Adults - weight/2 = number of drops of tincture

1 dropper = 30 drops

Children & Elderly - half - 1/3 of the adult dose

Infants - apply externally

Acute - every 1-2 hours

Chronic - 3-4x a day

Parts used: Roots

Preparations: Docoction or Tincture

Actions: Antiviral, Immune Stimulant, Expectorant

Contraindications: Do not use during pregnancy

Oregon Grape Root

(Mahonia spp.)

Parts Used: Root & Stem bark

Actions: Antibacterial, Astringent, Alterative, Vulnerary, Anti-inflammatory, Cholagogue

• Used for respiratory infections, particular those w/ heavy & clogged mucus

Contraindications: Do not use when pregnant

Licorice

(Glycyrrhiza glabra)

Parts Used: Root

Actions: Demulcent, Antibacterial, Antiviral, Antiallergenic, Expectorant, Anti-inflammatory, Immunomodulator

• Soothes inflamed mucus membranes, excellent for coughs, boosts the immune system

Contraindications: Do not use if you have high blood pressure, heart disease, or liver disease. Do not use for longer than 6 weeks

Wild Cherry Bark

(Prunus spp)

Part used: Bark

Actions: Stimulating Astringent, Tonifying Expectorant, Sedative

• Excellent for irritated mucus membranes, especially for bronchitis & coughs

Contraindications: Do not use when pregnant or for long periods

Mullein

(Verbascum thapsus)

Part Used: Flowers (Demulcent) & Leaves (Astringent)

Actions: Demulcent, Expectorant, Astringent

• Excellent for dry, harsh, hacking coughs
• Good for bronchitis, whooping cough & other respiratory conditions

Horehound

(Marrubium vulgaris)

Parts used: Flowering aerial parts

Actions: Expectorant, Relaxing Diaphoretic, Decongestant

• Specific for colds, bronchitis, & coughs; especially when there is congestion & excessive mucus

Contraindications: Do not use when pregnant

Hyssop

(Hyssopus officinalis)

Parts used: Flowering aerial parts

Actions: Antiviral, Expectorant, Astringent

• Excellent for Colds, Flu & Vira Infections
• Great Gargle for sore throats

Contraindications: Do not use when pregnant 

Elecampagne

(Inula helenium)

Parts Used: Root

Actions: Antiseptic, Expectorant, Diaphoretic, Immunomodulating, Tonifying to the lungs

• Specific for persistent chronic bronchitis with an irritable cough
• Good for sinusitis

Contraindications: Do no use during pregnancy. Not to be taken in lg. doses.

Gentian

(Gentiana lutea)

Parts used: Rhizome & Root

Actions: Stimulating Bitter, Cholagogue, Anti-inflammatory

• Stimulates digestive organs, mucous membranes and hepatic circulations
• increases appetite
• improves the digestion of fats
• improves assimilation of nutrients

Contraindicated in acute gastric inflammation & irritation

Raspberry Leaf

(rubus idaeus)

Part used: Leaves

Actions: Astringent, Uterine Tonic

• Improves tone & blood supply
• Strengthen & tones the uterus
• Good for heavy menstrual flow
• Safe to use in pregnancy & during labor

Lady's Mantle

(Alchemilla vulgaris)

Part used: aerial parts in bud

Actions: Uterine tonic, Astringent, Nervine, Styptic, Anti-inflammatory

• High in flavonoids, protect connective & elastic tissues
• Trad. used for all women's health complaints
• Strengthens & tones the uterus
• Regulates the menstrual cycle
• Excellent for heavy menstrual flow
• Helps to prevent miscarriage, esp. if due to an incompetent cervix

Chaste Tree Berry

(Vitex agnus castus)

Parts Used: Fruits

Actions: Female reproductive regulator, Supports luteal phase

• used to treat PMS, endometriosis, menstrual cramps, secondary amenorrhea, uterine fibroids & menopause symptoms
• Increase luteinizing hormone production & inhibits FSH
• Prolactin inhibited
• useful in all ailments due to hyperprolactinemia & luteal phase defects

Contraindications: Do not use during pregnancy; can counteract the effectiveness of birth control pills & other hormone therapy

Dong Quai

(Angelica sinensis)

Part used: Root

Actions: Warming female tonic, blood builder, promotes circulation, regulates & normalizes the menstrual cycle, antispasmodic

• Stimulates the uterus if made as a decoction
• Antispasmodic if made as an infusion
• Stimulates uterine cell multiplication
• Helps PMS, cramps, menopausal symptoms, uterine bleeding due to stagnation or chronic infections
• Increases coronary blood flow, builds blood throughout the body
• Excellent for anemia

Contraindications: Do not take with blood thinners. Can cause sun sensitivity. Do not take with heartburn or chronic reflux. Do not use during pregnancy.

