Herbs Listings

Herbs - L

• Lady's Mantle                                                                                      The wound healing abilities of the lady's mantle have always been highly prized in the herbal tradition. The herb also possessed potent astringent effects and this staunches blood flow and allows the first stage of healing to begin without hindrance. Women who suffer from problems of heavy menstrual bleeding also greatly benefit from doses of the herb, and the herb is also useful in bringing relief from menstrual cramps, it also aids in overcoming the symptoms of menopause and can lead to a great improvement in the regularity of the menstrual cycle in the body of the woman. The herbal remedy made from the lady’s mantle is also often prescribed for the treatment of conditions like fibroids and endometriosis in women. The herbal extract is also often used as a douche to wash off excess vaginal discharge and bring rapid healing. The herbal remedy made from the lady's mantle is believed to act as a liver decongestant and it is said to facilitate the birth of a child. The treatment     of diarrhea and gastroenteritis is hastened by the astringent properties of the herb.
  

  Menstrual pains as well as the regulation of periods can be achieved by the use of the lady' mantle by affected women. This herb was in fact traditionally used as a remedy to induce sleepiness in patients. Disorders such as diarrhea and gastroenteritis are easily dealt with by the strong astringent action of the herb, the herb is also rich in salicylic acid and this induces a rapid reduction in the inflammation affecting the digestive system as well as the reproductive system of patients.

   

  Decoctions made from the lady's mantle can be used as vaginal douches or as a lotion - it can be mixed with rose water as well. These decoctions can help reduce vaginal discharges, minimize irritation and infection in the vaginal cavity. The herbal lady’s mantle decoction can also function as an excellent skin lotion for the treatment of rashes in diseases such as eczema, it can be used to heal cuts and wounds, as well as external sores and insect bites of all kinds. The herbal decoction can also be used as a mouthwash and gargle in cases of bleeding gums, to treat mouth ulcers and to minimize the symptoms of sore throats in patients.    

   

• Lavendar                                                                                       Lavender has been used for centuries as an herbal remedy, and does indeed appear to have antiseptic, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory, anti-convulsive, and last but certainly not least - anti-depressant properties.  The fresh or dried flowers contain the medicinal properties of Lavender.  For internal use the essential oil is often placed on sugar cubes - 1-3 drops per cube.  Unfortunately unless you have a home still, and knowledge of the distillation process for essential oils, you have to purchase the oil.  This purchased oil is capable of making you very nauseous, and most vendors advise against taking it internally except in very small doses.  However, the flowers make a relaxing and refreshing tea with the same basic medicinal properties, and using Lavender in this way is advisable in most cases.

   

  Internally, Lavender is believed to be of benefit for a multitude of problems, including stress, anxiety, exhaustion, irritability, headaches, migraines, insomnia, depression, colds, digestion, flatulence, upset stomach, liver and gallbladder problems, nervousness, loss of appetite, and as a breath freshener and mouthwash.  Inhaling the essential oil in some cases has been reported to work as well as narcotics for inducing relaxation and sleep, easing symptoms of depression, and reducing headache pain.  For inhalation purposes, boil 2 cups of water, add 2 drops of essential oil, and inhale the steam. 

   

  Externally, Lavender oil is one of the safest essential oils and can be used full-strength on the skin.  It works wonderfully and can be applied directly for cuts, scrapes, wounds, burns, bee, wasp, and insect stings, rashes, muscle aches, rheumatism, arthritis, cold sores, canker sores, blisters, bruises, athlete's foot, and rubbed directly into the temples in case of headache or migraine.                                                                                                                   

• Lecithin                                                                                                Lecithin is a lipid that consists mostly of choline, but also includes inositol, phosphorus, and linoleic acid. Lecithin helps to prevent arteriosclerosis, protects against cardiovascular disease, improves brain function, helps keep the liver and kidneys healthy, aids in thiamin and vitamin A absorption, and can even help to repair liver damage caused by alcoholism--this nutrient is essential to every living cell in the human body. 

   

  The choline and inositol in lecithin protect against hardening of the arteries and heart disease by promoting normal processing of fat and cholesterol. Lecithin itself helps to bind fats and cholesterol to water so that they can pass through the body rather than cause a potentially harmful buildup in the heart or liver. Cell membranes, the protective sheaths surrounding the brain, and nerve cells also contain this essential fatty substance. 

