Herbs Listings

Herbs-B

• Barberry Bark                                                                               Native Americans made a bitter brew from the yellow root (or rhizome). Used in small doses, Barberry tonic was reputed to be an effective treatment for heartburn, stomach upset, and ulcers. It was also held to stimulate appetite.

  Barberry was used in European and American herbalism to treat many conditions, especially infections and stomach problems. It has also been used to treat skin conditions.

   

  Studies have determined that Barberry contains a number of physiologically active alkaloids, the most useful being 'Berberine', 'Berbamine', and 'Oxyacanthine'.

  The bitter compounds in Barberry, including the alkaloids mentioned above, stimulate digestive function following meals.

  Berberine can stimulate some immune system cells to function better, and has been found to exhibit some antibacterial activity, accounting for its traditional use as an antiseptic when applied to the skin. It can be used to treat diarrhoea caused by bacteria such as E. coli.

   

  The bark and rootbark are antiseptic, astringent, cholagogue, hepatic, purgative, refrigerant, stomachic, anti-emetic, bitter, laxative and tonic.

  The flowers and the stembark are antirheumatic.

   

  All parts of the plant can be used. The plant is mainly used today as a tonic to improve the flow of bile and ameliorate conditions such as gallbladder pain, gallstones and jaundice. It should be used with caution.

   

  Current herbal literature commonly recommends Barberry tinctures as a treatment for liver problems such as hepatitis and jaundice. It is also considered effective in lowering blood pressure, reducing heart rate and respiration, reducing bronchial constriction, and as a 'palliative' for menstrual irregularities.

   

   Berberine has strong anti-microbial and fungicidal properties, aside from being particularly astringent and anti-inflammatory. It is said to make a good eyewash. Inflamed eyelids or conjunctivitis can benefit from the application of a compress.

   

  Barberry is one of the best remedies for correcting liver function and promoting the flow of bile. It is indicated when there is an inflammation of the gall bladder or in the presence of gallstones. When jaundice occurs due to a congested state of the liver, Barberry is also indicated.

   

  As a bitter tonic with mild laxative effects, it is used with weak or debilitated people to strengthen and cleanse the system. It has been used to reduce an enlarged spleen.

  Barberry tea is used as a gargle to soothe sore throats.

   

   

•  Bayberry                                                                                    
   The early American colonists found the bayberry tree growing throughout the East, but they used it to make fragrant candles rather than medicines. Initially bayberry was used medicinally only in the South, where the Choctaw Indians boiled the leaves and drank the decoction as a treatment for fever. Later, Louisiana settlers adopted the plant and drank bayberry wax in hot water for the most violent cases of dysentery. During the early 19th century, bayberry was popularized by Samuel A. Thomson, a New England herbalist. He touted it for producing "heat' within the body. Thomson recornmended bayberry for colds, flu, and other infectious diseases in addition to diarrhea and fever. Contemporary herbalists recommend using the herb externally for varicose veins and internally for diarrhea, dysentery, colds, flu, bleeding gums, and sore throat.

   

  Jethro Kloss, in his book, ' the Back To Eden' describes the use of bayberry thus: "Bayberry is excellent as an emetic after narcotic poisoning of any kind. It is good to follow the bayberry with an emetic, such as lobelia. Bayberry is also valuable when taken in the usual manner for all kinds of hemorrhages, whether from the stomach, lungs, or excessive menstruation, and when combined with capsicum it is an unfailing remedy for this. Very good in leukorrhea. Has an excellent general effect on the female organs, also has an excellent influence on the uterus during pregnancy, and makes a good douche. Excellent results will be obtained from its use in goitre. In diarrhea and dysentery, use the tea as an enema. For gangrenous sores, boils, or carbuncles, use as a wash and poultice, or apply the powdered bayberry to the infec- tion. 'ne tea is an excellent wash for spongy and bleeding gums. The tea taken internally is useful in jaundice, scrofula, and canker sores in the throat and mouth. The tea taken warm promotes perspiration, improves the whole circulation and tones up the tissues. Taken in combination with yarrow, catnip, sage, or peppermint, it is unexcelled for colds."

