Herbs Listings

Herbs - H

• Hawthorne Berry 
  The parts of the Hawthorne tree used are its flowers, leaves and berries. Rich in bioflavonoids, hawthorne berries have been used for thousands of years in China to treat indigestion and is widely known as a diuretic. Since the 17th century, hawthorne has been used to treat various heart conditions and today is believed lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels; decrease fat deposit levels; reduce arterial plaque; strengthen vein and capillary structure; aid in relieving the physical symptoms of emotional stress. 
  
• Hibiscus                                                                                                                                                    
• Hops                                                                                              Remedies made from the hops plant is very effective in the treatment of tension especially when it is blended with other healing herbs, such blends are also used for treating headaches. Such herbal blends containing hops must not be used if depression is a symptom. The treatment of certain types of asthma conditions and even painful menstrual symptoms can be carried out using hops as its anti-spasmodic action is very effective in such cases.

   

  Traditionally, hop filled pillows were used for inducing sleep; this indicates an old knowledge of the supposed sedative action of hops in the herbal lore. In traditional herbal practice, the hops was believed to be helpful in relieving muscle tension as well as anxiety, it was believed to be helpful in soothing pain, and in quieting restlessness as well as mental agitation of patients. Hops also aids in reducing tension along affected muscles in the body due to its strong anti-spasmodic actions, this effectively relieves muscular spasms and cases of colic in the gut. This action also ensures hops is an excellent remedy for cases of conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome, problems like diverticulitis, problems like nervous indigestion, along with problems such as peptic ulcers, problems like Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis and other kinds of stress related digestive problems affecting patients. In addition, digestive action in the body is aided by the bitter principles present in the hops, these enhance the action of the liver and aid in the secretion of bile as well as other digestive juices in the body of the patient. Hops based compounds called tannins also aid in the quick healing of irritated inflammatory conditions of many types and can treat diarrhea

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  The strong antiseptic action of the hops also relieves infections in the body. Hops also possess very strong estrogenic action, which makes it an excellent remedy for all sorts of problems in the body connected with menopause in women. Painful and suppressed menstrual periods can also be treated using the hops based medications. The elimination of toxins from the system is effected by the asparagin content in hops and this compound is a soothing diuretic, aiding in the reduction of fluid retention.

   

   The combination of this property of affecting the liver and its ability to cleanse toxins has ensured hops have a reputation as a cleanser of skin problems of all kinds. The anti-histamine action and relaxant functions of the hops is also very useful in cases of skin problems. Creams containing the hops are used to keep the skin soft and supple and are used in the roll of wrinkle delaying lotions. Hops also have a strong antiseptic action and this is effective in treating cuts, all sorts of skin wounds and ulcers on the body.                                                                                                                                                             
• Horehound                                                                                      Horehound has medicinally substantiated value as a cough suppressant and expectorant.  It includes a volatile oil, Tannin, and a substance formed in the extraction process known as Marrubiin.  It can also has some merit as a laxative if given in large doses (it can cause irregular heartbeat in large quantities, so use with caution), and it is sometimes used as a gastric tonic, and as a cleansing agent for wounds.                                                                                                                                                       
• Horny Goat Weed                                                                               Used as an aphrodisiac; increases blood flow to the genital area, which improves sexual energy and pleasure to both men and women; lowers blood pressure by dilating capillaries and blood vessels; slows adrenal production that can hinder blood flow to the sex organs.                                                                                                                                                           
• Horsetail                                                                                                 A "silica" rich herb that helps rebuild and provide elasticity to the skin, hair, and nails (see Silica); acts as a diuretic which detoxifies and cleanses the body; lessens inflammation, and reduces muscle cramps and spasms; aids in calcium absorption, which bolsters the healing of broken bones and connective tissues; strengthens the heart and lungs; has been used for the treatment of arthritis, bone diseases, bronchitis, cardiovascular disease, edema, gallbladder, and prostate disorders; used to relieve kidney congestion and helps dissolve kidney stones.                                                           
• Hydrangea Root                                                                           Hydrangea root has traditionally been used to strengthen the urinary tract and help regulate its function. This plant contains alkaloids which help soothe the body, especially in the bladder and kidney areas. Hydrangea root also works like a natural inflammation reliever and cleanses the joint areas.                                                                                                                
• Hyssop
  

  Hyssop and its oil are mainly used to treat respiratory problems. The Greek Hippocrates already recommended hyssop to treat bronchitis. Today, hyssop is used for the treatment nasal congestion and mild irritations of the respiratory tract. The marrubiin of Hyssop facilitates the expectoration of mucus.

   

  The hyssop essential oil has stimulant and antiseptic affects. The essential oil contain pinocamphone and isopinocamphone which have neurotoxic effects. The essential should therefore only be taken with care and in much diluted form.