Herb Profile: Valerian (Valeriana officinalis L.)

Quick Facts

• Family: Caprifoliaceae (Honeysuckle family)

• Parts Used: Root and Rhizome

• Energetics: Cooling, Drying, Relaxing

• Taste/Aroma: Pungent, Musky, Bitter (Intensifies when dried)

Core Uses & Actions

• Primary Actions: Sedative, Hypnotic, Nervine, Anxiolytic, Antispasmodic.

• Key Uses: Primarily for insomnia and other sleep disturbances (shortens the time it takes to fall asleep). Calms general anxiety and nervous tension. Used for tension headaches, menstrual cramps, and muscle spasms.

Critical Safety Warnings

• Sedation (CRITICAL): May cause drowsiness. Do not drive or operate heavy machinery after use.

• Drug Interactions: Intensifies the effects of all CNS depressants (alcohol, benzodiazepines, narcotics).

• Paradoxical Effect: Can cause restlessness, agitation, or excitability in a small percentage of people.

• Surgery: Discontinue use at least two weeks before scheduled surgery.

Herb Profile: White Willow (Salix alba L.)

Quick Facts

• Family: Salicaceae (Willow family)

• Parts Used: The dried inner bark (cambium layer) of young branches

• Energetics: Cooling, Drying, Bitter, Astringent

• Taste/Aroma: Bitter, Highly Astringent

Core Uses & Actions

• Primary Actions: Anti-inflammatory, Analgesic (Pain-Relieving), Febrifuge, Astringent.

• Key Uses: Natural source of salicin (metabolized into salicylic acid—the active compound in aspirin). Used for headaches, lower back pain, arthritis, and muscle aches. Reduces fevers.

Critical Safety Warnings

• CRITICAL: ASPIRIN ALLERGY: MUST NOT be used by anyone with a known allergy or sensitivity to aspirin, other salicylates, or NSAIDs.

• Children/Reye's Syndrome: Never give to children or teenagers during viral illnesses (risk of Reye's syndrome).

• Bleeding Risk: Increases the risk of bleeding. Use with extreme caution (or avoid) if taking blood thinners (Warfarin).

• Contraindications: Avoid during pregnancy/breastfeeding or if you have stomach ulcers/asthma.

Herb Profile: Wintergreen (Gaultheria procumbens L.)

Quick Facts

• Family: Ericaceae (Heath family)

• Parts Used: Leaves (for oil distillation), berries (edible)

• Energetics: Cooling, Drying, Pungent, Analgesic

• Taste/Aroma: Distinctly Sweet, Cooling, Minty

Core Uses & Actions

• Primary Actions: Analgesic, Anti-inflammatory, Antirheumatic, Antiseptic.

• Key Uses: The essential oil (pure methyl salicylate) is a classic ingredient in external liniments and rubs for sore muscles, arthritis, joint pain, and sprains.

Critical Safety Warnings

• CRITICAL: LETHAL TOXICITY: Wintergreen essential oil must NEVER be ingested. One teaspoon is equivalent to a lethal dose of aspirin for an adult.

• Aspirin Allergy/Sensitivity: Do not use externally or internally if sensitive to aspirin or salicylates.

• Drug Interactions: Avoid if taking blood thinners (anticoagulants).

• Topical Use: Essential oil must always be heavily diluted in a carrier oil (5% or less) before application.

Herb Profile: Witch Hazel (Hamamelis virginiana L.)

Quick Facts

• Family: Hamamelidaceae (Witch-hazel family)

• Parts Used: Leaves, bark, and twigs

• Energetics: Cooling, Drying, Astringent

• Taste/Aroma: Bitter, Astringent, Aromatic

Core Uses & Actions

• Primary Actions: Astringent, Anti-inflammatory, Hemostatic, Antiseptic.

• Key Uses: Most famously used as a topical skin toner to tighten pores and cleanse. Relieves minor pain and swelling from hemorrhoids, varicose veins, and bruises. Used as a mouthwash for bleeding gums and sore throats.

Critical Safety Warnings

• Internal Use: Not recommended due to high tannin concentration and risk of liver damage and stomach upset.

• Skin Dryness: Commercial distillates often contain alcohol, which can be drying to sensitive skin.

• Pregnancy/Breastfeeding: Avoid medicinal use.

Herb Profile: Yarrow (Achillea millefolium L.)

Quick Facts

• Family: Asteraceae (Daisy or Aster family)

• Parts Used: The aerial parts (leaves and flowers)

• Energetics: Warming, Drying, Bitter, Aromatic

• Taste/Aroma: Pungent, Very Bitter, Aromatic

Core Uses & Actions

• Primary Actions: Hemostatic (Stops bleeding), Diaphoretic (Induces sweating), Anti-inflammatory, Astringent, Digestive Bitter.

• Key Uses: Primary first-aid use is to stop bleeding on minor cuts/wounds. Hot tea is a classic remedy for breaking a fever and fighting colds/flu. Used as a bitter tonic for digestion and to relieve cramps.

Critical Safety Warnings

• Pregnancy/Breastfeeding: Avoid during pregnancy (uterine stimulant/emmenagogue).

• Bleeding Risk: May slow blood clotting. Caution if taking blood thinners (Warfarin).

• Allergies: People allergic to the Asteraceae family (ragweed) may react.

• Photosensitivity: Can cause increased skin sensitivity to sunlight.

