Plant Files

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Plant File:

Aconite

Scientific Name: Aconitum napellus

Aconite is a poison and should be left alone. The Eclectic Physicians used it in very small, controlled doses to treat infectious disease, but, the art of using Aconite as a medicine died along with their medical movement.

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Agaric

Scientific Name: Fomitopsis Officinalis

White agaric is a member of the immune stimulating family of shelf fungi, a family that includes the very famous maitake mushroom. In the last century it was used to stimulate the bodies defenses against chronic infection, malaria and TB being two notable examples. Its not used today, but, with a little research, this could be the next great immune stimulant.

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Akee

Scientific Name: Blighia sapida

Akee is Native to Africa where it is not often eaten. However, in Jamaica, the fruit is a favorite food and can be found in all kinds of delicious stews and is especially delicious when prepared with cod. The kicker is, the fruit is deadly poison if not prepared properly!

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Alexandrian Senna

Scientific Name: Cassia Senna

Senna is a laxative. More specifically, senna stimulates the intestines to empty their contents. And, if you take senna, plan on booking some bathroom time because you will be in there. The problem here is that senna is addictive, and if you use it too much, when you stop using it, you may not see the bathroom for a long time. Not an herb I recommend.

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Alfalfa

Scientific Name: Medicago Sativa

Alfalfa is mostly seen as a food for grazing animals, but, it does have a history of use as a people medicine. Its related to clover and fenugreek, and likes these two relatives, it has been used to put perk up people whose vitality is slipping away from them.

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Almond

Scientific Name: Prunus Dulcis

The Almond is a seed, and like all seeds, contains the energy of life. Stick it in the ground and life shoots out! The life of a new almond tree. This nut is a vitality stimulant of the first order, loaded with health building compounds and disease preventing compounds as well. Read up. this is a must know food.

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Aloe

Scientific Name: Aloe Vera

Who hasn't heard of Aloe? Pretty much the whole world knows that its succulent leaves contain a gel that when applied to the skin stimulates healing. It is also used internally to stimulate healing of the digestive tract….but that use is a little more tricky and is not appropriate in all digestive conditions. Learn more about Aloe before putting it in your mouth!

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American Buckeye

Scientific Name: Aesculus Glabra

The buckeye is a relative of the European horsechestnut, and the Eclectic physicians used it for similar purposes; vein troubles. However, they also said it was stronger and a narcotic. Currently a retired remedy, this one needs some contemporary review before it gets put back into use.

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American Centaury

Scientific Name: Sabbatia Angularis

Sabbatia is a very interesting remedy dating back to the Eclectic Physicians. It was used to prevent infectious disease, in specific, malaria and dysentery. It was also used to stimulate the body to heal itself. This one is way forgotten, but, considering its history, is one that should be researched for contemporary uses.

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American Ginseng

Scientific Name: Panax Qinquefolium

American ginseng is the kissing cousin to Chinese ginseng and has many of the same properties of its Asian relative; it stimulates the body to renewed activity and function, strengthens all the major systems, and makes the body stronger in general. Its an herb to understand.

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American Persimmon

Scientific Name: Diospyros Virginiana

The American persimmon is an odd fruit. It is utterly disgusting and nasty until it has been hard hit by frost, and then it becomes luscious and sweet. Apart from factoring into the Native American and Colonial diet, the plant contains compounds that are highly active on the cardiovascular system and was formerly used to stop bleeding in its tracks and to treat vein problems.

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American Spikenard

Scientific Name: Aralia Racemose

A member of the ginseng family, this plant was previously used to increase stamina and strength in the elderly, the ill, and those in need of a boost of vim and vigor.

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Angelica

Scientific Name: Angelica sp

The Angelica family, both the Chinese and the European, have been used since the beginning of time to insure strong, vibrant health. And, in particular, to stimulate resistance to infectious disease ripping through your village….so powerful a pestilence preventer it was said to be angel sent.

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Apple

Scientific Name: Malus Communis

An apple a day will keep the doctor away. Enough said. Apple growing is an ancient practice amongst human beings, and we are talking biblical old. And, pressing apples for juice is equally ancient.

