacity. This is not recommended, however, because it carries the same risks as smoking cigarrettes, burning autumn leaves or barbequing steak - all burning actions produce carcinogens. 30 drops, 3 times/ day

Nasturtium - Anti-microbial, anti-bacterial, antiviral. Bacterial infections, influenza, common cold, infections in female reproductive organs. We often use Nasturtium in combination with Echinacea in a mixture to deal with colds and the flu. 30 drops, 3 times/ day

Nettles - Astringent, diuretic, tonic, nutritive, stops bleeding, circulatory stimulant, promotes milk flow, lowers blood sugar, prevents scurvy, high Vit. C & Fe. Skin problems, haemorrage (incl. uterine), anemia, relieves gout, arthritis (external tinct.), gout, sprains, tendonitis, neuralgia, eczema, allergies, nasal and chest congestion, candida, excessive menstrual flow, stimulates milk flow. 30 drops, 3 times/ day

Pennyroyal (c) - Carminative, diaphoretic, stimulant, emmagogue. Flatulence, abdominal colic, strengthens uterine contractions, abortifacient in large doses, colds and flu, insect repellant. Do not use in pregnancy. Do not use the oil without professional guidance. 10 - 20 drops, 3 times/ day

Plantain - Expectorant, demulcent, astringent, diuretic, tonifies mucous membranes, reduces phlegm, antispasmodic, topically healing Gentle expectorant (soothes inflamed membranes), coughs, bronchitis, diarrhoea, haemorroids, cystitis, urinary tract infections, gastric inflammations, mucous . 20 drops, 3 times/ day

Purple Loosetrife - Astringent, disinfectant, typhus antibiotic, hepatic, reduces inflammations, feverish colds, Intestinal disinfectant - treats diarrhea and food poisoning, typhus antibiotic, sore throat gargle, fever, liver problems, cleanses sores, staunches bleeding wounds. No information re: appropriate tincture dose available. (Please send an email note if you know.) Suggest use of the infusion instead.

Queen Anne's Lace - Carminative, diuretic, urinary antiseptic, anti-lithic. Cystitis, prostatitis, kidney stones, gout, rheumatism, flatulence and colic. Seeds are a folk remedy for hangovers. 10 - 20 drops, 3 times/ day

Queen of the Meadow - Febrifuge, diuretic, prevents scurvy, laxative, tonic, promotes bile flow, expectorant, diaphoretic, anti-rheumatic, immune stimulant. Colds, fevers, rheumatic pains, arthritis, liver stagnation, constipation, reduces phlegm. 5 drops, 3 times/ day

Red Clover - Alterative, antispasmodic, diuretic, anti-inflammatory, possible estrogenic activity, expectorant, relaxant. Skin problems, coughs, bronchitis, whooping cough, considered a cancer remedy in the 1930', still prescribed for breast, ovarian, lymphatic cancer, childhood eczema, psoriasis, spring tonic, muscle relaxant, expectorant, catarrh, phlegm. 40 drops, 3 times/ day

Rosemary - Carminative, aromatic, anti-spasmodic, anti-depressive, antiseptic, rubefacient, parasiticide, stimulant tonic. Dizziness due to inner ear disturbances, sharpens memory, headaches, migranes, dandruff, baldness, nervous tension, circulatory and nervine stimulant, indigestion, flatulence, depression, muscular pain, sciatica, neuralgia, exhaustion, colds, flu. 15 drops, 3 times/ day

Rue (c) - Antispasmodic, emmenagogue, anti-tussive, abortifacient. Supressed menses (professional use only), relaxes smooth muscles - eases griping, bowel tension, spasmodic coughing, lowers blood pressure, tension headaches, palpitations, strained eyes. Avoid during pregnancy. Contact dermatitis possible. Do not exceed max. dosage. 10 - 40 drops, 3times/ day

