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Herb Uses -F, G, H Herbs
diseases. Guarana’s astringency also treats chronic diarrhea. It is a good short-term adrenal builder because it
supplies raw material the adrenals need to make hormone, rather than simply signaling your adrenals to make more
hormone. The whole seed with all of its complementary components doesn’t have the harsh effect of caffeine with its
potential for addiction, fast “rush,” nervousness, irritability, and so on. Tannins and saponins in the seeds slow down
the rate at which guaranine is dissolved and absorbed. This slow release provides a sustained long-term energizing
effect. A daily 1-gram dose contains less than 20% of the caffeine in a regular cappuccino. Guarana seed can be
taken in capsules, not late in the day, 1-5 per day. As a strong diuretic 7 ½ grains can be taken daily and in 24 hours
it has be known to increase urine from 27 oz to 107 oz.
Gumweed (Grindelia camporum) Grindelia acts to relax smooth muscles and heart muscles. It’s used in the
treatment of asthmatic and bronchial conditions, especially where these are associated with a rapid heart beat and
nervous response. It may be used in asthma, bronchitis, whooping cough and upper respiratory catarrh. Because of
the relaxing effect on the heart and pulse rate, there may be a reduction in blood pressure. Externally the lotion is
used in the dermatitis caused by poison ivy. Traditionally, Grindelia’s been used for: arrhythmia, arthritis, asthma,
blisters, bronchitis, bronchorrhea, burns, cachexia, common cold, cough, cystitis, difficulty breathing, dyspepsia,
eczema, emphysema, fever, gonorrhea, hay fever, hepatitis, hypertension, indolent skin ulcer, iritis, muscle spasms,
ophthalmia, pertussis, pharyngitis, pneumonia, poison ivy, psoriasis, rheumatism, rhus dermatitis (lotion), sleep apnea,
smallpox, splenomegaly, syphilis, tachycardia, tuberculosis, upper respiratory catarrh
-H- Herbs
Hawthorn (Crataegus laevigata) Hawthorn was traditionally used in Europe for kidney and bladder stones and as a
diuretic. Its current use for circulatory and cardiac problems stems from an Irish physician who started using it
successfully on his patients for such conditions toward the end of the 19 th century. It is used today to treat angina and
coronary artery disease. Hawthorn normalizes the heart and circulation, lowering or raising blood pressure according
to need. It is found in most herbal preparations for heart weakness, irregular heart beat, hardening of the arteries,
artery spasms, and angina. In studies the hearts of those patients taking hawthorn required less oxygen when under
stress as compared to standard treatments. And in another study it normalized heart action and efficiency and
seemed to strengthen contractions in almost all the patients with primary heart disease and even some with more
severe secondary heart disease. It also improved heart problems caused by hepatitis or other liver disease. In vitro
increases in coronary circulation ranging from 20% to 140% have been observed following the administration of a dose
equal to about 1 mg of the dry extract.
Hawthorn lowers blood pressure by dilating surface blood vessels, as opposed to directly acting on the heart
as does digitalis. This also means it takes longer to work but there is also no cumulative effect on the heart tissue. It
does make the body more sensitive to digitalis, so the prescribed dose of digitalis may eventually be cut in half.
Hawthorn also helps keep the heart beating properly and decreases peripheral vascular resistance. Originally only
the berries were used, but higher concentrations of active flavonoids have been discovered in the flowers and leaves
when hawthorn is in full bloom. One study found spring shoots to be the most active. The flavonoids dilate coronary
and external arteries while procyanidines, which are most prevalent in the leaves around August, apparently slow the
heart beat and are antibiotic.
Combined with ginkgo, hawthorn is used to enhance poor memory by improving the circulation of blood to the
head which increases the amount of oxygen to the brain.
At one time unripe berries were used for diarrhea and hawthorn-flower tea as a safe diuretic. A decoction of
the ripe berries is also used for sore throats, skin diseases, diarrhea and abdominal distention. The berries also
strengthen the appetite and digestion.
Heather (Erica/Calluna vulgaris (E tetralix, E cinerea) ) It was used in baths for easing joint and muscle pain, and
taken for urinary infections and to ease sleep. An infusion of the dried flowers helped to decrease nervousness,
sleeplessness and the pains of rheumatism. It was also recommended as a bath for babies who were failing to thrive.
Today, heather makes a useful urinary antiseptic when taken internally due to the arbutin it contains, and can be taken
for cystitis, urethritis and prostatitis. It has a mild diuretic action, reducing fluid retention and hastening elimination of
toxins via the kidneys. It makes a good cleansing remedy for gout and arthritis as well as skin problems such as
acne. It has a mildly sedative action and can easy anxiety, muscle tension and insomnia. A hot poultice of heather
tips is a traditional remedy for chilblains.
Hedge Nettle (Stachys palustris ) One of the most effective sweating herbs, useful in the early stages of colds, flu,
and fevers. Internally used for gout, cramps, vertigo and hemorrhage. It will relieve diarrhea and dysentery. Externally
used for minor injuries. The bruised leaves when applied to a wound will stop bleeding and help heal the wound. It is
an equivalent of comfrey in its effect on wounds. It may be used directly or as an ointment or compress.
Helonias Root (Chamaelirium luteurm (Helonias dioica) ) The medicinal use of false unicorn root is based in
Native American tradition, where it was recommended for many women’s health conditions, including lack of
menstruation, painful menstruation, and other irregularities of menstruation, as well as to prevent miscarriages. It was
also used as a remedy for morning sickness. This herb is one of the best tonics and strengtheners of the reproductive
system that we have. Though primarily used for the female system, it can be equally beneficial for men. It is known to
contain precursors of the estrogens. However, it acts in an amphoteric way to normalize function. The body may use
this herb to balance and tone and thus it will aid in apparently opposite situations. Where ovarian pain occurs, False
Unicorn Root may be safely used. The indication for its use is a dragging sensation in the extreme lower abdomen. It
is useful in impotence, as a tonic in genito-urinary weakness or irritability, for liver and kidney diseases. Especially
good in diseases due to poor action of the liver and not to weakness of the heart or circulation. It is a good remedy in
albuminaria. Steroidal saponins are generally credited with providing false unicorn root’s activity.
Hemp Agrimony (Eupatorium cannabinum) Hemp agrimony has been employed chiefly as a detoxifying herb for
fever, colds, flu and other acute viral conditions. It also stimulates the removal of waste products via the kidneys. The
root is laxative, and the whole plant is considered to be tonic Recently, hemp agrimony has found use as an
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