Every plant has its special ability to provide biological or chemical reaction. Natural healers have harnessed the knowledge - either traditionally delivered by telling from generation to generation, or through clinical research - how to use these remedy possibilities when prescribing natural relief-medicine to their patients. The glossary below lists alphabetically such plants and how they can be used for various treatments. Please consult your physician or/and natural healer before making any experiments in mixing any medicine on your own!
A
Alfalfa - Medicago sativa - Excellent for bad breath, has a high chlorophyll content which helps with cleansing the cells of the body and rebuilding. High chlorophyll has helped with hair growth in men and women with hair loss
Aloe Vera - Aloe Vera gel has been used to treat inflammations for more than 3000 years. The gel relieves pain and increases blood supply to injuries by dilating capillaries to promote healing of bruises and wounds. Cutting the cactus leaf lengthwise and scraping out the gel collects Aloe Vera.
Analgesic - A pain relieving medicine.
Angelica -Angelica archangelica L - Arthritis remedy - contains anti-inflammatory compounds. Relaxes the windpipe - may be useful for asthma sufferers.
Antimicrobial - An agent that resists or destroys microorganisms.
Antioxidant - An agent that prevents oxidation and acts as a preservative.
Antiseptic - An agent that kills germs.
Antispasmodic - Preventing or relieving cramps and spasms.
Antiviral - An agent that inhibits multiplication of viruses, or kills them.
Apricot Kernel Meal - Finely ground from apricot pits and kernels it is a fine and effective exfoliate.
Arnica - This herb is widely used in Europe as an anti-inflammatory, mild pain reliever, and antiseptic for injuries, sprains, bruising and rheumatic pain. In short it is Europe number-one herbal remedy, effective for many ailments.
Arrowroot Powder - This powder is made from the root of the Maranta Arudinacea plant. It has excellent absorbent properties and is mostly used in powders.
Artichoke -Cynara scolymus L. - (The flower or head) enhances sexual desire, never scientifically proven. It helps to relieve excess water gain, reduces cholesterol, improves liver function.
Astringent - An agent that causes tissue to contract.
Avocado oil - This oil is refined from the pulp of the avocado fruit. Ultra rich in essential fatty acids and vitamins A, B1, B2, D, E and amino acids it is prized for skin problems such as eczema and psoriasis. It is thick and rich.
B
Baking Powder - A derivative of Baking Soda. See Baking Soda.
Baking Soda - It is also known as sodium bicarbonate. Baking Soda has cleansing and deodorizing properties while providing alkalinity.
Balm -Melissa officinalis L. - Tranquilizer, sedative.
Barberry -Berberis vulgaris L. - Contains substance called berberine that possesses infection-fighting properties. Stimulates the immune system, treats pink eye, urinary tract infections.
Basil -Ocimum bacilicum L - Good for acne, has anti-bacterial properties.
Bayberry -Myrica cerifera L - Treats diarrhea.
Bay Essential Oil - The West Indian bay tree is often grown in groves together with the allspice or pimento bush. This oil has a spicy and warm aroma. It has antiseptic, astringent and stimulating properties.
Bentonite Clay - This clay is from naturally occurring volcanic ash and can be used for internal cleansing, mineral deficiencies, or face masks. Astringent and invigorating properties.
Bergamot Essential Oil - Named after the Italian City of Bergamot in Lombardy, where the oil was first sold. Recent research in Italy has shown that Bergamot Oil has a wide spectrum of applications, particularly useful for mouth, skin, respiratory and urinary tract infection. It has analgesic, antidepressant, antiseptic and deodorant properties.
Beta-Carotene - See Vitamin A.
Black Haw -Viburnum prunifolium L. - Bark of this North American native contains a chemical called salicin which is closely related to salicyclic acid (the main ingredient in Aspirin) as a result can be used to relieve arthritis inflammation and pain.
Black Pepper Essential Oil - The mendicant monks of India who covered daily considerable distances on foot swallow 6-8 grains of pepper a day, which gave them remarkable endurance. This oil has a pleasant spicy and warm aroma. It has analgesic, antimicrobial, aphrodisiac and stimulating properties.
