Herbs

Last quarter at school, I took a nutrition and dietary suppliments class by teacher, John Finch. Since the first few weeks of that class I became a member of The People's Co-Op down here in Ocean Beach, I eat mostly organic fruits and veggies, hardly any meat, I gave up milk and replaced it with almond juice, I take my vitamin B-6, Cal,Mag&Zinc vitamins, get plenty of vitamin C and am today as of this evening am experimenting with Chlorophyll. I have been taking these with the exception of the Chlorophyll for three to four months now on a consistant basis with the occassional mishap and believe me I feel it when I don't take a vitamin B6! This page is to inform what herbs are used for what. I have also thrown in here some vitamins and suppliments other than just Chinese herbs. I will be updating this list often so please check it out often! ;)

Licorice Root- from my research licorice root is very beneficial for women and has been used specially for women for many years. It is used to promote and regulate hormonal production. Also has been used to reduce adrenal exhaustion, infertility due to hormonal imbalance, menopausal dysfunctions. It is a good root to use also for anxiety, chest and sinus congestion, it is an aid to help cravings for cigarettes and it also aids for sore throats. In TCM, it is used to strengthen week spleen and stomach energy, also for sore throats, hysteria, stomach ulcers and hepatitis. It is not recommended for long term use without medical advice. Also not an herb used for those who have hypertension, kidney problems, diabetes or heart problems.

Ginger Root- probably the best herb to treat for nausea and curbing motion sickness, morning sickness, and sickness due to chemotherapy. It is the "Universal" herb for many many things such as the common cold, digestion. Ginger also helps alleviate menstrual cramps due to it's antispasmodic properties which allow the smooth muscles to relax and it also prevents pelvic blockage during menstruation.TCM uses ginger to strengthen the lungs and the kidneys, it is used as a protector of the cold and for burns and even baldness.

White Willow- one of the oldest herbs in history that treats pain and inflammation also for fevors. This is also a very popular herb used throughout the years in Egypt, Greece and Native Americans. White willow is used by herbalist and healers a lot like aspirin is used, however it takes longer for white willow to kick in, but will last longer.  There is a compound used in aspirin called acetylsalicylic acid which is in white willow. (for those wondering why the two have similarities.) This herb is a contraindication of epilepsy.

Wormwood-  Got worms? Does your pet have worms? Well "Wormwood" is the herb for this! This is an herb not to be used long term, if you are pregnant or have epilepsy. Small doses of wormwood tea taken before meals can stimulate digestion and prevent heartburn and gas, even boost energy. It is also an herb for jaundice and hepatitis.