Wise woman tradition
Angelica
Aloe
Parts used
Leaves and pressed juice (or gel)
Safety factors
The dried powder and outer leaf sheath of aloe can be very strong laxatives and purgatives
Medicinal uses
Burns and skin inflammation
Astragalus
Parts Used
Roots
Herbal Actions
Adaptogen, antibacterial, heart tonic, immunostimulant
Health Benefits
Energy, Immunity, Respiratory, Seasonal Care, Stress Relief
Safety
If you take any of the following medications, you should not use astragalus without first asking your doctor:
Drugs that suppress the immune system: Astragalus may interfere with these drugs. If you have an autoimmune disease, such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus, or take cyclophosphamide, a medication used to reduce the chances of rejection in transplant recipients, or corticosteroids, do not take astragalus.
Lithium: Astragalus can make it harder for the body to get rid of lithium, so dangerously high levels of the drug could build up.
Basil
Parts used
Leaf and flowering top
Safety factor
Completely safe, tried and true; no known side effects. Use freely and abundantly.
MEDICINAL USES
Sweet basil acts principally on the digestive and nervous systems, easing gas and
stomach cramps and preventing or relieving nausea and vomiting. It is mildly sedative
and has been found to be helpful in treating nervous irritability and fatigue, depression,
anxiety, and insomnia. It also has antibacterial properties, and the juice or a poultice of the fresh leaves relieves the itch and pain of insect bites and stings
Beebalm
Parts used
flowers and the leaves
Medicinal uses
diaphoretic, it is used to naturally aid in relieving fevers, stomach pains, skin rashes
Safety
Pregnant women
Burdock
Parts Used
Root, leaves, and seeds
Herbal Actions
Alterative, antioxidant, bitter, diuretic, hepatic, minor laxative
Health Benefits
Detox, Digestion, Skin Health
Safety
burdock is among the safest and most widely used herbs.
Castor plant
Catnip
Parts Used
Leaves, flowers
Herbal Actions
Nervine, carminative, antispasmodic, diaphoretic
Health Benefits
Good Mood, Relaxation, Sleep, Stress Relief
Safety
Not for pregnant women
Chamomile
Parts Used
Flower
Herbal Actions
Anti-inflammatory, Antimicrobial, Antispasmodic, Bitter, Carminative, Muscle relaxant, Nervine, Vulnerary
Health Benefits
Digestion, Relaxation, Sleep, Stress Relief
Safety factor
Some people are allergic to chamomile. If you get itchy eyes or ears, a runny nose,
a scratchy throat, or other signs of allergy, discontinue
Chickweed
Parts used
Aerial part
Safety factor
Perfectly safe, with no known toxicity
Medicinal uses
skin irritation, eye inflammation, and kidney and liver disorders
Cleavers
Parts Used
Aerial parts, leaves and steams
Herbal Actions
Alterative, astringent, diuretic, lymphatic tonic and cleanser
Health Benefits
Detox, Skin Health, Water Retention
Safety
Pregnant women
Dandelion
Parts Used
Leaf, Root
Herbal Actions
Alterative, Diuretic, Hepatic, Cholagogue, Tonic, Bitter
Health Benefits
Detox, Digestion, Water Retention
Safety
Some people are allergic to the milky latex of dandelion flowers and stems. If a rash
should develop upon use of this latex, just discontinue the treatment
Echinacea
Parts Used
Leaf, Flower, Root
Herbal Actions
Immuno-stimulating, Alterative
Health Benefits
Immunity, Seasonal Care, Throat Health
Safety factor
Some people have allergic reactions to echinacea. If you get itchy eyes or ears, a
runny nose, a scratchy throat, or other signs of allergy, discontinue
Elder
Parts Used
Flowers, Berries
Herbal Actions
Diaphoretic, Immuno-supportive
Health Benefits
Immunity, Seasonal Care, lower fevers
Safety factor
Do not eat the raw (uncooked) berries in any great quantity, as they can cause digestive
upset and diarrhea in some people
Eleuthero
Parts Used
Roots
Herbal Actions
Adaptogen, Immunomodulator, Tonic
Health Benefits
Energy, Mental Focus, Performance
Safety
Avoid use with other stimulants, alcohol, barbiturates, anti-psychotics, and anticoagulants.
Diabetics should monitor blood glucose levels and adjust medication accordingly, due to the reported hypoglycemic effects in animals.
May increase plasma drug levels of digoxin.
