30 Herbal “Superstars”

· Aloe – Super emollient/emulsifier, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-viral, anodyne, enhances immune system, befits female reproductive system, benefits liver. Juice/Gel internal and/or topically

· American Ginseng – Super adaptogen, anti-oxidant, increases energy (not overly so like panax), oxygenates blood, lowers cholesterol, tonic for whole system. Classic decoction/tincture

· Ashwagandha – Super adaptogen, focusing/sedative/nervous system tonic, “sattvic”- aids meditation, building, strengthening, gives sexual vitality, strengthens all tissues/bones/kidneys etc. Classically given in milk decoction, as an herbal wine or as an herbal jam.

· Astragalus – Anti-Fatigue, tonic, adaptogen, anti-oxidant, anti-inflamatory, circulatory tonic/heart tonic, urinary system tonic, benefits digestion, greatly enhances immune system function, aids in response to stress. Decoction (2 sticks per cup), tincture.

· Barberry – Alterative, anti-inflammatory, benefits digestive system, great liver herb (used with tumeric in Ayurveda to move liver stagnation…like bupleurum in TCM), bowel cleanser, benefits diabetics, lympth tonic, anti-biotic/anti-septic (has berberine alkoloids like Goldenseal/OGR). Decoction/Tincture

· Billberry – Super anti-oxidant for eyes, cardiovascular system, digestive system, endocrine system. Anti-carcinogenic, anti-inflammatory, anti-aging, anti-carcinogenic. 2 caps, 3x/day or ½-1 dropperful 3x/day

· Bee Propolis – Anti-viral/bacterial/fungal/microbial/septic. Anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, tones/heals epithelial tissues, lowers blood pressure, superstar for all infections, nutrtitive (vitamins/minerals), benefits immune system/endocrine system, treats candida, used externally for all cuts/wounds, anti-cancer, anti-tumor. 1 ½ droppers for acute problems initially, then 1 dropperful, 4x/day. Lozengers/throat sprays/topical use is also effective

· Black Cohosh – Anti-inflammatory, regulates blood pressure, improves circulation, cardio tonic, anodyne, sedative, great herb for menopause support, pms, great female reproductive support. ½-1 dropperful 2-3x/day.

· Bupleurum – In my opinion one of the worlds great herbs for modern day living/stress - only downside is it is always used in formulas. Best herb for the liver and emotions associated with the liver. “Dredges the liver of all old/repressed emotions”. Best herb for depression especially if the depression is caused by repressed emotions/liver qi stagnation (most depression at least has this component of it…can be used as part of most depression programs). Cooling, calming, “freeing” (main herb of TCM “Free and easy wanderer” formula), alterative, detoxifier, strengthens immune system/endocrine system/musculoskeletal system. Acts on diseases of mixed conformation. One of the best herbs for PMS related mood swings. Capsules, powder and tincture can be effective

· Burdock Root – Great alterative, anti-inflammatory, one of the best blood cleansers, digestive support, anti-cancer, one of the best lymph cleansers, reproductive system support, great herb for skin, removes toxins. 1 dropperful 3x/day or as part of classic decoction formula. Also great eaten fresh.

· Chamomile – the first herb I eve consciously used medicinally and still one of my favorites. Calmative, relaxant, digestive aid, anti-inflammatory, anodyne (mild), “sattvic” – aids meditation, acts like a mother – makes one aware that everything is OK. Uterine tonic, good for all skin problems, anti-cancer, benefits teeth/hair/nails. Tea is best way to take it…1 heaping tsp. per cup. Compress for external use.

· Cinnamon – warming stimulant, great digestive aid, cardio support, heart support, great blood sugar regulator, cancels out negative effects of caffeine (hence the use in Chai), anti-viral/fungal/bacterial, anodyne (mild), great herb for diabetics, benefits reproductive systems, respiratory system (great for colds/flus). Take on food/tea according to taste or as caps – 1-2/3x per day.

· Comfrey – Causes the rapid growth of healthy cells, benefits all tissues when taken internally, great for musculoskeletal system/reproductive system/respiratory system/urinary system/skin. There are more carcinogens in a case of beer then in a field of Comfrey root. There is no concern with internal use IMO if used appropriately. 1/2 dropperful 3x/day). Is also very effective externally for a variety of problems as salve/compress/poultice.

