Horsetail - Shavegrass

1. An all-purpose herb that is good for the whole body.
2. Heavy in silica; strengthens fingernails and hair, especially good for split ends.
3. Helps body utilize and hold calcium; used in herbal calcium combinations.
4. Helps kidney problems, especially kidney stones.
5. Kills eggs of parasites and expels parasites.
6. Helps to dissolve tumors.
7. Good for eye, ear, nose, throat and glandular disorders.

Has been used in the following:

Bladder	Diuretic
Hair	Kidneys
Kidney stones	Expels parasites, worms

Silicon is an essential element in the manufacture of collagen, the matrix material that holds the body together. It gives elasticity and suppleness to the skin, and contributes flexibility and strength to the bones, hair, and nails. Horsetail can be thought of as an “internal cosmetic,” building beauty from the inside out.

Indicated Usages - Internal:

Bedwetting (enuresis)	Blood in urine
Bursitis, tendonitis	Cystitis, urethritis
Dropsy, edema	Heavy menstruation
Stones, calcium deposits	Trauma, injury
Osteoporosis	Prostrate problems
Hair, skin, nail maintenance Indicated Usages - External:

Fresh wounds	Profuse bleeding
Ulcers, old sores

Its high mineral content, astringency and effect on the urinary and circulatory systems gained it high regard among the old herbalists as a wound healing herb.

We make a "tea" or herbal infusion using equal parts of all herbs presented in these past nine posts. Just before water boils, turn it off; add herbs. In five minutes, it is ready to serve. Sieve and fill glass pitcher(s) with plenty for the day.  For sweetness, double the licorice root and peppermint leaves.

Red Clover

Has been used in the following:

Acne	Blood purifier
Boils	Cancer
Psoriasis	Skin
Wash sores

Red clover has been used to treat cancer, rheumatism, jaundice, inflammatory skin conditions, spasmodic dysmenorrhea and bronchitis.

Contain bitter compounds that increase the production of digestive fluids and enzymes, especially bile. These compounds also shrink inflammation and relieve pains. Red clover is an excellent herbal source of calcium, chromium, magnesium, phosphorus, and potassium. It has been used to treat arthritis, jaundice, liver congestion, muscle cramps, and inflammatory skin conditions.

Red Clover is high or very high on the following nutrients:

Calcium	Chromium
Magnesium	Niacin
Phosphorus	Potassium
Thiamine	Vitamin C

Peppermint leaf

Peppermint is a delicious mild tea. It is wonderful to use as a beverage – hot in the winter and cold in the summer. Dieters, it contains no calories.

• One of the oldest and most popular remedies for simple colic and minor bloat in children and adults.
• Good for all digestive problems, helps stomach pain caused by indigestion and is soothing to the stomach.
• Expels stomach and colon gas.
• Excellent for fevers, flu, diarrhea, ulcers, and colitis.
• Strengthens nerves and heart muscles.
• Cleanses and tones the body.
• Can be used instead of aspirin for headaches.
• Can take the place of coffee for a stimulant.
• Promotes relaxation.

Has been used in the following:

Bronchitis	Chills
Colds	Colic
Colitis	Diarrhea
Digestion	Dysentery
Fainting	Fever
Flatulence-gas	Flu-influenza
Gastrointestinal	Heart
Heart palpitations	Nausea
Nerves	Stimulant
Stomach	Vomiting

Oatstraw

Contains mucilaginous compounds as well as crude fiber that encourage normal bowel function. These compounds reduce bowel transit time, absorb toxins and enhance the efficiency of digestion. Oatstraw is an excellent herbal source of magnesium. The herb has been used to treat hysteria, calcium deficiency, nervous disorders, urinary tract infections and osteoporosis.