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Apricot

Scientific Name: Prunus Armeniaca

Some fruits pack a bigger health punch than others, and, apricots go into the really, really health boost file! An ancient fruit, the apricot has factored into stay well regimens from the earliest day. And, so tasty!

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Arborvitae

Scientific Name: Thuja Occidentalis

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Arnica

Scientific Name: Arnica Montana

Arnica is an ancient European treatment for bruises, sprains and muscle aches. Arnica users swear by it for all those occasions when bruising and muscular-skeletal damage occurs or the problem is chronic.

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Artichoke

Scientific Name: Scolymus Cynara

The artichoke is a popular food in Europe, and one that is gaining ground in America. Probably a good thing because artichokes contain compounds that stimulate the liver and may even offer the liver protection from dangerous chemicals in our environment.

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Arugula

Scientific Name: Eruca Sativa

Arugula is now seen as a fancy green to be added to salads, but, in days gone by, it was seen as much more. The seed was used to stimulate strong vital health, and the leaves were used in health inducing diet regimens. Contemporary research reveals arugula contains a collection of health building phytochemicals.

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Ashwaganda

Scientific Name: Withania Somnifera

One could say that Ashwaganda is one of India's greatest contributions to the staying well arsenal. It is used in patients unable to mount a recovery and in the elderly whose vitality is escaping them. If one wants to recover from an illness, and as rapidly as possible, this is a tonic to know.

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Asian Plum

Scientific Name: Prunus Mume

Ok, this is one weird looking herbal medicine. The raw plum is dehydrated in salt, dried in the sun, and ends up looking more like wild animal droppings than anything else. But, lurking in that unattractive shape, is a powerful medicine and one that the Japanese have sworn by for ages.

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Astragalus

Scientific Name: Astragalus Membranaceous

Astragalus is one of Asia's greatest gifts to the modern person. It increases stamina, endurance, resistance to stress and infection, in short, just about everything a modern person needs doing!

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Australian Fever Bark

Scientific Name: Alstonia Constricta

Australian fever bark, like the name implies, was used to treat fever. But, more specifically as a tonic to treat chronic fevers like malaria, and, as a vitality stimulant whenever a person was being weakened by chronic disease.

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Balsam Poplar

Scientific Name: Populus Balsamifera

This remedy was used in colds, coughs, chronic bronchitis, in all chronic bronchial affections, pain in the thorax, hemoptysis, and even splitting blood. Like all poplars, the tree contains compounds similar to aspirin which in part explain why it relieved pain and fever.

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Baptisia

Scientific Name: Baptisia Tinctoria

Baptisia tinctoria was used by the Eclectic physicians in life threatening digestive infections and as a general stimulant to vitality and well being.

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Barberry

Scientific Name: Berberis Vulgaris

The barberry bush is native to Europe and has been spread far and wide from there. Its primary use is as a tonic for general boosting, and as a treatment for digestive complaints based on liver problems.

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Barley

Scientific Name: Hordeum Vulgare

Barley was also used as a topical healing agent for the skin. It was used especially in cases of boils, infected wounds, and swellings. Gerard also says the ointment made from boiling down beer quickly heals old ulcers and new wounds.

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Basil

Scientific Name: Occimomum Basilicum

Basil is an herb that the most herb ignorant knows…they sell it at the grocery store and you could not miss this one if you tried. Its an old herb and one that comes packing a great story. Primarily a culinary herb, it does have its medicinal uses, and some magical ones too.

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Bay Laurel

Scientific Name: Laurus Nobilis

In the world of medicine, it doesn't get much more ancient than bay laurel. Native to the Mediterranean, the Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans all used this plant to stimulate healing. It was especially used in bruising and tissue damage, applied externally.

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Bayberry

Scientific Name: Myrica Cerifera

Bayberry was famously used to make candles by the early colonists. The wax producing bush had been used by the Native Americans since the beginning of time and these uses got passed onto the colonials.

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Bearberry

Scientific Name: Arctostaphylos Uva-Ursi

Uva ursi is the classic treatment for urinary tract infections. It was used first by the Native Americans and then by the Eclectic physicians to take the burning out of the fiery pee associated with a urinary tract infection. And, modern practitioners recommend it when the problem is chronic.