Black Cohosh

(Actea racemosa/Cimicifuga racemosa)

Part used: Root

Actions: Antispasmodic, Sedative, Female Productive Tonic, Anti-inflammatory, Analgesic

• Used for cramps, Amenorrhea, Oligomenorrhea, Endometriosis, Menopausal symptoms
• Specific for cramps in the lower back & radiate down
• Seems to surpress luteinizing hormone (LH)

Contraindications: Do not use in the first trimester of pregnancy, later only under supervision, lg. doses can slow the heart & cause hypertension

Crampbark

(Viburnum opulus)

Part used: Bark

Actions: Antispasmodic, Nervine, Hypotensive, Anti-inflammatory, Astringent

• Used for Menstrual cramps, esp. when accompanied w/ heavy flow
• Good for atonic conditions of the pelvic organs, like uterine prolapse
• Used to help prevent miscarriages
• Helps ease morning sickness, premature contractions, & hemorrhage during labor & post partum
• Post-partum it helps restore normal tone & circulation to the uterus, prevents it from setting in the wrong position

Contraindications: Do not take with blood thinning agents, do not use with hypotension. Use during pregnancy only w/ supervision.

Wild Yam

(Dioscorea villosa)

Part used: Root

Actions: Antispasmodic

• Relieves cramping of smooth muscles
• Used for low progesteron/high estrogen related problems, such as mid-cycle spotting, PMS, painful menstruation, endometriosis & miscarriage
• Contains diosgenin, a constituent that has been used to create estrone, testosterone & progesterone in the lab
• Excellent for morning sickness

Motherwort

(Leonarus cardiaca)

Part used: Flowering aerial parts

Actions: Female tonic, Antispasmodic, Nervine, Emmenogogue, Antioxidant, Strengthens heart

• Useful for pre-menstrual cramps, delayed menstruation, congestive issues
• Good for PMT
• Stimulates blood flow & incr. circulation, reduces HBP esp. if caused by stress
• Eases heart palpitations, esp. if caused by stress & anxiety
• Best if taken long term, @ least over a couple of months
• Emotional /Spiritual Use: For times when you need a Mother's arms around you
• Best as a tincture or infusion (however infusions can be bitter)

Contraindications: Do not use during pregnancy due to strong emmenogogic effect.

Yarrow

(Achillea millefolium)

Part Used: flowering aerial parts & leaves

Actions: Astringent, Styptic, Anti-inflammatory, Anticoagulant, Antiseptic

• Tonic to the mucus membranes of the uterus
• Tonic for the vascular system
• Good for stopping excessive bleeding & heavy menstrual flow; breaks up congested blood
• Unique in that it stops bleeding & breaks up congested blood
• Can also be helpful for inflamed ovaries, prolapsed uterus, uterine fibroids, & yeast infections.
• Often used in formulas w/ other herbs

Contraindications: Do not use during pregnancy due to its emmenogogic effect. Contact dermatitis can occur in some indiv. /may cause an allergic reaction

Shepard's Purse

(Capsella bursa-pastoris)

Parts used: Fruiting aerial parts, must be used fresh

Actions: Hemostat, tonifying to pelvic organs

• Excellent for stopping uterine hemorrage
• Can also be used for bleeding fibroid tumors
• Good for heavy menstrual flow

Contraindications: Do no use during pregnancy due to uterine stimulating effect, unless under supervision

• Raspberry Leaf (Rubus spp.)
• Wild Oat (Avena sativa)
• Black Cohosh (Actea racemosa)
• Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)
• Damiana (Turnera diffusa)
• Wild Yam (Dioscorea villosa)
• St. John's Wart (Hypericum perforatum)
• Saw Palmetto (Serenoa repens)
• Mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris)

Ashwagandha

(Withania somnifera)

