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Herb Uses R, S, T Herbs
component of herbal tea mixtures and digestive powders. In 1987 a research team investigated extracts of 178
Chinese herbs for antibacterial activity against one of the major microorganisms in human intestinal flora. Only
Rhubarb was found to have significant activity. The herb can be applied to burns, boils, and carbuncles. It is a
useful mouthwash for canker sores.
Rice Paddy Herb (Limnophila aromatica) In Asia, rau om is employed to treat many ailments. In China, it is used
for the treatment of intoxication and pain; in Indochina, to treat wounds; in Malaysia, chiefly as a poultice on sore legs,
but also to promote appetite, and as an expectorant to clear mucus from the respiratory tract, and to treat fever; and in
Indonesia, as an antiseptic or cleanser for worms. The plant is also used in Asia for menstrual problems, wounds,
dysentery, fever, elephantiasis, and indigestion.
Rocambole (Allium scorodoprasum ) The bulb is used in the treatment of abscesses, amoebic dysentery,
bronchitis, cholera, dysentery, influenza, skin diseases and TB.
Rock Sweet Flag (Acorus gramineus ) An important herb in Chinese medicine for poor appetite, gastritis, excess
mucus, and depression. Considered to be a warming herb and therefore not given to patients with a tendency to
perspire excessively. Stimulates the digestive system, clears the bronchial passages, relieves indigestion, and has
mild sedative effects. The root is powdered and applied to bleeding gums. It is also used internally in the treatment of
depression and epilepsy.
Rocket (Hesperis matronalis ) The leaves are antiscorbutic, diaphoretic and diuretic
Rooibos (Aspalathus linearis) A tea made from the dried fermented leaves tastes similar to oriental tea made from
Camellia sinensis. It is less astringent, however, due to the lower tannin content. It is caffeine-free, but has a higher
content of fluoride which might help to protect against tooth decay. Internally used for allergies, especially eczema, hay
fever, and asthma in infants. Externally used for skin infections and irritations. Japanese research in the 1980s
showed that rooibos contains a substance similar to the enzyme superoxide dismutase, an antioxidant compound
thought to retard aging. Recent studies have reported rooibos tea as having antimutagenic and anti-HIV activity. The
antimutagenic and antioxidant properties of Rooibos are far greater for unfermented shoot and leaf teas.
Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa) The leaves and flowers are used internally as a tonic tea for digestive and kidney
functions. Experimentally, an infusion decreases the viscosity of the blood, reduces blood pressure and stimulates
intestinal peristalsis. The drink made by placing, the calyx in water, is said to be a folk remedy for cancer. Medicinally,
leaves are emollient, and are much used in Guinea as a diuretic, refrigerant, and sedative; fruits are antiscorbutic;
leaves, seeds, and ripe calyces are diuretic and antiscorbutic; and the succulent calyx, boiled in water, is used as a
drink in bilious attacks. In Burma, the seed are used for debility, the leaves as emollient. Taiwanese regard the seed
as diuretic, laxative, and tonic. Philippines use the bitter root as an aperitive and tonic. Angolans use the mucilaginous
leaves as an emollient and as a soothing cough remedy. Central Africans poultice the leaves on abscesses. Alcoholics
might consider one item: simulated ingestion of the plant extract decreased the rate of absorption of alcohol, lessening
the intensity of alcohol effects in chickens.
Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) Studies show rosemary leaves increase circulation, reduce headaches and
fight bacterial and fungal infections. It is considered one of the strongest natural antioxidents. The flavonoid
diosmin strengthens fragile blood vessels, possibly even more effectively than rutin. German pharmacies sell
rosemary ointment to rub on nerve and rheumatic pains and for heart problems. A traditional European
treatment for those suffering from poor circulation due to illness or lack of exercise is to drink rosemary
extracted into white wine.
Rosemary contains many compounds that are reported to prevent the breakdown of acetylcholine in the
brain, usually a symptom of Alzheimer’s disease. Several if not all can be absorbed through the skin, and some
probably cross the blood-brain barrier so using a using a final rinse of vinegar with rosemary essential oil added
may be beneficial in prevention. Of these antioxidants, at least four are known cataract fighters and Japanese
researchers find it promising for removing wrinkles.
Rosemary is recommended for flatulence, heartburn and as a digestive. It improves food absorption
by stimulating digestion and the liver, intestinal tract and gallbladder. It is also used to inhibit kidney- and
bladder-stone formation. Studies on rosemary conducted in Paraguay show that it almost completely inhibits the
enzyme urease which contributes to kidney stone formation. It makes an antiseptic gargle for sore throats, gum
problems and canker sores. Researchers speculate that rosemarinic acid might even be a good treatment for
septic shock. In addition, it inhibited, although didn't destroy, 87% of the cancer cells tested in a laboratory
study. Asthma sufferers used to smoke it with coltsfoot and eat bread that had been baked over rosemary
wood.
Research has shown that rosmaricine is a stimulant and mild analgesic. The oil content varies within the
plant. It is analgesic and stimulant, especially when applied to the skin. Rosemary's anti-inflammatory effect is
due mainly to rosmarinic acid and flavonoids.
As a warming herb, it stimulates circulation of blood to the head, improving concentration and memory.
It also eases headaches and migraine, and encourages hair growth by improving blood flow to the scalp. It has
been used to treat epilepsy and vertigo. It aids recovery from long-term stress and chronic illness. It is thought
to stimulate the adrenal glands and is used specifically for debility, especially when accompanied by poor
circulation and digestion.
Roseroot (Rhodiola rosea) Chinese medical practitioners describe adaptogens as "superior" plants that
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