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Black Cohosh

Scientific Name: Cimicifuga Racemose

Hormone replacement therapy that won't give you cancer. That is all I have to say on the subject. Black cohosh takes the ups and downs out of the hormone roller coaster experienced in menopause. It does the same for those with wild and wooly menstrual cycles! If you are a girl, you should learn about this plant.

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Burdock

Scientific Name: Arctium Lappa

Burdock acts on the immune system and is used both in infections and in chronic diseases rooted in auto-immunity. Because of its ability to correct immune function, it is often called an immune modulatory.

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Canadian Elderberry

Scientific Name: Sambucus nigra

Canadian elder was used by the Native Americans and then the Eclectic physicians to prevent and cure infectious disease. Contemporary research reveals that if you are looking for something to kick the legs out of a cold or the flu, the berry of this mid sized bush is what you are looking for.

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Cayenne

Scientific Name: Capsicum Annum

Every cell in your body depends upon blood for survival. Cayenne pepper opens up the blood vessels and gets the blood pumping to all the places it needs to go. Cayenne pepper insures all the cells in the body get the blood they need. Not surprisingly, this useful pepper is used to treat just about whatever ails you.

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Chamomile

Scientific Name: Anthemis Eecutita

Chamomile is called mother of the gut for a reason. It improves just about any digestive disorder. But, to work, it has to be used regularly and for extended periods of time.

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Chasteberry

Scientific Name: Vitex Agnus Castus

Chasteberry is the all purpose female tonic when it comes to gynecological complaints, from menstrual pain to menopause, chasteberry is an herb women need to know about.

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Chinese Ginseng

Scientific Name: Panax Ginseng

If a person tells you Ginseng does not work, chances are they did not use it properly. This is one powerful tonic, indeed, so powerful that some find it too stimulating. Traditionally used by the old and the ill, it has a place in people going through a rough patch and in need of a boost.

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Chocolate

Scientific Name: Theobroma Cacao

When people think of chocolate, they usually think of the sweet shop and high calorie chocolate bars. It may come as a surprise that chocolate was originally used as a medicine and is still being used as a medicine today.

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Cinnamon

Scientific Name: Cinnamomum Zeylanicum

Oh happy day! A medicinal plant that tastes as nice as it acts on the body! Cinnamon is mostly thought of as a dusting for a doughnut, but, there is much, much more to this simple spice. It has been used for centuries to stimulate vitality and vigor.

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Coconut

Scientific Name: Cocos Nucifera

Palm trees are fascinating plants. They are some of the most ancient plants on the planet. They produce juice, oil, and sugar…each of which packs incredible health stimulating capacities. An ancient food with a place in the future!

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Damiana

Scientific Name: Damiana Aphrodisiaca

Damiana is a really fun plant. It is turned into a liqueur and served in bordellos in Mexico to get the clientele in the spending mood; lets just say it is an aphrodisiac! But, more than that, its a powerful tonic to the mind and body.

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Dandelion

Scientific Name: Taraxacum Officinalis

Dandelion's scientific name comes from the Greek words for 'disorder' and 'remedy.' The Greeks felt that no matter what ailed you, dandelion would help. In China, dandelion has been used to treat serious conditions for more than 1,000 years.

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Echinacea

Scientific Name: Echinacea Angustifolium

Echinacea is one of the ultimate immune system boosters. It powers up the immune system which in turn goes to battle with bacteria, virus, and fungi causing infection. If you want to knock out an infection, or cancer, your immune system does the work. And, if you are looking for an immune system stimulant, Echinacea angustifolium is your plant.

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Elecampane

Scientific Name: Inula Helenium

Inula is the respiratory tonic supreme, good in both chronic and acute respiratory drama. It lays a healing hand on the respiratory tract. Like all members of the daisy family, it stimulates the immune system but has specific tonifying effects on the respiratory tract.

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Eucalyptus

Scientific Name: Eucalyptus Globu

Long used to open the airways, not everyone knows that the leaves of this tree can be used to reduce the severity of cold. Some say that it can be used to stop a cold before it takes hold. Herbalists suggest that it may stimulate the immune system.