Sage (c) - Carminative, anti-spasmodic, astringent, antiseptic, relaxes peripheral blood vessels, anti-diaphoretic, uterine stimulant, antibiotic, reduces blood sugar, increases bile production. Menopausal problems, reduces sweat, lactation and salivation, liver tonic, poor digestion, poor circulation, night sweats, restores failing memory (currently being researched for use with Altzeimer's patients), mouth inflammations, gingivitis, laryngitis, tonsillitis, pharyngitis, quinsy. Avoid in pregnancy, not for use by epileptics. 30 drops, 3 times/ day

Shepherd's Purse - Uterine stimulant, diuretic, astringent, urinary antiseptic, circulatory stimulant, reduces blood pressure. Water retention, diarrhea, wounds, nosebleeds, stimulates menstruation but also reduces flow, cystitis. 10 - 20 drops, 3 times/ day

Silver Birch - Diuretic, antiseptic, tonic. Cystitis, gout, rheumatism, mild arthritic pain. Fresh bark can be applied to ease muscle pain. 10 - 20 drops, 3 times/ day

Silverweed - Astringent, anti-catarrhal, diuretic, local anti-inflammatory. Anti-catarrhal, over production of mucous, haemorrhoids, diarrhea, gingivitis, sore throats (gargle). 30 drops, 3 times/ day

Skullcap (S. Lateriflora) - Relaxing nervine and nervine tonic, sedative, antispasmodic. Nervous tension, seizure, hysterical states, epilepsy, exhaustion, nervous stress or depression (combine with lemon balm), PMS, anxiety. 20 - 50 drops, 3 times/ day

St. John's Wort (c) - Astringent, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, sedative, nervous system restorative, vulnerary. AIDS? (see Mendell), depression, nerve tonic, anxiety, irritability, insomnia, nervous exhaustion, sciatica, neuralgia, bedwetting (Ody), neuralgia, fibrositis, rheumatic pain, wounds, varicose veins, bruises/ sunburn (oil), gastric ulcers. Large quantities, plus sun, can cause dermatitis. Contact dermatitis is possible in individuals much more sensitive than Bob. 30 drops, 3 times/ day

Thyme (c) - Carminative, anti-microbial, anti-spasmodic, expectorant, astringent, anthelmintic, digestive tonic, antifungal. Dyspepsia, sluggish digestion, infected wounds, respiratory infections, digestive infections, laryngitis, tonsillitis, sore throats, coughs, bronchitis, deep seated chest infections, whooping cough, asthma, diarrhea, bedwetting. Avoid in pregnancy (uterine stimulant). 30 drops, 3 times/ day

Toadflax (c) - Diaphoretic, diuretic, mild laxative, anti-inflammatory. Constipation, dropsy, inflammed kidneys, liver and spleen disorders. External bath for for skin rashes, varicose veins and hemorrhoids. Infusion only. Not appropriate for use as a tincture.

Valerian Root - Tranquilizer, antispasmodic, expectorant, hypnotic, hypotensive, diuretic, lowers blood pressure, carminative, mild anodyne. Insomnia, anxiety. Maximum doses may cause headaches for some, start with lower doses. 20 - 50 drops, 3 times/ day

Wild Strawberry - Astringent, heals wounds, diuretic, laxative, liver tonic (hepatic). Diarrhea, gastric inflammations and infections, jaundice, arthritis, gout. Berries are a liver tonic. Dysentery, hematuria, gravel, urinary problems. Eczema, acne (internal and external). 15 drops, 3 times/ day

Yarrow (c) - Diaphoretic, hypotensive, astringent, diuretic, antiseptic, peripheral vasodilator, digestive stimulant, antispasmodic, menstrual regulator. Fevers (see Mills), high blood pressure (relaxes peripheral blood vessels) , stimulates digestion, tones blood vessels, for urinary disorders, urinary antiseptic, cystitis. Vulnerary (heals wounds). Restorative for menstrual system. Febrifuge. Allergic skin responses (in rare cases). Avoid in pregnancy (uterine stimulant). 30 drops, 3 times/ day

Yellow Dock - Cleansing, diuretic, strong laxative, stimulates bile flow (cholagogue) and clears toxins. Alterative, purgative. Constipation (powerful but gentle laxative), psoriasis, alterative (blood cleanser), jaundice. 30 drops, 3 times/ day

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