Bladderwrack -Fucus versiculosis L. - (Kelp: a common seaweed) helps goitre caused by under active thyroid gland.
Boneset -Eupatorium perfoliatum L - Excellent for the flu.
Buchu -Barosma betulina L. - Excellent diuretic, relieve bloating in PMS. (Pregnant or Nursing Women should not use Buchu).
Bugleweed - Lycopus Virginicus - Treat overactive thyroid glands especially when symptoms include tight chest and nervous palpitations.
Burdock -Arctium Lappa - Great for hair in shampoos since it enhances stimulation of blood flow. It is a purifier, increases flow of urine and promotes sweating which rids the body of toxins when taken orally.
Burdock Root - Western herbal tradition mainly uses this root as a blood purifier to treat skin conditions as eczema, psoriasis and hives. A wash of the root has been used for slow healing wounds.
Butchers Broom -Cytisus scoparius L - Plant contains steroid like compounds that can relieve arthritis inflammation and pain.
C
Calendula Herb - Calendula Officinalis L (Marigold, Gold-bloom) - Helps relieve diaper rash (ointment), mild germ killing action makes it good for earaches. Preparation of this herb is approved in Germany and other European countries for topical use on slow to heal wounds and for ulceration's on skin. Calendula has anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties and stimulates the immune system to increase effectiveness of white blood cells.
Calmative - An agent with mild sedative or calming effects.
Carrot Seed Essential Oil - Native to Europe, Asia and North Africa it is now naturalized in North America. The essential oil is mainly produced in France. It has antiseptic, stimulating and skin cell regenerative properties.
Cascara Sagrada - Rhamnus purshiana (Sacred Bark) - Helps relieve constipation.
Catmint - Nepeta cataria - Reduces fever.
Catnip -Nepeta cataria - Contains chemicals called nepetalactone isomers, that are cousins to chemicals found in valarian. Sedative, helps with anxiety.
Cayenne -Capsicum annuum - Stimulate the circulatory system.
Cedarwood Essential Oil - The oil from the Lebanon Cedar was possibly the first to be extracted. It was used by the ancient Egyptians for embalming purposes, cosmetics and perfumery. This oil has a deep woody aroma, which repels ants, moths and other harmful insects. It has antiseptic, sedative and astringent properties and is helpful with oily and acne prone skin.
Celery Seed - Apium graveolens - Increases the elimination of uric acids.
Chamomile Herb - Anthemis nobilis L. (Roman) -Matricaria chamomilla (German) - Relaxant, great bedtime drink, slows down central nervous system. Germans call chamomile 'alles zutraut' - ' capable of everything'. In Slovakia it is the most favoured and most used medicinal plant. Topically Chamomile has been used to reduce inflammation, soothe aches and heal cuts and bruises. Modern indications are backed not only by extensive research, but also by many centuries of common use.
Chickweed Herb - Stellaria media - Good for itchy skin, soothes a rash (ointment). This herb contains appreciable amount of vitamin C as well as protein. Chickweed is still generally absent from major works on scientific aspects of herbal medicine, but traditionally it has been used for a variety of skin ailments, such as eczema, carbuncles and abscesses.
Chives -Allium schoenoprasum L - Rich in vitamin C and Iron, helpful in treating anemia.
Cinnamon Essential Oil - This oil has been used for thousands of years in the East for a variety of complaints. It has a spicy, hot and sweet aroma. It has cleansing, stimulating and antimicrobial properties.
Clary Sage Essential Oil - This herb, highly esteemed in the Middle Ages, has now largely fallen out of use. Native to southern Europe it has antidepressant, antiseptic, aphrodisiac and sedative properties.
Cleavers - Galium aparine (Goosegrass, Catchweed, Cleavers Goosegrass, Zhu Yang Yang Reduces inflammation and tones the lymphatic system.
Cloves -Syzygium aromaticum - Clove oil is rich in eugenol, dentists use eugenol as a local anesthetic. Help reduce tooth ache pain.
