A General Guide to HerbsHerbal Information and Receipies

A General Guide To Herbs

This guide is not intended for prescriptive purposes. Use of this information is at the sole discretion of the individual. We accept no responsibility for its use or abuse. As time permits, I will connect links up to this page so that you will be able to click on the name of the herb or plant and get more in-depth information as well as photos of this plant. This may take some time since this is a lot of information to put together. If you have any photos or information you would like to share, it would be appreciated. I will give you credit for sending it in, but I ask that you list your source if the information is out of a book so that I may give them credit as well.
Thank you, froggy

Herbs A-B Herbs C-E Herbs F-H Herbs I-L Herbs M-Q Herbs R-T Herbs U-Z

UVA URSI

VALERIAN (Valeriana Officinalis) Also known as Garden Heliotrope, St. George's Herb. Parts Used: Root
Their musky root is used in stews and perfumes and un-skinned root is a tranquilizer. The herb treats headaches, muscle cramps and irritable bowel syndrome and is used topically for wounds, ulcers, and eczema. Laboratory tests show anti tumor activity. Composted leaves are rich in minerals. Do not take large doses or continuously. Although the root of the herb has a strong pungent scent, some cats love it more than catnip. Used as a herbal sedative and mild tranquilizer. Helpful in calming nervous tension and treating insomnia.

VERVAIN (Verbena officinalis) Parts Used: Above Ground Plant
A tea of the herb helps increase breast mild and is helpful in lowering fever. It will benefit eczema and other skin eruptions, as it is a kidney and liver cleanser. Jaundice, whooping cough, edema, mastitis, and headaches fall under its sphere. Externally, vervain is used in poultices for ear infections, rheumatism and wounds. Vervain is an emmenagogue (brings down the menses) and soothes the nerves. It is a powerful lymphatic detoxifier and has a cleansing effect on the female organs.

VIOLET (Viola odorata) Also called Heartsease, Little Faces, and Viola. Parts Used: Whole Plant
The root treats bronchitis. The flower syrup is antiseptic and a mild laxative. A Leaf Syrup treats coughs, headaches, and insomnia. The leaves can be eaten as a type of wild spinach and the flowers are used in salads and desserts. High in iron. The tea can be applied externally. The flowers are laxative; the roots and stems are emetic and purgative. The fresh leaves are used in salves and poultices for wounds.

VITEX

White Willow (Salix Alba) Parts Used: Bark Collected in Spring
Pain reliever, fever reducer. Used as a antacid in stomach troubles (heartburn, gas, indigestion). Has a major constituent known as salicin, which is closely related to aspirin and produces similar effects as a pain reliever.

WILD CHERRY

WITCH HAZEL (Hammamelis virginiana) Also called Spotted Alder and Winter Bloom Parts Used: Leaf, Young Twigs
A distillation from the leaves and flower bearing twigs, is included in skin products for its disinfectant and astringent properties. It is used on chapped and sunburned skin, bruises, swellings, and rashes; to stop bleeding; and to reduce varicose veins and hemorrhoids. The seeds are edible and the leaves can be brewed for a warming tea. Commercially distilled witch hazel contains 14 percent alcohol. It must not be confused with tincture of Witch Hazel, which may be much more astringent and could disfigure skin.

WORMWOOD

YLANG-YLANG (Cananga odorata) Ylang-Ylang means, "flower of flowers".
The essential oil is used in perfumes, soaps and skin lotions. Uses: Hair Growth; Hair Rinse; Insect Bites; Irritated and Oily Skin. High Blood Pressure, Palpitations, Depression, Insomnia, Nervous Tension and Stress Related Disorders. Warning: Use in moderation, since the oil's scent can cause headaches or nausea and is narcotic when used in large quantities

YOHIMBE

YUCCA Parts Used: Extract from Plant and Root
The extract has been used successfully for relief of arthritis and rheumatism symptoms. The root dried and shreaded and can be used for shampoo.

YARROW
(Achillea millefolium)
Parts Used: Above Ground Plant
The flowering tops are a digestive and cleaning tonic and a diuretic and are used to reduce high blood pressure. Fresh leaves arrest bleeding and are applied as a poultice to wounds or are placed on shaving cuts. The oil treats colds, flu especially the intestinal variety, and inflamed joints. The tea benefits the kidneys. Yarrow is used in salves for hemorrhoids and in poultices to stop bleeding and help heal wounds. Cramps and rheumatism are treated with the tea, as are intestinal gas, diarrhea, anorexia, and hyperacidity.

Note: This guide is not intended to be used for diagnostic or prescriptive purposes. For any treatment or diagnosis of illness, please check with your health care provider. Use of this information is at the sole discretion of the individual. We accept no responsibility for its use or misuse. This site is for information only.