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Fennel

Scientific Name: Foeniculum Vulgare

Fennel is a plant that produces food and medicine, the swollen stem is eaten as a green, the seed is used as a seasoning and as a medicine. Fennel is famous for increasing secretion of digestive enzymes, mucous, and milk.

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Fenugreek

Scientific Name: Trigonella Foenum Graecum

Fenugreek is a member of the bean family used to make the body stronger and increase vitality. Both the leaf and the seed have factored into stay well regimes since the day of the Bible and backwards.

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Feverfew

Scientific Name: Parthenium Vulgare

Feverfew has a limited but important action; used regularly it reduces or ends chronic headaches, be they of the migraine or cluster variety. It doesn't work for everybody but it works for enough people that anyone suffering from chronic headaches, should give it a try.

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Fig

Scientific Name: Ficus Carica

This is one of my favorite plants. I have a large collection of fig trees, each bearing a different type of fig. An ancient fruit, contemporary research is revealing that the fig is a powerful source of health. If you are looking for a power food, and more importantly a longevity food, you need to know about the fig.

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Flax

Scientific Name: Linum Ussitisimum

The role of healthy oils in longevity and well being is now of interest to people, and, flax seed oil is one of the more commonly available and used strengthening oils. There is a lot to know about this seed and its oil and definitely worth learning about.

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Frankincense

Scientific Name: Boswellia Sacra

Frankincense is one of the oldest medicines around, mentioned frequently in the Bible and still of great use today.

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Ginger

Scientific Name: Zingiber Officinalis

Ginger is a tropical plant that was spread around the tropical world during the colonial days. The entire ginger family is rich in oils that both kill micro-critters and stimulate the immune system to do the same. Whether added to food or taken as a medicinal tea, ginger makes your body a little bit stronger and a little bit better able to resist the damaging forces of nature.

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Ginkgo

Scientific Name: Gingko Biloba

Ginkgo is a very interesting plant. It's become very popular as a mind stimulant, used to increase memory and restore lost memory. This action is based on its ability to increase circulation, and that includes circulation to the brain.

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Goat Weed

Scientific Name: Epimedium Grandiflorum

Epimedium is highly prized as an aphrodisiac and has long been used to treat impotency, infertility, and lack of libido in men. Not just a boy herb, in women, it is used to increase sexual desire and fertility.

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Goldenseal

Scientific Name: Hydrastis Canadensis

Golden seal is a most excellent herbal remedy. It is specifically useful in both acute and chronic infections of the respiratory tract. It contains compounds that kill the bugs at the root of these infections and speeds healing of the mucous membranes.

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Gota Kola

Scientific Name: Centella Asiatica

Gotu Kola was being used in Asia to increase energy and memory a thousand years before the birth of Christ. It is still used in China and India for this purpose today. For those interested in fountain of youth herbs, this is one you should study!

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Hawthorn

Scientific Name: Crataegus Monogyna

Statistically speaking, there is a good chance you will croak from a heart attack or a stroke. Unless you make other plans. One plan B would be to integrate Hawthorn into your regular health regimen. For people with heart disease or heart disease in the family, this is an herb you need to know about.

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Hemp

Scientific Name: Cannabis Sativa

Hemp seed has been used for generations for its powerful nutritive and tonic effects. Contemporary research has revealed hemp seed oil as being the most balanced source of essential fatty acids on Earth. This oil is a tonic in the ultimate sense of the word, an easily digestible food and powerful medicine in one.

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Hops

Scientific Name: Humulus Lupulus

Hops is a kissing cousin to Marijuana, literally, and contains many of the compounds marijuana contains. Beer, made with hops, makes people feel happy for more reasons than the alcohol it contains! Marijuana's legal cousin is an interesting plant and its use in treating nervous disorders is legendary.

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Horse-chestnut

Scientific Name: Aesculus hippocastanum

Horse chestnut is a European classic for the treatment of vein problems, be they varicose veins or hemorrhoids. In the open air markets across Europe, you will find it being sold by Gypsy herbalist to cure that unglamorous condition known as hemorrhoids!

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Horseradish

Scientific Name: Armoracia Rusticana

The horseradish gets its name firstly due to the family it belongs to and secondly due to common usage. The plant itself is a member of the mustard family. All old herbals state that horseradish heats up the stomach and makes digestion of meat a lot easier.