   

   The choline found in lecithin helps the body produce acetylcholine, a substance that acts as a chemical messenger to parts of the nervous system, and is essential to the brain’s memory function. Studies have shown that people taking lecithin have significant improvement in memory test scores and fewer memory lapses than those who took the placebos. Dr. Safford, who conducted studies that showed lecithin and choline supplements seem to actually boost memory, also noted that the health benefits of lecithin are seen almost immediately. “ The fascinating thing about lecithin is that when it helps, it’s right away. It’s one of the few substances like alcohol, which crosses the blood-brain barrier and produces an immediate reaction.”*                                                                                               
  
• Lemon Balm                                                                                   Produces a calming effect on the nerves; helps treat insomnia by promoting normal sleep; treats depression and anxiety; helps release body toxins through perspiration; relieves discomfort in the digestive tract, including flatulence and bloating, as well as colic; dilates blood vessels, thus increasing blood flow and lower blood pressure; used in the treatment of migraine headaches.                                                                                                                
  
• Lemongrass                                                                                         The grass is considered a diuretic, tonic and stimulant. It promotes good digestion, and a preparation of lemon grass with pepper has been used for relief of menstrual troubles and nausea. It induces perspiration, to cool the body and reduce a fever. It is well known a mild insect repellent (citronella) and the essential oil is used in perfumery.                                                                                                                                                                              
  
• Licorice                                                                                         Stimulates the adrenal glands which produce energy; contains glycyrrhizin which has anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and anti-allergic properties; stimulates the production of cortisone and aldosterone which reduces inflammation, which is excellent for arthritis; used to rejuvenate liver cells and restore liver function; normalizes enzymes and inhibits liver damage produced by a buildup of toxic chemicals; purges excess fluid from the lungs and bronchial tubes; cleanses the blood; fights inflammation, viral, bacterial, and parasitic infection; stimulates the production of interferon; cleanses the colon; reduces muscle spasms; beneficial for allergies, asthma, chronic fatigue, depression, emphysema, an enlarged prostate, fever, hypoglycemia, glandular functions, premenstrual syndrome, and menopausal symptoms; protects against atherosclerosis; aids in healing hoarseness, coughs, and colds.                                                                                                                                                                                  
  
• Linden                                                                                                  Linden is an antispasmodic, sweat-inducing, and sedative remedy. Linden relieves tensions and sinus headaches, helping to calm the mind and allow easy. Linden is an excellent remedy for stress and panic, and is used specifically to treat nervous palpitations. The flowers bring relief to colds and flu by reducing nasal congestion and soothing fever. Linden flowers are commonly taken to lower high blood pressure, particularly when emotional factors are involved. The flowers are used over the long term to treat high systolic blood pressure associated with arteriosclerosis. Because of their emollient quality, linden flowers are used in France to make a lotion for itchy skin.                                                                                                                             
  
• Lobelia                                                                                          Medical research has found the plants constituents to be Piperidine alkaloids including Lobeline, and other carboxylic acids as well as isolobelanine, gum, resin, chlorophyl, fixed oil, lignin, salts of lime and potassium, with ferric oxide. Lobeline stimulates the respiratory center of the brain, producing stronger and deeper breathing, making it very useful in treating many respiratory complaints, such as asthma, chronic bronchitis, whooping cough, spasmodic croup, and pneumonia. While at the same time isolobelanine, relaxes the respiratory and neuro-muscular system and acts as a nervine and antispasmodic. It is a most useful systemic relaxant and a holistic combination of stimulation and relaxation. 

   

   The seeds contain a much higher percentage of lobeline than the rest of the plant. The whole plant is used as an analgesic, cathartic, emetic, expectorant, diaphoretic, anti-asthmatic, stimulant, antispasmodic, narcotic, and sedative. Used to treat convulsive and inflammatory disorders such as epilepsy, hysterical convulsions, traumatic injuries, tetanus, sores and abscesses, colds and fevers, diphtheria and tonsilitis. When chewed it tastes similar to tobacco and produces effects like those of nicotine. It is used in some antismoking products. Also used for scorpion and snake bites and to induce nausea and vomiting. A poultice of the root has been applied in treating pleurisy, rheumatism, tennis elbow, whiplash injuries, boils, ulcers and hard to heal sores.                                                                                                                                                                   
• Lungwort                                                                                      Lungwort has a high mucilage content and this makes it useful in the treatment of chest conditions, being of particular benefit in cases of chronic bronchitis. It combines well with other herbs such as coltsfoot (Tussilago farfara) in the treatment of chronic coughs including whooping cough and can also be taken to treat asthma. The leaves and flowering shoots are astringent, demulcent, diaphoretic, diuretic, emollient, mildly expectorant and resolvent. They are often used for their healing effect in pulmonary complaints and their mucilaginous nature makes them beneficial in treating sore throats. The leaves can also be used externally to stop bleeding. They are harvested in the spring and dried for later use.