Chamomile (Chamomilla recutita). Anti-inflammatory,
antiseptic, antispasmodic, relaxant, carminative.
Clove (Eugenia caryophyllata). Antiseptic, mind and
body stimulant, analgesic, antibacterial, carminative.
Comfrey (Symphytum officinale). Anti-inflammatory,
wound healing, astringent.
Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale). Diuretic, diges-
tive, antibiotic.
Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus). Antiseptic, expec-
torant, stimulates local blood flow, antifungal.
Gentian (Gentiana lutea). Digestive stimulant, eases
stomach pain.
Ginkgo(Ginkgobiloba).Circulationstimulantandtonic,
anti–asthmatic, antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory.
Ginseng (Panax ginseng). Tonic, stimulant, physical
and mental revitalizer.
Hawthorn (Crataegus oxyacantha). Heart tonic, diu-
retic, astringent, dilates blood vessels, relaxant,
antioxidant.
Jasmine (Jasminum grandiflorum). Antispasmodic,
expectorant.
Juniper (Juniperus communis). Diuretic, antimicro-
bial, carminative, anti-rheumatic.
Lavender (Lavandula officinalis). Carminative,
relieves muscle spasms, antidepressant, antiseptic
and antibacterial, stimulates blood flow.
Malva, common mallow (Malva silvestris). Anti-
inflammatory, emollient, astringent, laxative.
Melissa (Melissa officinalis). Relaxant, antispas-
modic, increases sweating, carminative, antiviral,
nerve tonic.
Mistletoe (Viscum album). Tranquilizer, reduces
pain, controls blood pressure.
Motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca). Antispasmodic,
hepatic, nervine, hypotensive, cardiac tonic.
Nettle (Urtica dioica). Diuretic, tonic, astringent,
prevents hemorrhaging, anti-allergenic, reduces
prostate enlargement.
Palmetto (Sabal serrulata). Tonic, diuretic, sedative.
Passion flower (Passiflora incarnata). Anti-inflammatory,
antispasmodic, hypotensive, sedative.
Peppermint (Mentha piperita). Carminative, relieves
muscle spasms, increases sweating, stimulates secre-
tion of bile, antiseptic.
Rose (Rosa gallica). Antidepressant, sedative, anti-
inflammatory.
Rue (Ruta graveolens). Antispasmodic, increases
peripheral blood circulation, relieves eye tension.
Sarsaparilla (Smilax sarsaparilla). Diuretic, anti-
inflammatory, anti-rheumatic.Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris). Antiseptic, diuretic and
anti-rheumatic.
St.-John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum). Antidepres-
sant, antispasmodic, astringent, sedative, relieves pain,
antiviral.
Valerian (Valeriana officinalis). Sedative, relaxant,
relieves muscle spasm, relieves anxiety, lowers blood
pressure.
Verbena (Verbena officinalis). Nervine, tonic, mild
sedative, stimulates bile secretion.
Witch hazel (Hamamamelis virginiana). Astringent,
anti-inflammatory, stops external and internal
bleeding.
Wormwood (Artemisia absinthium). Stimulates secre-
tion of bile, anti-inflammatory, eliminates worms,
eases stomach pains, mild antidepressant.
Yarrow (Achillea millefolium). Antispasmodic, astrin-
gent, bitter tonic, increases sweating, lowers blood
pressure, reduces fever, mild diuretic and urinary
antiseptic.Herbs and spices
Spices have always been important in history.
Spices belonged to the most valuable items of trade
in the ancient and medieval world, providing the
incentive for exploration and most great sea voyages
of discovery. When Christopher Columbus discovered
America, he described to his sponsors the many new
spices available there. Herbs are leafy, green plant
parts used for flavoring foods. They are usually used
fresh. Unlike herbs, spices are almost always dried.
Herbs and spices that are considered phytonutrients
that are beneficial to health and have therapeutic
properties include the following:
Anise (Pimpinella anisum). Has carminative, seda-
tive, antidepressant, antispasmodic, antifungal, and
diuretic properties, used as a tonic.
Bay leaves (Laurus nobilis). Has carminative, antifla-
tulent, antimicrobial, antirheumatic, anticonvulsive
and insect repellent properties.
Black cumin (Nigella sativa). Has anti-inflammatory,
analgesic, antioxidant, sedative, carminative, stimu-
lant and anti–asthma properties.
Black pepper (Piper nigrum). Used as a central nerv-
ous system stimulant, has analgesic and antipyretic
properties.
Caraway (Carum carvi). Used for flatulence, indiges-
tion, and irritable bowel syndrome.
Cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum). Has stimulant
and carminative, digestive, anti–obesity, aphrodisiac
properties.Phytonutrients