Herbs are part of the natural world that is forgiving and teaching, through which we can find health, happiness, and peace.   The word herb is used to refer to any part of a plant used for flavoring or for physical and mental healing.  Herbs such a hops, valerian, passionflower are a few of the herbs that cause the relaxation required so that sleep can happen.  These herbs, like those herbs used for relieving pain and water retention, have the welcome plus of being void of the side effects that come with chemical medications.  Being pain free and relaxed with a clear head is the way life should be; herbs and the practice of Usui Reiki Ryoho promote this way of life.  Both are complementary medicine used to speed healing and promote mental and physical homeostasis.  Just as canards circulate about Reiki, they also circulate about various herbs, so beware. 

I have collected countless herbology texts and found herbs referenced in mythology, folklore and spiritual practices books. In all those books, I have not found any one text/book that covers all herbs.  Each Herbalist has a few favorite herbs, and experience with many more.  On this page you will find a few herbs I favor, and a few others I have chosen to mention. Each person is unique and therefore what is the perfect solution for one person’s challenges may or may not help you. 

Herbalists neither diagnose nor prescribe, but we can tell you those herbs that have helped other with your illness/injury and which herbs that are best not to take together.  If you went to the drug store and picked up a laxative, a diuretic, and sleeping pills, would you take the laxative after supper and then the diuretic and sleeping pills that same evening?  I offer Individualized reports that list those herbs that have helped others with your specific challenges.  I gather needed information from you, create the report, and then go over the report with you.  Any known contraindications are included in my individualized herb reports. Gathering the information is usually done in person, but can also be done through email or over the phone.   My asking fee for this initial report package is $75.00 and follow-up visits for such reports are $25.00.   Any medications or treatments prescribed by a licensed medical professional should not be stopped unless directed by that medical care professional.  If you would like to know more about these personalized herb reports please contact me.   I also offer an Advanced Reiki Session, which includes a mini herb consultation.  One of the benefits in using complementary medicine is being able to cut down on your medical costs. 

With each plant, preparations can be best taken in various forms ranging from infusions, to decoctions, to enemas, to capsules, to tinctures and extracts, to oils, to liniments, to poultices and plasters, to herbal wines and more.  Knowing which part of the plant to use, in what form it should be used, and if internal, the amount to be taken can determine how beneficial each plant is to you.  While hoax and placebo are realities, people using herbs, meditation and Usui Reiki Ryoho to help them in regaining health and happiness is also a reality.  Each person’s path to health and happiness is his or her own choice, my herb reports will make you aware of some of the herbs other people have used to help lead them to what can only be described as daianshin.

Calendula (Calendula officinalis), which appears in the photograph at the top of this page is also called potted marigold.  Marigold is in the same family as Arnica (Arnica montana), and has some of its wound-healing anti-microbial properties.  The sap from Calendula’s stem because of its antifungal properties was well known in earlier days for removing warts, corns, and callous. An old English tradition was to pick and dry the Calendula flowers so in the winter months they could be added to stews to help fight off colds and fevers.  The fresh flowers in massage, bath oil, or salve can help with dry skin, bruises, burns, shingles, and other skin eruptions.  Calendula also can help people with winter depression.  However, Calendula should not be used internally during pregnancy.

Arnica (Arnica Montana) oil is well known for its external use in closed wounds, sprains, bruises and all painful and inflamed areas of the skin and muscles.  I keep arnica oil and a tube of arnica gel always on hand for those every day mishaps.  Arnica is said to stimulate the action of white blood cells.  This herb is one to mark for external use only, as it is potentially toxic.  It is best not to use on broken skin, and should only be taken internally under the guidance of an experienced herbalist/practitioner.  It is a powerful herb and can lead to allergic dermatitis if used externally for prolonged periods.  

