Herb Profile: Acai

Quick Facts

• Family: Arecaceae (Palm family)

• Parts Used: Berries

• Energetics: Cooling, Nutritive

• Taste/Aroma: Cross between chocolate and red wine

Core Uses & Actions

• Primary Actions: Antioxidant, Anti-inflammatory, Cardioprotective.

• Key Uses: Highly nutritive food source, reducing oxidative stress, promoting heart health, and lowering metabolic risk (cholesterol, glucose). Used traditionally for fever and digestive issues.

Critical Safety Warnings

• Contamination Risk: Raw/unpasteurized fruit/juice can be contaminated with parasites (e.g., Chagas disease).

• Drug Interactions: May interfere with chemotherapy, immunosuppressants, and diabetes medications (risk of hypoglycemia).

• Medical Procedures: May affect MRI scan results—inform your provider before use.

• Pregnancy/Breastfeeding: Avoid due to insufficient safety data.

Herb Profile: Agave

Quick Facts

• Family: Asparagaceae (Asparagus family)

• Parts Used: Leaf, juice (sap), roots

• Energetics: Cooling, Moistening

• Taste/Aroma: Sweet

Core Uses & Actions

• Primary Actions: Anti-inflammatory, Antimicrobial, Hypoglycemic, Prebiotic (Inulin).

• Key Uses: Traditional remedy for wounds and ulcers. Modern use centers on its inulin content (prebiotic benefits for gut health) and hypoglycemic properties.

Critical Safety Warnings

• Toxicity/Irritation: Fresh sap can cause contact dermatitis. Leaves are poisonous to livestock.

• Fructose Content: Commercial nectar is very high in fructose; excessive long-term use may contribute to metabolic syndrome.

• Gastrointestinal: Inulin can cause discomfort in those with fructose malabsorption or IBS.

Herb Profile: Alfalfa

Quick Facts

• Family: Fabaceae (Pea family)

• Parts Used: Leaves, flowers, sprouts

• Energetics: Cooling, Alterative

• Taste/Aroma: Neutral/Earthy

Core Uses & Actions

• Primary Actions: Estrogenic, Hypocholesterolemic, Alterative, Diuretic, Hemostatic.

• Key Uses: Used for menopausal symptoms and PMS (due to phytoestrogens). Helps lower cholesterol. Highly nutritive source of Vitamin K (for blood clotting) and minerals.

Critical Safety Warnings

• Autoimmune Conditions: Avoid if you have Lupus (SLE) or other autoimmune disorders, as it may aggravate symptoms.

• Hormone-Sensitive Conditions: Avoid during pregnancy and with hormone-sensitive cancers.

• Drug Interactions: High Vitamin K content interferes with blood thinners (Warfarin).

  Herb Profile: Alder (Alnus glutinosa, Alnus rubra)

  Quick Facts

  • Family: Betulaceae (Birch family)

  • Parts Used: Bark, leaves, new end shoots

  • Energetics: Drying, Astringent

  • Taste/Aroma: Bitter

  Core Uses & Actions

  • Primary Actions: Astringent, Antiseptic, Emetic (fresh bark), Hemostatic, Alterative.

  • Key Uses: Used primarily as an astringent gargle for sore throats and internally for diarrhea. External wash for skin issues and to stop minor bleeding.

  Critical Safety Warnings

  • Toxicity: Fresh bark will cause severe vomiting (emetic action). Only use dried bark for internal purposes other than vomiting.

  • General: Use as directed; not for chronic internal use.

  Herb Profile: Aloe Vera (Aloe vera)

  Quick Facts

  • Family: Asphodelaceae (Aloaceae family)

  • Parts Used: Inner gel, leaf latex (outer pulp)

  • Energetics: Cooling, Moistening

  • Taste/Aroma: Bitter (Latex), Neutral (Gel)

  Core Uses & Actions

  • Primary Actions: Emollient, Vulnerary, Laxative (Latex), Immunomodulatory, Demulcent.

  • Key Uses: Topical inner gel is premier for burns, wounds, and skin inflammation. The leaf latex (outer pulp) is a powerful stimulant laxative.

  Critical Safety Warnings

  • Oral Latex Toxicity: Oral use of latex/whole leaf is linked to abdominal cramps, diarrhea, and potential carcinogenesis (FDA restricted its use). Long-term use can cause bowel dependency.

  • Pregnancy: Do not take latex internally if pregnant (may induce miscarriage).

  • Drug Interactions: Overuse of latex may increase adverse effects of digoxin (heart medication).

  • Contraindications: Avoid internal use with intestinal conditions (Crohn's, Ulcerative Colitis) or kidney problems.

Herb Profile: Amaranth (Amaranthus caudatus)

Quick Facts

• Family: Amaranthaceae

• Parts Used: Leaves, seeds

• Energetics: Neutral, Astringent

• Taste/Aroma: Earthy

Core Uses & Actions

• Primary Actions: Nutritious, Astringent, Digestive, Hemostatic (stops bleeding).

• Key Uses: Primarily a highly nutritious "super-food" (rich in protein, lysine, and minerals). Medicinal uses include a mild laxative, and an astringent for diarrhea and internal/external bleeding.

Critical Safety Warnings

• Anti-Nutrients: Contains phytic acid and saponins; seeds should be thoroughly washed and rinsed before cooking to ensure maximum mineral absorption.

• General: Considered safe and gluten-free.

