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Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis):

Uses: Applied externally for wounds, burns and scrapes; taken internally for IBS, ulcers, constipation and other intestinal/digestive disorders.

Precautions: Laxative effect when taken internally.

Comments: None

Arnica (Arnica Montana):

Uses: Applied externally as an anti-inflammatory and pain reliever; used for sprains, acne, bruises, insect bites, swelling caused by injuries.

Precautions: May cause allergic dermatitis; internal use could damage the heart and lead to cardiac arrest.

Comments: I used this on a sprain. It had a slight numbing effect. It cut the pain by roughly 50%. There were no adverse side effects.

Astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus):

Uses: Supports immune system; used for fatigue; improves stamina; chemotherapy and radiation support; antibacterial and antiviral.

Precautions: Should not be taken if fever is present or with blood-thinning medications.

Comments: None


Bearberry (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi):

Uses: Treats mild urinary tract infections

Precautions: Acidifies the urine; could cause liver and kidney damage.

Comments: None



Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus):

Uses: Strengthens veins and capillaries; treats hemorrhoids and varicose veins; treats eye conditions such as cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration and night blindness; mild diuretic; diabetes.

Precautions: May interact with anticoagulants.

Comments: None

Black Cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa):

Uses: Menopausal symptoms; menstrual cramps; PMS; depression.

Precautions: Emmenagogue; should not be used while pregnant or nursing.

Comments: I used this with Dong Quai and Wild Yam. It eased my menstrual cramps quite a bit. Unforntunately, I had to stop taking it due to my low blood pressure. The Black Cohosh made it worse.


Blue Cohosh (Caulophyllum thalictroides):

Uses: Amenorrhea; dysmenorrheal; strong diuretic; epilepsy; pelvic inflammatory disease; vaginitis; anti-inflammatory.

Precautions: Emmenagogue; abortifaciant; should not be used during pregnancy; could cause headaches, nausea and high blood pressure.

Comments: None

Bromelain (Ananas comosus ):

Uses: Arthritis; injuries; varicose veins; sinusitis; respiratory infections; protein digestion; anti-inflammatory.

Precautions: Should not be taken while on any blood thinning medications; could cause nausea; should not be taken if you have high blood pressure, liver or kidney disease.

Comments: This is a naturally occurring enzyme found in fresh pineapple. I take this everyday with Activated Quercetin. It got rid of all my allergy symptoms within a few hours and they have never returned. I have had no side effects whatsoever. I recommended this Bromelain/Quercetin combo to several other people with severe allergies, one of which had to take shots on a weekly basis. It worked for all of them and the one no longer needs shots. It is best to cycle 8-10 days on and 8-10 days off, as needed.

Burdock (Arctium lappa):

Uses: Blood purifier; skin conditions such as acne, eczema and psoriasis; detoxification; water retention; improves hepatic function; used topically on poison oak, poison ivy, eczema, psoriasis, insect bites and sores; anti-fungal and anti-microbial.

Precautions: Should not be taken during pregnancy; causes uterine stimulation.

Comments: I was on several different prescriptions for migraines for many years. I took this with Dandelion Root and Milk Thistle for detoxification after weaning myself off all prescriptions and OTC NSAIDs; no uncomfortable side effects.

Butcher’s Broom (Ruscus aculeatus):

Uses: Varicose veins; hemorrhoids; edema; improves circulation; mild diuretic.

Precautions: Could cause low blood pressure; should not be taken with any high blood pressure medications; possible nausea.

Comments: I take this with Dandelion Leaf for one week each month due to water retention. No side effects other than a strong diuretic effect.

Calendula (Calendula officinalis):

Uses: Applied externally to burns, rashes, cuts, scrapes and sunburn; increases collagen production; anti-bacterial; can be gargled for sore throats and mouth infections; taken internally to sooth mucous membranes in the colon, liver and stomach; treats ulcers in the digestive tract.

Precautions: Should not be taken by anyone with allergies to the aster/daisy family, such as ragweed; could cause nausea, vomiting and headache.

Comments: None

Cascara Sagrada (Rhamnus purshiana or Frangula purshiana):

Uses: Constipation

Precautions: For short-term use only; should not be used for bowel obstructions or those who have Crohn’s disease, colitis or IBS; possible diarrhea; could cause loss of electrolytes and potassium.

Comments: I recommended this to someone who had been constipated for almost a week. She said it worked within a few hours without any uncomfortable side effects.


Cat’s Claw (Uncaria tomentosa):

Uses: Intestinal disorders; dysentery; arthritis; rheumatism; anti-oxidant; antiviral; stimulates immune system; used in conjunction with chemotherapy.

Precautions: Should not be used by anyone with auto-immune diseases such as TB, MS or HIV; should not be used by organ transplant patients; should not be used while taking any blood thinning medications; may lower estrogen and progesterone levels; should not be used while taking insulin or undergoing any hormone replacement therapy.