Talking about skin eruptions, I invite you to take a closer look at those weeds you pulled from your lawn or dowsed with weed killer.  Think back to the story of Romeo and Juliet.  Romeo said, “Your plantain leaf is excellent for that.” Benvolio said, “For what I pray thee?”  Romeo said, “For your broken skin.”   I welcome Plantain (Plantago major) into my lawn and gardens.  Plantain leaf helps to subside itching and can heal skin eruption seven as advanced as poison ivy and dermatitis.  If you can easily recognize plantain, chewing the leaf into a paste and applying it directly onto a bee sting, once the stringer has been slid out from your skin, can give healing relief.   Made into a poultice plantain leaf can draw out splinters, dirt, and infections.  As a mouthwash it eases sores that are not open, and as a tea or infusion relieves coughs and wheezing.  Plantain seed contains mucilaginous compounds that absorb toxins from the bowel and promote normal bowel function.  Plantain seed helps to lower cholesterol.  Next time you are picking up psyllium, know that it is Plantago ovata.  Folk legends tell us when placed beneath the feet it removes weariness.  Are you certain you want to ban all weeds from your yard?

Did you know that one of the best ways to bring relief from the common cold is in most kitchens? A simple infusion of Fresh Ginger and Cinnamon can be an effective treatment for the common cold.  Rosemary leaf can be used as a hair rinse to help with curl and premature balding, and to add color.  Rosemary is also used for headaches, upset stomachs, nerves and muscles, and is anti-allergic.  Sage can help with night sweats.  There are many kitchen herbs you can use for purposes other then flavoring.

Throughout history, herbs have been used for everything from a cough and headache to asthma and illnesses such as cancer.  Each whole herb has many properties and many of the herbs I list below have helped in areas other then listed here.  There are many herbs with interesting names.  However, some such as Werewolf root (apocynium androsaemifolium) that have been used successfully by some herbalists should not be taken internally, because they can be dangerous in the hands of anyone other then a qualified Herbalist.  Read, experiment, and have fun with the herbs you are 100% certain you have a good grasp of all its prosperities and contraindictions.  Always keep in mind how that box of yummy dark chocolates reacts differently in different bodies and in different quantities.  

My herb gardens are for my own use only, but a bench in the one offers clients the opportunity to sit and enjoy.  Simply being surrounded by nature or viewing a garden is energizing and healing.  Smiling at a bold little Johnny-jump-up appearing under the huge draping comfrey leaf can be a welcome mat for good health. In the spring and summer I visit my Lady's Mantle (Alchemilla vulgaris) daily.  Morning dew gathered from Lady's Mantle leaves can be an excellent facial toner.  Each year I add new herbs. Solomon’s Seal and Golden Seal were the latest additions.

Solomon’s Seal (Polygonatum odoratum/officinale) has an influence on the muscular and skeletal system.  It can help to calcify and strengthen bones, while decalcifying unhealthy deposits.  It helps to tighten or loosen tendons, ligaments, attachments and joints.  If picking fresh, beware of the berries because they are toxic.  It is often used with Teasel Root or Horsetail.  Teasel root (Dipsacus silvestris) promotes circulation of the blood and removes pain and stiffness in areas that have been bruised. It is used for trauma to the joints and muscles.  Horsetail (Equisetum arvense) commonly used for hair challenges is also used to rebuild joints.  It can strengthen bones cartilage and muscles. It is another diuretic like dandelion, uva ursi, juniper, buchu, cleavers, gravel root and others, so should be avoided when taking prescription diuretics.  Whenever I am speaking of the skeletal system I think of Boneset (Eupatorium perfoliatum), and will mention here that Boneset and Dandelion together have helped some people with Lyme Disease. (M. Wood 1998)

Dandelions' (taraxacum officinale) tasty leaves contain one of the best sources of potassium, vitamins A, B, C, & D, iron and calcium.  Use of the entire plant has been known to stop cancer promotion, relieve anemia, cleanse the liver, purify the blood, uplift one's spirits, improve digestion and relieve food allergies.  It is a diuretic. The flowers do give off a gas that is unhealthy to neighboring plants. On the other hand, the root system is called one of the “soil doctors”.  You may have wonderfully helpful plants growing at no charge in your own backyard. Dandelion greens and roots have many uses.   

Good health depends upon maintaining homeostasis in all systems; herbs, meditation, and Usui Reiki Ryoho can all help you to stay healthy and happy.  Accidents, diseases and illnesses discriminate against no one, but when the whole person begins in a healthy state recovery is faster and easier.   Nature and Reiki are the perfect balance that leads to health and happiness.

