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Herb Uses - A, B Herbs
Balsam Fir (Abies balsamea) The resin obtained from the balsam fir has been used throughout the world and is a
very effective antiseptic and healing agent. It is used as a healing and analgesic protective covering for burns, bruises,
wounds and sores. It is also used to treat sore nipples and is said to be one of the best curatives for a sore throat. Tea
made from the needles has been used to treat colds and asthma. Canada balsam, an oleoresin gathered from blisters
in the bark, has been used to relieve the pain of hemorrhoids, burns and sores and venereal disease. Balsam fir is an
antiseptic and stimulant, and has been used for congestion, chest infections, such as bronchitis, and urinary tract
conditions such as cystitis and frequent urination. It has been used in commercial mixtures to treat coughs and
diarrhea. Externally, balsam fir was rubbed on the chest or applied as a plaster for respiratory infections. It is also
used in bath extracts for rheumatic pain, and as a mouthwash. The oil is used in ointments and creams, especially in
the treatment of hemorrhoids. The buds, resin, and/or sap are used in folk remedies for treating cancers, corns, and
warts. The resin is used internally in propriety mixtures to treat coughs and diarrhea, though taken in excess it is
purgative. A warm liquid of the gummy sap was drunk as a treatment for gonorrhea. A tea made from the leaves is
antiscorbutic. It is used in the treatment of coughs, colds and fevers.
Barberry (Berberis vulgaris): Barberry acts on the gallbladder to improve bile flow and ameliorate conditions such
as gallbladder pain, gallstones, and jaundice. Barberry’s strongly antiseptic property is of value in cases of amebic
dysentery, cholera and other similar gastrointestinal infections. Barberry is one of the mildest and best liver tonics
known, good for jaundice, hepatitis and diabetes.
The berberine in barberry has remarkable infection-fighting properties. Studies around the world show it kills
microorganisms that cause wound infections (Staphylococci, Streptococci), diarrhea (Salmonella, Shigella), dysentery
(Endamoeba histolytica), cholera (Vibrio cholerae), giardiasis Giardia lamblia), urinary tract infections (Escherichia coli)
and vaginal yeast infections (Candida albicans). Berberine may also fight infection by stimulating the immune system.
Studies show that it activates the macrophages, white blood cells that devour harmful microorganisms. In Germany, a
berberine preparation, Ophthiole, is used to treat sensitive eyes, inflamed lids, and pinkeye (conjunctivitis). Barberry
contains chemicals that may help reduce elevated blood pressure by enlarging blood vessels.
The bark is astringent, antidiarrheal, and healing to the intestinal wall—in short, barberry has a strong, highly
beneficial effect on the digestive system as a whole. It helps in the treatment of chronic skin conditions such as
eczema and psoriasis. The decoction makes a gentle and effective wash for the eyes, although it must be diluted
sufficiently before use. Liquid of the chewed root was placed on injuries and on wounds, while cuts and bruises were
washed with a root decoction. A preparation of the bark or berries will be useful as a gargle for sore mouth and
chronic opthalmia. It has been successfully used to treat Leishmaniasis (infections transmitted by sandflies). It has
the ability to reduce an enlarged spleen and acts against malaria.
Basil (Ocimum basilicum) The Chinese used it to treat stomach, kidney and blood ailments. During the 11 th
century, Hildegard of Bingen used basil in a complicated mixture to treat cancerous tumors. By the 17 th
century, basil was widely used in Europe to treat colds, warts, and intestinal worms. In Ayurvedic medicine,
the juice is recommended for snakebites, as a general tonic, for chills, coughs, skin problems and earaches. It is
called tulsi. The oil kill intestinal parasites confirming its traditional use in Malaya and as a stomach soother
and treatment for a broad range of intestinal ailments. Indian researchers have reported that basil kills bacteria
when applied to the skin and have used basil oil successfully to treat acne. One animal study shows basil
stimulates the immune system by increasing production of disease-fighting antibodies by up to 20%. In the
West it is considered a cooling herb and is used for rheumatic pain, irritable skin conditions and for those of a
nervous disposition. Basil is one of many healing herbs containing both pro-and anti-cancer substances. On
the prevention side, it contains Vitamin A & C, anti-oxidants that help prevent cell damage. But basil also
contains a chemical, estragole, that produced liver tumors in mice, according to a report published in the
Journal of the National Cancer Institute. However, the cancer risk, if any, remains unclear. It’s on the FDA
list of GRAS herbs.
Bay (Laurus nobilis): The Romans used bay leaves and berries for the treatment of liver disorders. The French
at one time used bay as an antiseptic. Now the Lebanese steep the berries and leaves in brandy in the sun for a
few days and drink it to calm queasy stomachs. Bay oil from the berries and leaves can be used in salves and
liniments for rheumatism, bruises and skin problems. Both fruit and leaves also stimulate the digestion. A
decoction of fruit or leaves made into a paste with honey or syrup can be applied to the chest for colds and other
chest problems. The oil contains a powerful bacteria killing chemical that is used in some dentifrices. For
frequent migraines add bay leaves to feverfew. Bay leaves have demonstrated to help the body used insulin
more efficiently at levels as low at half-teaspoon.
An experimental convalescent home in Russia encourages patients to smell bay leaves to sharpen the
memory. Ancient Romans and Greeks placed a rolled bay leaf in the nose or stuck a leaf on the forehead when
troubled by headaches.
A tea of bay leaves is excellent for the digestion and is somewhat astringent as well. A facial steam
bath, for cleansing and clearing the skin, is made in the same way as the tea, with the addition of chamomile
flowers, rosemary leaves, and rose petals. For hysteria: to calm the patient, have them drink tea made from a
bay leaf. Pour 1 cup boiling water over 2 bay leaves. Remove the leaves after steeping 10 minutes and sweeten
with honey. In one study, laboratory animals were given a fatal dose of strychnine, then promptly treated with
a bay oil preparation. They all lived, but researchers weren't sure why.
Bayberry (Myrica cerifera) A key herb in the Thomsonian system of medicine, being the main astringent used for
“any stomach or bowel derangement, particularly after fevers.” Internally used for fevers, colds, influenza, excess
mucus, diarrhea, colitis, excessive menstruation, and vaginal discharge. Externally for sore throat, ulcers, sores,
itching skin conditions, dandruff and hair loss. Bayberry is commonly used to increase circulation, stimulate
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