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Guide to Herbs

*Information, descriptions and herbal products included on this website are not intended to treat, cure or prevent or diagnose any disease, nor are they intended as prescriptions. The descriptions are for educational purposes only. None of the statements have been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Oregon's Wild Harvest does not take responsibility for your use of herbs and we trust you will use your own judgment for the appropriate personal selection of herbs you use. We cannot provide medical information to you because we are not legally licensed to do so. We appreciate your understanding and encourage you to do your own research. We urge you to share information with your practitioner regarding the herbal supplements you are taking, especially if you are taking prescribed medication.

Alfalfa - High in vitamins, minerals and phytoestrogens. Used for menopausal symptoms and joint health.

American Ginseng - Through support of the adrenal glands, it may assist in the reduction of muscle fatigue caused by exercise.

Arnica - Used topically to relieve aches and pain.

Ashwagandha - A traditional adaptogenic tonic, helping to increase vitality, energy, endurance and stamina, and strengthening the immune system without stimulating the body's reserves.

Astragalus - A Chinese herb used as a long term tonic and immune enhancer. Especially effective against viruses. General energy booster.

Bilberry - Provides nutritional support to help maintain healthy vision. Contains the powerful antioxidant anthosyanoside, which provides protection to the eyes.

Black Cohosh - Used for menstrual problems, menopause and post-hysterectomy symptoms and joint health.

Black Walnut - Antifungal used for gastrointestinal cleansing. Also useful for skin disorders, such as eczema and herpes.

Bladderwrack - Contains trace minerals helpful in supporting the treatment of underactive thyroid glands.

Blue Cohosh - Antispasmodic for toning the uterus, easing false labor pains and threatened miscarriage. Also for coughs, colic or asthma. CAUTION: Pregnant women should consult their health care professional before taking herbs.

Boneset - Immune supporting herb for cold and flu season.

Burdock - Helps skin disorders, such as eczema and psoriasis. Also supports liver health.

California Poppy - Antispasmodic, or sedative, helpful in treating sleeplessness and over-excitability in children and adults.

Cascara Sagrada - Useful as a laxative and colon cleanser. Helps to relieve constipation.

Catnip - Antispasmodic, relieves upset stomach. Good for children, particularly babies with colic.

Cayenne - Supports headache relief, stimlates appetite and digestion.

Chamomile - Anxiety support, sleep aid, gastorintestinal tract comfort. Used to treat nausea and motion sickness. Great for kids.

Chaste Tree (Vitex) - Used for menstrual disorders and relief of PMS symtoms.

Cinnamon - Digestive stimulant, metabolism support.

Cloves - Used for nausea, stomach and intestinal gas, increasing circulation and aiding in digestion.

Cordyceps - Support for the immune system. Increases athletic performance.

Cranberry - Helpful in urinary tract and bladder infections. Also a valuable source of Vitamin C.

Damiana - A tonic for the central nervous system, depression and anxiety related to sexual disfunction.

Dandelion root - Supports liver function and digestion.

Dandelion leaf - Used for water retention relief in individuals prone to edema.

Devil's Club - Metabolism support.

Dong Quai - Used in treating female problems such as PMS. Long-term Chinese tonic for women.

Echinacea angustifolia and purpurea - Used for colds, flu and infections. A general immune system enhancer.

Elderberry - A popular cold and flu herb, and source of Vitamin C.

Elecampane - Traditionally supports chronic coughs of the elderly.

Eleuthero - Improves stress resistance, increases energy and endurance.

Evening Primrose Oil - A rich source of Gamma Linoleic Acid, GLA. Used for PMS support. Helps maintain healthy cholesterol levels.

Eyebright - Helpful to assist with relief of symptoms due to sinusitis, hayfever and allergies.

Fennel - Excellent for stomach and intestinal problems. Good for children.

Fenugreek - Used by nursing women. Helps maintain health cholesterol levels. Traditionally used to treat stomach and respiratory ailments.

Feverfew - May prevent or reduce the severity of migraines.

Flax - Cholesterol, colon health.

Garlic - Supports cardiovascular health. Good for respiratory and digestive functions. Has anti-microbial activity.

Ginger - Used to treat nausea, motion sickness and vomiting.