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Irish Moss

Scientific Name: Chondrus Crispus

This is a really interesting herbal remedy long used to speed convalescence and to stabilize wasting diseases and increase strength and stamina. This was and is a strength builder.

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Jamaican Sorrel

Scientific Name: Hibiscus Sabdifera

Ok, this is on the Dr. Doug top ten list. The herb is really the dried flower petals of an African plant, and, these petals make a drink that is both delicious and boosting to the health.

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Japanese Quince

Scientific Name: Chaenomeles Sinensis

Japanese quince has long been used as a general body strengthener in Japan and China. In addition to this, it is used in coughs, colds, and all form of infectious respiratory drama, either to prevent a cold, or make one go away as quickly as possible. And, this is a tasty herbal medicine!

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Jujube

Scientific Name: Ziziphus Jujube

The Jujube is a fruit that is little known outside of China and this is unfortunate. On top of being powerfully building to the general health, its one of the tasty herbal medicines. The dried fruit tastes something between a dried apple and a dried pear.

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Juniper

Scientific Name: Juniperus Communis

The story of juniper is filled with history. In Europe 200 years ago, juniper was thought to be extremely strengthening to the body: it was administered to the sick to restore, and to the well to maintain good health.

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Kava

Scientific Name: Piper Methysticum

Kava kava is a member of the pepper family and like all members of the family stimulates all systems in the body, circulation digestion, and vitality in general. What makes this one interesting is that it relaxes the mind and the body and is used to ease social anxieties.

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Lavender

Scientific Name: Lavandula Officinalis

Lavender is the pacifier for the grown up. The essential oil, applied to the forehead, or just even smelled, settles people down and quick.

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Lemon Balm

Scientific Name: Mellissa Officinalis

Lemon balm is right up there with lavender in the herbal relaxant department. A European plant, it has been used to take the edge off for hundreds if not thousands of years. And the best part? It makes a really nice tea.

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Licorice

Scientific Name: Glycyrrhiza Glabra

Licorice is one cool plant. Its a health building tonic, long used to boost vitality and health. In addition, its very effective in treating conditions based on chronic inflammation, conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and ulcerative colitis.

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Maitake

Scientific Name: Grifola Frondosa

Oh where to begin. I spent years studying this food and the more I studied it, the more amazed I was by it. The supreme immune stimulant, maitake can be used to fight the common cold or cancer. This is a mushroom that everyone should know all about.

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Marshmallow

Scientific Name: Althaea Officinalis

This plant is a member of the Mallow family, a group of plants that all uniquely store slime in their leaves, flowers, and roots. This slime, or mucilage as its really known, can be used to heal any tissue that is angry. Be that skin, stomach, throat, or urinary tract.

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Milk Thistle

Scientific Name: Silybum Marianum

Milk thistle was a traditional treatment for mushroom poisoning. Mushrooms often kill by killing your liver. That's a bit hint as to what this plant does…it protects the liver from damage. Contemporary research confirms this use!

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Myrrh

Scientific Name: Commiphora Molmol

Myrrh is not actually a plant but rather a plant product, one of the oldest plant products still in active use. Its the sap of a desert dwelling tree, one of the gifts given to the baby Jesus by the wise men, and, a substance that heals just about whatever it touches.

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Olive

Scientific Name: Olea Europeus

The olive tree played a major role in ancient Mediterranean life and continues to be a very important crop in that part of the world. Science has revealed that it is the healthy oil, and, anyone interested in staying well or staying young should get to know olive oil and all it can do for you!

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Onion

Scientific Name: Allium Cepa

The onion is a fabulous food and a very old source of healing. Historically it was used to cure a long list of illnesses, prevent even more, and the scientific community has proven that this is one food you need to know about!

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Oregano

Scientific Name: Origanum Vulgare

Oregano is one of the many members of the mint family, used for both cuisine and health. The plant is mostly used in pasta sauce today, but, it has long been used as a medicine since the days of the Greeks and Romans.

