As the world wakes up to the freshness of nature and natural products, Herbs take on a leading role. Simple everyday foods and herbs have moved out of the kitchen to be an effective, inexpensive and safe part of health care. The time-tested science of Ayurveda uses the goodness of single herbs and different foods to keep your body at its healthiest best. Women Fitness presents a detailed Directory of herbs.

 

To view details of desired Herbs click on the requisite Alphabet.

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

A Alcohol: It has antiseptic, preserving and grease cutting properties. Used mainly in stimulating astringents and as a solvent for essential oils. Vodka is a common substitute for alcohol. Alder Buckthorn(Arrowwood): The purgative action of buckthorn is said to be similar to that of rhubarb. It works without irritating the system and can be used for all conditions causing or associated with constipation, including liver and gallbladder problems. It produces no constipative backlash after purgation as some other remedies do, neither does it become less effective with repeated use.  With medical approval, a mixture of equal parts buckthorn, senna leaves, milfoil, and witch-grass root may be used during this time. Buckthorn tea is also said to be good for lead colic, obesity, dropsy, and hemorrhoids. Alfalfa (Medicago sativa): Alfalfa has been used by the Chinese since the sixth century to treat kidney stones, and to relieve fluid retention and swelling. It is a perennial herb that grows throughout the world in a variety of climates. Alfalfa grows to about 3 feet and has blue- violet flowers that bloom from July to September. Because alfalfa is deep-rooted, it picks up the trace minerals in the soil. The leaves of this remarkable legume contain eight essential amino acids. Alfalfa is a good laxative and a natural diuretic. It is useful in the treatment of urinary tract infections, and kidney, bladder and prostrate disorders. Alkalizes and detoxifies the body, especially the liver. Promotes pituitary gland function and contains an anti-fungus agent. This versatile herb is also a folk remedy for arthritis, blood thinner, kidney cleanser, energy enhancement, diabetes, asthma, hay fever, and is reputed to be an excellent appetite stimulant and overall tonic. Excellent source of nutritive properties with minerals, chlorophyll and vitamins. It is a wonderful supplement for breastfeeding mothers to enrich their milk with nutrients. Alfalfa is high in chlorophyll and nutrients. Treating with alfalfa preparations is generally without side effects, however the seeds contain a slightly toxic amino acid L-canavanine. Allantoin: A chemical from the herb, comfrey. It is water soluble, anti-irritant with healing and soothing properties. It is used in many products to help heal chapped skin and lips. Almond (Badam): Ground almonds are used extensively in face masks and as washing grains. It is good for nourishing and cleansing. A handful of almonds could significantly lower your 'bad' cholesterol levels, say doctors in Canada. Almond Oil: This very rich oil is used in all types of home-made preparations for skin care. Alum: A fine white or yellow powder with astringent properties. It is used in lotions and for hardening the feet. Also used as a dry shampoo to remove sweat and dirt. Amalaki (amla), an anti-oxidant: The richest natural source of Vitamin C, Amalaki is useful intreating cough, cold, sore throat and respiratory tract infections. It protects cells from free-radical damage. Angelica: It is a large aromatic plant growing in gardens. Angelica has downy, triangular leaves, hollow stalk branches and white or pale-purple flowers. Angelica is a herb for digestion bringing swift relief from flatulence, colic and heart-burn. An infusion should be made from the leaves and chopped stem. It may be used as gargle for the treatment of sore tonsils and throat. The plant is also used to flavor many alcoholic drinks. Apple: A naturally acid fruit. It is good for the body & skin. Apple juice helps prevent against heart disease, as it helps stop fat turning into cholesterol Apple Cider Vinegar:It restores the acid mantle to the skin. It can be used, diluted, as a skin tonic. It is antibacterial and anti-fungal and gives the immune system a good boost. As a high potassium electrolyte balancer, it remineralise the body and helps normalize the blood’s alkaline acid balance. Apple Cider Vinegar is a good remedy for food poisoning and helpful in digestive upsets. It is also effective for urinary tract infections and it lowers high blood pressure. Apricot: Rich in Vitamin A. Use the pulp in face masks. Apricot oil is very rich in poly unsaturated oil, so it is used in nourishing creams. Apricot Seed: Apricot seed is one of the finest herbs for acute cough and bronchitis. It can be used for either hot or cold conditions when combined with the appropriate herbs and is especially good for dry coughs because of its moistening nature. The herb is believed to moisten the intestines; hence, it is useful in those cases when there is constipation associated with the aforementioned conditions. Arjuna, for blood circulation: A tonic for the heart, Arjuna is known to aid proper