Herbs Listings
Herbs - E
- Echinacea
The most effective blood and lymphatic cleanser in the botanical kingdom; a natural antibiotic; increases production and activity of white blood cells; stimulates the immune system; removes toxins from the blood; acts as an immune stimulant that helps your body fight off illness by bolstering its natural defenses; fights inflammation, and can stop a cold, flu, and other infectious illnesses before they can spread in the body. - Elder Elder still counts among the most useful medicinal plants available to modern herbalists. All parts of the plant are medicinally active and in times gone by, a myriad of different remedies were prepared from the different parts. The flowers have a long-standing reputation as a treatment for all kinds of inflammatory and congestive conditions of the respiratory system, especially when these are accompanied by fever. An infusion can be made to treat coughs, colds and flus, asthma and hayfever. The diaphoretic action helps to reduce fevers and thus it has often proven useful in cases of measles, scarlet fever and other infections. The berries are rich in vitamins and minerals and are best used as a tonic syrup to ward off winter ailments. They are full of vitamins and thus strengthen and support the whole body. In particular a vitamin J is mentioned, which is specifically indicated to counteract pneumonia. Elderberries are reported to be of value as an alterative remedy in rheumatic conditions. They also soothe sore (inflamed) nerves and help to improve poor circulation.
- Elecampane Elecampane may be used in any respiratory condition which produces copious catarrh, such as bronchitis and emphysema and it was traditionally used to treat the cough of pulmonary tuberculosis. Research has shown that the volatile oil is active against the tubercle bacillus. The volatile oil has a stimulating effect on the mucociliary escalator and the circulation, while the saponins stimulate the bronchial structures by reflex from their detergent irritant effect on the stomach wall. This results in an increase in the active elimination of mucus from the lungs. The soothing mucilages help to mitigate what might otherwise be fairly harsh effects. Alantolactone and other related compounds have expectorant, secretolytic and antitussive activity; and have demonstrated antibacterial and antifungal actions too. Alantolactone has been used as an anthelmintic in the treatment of roundworm, threadworm, hookworm and whipworm infestation, and has exhibited anti-inflammatory and hypotensive properties in animals.
Elecampane is of particular benefit in the treatment of chronic bronchitis in the elderly and congestive complaints in children. It is an appreciable relaxant so is also indicated when there is a nervous component in a cough. The plant’s bitter tonic properties stimulate the appetite and digestion, increasing the flow of bile, and can be used to support a debilitated constitution, particularly following influenza or bronchitis. It promotes menstruation and is used to treat anaemia. Externally, it may be used in the treatment of scabies, herpes and other skin diseases from which it gained its common name scabwort.
- Eyebright Strengthens all parts of the eye and provides an elasticity for nerves and optic devices responsible for sight; promotes clear vision, its antiseptic properties fight eye infections; helps prevent conjunctivitis, cataract formation, glaucoma, and weak eyesight; prevents secretion of fluids and relieves discomfort from eyestrain; good for allergies, itchy and/or watery eyes, and runny nose; combats hay fever; stimulates the liver to cleanse the blood.
- Eucalyptus Stimulant, Antiseptic, Aromatic