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Herb Uses -O, P, Q Herbs
insect bites and wounds.
Lemon balm has antipyretic, refreshing, cholagogic and stimulating properties. Use a pad soaked in the
infusion to relieve painful swellings such as gout. Use as ointment for sores, insect bites, or to repel insects. Use hot
infused oil as ointment or gentle massage oil for depression, tension, asthma and bronchitis.
A clinical multicentric study in Germany offers evidence of the antiviral activity of a specially prepared dried
extract of lemon balm against herpes simplex infections. The extract was a concentrated (70:1) dry extract of lemon
balm which was included at a level of 1% in a cream base. Patients applied the cream 2-4 times daily for 5-10 days.
In the group receiving the active Melissa cream, there was a significant improvement in symptoms on day two
compared to the placebo group and on day five over 50% more patients were symptom-free than in the placebo
group. To be effective, the treatment must be started in the very early stages of the infection.
Research has clearly demonstrated the plant’s ability to impact the limbic system of the brain and “protect” the
brain from the powerful stimuli of the body and should be part of any ADHD formula.
Lemon Verbena (Aloysia triphylla) Infuse as a mildly sedative tea to soothe bronchial and nasal congestion, to
reduce indigestion, flatulence, stomach cramps, nausea and palpitations. Lemon verbena is especially useful for
women. In the past, midwives gave a woman in the last phases of childbirth a strong tea to stimulate contractions of
the uterus. Ancient Egyptian medicine included it for this purpose. Today, verbaline has been isolated from the plant
and used as a stimulant for uterus contractions. Do not use the oil internally during pregnancy. Used as a cold
compress or in an aroma lamp, it is wonderfully refreshing and aids the birth process where stamina is required. It has
also been said to stimulate milk production and to be helpful for infertility. Its tonic effect on the nervous system is
less pronounced than that of lemon balm, but nonetheless helps to counter depression.
Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citrates) In East India and Sri Lanka, where it is called "fever tea," lemon grass leaves
are combined with other herbs to treat fevers, irregular menstruation, diarrhea, and stomachaches. Lemon grass is
one of the most popular herbs in Brazil and the Caribbean for nervous and digestive problems. The Chinese use
lemon grass in a similar fashion, to treat headaches, stomachaches, colds, and rheumatic pains. The essential oil is
used straight in India to treat ringworm or in a paste with buttermilk to rub on ringworm and bruises. Studies show it
does destroy many types of bacteria and fungi and is a deodorant. It may reduce blood pressure - a traditional Cuban
use of the herb - and it contains five different constituents that inhibit blood coagulation.
Levant Wormseed (Artemisia cina) Vermifuge. Santonin is particularly active against round-worms, and to some
extent against threadworms. Wormseed has been taken combined with honey or treacle or as a decoction, it must be
used with care as high doses are toxic.
Life Root (Packera aurea) Herbalists have prescribed the plant for the treatment of urinary tract problems such as
kidney stones. It is used as a douche for excessive vaginal discharge. As a uterine tonic, Life Root may be used
safely wherever strengthening and aid are called for. Useful for menopausal disturbances of any kind. Also useful for
delayed or suppressed menstruation. For leucorrhoea it can be used as a douche. It has a reputation as a general
tonic for debilitated states and conditions such as tuberculosis. While often stated to be completely safe to use, recent
research has found that the plant contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids that, in isolation, can cause liver damage. The roots
and leaves are abortifacient, diaphoretic, diuretic, emmenagogue, pectoral, stimulant and uterine tonic. It is used
externally in the treatment of vaginal discharge. A tea made from the plant was frequently used by the N. American
Indians as a remedy for various female troubles, including the pain of childbirth. Pharmacologists have not reported
any uterine effects, but the plant does contain an essential oil (inuline) plus the alkaloids senecine and senecionine
(which are poisonous to grazing animals).
Lilac (Syringa vulgaris ) Used as a vermifuge in the US and as a tonic anti-periodic and febrifuge; used as a
substitute for aloes and in the treatment of malaria.
Lily of the Valley (Convallaria majalis ) Lily of the Valley is perhaps the most valuable heart remedy used today. It
is used for nervous sensitivity, neurasthenia, apoplexy, epilepsy, dropsy, valvular heart diseases, heart pains and
heart diseases in general. It has an action equivalent to Foxglove without its potential toxic effects. Lily of the Valley
may be used in the treatment of heart failure and water retention where this is associated with the heart. It will aid the
body where there is difficulty with breathing due to congestive conditions of the heart. Also used for arteriosclerosis
with angina and arterial hypotension. Lily of the Valley encourages the heart to beat more slowly regularly and
efficiently. It is also strongly diuretic, reducing blood volume and lowering blood pressure. It is better tolerated than
foxglove, since it does not accumulate within the body to the same degree. Relatively low doses are required to
support heart rate and rhythm, and to increase urine production. An ointment made from the roots is used in the
treatment of burns and to prevent scar tissue.
Linden (Tilia spp) Lime Blossom, or Linden, is well known as a relaxing remedy for use in nervous tension. It has a
reputation as a prophylactic against the development of arteriosclerosis and hypertension. It is considered to be a
specific in the treatment of raised blood pressure associated with arteriosclerosis and nervous tension. It initially
increases peripheral circulation to fingers and toes, helping the evaporation of body heat, and then stabilizes blood
vessels and body temperature. Linden is an excellent remedy for stress and panic, and is used specifically to treat
nervous palpitations. Its relaxing action combined with a general effect upon the circulatory system give lime blossom
a role in the treatment of some forms of migraine. The diaphoresis combined with the relaxation explains its value in
feverish colds and flus. The flowers bring relief to colds, and flu by reducing nasal congestion and soothing fever.
Because of their emollient quality, linden flowers are used in France to make a lotion for itchy skin. The tea is given to
babies for teething.
The sapwood of a linden growing wild in the south of France (T. cordata) is used as a diuretic, choleretic,
hypotensive and antispoasmodic. A light infusion of the flowers is sedative, antispasmodic and diaphoretic. It also
thins the blood and enhances circulation.
Lion's Ear (Leonotis nepetifolia) The sheets are used against infectious diseases by infusing them and using them
in inhalers and vapor baths as a preventative. It is also used as an emmenagogue, amenorhea, fever and skin
diseases. . The sheets séches are sometimes used in Africa as substitute of the marijuana. Used similarly to Lion’s
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