Carrot seed oil is extracted from the wild carrot plant, also know as Queen Anne's Lace. It is well known for its skin healing and rejuvenating effects but also has strong digestive and detoxing properties on the kidneys and liver. Daucus carota Family: Umbelliferae (carrot, parsley) Actions Antifungal Carminative Hepatic Digestive Energetics/Body Systems Affected Rejuvenate the mind and body Skin Cardiovascular Nervous Beauty and Personal Care Use as a natural sunscreen -

Olive oil is one of the ancient foods that truly nourish the body inside and out. “It is symbolic of goodness and purity, and the tree is a symbol of peace and happiness”. Make sure what you purchase is a whole food, if you do not choose a high-quality oil, it becomes harmful, not healing. Look for cold or expeller pressed, extra virgin, it should be in a dark bottle, smell strong and “herby” and when placed in a fridge should turn cloudy or harden slightly. Once you have got

Also known as: hypocholesterolemic Hypolipidemics are herbs able to help lower elevated cholesterol in the blood. Many work by supporting liver function — since the liver plays a central role in processing and clearing cholesterol — while others bring antioxidant or anti-inflammatory properties that help protect blood vessels from the damage associated with high cholesterol. Herbs support the body's natural processes, but they work best alongside healthy lifestyle practices s

Herbs that support healthy blood pressure Hypotensive herbs are those with the ability to help lower elevated blood pressure. They work in different ways — some relax and dilate blood vessels, some calm the nervous system, and some support the heart's overall rhythm and efficiency. Used together with lifestyle changes, they can be a supportive part of caring for your cardiovascular health. Herbs can support the body's natural ability to regulate blood pressure, but they work

The cardiovascular system transports oxygen, nutrients, and hormones throughout the body, sends waste to the respiratory and urinary systems for removal, and regulates body temperature. This system is intertwined with the lymphatic system to filter and return blood, and the digestive system to provide nutrients delivered via the blood. This system includes the heart, blood, arteries, veins, and capillaries, which are the “river of life” to the body. Blood ​The blood is know

This tea blend starts calming and relaxing the moment you inhale it, before even making a cup of tea. The herbs in this blend all have an affinity for the heart and work on a physical and emotional level. It can be used for insomnia and sleeplessness, to calm the nerves, relieve anxiety and stress, uplift the mood and help when suffering with grief. On a physical level it can reduce blood pressure and protect the heart. Ingredients 2 parts hawthorn berry powder 1 part cinna

I love to use herbal sprinkles when possible because of the convenience of easily adding them to foods while cooking. They not only add flavor to food but provide another way to get herbal power into the body. This particular sprinkle comes from Rosemary Gladstar's Medicinal Herbs for Beginners book. All the herbs in this sprinkle help to strengthen, support and protect the heart and blood. Ingredients 2 parts hawthorn berry powder 1 part cinnamon powder ½ part ginger pow

I made this formula for my husband to take daily since he has a family history of heart disease. I also prepared it for my grandfather who was told his arteries were clogged with plaque and because of his health and age there was nothing that could be done. He was sent home to die. He took these faithfully for a couple more years before he finally did pass away. A note about grandpa, he was not willing to give up his goodies and fast food and was also dealing with diabetes on

Valerian has been used for nervous system conditions since the Greeks and Romans. It makes a cheery addition to the garden, even if the blossoms smell a bit like a baby diaper. Valeriana officinalis Family: Valerianaceae – valerian Parts used: root (most potent), blossoms, leaves Actions Antispasmodic Analgesic Antiseptic Carminative Diuretic Nervine Sedative Stimulant Energetics/Body Systems Affected Warming Pungent Nervous Uses Nervous systems disorders Blossoms cleanse, pu

Turmeric is among the most antioxidant-rich, anti-inflammatory, and immune-enhancing herbs available. Many experts say that combining turmeric with black pepper enhances its effectiveness and absorption significantly. Curcuma longa Family: Zingiberaceae - ginger Parts used: rhizome (root) Actions Adaptogen Alterative Anti-Inflammatory Antibacterial Antiviral Antifungal Anticancer Anticoagulant Antioxidant Carminative Cholagogue Hemostat Vulnerary Energetics/Body Systems Affec