· Dandelion Root – Great alterative, strengthener, greatly benefits liver, removes toxins, aids digestion, mild laxative effect, great PREVENTATIVE for almost everything, aids nervous system, treats fevers, benefits skin. Classic decoction/1 dropperful 3-4x/day

· Echinacea – Best blood/lymph cleanser. Anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, anti-bacterial, stimulates immune system response, best herb at first sign of cold/flu (but still very effective during cold/flu, contrary to popular mistaken belief). Dosage: This is from my personal use/benefit - at first sign of a cold take 2 dropperfulls every 20 minutes for 1 hour (so 6 in 1 hour!) then take 1 dropperful every 2 hours until symptoms disappear. Then take 1 every 4 hours for the next 2 days.

· Eleuthero – One of the best adaptogens, if not the best. Good for all stresses, brings entire being into balance, long term tonic for whole body/mind, balances all body systems, “sattvic” – enhances state of well being. 1 dropperfull 3x/day, long term.

· Ginger – There is a story of an Ayurvedic master herbalist who started his practice using over 500 herbs/formulas. Over the years he narrowed them down to one herb - Ginger. He uses ginger in different forms, with different carriers, solely, as a panacea. Warming, stimulating, antioxidant, anti-spasmodic, antibiotic, analgesic, circulatory aid, lowers cholesterol, lowers blood pressure, cardio tonic, great digestive aid, enhances immune function, enhances mental clarity/brain functions, promotes menstruation, removes blockages, great respiratory herb, diaphoretic/diuretic, external use for muscles. Can eat the root as a food, or as a classic decoction. Ginger with cinnamon, clove, cardamom and black pepper taken as a tea with a little raw honey and good quality raw organic milk is a great preventative for almost everything.

· Ginkgo – Strong antioxidant, long term tonic for brain (actually entire head area – ears/eyes/nose/throat etc). Benefits cardiovascular system. Improves memory, mood, alertness. “Sattvic” – aids meditation, especially when combined with gotu kola, bacopa, calamus, ashwagandha, shanka pushpi, skullcap, passion flower, rosemary, lavender, rose, jasmine, lotus flowers, holy basil, green tea and eleuthero J

· Green Tea – Great anti-oxidant, benefits overall well-being/mental clarity – “sattvic” meditation herb, benefits cardiovascular system, lowers blood pressure, lowers cholesterol, reduces hypertension, aids digestion, anti-viral/bacterial, benefits the skin, anti-cancer, protects against radiation damage. Tea is preferred way – 3-6 cups/day of good quality Chinese or Japanese tea.

· Goldenseal – Can work wonders on many body systems. Anti-inflammatory, strengthens epithelial tissues, restorative tonic (says Steve), blood cleanser, digestive support, liver support, benefits eyes, anti-viral/bacterial, useful herb for colds and flus, benefits respiratory system (I have found this to be its best use). While many herbalists believe this to be one of the best overall herbs, some herbalists (like Susan Weed and others) don’t agree and recommend avoiding goldenseal completely. This is because of adverse effects like diminishing healthy bacteria, complications in pregnancy, complications in anyone with heart problems, diabetes, history of stroke, high blood pressure, etc. Take short term in small amounts and with a probiotic. Only use cultivated goldenseal as it is nearly extinct in the wild.

· Gotu Kola – Long term tonic, improves circulation, venous tonic, adrenal support, blood purifier, febrifuge (mild), great for skin interally and topically, used in India as a hair restorative (With amla and bhringaraj). Gotu Kola is a “sattvic” meditation herb that improves mental alertness, memory, concentration and clarity. Known as Manduka Parni in India. Erroneously known in America and in some parts of India, as “Bhrami”. Bhrami (according to classical Ayurvedic texts is bacopa monieri and is not even in the same family as centella/hydrocotyle). Tincture, tea (in formulas) or eat the fresh leaves.

