email us


Herbs Listings

A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X  | Y | Z

Herbs - P

  • Paprika 
    Paprika is a mild form of Capsicum, of which Cayenne is a more intense member. Various members of the Capsicum pepper family have been used traditionally in Central and South America and in Asia to treat many diseases, Common indications include cardiovascular, circulatory, and respiratory problems; bowel disorders; wounds; burns; joint pains; and headaches. Currently, extracts of Capsicum species are commonly employed for local analgesia in acute and chronic pain syndromes, and capsaicin is available in a variety of pharmaceutical products. Pepper extracts are also used in sprays for defense against wild animals, humans, and garden pests.                                                                                                                                                      
  • Parsley                                                                                               The fresh leaves are highly nutritious and can be considered a natural vitamin and mineral supplement in their own right. The seeds have a much stronger diuretic action than the leaves, and may be substituted for celery seeds (Apium graveolens) in the treatment of gout, rheumatism, and arthritis. Both plants act by encouraging the flushing out of waste products from the inflamed joints and the waste's subsequent elimination via the kidneys. Parsley root is more commonly prescribed than the seeds or leaves in herbal medicine. Parsley root is taken as a treatment for flatulence, cystitis, and rheumatic conditions. Parsley is also valued as a promoter of menstruation, being helpful both in stimulating a delayed period and in relieving menstrual pain.
     Other medical uses - Altitude sickness, Breast tenderness, Glue ear, Lung cancer.                                                                                                                                                                                   
  • Passion Flower                                                                                    Promotes relaxation; used in the treatment of insomnia and nervousness; relaxes the muscles and relieves cramping; promotes digestion; lowers blood pressure; helpful in stress-related disorders.                                                                                                                                                                                     
  • Pau D'arco                                                                                   Contains potent anti-inflammatory, anti-biotic, antiparasitic and anti-fungal properties; promotes the healing of gout and is effective against many kinds of virally caused cancer and tumorous malignancies; a superior blood purifier; protects against dermatitis and psoriasis; used in the treatment and prevention of Candida Albicans, a yeast overgrowth; eliminates intestinal parasites; acts as a powerful immune enhancer.                                                                                                                                      
  • Pennyroyal                                                                                         Similar in many respects to peppermint, pennyroyal is a good digestive tonic. It increases the secretion of digestive juices, relieves flatulence and colic, and occasionally is used as a treatment for intestinal worms. Pennyroyal makes a good remedy for headaches and for minor respiratory infections, helping to check fever and congestion. Pennyroyal powerfully stimulates the uterine muscles and encourages menstruation. An infusion of pennyroyal is used externally for the treatment of itchiness and formication (a sensation of ants crawling over the body), inflamed skin disorders such as eczema, and rheumatic conditions including gout.
     Other medical uses - Ovulation pain.                                                                                                                           
  • Peppermint                                                                                        One of the main beneficial effects of the peppermint herb is its effective and excellent action on the overall functioning of the digestive system, the herbal remedy greatly increases the flow of all the digestive juices in the stomach and also promotes the flow of bile at the same time - the herb also relaxes the main muscles in the gut. The other beneficial effects of the herb lies in its soothing effects upon the lining and muscles of the colon, it also helps in alleviating cases of diarrhea and helps relieves a spastic colon - a condition often causing constipation in many people. The form of enteric - coated peppermint oil is also used as a short-term herbal treatment for alleviating the worst effects of irritable bowel syndrome - while it has been used in this role, not all of the double-blind studies conducted to measure this ability, have resulted in any statistically significant benefits for the condition. The diluted oil of the peppermint has also been used in the treatment of stomach disorders by gastroenterologists in England, the remedy is sprayed diluted and directly on to the instrument used during colonoscopy so as to prevent the onset of spasms. Peppermint oil used in this innovative way, has not gained wide appeal and adoption in other countries.

     

    The production of bile in the liver is also increased by the peppermint oil as well as the leaf based flavonoids to a very significant degree. The traditional use of the herb as an aid in digestion is supported to a great extent by this modern evidential confirmation. The peppermint based menthol also results in a lowering of the activity in a liver enzyme known as HMG CoA reductase and this compound may also theoretically lower the elevated levels of cholesterol in the body of patients. No significant clinical tests have supported the possible therapeutic use and the ability of the herbal remedy in this case is largely hypothetical. Test tube trials have also indicated that the oil of the peppermint oil possesses some antibacterial and antiviral properties; however, the herbal oil is not used to treat infections in any significant manner. The herbal peppermint tea is sometimes utilized as an herbal remedy to alleviate the discomfort caused by disorders such as gastroenteritis.

     

    Topical herbal remedies are also made from the peppermint oil and these are applied directly to the skin as a treatment for various disorders, used in this role the peppermint herbal remedy helps to relieve the pain and reduces sensitivity in the skin arising as a result of external disorders. At the same time, diluted peppermint oil is used in the form of an herbal inhalant remedy and it is also used as a chest rub for the treatment of respiratory infections of different types. In the treatment of digestive infections, the whole herb is important and effective when utilized in long term treatment.

