Horse Chestnut

Horse Chestnut – aesculus hippocastanum – This herb helps varicose veins and hemorrhoids – it is anti-inflammatory and astringent, toning distended vein walls. Horse chestnut is a vasodilator, increasing the circulation of blood and possibly aiding in the prevetion of heart problems. It’s anti-inflammatory properties also relieve arthritis and rheumatism. Finally, horse chestnut has expectorant properties, loosening phlegm and relieving respiratory problems.

Aromatherapy & Health Uses: This herb helps varicose veins and hemorrhoids – it is anti-inflammatory and astringent, toning distended vein walls. Also reduces fluid retention, is a vasodilator, and expectorant.

Horsetail

Horsetail – equisetum arvense, equisetaceae – Over the centuries the herb gained a reputation as a wound healer. As time passed, it shed this reputation and gained one as a diuretic to treat water retention and as a urinary remedy. Contemporary herbalists recommend it externally for wounds and internally for urinary and prostrate problems. Horsetail is considered nutritive and high in calcium and a good source of iron. For an infusion, use 1 to 2 teaspoons of dried herb per cup of water. Steep 10 minutes. Drink up to 2 cups a day. Horsetail has little taste. Horsetail should not be given in medicinal quantities to children under age 2. For persons over 65 start with low-strength preparations and increase strength if necessary.

Aromatherapy & Health Uses: A coagulent, diuretic and astringent. Rich in silicon therefore helps in healing of bones, improving hair, skin, nails, bones and teeth.

Hydrangea, Wild

Wild Hydrangea – hydrangea arborescens – This herb is a well used diuretic, used to aid the passing of kidney stones and dissolving of residual stones. Overall, this herb is a genital/urinal tract herb used to treat cystitis, nephritis, enlarged prostate, kidney stones and irritation of the bladder.

Aromatherapy & Health Uses: Used in treatment of kidney stones and redidue, aiding passing of stones and dissolving residual. A genital/urinal herb, aiding both systems.

Indian Heliotrope

Indian Heliotrope – heliotropium indicum –

Indian Hemp

Forms Available: root

Indian Hemp – apocynum cannibinum – A herb that has been used by Native Americans to relieve many conditions from coughs and rheumatism to promoting lactation. This herb is a stimulant to heart, respiration and urinary systems.

Aromatherapy & Health Uses: The root is expectorant, emetic, diuretic and a cardiotonic.

Indian Pinks

Indian Pinks – spigelia marilandica – this herb has the alternate names of worm grass and wormweed. It’s primary use is in the treatment of intestinal worms such as tapeworm and roundworm. The herb is not used alone as it is potentially toxic, it is combined with other herbs to ensure that it too is expelled.

Aromatherapy & Health Uses: used in preparations to eliminate tapeworm and roundworm.

Indian Turnip

Indian Turnip – arisaema triphyllum – Has been used to treat flatulence, and respiratory diseases. A poultice has been used for headaches, rheumatism, ringworm, boils and abcesses.

Aromatherapy & Health Uses: A toxic plant,, use under supervision of qualified person. Antiseptic, diaphoretic, expectorant.

Ipecac, American

Forms Available: root, rhizome

American Ipecac – gillenia stipulata – The root of the ipecac is emetic, cathartic, diaphoretic, odontalgic and expectorant. Ipecac is a well used emetic, small doses induce vomitting. Ipecac is also put, in minute doses, in medications for the treatment of colds, constipation, asthma, chronic diarrhoea, and bronchial complaints. A poultice of tea made from the whole plant is used externally to treat bee stings, swellings, and rheumatism. Ipecac has also been used to treat toothaches.

Aromatherapy & Health Uses: The root of the ipecac is emetic, cathartic, diaphoretic, odontalgic and expectorant.

Iris

Forms Available: absolute, root

Iris – iris sp. – The dried root and essential oil are sedative. The dries root has helped babies teething.

Aromatherapy & Health Uses: The absolute and root are both sedative. The dried root has been used to alleviate teething pain.