Comments: None

Catnip (Nepeta cataria):

Uses: Restlessness; fevers; colic; digestive aid; mild sedative; relieves stress and anxiety

Precautions: None

Comments: It has a calming effect. It makes me very relaxed and a bit sleepy. And no, I have no desire to play with yarn afterwards.

Cayenne (Capsicum annuum):

Uses: Improves circulation; warms the body; stimulates sweating during cold/flu; digestive aid; speeds fat metabolism; pain reliever; decreases fat deposits in the liver; anti-inflammatory; boosts immune system; lowers serum cholesterol and triglycerides.

Precautions: Possible digestive upset; should not be taken by anyone with peptic ulcers, Crohn’s disease, bowel inflammation or IBS; should not be taken while on any medications for high blood pressure or migraines; should not be taken while on any blood thinning medications.

Comments: I really like this one. I have always has low blood pressure and cold extremities. This has helped me a great deal.

Chamomile (Matricaria recutita or Matricaria chamomilla):

Uses: Anxiety; insomnia; ulcers; indigestion; colic; inflammatory bowel disease; diarrhea.

Precautions: Should not be used by anyone with allergies to pollen or ragweed; contains coumarins (blood thinners); should not be taken while on any blood thinning medications; could cause drowsiness; mild uterine stimulant.

Comments: It has a mild sedative effect.

Chaste Tree (Vitex agnus castus):

Uses: Menstrual cramps; amenorrhea; dysmenorrhea; hot flashes; mood swings; hormonal balance; stimulates the production of estrogen and progesterone; PMS; mild sedative.

Precautions: Should not be taken while on hormone replacement therapy; suppresses prolactin and should not be taken while nursing; women with estrogen-sensitive cancers originating in the breast, cervix or uterus should avoid this herb.

Comments: I take it before bed when I have severe menstrual cramps. It eases PMS and makes me a bit drowsy.

Cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum or Cinnamomum zeylanicum):

Uses: Cold/flu; anti-viral; digestive aid; controls bleeding and excessive menstrual flow; improves circulation; enhances breakdown of glucose; reduces blood sugar; warming effect.

Precautions: High doses should not be taken during pregnancy; uterine stimulant.

Comments: I love cinnamon. I consume it everyday. I increase my consumption at the onset of a cold/flu to promote sweating.

Cocoa (Theobroma cacao):

Uses: Myocardial stimulant; anti-oxidant; stimulates brain function; aphrodisiac; mood elevator; theobromine content is a mild diuretic; used topically to heal damaged, chapped or wrinkled skin.

Precautions: May trigger headaches in migraine sufferers.

Comments: I add this to my coffee in lieu of cream and sugar. It is much healthier. I have always suffered from migraines, but I have been able to avoid them by taking Carnitine supplements.


Cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon):

Uses: Urinary tract infections; increases blood uric acid levels; kidney infections; kidney stones; gout; anti-oxidant.

Precautions: None

Comments: Eveyone I know who has taken this for UTIs has stated it works better than anything. This should be taken in capsule form. Juice does not have a high enough concentration and contains sugars which can worsen UTIs. I, myself, have never had a UTI, as I take this after intercourse for preventative maintenance.


Dandelion Leaf and Root (Taraxacum officinale):

Uses: Increases hepatic function; detoxification; water retention; indigestion; constipation; skin conditions; gallstone prevention; rich in potassium.

Precautions: Should not be taken by anyone with allergies to the daisy/aster family; should not be taken by anyone on prescribed potassium supplements; should not be taken by anyone with biliary tract (bile duct) obstruction or IBS.

Comments: I began taking Dandelion Root on a daily basis for detoxification after ceasing all migraine prescriptions/NSAIDs. I take Dandelion leaf for water retention during PMS. It is a VERY strong diurectic. I would advise against taking it before any long meetings or road trips!

Devil’s Claw (Harpagophytum procumbens):

Uses: Anti-inflammatory; arthritis, rheumatism, carpal tunnel, gout, tendonitis and lower back pain; aids digestion; stimulates appetite; mild diuretic; may reduce blood pressure; applied topically to sores, boils and rheumatic joints.

Precautions: Should not be used while pregnant; stimulates uterine contractions; slows pulse-rate; may cause headache, ringing in ears and upset stomach; should not be used by those with ulcers or gallstones.

Comments: None


Dong Quai (Angelica sinensis):

Uses: Menopausal symptoms, including hot flashes and mood swings; PMS; improves blood circulation; brain stimulation; anemia; dysmenorrhea; mild diuretic and laxative; mild tranquilizer.

Precautions: May cause photosensitivity, should not be used while pregnant or nursing.

Comments: Nicknamed “Female Ginseng”, this supplement is a mild aphrodisiac.



* I will update weekly.

* The information contained in this post is the opinion of the author who is not a licensed or medical professional. Though no prescription is required, herbs/supplements may have serious side effects, which may be harmful or fatal. Please consult a qualified medical professional before using any of the listed supplements.