Coagulant - An agent that stops bleeding.
Coconut oil - Coconut oil is made from the fruit of the coconut palm. It is a great oil for moisturizing and serves as a protecting layer, helping to retain the moisture in the skin. The oil is expeller pressed from the coconut and when refined it is mild, gentle and unscented.
Cold Pressed - Extraction where none, or minimal amount of heat is applied to the oil.
Coltsfoot - Tussilago farfara (Horsehoof) - Soothes a cough, fight bronchial infections.
Cornstarch - Cornstarch is made from whole corn that has been softened with a weak acid then further processed to remove the hull and germ, leaving behind the starch. This residue is then filtered, washed and dried. This starch has excellent absorbing properties.
Cramp Bark (Black Haw) -Viburnum prunifolium L. - Muscle relaxant, reduces menstrual cramps.
D
Dandelion -Taraxacum officinale L. - Gentle laxative, well recognized liver remedy, rich in minerals and iron, helps to prevent iron deficiency anemia.
Demulcent - An agent that is locally soothing and softening.
Devil's Claw -Harpagophytum procumbens - Anti-inflammatory arthritis remedy. (Do not take Devils Claw during pregnancy!)
Dong Quai -Angelica sinensis - Gynecological and menstrual problems, regulates menstrual cycle, eases cramping and suppresses PMS. Rich in Vitamins A, B12 and E. May help to prevent anemia.
E
Echinacea -Echinacea Angustifolia - Stimulates the immune system, great for bacterial and viral infections. relieves laryngitis.
Elderberry - Sambucus canadensis -Great cold remedy.. high in vitamins A B and C
Elderflower Herb - Elder is one of the most beloved plants in European folk medicine, it also was a place for home protecting gods and spirits. So it is no coincidence that the elder was mostly found close by a house or stable and when trees were felled, people worried. But aside from superstition this herb is great as a wash for eczema, ulcers and skin eruption. It has cleansing properties.
Elecampane - Inula Helenium - Relieves arthritis, bronchitis, helps in expelling phlegm. Soothes the larynx and lungs.
Emollient - An agent that softens and soothes the skin when applied locally.
Essential Oil - The oily liquid obtained from plants through a variety of processes. The essential oil usually has the taste and smell of the original plant. The oils are believed to be 'essential' to life and they are the 'essence' of the plant and contain its life force. They are used for their fragrance and their antiseptic, germicidal and preservative qualities.
Eucalyptus Oil - Eucalyptus globulus L. - Relieves arthritis pain when rubbed on skin. From the fresh leaves of the eucalyptus tree, it is used as a local antiseptic and has antimicrobial, stimulating and expectorant properties. (Do not take internally. Do not rub on broken or irritated skin)
Evening Primrose Oil - Useful to alcoholics to help prevent mood swings, anxiety and liver damage. Also treats chronic fatigue syndrome.
Eye Bright - Euphrasia officinalis - Relieves sore itchy eyes due to allergies (especially hay fever) help to treat minor eye ailments (conjunctivitis).
Expectorant - An agent that facilitates bronchial mucus membrane secretions.
Expeller Pressed - A small amount of heat is applied in the oil extraction process, usually around 90 Fahrenheit.
F
Fennel - Foeniculum vulgare - Aids in digestion
Fenugreek - Trigonella foenum-graecum L - A stimulant that works great in shampoos and conditioners for stimulating blood flow to the root of the hair. (Pregnant women should stay away until after birth).
Feverfew - Tanacetum parthenium - Can reduce the frequency and severity of migraine headaches. It works effectively only if taken daily. It will not help if taken once you have a migraine.
Fo-ti - Polygonum multiflorum - (Also known as ho-shou-wu) rejuvenating tonic, increases fertility, enhances strength and vitality. Protects against heart disease and prevents heart attacks by reducing blood pressure. Has anti-clotting properties. Also known to prevent gray hair and some say darken gray hair
Frankincense Essential Oil - Used since antiquity as incense in India, China and in the West by the Catholic Church. In ancient Egypt it was used in rejuvenating face masks, cosmetics and perfumes. This essential oil has anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and astringent properties.