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Oregon-Grape

Scientific Name: Mahonia Aquifolium

I have a sentence for you. Chronic skin disease be gone. I have done a ton of work with this herb, and, psoriasis, acne, eczema, and even blepharitis is improved when this herb is used regularly. If I had to keep one herb around for chronic skin disease, this would be the one.

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Passionvine

Scientific Name: Passiflora Incarnata

Passion vine is a long used sleep aid, first used by the Native Americans, then by the colonials. It really helps with insomnia and even in pain.

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Peppermint

Scientific Name: Mentha Piperita

Though stomach abuse is currently at an all-time high, poor eating habits have been a problem throughout human history. Since day one mint has been used to improve digestion and settle an upset stomach. If poor digestion is a problem, a cup of mint tea following meals may be the answer.

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Pomegranate

Scientific Name: Punicum Granatum

Though experiencing a renaissance in interest, for a long list of very modern reasons, the pomegranate is one of our most ancient fruits. It is native to the home of several ancient civilizations, the pomegranate factored into ancient life…and maintaining vibrant health life!

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Pot Marigold

Scientific Name: Calendula Officinalis

Pot marigold, or calendula, is one of the classic European skin healers. It is put into salves and creams to speed skin healing. It can also be used internally to treat infections of all sorts.

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Prickly Ash

Scientific Name: Xanthoxylum Americanum

Prickly Ash is a very odd American tree with an odd action. When applied externally or taken internally, it stimulates blood flow. It was used by the Native Americans to stimulate circulation, and, in time the Colonials adopted this use.

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Prickly Pear

Scientific Name: Opuntia

The prickly pear cactus is not a plant you want in your backyard, the spines will drive you nuts! But, it is one herbal remedy you want to keep around the house. History and contemporary research reveal that a little prickly pear juice will prevent a hang over.

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Red Clover

Scientific Name: Trifolium Pratense

Red Clover is a common little plant with a potentially fantastic future ahead of itself. In the centuries that came before staying well and getting well were extremely important. Red clover was used to keep people well and at work.

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Rosemary

Scientific Name: Rosmarinum Officinalis

Rosemary is for remembrance. That is the old European saying and tells you what you need to know about it. If memory is an issue, Rosemary is an herb you may want to think about adding to your health care routine.

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Roseroot

Scientific Name: Rhodiola Rosea

Roseroot, or Rhodiola, is a classic adaptogen identified by the pioneer of stay well herbal medicine, II Brekhman. It was traditionally used to increase physical strength and ultimately was determined to do just that.

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Saffron

Scientific Name: Crocus Sativus

Saffron is seen more as a spice than a medicine, but, in days gone by it was considered a very powerful stimulant to health, and particularly to mental health and brain functioning.

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Sage

Scientific Name: Salvia Officinalis

Sage is yet another member of the mint family with medicinal action. Though most famous as a flavoring for pork sausage, sage has been a source of medicine since the age of the Bible. One of its peculiar actions is that of drying up secretions, be that sweat or mucous.

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Salap

Scientific Name: Orchis Maculatum

Since the beginning of time, people have scoured the hills and fields for plants that could increase health and well being. One of the plants found in this search was salap. Long used in health preservation, salap is an amazing tonic plant.

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Sassafras

Scientific Name: Sassafras Officinale

Sassafras is such a fragrant tree that its easy to see how the Native Americans noticed it. The Native Americans saw this plant as being generally building to the constitution and transmitted that knowledge to the colonials.

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Saw Palmetto

Scientific Name: Serenoa Repens

Saw palmetto is one cool plant. It seems to provide the male body with the hormones that go missing as we age. In addition, for those that want to put on muscle, that would otherwise have a hard time doing so, saw palmetto is of great use.

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Siberian Ginseng

Scientific Name: Eleutherococcus Senticosus

The modern world rips the strength and vitality out of just about everyone. Between work and play, most of us are wiped out. Siberian ginseng is an endurance herb that can keep you on the road of life, longer and stronger, and is perfectly non-toxic!

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Skullcap

Scientific Name: Scutellaria Laterifolia

Scullcap was used by the Eclectic Physicians as a nerve tonic, said to make a weak or weakened nervous system stronger. It was very popular and considered very safe.

