Adaptogens help relieve long-term stress:
borage flower, nettles
Alteratives are used for detoxification:
nettles, red clover flower, alfalfa, lemon grass, rose hips, cleavers
Analgesics:
valerian, passionflower, lavender flower, cabbage leaves (externally for mastitis)
Antidepressants:
vervain, lemon balm, lavender flower, borage flower, lemon verbena
Antiemetics are used to control vomiting:
raspberry leaf, lemon balm, chamomile, ginger root (take sips as needed, up to one-half cup of tea daily)
Anti-inflammatories:
chamomile, meadowsweet, wild yam
Antimicrobials:
fresh garlic cloves, corn silk (for painful UTI), echinacea, thyme herb (limit to one cup daily for 3 days), goldenseal root (externally only), uva ursi, tea tree oil (externally for yeast and fungal infections)
Antispasmodics:
cramp bark, black haw (uterine spasms), valerian (nervous muscle cramping), chamomile (intestinal spasms)
Astringents stem excess flow of fluids such as heavy bleeding or discharge:
yarrow, witch hazel, pasque flower (pulsatilla), partridgeberry
Bitters work on dyspepsia, gas, constipation, hemmorhoids, hypoglycemia, depression, digestive health and energy:
Note: Stronger bitters than these may be oxytocic so avoid mugwort and other bitters or laxatives not listed in this section:
chicory root, dandelion, chamomile, burdock root
Carminatives dispel gas:
peppermint, fennel, anise, dill, ginger root, chamomile, caraway seed
Demulcents soothe raw, irritated membranes or skin, internally and externally:
marshmallow root, slippery elm bark, corn silk, aloe (externally)
Diuretics:
dandelion leaf, marshmallow, corn silk
Galactagogues increase the flow of breast milk:
fennel seed, fenugreek, anise, milk thistle, blessed thistle, vervain
Hormonal normalizers affect feedback loops to balance sex hormones naturally (after delivery for strength and recuperation, post-partum depression, or before conception to promote regular cycle):
red clover, chasteberry, dong quai
Labor tonics strengthen and prepare the reproductive organs for delivery:
raspberry leaf, partridgeberry, black cohosh, blue cohosh (the cohoshes only for the last 6 weeks)
Laxatives:
Note: Stronger herbs sold as laxatives may stimulate uterine contractions, try plain water or these gentle tonics first:
dandelion root, prunes, flax seed, psyllium seed, yellow dock
Nervine relaxants: help restore healthy tissue and functioning of nerves after stress:
oatstraw, St. John's wort, skullcap, chamomile, valerian, passionflower, lemon balm
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