     

    The essence of the peppermint is both a cooling and warming agent. Peppermint will induce the production of heat when it is taken as internal medication and these results in an improvement in the circulation within the body. At the same time, the peppermint by dispersing blood to the surface of the body, also induces sweating in the skin. As far as the treatment of chills and fevers, and symptoms of colds and flu, this ability of the peppermint can be put to very good and effective use. The peppermint possesses strong astringent and decongestant actions, which can help in relieving stuffiness and catarrh in many patients who tend to suffer from such types of illnesses. Peppermint oil derived menthol is also sometimes added to hot water to form an inhalant, so that the vapors can be inhaled for the treatment of colds and congestion in the respiratory system of patients. Additional use of the menthol or peppermint oil can also include making cough lozenges for the treatment of common colds and infections. Many topical rubs have menthol as a common ingredient; these are used to relieve sore muscles or affected joints and may also be used for the topical treatment so as to soothe itchy skin in different patients.

     

    A good general tonic can also be prepared from the peppermint herb; this can effectively recharge the body’s vital energy and dispel the lethargy affecting a person. Peppermint is beneficial to the alleviation of irritation in the respiratory tract because it has a refreshing taste of mint immediately followed by a cooling and numbing effect when ingested, this same remedial action can also be apparent on the skin when the herbal remedy is rubbed into the skin. The analgesic effect of the peppermint is another of its prized remedial effects and the herb makes for an excellent local herbal application when used in the form of fresh leaf based remedy or in the form of herbal lotions. These are often applied to relieve the pain of inflamed joints in cases of disorders such as arthritis and gout, for the treatment of persistent headaches and to ease migraines that are linked to weaknesses in the digestive system, this herbal remedy is also used in the treatment of neuralgia, to treat sciatica and to ease general aches and pains affecting the body.

     

    Another excellent beneficial affect of the peppermint is felt internally, where it has a relaxing effect when ingested, it can calm persistent anxiety and tension and at the same time, act in relieving pain and spasms in the body. Menstrual pains can also be treated using remedies made from the peppermint herb, the herb is also used to treat asthma and insomnia in people. The remedies made from the peppermint are excellent in relieving problems in the digestive tract and the remedy relaxes smooth muscles and reduces inflammation internally, the remedy is also useful in relieving the pain and spasms during stomach aches, it is used in the treatment of colic conditions, in the treatment of persistent flatulence, in the treatment of heartburn, to treat cases of indigestion, to treat hiccoughs, and in the treatment of nausea and vomiting, and travel sickness in people. Peppermint has many tannins and these compounds can help protect the lining of the gut from physical irritation and infection and these same compound are also useful in the treatment of griping during diarrhea, in the treatment of spastic constipation, to treat Crohn's disease and cases of ulcerative colitis. Peppermint derived herbal bitters help in stimulating and cleansing the liver and the gallbladder, and also helps in the prevention of gallstones formation. At the same time peppermint derived volatile oils posses an antiseptic action, and this particular ability has now been confirmed as being bactericidal and anti-parasitic, it is also anti-fungal and antiviral at the same time, and these oils are used in the treatment of various skin problems such as cold sores and common ringworm in many different individuals.

    Other medical uses

    Wrinkles, Tension headache.                                                                                                                                                               

  • Periwinkle                                                                                         Rosy Periwinkle is an important plant medicinally, generating hundreds of millions per year in the pharmaceutical industry as a promising addition to the arsenal against childhood leukemia, Hodgkin's Disease,  testicular cancer and cancerous tumors, high blood pressure, and uncontrolled bleeding, not to mention the fact that it has powerful tranquilizing properties. Unfortunately, this plant can also be poisonous if used inappropriately.  Therefore, the remainder of the Rosy Periwinkle section is for informational purposes only.

    Historically,  Rosy Periwinkle has been used to treat high blood sugar in diabetics, and many cultures still drink teas made out of the plant for this purpose.  Unfortunately, recent testing has indicated that it has no effect on this particular disease.

    Externally, Rosy Periwinkle leaves can be bruised and applied directly to the affected area for wasp stings, to relieve eye inflammation,  and to stop bleeding.  Alternatively, the leaves can be boiled and a cloth soaked with the liquid and applied to the affected area, or an ointment can be made using oils from the plant. 

     

    Vinca Major & Vinca Minor appear to be quite similar as far as medicinal qualities, but can also be poisonous if used inappropriately.  Therefore, the rest of the information in this section should be used for information only, and not for practical use.  Internally the leaves have been used for improved oxygen and blood flow, especially in cerebral veins and arteries for improvement of cognitive function,  tinnitus, depression, fatigue, problems associated with menopause, heavy menstruation, mild hypertension, headache, congestion, and as a gargle for sore throats. 