   

  Remedies For: As a circulatory stimulant, Bayberry plays a role in many conditions when they are approached in a holistic way. Due to its specific actions it is a valuable astringent in diarrhoea and dysentery. It is indicated in mucous colitis. As a gargle it helps sore throats and as a douche it helps in leucorrhoea. It may be used in the treatment of colds. Diarrhea. Bayberry root bark contains an antibiotic chemical (myricitrin), which may fight a broad range of bacteria and protozoa. Myricitrin's antibiotic action supports bayberry's traditional use against diarrhea and dysentery. Bayberry also contains astringent tannins, which add to its value in treating diarrhea.

   

  Fever. The antibiotic myricitrin also helps reduce fever, thus lending credence to bayberry's use among the Choctaw Indians. Intriguing Possibility: Myricitrin promotes the flow of bile and might potentially be of value in liver and gallbladder ailments, but as yet no research demonstrates this.  

   

  Combinations : As a digestive astringent it may be used with Comfrey Root and Agrimony. For colds and fevers combine with diaphoretics such as Pleurisy Root.

   

• Bee Pollen                                                                                       "Bee pollen is often referred to as nature's most complete foods.  Human consumption of bee pollen is praised in the Bible, other religious books, and ancient Chinese and Egyptian texts. It has long been prescribed by traditional health practitioners-including the fathers of Western medicine Hippocrates, Pliny the Elder, and Pythagoras-for its healing properties. Bee pollen rejuvenate your body, stimulates organs and glands, enhances vitality, and brings about a longer life span. Bee pollen's ability to consistently and noticeably increase energy levels makes it a  favorite substance among many world class athletes and those interested in sustaining and enhancing quality performance." Bee pollen contains all the essential components of life. The percentage of rejuvenating elements in bee pollen remarkably exceeds those present in brewer's yeast and wheat germ. Bee pollen corrects the deficient or unbalanced nutrition, common in the customs of our present day civilization of consuming incomplete foods, often with added chemical ingredients, which expose us to physiologic  problems as various as they are numerous. 

•  Bergamot Herb                                                                          Bergamot is a rich source of thymol, an aromatic antiseptic            substance used extensively in modern medicine and dentistry.The chief value of the herb for the herbalist, however, is as an infusion to benefit an upset stomach, nausea, and vomiting.

•  Bilberry Leaf                                                                                 Bilberry fruit and leaf has traditionally been used by herbalists to treat bruising, varicose veins, poor night vision, cataract, poor circulation, Raynaud's disease, rheumatoid arthritis, gout and periodontal disease, and circulation complications due to diabetes.

  For those who use medical marijuana for the pain associated with glaucoma will find bilberry useful, since it strengthens connective tissue and prevents free radical damage and pain.  Some have found the fruit to improve visual acuity both at night and in bright light during the day without the side-effects of the THC high contained in marijuana.

   

  Even more important is its herbal use to regulate high blood sugar associated with adult onset diabetes.  The leaves are usually made into a tea,  or liquid extract and taken three times a day.  The control of diabetes in the short term is one's blood sugar is lowered and long term, one's circulatory system is preserved.  Connective tissue is not destroyed and capillaries function more normally.  This is important because of the complications of blindness (diabetic retinopathy), and peripheral nerve damage associated with diabetes.

   

  In other chronic degenerative diseases, like rheumatoid arthritis, the inflammation and pain are reduced while damage to connective tissue is kept to a minimum according to "The Journal of the Certified Natural Health Professional".

   

•  Black Cohosh                                                                                Black Cohosh has a long history of use by Native Americans and as an alternative medicine by early settlers. It was used mainly to treat painful periods and problems associated with the menopause, used in conjunction with St. John's Wort it has proven to be effective in treating hot flushes and other menopausal problems. Black Cohosh is believed to be useful for treating a range of other complaints; including tinnitus and high blood pressure. The fresh flowers have a strong odor and are effective insect repellents.                                                                                                                                      Black Cohosh contains Acetic-acid, Actein, Ascorbic-acid, Butyric-acid, Cimicifugin, Formononetin, Gallic-acid, Isoferulic-acid, Oleic-acid, Palmitic-acid, Salicylic-acid, and Tannic-acid. It is a powerful cardiac stimulant and has a sedative effect on the nervous system.  Research has shown that Black Cohosh root has estrogenic activity and reduces levels of pituitary luteinizing hormone, thereby decreasing the ovaries production of progesterone. Used as an alterative, antidote, anti-inflammatory, anti-rheumatic, antispasmodic, astringent, birthing aid, cardio-tonic, diaphoretic, diuretic, emmenagogue (to promote menstruation), expectorant, hypnotic, tonic and to treat rheumatism.                                                                                           
•  Black Haw                                                                                           As an herbal remedy, the strong astringent and anti-spasmodic effects of the black haw are used specifically in the treatment of pain associated with the menstrual cycle in affected women. Many other gynecological disorders and conditions are also treated using the remedies derived from the black haw bark, thus the practices of the 19th-century are still followed by many herbalist. Some of the conditions treated using the bark include excessive bleeding during menopause in women, the prolapse of the uterus, the presence of morning sickness during pregnancy, and the threat or signs of miscarriage in pregnant women. The presence of colic or the presence of cramping pain along the bile ducts, pain along the digestive tract and the urinary tract are also typically treated using the black haw herb, the strong anti-spasmodic action of the plant comes into play and helps alleviate such physical conditions.                                                                                                                                                                         
•  Black Walnut Hulls                                                                    