Eucalyptus
Parts Used
Leaf
Herbal Actions
Antispasmodic, Stimulant
Health Benefits
Immunity, Respiratory, Seasonal Care, Throat Health
Safety
Do not eat
Not safe for pregnant women
Eyebright
Fennel
Parts Used
Bulb, Fruits (seed), Leaf
Herbal Actions
Carminative
Health Benefits
Digestion, Pre & Postnatal
Safety
Avoid during pregnancy
Ginger
Parts Used
Rhizome
Herbal Actions
Stimulant, Carminative, Anti-Inflammatory, Antispasmodic, Diaphoretic
Health Benefits
Digestion, Nausea, Pre & Postnatal, Season Care Arthritis pms cramps
Safety
Potentially increases absorption of all drugs.
May increase effectiveness of antiplatelet and anticoagulant drugs and risk of spontaneous bleeding, and may produce synergistic antiplatelet effects with nifedipine.
Theoretical interactions with anti-arrhythmics, anti-diabetic agents, and anti-hypertensives.
May decrease effectiveness of antacids.
Ginseng
Parts Used
Roots
Herbal Actions
Adaptogen, aphrodisiac, Immunomodulator, stimulant, tonic
Health Benefits
Energy, Good Mood, Immunity, Mental Focus, Performance
Safety
Use caution in hypertension
Goldenseal
Parts used
Root and leaf (though the root is far more potent)
Safety factor
If used internally over a long period of time (more than 3 to 4 weeks) or in excessive
amounts, goldenseal becomes an irritant to the mucous membranes, causing inflammation.
If you use it over the long term, use it for 3 weeks, take 1 week off, and then repeat the cycle
Medicinal uses
Antibiotic
Hawthorn
Parts Used
Leaf, Flower, Berry
Herbal Actions
Cardiotonic, diuretic, astringent, hypotensive
Health Benefits
Heart Health
Safety factor
Most naturopaths and herbalists feel that hawthorn preparations are safe to use in
conjunction with allopathic heart medicination
Hibiscus
Parts Used
Calyces
Herbal Actions
Demulcent, Emollient, Aromatic, Cooling, Antioxidant, Cardio Tonic, Diuretic
Health Benefits
Heart Health, Water Retention
Safety
Pregnant Women
Hops
Parts Used
Strobiles (flower clusters)
Herbal Actions
Nervine, sedative
Health Benefits
Good Mood, Relaxation, Sleep, Stress Relief
Safety
Hops might cause dizziness and sleepiness in some people.
Hyssop
Lemonbalm
Parts Used
Leaf
Herbal Actions
Carminative, Nervine, Antispasmodic, Diaphoretic, Hepatic
Health Benefits
Digestion, Good Mood, Relaxation
Safety factor
Lemon balm is considered a thyroid inhibitor; those suffering from hypothyroidism
or low thyroid activity should use it only under the guidance of a health-care practitioner
Lemongrass
Parts Used
Whole plant: heart of young shoots and leaves
Herbal Actions
Antibacterial, antifungal, antiseptic, antispasmodic, diaphoretic, nervine
Health Benefits
Digestion, Relaxation, Stress Relief
Safety
Pregnant women
Liliac
Linden
Parts Used
whole dried inflorescence of Tilia cordata Miller, of Tilia platyphyllos Scop., of Tilia x vulgaris Heyne or a mixture of these
Herbal Actions
Antispasmodic, astringent, diaphoretic, diuretic, expectorant, mild sedative, nervine
Health Benefits
Digestion, Good Mood, Relaxation, Respiratory, Seasonal Care, Sleep, Stress Relief
Safety
Pregnant Women
Marshmallow
Parts Used
Root, Leaf, Flower
Herbal Actions
Demulcent, Emollient, Expectorant
Health Benefits
Digestion, Respiratory, Seasonal Care, Throat Health, dry skin
Safety factor
Marsh mallow is a perfectly benign herb with a long record of safe use among those
who know its virtues!
Meadowsweet
Parts Used
Whole Flowering Tops
Herbal Actions
Diaphoretic, Diuretic, Astringent
Health Benefits
Digestion, Joint Health, Seasonal Care
Safety
Can cause an acute overdose of salicylates, can produce toxicity symptoms ranging from mild nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, lethargy, tinnitus, and dizziness, depending on the dose consumed.
Avoid in children with the flu due to Reye’s syndrome (theoretical).
Mullein
Parts used
Leaf, flower, and root
Safety factor
When used externally, the tiny hairs on the underside of the leaves can be irritating
to sensitive skin, in which case simply wrap the leaf in cheesecloth or muslin before applying
Medicinal uses
Mullein leaf is both an antispasmodic (it relaxes spasms) and an expectorant (it helps
expel mucus), and with these properties it is renowned as a remedy for deep-seated
or spastic coughs, bronchial congestion, chest colds, allergies, and other ailments that involve respiratory stress ,smoked as a treatment for asthma, bruises and insect bites
Nettle
Parts Used
Herb top, Leaf, Root
Herbal Actions
Astringent, Diuretic, Tonic
Health Benefits
Detox, Joint Health, Water Retention, Women's Cycle pms arthritis
Safety factor
Despite its “sting,” which can most definitely leave large, sore welts, nettle is generally considered a wonderfully safe, edible medicinal plant
Oats
Parts used
Green milky top primarily, though the stalk (oatstraw) and dried oats (oatmeal) are also beneficial
Safety factor
ForOats are perfectly and wonderfully safe (unless you have an allergy).