Part used: Root

Actions: Adaptogen, Anti-inflammatory, Male & Female Tonic, Sedative, Immunomodulating

• Instills the vitality of a horse
• Promotes fertility & sexual potency
• Safe & does not overstimulate

Ho Shou Wu

(Polygonum multiflorum)

Part used: Cured Root

Actions: Reduces cholesterol, Antioxidant, Fertility Tonic, Alterative

• Rejuvenating tonic for men & women
• Restores Energy, Strength & Vitality
• Incr. sperm count & mobility
• Incr. fertility

Damiana

(Turnera diffusa/aphrodisiaca)

Part used: aerial parts

Actions: aphrodisiac, stimulating nervine

• Trad. used for low libido
• Improves sexual vitality & vitality of the spirit
• Trad. considered a longevity herb

Contraindications: Do not use while pregnant

Muira Puama

(Ptychopetalum olacoides)

Part used: bark & root

Actions: Adaptogen, Antioxidant, Male tonic, Aphrodisiac

• Used for erectile dsyfunction
• May incr. sperm count & mobility
• Also trad. used for women's health issues
• Trad. used to treat dysentery & nerve pain

Contraindications: Please be very conscious when using Amazonian medicines; many are not harvested in a sustainable way 

Maca

(Lepidium meyenii)

Part used: root

Actions: Adaptogen, Tonic (particularly for the Endocrine System), Nutritive, Aphrodisiac

• Incr. strength, vitality & stamina
• Used for erectile dsyfunction
• Incr. libido
• Incr. fertility in both men & women
• Corrects hormonal imbalances & is often used in women's health as well
• Stimulates the Immune system
• Improves Mental Clarity

Contraindications: None known at this time; but due to its effect on the Endocrine system use cautiously with those on hormone therapy

Saw Palmetto

(Serenoa repens)

Part used: fruit

Actions: Diuretic, Anti-inflammatory, Antispasmodic, Male Reproductive Tonic, Alterative

• Supports tissue nutrition in the urinary tract
• Tones & strengthens the male reproductive issues
• Helps to reduce swelling & spasms of the prostate
• Best in tincture or capsule. Not H2O soluble. Best if taken over long periods. At least 6 weeks, best if 6 months.

Pygeum

(Prunus africana)

Part used: Bark

Actions: Diuretic, Anti-Inflammatory

• Used for Urinary tract disorders
• Been shown to be effective in treating prostatitis & BPH
• Treats infertility
• Improves Bladder elasticity

Contraindications: None known at this time. Again, be aware of harvesting & make sure it is from a sustainable source.

Nettle Root

(Urtica dioica)

Part used: Root

Actions: Astringent, Diuretic, Anti-inflammatory

• Helps improve the symptoms of BPH
• Works well in combo w/ Pygeum & Saw Palmetto
• Nutritive
• H2O extract is best. Studies have shown that alcohol extracts do not work well
• Take 2-4 cups a day

Hawthorn

(Crataegus spp.)

Parts used: Berries, leaf & flowers

Actions: Antiarrythmic, Antioxidant, Nutritious, Cardioprotective, Cardiotonic, Diuretic

• Deeply restorative & nourishing to the heart, improv. overall functioning & strength of the organ
• Adaptogen for the circulatory system
• True tonic & works best when used daily, over a long period (3+months)
• Maintains healthy arteries & veins
• Used for both functional & organic heart disorders
• Normalizes blood pressure, raising blood pressure & lowers HBP
• Breaks up fat & lowers cholesterol
• Incr. blood supply to the heart, improv. nutrition to the muscle cells
• Not Stimulating
• Works well for Heart & Circulatory issues
• Calming, reduces stress
• Helps with insomnia

Contraindications: Clients with heart medications need to have these monitored to insure proper dosage

Gingko 

(Gingko biloba)

Part used: leaf

Actions: Circulatory Stimulant, Antioxidant, Anti-inflammatory, Antithrombotic, Anti-atherosclerotic

• Tonic properties, but length of use is personal
• Improves tone and elasticity of blood vessels
• Incr. blood flow, particularly to the brain
• Decrease platelet aggregation
• Prevents altitude sickness
• Incr. blood flow to peripheral limbs, good for Raynauds syndrome, cold hands & feet, vericose veins
• Best as tincture

Contraindications: Do not use with hemophilia. Can cause heavy menstrual bleeding & anovulatory cycles

Linden/Lime

(Tilia spp.)

