Fewer side effects than prescription medications

Decongestants, antihistamines, allergy shots and even prescription medications such as Allegra and Claritin treat only the symptoms of allergies and tend to lose effectiveness over a period of time. They can also cause drowsiness, dry sinuses, insomnia and high blood pressure. Nettle has none of these side effects. It can be used on a regular basis and has an impressive number of other benefits most notably as a treatment for prostate enlargement.

Potential for treating disease
Nettle has been studied extensively and has shown promise in treating Alzheimer's disease, arthritis, asthma, bladder infections, bronchitis, bursitis, gingivitis, gout, hives, kidney stones, laryngitis, multiple sclerosis, PMS, prostate enlargement, sciatica, and tendinitis. Externally it has been used to improve the appearance of the hair, and is said to be a remedy against oily hair and dandruff.

Healing properties
In Germany today stinging nettles are sold as an herbal drug for prostate diseases and as a diuretic. It is a common ingredient in other herbal drugs produced in Germany for rheumatic complaints and inflammatory conditions (especially for the lower urinary tract and prostate). In the United States many remarkable healing properties are attributed to nettle and the leaf is utilized for different problems than the root. The leaf is used here as a diuretic, for arthritis, prostatitis, rheumatism, rheumatoid arthritis, high blood pressure and allergic rhinitis. The root is recommended as a diuretic, for relief of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and other prostate problems, and as a natural remedy to treat or prevent baldness.

An infusion of the plant is very valuable in stemming internal bleeding. It is also used to treat anaemia, excessive menstruation, hemorrhoids, arthritis, rheumatism and skin complaints, especially eczema. Externally, the plant is used to treat skin complaints, arthritic pain, gout, sciatica, neuralgia, hemorrhoids and hair problems.

• Reduces arthritis pain
• Reduces allergy symptoms
• Relieve skin irritation and muscle pain

Plantains have wide-ranging antimicrobial properties besides being anti-inflammatory and analgesic. It can not only soothe insect bites and superficial wounds but prevent infections and accelerate healing.

An active biochemical aucubin is mainly responsible for the antimicrobial action of the herb. Another substance allantoin in the herb helps with skin tissue regeneration.

Plantains also have an astringent property that has a cleansing effect on the body. It helps dry up excess secretions in the respiratory tract and the digestive system, thus being useful in treating colds and diarrhea.

The astringency is moderated by the demulcent effect of the mucilage in the herb, so this herbal remedy is much gentler than other commonly used astringents.

The edible leaves of broadleaf plantain are rich in calcium and other minerals and vitamins, including Vitamin K. This vitamin helps stem bleeding from cuts and wounds.

• Lowers cholesterol
• Helps control diabetes by regulating blood sugar levels
• Reduces the pain, swelling and discomfort of hemorrhoids
• Heals irritable bowel syndrome
• Soothes the entire digestive tract and urinary tract
• Treats bladder and kidney infections
• Relieves indigestion, acid reflux and ulcers
• As a mouthwash heals canker sores and gum irritation
• Acts as an expectorant
• Calms a dry cough as well
• Helps to prevent seasonal allergies

Oak Bark has a long history of usage for a variety of health conditions. It was listed in the United States Pharmacopoeia up to 1916 for its astringent and antiseptic properties. It is approved as a diarrhea treatment by the German Commission E, and it is on the GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) list for both topical and oral applications.

It was being used by Native Americans as a remedy for many conditions. These benefits include acting as an astringent, antiseptic and an anti-inflammatory. North American settlers in turn learned from the Native Americans how to use the herb to treat illnesses, wounds and other physical problems. In addition to the bark, the acorns of the tree have been used as food and also to make a tea or coffee substitute which had the added benefit of controlling bowel problems.

The astringent action of oak bark is due to the high levels of tannins found in the bark. An astringent works by shrinking or constricting the tissues of the body, both internally and externally. This is good for treating internal bleeding and diarrhea as well as external bleeding, hemorrhoids, varicose veins and other skin conditions such as burns, abrasions and eczema. Anti-inflammatory properties of this herbal supplement are related to its actions as an astringent and an antiseptic.

