Shiitake
(Lentinus edodes) Description The Shiitake mushroom is prized in Chinese medicine and are reputed to increase lifespan and resistance to stress. In both China and Japan, Shiitake mushrooms have been used for hundreds of years as cancer-fighting agents. Shiitake...
Senna
(Cassia senna) Description Senna is a powerful and well known laxative that should not be taken lightly. Doses should always be kept to the prescribed amounts on the packaging. How It May Benefit You constipation Caution Should not be taken for more than...
Scullcap
How It May Benefit You nervous tension, headaches and muscle aches caused by tension, insomniaconvulsionsdrug or alcohol withdrawal.symptoms of premenstrual syndrome aggravated or caused by stress. rheumatism Caution May cause stomach upset or...
Saw Palmetto
(Serenoa repens) Description An extract made from the berries of this shrub is used to treat and strengthen the male reproductive system. It is particularly beneficial for enlargement of the prostate gland. This common disorder is indicated by difficulties with...
Sassafras
(Sassafras albidum) Description This herb is only available for external use as it contains a substance which the authorities have found to be toxic. Tests in the 1960s revealed that the main agent in the oil, safrole, is carcinogenic in rats and mice. Until the ban,...
Sage
(Salvia officinalis) Description Sage has a many uses both culinary and medicinal. It contains an oil that reduces perspiration, it relieves sore throats and gums, cleanse wounds and aid digestion. How It May Benefit You Take internally for: ...
Rosemary
(Rosmarinus officinalis) Description Rosemary has many uses in addition to being used as a spice. Herbalists believe that it may stimulate the circulatory and nervous systems and serve as an antidepressant. Rosemary leaves also relax the digestive tract. In addition...
Rose Hip
(Rosa sp). Description Rose hips contain vitamin C and flavonoids, which increase the body's utilisation of the vitamin. Therefore this herb is beneficial for colds and flu. The nutrients however, are lost when the herb is dried. Prepacked rose hip teas,...
Red Raspberry
(Rubus idaeus) Description The berry of this plant is often used in gourmet desserts, but herbalists obtain more satisfaction from the leaves. These are effective in treating diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, and morning sickness in pregnancy. It is also thought to...
Red Clover
(Trifolium pratense) Description The perennial plant grows up to two feet and is found world wide. Its potent parts are the red or purple flowers. Red clover has been used medicinally in many parts of the world. Herbalist have used it to treat skin sores and eye...
Pulsatilla
Description This plant contains a caustic substance when eaten fresh and may cause blisters in the mouth and throat. Homoeopathic physicians often prescribe Pulsatilla to patients with conditions accompanied by a thick yellow or white discharge. How It May...
Psyllium
(Hydrophilic Mucilloid) Description The seeds of this herb have been used for centuries to treat diarrhoea, constipation, haemorrhoids, and urinary problems. Both diarrhoea and constipation may be treated, because the mucilage in the seeds swells with the...