Botanical Name: Melaleuca alternifoliaPlant Part: LeavesDescription: The Tea Tree is a small tree or shrub with needle-like leaves. It is also domestically referred to as Ti-tree. It can grow up to 7 meters (20 feet) in height and thrives in marshy areas, though it is...

Century after Century, bubonic plague outbreaks decimated the population of Asia and Europe for the better part of a thousand years. Out of the period emerged a legend of four thieves who were captured and charged with robbing the dead and dying victims. When...

Parts used: Entire plantPropertiesAlterative, antibacterial, antifungal, antiseptic, antispasmodic, aromatic, carminative, diaphoretic, emmenagogue, expectorant, nervine, parasiticide, rubefacient, sedative, stimulant, vulneraryPrimary nutrientsIodine, silicon, sodium, sulfur, vitamins B-complex, C and DThyme is a powerful antiseptic and general tonic with healing powers.  It is used in cases of anemia,...

Botanical Name: Thymus vulgarisPlant Part: LeavesDescription: Thyme is an evergreen perennial shrub that grows up to 45 cm (18 inches) in height. It has a woody root system with a multi-branched stem, small elliptical greenish-gray leaves and pale purple or white flowers.Colour: Clear, pale yellow...

Parts used: RootPropertiesAntibacterial, anticoagulant, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antineoplastic, antioxidant, antiviralPrimary nutrientsAntioxidantsTurmeric is a component of curry powder.  It was also used to make an orange-yellow dye.  There have been many medicinal claims, including a treatment for ringworm, flatulence, hemorrhage, arthritis, fevers, digestion, liver conditions, gallbladder complaints...

Parts used: LeavesPropertiesAlterative, antibacterial, antilithic, antimicrobial, antiseptic, astringent, diuretic, lithotripticPrimary nutrientsIron, manganese, trace minerals, vitamin AHerbalists have recommended uva ursi for strengthening the urinary system and preventing and treating bladder and kidney infections.  It can help increase the flow of urine.  Uva ursi works to...

Parts used: RootPropertiesAlterative, antiseptic, carminative, decongestant, diuretic, galactagogue, nervine, sedativePrimary nutrientsCalcium, iron, magnesium, manganese, niacin, potassium, selenium, silicon, sodium, vitamins A and C, zincValerian is beneficial for the heart, lungs, liver and stomach, as well as the nerves and the brain.  It may also help...

Parts used: BarkPropertiesAlterative, analgesic, anodyne, anthelmintic, anti-inflammatory, antiperiodic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, astringent, diaphoretic, diuretic, febrifugePrimary nutrientsIsorhamnetin, phenolic glycosides, quercetin, salicin, salicylic acid, salinigrinWillow is valued as a nerve sedative because it has no depressing aftereffects.  It works in a manner similar to aspirin, but is gentle...

Parts used: RootPropertiesAnti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, blood purifier, cholagogue, diaphoreticPrimary nutrientsCalcium, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, selenium, silicon, sodium, vitamins A, B-complex and C, zincWild yam relaxes the muscular fiber, soothes the nerves and relieves pain, especially in the uterus.  It is often used to balance hormones...

Botanical Name: Gaultheria procumbensPlant Part: LeavesDescription: Menthyl salicylate is the principal constituent of this plant. Wintergreen and Sweet Birch oil are nearly identical in chemical composition and aroma.Colour: Distillation during the rainy season results in a thin pinkish oil whereas distillation is early winter gives a reddish oil.Common...

Parts used: BarkPropertiesAlterative, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, astringent, hemostatic, sedativePrimary nutrientsCopper, iodine, manganese, selenium, vitamins C, E, K and P, zincWitch hazel is used externally as an alcohol extract for insect bites, varicose veins, burns, hemorrhoids, and to stop bleeding wounds.  It is used internally to help...

Parts used: Herb and leavesPropertiesAlterative, anthelmintic, febrifuge, stomachicPrimary nutrientsCalcium, cobalt, manganese, potassium, sodium, tin, vitamins C and B-complexHerbalists value wormwood as a stimulant to promote sweating and improve digestion.  It can expel worms and improve liver function.Wormwood has been used for poor circulation, rheumatism, fevers,...

Parts used: FlowersPropertiesAlterative, antiseptic, astringent, blood purifier, diaphoretic, diuretic, homeostatic, stimulantPrimary nutrientsCopper, iodine, iron, manganese, potassium, vitamins A, C, E, F and KYarrow has been used for just about every ailment in its history and has proven healing properties.Yarrow is well known for its ability...

Parts used: RootPropertiesAlterative, antibiotic, astringent, blood purifies, cholagogue, nutritive, purgative (mild)Primary nutrientsIron (easily digestible form), manganese, nickel, vitamins A and CYellow dock is well known as a blood cleanser, tonic and builder, helping the liver purify the blood and lymph systems.  Modern herbalists recommend yellow...

Botanical Name: Cananga odorataPlant Part: FlowersDescription: Ylang-ylang Essential Oil is extracted from Cananga odorata – also known as flower of flowers. It is a tall tropical tree about 20 meters (60 feet) high with large, tender, fragrant pink, mauve or yellow flowers. The yellow heads...