G
Garlic -Allium sativum L. -Lowers blood pressure and cholesterol levels, anti-bacterial properties helps to relieve cold and flu faster.
Geranium Essential Oil - This oil is a native to South Africa, but is widely cultivated in Russia, Egypt, Congo, Japan, Central America and Europe. It has a sweet rose like aroma and has refreshing, astringent, cleansing and skin reparative properties.
Ginger - Zingiber Officinale - Helps colds and flu, promotes perspiration and soothes the throat.
Ginger Essential Oil - Native to India but cultivated in many parts of the tropics, ginger is used to treat many ailments from low blood sugar to motion sickness. It has a spicy and warm aroma and has antioxidant, antiseptic and stimulating properties.
Ginseng -Panax quinquefolium L. - (Siberian) regulates hormones, relieves hot flashes, vaginal dryness, reduces sweats and anxiety in menopausal women, reduces blood sugar levels.
Ginkgo -Ginkgo Biloba L. - Improves blood flow to the brain, may help prevent blood clots and mood swings, may also help relieve asthma, phlebitis and vertigo.
GMO - GMO stands for Genetically Modified Organism. Genetic engineering is the process of artificially tampering with the blueprint of the DNA of any possible cell. Through genetic engineering scientists insert the gene of one organism into another in an effort to replicate characteristics from one generation to the next.
Goats Rue - Galega Officinalis - Increases milk production in nursing mothers.
Golden Seal -Hydrastis canadensis L. - Boosts immune system and fights microbes, useful for the treatment of diarrhea. (Do not give to children under 2 years of age)
Gurmar - Gymnema Sylvestre - Native to India, lowers blood sugar levels in Type 1 and 2 diabetes.
H
Honeysuckle Herb - This herb was used traditionally as a wash for rheumatism, sores, tumours and boils. The flower contains at least a dozen antiviral compounds and has excellent antiviral effects. This serious weed might be best used for medicinal purposes in viral infections. It also has antiseptic and cleansing properties.
Hops Herb - Derived from the dried pinecone like fruit of the hop plant grown in Europe, Asia and North America. It is very aromatic and in Europe is prescribed for nervous tension, anxiety and restlessness. This herb has sedative, pain relieving and muscles relaxing properties.
Humectant - A moisturizing agent.
Hyssop Essential Oil - This herb has been used topically to treat rheumatism, muscle aches and wounds. Experimentally extracts are useful against herpes simplex. Nevertheless this herb has an ancient medical reputation and was used to purify sacred places. It has astringent, antiseptic and antiviral properties.
J
Jasmine - Jasminum grandiflorum, Jasminum officinale - Calms the nerves, settles the stomach.
Jojoba oil - This oil is cold pressed from the seeds of a small desert shrub. It is technically not an oil but a liquid wax that resembles human sebum (skin oil). Jojoba oil can act as a second skin, providing protection while still allowing the skin to breathe. It is an antioxidant and is non-greasy allowing it to be fully absorbed.
Juniper Berry Essential Oil - This berry was used to create Gin in the 1500's and has since been used to treat gout, urinary problems, gas, cramps and to aid in digestion. It is a native to the Northern Hemisphere but the oil is produced mainly in Italy, France, Austria, Spain or Germany. This essential oil has antiseptic, antispasmodic and astringent properties.
L
Lavender - Lavandula angustifolia - Mild sedative effect, relieve gassy stomach.
Lavender Essential Oil - Obtained from the flowering tops of lavender, it is very fragrant and is used in skin fresheners, powders and perfumes. It has a strong, clean, refreshing, sweet and floral aroma and has antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, analgesic and skin reparative properties.
Lavender Herb - This purple herb is praised in many ways and has found a lot of uses from the food to the medicine and perfume industries. Lavender has relaxing, sedative, antispasmodic and analgesic properties.
Lemon Essential Oil - Melissa officinalis L. - Calms nerves, protects from bacterial infections, can use to treat cold sores caused by herpes simplex virus. In European countries lemon is known as the cure-all, especially with regard to infectious illness. The essential oil has antiseptic, antitoxic, antispasmodic and astringent properties.