  Traditional uses of black walnut are: expel parasites, worms, yeast, lower blood pressure, help thyroid problems (especially low thyroid output), skin fungus, asthma, beriberi, diarrhea, sore throat, and lung disease. Powdered black walnut has been used to clean teeth and tighten gums. Black Walnut has also been used to aid digestion, act as a mild laxative, help heal mouth and sore throat, and to cleanse the body of various parasites. It is also known to be good for fungal infections, herpes, poison ivy, and warts. It also may help lower cholesterol and blood pressure.                                                                                                                 

•  Bladderwrack                                                                     Bladderwrack, or kelp, is useful in the treatment of underactive thyroid glands. People who are overweight due to thyroid trouble may benefit from this herb by reducing their weight. The iodine in the kelp helps maintain a healthy thyroid, and the nutrients and oxygen increase the body's ability to burn fat when exercising. Bladderwrack is rich in the constituents algin, mannitol, carotene, zeaxanthin, iodine and bromine. It is reputed to have a beneficial effect for relief of rheumatism and rheumatoid arthritis (internally and externally applied to inflamed joints).                                                                                                                                              
•  Blessed Thistle                                                                            Strengthens the heart and lungs; improves the memory by bringing oxygen to the brain; promotes circulation of the blood; prevents and dissolves blood clots; cleanses the blood; promotes a healthy liver, gallbladder and urinary tract.                                                                                                                                             
•  Blueberry Leaf                                                                             Blueberrry Leaf Tea is a beneficial tea to help the problem of high blood sugar (Sugar Diabetes). 

   

  It is beneficial as a food for the pancreas, while helping the problems associated with kidneys and gallbladder. It helps rid the body of excessive sugar in the blood. It is a good astringent and helps relieve inflammation of the kidney, bladder and prostate. 

   

  Tannins make up as much as 10% of blueberry leaves. The astringent nature of tannins probably accounts for the usefulness of blueberry leaf in treating diarrhea.

   

  The astringent effect may also be soothing for sore throats. The berries and leaves also contain anthocyanosides, which protect blood vessels. These constituents have been shown to prevent bacteria from attaching themselves to the lining of the urinary bladder. 

   

  Bilberry, blueberry's European cousin, is used primarily for maintaining blood vessels, particularly those in the eyes. Anthocyanosides found in Blueberry Leaf helps people with diabetes, particularly if they have damage to the retina (retinopathy). Blueberry has also been shown to be an effective diuretic and useful against rheumatism.                                                                                                                                                   

•  Blue Cohosh                                                                                        An excellent uterine tonic that may be used in any situation where there is a weakness or loss of tone. It may be used at any time during pregnancy if there is a threat of miscarriage.Similarly, because of its anti-spasmodic action, it will ease false labour pains and dysmenorrhoea. However, when labor does ensue, the use of Blue Cohosh just before birth will help ensure an easy delivery. In all these cases it is a safe herb to use. As an emmenagogue it can be used to bring on a delayed or suppressed menstruation whilst ensuring that the pain that sometimes accompanies it is relieved. Blue Cohosh may be used in cases where an anti-spasmodic is needed such as in colic, asthma or nervous coughs. It has a reputation for easing rheumatic pain.                                                                                
• Bloodroot                                                                                    Bloodroot is used in herbal medicine in very small doses, mainly for bronchial problems and severe throat infections. The root is used in many pharmaceuticals, mixed with other compounds to treat heart problems, dental applications (to inhibit plaque), and to treat migraines. Bloodroot paste is used externally for skin diseases, warts, and tumors.For ringworm apply the fluid extract. Bloodroot is said to repel insects. The root is used in as an anesthetic, cathartic, emetic, emmenagogue, expectorant, diuretic, febrifuge, sedative, stimulant and tonic.

