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Herbs, Oils and Medicinal Plants

B Bountiful Basil
Basil is often used to treat intestinal problems, motion sickness, flatulence and nausea. It also relaxes bronchial spasms and is thus helpful for treating various respiratory illnesses.

Basil Essential Oil
When inhaled, the oil relieves coughs, emphysema, asthma attacks, bronchitis, congestion and colds. The oil is effective in treating nausea, indigestion, constipation and gas, as well.

Silver Birch
At one time regarded as a symbol of spring - a tree of life and fertility. The tree's leaves, bark and sap have long been used to fight illnesses such as bladder infections, kidney stones, eczema and rheumatism. C

Calendula (pot Marigold)
Improves blood circulation and is useful for alleviating skin ulcers, eczema, burns and bruises and for reducing scarring.

Calming Chamomile
Chamomile has a long-standing reputation as being good for almost anything that might ail a body.

Comfrey
Comfrey is anti-inflammatory and analgesic, and as such is used topically for sports-related injuries, including muscle strains, sprains and even bone fractures. It also helps to relieve arthritic joints and varicose veins. In addition, a tea made from its (mature) leaves soothes irritable bowel syndrome and bronchitis.

(un)Common Mallow
A kitchen garden and Common Mallow are sufficient medicines for a home. D

Dandelion
Dandelion is useful in treating acne, eczema and psoriasis, as it reduces the body's efforts to eliminate toxins through the skin. In addition, dandelion relieves digestive complaints, such as bloating and flatulence; as an aromatic bitter, it stimulates appetite and promotes digestion. As a diuretic, the dandelion leaf alleviates fluid retention. E

Echinacea
Echinacea works best to prevent colds or flu due to its ability to stimulate the immune system, however, if taken at the onset of illness it can lessen the length and severity of the symptoms.

Black Elder
A complete medicine chest. A syrup from the berry juice was once a remedy for coughs, and cold sufferers comforted themselves with hot toddies of mulled elderberry wine.

Eucalyptus
The antiseptic eucalyptus, a traditional aboriginal remedy, is today used throughout the world in treating colds and infections. It's also a familiar ingredient in cough medicines. F

Fantastic Fennel
Fennel tea is perhaps best known for its antispasmodic and anti-cramping properties. In addition, it stimulates the appetite, promotes food digestion and is an excellent remedy for gas. G

Garlic
Garlic's antibiotic, expectorant and antiviral medicinal effects have been shown to be effective in lowering blood pressure and blood sugar levels, increasing perspiration and thinning the blood. Garlic also prevents and fights chest and throat infections. Research shows that it may even help prevent cancer. Unlike some natural remedies, garlic is safe to use even in large amounts.

Goldenseal
For sore throats, gum inflammation, eczema and digestive ailments.

H Herbal "How To"
What is a decoction, a tincture, an infusion? How to make them. L

Lovely Lavender
Calms and stabilizes the nervous system; relaxes the muscles. A great help for headache sufferers, too.

Love That Lovage
In its medicinal form, lovage has been prized since the Middle Ages for treating all manner of ailments. Known primarily as a dependable yet gentle diuretic, lovage has been especially useful in reducing water retention and swelling in the feet. M

Milk Thistle
For chronic liver conditions and poor production of breast milk.

Medicinal, Magickal Mugwort
Boosts a poor appetite, aids digestion, is used in divination and in a pillow can foster prophetic dreams.

N Nasturtium
A medicinal, edible flower. Its peppery taste adds a zing to salads, while giving you the benefits of vitamin C. Used to treat colds, bronchitis, sinusitis and indigestion, among other ailments.

O The Mighty Oak
Having discoverd its astringent, healing qualities, man benefits from its many medicinal virtues.

R Rose-hips
Rich in vitamin C, rose-hips are the forgotten beauty of roses.

Rosemary
Rosemary is used internally for problems of the digestive tract, particularly bloating and cramps; it also stimulates the appetite and promotes digestion.

S Sage
Sage is more than just a spice, it's a valuable tool in any medicine chest, it is also a remedy for restlessness, night sweats, angina and inflammation.

T Tea Tree Oil
The wonder from down under. This essential oil is truly one of nature's marvels. Y

Yarrow
Today, yarrow is one of the best-known herbal remedies for fevers, the flu, stomachaches, sore throats, menstrual problems, to improve circulation and strengthen weak veins.

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Alternative Therapies

Art Therapy
An interesting supplemental therapy for a variety of emotional and/or psychological problems.

Breath Therapy
Useful for stress, anxiety, overall fatigue, asthma, joint pain, sleep and speech disorders and difficulty in breathing properly.

Chakras
Energy work with the chakras can help to alleviate many physical symptoms of illness. A chart is provided to enhance your energy work.

Chiropractic Therapy
A little history; a lot of information on the benefits of this type of therapy.

Cupping Therapy
This ancient technique has been rediscovered.

Dance Therapy
An unusual, but effective treatment for emotional problems, psychosomatic illnesses, chronic pain and coordination problems.

Enzyme Therapy
Does it aid in the treatment of cancer?

Exercise
The fountain of youth. The advantages of exercise to your health, life-span and emotional well-being.

Gemstone Therapy
This article gives an overview of the benefits of this type of therapy, including some of the uses of different gems in healing.

Hildegard Medicine
Hildegard medicine is a means of regulating the systems of the body in relation to one another. The goal is to reverse the disruption of the natural balance in the body, which is the cause of the illness.

Hot & Cold Dressings
Part of an alternative therapy used to treat a variety of symptoms.

Kneipp Therapy
This article takes a look at hydro-therapy and its founder.

Meditation
A brief introduction to the pratice and its benefits.

Reiki
This article gives a brief description and explanation of what Reiki is and what it can do for you.

Symbiosis Control
An alternative to over-the-counter relief for chronic digestive complaints.

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Ailments & Treatments

Asthma
Natural remedies can offer some relief from asthma attacks; they can even provide some measure of prevention.

Couperose Complexion
This article talks about what a couperose complexion is, and how to treat it, naturally.

Gastritis
Gastritis is an inflammation of the stomach lining, leading to bloating, belching, cramps, nausea and pain; vomiting and diarrhea may also occur. This article teaches you how to treat it naturally!

Herniated Disk
The effects of aging and the potential for herniated disks can be offset by exercises and natural remedies that strengthen back muscles and increase flexibility.

Infertility
Herbal help for those who are having difficulty getting pregnant.

Intestinal Parasites
The foremost defense against parasites is very strict hygiene and care during food preparation. If you suspect an infestation, you must see a physician, as parasites can be life-threatening. Your medical treatment can be supported with natural healing methods.

Measles
Herbal help for the symptoms of this childhood disease.

Rosacea
Rosacea is a chronic skin disorder in which the face - most notably the cheeks and nose - are unusually red.

Natural Beauty

Herbal Baths
An alternative to chemical-laden bath beads.

The Benefits of Natural Cosmetics and Body Care
This is a 10 part series of articles showing the benefits, both in health and wallet, of making your own personal care products. Also discussed are the basics of making your own.