The Herbs A to Z (S) page contains more herbs that have been used for multiple purposes. St. Johns wort is commonly used to treat mild depression. There has been some success in treating even severe cases of depression with St. Johns wort as well. Other purposes for St. Johns wort include its use for its antibacterial properties and to help decrease alcohol consumption. Some root beers utilize sarsaparilla root for flavor. The root of sarsaparilla contains a component that is related to progesterone. The root of spikenard has been used for rashes, coughs, colds, shortness of breath, and backache. Food products, cotton yarn, and cosmetics are often colored using safflower petals. Safflower also flavors food and has been used for menstrual problems, heart problems, and pain and swelling. A common effective herbal laxative is senna leaf. All forms - senna leaves for senna tea, senna powder, and senna pods soften stools and support regularity. Remember when drinking senna tea and using other forms, a little goes a long way. You do not want to over-do it with senna tea! The berries of schisandra have been used to improve the health of the lungs, kidneys, and cardiovascular system. These berries have also been used to stimulate the nervous system, promote anti-inflammatory activity, treat diabetes mellitus, and to enhance mental and physical performance and endurance. The most common use of saw palmetto berries is for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia, nonmalignant enlargement of the prostate gland. But saw palmetto products have also been used in the attempts to enlarge breasts naturally, to stop hair loss, and promote hair growth.
Lemony flavored sheep sorrel has been used as a garnish and medicinally to treat cancer, diarrhea, fever, and inflammation. The herb scullcap has been used to treat many problems including addiction, anxiety, cancer, fever, infections, insomnia, irritability, and spasms. The herb shepherds purse has been used to stop bleeding. As an adaptogen, suma root has been used to reduce inflammation, increase resistance to stress, boost immunity and energy, balance hormones, increase libido, and inhibit cancer. Due to its concentrated nutrients and amino acids, suma root has even been used by athletes as an alternative to steroids. Historically slippery elm bark has been used for sore throats and to soothe the digestive tract. The strong inner bark fibers are used to make rope. Since stevia powder is 200-300 times sweeter than sugar, a little goes a long way in sweetening. The benefits over sugar include the fact that stevia is nearly calorie-free, it helps prevent cavities and it does not cause a rise and fall in blood sugar. Solomons seal has been used to treat bruising. Used externally, sassafras leaves can treat skin problems while sassafras root bark has been used in perfumes and soaps. Used in ceremonial purification rituals, white incense sage is burned and the smoke is fanned over the person. Click for more sage selections. |
