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Phytotherapy, the
medicinal use of plants, has existed for thousands of years. Nature is a unit
in which all parts complement each other. Therefore, the cure for many of the
diseases and ailments that afflict man can be found in nature which is where they
came from in the first place. Traditional healers and herbalists as well as pharmacists
and scientists use trees, shrubs, and herbs to create remedies and medicines. 
However, it is of utmost importance to exercise caution when making use of plants
because, although they have many virtues, it is not advisable to diagnose yourself.
home-remedies-site.com Always consult an expert before making use of herbal medicine.
To prevent people from medicating themselves, this article only discusses the
uses of plants but does not provide recommended doses or their mode of employment.
 | Bear's
Breeches - Acanthus mollis:
Contains tannins and mucilage to which it owes its healing, aperitive, and
emollient properties. It is used to treat mild angina and diarrhea. Externally,
it is used for spider bites, burns, and bruises. |
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Achiote
- Bixa orellana: Its
medicinal properties have not been studied but it is a good dye for rice and other
foods. |
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Avocado
- Persea americana: The
seed and peel of the fruit contain bactericidals which can be used for infections
of the digestive system and skin. There is no scientific proof that it fights
intestinal worms. |
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Garlic
- Allium sativum: Garlic
is a plant that has been used for centuries. It may be helpful to lower cholesterol,
reduce blood pressure, and as an effective expectorant. |
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Quacking
Aspen - Populus tremuloides: It
has been found in the quacking aspen, also known as white poplar, compounds similar
to those of aspirin. It is used to lower the fever, relieve pain, and reduce mild
inflammation. |
 | Basil
- Ocimum basilicum:
Basil can be useful as a local anesthetic. Other uses are to combat nausea,
intestinal gas, hair loss, and dysentery. |
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Alfalfa
- Medicago sativa: Alfalfa
is a very healthy food because it is rich in nutrients. Some people say alfalfa
can cure cancer but it has not been verified. |
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California
Poppy - Eschsholzia californica: To
relieve headaches and toothaches. It is also an effective sleeping aid and it
does not have the side effects opium has. |
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Anise -
Pimpinella ansium: Anise
can be toxic in large doses. In medicinal doses it is effective in relieving colic
caused by intestinal gas. |
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Watercress
- Nasturtium officinale: Watercress
has many nutrients so it is a very healthy food. It is recommended to combat nervousness
and rheumatism. |
 | Pumpkin
- Cucurbita pepo:
The seeds have been used to combat intestinal parasites. It has been found
that they contain substances that destroy the worm without affecting the lining
of the intestine. |
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Blessed
Thistle - Cnicus benedictus: Herbal
Therapy has assigned it contraceptive and anticancer properties. It is recommended
for ailments of the liver and heart and to fight infections. |
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Cáscara
Sagrada - Rhamnus purshiana: It
is used in many commercial laxatives. home-remedies-site.com When used in moderate
doses, it stimulates digestion. |
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Shave grass
- Equisetum robustus: It
is used to stop bleeding and to treat minor mouth infections. It might also be
a good diuretic. |
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Rose Hip
- Rosa canina: Also
known as Briar Rose. Its leaves and flowers are used as laxatives and to heal
wounds. Its fruit contains substances that prevent and cure scurvy. |
 | Rocket
Larkspur - Delphinium ajacis:
For centuries, this plant has been used to eliminate lice, fleas, and ticks.
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Eucalyptus
- Eucalyptus globulus: Famous
for its aroma, eucalyptus has been used to prepare inhalations, syrups, and pills
to relieve asthma, cough, and bronchial congestion. |
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American
Ginseng - Panax quinquefolius: It
is used as a tonic and stimulant. It prevents stress and minor ailments such as
colds. |
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Common
Mullein - Verbascum thapsus: Useful
for softening the skin and mucous membranes. It is also an effective expectorant.