· Hawthorn – The best heart/cardio tonic, very good anti-oxidant, greatly improves overall function of the heart, lowers blood pressure, lowers cholesterol, also has a good secondary benefit of being a digestive support herb and a nervine (taken with passionflower, hops and magnesium as a standard medicine in Europe). Decoction/Tincture

· Licorice – Perhaps the #1 herb. Best harmonizing/balancing/detox herb. Leads other herbs through meridians, energy promoter, adaptogen, adrenal support, digestive support, liver support, immune enhancement, spleen support, good for arthritis, relaxant, cooling/calmative for summer heat, good for menopause, all inflammations, great demulcent for ulcers and more so for respiratory system/urinary system. Classic decoction/1 dropperful 3x/day. Contraindications are for long term excessive use and for those with hypertension/heart problems

· Milk Thistle – Powerful antioxidant, great liver herb, good herb for nervous system/intestines, best herb for alcohol detox/environmental pollution detox, regulates blood sugar levels, increases milk production. Dosage varies a lot. Generally, 1 dropperful 3x/day, I prefer to grind the seeds and add them to soups/kitcheree/congee etc.

· Nettles – Good anti-inflammatory, long term tonic to benefit the whole body, mineral supplement, vitamin supplement, greatly benefits the musculoskeletal system, benefits reproductive system, benefits skin, benefits urinary system. 1 dropper 3x/day or classic infusion 3-4x/day. Also a good herb for respiratory system – especially nasal blockages. 2-3 droppers at night before bed and you wake up breathing clearly.

· Noni – Great prevention herb, adaptogen, anti-inflammatory, increases energy and mood, anti-oxidant, treats hypertension, immune enhancement, anodyne, cardio support, digestive support, nutritive tonic, benefits diabetics, anti-biotic, good for arthritis and musculoskeletal problems, benefits lower back, treat headaches, good for reproductive system and urinary system, can be used as cancer support. 2 caps 3x/day or juice of the fruit 4-8oz. per day. (less if there is diarrhea)

· Panax Ginseng – Super adaptogen, stimulating, heating, energy tonic, strengthener, benefits all body systems, restores balance, enhances immune function, reduces stress, increases alertness, improves concentration, anti-aging, increases sexual energy, protects against radiation, improves resistance to cold weather/cold climates. Decoction for 40 minutes or in nourishing soups. Tincture: ½ dropperful 2x/day, avoid closer to bedtime. Also can just suck on a piece of the root.

· Schizandra – Super adaptogen, energy tonic, anti-toxic, stimulates (but not overly so), antioxidant, promotes body fluids, regulates blood sugar levels, benefits digestion, protects the liver, treats ulcers, increases digestive enzyme production, great herb for rejuvenating the adrenals, regulates diabetics, enhances immune system function, CNS tonic, enhances work ability, increased intellectual activity/coordination/sense perception, great to take when feeling overwhelmed, good for insomnia (Taken during the day, long term), helps with anger, aggression, iratibility, benefits female reproductive systems, tonic for lungs, increases body’s ability to use oxygen (great for pranayama – breathing exercises), strengthens Kidneys, beneficial to take with pharmaceuticals/other herbs to aid in their breakdown/absorption. Faster acting but not as broad acting as eleuthero. - schizandra would win in a figh,t but eleuthero would take best out of ten:-).  1 dropperful 3x/day or classic decoction. One of the world’s great herbs.

· Sarsaparilla – Great cleanser and tonic. Alterative, blood-lymph cleanse, anti-inflammatory, useful for any blood disorder, liver support, greatly strengthens adrenals, adaptogenic effect, gives a sense of more clarity/energy, can give increased sexual energy, beneficial for std’s, anti-toxin. 1 dropperful/3x/day or decoction in formulas.

· Turmeric – Known as the “Queen of all herbs” in India, it contains powerful systemic antioxidants. It is anti-inflammatory, alterative, cleansing to all blockages, analgesic, astringent, blood purifier, great digestive aid (especially to prevent gas with beans and to digest fat), decongests the liver, prevents gallstones, useful in IBS, useful for parasites, anti-viral, anti-bacterial, very good for arthritis (new studies show it to be more effective then NSAIDS as a COX-2 inhibitor), balances menstrual system/hormones, great for skin (internal and topically), heals wounds when applied externally, good treatment for AIDS, anti-cancer, anti-toxic, best herb for second hand smoke detox and environmental pollutants. Use in cooking, or as capsules – 1-2, 1-2x/day.