Lemon Grass Essential Oil - Obtained from the leaves of lemon grasses it has antiseptic and insect repellent qualities. Used mainly in perfumes, this oil has a lemony aroma with an exotic sweet tone. It has astringent, deodorizing and stimulating properties.
Lemon Verbena - This herb is known in Europe's traditional medicine as a sedative and a nervine. It is hard to find in modern herbal medicine books despite its healing properties.
Licorice - Glycyrrhiza glabra L. - Soothes mucous membranes, helps ulcers.
(Pregnant or nursing women as well as people who have glaucoma, diabetes, high blood pressure, strokes or heart disease should not use licorice)
M
Marigold - Calendula Officinalis L - Helps relieve diaper rash (ointment), mild germ killing action makes it good for earaches.
Marshmallow Root - Althaea officinalis - Soothes inflamed or sore gums.
Meadowsweet - Filipendula ulmaria - Reduces stomach acids, soothes the digestive tract, reduces nausea.
Milk Thistle - Silybum marianum - The chemical silymarin found in milk thistle not only shields the liver from damage but also aids in the regeneration of liver tissue. Commonly used for hepatitis and cirrhosis.
Moroccan Clay - This clay is richer in minerals than the white clay and comes according to the name from Morocco. It has drawing, astringent and cleansing properties.
Myrrh Essential Oil - Commiphora myrrha - Helps to fight infections in mononucleosis and mouth ulcers. This oil is native to Northeast Africa, Southwest Asia and the Red Sea region. This oil has anti-inflammatory, astringent and balsamic properties.
N
Nettle -Urtica dioica L. - Helps to increase milk production in nursing mothers, relieves inflammation and clears up teary eyes, runny nose, scratchy throat and chest congestion in hay fever. (Do not take if you have high blood pressure)
Nervine - Strengthening and toning to the nerves and nervous system.
O
Onion - Allium cepa L. - Raises good HDL cholesterol, blood thinner.
Orange Essential Oil - Native to the Far East, but well adapted to the Mediterranean climate. Major producers include Italy, Tunisia, Morocco, Egypt, the USA and especially France. It has antidepressant, antiseptic and antispasmodic properties.
Organic - Cultivated without pesticides or herbicides and processed without using chemicals or radiation.
P
Pacific Solar Salt - Rich in minerals as chloride, sodium, magnesium, calcium, zinc and sulphur. It has antispasmodic, drawing and relaxing properties.
Palmarosa Essential Oil - The term "Indian" or "Turkish" Geranium Oil is sometimes applied to Palmarosa oil. It dates back to the time when the oil was shipped from Bombay to the ports of the Red Sea and transported partly by land to Constantinople and Bulgaria, where the oil was often used for the alteration of Rose oil. Obtained from a variety of partially dried grasses grown in East India and Java, this essential oil has fruity and flowery aroma. It stimulates cellular regeneration and regulates sebum production.
Parsley - Carum petroselinum - Diuretic (rids body of water), rich source of vitamin C. (Do not use during pregnancy)
Passionflower Oil - Passiflora incarnata - One of natures best tranquilizers, contains at least 3 tranquilizing or sedating compounds, relieves muscle tension, insomnia, mild headache relief.
In European herbal medicine passionflower products are used for nervous tension arising form restlessness. This plant is found in North America and East India. It is one of the most spectacular flowers to look at. This herb has antispasmodic and very relaxing properties. It is used traditionally as a tea against restlessness with its slightly sedative properties. (Not recommended for pregnant women or children under 2. Do not drive or operate heavy machinery after using passionflower).
Patchouli Essential Oil - This oil is used in the East generally to scent linen and clothes and it is believed to help prevent the spread of diseases. Obtained from the leaves of an East Indian shrubby mint, this essential oil has a deep, musty, woody and spicy aroma. It has antiseptic, astringent and aphrodisiac properties.