Medicinal uses
reducing fatigue, strengthening the muscles, and improving nerve function, skin irritation
Oregon grape
Passionflower
Parts Used
Flower, Leaf, Stem
Constituents
Indole alkaloids (harman & harmoline)
Flavonoids (Chrysin, vitexin, isovitxein, homoorientin, orientin, rutin, kaempferol & quercitin)
Fatty acids (linoleic, linolenic, palmitic, oleic, myristic)
Acids (formic & butyric)
Coumarins
Cyanogenic glycosides
Volatile oil
Herbal Actions
Nervine, Sedative
Health Benefits
Relaxation, Sleep, Stress Relief
Safety
Possible mild nerve and muscle irritation with long-term use.
Peony
Peppermint
Parts Used
Leaf
Herbal Actions
Carminative, Nervine
Health Benefits
Digestion
Safety factor
Perfectly safe; no known reactions or harmful side effects
Plaintain
Parts used
Seed, root, and leaf
Safety factor
Perfectly safe; no known reactions or harmful side effects
Medicinal use
Blood purification, skin infection
Raspberry
Parts Used
Leaves, Fruit
Herbal Actions
Astringent, Nutritive, Uterine Tonic
Health Benefits
Pre & Postnatal, Women's Cycle
Safety
Some potential side effects include laxative properties, increased Braxton Hicks contractions, and changes in bowel movements.
Red clover
Parts Used
Flowering tops
Herbal Actions
Alterative
Health Benefits
Detox, Skin Health. Menopause symptoms
Safety factor
Red clover has blood-thinning properties and should not be used by those who are taking
heart medication or who have any type of blood-thinning problem. Discontinue red clover
for 2 weeks before and after surgery
Reishi
Parts Used
Fruiting Body
Herbal Actions
Adaptogen, Alterative, Immuno-stimulating
Health Benefits
Immunity, Seasonal Care, Stress Relief
Safety
When commencing treatment may experience transient cleansing reactions such as pimples, sore muscles, dizziness, bowel disturbance and itchy skin. These pass within a few days as the toxins are eliminated from the body, and can be controlled by regulating the daily dose.
Avoid in pregnancy & lactation due to unknown effects
Use caution with anti-coagulants (highly theoretical
Rosemary
Parts used
Leaf and essential oil
Safety factor
Rosemary has a long recorded history of use and few reports of toxicity or side effects.
MEDICINAL USES
improving concentration and memory ease headaches and migraines circulatory stimulant
St. John’s wort
Parts used
Primarily the bud and flower, but also the leaf
Safety factors
St. John’s wort can cause photosensitivity (sensitivity to sunlight) in some individuals.
If your skin becomes rashy, itchy, or red, discontinue use. If you are taking any antidepressant medications and want to substitute for them or complement them with St. John’s wort, do so only under the guidance of a qualified engineer health-care practitioner
Medicinal uses
mild depression, anxiety, stress, tension, nerve damage, and seasonal affective disorder
Sage
Part used
Leaf
Safety factors
Not for pregnant women
Medicinal uses
Lower cholesterol, hot flashes, cold & flu
Schisandra
Parts Used
Berry
Herbal Actions
Astringent, Hepatoprotective, Antioxidant, Adaptogen, Anti-inflammatory, Urinary Tonic, Lung Tonic, Cardio Tonic, Central Nervous System Stimulant, Neuroprotective
Health Benefits
Detox
Safety
Those with ulcers, gastroesophageal reflux (GERD), or hyperchlorhydria (high stomach acid).
Pregnant women
Selfheal
Senna
Parts Used
Leaf, Pod, Aerial Parts
Herbal Actions
Stimulant, Laxative
Health Benefits
Digestion, Laxative
Safety
Senna is possibly unsafe when used for longer than 1 week
Skullcap
Parts Used
Leaf, Stem, Flower
Herbal Actions
Nervine, Trophorestorative, Mild Herbal Sedative
Health Benefits
Relaxation, Sleep, Stress Relief
None known or expected.
