Herbs Listings

Herbs - S

• Sage
  

  Sage can be used for all types of sore throats. This is because of the fact that sage has antiseptic and astringents as well as certain relaxing properties, and this is one of the main reasons why sage is used rather frequently in gargles. It is also used for treating and bringing relief to sore gums and canker sores. Sage is often described as a digestive tonic, and as a stimulant, and in Chinese medicine, sage enjoys a good reputation as a versatile nerve tonic, as it is used as a yin tonic for helping to calm and stimulate the nervous system. Sage is also an excellent remedy for treating irregular and light menstruation, and this is achieved by encouraging a better flow of blood. Sage is excellent for handling the various symptoms of menopause, as the herb is effective for reducing sweating, a primary indication of menopause. Sage, because it has a combination of tonic and estrogenic effects, is deemed as an excellent remedy for reducing hot flashes while at the same time helping the body to adapt to the hormonal changes involved. Sage has also been used traditionally to treat asthma, while the dried leaves of the herb can be included in herbal smoking mixtures for treating asthma.

   

  Sage is considered to be one of the most valued herbs right through the ages. It is used by herbalists to treat a wide variety of conditions ranging from colds and fevers and other similar infections, and it is generally advised that sage must be taken at the first signs of any respiratory infections, like for example, asthma, bronchitis, sinusitis and catarrh. Sage also relieves tonsillitis. Since the herb possesses astringent and expectorant properties, these help expel phlegm from the chest and reduce catarrh. The airways can be disinfected by a simple process of inhaling the tea prepared with sage. Sage generally enhances the immune system and provides help in thwarting and preventing infections and auto-immune problems in an individual.

   

  Sage has volatile oils which have the capacity to induce a relaxant effect on the smooth muscle of the digestive tract, and this is the reason why sage is known as a digestive remedy too. The volatile oils of sage, in conjunction with the bitters, prove to stimulate the appetite and improve weak digestion. Sage successfully encourages the flow of bile and digestive enzymes, and settles one’s stomach, sage relieves flatulence, colic, colitis, indigestion, and nausea. It also proves extremely useful in treating and relieving liver complaints, and worms. Antiseptic properties of sage are helpful in infections such as gastroenteritis. The herb is a tonic to the nervous system and has often been used to enhance strength and vitality in an individual. As mentioned earlier, sage has a stimulating effect upon the female reproductive tract, and is often recommended by herbalists for treating female disorders such as delayed or scanty menses, menstrual cramps, infertility and lack of periods. The estrogenic properties of the herb become very useful for treating menopausal problems, especially for night sweats and hot flashes. Since it is a fact that sage stimulates the uterus, it is no surprise that it can be very useful during childbirth, and for expelling the placenta after childbirth. Sage can also stop the flow of breast milk and therefore, it is excellent for weaning.

   

  Sage possesses potent antioxidant properties, and this proves to be helpful in bringing about a delay in the aging process and in reducing the harmful effects of free radicals.

  Other medical uses

  Abscess, Denture problems, Ovulation pain.                                  

   

• St. John's Wort                                                                              Nervous complaints - St. John's wort is one of the most valuable European medicinal plants for nervous problems. Herbalists have long used it as a tonic for anxiety, tension, insomnia, and depression particularly that associated with menopause.

  Menopause - The herb is especially helpful for menopausal problems, alleviating the symptoms of hormonal change and treating decreased vitality.

  Tonic properties - St. John's wort is valuable tonic for the liver and gallbladder.

  Infused oil - The red oil is an excellent antiseptic. Externally, it is used for wounds and burns and to relieve cramp and nerve pain. Internally, the oil maybe taken for peptic ulcers and gastric inflammation. Its antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and healing powers work just as well within the body as externally.