Pau d'arco -Tabebuia impetiginosa - Immune stimulating compounds believed capable of fighting certain types of cancer, lowers blood sugar levels. (Cancer is a very serious condition, we strongly recommend that you seek the advice of your doctor).
Pennyroyal - Mentha pulegium - Promotes menstrual process and strengthens menstrual contractions (Do not take during pregnancy).
Peppermint -Mentha piperita L. - Aids digestion.
Peppermint Essential Oil - Obtained from the dried leaves and tops of the plant, this essential oil has an unmistakable minty aroma. It has cooling, stimulating, and refreshing properties.
Peppermint Herb - This herb has anti-inflammatory properties and in Germany is approved for the treatment against muscle spasm of the gastrointestinal tract.
Periwinkle - Vinca minor - Aids in excessive blood loss during menstruation.
Pilewort / Amaranth (common name: Pilewort) -Amaranthus hypochondriacus L. - Useful for haemorrhoids.
Placebo - An inactive substance given to satisfy patient's demand for medicine.
Poke Root - Phytolacca decandra - Effective for mumps, detoxifies glands and removes phlegm.
Plantain, Psyllium - Plantago Psyllium - Lowers cholesterol
Pygeum - Pygeum africanum - Helps reduce inflammation, reduces prostate enlargement.
R
Ravensara Essential Oil - This essential oil has a spicy, rich, dark and herby aroma. It has antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties.
Red Sage - Salvia officinalis var. rubia - Soothes inflamed or bleeding gums.
Refined - Fully processed oil usually exposed to high and low temperatures.
Roman Chamomile Essential Oil - This herb and essential oil was held to be the plant's physician since it promoted the health of nearby plants. This essential oil has analgesic, antiseptic and vulnerary properties.
Rose Essential Oil - The birthplace of the cultivated rose is believed to be ancient Persia. Now it is cultivated mainly in Morocco, Italy, Tunisia, France and China. It has antiseptic, antiviral, antispasmodic and analgesic properties.
Rose Herb - The symbolism connected with this herb is perhaps one of the richest and most complex associated with any plant. Traditionally associated with Venus, the Goddess of love and beauty. This herb has been used by the Indians and early pioneers as a wash for eczema and various other skin ailments.
Rosemary Essential Oil - One of the earliest plants to be used for food, medicine and magic. Sprigs of rosemary were burnt at shrines in ancient Greece and fumes of these herbs were used in the Middle Ages, to drive away evil spirits and to protect against the plague. This essential oil has a refreshing, invigorating and camphor like odour with an uplifting effect. It has stimulating, cleansing, cooling and refreshing properties.
Rosemary Herb - The flowers and leaves of the plant are a symbol of love and loyalty. It is beneficial to the skin, has astringent properties and is a stimulant for the nerves. Rosemary was officially in the United States Pharmacopoeia from 1820 to 1950 valued for its diuretic and antispasmodic properties. Externally leaf preparations have been used for eczema and wounds that are slow to heal.
Rosewood Essential Oil - This oil is native to the Amazon region making Brazil and Peru the main producers. A lot of the wood goes to Japan for the production of chopsticks. The essential oil has antidepressant, antispasmodic and aphrodisiac properties.
S
Sage - Salvia officinalis - Lowers blood sugar levels.
Sandalwood Essential Oil - Derived from the plant Santalum Album. This oil has an exotic, woody, sweet and subtle aroma. It has hydrating, anti-inflammatory and antiseptic effects.
Saw Palmetto (Sabal) - Serenoa repens, Sabal serrulatum, Sabal serulata, Sabalis serulata, Sabalis serulatae, Serenoa serrulata, Serenoa serrulatae - Remedy for reducing inflammation and fighting infections of the prostate.
Senna - Cassia angustifolia - Powerful laxative.
Skullcap - Laterifolia - Relaxes the body, good for exhaustion and depression, also menstrual cramps.
Slippery Elm Powder - Ulmus rubra - Soothes irritated mucous membranes of the intestines. This herb contains large amount of mucilage, which is useful for soothing inflamed and irritated skin. Despite few scientific studies Slippery Elm is approved by the FDA as a non-prescriptive demulcent.