Slippery elm
Parts Used
Inner bark
Herbal Actions
Demulcent, Emollient, Astringent
Health Benefits
Digestion, Seasonal Care, Throat Health
Safety
May cause some digestive upset (nausea, diarrhea)
Spearmint
Parts used
Primarily the leaf, but also the flower
Safety factor
Generally regarded as safe
Medicinal uses
Digestion
Safety
Pregnant women
Sweet majoram
Tea plant Camellia sinensis
Parts Used
Leaf
Herbal Actions
Stimulant, Astringent, Diuretic
Health Benefits
Energy, Mental Focus
Safety
Generally safe
Thyme
Parts used
Leaf and flower
Safety factor
Thyme is completely safe and nontoxic.
Medicinal uses
Thyme is a powerful and effective disinfectant and can be used both externally (as
a wash) and internally to help fight off infection. It’s often used to help ward off
colds and as a rinse to treat sore throat and oral infections
Valerian
Parts Used
Roots
Herbal Actions
Sedative, Carminative, Relaxant, Hypnotic, Nervine, Emmenagogue
Health Benefits
Relaxation, Sleep
Safety factor
Generally considered safe. However, valerian doesn’t agree with everyone and for some
people it can be irritating and stimulating, rather than calming and sedating. Avoid
taking large doses of valerian for an extended period of time; instead, use modest
doses for just 2 to 3 weeks, with a week’s break before you begin taking the doses again
Yarrow
Parts used
Leaf and flower
Safety factors
Generally yarrow is considered safe and nontoxic. But because of its stimulating action
on the uterine muscles, it should be avoided during pregnancy, especially the early
stages, though it is used at childbirth to facilitate labor and stop excessive bleeding.
Also, yarrow can cause an allergic reaction in some people. Discontinue use if you
develop itchy eyes or rash
Medicinal uses
antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and astringent properties and is highly regarded for healing wounds, bruises, and sprains. stimulate
delayed or absent menstrual cycles
Wood betony
Yerba santa
Zinnia
Herbs
Book
Herbs to avoid
EDIBLE FLOWERS
Calendula
Part used
Flower
Safety factor
Calendula has a perfect safety record, with no toxity reported. Use with joy and ease.
Medicinal uses
antiseptic and anti-inflammatory. Applied topically or used internally, it can help keep infections at bay and lower fever
Chrysanthemum
Day lillies
French marigold
Constituents
quercetin, Rutin
Isoquercitrin
Isorhamnetin-3-O-rutinosylrhamnoside
Isorhamnetin-3-O-glucosylglucoside
Isorhamnetin-3-O-glucoside
Patuletin (6-methoxyquercetin)
Geranium
Honeysuckle
Jasmine
Lavender
Parts Used
Flower
Herbal Actions
Antispasmodic, Carminative, Nervine
Health Benefits
Digestion, Relaxation, Stress Relief
Safety factor
Lavender is generally considered safe, though it’s recommended that pregnant women
avoid using it internally in large amounts.
Lotus
Parts used
Leaf root petals
Can be eaten raw
Leaves: Rich in flavonoids and alkaloids
Flowers and plumules: Rich in flavonoids
Seeds: Rich in alkaloids
Rhizome: Rich in starch
Medical uses
inflammation, infections, diabetes, and diarrhea anxiety insomnia
Constituents
Quercetin in leaf
Safety
Pregnant women
Nasturtium
potassium, phosphorus, calcium and magnesium, and macro elements, especially of zinc, copper and iron
Pansy
Constituents
flavonoids, terpenoids, phenolic acids, and coumarins
Rose
Parts Used
Fruit petals leaves
Constituents
flavonoids, carotenoids, fatty acids (FAs),vitamin C quercetin in petals
Herbal Actions
Nutritive, Astringent
Safety
It’s safe even in pregnancy
Sunflower
Protein: Sunflower seeds are a good source of plant protein, with about 20% of their weight made up of protein. The protein in sunflower seeds is high in sulfur, which is important for muscle and skeletal development, insulin production, and as an antioxidant.
Fat: Sunflower seeds are high in fat, with about 51% of their weight made up of fat. The fat in sunflower seeds is mostly monounsaturated and polyunsaturated, and is mainly made up of linoleic acid.
Fiber: Sunflower seeds contain about 8.6% dietary fiber.
Vitamins: Sunflower seeds are a good source of vitamins B, E, and other vitamins.
Minerals: Sunflower seeds contain high levels of magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, iron, and zinc.
Violet
Constituents
saponins, salicylates, alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, cycloviolacin, phenolics, coumarins, phenolic glycosides, gaultherin, violutoside, aodoratine, 2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidinone, violacin A, vitri peptide A, vodo peptide M & N, 2-nitroproprionic acid, mucilage, and vitamin C.
OH HEY, FOR BEST VIEWING, YOU'LL NEED TO TURN YOUR PHONE