  Other medical uses - Homeopathy, Abscess, Breast cancer, Manic depression.                                                                                                                                                                      
• Sarsaparilla                                                                                     Sarsaparilla can act as an anti-inflammatory and cleansing agent. The herb cab be invaluable in bringing quick relief for a wide array of disorders and problems, such as for instance, skin problems such as psoriasis, eczema and itchiness, and can help treat gout, rheumatism, and rheumatoid arthritis. Certain experts advocate the herb is a very good medicine with potential use for treating impotence. This is because sarsaparilla has a specifically testosterogenic action on the body. This can lead to a dramatic increase in one’s muscle bulk. The fact that sarsaparilla has a progesterogenic action means that the herb can be used to bring relief to women suffering from symptoms of menopause and other menstrual problems, like the premenstrual syndrome. In certain cases where menopause is associated with debility and depression sarsaparilla can be very useful. As a matter of fact, Native Amazonian people have been known to take sarsaparilla to improve their virility and to treat problems associated with menopause.                                                                                                                                                                                  
• Saw Palmetto                                                                                          In men: used to treat and relieve symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH); shrinks the prostate and releases the squeeze of the urethra, so that, urine flows normally; increases urine volume, decreases frequent urination, and more ease of urination. In women: helps relieve painful periods and regulates the menstrual cycle; stimulates the production of prolactin, a female hormone that promotes breast enlargement. Used to treat urinary tract and bladder infections; has an aphrodisiac effect by enhancing sexual functioning and sexual desire.                                                                                                                                    
  
• Senna                                                                                               Early records - Senna was first used medicinally by Arabian physicians in the 9th century AD.

  Constipation - Senna has always been specifically used for constipation. It is particularly appropriate when a soft stool is required -for example, in cases of anal fissure. Senna is a good short-term laxative but should not be taken for more than 10 days since this leads to weakening of the large bowel muscles.

  Cathartic - As a cathartic (very strong laxative), senna can cause griping and colic, and is therefore normally taken with aromatic, carminative herbs that relax the intestinal muscles.

  Other medical uses - Incontinence, fecal.                                                                                                                              
• Sheep Sorrel                                                                                      The plant has become known in Australia in the last fifteen years with the dissemination of information of the Essiac formula, a non-toxic cancer treatment. The formula originally came from the Chippewa Indians. Rene Caisse heard of this miraculous mixture of herbs from a patient in the hospital where she was nursing in Canada. She used this recipe with her aunt who had inoperable stomach cancer, and full recovery was made after taking the mixture. In the next forty years, Rene went on to help hundreds of people with cancer. Essiac is a decoction of sheep sorrel, burdock, Turkey rhubarb and slippery elm (see p 52). Dr. Gary Glum who tells the story of Rene’s outstanding work of love and care with victims of cancer in his book, ‘Calling of an Angel’, refers to sheep sorrel being responsible for destruction of cancer cells and reducing the growth of the tumours, while the other herbs act as blood purifiers, cleansing the system of destroyed tissue.

   

  A naturopath, lecturing on the Sunshine Coast, mentioned how valuable sheep sorrel can be in our daily lives. He said, sheep sorrel was one of the strongest antioxidant herbs we can use regularly, to benefit our health. And why are antioxidants so important? They have the ability to zap out free radicals caused by foods, pollutants, and stress, and provide a strong line of defense for the immune system. Research shows that we are all making cancer cells daily. If the thymus is making adequate ‘T’ cells and the immune system is strong, all is well. However, statistics in Australia show not all is well. One in four people will be diagnosed with cancer. Why such high figures? A number of factors may influence such high cancer rates, like pesticides and chemicals in foods, pollutants in the environment, lack of nutrients in foods, electromagnetic radiation, and excess stress, to name a few. With regular use of sheep sorrel and other antioxidant rich herbs, we can boost the power of protection.

   

  Sheep sorrel leaves have been valued as a diuretic to remove excess fluid from the body, for urinary and kidney complaints, and to strengthen the heart. Other uses include: blood disorders, skin conditions, fevers, inflammation, diarrhea, excessive menstruation, and for throat and mouth ulcers. Crushed, fresh leaves are applied as a poultice to boils and carbuncles. Sheep sorrel assists the body in throwing off any viral infection. Leaves are rich in vitamin C, and have been used as an antiscorbutic for centuries. No doubt, the high vitamin C content is one reason the plant has been called one of the strongest antioxidant herbs we can use.                                                                                                                                                                       