Herb Profile: Angelica (Angelica archangelica)

Quick Facts

• Family: Apiaceae (Carrot family)

• Parts Used: Root, leaves, seeds, stems

• Energetics: Warming, Stimulant

• Taste/Aroma: Aromatic, Bitter, Celery-like

Core Uses & Actions

• Primary Actions: Carminative, Diaphoretic, Stimulant, Expectorant, Emmenagogue, Bitter.

• Key Uses: Relieves gas, bloating, and indigestion (approved in Germany). Used for coughs, colds, and flu (diaphoretic action). Traditional female tonic for menstrual cramps.

Critical Safety Warnings

• POISONOUS LOOKALIKES: Easily confused with Water Hemlock (Cicuta maculata). Do not harvest from the wild unless an expert.

• Photosensitivity: Contains furocoumarins, which increase skin sensitivity to sunlight. Avoid strong sun exposure.

• Pregnancy & Surgery: Do not use during pregnancy (emmenagogue). Avoid before surgery (anticoagulant effects).

Herb Profile: Arrowroot (Maranta arundinaceae)

Quick Facts

• Family: Marantaceae (Prayer-plant family)

• Parts Used: Rhizome (tuber)

• Energetics: Demulcent, Nutritive

• Taste/Aroma: Neutral, Earthy

Core Uses & Actions

• Primary Actions: Demulcent (soothing), Nutritive, Digestive, Anti-inflammatory.

• Key Uses: Soothes the digestive system; used for diarrhea, acidity, and IBS. Highly digestible starch for children/convalescents. Used externally as a poultice for wounds.

Critical Safety Warnings

• Inhalation Risk: The fine starch powder should never be used as a talcum powder substitute for babies due to severe lung damage risk if inhaled.

• General: Generally considered safe; over-consumption may lead to constipation or bloating.

Herb Profile: Balsam Fir (Abies balsamea)

Quick Facts

• Family: Pinaceae (Pine family)

• Parts Used: Resin (balsam), needles, inner bark

• Energetics: Warming, Drying, Aromatic, Antiseptic

• Taste/Aroma: Coniferous, Resinous

Core Uses & Actions

• Primary Actions: Antiseptic, Anti-inflammatory, Expectorant, Diuretic.

• Key Uses: Topical resin is excellent for wounds, cuts, and scrapes (antiseptic action). Needle tea is used for colds, coughs, and bronchitis (expectorant). Oil relieves muscle pain.

Critical Safety Warnings

• Essential Oil Toxicity: Essential oil should never be ingested unless under expert guidance.

• Topical Irritation: Always dilute the essential oil with a carrier oil before skin application. The resin/foliage can cause dermatitis.

• Pregnancy/Breastfeeding: Avoid internal medicinal use due to insufficient safety data.

Herb Profile: Balsam Root (Balsamorhiza sagittata)

Quick Facts

• Family: Asteraceae (Sunflower Family)

• Parts Used: Roots, seeds, leaves, young shoots

• Energetics: Warming, Resinous, Pungent

• Taste/Aroma: Resinous, Pungent

Core Uses & Actions

• Primary Actions: Stimulating Expectorant, Antiseptic, Immunomodulator, Analgesic.

• Key Uses: Respiratory congestion (helps release stuck mucus from sinuses/lungs). Root poultice traditionally used for wounds and bites. Edible parts (shoots, seeds, cooked root) were staple foods.

Critical Safety Warnings

• Toxicity: Consuming the root in large doses may cause kidney irritation.

• Proper Preparation: The large taproot must be cooked for several days (roasted or steamed) to become edible.

Herb Profile: Barberry (Berberis vulgaris)

Quick Facts

• Family: Berberidaceae (Barberry Family)

• Parts Used: Root bark, root, berries

• Energetics: Cooling, Drying, Bitter, Astringent

• Taste/Aroma: Bitter (Root bark), Acidic (Ripe Berries)

Core Uses & Actions

• Primary Actions: Alterative, Hepatic (Bile-Stimulating), Antiseptic, Bitter Tonic.

• Key Uses: Supports liver and gallbladder function (jaundice, hepatitis) by stimulating bile secretion. Used as a mild purgative for digestive issues. External wash for skin conditions (due to berberine).

Critical Safety Warnings

• Toxicity: Avoid during pregnancy.

• Dosage: Large doses can be harmful. Use only ripe berries.

• Underlying Conditions: Use with caution due to berberine content (see Goldenseal/Oregon Grape warnings for context on drug/infant interactions).

Herb Profile: Bayberry (Myrica cerifera)

Quick Facts

• Family: Myricaceae (Myrtle Family)

• Parts Used: Root bark, leaves, wax from the fruit

• Energetics: Warming, Drying, Stimulant, Astringent

• Taste/Aroma: Aromatic (Wax)

Core Uses & Actions

• Primary Actions: Astringent, Warming Circulatory Stimulant, Diaphoretic, Tonic.

• Key Uses: Traditional remedy for colds, flu, and fevers (promotes sweating). Used internally/externally as an astringent for diarrhea, heavy bleeding, and sores.

Critical Safety Warnings

• Toxicity/Carcinogen: Constituents of the wax have been reported as potentially carcinogenic. The wax can be irritating.

• Contraindications: Avoid in very "hot" conditions. Avoid if you have hypertension (high blood pressure).

• Emetic: Large doses induce vomiting.