Barberry

(Berberis vulgaris) Part used: Root bark. Properties: Antiseptic, hepatic, stomachic, alternative, aromatic, and tonic. What it affects: Liver, spleen, digestive tract and blood.

Preparation and amount: Infusion: 1/2 oz. to 1 pint water. Steep 10 min. Take 1-4 cups daily before meals. Decoction (root bark): Simmer 10 min. Take 1 Tbsp. as needed. Tincture: Take 1/2 - 1 tsp. as needed. Fluid extract: Take 1/2 - 1 tsp. as needed. Powder: Take 2-5 #0 capsules (15-30 grains) 3 times daily.

Purposes: Internally, The bark of barberry root contains an alkaloids which promotes the secretion of bile. This makes it outstanding for various liver complaints. Barberry is primarily used for all sluggish liver conditions; and, because of its bitterness, it is best taken in small quantities. An infusion is very helpful for swollen spleen and chronic stomach problems when taken in tablespoon amounts several times a day, especially before meals. Barberry dilates the blood vessels, thereby lowering blood pressure . It decreases the heart rate, reduces bronchial constriction, and slows breathing. It destroys bacteria on the skin and stimulates intestinal movements. A teaspoon of the root will purge the bowels. Combined with cayenne, goldenseal and lobelia, it is a specific for jaundice and hepatitis.

Externally, a decoction of either berries or the bark makes a good mouthwash or gargle for mouth and throat irritations. The fresh juice of the fruit will strengthen the gums and relieve pyorrhea, when brushed on or applied directly to the gums.

Warnings: It should not be taken during pregnancy.

Astragalus (astragalo in tagalog)

(Huang Chi) – Part used: Root. Properties: Stimulant, Diuretic and tonic. What it affects: Spleen, kidneys, lungs and blood.

Preparation and amount: Take 4 to 18 grams, several times a day.

Purposes: Internally, astragalus helps neutralize fevers and improves digestion. It is one of the most valuable tonics, especially used for those under 35 years of age. It is specific for all wasting and exhausting diseases  because it strengthens the body’s resistance. It aids adrenal gland function and digestion. It increases metabolism, produce spontaneous sweating, promotes healing, and provides energy to combat fatigue and prolonged stress. It helps protect the immune system and increases stamina. It is good for colds, flu, and immune-deficiency-related problems, including AIDS, cancer and tumors. Those with chronic lung weakness are helped by it.

Warning: Do not use it if a fever is present.

Angelica (anghelika in tagalog)

(Angelica archangelica) Part used: Root and leaf. Properties: Carminative, diaphoretic, emmenagogue, stimulant, alternative, expectorant, tonic. What it affects: Circulation, heart, stomach, intestines and lungs.

Preparation and amount: Infusion (leaf): Steep herb 15 min. Drink 1-2 oz. 3 times daily. Decoction (root): Simmer 10-15 min. Drink 1-2 oz. 3 times daily. Tincture: Take 5-15 drops 3 times daily. Fluid extract: Take 1/2 – 1 tsp. 3 times daily. Powder: Take 3-5 #10 (15-30 grains) 3 times daily.

Purposes: Internally, angelica tea improves circulation and warm the body. It is one of the best herbs to use for coldness in the winter. Its regular use will create a distaste for alcoholic drinks.

•  Angelica tea stimulates appetite, relieves flatulence, heartburn, and muscle spasms (including spasms of the stomach and bowels), and stimulates kidney action. It is useful for all sorts of stomach and intestinal difficulties, including ulcers, vomiting and stomach cramps. It can also be used for intermittent fever, nervous headache, colic and general weakness. It is a good herb to add to treatments for lung diseases, coughs, colds, fever, pleurisy and all lung diseases. 

Externally, angelica tea is useful in the treatment of rheumatism, with a pint of boiled water poured over an oz. of the bruised root. The usual dose is 1/2 Tbsp. 3 times daily.

Note: Gather the rootstock and roots in the second year.

Warning: Used in large doses, angelica has a negative effect on blood pleasure, heart action, and respiration. It is a strong emmenagogue and should not be taken by pregnant women. Diabetics should avoid using angelica, as it tends to increase the sugar in the blood. Be cautious when harvesting the plant in the wild, because it can be confused with Europe water hemlock, which is a deadly poison. There is a second herb, called “angelica” (Angelica sylvestris); but it is a different herb, with different properties, and used far less by herbalists.