   

  Research is very promising for Bloodroot constituents. One is sanguinarine; it is showing results as an anesthetic, antibacterial, anti-cholinesterase, anti-edemic, anti-gingivitic, anti-inflammatory, anti-neoplastic, antioxidant, anti-periodontic, anti-plaque, antiseptic, diuretic, emetic, expectorant, fungicide, gastrocontractant, hypertensive, pesticide, respiratory stimulant and more. Another important constituent is Berberine (also found in Goldenseal, Oregon Grape and Honeysuckle) which is showing promise in fighting brain tumors and many other cancers.                                                                                                   
• Boneset                                                                                                A hot infusion of bone set will bring relief to symptoms of the common cold. Boneset stimulates resistance to viral and bacterial infections, and reduces fever by encouraging sweating. Boneset also loosens phlegm and promotes its removal through coughing, and it has a tonic and laxative effect. Boneset has been taken for rheumatic illness, skin conditions, and worms. Boneset contains sesquiterpene lactones (including eupafolin), polysaccharides, flavonoids, diterpenes, sterols, and volatile oil. The sesquiterpene lactones and polysaccharides are significantly immunostimulant.                                                                                                                                                         
• Borage Herb                                                                                 Borage seed oil is used as an anti-inflammatory for chronic conditions, notably arthritis, but also asthma, chronic bronchitis, eczema, psoriasis, and other skin conditions.
  Borage flower, stems, and leaves are used in diuretics to support treatment of urinary tract conditions and weak hearts as well as to support circulation to treat varicose veins. The herb, but not the seed oil, induces sweating and sedates                                                                                                                                                                                             
• Buckthorn Bark                                                                             Buckthorn is a well known cure for constipation. It is a close relative to Cascara Sagrada and Senna. They are Aloes. 

   

  Buckthorn helps the bowels to evacuate normally by stimulating the flow of bile from the liver to the gall bladder. It is a bitter herb which expels impurities. It has a calming effect on the gastrointestinal tract, without being habit forming. It is an effective remedy for appendicitis. It expels worms.

   

  A poultice of the bruised leaves will stop the bleeding from a wound. It will also help to get rid of warts. The leaves are effective when used as a fomentation (compress) or a poultice.

   

  When taken hot, Buckthorn will produce perspiration and lower fevers.

   

  Ointments or salves made from Buckthorn is very effective in reducing itching.

    
• Burdock Root                                  
  

  Burdock root, also known as gobo or "Poor-man's potatoes", is an important food in Japan known for it's many healing properties. Traditionally, burdock root was used in Europe, India and China to treat respiratory disorders, abscesses, joint pain, urinary problems and to overcome serious health challenges by stimulating cellular regeneration, detoxification and cleansing. The German Pharmacopoeia lists this herbal drug for treating gastrointestinal complaints, as well as joint and bone conditions. The tea is also considered to be a traditional blood purifier and diuretic. Up to seventy-five percent of the root is made up of complex carbohydrates known as fructo-oligo-saccharides (FOS), including 27-45% inulin. Based on clinical studies, intake of FOS significantly increases beneficial bifidobacteria within the gastrointestinal tract and eliminates bacterial pathogens. This ultimately stimulates the immune system and effectively suppresses abnormal cell growth. The high levels of FOS in burdock root and its water extract also help to keep blood sugar levels constant and reduce hyperglycemia. 

   

  Burdock root and its tea also contain at least five powerful flavonoid-type antioxidants that are more powerful antioxidants than vitamin C. Based on many studies with animals exposed to toxic chemicals, the tea very effectively protects the body against cellular damage and abnormal growths. The tea also has powerful anti-inflammatory activity based on studies and reduces liver damage from toxic chemicals. As a mildly bitter-tasting herb, it increases saliva and bile secretion, which aids digestion and cleanses the liver. These qualities of burdock root tea support proper hormone balances within the body and this may explain its traditional use for treating acne, eczema, endometriosis, fibroids and psoriasis. Burdock root tea can also be applied externally for treating skin conditions.