blood circulation irrespective of age. Ascorbic Acid: Known in the over-the-counter food supplement trade as vitamin C, ascorbic acid, a water-soluble organic compound, is the most studied and debated of all the vitamins. Commonly found in nature in peppers, citrus fruits, tomatoes, melons, broccoli, and green leafy vegetables, vitamin C assists the body in the production of collagen, but is widely believed to be a strong antioxidant, a fighter of cancer, and a key player in detoxifying the body of foreign substances. In its natural state, ascorbic acid appears as a white or yellow crystal or powder. The chemical name, ascorbic acid, actually refers to the levorotary isomer, L-ascorbic acid. Ashvagandha, anti-stress: An anti-stress agent that imparts a sense of well-being and helps in coping with life's daily stresses. Astragalus (Astragalus membranaceous): Used in traditional Chinese and East Indian medicine for its immune-enhancing and tonic properties. Research has indicated its usefulness as a supportive tool for a variety of chronic immune problems. Avocado: Rich and nourishing with high vitamin contents. Use the pulp in feeling face masks and oil in nourishing creams. B Baby Oil: A fine colorless, non-penetrating oil which rests on top of the skin. Ideal for cleansing creams but not nearly as good as vegetable oil for other creams, lotions and bath oils. Banana: Nourishing and used in masks. Barley: Barley grows wild in many damp places. Its leaves are broader than many other grasses. A field of ripe barley is a beautiful sight and seems to radiate a pale yellow light. Apart from its nutritional value (rich in iron and Vitamin B), barley has sound medicinal virtues. It cools the body, strengthens the nerves and remedies many disorders. It is an excellent tonic food during convalescence. Barley bread can also be bought at health food shops and bakeries in big cities. Barley Juice Powder : Blood builder; attacks free radicals; 30 times more vitamin B-1 and 11 times more calcium than milk; 7 times more vitamin C than orange juice; anti-again; anit- inflammatory for stomach & diudenal ulcers, & hemorrhoids; cleans and boosts immune system; neutralizes lead and mercury; reduces HDL cholesterol   Basil (Tulsi): An aromatic herb that tends to favour sunny banks. Its white flowers grow in whorls and leaves are oval-shaped and shiny. The scent of basil is conducive to meditation. Medicinally, basil is a potent tonic whose effect is both stimulant and nerving. It is particularly good at arresting morning and travel sickness. To take this herb, prepare a standard infusion from the leaves. Bee Pollen: Balanced vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates, enzymes, & amino acids; blood builder; excellent after illness; allergy help for bronchitis, sinusitis, and colds; balances endocrine system; good for menstrual and prostate problems; also good for colitis, constipation & diarrhea; counteracts the mental and physical effects of aging; start with small doses!!        Beer: Used to wash the face and as a hair setting lotion. It prevents skin rashes. Beeswax (Madhu-mom): An Easter wax with a high melting point. Ideal for face creams. An emulsifier when mixed with borax. It takes eight parts of honey to produce one part of beeswax. Benzoin (Lohban): A balsamic resin made from trees. It has antiseptic and preserving properties. Tincture of benzoin is the liquid used in creams and skin tonics. Benzoic Acid: A preservative. Bergamot: An aromatic herb, Bergamot oil is a volatile oil and used to perfume colognes and toilet waters. It helps tanning. Betony: This purple-flowered plant frequents wood-lands and dense hedges, where it always craves for the shade. It is a fine natural painkiller, especially good for headaches and neuralgia. It purifies the blood and is prescribed in cases of acne. Bicarbonate of Soda: An acid salt of carbonic acid used for cosmetics and to clean the teeth.   Bilberry Fruit: Great for eyes (fatigue, night blindness, near-sightedness, strain; restrains development of cataracts); improves circulation; beneficial during pregnancy; mild diuretic; good for spider veins   Blackberry: Berries are not only delicious but good for anemia as well. The leaves are mildly aperients and accredited with sound tonic virtues. A standard infusion is made, which can also be applied externally as a lotion to cure psoriasis and scaly conditions of the skin. The berries are extraordinary rich in Vitamin C. Black Cohosh: "Miracle herb for women;" calms nervous system; promotes menstruation; relieves cramps; soothes local pain; safe sedative; good for headaches; too much, too soon causes emotional upheaval; relieves or prevents spasms; contains natural estrogen; prevents hot flashes; contracts uterus; expels mucous; stimulates liver, kidney, spleen, and lymphatic system - keeps the system working; equalizes circulation; if too much is taken, can cause a headache at the base of the skull; DO NOT take during early pregnancy        Black Walnut: Husk used as aid for intestinal system for tapeworms and other parasites; burns excess toxins and fat while balancing sugar levels; remedy for bad blood diseases - syphilis, etc.; good cleansing herb   Blessed Thistle - strengthens heart and lungs; improves circulation to the brain by bringing oxygen to it - helps with memory; aids in ALL liver disorders; stimulates lactation in nursing mothers; digestive and general tonic; good for headaches, cramps, and menopausal problems; use to reduce & control fevers; great female hormone balancer; also good for cancer   Borage: Its brilliant blue flowers are the distinctive feature of the woodland and pasture plants. It grows to a height of almost two feet and both leaves and stem are covered with whitish bristles. Borage has a beneficial effect on the heart, kidneys, adrenal glands and the entire digestive system. It is famous as a curer of jaundice. In all cases a cupful of the infused herb should be drunk at night and morning. This herb increases the milk flow in nursing mothers. Borage juice obtained from the crushed plant and applied direct to the skin will cure ring worm. Borax (Suhaga): Colorless transparent crystals which have mild detergent and antiseptic properties. Used as an emulsifier in conjunction with beeswax. Brahmi, for alertness: A well-known herb that helps in improving alertness. It also acts as an anti-anxiety agent and has a calming effect. Bran (Chokar): Used in bath-softening recipes or as a substitute for oatmeal in masks. Brewers' Yeast: A rich source of Vitamin B and protein. Taken internally, it helps acne and dryness of skin and scalp. Powdered brewers' yeast is used in cleansing face masks. Burdock : Use during pregnancy; mineral rich hormone to prevent jaundice in unborn babies; blood purifier; reduces joint swelling; good for coughs, colds, sore throats, abscesses, and tonsillitis   Butcher's Broom : Anti-inflammatory; strengthens walls of blood vessels; great for someone going into surgery, as it is used for post-op problems such as thrombosis, etc.; aids circulation to brain, arms and legs; good for the bed-ridden or the elderly; diuretic; lowers bad cholesterol; great for pregnant women and people who stand for long periods of time, as it eliminates swelling   Butcher's Broom : Anti-inflammatory; strengthens walls of blood vessels; great for someone going into surgery, as it is used for post-op problems such as thrombosis, etc.; aids circulation to brain, arms and legs; good for the bed-ridden or the elderly; diuretic; lowers bad cholesterol; great for pregnant women and people who stand for long  periods of time, as it eliminates swelling. Buttermilk: Used as a cleanser for bleaching slight discoloration. It is good for oily skin.   C Cabbage: Rich in vitamin and minerals. Wash your face with the water it has been cooked in. Calamine Lotion: An alkaline lotion used to soothe irritated skin. Contains lime water, glycerin, zinc oxide and calamine. Calendula: Its flowers and leaves are very beneficial for clearing the skin of eczema, spots and grease. It is claimed to be rejuvenating. Camphor: A white crystalline substance used as an antiseptic. It is healing and soothing when used on spots. Use either camphor cake or camphor spirit, but be sure to ask for camphor BP. Camphor Oil: Stimulating and rubefacient. When applied, it warms and relieves aching muscles. Used in massage creams. Carrots (Gajar): Rich in Vitamin A. Use the pulp in a cleansing mask. Carrot oil is used in nourishing eye creams and the juice in face masks. Betacarotene which is found in carrots is a valuable antioxidant, which again takes the strain off the immune system. Five or more servings a week will help prevent strokes by 69% Cardamom: Cardamom seeds are useful for flatulence, but they are usually used as adjuvants with other remedies. They are also used as a spice in cooking and as a flavoring in other medicines. The seeds and pods contain a volatile oil which is used in perfumes and as a stimulant. The aphrodisiac properties of cardamom are extolled in Arabian Nights- the people in Middle East still believe that cardamom possesses such properties. Cardamom is a stimulant, it cools the body in extreme heat and it aids digestion. Remedy for Celiac Disease: Chinese use powdered cardamom sprinkled on cooked cereal to correct celiac disease (intolerance for the gluten commonly occurring in children, marked by frequent diarrhea and continual digestive problems.) Capsicum: It contains a resinous and pungent substance known as capsaicin. This chemical relieves pain and itching by acting on sensory nerves. Capsaicin temporarily stimulates release of various neurotransmitters from these nerves, leading to their depletion. Without the neurotransmitters, pain signals can no longer be sent. The effect is temporary. Capsaicin and other constituents in cayenne have been shown to have several other actions, including reducing platelet stickiness and acting as antioxidants. Castor oil: A rich oil used in hair products. Cascara Sagrada:  "the real mover;" improves secretions of stomach, liver and pancreas; rids body of gallstones; good for hemorrhoids; DO NOT take excessively during pregnancy; take before or during a meal   Catnip: Relieves pain and spasms; calms nerves; used by Indians as a sedative and for colic; good for colds and flu in children as it produces sweat during sleep without raising fever; reduces fatigue from muscle exhaustion; pain killer for infants and toddlers. Settles the stomach; reduces fever. Useful in treating headaches related to digestive problems. A tincture makes a good friction rub for rheumatic and arthritic joints, and, as an ointment, teats hemorrhoids.   