Herbs like any other healing tool should be researched before used. Some herbs, like those that help heal the common cold, work much better at certain stages of an illness.  Peter Rabbit's mother made us aware of Chamomile’s healing properties for stressful situations that can cause headaches and stomach distress, but you may have missed the footnote that some humans have allergic reactions to plants in the aster family.  Sensitivities to plants, meats, chemicals and even sun light are possible.  Adding only one new herb at a time to your diet provides you with an easy way to detect any sensitivity.  In this way you will also know which herbs work best for you in a given situation.   James Green and several other well known herbalists also point out that taking one day a week off from herbs, or one week off a month is best.  Once you know what has worked best for others then you can have fun mixing and matching herbs to fit the whole you.

A cup of Chamomile (anthemis nobilis) tea, or a few of the other herbs in this group can relax the mind and body.  Chamomile has also been found to have anti-tumor, anti-cancer, and anti-inflammatory properties.  It has been found useful for babies when teething.  It has helped with the profuse perspiration from a fever.  A hot cup of Chamomile tea can help in winding down mind and body from any stressful day.   My grandmother shared a powerful piece of wisdom with me.  If ever you have a problem make a pot of tea.  A cup of tea might not solve every problem, but it will allow you to look beyond the problem so that you can see the solution.   Certain exercises in both Gendai Reiki-ho and Komyo Reiki share this same concept.

Many prescription medications used today exist because of a young German apprentice's experimentation in the early 1800’s, which resulted in suchalkaloidsas morphine being extracted from an herb.  The flip side of this is that while certain alkaloids are extremely helpful in restoring health and ending pain, some have been used in unhealthy ways. Usui Reiki Ryoho a practice using universal energy provides a positive example to be followed, the energy stops flowing once the cells have received all that it needed at that junction in time.

Always before combining herbs with vitamins, prescribed medications or over-the- counter medications, check for possible interactions.  Ephedra or Ma Huang ( Ephedra sinica) came under serious attack because too many people were not checking.  Ma Huang has been safely used for thousands of years in Asia to help with respiratory problems. Ephedrine isolated from this plant is sometimes used to dilate bronchi making it easier for people with asthma to breathe.  Unfortunately, Ephedrine was used in preparations for weight loss and various nonprescription cold medications.  Ephedrine is closely related to pseudoephedrine (used in Afrin, Sudafed and others) and both have actions and side effects similar to the hormone epinephrine (adrenaline).  Combining the Ephedra plant containing ephedrine with certain medications, foods and body conditions can have serious consequences.  Doing your homework before adding anything to your diet is very important.  Licorice Root often called the great detoxifier, has many beneficial uses such as inhibiting the growth of certain tumors and helping to heal some ulcers.  Nevertheless, it can raise blood pressure and should not be mixed with grapefruit juice.

Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea/angustifolia) has antiseptic action.The dried rootis primarily used. It is used for all acute inflammatory conditions, and some people have found it helpful with certain cancers, arthritic diseases, yeast infections, and viral diseases.  Echinacea purpurea is good for certain stages of a cold or flu, but should not be used internally longer then ten days at one interval.  Elderberry (Sambucus canadenis) can also be used for colds and the flu, and can be used for inflamed and swollen tonsils .Echinacea angustifolia has proven helpful with boils and carbuncles.  Mixed with calendula, comfrey, and plantain in a poultice it amplifies their qualities.  From the whole plant come various helpful infusions and tinctures.  I externally use an infusion made from the flowers for certain physical challenges.   Dr. H.C.F. Meyer in the 1880s used Echinacea angustifolia in a patent medicine he called a cure-all. To back up his claim that it could even cure a snakebite he allowed himself to be repeatedly bitten by rattlesnakes to demonstrate its efficacy.  Dr. Meyer’s “cure-all” was the original “snake oil”. Other people began selling their own “snake oil” made in different ways and consequently snake oil became the synonym for the adjective fake. (Wood 1997)   Anyone that has MS should avoid using Echinacea internally.

Wood Betony (Stachys Officinalis/ Betonica Officinalis), Feverfew (Chrysanthemym parthenium), and Skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora) are a few of my favorites for headaches.  There are many other herbs used for headaches. Wood Betony and Skullcap both not only have pain-relieving properties, but also work to tone and strengthen the nervous system while relaxing.  Add Gendai Reiki-ho or Komyo Reiki exercises with these herbs and you may enjoy a welcome pain-free good night’s sleep.  