    Externally, a oil or ointment can be made, or the leaves can be bruised and applied directly for dermatitis, eczema, acne, bleeding gums, nosebleeds, mouth ulcers, and bleeding hemorrhoids,

     

    Caution - Periwinkles are members of the Dogbane family, many members of which are big-time poisonous when ingested.  Therefore, if you are going to try internal concoctions made at home, do it with extreme caution and in extreme moderation.  Don't try this herb when pregnant or if you have kidney, liver, or lung disease.  Externally, I know of no side-effects when used properly.                                                                                                                                                                                               

  • Pleurisy Root                                                                                      Although its most specific usage is relieving the pain and inflammation of pleurisy, pleurisy root has other applications. Pleurisy root is useful for hot, dry, and tight conditions in the chest. Pleurisy root promotes the coughing up of phlegm, reduces inflammation, and helps reduce fevers by stimulating perspiration. The root is also taken for chronic diarrhea and dysentery.                                                                                                                      
  • Pokeroot                                                                                           Many holistic forms of treatment make use of the herbal pokeroot remedies as the herb is useful in a wide range of conditions and is an effective addition to many herbal treatment strategies. The primary role of the remedies based on the pokeroot is as a remedy for the treatment of various infections affecting the upper respiratory tract; it is also used in the removal of catarrh and as an aid in the cleansing of problematic and blocked lymphatic glands in different areas of the body. The various other disorders of the body where the remedies based on the pokeroot are used include catarrh, problems such as tonsillitis, disorders such as laryngitis, and swelling of the glands - adenitis, diseases such as mumps, beside other illnesses. The pokeroot remedy has also found to be very effective in the treatment of lymphatic problems arising anywhere in the body of patients and its effectiveness is greatest against cases of mastitis - in the treatment of which, it can be used both as internal medication and as a poultice for topical symptoms. Rheumatism, especially persistent cases can be effectively treated using the remedies made from the pokeroot. The emetic and purgative action of the pokeroot is very potent, and some care must be taken using the herb when large doses are concerned.

     

    The properties attributed to the pokeroot remedy include an alterative and cathartic action, it is also considered to be a potent emetic as well as a narcotic, and used as a gargle, aside from these, the herb is also used in the treatment of conjunctivitis affecting the eyes, in cases of cancer, in the treatment of dyspepsia and any glandular swelling, it is used in the treatment of chronic rheumatism, in the treatment of external problems such as ringworm and scabies, as well as persistent ulcers on the body.                                                                                                                                               

  • Psyllium Husk 

    The laxative action of the psyllium is a common knowledge in the traditional herbal lore around the world. For this reason, remedies made from the psyllium are normally part of prescriptions in both conventional as well as herbal medicine, to treat cases of constipation - particularly when the problem results from an over tensed or over relaxed bowel action in the patient. Both husks and seeds of the psyllium herb contain high levels of fiber. When soaked in water, they become highly gelatinous . By maintaining a high content of water within the large bowel, husks and seeds of psyllium can increase the bulk of the stool, helping in easing its passage.

     

    Psyllium is a very useful remedy for diarrhea. Psyllium herb is also an effective treatment for irritable bowel syndrome, ulcerative colitis, and Crohn's disease. In India, psyllium husks and seeds are commonly used to treat dysentery. 

     

    The herbal action of the psyllium is extremely valuable for individuals suffering from hemorrhoids, in fact, it is one of the most effective medications for this particular disorder - the herbs help in softening the stool and produce a reduction in the level of irritation in the distended vein, resulting an immediate improvement for the suffering individual.

     

    When soaked in water, psyllium produces jellylike mucilage which has the ability to absorb toxins within the large bowel and from the intestinal regions. For this reason, remedies based on the psyllium are commonly prescribed and taken for the reduction of auto-toxicity - this is when toxins in the body are expelled from the body along with the husks and seeds in the feces. Thus psyllium has major roles as a detoxification agent.

     

    The entire length and breath of the intestinal tract is benefited and affected by the soothing and protective effect given by the mucilage rich husks and seeds of ingested psyllium. The treatment of various stomach and duodenal ulcers is also conducted using the psyllium, and the herbal remedy is also used to alleviate cases of acid indigestion in different individuals.

     

    Psyllium also has an effective demulcent action whose effect can extend all the way to the urinary tract of the affected person. The herbalists in India often use an infusion of the psyllium seeds - which is the only way this remedy is used - for the treatment of urethritis in affected individuals.

     

    An effective herbal poultice for external use can be prepared by soaking the psyllium husks in an infusion of calendula, this topical herbal remedy can be used as an herbal agent to draw out the pus of infection from boils, to drain abscesses in the body, and also in the treatment of whitlows - which are pus-filled swellings that appear on the fingertips due to physical injuries.