ACHILEA PERSEA 

Achillea persea is an Iranian species of the Achillea millefolium genus. Traditional use of Achillea persea against serious illnesses in ancient Persia attracted the attention of researchers interested in studying this plant's therapeutic effects on the immune system. To this day, Iranians still recommend Achillea persea in the fight against cancer.
Achillea persea contains essential oils, cineol, pro-azulene, achilleine, salicylic acid, tannins, potassium, riboflavin, selenium, and vitamin C. Herbalists praise Achillea persea for its anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, carminative, astringent, antispasmodic, stomachic, and bactericidal actions. Experimental work done on mice by Canadian researchers confirmed the plant's therapeutic importance in the treatment of some cancers. Like its other species, Achillea persea is endowed with a wide range of medicinal properties. It supports vein health, relieves heavy legs, hemorrhoids and the after-effects of phlebitis. Achillea persea is used in the treatment of dysmenorrhea and amenorrhea, and, because of its hemostatic action, it is also helpful against metrorrhagia.

TOP

DONG QUAI 

Dong quai is an aromatic herb that grows in China, Korea, and Japan. Dong quai is frequently used by the Chinese as a strengthening treatment for the heart, spleen, liver and kidneys. Dong quai contains vitamins E, A and B12. Researchers have isolated at least six coumarin derivatives that exert antispasmodic and vasodilatory effects. Ferulic acid and various polysaccharides are also found in Dong quai's root. These elements can prevent spasms, reduce blood clotting and relax peripheral blood vessels. Dong quai's constituents can act to stimulate the central nervous system, which can remedy weakness and headaches associated with menstrual disorders. Dong quai has a mild sedative effect which can relieve stress and calm the nerves.

TOP

GINGER

The benefits of ginger root have been well researched as modern science is discovering more and more therapeutic applications for this powerful herb. A perennial herb native to China and India, ginger root has been used for centuries in Asian cooking and medications. Ancient peoples consumed ginger root to cure everything, from menstrual cramps to seasickness to food poisoning to body odor. Perhaps the best herb for digestion, ginger root prevents indigestion and abdominal cramping. Ginger improves and stimulates the circulation, and relaxes the muscles surrounding the blood vessels, facilitating blood flow throughout the body. Ginger root extract can help lower the levels of LDL (bad) cholesterol in the body, reducing the risk of developing heart disease. Ginger also possesses anti-inflammatory properties that could help with arthritis.

TOP

GINSENG

There are several types of Ginseng. American Ginseng has been traditionally used by American Indians as a general tonic, as a natural restorative for the weak and wounded, and to help the mind. American Ginseng is more sedative and relaxing, and increases energy, in contrast to Korean Ginseng (Panax) which is more stimulating while also enhancing energy. The main active ingredients of Ginseng (American and Korean) are the more than 20 saponin triterpenoid glycosides called "ginsenosides". American Ginseng is also believed to increase stamina and learning ability. It has been used historically for stress, fatigue characterized by insomnia, poor appetite, nervousness and restlessness. Ginseng is, of course, the famous Asiatic tonic that has been shown in numerous studies to affect mental and physical behavior. Ginseng has been found to protect the body and nervous system from stress, stimulate and increase metabolic function, enhance physical and mental efficiency, lower blood pressure and glucose levels.

TOP

HORSETAIL

Common names are Peterwort, Dutch rushes, Shave-grass and Bottle-brush. Horsetail grows in fields, on hedge banks and railway embankments. The ones growing on pure clay soil have the greatest healing qualities. Depending on the place where it grows, it has 3 to 16% of silicic acid, which makes it so valuable. The Swiss Abbé Kuenzle says that all people from a certain age on should drink a cup of Horsetail tea every day all year round. All pain caused by rheumatism, gout and nerves would disappear, and every person would reach a healthy old age. Horsetail increases calcium absorption, strengthens the heart and lungs, and acts as a diuretic, useful for the treatment of arthritis, bone diseases such as osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease, edema, gallbladder disorders, inflammation, muscle cramps, allergies and itching rashes, prostate disorders, kidney and bladder trouble, bleeding, kidney stones, cancer, prostatitis, nose bleeding, menstrual and menopausal problems. Horsetail is the best natural source of silicon, iron, and sodium. It also contains a high quantity of calcium, chromium, crude fiber, fat, magnesium, potassium, selenium, and vitamin A. For itching rashes, even if they are festering or scabby, washings and compresses of a Horsetail decoction are helpful.