Part Used

Rhizome

Systems

Immune; digestive; cardiovascular

Actions

Alterative; analgesic; anti-arthritic; anti-cancer; antidepressant; anti-inflammatory; antioxidant; anti-microbial; carminative; circulatory-stimulant; hepatic & choleretic; hypolipidemic; liver trophorestorative & hepatoprotective

Traditional Uses

Used internally for digestive complaints; promotes liver function, bile flow and production, and protects the liver against toxic exposure. As a digestive aid will relieve flatulence and protect the stomach mucosa against ulceration. Is also an anti-inflammatory agent, useful for arthritic conditions, tendonitis, bursitis, bruises, sprains and pain and inflamed joints in general. Useful in gastrointestinal conditions including inflammatory bowel disease, dyspepsia, and gastric ulcers. Protective effects on the cardiovascular system – lowers cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Used to prevent and treat various cancers. Used topically for rashes, psoriasis, eczema, ringworm, tinea, dry skin, burns, wounds and acne. ^1. 2.

Origanum vulgare

Part Used

Leaf

Systems

Immune

Actions

Antiseptic; antispasmodic; bitter; carminative; diaphoretic; emmenagogue; expectorant; rubefacient

Traditional Uses

Traditionally as a gargle/mouthwash for tonsillitis, mouth and throat irritations. Indicated for colds and flus, sore throat, bronchitis and asthma. Aids digestion. Promotes menstruation. Used topically for infected cuts/wounds and insect bites, as well as arthritis, sore joints and headaches. ^2.

Part Used

Root, leaves

Systems

Skin; gastrointestinal; respiratory

Actions

Anti-inflammatory; anti-rheumatic; astringent; connective tissue tonic; demulcent; emollient; expectorant; homeostatic; vulnerary

Traditional Uses

Internal use is indicated for the treatment of diarrhea, dysentery, and inflammation of the GIT, which respond to the demulcent, vulnerary, astringent and anti-hemorrhagic, and anti-inflammatory properties of the plant. Astringent action reduces hemorrhage associated with ulcers and colitis and excessive mucous from bronchial irritation and irritated coughs. Indicated externally for a variety of conditions such as sore muscles, bone fractures, sprains, bruises, varicose veins, lesions, warts, insect bites, ligament tears, and any damage to aching joints. Known to help ‘knit connective tissues back together’.

*Caution should be taken when using on open/dirty wounds as comfrey leaf heals skin rapidly and may seal in infection. ^1. 2.

Part Used

Fruit

Systems

Cardiovascular; circulatory; digestive

Actions

Analgesic; antimicrobial; antioxidant; carminative; antispasmodic; circulatory stimulant; diaphoretic; febrifuge; hemostatic; rubefacient

Traditional Uses

One of the purest of all known stimulants and the most useful of stimulating diaphoretics – increases body temperature and aids in infections and general bodily cleansing. Regulates blood flow, strengthens the heart, arteries, capillaries and nerves and will aid in poor peripheral circulation causing cold hands and feet. Used in flatulent dyspepsia and colic, and as a circulatory stimulant will increase blood supply to the digestive organs (enhancing their activities – secretions, regular contractions). Used topically as a rubefacient (to reduce fever), to increase circulation and aid in problems such as rheumatic pains. Used to relieve pain associated with Herpes, arthralgia and headaches. ^1. 2.

Part Used

Flowers

Systems

Muscular; skeletal

Actions

Anodyne/analgesic; anti-inflammatory; antimicrobial; anti-neuralgic; anti-rheumatic; rubefacient; vulnerary

Traditional Uses

*Topical use only. Useful for sprains, bruises, hematomas, edema, fractures, over areas of phlebitis and thrombosis, arthralgia and rheumatic joint pains, and inflamed insect bites. Used as a massage oil to help relieve muscle soreness and tension. Specific for bruises. ^2.