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Herb Reference Guide
Use Herbs Wisely
Herbal medicines are generally safe and produce few side
effects. Be sure to use only
the part of the plant indicated and consult a professional
before determining herbal
medicine as your primary form of self-treatment. Be aware
that, although it's rare,
herbs may contraindicate synthetic medication. There are
cases where the guidance
of a medical professional is clearly the safest course
of action. If you suffer from a life-
threatening disease, have severe allergic reactions, or
see no improvement in symptoms
for two or more weeks, seek professional advice.
Each individual has his or her own unique reaction to
an herb. Experiment with
herb combinations, recommended dosage, and method of delivery.
Keep track of your
responses and use this information to determine the herbal
conditions right for you.
For total health and well being, supplement your herbal
treatment with proper diet,
exercise, and stress-management.
Body Tonics
Tonics are herbs that enhance the vitality and overall
strength of the
body, or a particular body system. They typically increase
circulation, fortify tissue, and
nourish and tone muscle and organs. Tonics may be taken
as a preventive aid, or in
response to a specific malady.
Cardiovascular System
Heart tonics usually include circulatory stimulants and
dia-
phoretics. They may stimulate or slow heart rate and regulate
and strengthen pulse.
Garlic, Hawthorn, Buckwheat, Arjuna, Broom, Squill. Cayenne,
Crampbar.
Nervous System
Nervous tonics work to restore balance, or homeostasis,
in the nerv-
ous system and between the nervous system and the rest
of the body. They may sup-
press or increase nervous activity, improve nerve cell
reaction, and restore the system as
a whole. Rosemary, Skullcap, Saint-John's-Wort, Oats.
Immune System
Immune System tonics strengthen white blood cells and
ready the
body to fight viruses, bacteria, or parasites. Echinacea,
Lapacho, Garlic, Barberry.
Respiratory System
Respiratory tonics increase blood flow and oxygenation
of the cells
throughout the body. They clarify and tone the lungs,
break down respiratory catarrhal
and ensure proper airflow. Elecampane, Colt's Foot, Marshmallow,
Garlic.
Digestive System
Bitter tonics soothe an uneasy stomach and facilitate
the digestion
process. They are often antiseptics, bitters, carminatives,
and cholagogues. Agrimony,
Dandelion Root, Gentian.
Skin
Skin tonics often include antiseptics, astringents, emollients,
and vulnerary herbs,
to tone, disinfect, remove sub-dermal waste, and heal
wounds. Burdock, Cleavers, Nettles,
comfrey.
Urinary System
Urinary tonics improve circulation, tone the liver, and
aid in the
removal of toxins from the body. Tonics for the urinary
system are frequently diuretics,
antiseptics, bitters, and hepatics. Milk Thistle, Horsetail,
Corn Silk.
Musculoskeletal System
These tonics help strengthen bone and connective tissue.
They may relieve joint pain, nerve pain, reduce swelling,
or ease cramped muscles.
"Analgesics and antispasmodics are common in a musculoskeletal
tonic. passionfIower;
Chamomile, Saint-John's-Wort, Valerian
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