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.