Natural Medicine Chart

Herb	Medicinal Use	Part of Plant used	How Given	Possible Side Effects	Comments
Aloe vera	Topically: Pain reliever, excellent for burns, sore nipples, itching of chickenpox. Internally: Relieves stomach inflammation and constipation	Pulp from inside leaf.	Liquid applied topically to affected area or taken internally.	None known	Topically: Use pulp from inside plant leaf. Internally: Use prepared food-grade liquid
American ginseng	Helps strengthen overall constitution; helpful in relieving fatigue or debilitation after an illness.	Root	Tincture; tea	Nervousness, insomnia, diarrhea.	Do not use if a fever is present.
Burdock	Blood purifier and cleanser; helpful in the treatment of acne.	Root	Tincture; tea; capsule; fresh cooked root.	Dilated pupils, dry mouth.	Do not use for more than 2 consecutive weeks. Alternate 2 weeks on, 2 weeks off.
Calendula	Antiseptic; speeds tissue healing; useful on cuts, blisters, burns, abrasions.	Flower	Lotion, cream, or tincture, applied topically to the affected area.	None known
Carob	Helps to stop/slow diarrhea.	Pod and seed	Mix powdered carob with water and drink.	None known
Chamomile	Soothes upset stomach; relaxes, induces sleep; helpful for teething.	Flower	Tincture; tea; capsule; bath.	Allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.	Do not give to a child who is allergic to ragweed.
Dill	Helps to relieve colic, stomach gas.	Leaf	Tea; in soup or vegetables.	None known.	Increases production of breast milk.
Echinacea	Antibiotic; boosts immune system. Useful in treating many infections, insect bites, and stings.	Root	Tincture; tea; capsule; salve.	None known	Long-term use not advised. Best used for 5 days to 1 week at a time. Alternate 1 week on, 1 week off.
Fennel	Helpful for colic, stomachache.	Seed	Tea; capsule	In large doses, can cause skin irritation, nausea, vomiting.	Do not use during pregnancy.
Fenugreek	Expectorant; helpful in treating sore throat and chest congestion.	Seed	Tea; capsule.	None Known	May produce unusual body odor. This is only temporary, and not a cause for concern.
Flax	Soothing to digestive tract; relieves constipation.	Seed	Tea; capsule; oil.	Agitation, excitement, rapid breathing.	Seeds are safe when cooked; leaves can be toxic and are not normally used. May be taken by a breastfeeding mother to relieve infant constipation.
Garlic	Antibiotic, antiseptic, antiworm.	Clove	Fresh whole herb; capsule; liquid.	Stomach upset, contact dermatitis, flatulence.	Fresh cloves may be used, but odorless capsule form is more palatable for most children.
Ginger	Aids digestion; relieves congestion, promotes perspiration and relieves fever, soothes achy muscles.	Root	Tincture; tea; bath or oil for achy muscles.	Diarrhea, nausea.
Goldenseal	Antibiotic; used to treat many infections.	Root	Tincture; tea; capsule.	Irritation of mouth and throat, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea.	Do not use during pregnancy. Do not take for more than 1 week to 10 days at a time.
Licorice	Tonic; soothing to respiratory tract; increases energy.	Root	Tincture; tea; capsule.	Can lead to high blood pressure with long-term use.	Use cautiously in pregnancy or in the presence of high blood pressure or heart disease.
Ma huang( Ephedra)	Decreases nasal and sinus swelling and congestion.	Stems, twigs	Tea; capsule.	Increased blood pressure and heart rate, anxiety,	Use cautiously in pregnancy or in the presence of high blood pressure, heart disease, thyroid disease, or diabetes. Not advised for children under 12. Best given before 3:00 P.M. to prevent insomnia.
Marshmallow	Demulcent, helpful for sore throat and lung congestion.	Root	Tea; capsule.	None known
Papaya	Aids digestion; relieves indigestion and gas.	Fruit, leaf	Fruit eaten raw. Leaf in tea form.	Heartburn.	Seeds are used in Asia to eradicate parasites.
Parsley	Increases urination, helpful in treating bladder infection.	Leaf	Tea; capsule.	Dizziness, headache, warmth, nausea, vomiting, itching.	Use with caution during pregnancy. Excessive amounts will stop milk production in nursing mothers.
Peppermint	Aids digestion; relieves nausea; reduces fever; relieves diarrhea, gas, heartburn.	Leaf	Tincture; tea; capsule.	In large doses, can cause stomach irritation and coldness of the body.
Red clover	Blood purifier; helpful in treating acne, boils, skin infections; mild sedative.	Flower	Tincture; tea; capsule	None known
Rosemary	Antispasmodic, stimulating tonic; helpful in treating colds, sore throats, headaches; increases circulation.	Leaf	Tea; in soup.	Nausea, diarrhea.	A strong tea can also be used topically to enhance scalp health and hair growth.
Sage	Increases urination; aids digestion, antiseptic, helpful for nasal discharge, sore throat.	Leaf	Tincture; tea; capsule; topically on cuts or abrasions.	Dry mouth, local irritation.	Can also be used as a gargle for sore throats. Do not use during pregnancy. May decrease milk production in nursing mothers.
Skullcap	Sedative, nerve tonic.	Leaf	Tincture; tea; capsule.	Giddiness, Irregular heartbeat.	Best used in combination with other calmatives. Do not give to children under 6 years of age.
Slippery elm	Helpful in treating constipation, diarrhea, irritated/inflamed stomach.	Bark	Mix powdered bark with water and drink.	None known.
Thyme	Antiseptic, relieves lung congestion, diarrhea, lack of appetite, colic, flatulence.	Leaf	Tea, in soup;	In large doses can cause diarrhea.	May be used as a mouthwash.
Yarrow	Useful for colds, flu, fever.	Leaf	Tea; tincture; capsule.	None known.	Contains small amounts of bioavailable iron. Extended use may make skin more sensitive to sunlight.
Yellow dock	Detoxifier; mild laxative; antiworm; relieves cough and lymphatic congestion.	Root	Tincture; tea; capsule.	In large doses, can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea.	Encourages perspiration

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