Part Used

Fruit (seed)

Systems

Gastrointestinal; reproductive

Actions

Anti-cholesterol; anti-inflammatory; anti-pyretic; anti-spasmodic; anti-tumor; aphrodisiac; carminative; demulcent; emmenagogue; emollient; expectorant; galactogogue; hypoglycemic; hypotensive; laxative; nutritive; phytoestrogenic; oxytocic; vulnerary

Traditional Uses

Valuable as a wound healing and anti-inflammatory herb in conditions such as skin wounds, boils, sores, acne, eczema, fistulas and tumors. Used topically for lymphadenitis, leg edema, and ulcers. Can be gargled to ease sore throat/gums; helpful for bad breath. Stimulates milk production in mothers, for which it is perfectly safe. Has a reputation of stimulating development of the breasts and libido – used in TCM for premature ejaculation. Also used topically for rectal irritations, and vaginal irritations. Modulates changes in blood sugar levels for insulin-dependent diabetics. Indicated for cancer (colon, cervical) recovery. ^1. 2.

Part Used

Fruit (seed)

Systems

Gastrointestinal

Actions

Analgesic; anti-inflammatory; anti-microbial; anti-pyretic; antispasmodic; aromatic; carminative; diuretic; expectorant (mild); galactogogue; phytoestrogenic

Traditional Uses

Is anti-inflammatory and relaxes the smooth muscles of the intestines thus relieving griping and flatulence. Will also relax bronchial smooth muscle spasm; useful in bronchitis. Often used with laxatives to allay associated griping. Useful for cancer patients after radiation and chemotherapy treatments. An effective treatment for respiratory congestion; is a common ingredient in cough medicines. Reported to enhance hepatic regeneration, and phytoestrogenic action gives it an indicated in amenorrhea and oligomenorrhea. Stimulates breast milk production. Used topically for wrinkles, dermatitis, muscular, or rheumatic pains. ^1. 2.

Sambucus nigra

System

Immune

Properties

Antiseptic; diaphoretic; diuretic; emollient; insecticide; purgative; vulnerary

Traditional Uses

For constipation, epilepsy, jaundice, rheumatism, arthritis, in ointments for tumours, and topically for bruises, sprains and irritations. ^2.

Taraxacum officinalis

Part Used

Root

Systems

Gastrointestinal; circulatory

Actions

Alterative; anti-inflammatory; anti-rheumatic; bitter; hepatic; immuno-modulator; laxative; nutritive

Traditional Uses

The root is stimulating to the digestive system, most notably the liver, and is indicated in any condition of liver and/or gall-bladder inflammation and stasis including cholelithiasis, metabolic toxicity, and jaundice.

A wonderful alterative for nearly all chronic toxic or inflammatory conditions manifesting within the body such as eczema, acne, arthritis, chronic gastritis and enteritis. Used topically for skin problems and age spots. ^1. 2.

Part Used

Flower, leaves

Systems

Gastrointestinal

Actions

Alterative; anti-cholesterol; anti-inflammatory; anti-rheumatic; bitter; cholagogue; digestive; diuretic; hepatic; laxative; nutritive

Traditional Uses

Medicinally weaker than the root, dandelion leaves and flowers are a potassium sparing diuretic; not over-stimulating to the kidneys, useful in edema and hypertension. A wonderful alterative for nearly all chronic toxic or inflammatory conditions manifesting within the body such as eczema, acne, arthritis, chronic gastritis and enteritis. Used topically for skin problems and age spots. ^1. 2.