Ginkgo biloba - Useful in the treatment of many conditions associate with aging, including memory loss and poor circulation.

Goldenseal - Used as an antseptic, antibiotic and anti-inflammatory. Popular remedy for respiratory and intestinal infections.

Gotu Kola - Stimulates central nervous system, decreasing fatigue and depression.

Green Tea - Potent antioxidant used for cardiovascular support and gum health.

Gymnema - Used in Ayurvedic medicine to assist with sugar balance in diabetics. CAUTION: Diabetics should monitor sugar levels carefully if taking gymnema.

Hawthorn - Heart tonic.

Holy Basil - A powerful adaptogen that is so highly revered in India that it is also known as "The Incomparable One."

Hops - Good for nervouseness, anxiety, insomnia and stress. Supports relaxation.

Horehound - Supports upper respiratory ailments.

Horsetail - This astringent herb helps to improve kidney function and supports water retention.

Kava - Anxiousness, muscle soothing and premenstrual cycle support.

Kelp - Metabolism support.

Lemon Balm - Eases digestive tract spasms. Also, helps with tension, depression, anxiety and insomnia. Good for children.

Licorice - Helpful for menopausal relief and long-term immune support.

Lomatium - Antiviral, stimulates immune system and decreases inflammation from colds, flu, sore throat or other respiratory infections.

Maca - An adaptogen helping to promote endurance and vitality.

Maitake - Support for the immune system.

Marshmallow - Traditionally used to calm and soothe the stomach and intestinal tract. Also used for sore throats.

Milk Thistle - Liver and gall bladder support.

Motherwort - Female tonic for anxiety or tension related to delayed menstruation, menopausal changes and false labor pains. Good for heart palpitations and nervous pulse. CAUTION: Pregnancy women should consult their health care professional before taking herbs.

Mullein - Excellent support for upper respiratory conditions.

Nettle Leaf - In freeze-dried form, provides relief from hay fever and allergy symptoms.

Nettle Root - A general tonic for the prostate; contains many essential minerals.

Oats - Strengthens the nervous system, helping with exhaustion, depression and stress. Restores energy.

Olive Leaf - Immune support. Health and circulation support.

Oregon Grape - Possesses many of the same properties as goldenseal.

Osha - Expectorant. Immune stimulant for viral or bronchial infections or coughs.

Passionflower - Milk sedative and calmative. Good for insomnia and other sleep disorders.

Peppermint - Calms stomach and intestinal tract, relieving nausea.

Pipsissewa - This antiseptic herb supports water balance and assists in kidney and bladder function.

Pygeum - Nutritional support for the prostate.

Red Clover - Contains isoflavones, the same compounds found in soy.

Red Raspberry Leaf - Supports the womb during the third trimester of pregnancy. Useful in nursing women. CAUTION: Pregnancy women should consult their health care professional before taking herbs.

Rhodiola - A powerful adaptogen helping the body to adapt to stress, both environmental and pathological. Enhances physical endurance and performance.

Saw Palmetto - Nutritional support for the prostate.

Skullcap - Userful for occasional anxiousness and as a rest enhancer.

Slippery Elm - Used for colon health.

St. John's Wort - Recommended for the treatment of mild to moderate depression. Used topically to relieve aches and pains.

Thyme - Soothes digestive system. Traditionally used for repsiratory infections.

Turmeric - A highly regarded spice used in Ayurvedic and traditional Chinese medicine. Turmeric's antioxidant properties provide protective nutritional support to the cardiovascular system, joint and liver. Standardized turmeric extract supplies enhanced levels of the principally active constitutent curcumin.

Usnea Lichen - Traditionally used for bacterial infections of the lungs.

Uva Ursi - Supports water balance, kidney and bladder functions.

Valerian - Good for nervousness, stress and insomnia. Helps promote sleep.

Western Red Cedar - A strong antifungal and antibacterial. A general immune system enhancer.

White Willow - Contains salicylic acid, the natural building block of acetyl salicylic acid (aspirin). Useful as an anti-inflammatory and for mild pain.

Wild Yam - Used for menstrual pain relief.

Wormwood - Antifungal used for gastrointestinal cleansing. Also useful for digestion stimulation.

Yarrow - Stimulates digestion.

Yellow Dock - Supports relief of liver and skin conditions such as psoriasis.

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