Herb Profile: Yellow Dock (Rumex crispus L.)

Quick Facts

• Family: Polygonaceae (Knotweed or Buckwheat family)

• Parts Used: The deep, yellow taproot

• Energetics: Cooling, Drying, Bitter, Pungent

• Taste/Aroma: Very Bitter (Root), Tart/Lemony (Leaves)

Core Uses & Actions

• Primary Actions: Alterative (Blood Purifier), Laxative (mild), Hepatic (Liver Tonic), Cholagogue.

• Key Uses: Gentle laxative for constipation. Supports liver detoxification by promoting bile flow. Used internally/externally for chronic skin conditions (acne, eczema) linked to sluggish digestion.

Critical Safety Warnings

• Oxalic Acid Toxicity: The leaves contain high oxalates. Caution for those with kidney stones, gout, or rheumatism.

• Laxative Effect: Can have a strong laxative effect. Avoid during pregnancy/breastfeeding (may cause uterine stimulation/infant diarrhea).

• Drug Interactions: Avoid simultaneous use with other medications (reduces absorption) or blood thinners.

Herb Profile: Yellowroot (Xanthorhiza simplicissima Marshall)

Quick Facts

• Family: Ranunculaceae (Buttercup family)

• Parts Used: The rhizomes and roots

• Energetics: Cooling, Drying, Bitter, Astringent

• Taste/Aroma: Intensely Bitter

Core Uses & Actions

• Primary Actions: Antimicrobial (Berberine), Astringent, Bitter Tonic, Cholagogue, Hepatic.

• Key Uses: Used as an antiseptic mouthwash/gargle for sore throats, mouth sores, and gingivitis. Bitter tonic to aid digestion and support liver/gallbladder function.

Critical Safety Warnings

• CRITICAL FOR INFANTS: Avoid use during pregnancy. Berberine is unsafe for newborns/infants (risk of kernicterus).

• Drug Interactions: Berberine can interact with numerous medications, including blood pressure meds, blood thinners, and many drugs metabolized by the liver.

• Hypotension: May potentially lower blood pressure.

Herb Profile: Agrimony (Agrimonia eupatoria)

Quick Facts

• Family: Rosaceae (Rose family)

• Parts Used: Leaves, stems, and roots

• Energetics: Drying, Binding, Cleansing

• Taste/Aroma: Bitter, Aromatic

Core Uses & Actions

• Primary Actions: Hepatic (Liver Tonic), Astringent, Depurative (Blood Cleanser), Vulnerary.

• Key Uses: Highly esteemed for cleansing the liver and curing jaundice by purging choleric humours. Decoction used to stop internal bleeding (haemorrhages) and a salve prepared with swine's grease was used for old sores and stubborn ulcers.

Critical Safety Warnings

• Contraindications: Due to its astringent and binding nature, excessive use may cause constipation.

• Duration: Best used for short periods during seasonal cleansing.

Herb Profile: Centaury, Lesser (Centaurium erythraea)

Quick Facts

• Family: Gentianaceae (Gentian family)

• Parts Used: Flowering tops and aerial parts

• Energetics: Drying, Bitter, Purgative (mild)

• Taste/Aroma: Exceedingly Bitter

Core Uses & Actions

• Primary Actions: Bitter Tonic, Febrifuge, Purgative (Choleric), Stimulant.

• Key Uses: Renowned as a specific for purging choleric and gross humours, and therefore used with good effect in agues (malaria and fevers). Opens obstructions of the liver, spleen, and gall. Also used for green-sickness and to kill worms in the belly.

Critical Safety Warnings

• Dosage: Excessive use may irritate the stomach and bowels due to its extreme bitterness.

• Toxicity: None recorded, considered a safe, if unpleasant, simple.

Herb Profile: Ground-Ivy (Glechoma hederacea)

Quick Facts

• Family: Lamiaceae (Mint family)

• Parts Used: Leaves and aerial parts

• Energetics: Warming, Drying, Stimulant

• Taste/Aroma: Sharp, Bitter, Minty

Core Uses & Actions

• Primary Actions: Expectorant, Vulnerary, Diaphoretic, Cleansing, Antispasmodic.

• Key Uses: Cures inward wounds and exulcerated lungs (ulcers). Decoction consumed to ease griping pains and windy humours in the stomach. Used as an ale-hoof (added to beer) to clarify drink. Juice mixed with honey and alum is a classic gargle for sore mouths and throats.

Critical Safety Warnings

• Glands: May cause glandular irritation in some sensitive persons.

• Preparation: Decoction in water or wine is the most common and safest preparation; rarely used in high concentration.

Herb Profile: Sheep's Purse (Capsella bursa-pastoris)

Quick Facts

• Family: Brassicaceae (Mustard family)

• Parts Used: The entire plant

• Energetics: Cool, Dry, Astringent

• Taste/Aroma: Pungent, slightly peppery (like cress)

Core Uses & Actions

• Primary Actions: Hemostatic (Stops bleeding), Astringent, Diuretic.

• Key Uses: Highly effective for staunching all manner of bleeding, whether internal hemorrhages (bowels, bladder) or external cuts and wounds. Decoction cures severe cases of dysentery and diarrhea.

Critical Safety Warnings

• Toxicity: None recorded. It is considered safe and is often used as a potherb when young.

Pregnancy: Avoid use due to its potent effect on uterine musculature.