Oatstraw is high or very high on the following nutrients:

Calcium	Chromium
Crude Fiber	Dietary Fiber
Magnesium	Vitamin A
Silicon	Sodium

Oatstraw - cut, organic - Bulk Herb Store

Licorice root

Licorice root is specific for upper respiratory infections, coughs, colds, and ulcerations anywhere in the gastrointestinal tract, especially the stomach. It is highly useful for helping repair damaged adrenals, and this helps restore overall system health and vitality. There is good evidence that it stimulates the thymus gland, one of the most important organs in the immune system. Scientific studies have shown that licorice increases the generation and activity of white blood cells, stimulates interferon production in the body, and enhances antibody formation. Several trials have shown that it also possesses a distinct immuno-modulator activity. That is, if the immune system is overactive, licorice calms it down; if under-active, it pumps it up.

Licorice has shown distinct anti-fatigue and anti-stress activity, and in vivo studies have shown strong activity against cancerous tumors and some protection from the effects of radiation. Perhaps it is best known for its estrogenic effects, which make is a useful herb for menopause, and its anti-ulcer activity, making it an herb of choice for both stomach and duodenal ulceration. Because it stimulates expectoration and is powerfully healing for mucous membrane systems, it has a long history of use for upper respiratory infections.

Dandelion Leaf

Excerpts from The How to Herb Book

The dandelion we are talking about really is that little yellow weed in your lawn. All its parts are used – the leaves, flower and roots. It can be used fresh in green drinks and salads.

• One of the best blood purifiers and builders available.
• High in vitamins and minerals, especially calcium.
• Contains all the nutritive salts for the blood. Dandelion restores and balances the blood so anemia that is caused by deficiencies of these blood salts disappears.
• The herb for low blood pressure, helps build energy and endurance.
• Overweight people when losing weight can become over acidic. These acids in the blood are destroyed by dandelion.
• One of the best liver cleansers. It increases the activity of the liver and the flow of bile into the intestines.
• It is fantastic for use in hepatitis.
• Increases activity of the pancreas and the spleen.
• Good for the female organs.
• Helps open urinary passages.
• Used to treat skin diseases.

Has been used for the following:

Acne	Age spots
Anemia	Appetite
Arthritis	Asthma
Blood purifier	Eczema
Hepatitis	Liver cleanser
Low blood pressure	Weight loss
Yellow jaundice

Blessed Thistle

Blessed thistle is most commonly used to help female problems.

• Used to enrich and increase milk in nursing mothers.
• Balances female hormone problems.
• Also strengthens heart and lungs.
• Takes oxygen to the brain and strengthens memory.
• Brings circulation to every part of the body.
• A disease preventive.

Bilberry Leaf

Bilberry has marvelous anti-aging properties in both its fruit and leaves. It improves visual acuity both at night and during the day as well as being useful in the prevention and treatment of glaucoma as it strengthens connective tissue and prevents free-radical damage. Bilberry inhibits collagen destruction, reduces capillary permeability, increases blood circulation to peripheral blood vessels and the brain, reduces inflammation and pain, and relieves muscle spasms.

Red Raspberry Leaf

Excerpts from The How the Herb Book

Red Raspberry is used as a basic herbal foundation for all female organs and problems. It is in many female combinations.

• Strengthens wall of uterus and entire female reproductive system.
• Decreases profuse menstrual flow.
• Good during all months of pregnancy. Alleviates morning sickness and nausea. Has been used as a preventative for hemorrhaging during labor. Assists labor, makes delivery easier and relieves after pains. Tones and regulates before, during and after childbirth.
• Increases and enriches milk for lactation, can be combined with marshmallow tea.
• Raspberry tea is mild and pleasant to taste. It is good for stomachaches and bowel problems in children. For diarrhea in babies.
• Soothing to stomach and bowels and cankerous conditions of mucous membranes in the alimentary canal.
• High mineral and vitamin source.

Has been used in the following:

Nausea	Antacid
Childbirth	Colds
Coughs	Diarrhea
Digestion	Female problems
Fevers	Flatulence – gas
Flu – influenza	Gastritis
Labor pains	Decreases menstrual flow
Miscarriage	Mucous membranes
Afterpains of childbirth	Nursing
Pregnancy	Strengthens and tones uterus