The others herbs in my garden would call Wood Betony the teachers pet.  It not only supports the nervous system, promotes relaxation and calmness, but also is used for such things as sinusitis and other pains of the head and face. It is excellent for anyone with either a closed or open head injury.  It helps with cerebral circulation, and is very grounding. It works with Skullcap when the spinal cord and brain are involved.  It increases circulation in the solar plexus and helps with digestion.  Nevertheless, a woman pregnant or nursing should not ingest wood betony.  Because the best time to pick Wood Betony, in my part of the world, usually is in June it is one of the first to be made into a tincture for the year. There are more properties of this plant with its wreath of rich green leaves surrounding tall stalks bearing tiny flowers, but space here is limited.  

In the middle ages Wood Betony and St. John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum), were essential herbs when driving away “wycked spirits”. 

St John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum) is one of those intriguing herbs whose small but bright yellow flowers pop up in unexpected places and times of the year.   There are several stories as to how it received its named.  The most convenient for remembering when to pick is that it begins flowering on St. John’s Day, just before the summer solstice.   It can be used both internally and externally.  Internally is has sedative and pain-relieving properties and is commonly used for mild to moderate depression.  If you are currently taking a prescription anti-depressant it is best to consult with your doctor before mixing the two. St John’s Wort contains antiviral, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory chemicals.  You might consider taking it for the winter blues even though the oil has been used for sunburns.  

Loss of memory is something many people fear.  The medical community estimates that the average person has over 60,000 thoughts going through his or head each day; it takes only seconds before incoming information is thrown away or goes into the storehouse of knowledge.  Our memory banks can be described as a network that relies on key words to make surface information.  Wood Betony (Stachys/Betonica  Officinalis) shares center stage with Gotu Kola leaf (Centella asiatica), and Gingko (Gingko biloba) in helping with memory. Gotu Kola leaf also helps with fevers improves conditions of skin challenges ranging from blisters to psoriasis, and in some cases longevity. Instead of filling your cupboards with dozen of supplements and medications, try consulting an herbalist and finding one or more herbs with the multi properties that best fit with you.

Gingko (Gingko biloba) can be an important treatment of advanced memory loss, Alzheimer’s disease.  Ginkgo raises the level of glucose and ATP in the cells, thus maintaining energy levels.  While Gingko is traditionally known as an antimicrobial and antitubercular agent it is has profound activity on cardiovascular and cerebral circulation.  It can decrease the consumption of insulin in some people, and can be useful for those with diabetic angiopathy, when monitored. (Hoffman 1993)   It is best to advise your professional medial care consultant before adding anything to your diet.  In spite of its positive properties, certain things should be considered before adding Gingko to your diet. It can nullify birth control bills, increase the effects of anticlotting drugs and might raise blood pressure when combined with thiazide diuretics.  Doing your homework is always an important step to take, using a quote from TV ads, “you are worth it”.

As with anything you are thinking of adding to you diet, including herbs and vitamins, if you are using any prescription medications, you should first consult your medical care professional.  Medical care professionals are very much in favor of patients adding the correct herbs to his or her diet.   I have been very lucky to have studied under very knowledgeable Reiki Shihans (master/teacher), and I like to remind people that any style of Usui Reiki Ryoho, that has not been altered, has no contraindications.

Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium) has proven helpful in reducing migraines, fever and arthritis. On the other hand, it can thin the blood and therefore should not be taken internally prior to surgery or by anyone pregnant or planning to become pregnant.  As noted in Mark Pedersen’s guide to herbs, the use of it with very young children is questionable. In the Middle Ages it was commonly used to minimize a hang-over resulting from alcohol or recreational drugs. In many cases it can be used in place of aspirin.  If used to prevent migraines it works best when taken regularly.

Feverfew blossoms in a tincture give relief from insect bites.  Plantain (Plantago major) and (Monarda fistulosa) Bee balm gives relief from bee stings.  Feverfew grown in gardens can discourage unwelcome insects.  There are a number of herbs that repel insects.  A few are mints, pennyroyal, rosemary, sage, thyme, parsley, sweet basil, hyssop, nutmeg, rue, Southernwood, borage, walnut leave, lavender, elder leaves, anise, catnip and wormwood (note that wormwood like fennel is a poor companion plant).  Ever wonder why some people put sprigs of lavender or elder behind their ear?   

Skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora) and St. John’s Wort complement each other well and often used together in exhausted or depressed conditions as well as premenstrual tension.  Skullcap is good for pain of all kinds and has been used for various condition involving seizures. It has been used successfully to aid in the withdrawal of alcohol and drug use.   It is sedative and antispasmodic.  With all herbal preparations, it is best to follow the directions on the bottle, and to remember more is not better.   A cup of Skullcap tea steeped a good ten minutes aids in relief of tension and pain.  Dr. John R. Christopher described skullcap as one of nature’s best nervine agents.  It can influence the spinal cord and the sympathetic nervous system as well as the brain, without harmful side effects.  For those of you that have read that it cures rabies, I have not found any documentation that supports that belief; with such illnesses, it is best to rely on proven professional medical practices.

Tansy (tanacetum vulgare) is a wonderful insect repellent --although the Japanese beetles visiting my gardens do not seem to know this, so I rely on Penny Royal.  Tansy has been used in the cosmetic industry and for dying cloth.  It is an astringent and can be used externally on skin.  In the middle ages it was rubbed on meat to protect against insects, but this practice can be toxic.  The oil is lethal and the leaves may cause contact dermatitis.  Tinctures of tansy seed mixed with elder leaves are often used as a fly repellent.  Externally as a fusion it can be used to wash and treat scabies.  External compresses can bring relief to painful rheumatic joints. It is a bitter and has been used, with care, in treating parasites.   This should not be used by anyone pregnant, and used internally only by a qualified herbalist because large doses can be fatal.

Borage (borago officinalis) with its dainty blue and pink flowers is surrounded by high-spirited folklore.  It has healing properties, and contains potassium and calcium.  The flowers can be included in salads or frozen in ice cubes.   If taken internally it is best to take only for a maximum of three to six days.   A borage poultice can cool inflamed or swollen skin, yet if borage is picked at varying times of the day some people show a sensitivity to the tiny hairs on mature leaves.  Because only the seed oil does not contain pyrrolizidine alkaloids Borage should not be used by anyone pregnant, and care should be exercised with broken skin.  It is a wonderful companion plant helping neighboring plants to strengthen their resistance to insects and disease.  The Welsh call borage the "herb of gladness." The Romans made borage flowers into an elixir, which Pliny said had the power to lighten spirits.  In Elizabethan England, borage was prescribed for melancholy.  Try putting ice cubes containing borage flowers in a punch, and watch for smiles at your next party even without alcohol.  

If you are pregnant, it might be sounding as if all herbs are off limits to you.  You must now be careful with everything you put into you whole self.  However, nature can help in many ways.  Breathe in the fresh air, soak up the sunshine in moderation, drink fresh unpolluted water in moderation, eat a balanced diet rich in vital foodstuffs, and allow the simply things in nature to fill you with smiles and harmony.  Some herbs such as Bayberry help during pregnancy because of their value in arresting hemorrhage of the uterus, bowels, and lungs.  Always check with the medical professional that is helping you stay happy and healthy.  While you are here, continue to read down, and when you have a chance enjoy a positive Reiki healing session or complete one or more levels in Gendai Reiki-ho.

Many people are looking for ways to lower the cholesterol that is not vital to the important functions within the body.  There are natural ways that have helped many people in lowering their LDL cholesterol.  Eating oatmeal for breakfast and using it in making your bread and cookies can help.  Fiber can reduce LDL, while raising HDL (the good cholesterol).  While garlic can lower both cholesterol and blood pressure, you should be aware that it also thins your blood.  In contrast, Alfalfa not only has cholesterol-lowering and antiatherosclerotic effects, but also contains helpful vitamins A, D, B6 E, and K the blood-clotting vitamin. It contains calcium, other minerals and digestive enzymes.  Alfalfa also can reduce tissue damage caused by radiotherapy. 

Ginger Root (Zingiber officinalis) is another herb I keep in my first aid kit. It is excellent for motion sickness, influenza once the need for the stomach to be emptied has passed, and any type of nausea.  Helpful in alleviating nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy. When taken in small amounts it can help with morning sickness; best to avoid in the later months of pregnancy.  It can relieve the frequency of migraines, and it can dissolve some cysts and tumors.  It can increase menopausal flow.  It can help to reduce serum cholesterol levels, eliminate diarrhea, and promote digestion. However, it is best to avoid if a person has gallstones, and if taken prior to surgery the surgeon should be informed due to its potential effect on blood clotting.