As an antiseptic, oak bark can control infections inside and outside the body due again to the action of the tannins. These bind with proteins in the tissues of the body and thus keep out harmful bacteria. Bladder infections, venereal diseases, vaginal infections and dysentery have been known to improve with the use of oak bark in the form of a tincture or tea, as well as in capsules of the powdered bark. On the surface of the body, skin infections may be helped by adding the bark to bath water or by applying an infusion or extract to the problem area.

Some other beneficial qualities of oak bark include its action as a diuretic, which can improve bladder health and help get rid of kidney stones and gallstones. There has also been found to be an anthelmintic quality to this herb. This makes it effective against parasitic worms such as pinworms which can invade the intestinal tract. In the treatment of upper respiratory infections, due to the saponins it contains, it can act as an expectorant to help get rid of phlegm and mucous.

The burdock is also known by many other names, most having to do with the characteristics of the seeds or traditional herbal uses; beggar's buttons, love leaves, clot-bur.

Herbalists and others have long known that burdock is often used as a dietary aid to help cure different ailments such as sore throats, colds, blood purifiers, to combat hair loss and dandruff, to name a few. It also increases the flow of urine and is used as a tonic in mild doses and will increase sweating to remove toxins from the body.

Traditionally, the use of burdock as a medicine in China included the treatment of skin disorders, cleansing of the blood, as an effective treatment of impotence and barrenness in women. The use of the burdock root in Russia and India has also included treatment of certain types of cancer. The burdock is also a plant used in the treatment of burns, as it reduces pain and promotes healing.

Powerful Liver and Gallbladder herb

Apiol and myristicin, which are contained in parsley essential oil, are strong antispasmodics, that is, substances that can relieve severe pain. They are also natural antioxidants that can convert active radicals into inactive ones and thereby stop the destructive oxidative process.

Here is an small list of its medicinal properties:

• Suppression of the development of pathogenic bacteria,
• Increased formation and secretion of bile into the duodenum,
• Activation of digestion and metabolism,
• Protection of cells from excessive oxidation,
• Strengthening blood vessels, capillaries, improving blood supply,
• Anesthesia, healing and protection of wounds from infection,
• Toning, increasing own barrier forces and providing a surge of strength.

If you analyze the list, it turns out that in the human body there is not a single organ that would not use the use of parsley root in one form or another.

Hundreds of potentially healing substances have been identified in licorice as well, including compounds called flavonoids and various plant estrogens (phytoestrogens).

The herb's key therapeutic compound, glycyrrhizin (which is 50 times sweeter than sugar) exerts numerous beneficial effects on the body, making licorice a valuable herb for treating a host of ailments. It seems to prevent the breakdown of adrenal hormones such as cortisol (the body's primary stress-fighting adrenal hormone), making these hormones more available to the body.

It has a well-documented reputation for healing ulcers. It can lower stomach acid levels, relieve heartburn and indigestion and acts as a mild laxative.

It can also be used for irritation, inflammation and spasm in the digestive tract. Through its beneficial action on the liver, it increases bile flow and lowers cholesterol levels.

• Boosts immune system
• Relieves pain and stress
• Control respiratory problems and sore throat
• Lessen symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia
• Combat hepatitis
• Treat PMS and menstrual problems
• Prevent heart disease

Elderflower has been used in traditional medicine all over the world in many different cultures due to its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. The most common uses are for colds and flu, sinus infections, and other respiratory disturbances.

As a supplement, elderflower also has diuretic and laxative properties and is helpful in relieving occasional constipation. Elderflower has antibacterial and antiviral properties and may also help alleviate some allergies and boost the functioning of the immune system.

As an oral rinse, elderflower can be used for its antiseptic properties as a mouthwash and gargle. Elderflower also reduces blood sugar levels, very similar to the way insulin works.

Rich in phytoestrogens, Fennel is often used for colic, wind, irritable bowel, kidneys, spleen, liver, lungs, suppressing appetite, breast enlargement, promoting menstruation, improving digestive system, milk flow and increasing urine flow.

Fennel is also commonly used to treat amenorrhea, angina, asthma, anxiety, depression, heartburn, water retention, lower blood pressure, boost libido, respiratory congestion, coughs and has been indicated for high blood pressure and to boost sexual desire.

Fennel is an effective treatment for respiratory congestion and is a common ingredient in cough remedies.