Sorrel has been used as part of a popular herbal cancer remedy since the early 1800’s. It can be cultivated in the garden or foraged for in the wild as French or sheep sorrel (acetosella). Both species have the same properties to cleanse the liver and blood and boost the immune system. Rumex acetosa (garden) Rumex scutatus (French-wild) Family: Polygonaceae - buckwheat, yellow dock Parts used: leaves Actions Anti-Inflammatory Antimutagenic Antioxidant Astringent Diuretic Refr

I always loved this "weed" as a child because I love hearts and this particular plant has heart shaped seed pods that I always thought were the leaves. I find it interesting that the main use of Shepherd's purse is for stopping bleeding of all types when the seed pods are shaped like the heart which pumps blood. Capsella bursa-pastoris Family: Cruciferae – cabbage Parts used: aerial parts, leaves, blossoms Actions Astringent Detergent Diuretic Hemostatic Styptic Vulnerary En

There are hundreds of salvia species and all of them are medicinal but the most commonly used is the salvia officinalis or the common garden sage. In the Latin salvia means "healthy and whole" and that describes this herb perfectly. Rosmarinus officinalis Family: Laminaceae – mint Parts used: leaves and blossoms Actions Antibacterial Anticatarrhal Antifungal Anti-Inflammatory Antioxidant Antimicrobial Antispasmodic Antiviral Astringent Antiseptic Carminative Digestive Diaph

Rosmarinus means “mist of the sea”. Isn’t that beautiful? I have loved rosemary long before I even knew what to do with it. I love to just rub my fingers along the sprigs and inhale deeply the aromatic essence that immediately calms and lifts my spirit. Rosmarinus officinalis Family: Laminaceae – mint Parts used: leaves and blossoms Actions Antibacterial Antimicrobial Antiviral Anti-Inflammatory Antidepressant Antiseptic Antifungal Antioxidant Antispasmodic Astringent Carmina

There are more than 10,000 varieties of cultivated roses and thousands of wild varieties. They are not only beautiful to look at and fragrant to smell, but as a bonus, they are loaded with healing properties. Rose is a two for one plant, with petals during the summer and hips in the fall and winter. Rosa, many species Family: Rosaceae - rose, apple Parts used: petals, fruits (hips) Best species for medicinal use. They should have a strong fragrance with no pesticides or chemi

Dr. Christopher loved using lobelia! He referred to it as “The Thinking Herb” because of its ability to know what to do in each individual with their particular constitution. It is generally used in formulas to enhance their properties and deliver them wherever they are needed in the body. Lobelia inflata Family: Campanulaceae - bell flower Subfamily: Lobeliodeae - lobelia Parts used: leaves and blossoms (aerial parts), seeds are twice as potent as the herb. Actions Antispa

Also known as lime tree, common lime and American basswood (wild species). Even though linden has no immune boosting actions, it does have an effect on the body's resistance to infection. I believe this is because of the positive, uplifting properties that affect the mood, which in turn affect the immune system. Just standing under the tree in bloom and inhaling the fragrance uplifts the spirit. Here are some other great benefits of using linden. Tilia platyphyllos (europea

Licorice root is 50 times sweeter than sugar and makes a great addition to tea blends for a natural sweetener. It is generally used as part of a formula with other herbs. Glycyrrhiza glabra Family: Leguminosae - peas and beans Parts used: root Actions Anti-Viral Anticancer Antimicrobial Anti-Inflammatory Antispasmodic Antihepatotoxic Aperient Cathartic Demulcent Emollient Expectorant Laxative Tonic Energetics/Body Systems Affected Warming Moistening Blood Respiratory Immune

Also known as mayflower for in England it flowers in May, this is the same plant the pilgrim's ship was named for. Well known as one of the best heart supporting plants out there. It is best used as a long-term tonic to be taken every day as a nourishing "food" for the heart. Diet and nutrition play a critical role in heart health as well. Crataegus sp. (over 800 species) Family: Rosaceae - rose Subfamily: Almond - Apple, fleshy fruit, five-pointed star on bottom. There are

Most of the plants in my herbal are Western plants from the area I live. One year I found Gotu Kola at my local nursery and planted it. I loved the brain supporting properties of this Ayurvedic herb so I want to include it here in my herbal. Centella aslatica Family: Apiaceae - carrot, parsley Parts used: leaves Actions Antimicrobial Antidepressant Anti-Inflammatory Anti-Aging Astringent Diuretic Nervine Nutritive Tonic Vulnerary Energetics/Body Systems Affected Cooling Mois