A number of herbs will offer the opportunity for a person to receive a good night’s sleep.  One of my pet combination’s allows most people easily enjoy sleep.  Like all herbs these have other properties, but it is best not to take them when your alertness is required.  The chances of anyone developing an addiction to an herbal sedative are slim to none.  I agree with the theory that chemical sedatives are part of an essentially negative strategy that aims to substitute stupor for resolution of under lying problems. (Bones, Mills 2000)  Occasional use can help, but for those challenges that are deep I strongly suggest such practices as meditation, connecting with nature, Gendai Reiki-ho or Komyo Reiki, healing journeys in your past,  and affirmations such as taught in Shoden.  

Bilberry fruit (Vaccinium myrtillus) is excellent for the eyes of anyone that spends hours in front of a monitor, improves one's night vision, is a good source of manganese, and an excellent supplement for the overall health of people with diabetes.  The dried berries were traditionally used for diarrhea and dysentery.  The leaves, like those of the closely related huckleberry, have been used in a tea to regulate blood sugar in mild adult-onset diabetes. It is becoming one of the most popular over-the-counter drugs in Europe.

For anyone with a case of hiccups, a lemon wedge saturated with angostura bitters may be the cure.  Most bitters help to control sugar metabolism and can be helpful in diabetes.

Red Raspberry leaves (Rubus idaeus) as a tea, steeped for ten minutes, can help to cure a viral infection of a cold or flu.   Teas are generally very mild, and are generally less effective then herbs taken in other forms.  However, the soothing heat and relaxation from a cup of tea is sometimes all the healing you need.

Garlic has been used for centuries for both flavoring and healing.  It is one of the herbs that can lower blood pressure, and kills bacteria and viruses.  It can be used with Ginkgo for cardiovascular disease.  On the other hand, caution should be exercised when using because Garlic can thin the blood and Ginkgo may reduce the ability of platelets to stick together.  

Hawthorn (cratequs oxyacantha) is known to dilate the blood vessels away from the heart.   If you are under the care of a medical professional it is important to consult with him or her before adding any supplement to your diet.  When correctly used Hawthorn can improve the heart’s action and circulation, treat both high and low blood pressure, lower cholesterol, help with rheumatism, and other challenges.  It has an oxygen saving effect.  The berries are commonly used, but the whole plant has been found to be more effective in some cases.  If you are taking digitalis, it is best to avoid Hawthorn because it can antagonize the undesirable properties of digitalis (Mowrey 1994).  There are countless pages of myths/folklore/fables surrounding Hawthorn showing well-being for the heart in numerous ways.

In your next salad, you might try nutritious additions such as Alfalfa (unless pregnant), or Chickweed (Stellaria media).  Chickweed has been traditionally used for weight reduction, blood toxicity, fevers, and inflammation in the bowels and lungs.

If  you are not 100% sure what a plant is, do not use it.   Many plants' leaves and roots look very much alike, and mistakenly ingesting the wrong plant or the wrong part of a plant can have disastrous results.  Honeysuckle flower buds harvested in May/June have been used to fight breast and cervical cancer, and enhance the immune system.  Honeysuckle berries however are poisonous.

Marshmallow (Athaea officinalis) soothing wound healer helps with chapped hands when used in a cream. In an ointment it is used for abscesses and boils. It is high in calcium, and the root is very high in oxygen and pectin.   As a decoction it has been used for arresting gangrene.  It is grouped with Comfrey and Slippery Elm known for their soothing/lubricating action.  Internally the roots have been used more for the digestive system while the leaves are used primarily for the urinary system and lungs, and the whole plant has been used externally for inflammations, even eyewashes.  However, diabetics should avoid the roots internally because they are high in sugar compounds. 

Oregon grape (Berberis aquifolium) used for bronchial congestion, healing dry skin challenges such as psoriasis. It is sometimes used in place of Goldenseal and Barberry because all have antibacterial activity. In some people it has stopped psoriasis from forming following taking it internally for six weeks.   Like Burdock root, it is a good blood purifier.  It promotes digestion, improves absorption, and is healing to the lymphatic system.