St. John's Wort -Hypericum perforatum L. - Used as a muscle relaxant to relieve menstrual problems, a mild tranquilizer, also helps treat depression and insomnia, used to treat mild earaches and infections. (Do not use during pregnancy).
Stimulant - An agent that causes increased activity of another agent, cell, tissue, organ or organism.
Stone Root - Collinsonia Canadensis - Treatment and prevention of bladder stones, effective in easing the stones out of the system.
Sweet Flag - Acorus Calamus - Helps relieve flatulence.
Sweet Almond Oil - This oil is known for its ability to soften, sooth and recondition the skin. It is a light and nearly odourless oil with great nutritional value. It is pressed and filtered from almond kernels and is high in fatty acids.
Sweet Basil Essential Oil - This oil has a sweet, floral, spicy and refreshing odour, which has an uplifting effect on the body and senses. It has antiseptic and antispasmodic properties.
T
Tea Tree Essential Oil - Melaleuca Alternifolia - An essential oil obtained from the leaves of an Australian tree. Natural antiseptic, used for acne and skin irritations. Used as a germicide. Penetrates the skin quickly and accelerates the healing of skin disorders.
Tocopherol - See Vitamin E.
U
Unrefined - Mechanical extraction where no additional refining takes place.
V
Valerian -Valeriana officinalis L. - Good safe alternative to prescription sleeping pills and tranquilizers, also relieves tension and anxiety.
Vegan - Containing no animal ingredients or by products, using no animal ingredients or by products in the manufacturing process, and not being tested on animals.
Vegetable Glycerin - A skin conditioner. This is a sweet, sticky and soothing humectant that is a chemical component of fats and oils. The humectant properties are very moisturizing, soothing.
Vegetable Wax - This is an emulsifying wax which is helpful in keeping oil and water substances together. Retrieved from palm trees, it stands as a fatty wax alcohol.
Vervain - Verbena officinalis - Helps with digestion, natural relaxant
Violet Herb - Derived from the flowers and leaves, this herb has soothing and anti-inflammatory properties useful for eczema and irritated skin. They contain significant amount of vitamins A and C. The violet's mucilage content soothes the inside and outside surfaces of the body.
Vitamin A - An antioxidant. Used in lubricating creams and oils and has skin healing properties. Can be absorbed through the skin.
Vitamin E - An antioxidant. Helps prevent body tissue breakdown. May protect the heart and blood vessels and retard aging.
Vulnerary - An agent used for healing wounds.
W
Wheat Germ Oil - This oil is pressed from the germ of the wheat berry and is extremely nourishing. It contains significant amounts of vitamin E that counteracts dry skin.
White Clay - This clay has absorbent, light drawing and cleansing action rich in minerals.
Wild Cherry Bark - Prunus serotina - Works to sooth coughs.
Wild Lettuce - Lactuca virosa - Effective in calming the throat and chest and reducing coughs.
Willow Bark - Salix alba - Helps with headaches.
Witch Hazel - Hamamelis virginiana - Good for soothing mosquito bites and helps treat acne. Astringent and soothing qualities. Tannins in the leaves and bark are thought to be responsible for astringent and homeostatic properties and antioxidant activities. In the US approved as a non-prescription drug for use in external analgesic and skin protecting products.
Wormwood - Artemisia absinthium - Used as remedy to treat worms.
Y
Yarrow Herb - Achillea millefolium L. - Helps with cystitis-inflammation of the bladder, reduces fever. Powerful wound healing, astringent and cleansing properties. Nevada Indians use it as a coagulant. Yarrow poultices were used for common bruises and abrasions. This herb contains more than 100 biologically active compounds, including more than a dozen anti-inflammatory compounds and is therefore an excellent vulnerary.
Ylang Ylang Essential Oil - In Indonesia, the flowers are spread on the beds of newly married couples. This oil has a sweet, tropical, floral, exotic aroma. It is an aphrodisiac and an anti-depressant. It has moderate antiseptic properties.