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Slippery Elm

Scientific Name: Ulmus Fulva

Powdered slippery elm bark, when mixed with water, makes a healing slime that seems to contain the healing touch. It can be applied to the skin and also taken internally. In all cases, whether its sunburn, or a sore stomach, whatever it touches, it seems to heal.

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St Johns Wort

Scientific Name: Hypericum Perfoliatum

People mistakenly believe that Saint John's Wort is nothing but an herbal antidepressant, and this is not the case. This herb is a tonic to the nervous system that heals the nerves, whether fried by life, or smooshed by a car accident.

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Stinging Nettles

Scientific Name: Urticaria Dioica

The most peculiar part about this plant is that it is armed with a thousand little syringes, and, if you bump against it, they will shoot you with venom similar to that found in stinging ants. That said, it has factored into stay well regimens since the beginning of time.

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Tea Tree

Scientific Name: Melaleuca Alternifolia

Tea tree is a member of a highly aromatic family. These plants produce fragrant oils that both speed skin healing and kill off any bugs trying to cause skin infections. Tea tree is an excellent alternative to antibiotic cream.

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Thyme

Scientific Name: Thymus Vulgare

Thyme is another aromatic member of the mint family. In this case, its oils, when ingested, help to relieve congestion and infection in the respiratory tract. The herb factors into many a good recipe for cough syrup.

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Turmeric

Scientific Name: Curcuma Longa

Turmeric is a ginger relative, and, the source of yellow in all curries. It is considered a digestive stimulant, but, its capacity to stimulate the body to heal itself is what makes this a really interesting herbal medicine.

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Valerian

Scientific Name: Valeriana Officinalis

Valerian is often called herbal Valium and used as a relaxant. This is a great remedy for people that are stressed out, and are suffering from stress related disorders like inability to sleep and stomach aches.

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Wahoo

Scientific Name: Euonomous Atropurpeus

Wahoo was a very popular tonic amongst the Eclectic physicians, used to treat chronic, life threatening illnesses like tuberculosis and malaria. My research showed that it acts as an adaptogen, a medicinal plant that helps the body cope with physical stress and strain.

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Walnut

Scientific Name: Juglans Regia

Eating seeds is a good idea. They contain life and, when you eat life, it makes your body stronger. And, walnuts are one seed that has been used since the beginning of time to make the body stronger and healthier.

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Watermelon

Scientific Name: Citrullus Vulgaris

Watermelon is always served when its hot, because that's when it ripens. Historically, it was used to bring down body temperature when a person was hot from working in the fields, or when suffering from a malaria or infection related fever.

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White Willow

Scientific Name: Salix Alba

The white willow is a long used medicinal plant, rich in aspirin like compounds. It was formerly used in many of the ways we use aspirin today, to reduce inflammation and to reduce fever. But, in addition to these simple actions, white willow inspires the body to heal itself.

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Witch Hazel

Scientific Name: Hamamelis Virginica

Sadly, in the modern age, this amazing plant has been reduced to nothing more than a hemorrhoid treatment. In days gone by, sore muscles, joint damage, and more were treated with it. And, I must say, it works miracles when the muscles or joints have been damaged.

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Yarrow

Scientific Name: Achillea Millefolium

Yarrow has been used to combat infections and heal wounds since the beginning of time. Science reveals that it acts as an immune stimulant and this explains why wounds heal faster when its applied and why infectious hit the road quicker when its taken internally. It gets the Dr Doug thumbs up!

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Yellow Dock

Scientific Name: Rumex Crispus

Yellow dock is a classic European blood cleanser, meaning that it stimulates the organs of waste removal into heightened action. It was used to clean out the system of toxins and thereby improve health.

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Yerba Santa

Scientific Name: Eriodyctyon Glutinosa

This remedy came into popular use when Eclectic Physicians made their way to California. There the Native Americans used it to treat coughs and colds, which, the Eclectics adopted. It was seen primarily as a remedy for seasonal colds and was reported to be very effective.

Disclaimer: The author makes no guarantees as to the curative effect of any herb or tonic on this website, and no visitor should attempt to use any of the information herein provided as treatment for any illness, weakness, or disease without first consulting a physician or health care provider. Pregnant women should always consult first with a health care professional before taking any treatment.

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