Herbal Info*

  Peppermint Leaf helps to break down fats, reduce bad cholesterol, and inhibit the growth of obstacles in the kidney and gallbladder. Some research suggests peppermint and other mint oils (such as menthol) may actually work to dissolve foreign particles within body tissue. Similarly, Peppermint Leaf can help relax bile ducts for improved flow of this important digestive fluid. Organic Peppermint Leaf contains bio-flavonoids and exhibits antioxidant activity within the bloodstream. The herb can also stimulate a sluggish liver or gallbladder into performing its functions in a more effective manner. For example, by lowering harmful cholesterol in the body, the liver does not have to work as hard to filter out toxins. As such, your liver is less likely to be overworked and debilitated. Peppermint Leaf helps improve circulation within the body and is effective at discouraging the growth of many unwanted fungi and bacteria. Therefore, your kidneys do not need to work as hard to help the immune system fight off infections. It works great at promoting optimal digestive function, works with your body to eliminate obstacles to bile flow, and also lets you obtain more nutrients from the foods you eat!

  Dandelion is a natural diuretic that increases urine production by promoting the excretion of salts and water from the kidney. Dandelion may be used for a wide range of conditions requiring mild diuretic treatment, such as poor digestion, liver disorders, and high blood pressure. Dandelion is a source of potassium, a nutrient often lost through the use of other natural and synthetic diuretics. Fresh or dried dandelion herb is also used as a mild appetite stimulant and to improve upset stomach (such as feelings of fullness, flatulence, and constipation). The root of the dandelion plant is believed to have mild laxative effects and is often used to improve digestion. Research suggests that dandelion root may improve the health and function of natural bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract. Studies have also reported that dandelion root may help improve liver and gallbladder function. Some preliminary studies also suggest that dandelion may help normalize blood sugar levels and improve lipid profiles (lowering total cholesterol and triglycerides while increasing HDL, "good," cholesterol)

    Lavender flowers may help restless people fall asleep. Scientific evidence suggests that aromatherapy with lavender may slow the activity of the nervous system, improve sleep quality, promote relaxation, and lift mood in people suffering from sleep disorders. Studies also suggest that massage with essential oils, particularly lavender, may result in improved sleep quality, more stable mood, better concentration, and reduced anxiety. In one recent study, people who received massage with lavender felt less anxious and more positive than those who received massage alone. Several small studies suggest that lavender aromatherapy may help reduce agitation in patients with dementia. Lavender flowers have also been approved in Germany as a tea for insomnia, restlessness, and nervous stomach irritations.

 
  Chamomile is one of the most widely used flowers for herbal tea. It is used as a mild sedative, and is good for insomnia as well as many other nervous conditions. It is nervine and sedative especially suited to teething children and those who have been in a highly emotional state over a long period of time. Except for the small risk of allergy, Chamomile is also one of the safest herbs to use. Chamomile flowers are used in alternative medicine as an anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, nervine, stomachic, tonic, vasodilatory. The anti-inflammatory properties make it good for rheumatism, arthritis, and other painful swellings. Additional uses in herbal medicine include an antispasmodic for intestinal and menstrual cramps, relieving gas pains, and a very mild but efficient laxative. Milder tea in large doses is given throughout the day for fevers, sore throats, the aches and pains due to colds, flu, and allergies. It has an apple-like flavor and can be used with other teas or alone for its calming effects.

 
    Skullcap is a powerful medicinal herb, it is used in alternative medicine as an anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, slightly astringent, emmenagogue (menstruation), febrifuge (fevers), nervine, sedative and as a strong tonic. Skullcap is used in the treatment of a wide range of nervous conditions including epilepsy, insomnia, hysteria, anxiety, delerium tremens, withdrawal from barbiturates and tranquilizers. A medicinal infusion of the plant is used to promote menstruation; it should not be given to pregnant women since it can induce a miscarriage. The infusion is also used in the treatment of throat infections. The infusion is given for nervous headaches, neuralgia and in headache arising from incessant coughing, pain, and inducing sleep when necessary, without any unpleasant symptoms following. Skullcap is currently being used as an alternative medicine to treat ADD and a number of nerve disorders.

 
 
  Licorice root is a moist, soothing herb that is anti-inflammatory and expectorant, controls coughing and has hormonal and laxative effects. It is further used to prevent liver toxicity and to treat tuberculosis and adreno-corticoid insufficiency. Licorice is used internally for asthma, bronchitis, coughs, peptic ulcer, arthritis, allergic complaints and after steroid therapy. It is said to accelerate the healing of peptic ulcers and is used in cases of adreno-corticoid insufficiency. It is also used in Chinese medicine to revitalize the heart and treat palpitations, boosting the spleen, for coughing and wheezing, as well as detoxifying the body and digestive system. It contains flavonoids, isoflavonoids, chalcones and triterpene saponins, with the main being glycyrrhetinic acid , isoflavonoids, chalcones and triterpene saponins, with the main being glycyrrhetinic acid with 24-hydroxyglycyrrhetinic acid - the latter being 100 times sweeter than sugar.