It is also used in combating coughs, bronchitis, and asthma. |
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Bay - Lurus
nobilis: Bay
oil is used to desinfect small wounds. It is also effective in treating inflammations
of the skin, bruises, and aching joints. |
 | Lavender
- Lavandula officinalis:
The essential oil of lavender has been used as an antispasmodic and sedative. |
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Common
Flax - Linum usitatissimum: Flax
seeds are effective for treating boils and burns. They are also used to relieve
the irritation of the mucous membranes and as a laxative. |
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Common
Hop - Humulus lupulus: Used
for its sedative effects and in the manufacture of beer. |
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Llanten
- Plantago Major: There
are several types, but they all have similar properties which are useful for relieving
inflammation and as emollients. |
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Zebra Mallow
- Malva sylvestris: Useful
in soothing irritations of the skin and mucous membranes. It is also a good emollient. |
 | Red
Mangrove - Rhizophora mangle:
Its bark is used as an antivenom from marine animals. It is also effective
to treat tuberculosis, leprosy, and elephantiasis. It aids scarring and it is
effective in relieving diarrhea. |
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Chamomile
- Matricaria chamomilla: It
has sedative and anti-inflammatory effects. It is useful in treating arthritis
and intestinal cramps. |
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Marihuana
- Eschsholzia californica: Contains
agents that produce states of excitement and euphoria but also relieve pain and
act as sedatives and antispasmodics. |
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Lemon Balm
- Melissa officinalis: An
infusion of the leaves is used to treat colds, fever, and headache. It also relieves
menstrual cramps and an irritated stomach. |
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Mint -
Mentha: Mint
is where menthol is extracted from. Menthol is used as an ingredient in several
products such as decongestants, anesthetics, and antiseptics. |
 | Mustard
- Brassica alba:
Used as a laxative and antacid. It will also help decongest the chest and
alleviate muscle aches. |
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Cactus
- Opuntia ficus-indica: It
is used to relieve bronchial disorders, burns, and inflammations of the skin.
It is also recommended to treat diabetes. |
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Oregano
- Origanum vulgare: Many
virtues have been attributed to oregano. But in the present it is only used as
a digestive aid and perhaps a diuretic. |
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Nettle
- Urtica dioica: Very
effective to strengthen hair, stimulate growth, and combat dandruff. Nettle plasters
are used to relieve inflammation. |
 | Pasion
Flower- Passiflora incarnata:
It is used as a sedative and analgesic to relieve cramping. |
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Castor
oil plant - Ricinus communis: A
very mild but effective laxative. It is also used as an emollient in several cosmetics
and perfumes. |
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Rosemary
- Rosmarinus officinalis: It
has been used to relieve coughs, combat hair loss, darken hair, and as a spice. |
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Rue - Ruta
graveolens: A
good antispasmodic. home-remedies-site.com It has been used to relieve headache
and suppress coughs. |
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Sage -
Salvia officinalis: It
is used to relieve gastrointestinal gases, excessive sweating, nervousness, and
to disinfect wounds. It is also recommended for drying up breast milk. |
 | Sangre
de drago - Jatropha dioica:
Useful for controlling diarrhea, heal wounds, relieve hemorrhoids, and combat
hair loss. |
 | Willow
- Salix bonplandiana: Useful
for lowering fever, eliminate chills, and relieve rheumatic pain. Also used as
a disinfectant and astringent. |
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Elderberry
- Sambucus nigra: It
has been used to eliminate excessive sweating, as a syrup for coughs, and as a
mild laxative. |
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Thyme -
Thymus vulgaris: Effective
in destroying bacteria and fungi. Useful for treating athlete's foot. It is also
used as an expectorant. |
 | Verbena
- Verbena officinalis:
Used as a sedative, sudorific, diuretic, an aphrodisiac, and to combat gout.
It is also an anorectic, an appetite suppressant. |
 | Aloe
Vera
- Aloe vera: Because
of its healing properties it is widely used to treat burns and wounds. It is also
used to soften the skin and as a strong laxative. |
 | Blackberry
- Rubus fructicosus: Useful
for controlling mild diarrhea. It is also very effective in healing oral wounds
and as a skin lotion to close the pores. | This
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