As for those pesky burdocks, the Burdock root or seed (Arctium lappa/A. minor) is a powerful blood purifier, a diuretic and a diaphoretic. It has been shown to be anti-tumor and to shrink tumors. Combined with another herb I have seen fat tumors shrink. Internally and externally it helps with skin eruptions.  It helps with both profuse sweating and lack of perspiration. It has also been used bronchial irritations and cough.  Burdock is slow acting, and highly regarded in complementary medicine.

Kelp, a brown seaweed, is another supplement I often recommend for anyone that is not sensitive or allergic to iodine.  Kelp is helpful for anyone that either is in the risk group of breast cancer, or has breast cancer.  It is a general tonic for the blood because it supplies essential vitamins, mineral salts, and the amino acid laminine.   It has an incredible number of nutrients and numerous medical properties, and is anti-rheumatic, anti-inflammatory, and hypotensive.  It acts as a tranquilizer to interrupt the physical chain of disease to pain, to more disease, to more pain.  It can minimize migraines if a person is not sensitive to iodine.

Pleurisy Root (asclepias tuberose) as the name suggests is used for acute respiratory infection.  Anyone that has/had pleurisy, an inflammation of the serous membranes that line the chest cavity and cover the lungs, knows how extremely painful that can be.  Pleurisy root can also be used for bronchial infection or pneumonia.   Should not to be relied upon for asthmatic attacks.  Mullein and Agrimony can also be used to help in controlling the frequency of asthma attacks.  Agrimony (agrimonia eupatoria) a member of the rose family can also help you to sleep through the night, and has other  interesting properties.  

Mullein Leaf (Verbascum thapsus) has an affinity for the lungs, kidneys and nerves. Used to reduce swelling and pain, it works well with respiratory aliments, helps to relive harsh coughs, and in certain cases has been known to straighten the spine.  Because of its soothing nature, it has also helped some people with hemorrhoids, ulcers and inflammatory skin disorders.  Conversely, a rash can form on the skin from contact with powdered mullein leaves.  If you are going fishing, Mullein seeds have been said to intoxicate fish, but it is important to handle with care because those same seeds have been found to be toxic to humans.  Smoking mullein leaves for certain illnesses goes back over many centuries, but the health benefits are questionable.  As with all herbs there is a window in the growth period when the leaves should be harvested, and leaves and flowers are better for different conditions.  A with all herbs, there is more, so please contact me if you wish to purchase a report for herbs that are known to help with your concerns.

Lobelia (Lobelia inflata) is known for knowing where to go and what to do when it gets there; for this reason I often say it is like Reiki.  Lobelia is also known to enhance other herbs in the way in which they work with the body.  It is excellent for anyone wishing to quit smoking, because Lobeline produces effects similar to nicotine without nicotine’s harmful side effects.  It should only be taken in small quantities, and monitored for any side effects.  It can make a rapid startling and unpredictable impression upon the nervous system.  In 1809 Samuel Thomson’s faith in the healing powers of Lobelia was attacked by Dr. French claiming lobelia had caused a man’s death; the judge dismissed the case.  In 1919 Dr. Finley Ellingwood began using lobelia in accordance to the allopathic concept and went on to classify lobelia as a stimulant.  Lobelia leaf in plasters can be used for sprains, muscle spasms, and bruises.

It is never good to take more of any preparation then is/has been recommended.  Overdosing can be done with anything (anything except Reiki that is).  Again, I ask you to think about chocolate.  We all know the fatal reaction that can happen if chocolate is given to the family pet.  For humans it is yummy, a source of iron, a stimulant, and contains a property that works well with the female system.  Now think of the child that walks out of the closet with an empty box of chocolates with his or her body screaming “moderation please”, even if she or he is not allergic to chocolate.

It is always important to remember that what may be excellent for your health might be harmful to your pet's health.   Animals unlike people usually know what plants are good for them and what are not, but if it is in pill form or hidden in a tasty treat their senses might not detect a harmful herb.  What can help to heal a human may harm an animal.   

All herbs have wonderful healing energies, and it is simply a matter of knowing how to use what and when.   To help you think in ways best for your health and happiness take a few minutes to visit my Healing Sessions, Reiki Training, and Meditation & Beyond pages.