Cayenne Pepper (capsicum): In powder, extract or tincture form. In ointment, this is a powerful pain reliever for sprains, muscle aches, and arthritis. An effective preventative of cold and flu-(add a few grains to herbal tea), stops bleeding (though it will sting a little), eases sore throats (add a few drops to water and gargle).   Celandine: It is found in hedgerows and wastes. Celandine has hairy leaves shaped like oak leaves, yellowish in colour with small yellow flowers. As a wart cure the raw yellow juice should be applied direct to the skin. Some herbals prescribe an eye lotion made from one part of this infused herb and two parts of water or milk. Chamomile: It is found in many waste places. Camomile is a very familiar weed having daisy-like flowers and feathery grey-green leaves. The whole plant has a distinctive smell similar to over-ripe apples. An infusion of leaves and flowers of this plant, fresh or dried, has a wide variety of cosmetic and medicinal uses. Camomile dissolves tumours, heals, ulcers, expels worms, banishes, tiredness, treats many female disorders. As a cosmetic, the herb can be used as a face-wash to clarify complexion, as a rinse to lighten fair hair. Camomile tea is a tonic, digestive and tranquillizing. It is sweetened with honey. Chaste Tree: Regulates hormones, progesterogenic, increase breast milk in nursing mothers. One of the most important herbs for regulating female hormones, chaste tree helps to balance progesterone and estrogen production, as well as inhibiting male androgens. Used to treat menstrual irregularities from premenstrual syndrome to absent or irregular periods. Tends to lengthen a short period and shorten a long one. Valuable in treating problems linked to the menstrual cycle, such as migraine and acne. Can help some women trying to conceive if infertility is due to low progesterone levels.   Charcoal : Filters the system; good for gas or anything upsetting in the stomach   Chickweed: Chickweed contains relatively high amounts of vitamins and flavonoids, which may explain some of its effect. Although some older information suggests a possible benefit for chickweed in rheumatic conditions, this has not been validated in clinical practice. Cinnamon: Flu preventative, anti-nausea, relieves cramps and flatulence. Chitra: This Ayurvedic herb is found throughout India.small doses stimulate the central nervous system, externally used as paste it opens abscesses and used for skin diseases and ulcers; indigestion, hemorrhoids, anasarca, diarrhea, gas, rheumatism, and all joint pains, promotes sweating. Tincture of root bark- intermittent fevers. Chives: Stimulates digestion and promote appetite, sprinkle chives on food. Take as a mild laxative. Cleavers: Dense, tangled masses of cleavers can be seen clinging to surrounding vegetation in most of our hedgerows. The plant has tiny white flowers, but more familiar are the small round fruits which bristle with stiff hair. Using the plant as a vegetable has a slimming effect on the body. Cleavers seed is one of the best coffee substitutes, it merely needs to be dried and lightly roasted and has much the same flavor as coffee. Cleavers has a long history of use as an alternative medicine and is still used widely by modern herbalists. Cleavers are an excellent remedy for many diseases of the urinary system. An infusion of this herb, used as a lotion, makes a first-rate tonic for the scalp and the skin. It clears dandruff, cures, leprosy and skin cancer.  Cloves(Laung): An aromatic spice used in skin tonics and stimulating face mask. Cocoa Butter: Solidified waxy oil from the roasted cocoa bean, used as a lubricant in massage creams. It is good for dry skin. Comfrey: A plant that likes moisture, comfrey flourishes in ditches and other damp places. Its bell-shaped flowers are pinkish blue and hang in clusters. Comfrey is known to the crusaders as a wound herb and for repairing broken bones and battered bodies. For eye injuries prepare a cold compress. Cornflower: The plant has been used for centuries to ward off a plethora of ailments, mostly related to the eyes and eyesight.It is also fairly well-known by herbalists as a remedy for conjunctivitis, eye swelling, puffiness, and pain related to the eye area.  To use for cuts and scrapes, simply rub the cut end of a Cornflower stem on the affected area.For use as an eyewash, prepare as you would a tea, then soak a washcloth and use as an eye compress. For facial skin eruptions, acne,or otherirritations, the leaves and flowers can be used as a steam facial - boil the leaves and flowers, then cover the head with a towel and sit over the steaming container.After 15 minutes or so, rinse the face with cool water, and feel the difference! Corn oil (Gram Seed Oil): A heavy vegetable oil which can be used in body and face creams. Corn Milk: Used on dry skin. Very rich in Vitamin A and magnesium. Cucumber (Khira): It is slightly astringent cool, and refreshing and is used in lotions, creams and masks.