• Shephard's Purse                                                                             One of the best remedies for preventing or arresting hemorrhage, shepherd's purse has long been a specific treatment for heavy uterine bleeding. While weaker-acting in this respect than ergot, shepherd's purse is less toxic and so better tolerated by the body. Shepherd's purse may be used for bleeding of all kinds, from nosebleeds to blood in the urine. An astringent herb, it disinfects the urinary tract in cases of cystitis, and is taken for diarrhea. Shepherd's purse is used in Chinese medicine for dysentery and eye problems.                                                                                                                                                        
• Skullcap                                                                                         Native American cure - The Cherokee used skullcap to stimulate menstruation, relieve breast pain, and encourage expulsion of the placenta.

  19th-century remedy - The Physiomedicalists (followers of a 19th-century Anglo-American school of herbal medicine) first discovered skullcap's use as a nervine. They recognized that it has a "deeper" action on the nervous system than any other herb and used it for hysteria, epilepsy, convulsions, and rabies, as well as for serious, mental illnesses such asschizophrenia.

  Current uses - Today, skullcap is taken mainly as a nerve tonic and for its restorative properties. Skullcap helps to support and nourish the nervous system, and calms and relieves stress and anxiety. Its antispasmodic action makes it useful for conditions where stress and worry cause muscular tension. Skullcap is often prescribed on its own or mixed with other sedative herbs, to treat insomnia and skullcap is also given to relieve menstrual pain. Research into skullcap is sorely needed and may reveal more uses for this valuable herb.

  Other medical uses - Addictions, Temporomandibular joint syndrome or disorder / TMJ (TMD).                                                                                                                                                      
• Slippery Elm Bark                                                                         Nourishing - Taken regularly, slippery elm is nutritious and soothing. Slippery elm is an excellent food in convalescence and debilitated states, especially if the digestion is weak or overly sensitive. Slippery elm is also a good baby food.

  Digestive disorders - Slippery elm is a particularly soothing herb and can bring instant relief from acidity, diarrhea, and gastroenteritis. Slippery elm will also help alleviate conditions such as colic, inflammation of the gut, constipation, hemorrhoids, diverticulitis, and irritable bowel syndrome.

  Urinary problems - Slippery elm is a useful remedy for urinary problems such as chronic cystitis.

  Respiratory conditions - Slippery elm has been used to treat all manner of chest conditions and has a soothing effect on everything from coughs and bronchitis to pleurisy and tuberculosis.

  External uses - Applied externally, slippery elm softens and protects the skin. Slippery elm also works very well as a "drawing" poultice for boils and splinters.

  Other medical uses - Dry Mouth, Gastritis                                                                                                                                          
• Spearmint                                                                                          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.

  Culinary uses - Float fresh mint leaves on cool summer drinks and fruit punches. Mint is as essential for mint julep as bourbon, and is a natural addition to any gin-based drink.

  Enliven salads and hot and cold soups with fresh mint.

  Bring out the flavor of peas, new potatoes, and baby carrots by adding sprigs of fresh mint to the cooking water.

  Use fresh or dried mint to season savory dips, butter, sauces, and jellies, especially the classic mint sauce or mint jelly served with roast lamb.

  Season fish, poultry, and meats with mint, and use it to add zest to bean and lentil-based dishes.

  Unless you're using mint as a garnish, always crush the leaves before use to obtain optimum flavor.

  Add sprigs of fresh mint to vinegar.

  Brew a soothing cup of mint tea by infusing 5 ml (1 teaspoon) of dried leaves or 15 ml (3 teaspoons) of crushed fresh leaves in 250 ml (1 cup) of boiling water. Steep to taste.

  Mints are used commercially to flavor confectionery, chewing gum, soft drinks, baked goods, ice cream, gelatins, syrups, and liqueurs.

  Craft uses - Add aromatic mint leaves to sachets and potpourris.                                                                                                                                        
• Spirulina                                                                                             Contains a high concentration of chlorophyll and protein; is a rich source of Gamma-Linolenic Acid (GLA) and Vitamin B-12; aids in protecting the immune system; reduces cholesterol and increases mineral absorption; keeps blood sugar at proper levels, curbs the appetite by decreasing hunger pangs.