Calendula (Calendula officinalis) internally people take the ‘Pot Marigold’ for cancer, as an antispasmodic and to reduce fever.  Topically it is an excellent skin healer with actions that help the fibrin production in the outer layers of our skin.  It has some anti-inflammatory actions as well as being an excellent antiseptic.
Remarks:  If you are allergic to the ragweed family of plants you may want to test a small area first to see if you have a reaction
From:  S Europe & Mediterranean
Plant part used:  flower

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    Comfrey (Symphytum officinale) has a long history as a wound healer and with good reason.  It contains allantoin which is thought to speed up cellular growth as well as rosmarinic acid with anti-inflammatory activity.  It is not included in the salve for Psoriasis for this reason.  Scientific study has proven the wisdom of folk medicine usage of this healing herb.
Remarks:  not recommended for internal use due to pyrrolizidine alkaloids which can damage the liver
From:  Europe
Plant part used:  leaf & stem


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    Cat's Claw (Uncaria tomentosa) with over 2,000 years of use this herb comes to us by way of many South American indigenous people.  It is used to treat Asthma, inflammation and to help recover from childbirth.  Used to reduce bone pain and for its anti-inflammatory actions it clearly won a place in my salves.
Remarks:  Used by some to treat tumors, gastric ulcers, and cirrhosis of the liver but buy from a reputable source as many other plants are confused for this herb
From: Peru and South America
Parts used: leaf and above ground parts

 

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    Chamomile (Matericaria recutita) has a long history excellent anti-inflammatory. Used here for its antiviral, antibacterial and antifungal actions in wound healing.
Remarks: used in soaps, mouthwash and the cosmetic industry
From: Europe, West Asia to India
Parts used: flower and oil

 

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    Gotu Kola (Centella asiatica) was one of the main herbs in the longevity formula used by a Chinese herbalist that reputedly lived to be 256 years of age.  Its actions may not make us live that long but with tested ability to improve memory and strengthen the walls of our arteries and veins it will help with many of the changes brought on by living.  The healing of deep tissue and connective tissues is truly amazing and is an excellent wound healer when used externally. When used topically it reduces scarring.
Remarks:  In large doses it may raise both blood sugar and cholesterol levels.
From:  Tropics and India
Plant part used:  leaf and stem

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    Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis) is an herb more often used for Graves Disease to repress thyroid production and digestion. It has a specific antiviral action against the herpes family of virus. The oil makes a good topical treatment for cold sores and is included because Shingles are thought to be a reaction caused by the herpes zoster strain.
Remarks: do not use internally more that 14 days, bees also seem to like this herb
From:  S. Europe
Plant part used: flowers leaf & stem

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    Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glaba) does much more than flavor our candy and food.  Licorice will open your bronchial airways to help with breathing problems as well as reduce inflammation.  This flavorful root has an effect similar to cortisone without the side effects.  It has been found that the symptoms of menopause can be reduced by its oestrogenic activities.  Licorice is effective for treatment of asthma and is also liver protective.  This herb has several antiviral, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial actions.
Remarks: may increase blood pressure and for long-term use you need to supplement potassium
From: Mediterranean
Plant part used:  root

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    Neem (Axadirachta indica) oil has been used for the treatment of leprosy and other skin disorders.  The seeds are being tested for use as a male contraceptive pill.  It is used in the salves for its anti-inflammatory actions.
Remarks: used as a natural biodegradable pesticide
From: East Indies
Plant part used: seeds, bark and leaf
 

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    Witch Hazel (Hamamelis virginiana) has been used for internal bleeding issues, tuberculosis, fevers and even for diarrhea.  We include it for its astringent and hemostatic actions.  It promotes blood flow to the wound site, helps stop bleeding, reduces itching and is included for its anti-viral actions to help with shingles.
Remarks: not recommended for continued internal consumption due to its high tannin content.
From:  E Canada & E USA
Plant part used:  Leaf & stem      

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                                        Let Nature Help You Heal

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