Corn Silk

Corn Silk

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Botanical Name:

Zea mays

Common Name(s):

Corn silk

Habitat:

Native to Andes and Central America – Cultivated worldwide

Parts Used:

Silk or fronds

Key Actions:

  • Demulcent
  • Diuretic
  • Urinary antiseptic

Traditional Uses:

  • UTI
  • Cystitis
  • Irritable bladder
  • Enlarged prostate
  • Chronic urethritis
  • Fluid retention
  • Pressure incontinence
  • Bedwetting
  • Jaundice

Contraindications:

Generally considered safe.

Preparations:

  • Infusion
  • Decoction
  • Tincture
  • Capsules

Please Note: I am not a medical professional. ALWAYS seek advice from a doctor, naturopath or herbal professional to discuss your options before taking any sort of medication, home remedy, herbal remedy or supplement.

Nettle

Nettle

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Botanical Name:

Urtica dioica

Common Name(s):

Stinging nettle

Habitat:

Grows in temperate regions throughout the world

Parts Used:

Aerial parts, root

Key Actions:

  • Anti-allergenic
  • Anti-inflammatory
  • Antispasmodic
  • Blood cleanser
  • Diuretic
  • Tonic
  • Hypotensive
  • Astringent

Traditional Uses:

  • Rheumatic problems
  • Skin disorders
  • Inflammation
  • Poor urine flow
  • Pain/difficulty urinating
  • Heavy menstrual bleeding
  • Hay fever

Contraindications:

Generally considered safe.

* Do not use fresh! Choose properly dried nettle from a reputable source.

Preparations:

  • Tea infusion
  • Tincture

Please Note: I am not a medical professional. ALWAYS seek advice from a doctor, naturopath or herbal professional to discuss your options before taking any sort of medication, home remedy, herbal remedy or supplement.

Chamomile

Chamomile

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Botanical Name:

Anthemis nobilis

Common Name(s):

Chamomile, Ground apple

Habitat:

Native to Europe, naturalized and cultivated throughout the United States and Australia

Parts Used:

Flowers and leaves

Key Actions:

  • Antidepressant
  • Antispasmodic
  • Anti-inflammatory
  • Antifever
  • Antiallergenic
  • Nervine

Traditional Uses:

  • Digestive issues
  • Insomnia
  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Menstrual cramps
  • Arthritis
  • Fever
  • Colic
  • Mouth ulcers
  • Teething pain
  • Muscle aches
  • Bronchitis
  • Whooping cough
  • Allergies
  • Eczema

Contraindications:

Generally considered safe.

*Those with anaphylaxis allergies to ragweed should not consume Chamomile.

Preparations:

  • Tea infusion
  • Tincture
  • Salve
  • Herbal bath
  • Essential oil
  • Sleep pillow

Please Note: I am not a medical professional. ALWAYS seek advice from a doctor, naturopath or herbal professional to discuss your options before taking any sort of medication, home remedy, herbal remedy or supplement.

Lemon Balm

Lemon Balm

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Botanical Name:

Melissa officinalis

Common Name(s):

Lemon Balm, Lemon Mint

Habitat:

Native to Europe and western Asia, naturalized and cultivated throughout the world

Parts Used:

Aerial parts

Key Actions:

  • Antidepressant
  • Antispasmodic
  • Antimicrobial
  • Carminative
  • Diaphoretic
  • Nervine
  • Hepatic

Traditional Uses:

  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Insomnia
  • Migraine
  • Cold/Flu
  • Cold sores
  • Toothache
  • Nausea
  • Fevers
  • Insect stings
  • Shingles
  • Skin rashes

Contraindications:

May inhibit thyroid function.

Preparations:

  • Tea
  • Tincture
  • Salve
  • Essential oil

Please Note: I am not a medical professional. ALWAYS seek advice from a doctor, naturopath or herbal professional to discuss your options before taking any sort of medication, home remedy, herbal remedy or supplement.