Parts used: flower & bracts, leaves

Actions: Nervine, Diuretic, Antidepressant, Antispasmodic, Diaphoretic

• Heart tonic that helps lower blood pressure & prevents arteriosclerosis
• Excellent anti-stress remedy so good for HBP induced by stress
• Eases heart palpitations caused by anxiety & stress
• Circulatory relaxant
• Best as infusion, but can also be used as a tincture

Cayenne

(Capsicum annuum)

Parts used: fruit, fresh/dried w/ seeds

Actions: Topical Vasodilator, Circulatory stimulent, Hypotensive, Antitherosclerotic, Antiseptic

• Applied externally it can bring more heat & blood to an area
• Incr. circulation throughout the body
• Inhibits platelet aggregation
• Lower Blood Pressure
• Reduces Cholesterol
• Use as whole plant, infused oil, vinegar, tincture

Contraindications: with duodenal ulcers, do not use on broken skin, use w/ caution during pregnancy, do not inhale vapors of the plant

Oats

(Avena sativa)

Parts Used: straw & seed in milky stage, grain

Preparation: Infusion, Tincture of milky seed, whole grain in food

Actions: Moistening, Nervine, Alterative, Sedative, Cerebral trophorestorative, Nutritive

• Excellent for long term stress
• Insomnia due to exhaustion
• Good for rheumatism & fibromyalgia
• Good for addictions

St. John's Wort

(Hypericum perforatum)

Parts used: flowring tops, buds & open flowers (best fresh)

Preparation: tincture or oil

Actions: Nerve trophorestorative, general Nervine, Sedative, Anti-inflammatory, Anti-viral, Anti-bacterial, Vulnerary, Hepatoprotective, Antioxidant

• Works best taken long term
• Helps with depression, fear & anxiety
• Excellent tonic for the Nervous System
• Good for nerve pain (internally/externally)
• Good for chronic pain (esp. sharp/shooting pain)

Chamomile

(Matricaria recutita)

Part used: flowers, best if prior to fully opening

Preparation: Infusion or tincture

Actions: calming, mild sedative, antispasmodic, anti inflammatory, analgesic, carminative

• specific for nervous irritability,
• those that are restless, irritable, argumentative
• good for those with inflammatory states that affect the nervous system
• those that hold stress in their stomach.
• Excellent for children and elderly that have difficulty sleeping
• Helps with anxiety of any type.

Contraindications: May cause an allergic reaction in rare cases. Those that are allergic to other plants in the Asteraceae family should use with caution at first.

Catnip

(Nepeta cataria)

Part used: Aerial parts

Preparation: Infusion or Tincture

Actions: mild sedative, carminative, antispasmodic, emmenogogue

• Excellent for infants and children.
• Specific for the those with colic and sleeplessness.
• In adults, its also good for restlessness, nervous irritability, nervous headaches, insomnia.
• Specific for PMS headaches, especially if accompanied by scanty flow, menstrual cramps, and gas and bloating.

Passionflower

(Passiflora incarnata)

Part used: flowering herb

Preparation: Infusion or tincture (1:1)

Actions: hypotensive, sedative, antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory, cerebral vasorelaxant, anti-anxiety, Relaxing nervine

• Particularly helpful for insomnia due to nervousness and anxiety.
• Helps ease heart palpitations
• Specific for someone that is anxious, with hypertension and muscle spasms caused by stress.
• It can also help with minor concussions and brain trauma (in conjunction with medical attention)

Contraindications: Do not use during pregnancy due

to the constituents harman and harmoline. It

can also potentize some prescription sleep

aids.

Skullcap

(Scutellaria lateriflora)

Part used: budding aerial parts

Preparation: Infusion or tincture

Actions: sedative, antispasmodic, antiinflammatory, hypotensive, anti-inflammatory

• indicated for nervous fear, restless sleep, and heart palpitations
• Excellent for any types of insomnia and restless sleep
• Eases anxiety and agitation
• Restorative for nervous exhaustion or nervous system weaknesses after prolonged illness.
• Also good for any type of irritation of the cerebrospinal nervous system.

Contraindications: Do not use during pregnancy