Aloe Vera (sabila in tagalog)

(Aloe vera, var. officinalis) Part used: Gel from the leaves. Properties: Demulcent, emollient, laxative, vulnerary, emmenagogue. What it effects: Skin, colon and stomach.

Preparation and amount: Gel: Take 2 oz. each time, up to 1 print daily. Tincture: Take 10-40 drops 3 times daily. Fluid extract: Take 1/2  - 1 tsp. 3 times daily.

Purposes: The gel from the leaves of this desert plant is invaluable. It is best used freshly picked from a plant. Keep several plants growing; you cannot have enough! Because of its nauseating taste, when used as a purgative it is generally taken in powder or pill form. It also tends to gripe and cause a constipative reaction, so that it should be combined with a carminative herb (such as peppermint) for the best results.

Externally, the fresh leaves of the aloe can be split, to expose the gelatinous juice and then rubbed onto the skin. The gel inside the leaves has the capacity to heal even the most severe burns (including sunburns) and irritated skin rashes. It can be used for insect bites and stings, poison oak and ivy, “detergent hands,” acne and itchy skin. It is used for abscesses, infection in wounds, skin irritations, and ulcers. It is said to help heal wounds by preventing or drawing out infection. As a first-aid remedy for burns and surface irritations, break off a leaf and squeeze the gel onto the affected area. When applied to the skin for severe burns and skin rashes, it can be left on for two days without changing the application. A tea made from the dried juice makes a good wash for wounds and for the eyes.

Internally, the aloe is good for chronic constipation, gastritis, hyperacidity and stomach ulcers. It is a laxative and regulator for the bowels. Because, when used alone, it might cause griping (bowel cramping), it is best combined with ginger root. Combine 4 parts aloe powder and 1 part ginger root powder and fill “00” gelatin capsules. Take 2 capsules, 3 times a day. Taken internally, it increases blood-vessel generation in the lower extremities of those with poor circulation. In the 1950s, it was discovered to be invaluable in reducing radioactivity. It is also helpful for eliminating AIDS.

• Another way to treat gastro-intestinal ulcers is to take the bitter aloe gel in small quantities at regular intervals (totaling a pint a day for ulcers), along with a tea of ginger and licorice root, to help prevent any adverse reactions to the bitter taste.

• Aloe plants are readily obtained and grow well in the home. You only need to water them once a week. Place them in a south window. There are several other aloe plants, but aloe vera is the best for medicinal purposes.

Warnings: Do not use it during pregnancy, nor in large doses when there are hemorrhoids. Some people are allergic to aloe. First apply a small amount behind the ear or under the arm. If stinging or rash occurs, do not use it.

Alfalfa (alpalpa in tagalog)

(Medicago sativa) Part used: Tops. Properties: Alternative, nutritive, antipyretic. What it affects: Stomach and blood.

Preparation and amount: Infusion: Steep 5-15 min. Take 6 oz. 3 times daily. Tincture: Take 5-15 drops 3 times daily. Fluid extract: Take ½ to 1 tsp. 3 times daily. Powder: Take 5-10 #0 capsules (30-60 grains) 3 times daily.

Purposes: Internally, alfalfa must be used in fresh, raw form in order to provide essential nutrients – which alfalfa is full of. Every vitamins and major mineral is in alfalfa, with the exception of vitamin D. Alfalfa aids in the assimilation of protein, fats, and carbohydrates and is an excellent blood purifier. It can be added to soups and salads. Eight alfalfa tablets, taken at mealtime (preferable chewed before swallowing) provide a fiber bulk which greatly aids in maintaining bowel regularity.

• Alfalfa sprouts area great favorite with many people: but rinse them thoroughly before serving, to remove mold and bacteria. Because it has similar properties, alfalfa has been substituted for red clover blossoms. It is good for lowering fevers. Alfalfa detoxifies the body and alkalinizes it. It lowers cholesterol, balances blood sugar and hormones, and promotes pituitary function. It acts as a diuretic, attacks fungi, reduces inflammations and helps reduce various types of bleeding.

• Alfalfa is good for ulcers, disorders of the skin, digestive system, bones, and joints. It lowers cholesterol and balances hormones and blood sugar. It is good for arthritis and other disorders of the bones and joints. Take every day, it improves the appetite, relieves urinary and bowel problems, eliminates retained water, and even helps cure peptic ulcers.

• It was named al-falfa, “father of plants,” by the arabs. They were among the first to recognize its marvelous properties. Alfalfa is commonly added to other herbs for its nutritive qualities. It may be added as 10%-20% of the formula.