Yam, Wild

Yam, Wild – dioscorea – Wild Yam has been used for centuries as a medicinal herb by the Aztec and Mayan peoples for a wide range of ailments including many female problems and to relieve the pain of childbirth. Research indicates that this is a powerful alternative medicine containing many steroidal saponins, mainly Dioscin, which is widely used to manufacture progesterone and other steroid drugs used as contraceptives and in the treatment of various disorders of the genital organs as well as in other diseases such as asthma and arthritis. A decoction of the root is used to alleviate many of the symptoms of menopause and PMS such as hot flashes, night sweats, mood changes, and vaginal dryness. It is also used to treat irritable bowel syndrome, gastritis, gall bladder complaints, spasmodic cramps, painful menstruation, and in small doses is especially helpful in treating the nausea of pregnant women.

Aromatherapy & Health Uses: Amongst other things it is used to treat irritable bowel syndrome, gastritis, gall bladder complaints, spasmodic cramps, painful menstruation, and in small doses is especially helpful in treating the nausea of pregnant women.

Yarrow

Yarrow – achillea millefolium – Also known as Seven Year’s Love, Milfoil, and Woundwort. 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. One of the true treasures of the earth, Yarrow essential oil is naturally blue and possesses an incredible scent. The oil treats colds , flu, and inflamed joints.
This is a classic herb for flu, especially the intestinal variety. Try a mixture of elderflower, peppermint, and yarrow to bring down a fever and induce perspiration. 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.

Aromatherapy & Health Uses: Acne; Burns; Cuts; Eczema; Hair Rinse; Inflammation; Rashes; Scars; Wounds; Arteriosclerosis, High Blood Pressure; Rheumatoid Arthritis. Key Qualities: Balancing; Restorative; Tonic; Strengthening; Opening; Grounding; Revitalizing; Mildly Stimulating.

Other Uses: Use in spells for: Divination; Love; Happy Marriage; Wards Negativity; Defense; Protection; Gather at Litha; Psychic Awareness; Banishing; Releasing; Clairvoyance.

Yellow Poplar

Yellow Poplar – liriodendron tulipifera – The bark is diuretic, stimulant and tonic. Internally, a tea from the bark treats dysentery, indigestion, arthritis, rheumatism, fevers, and coughs. Externally, the tea has been used in a wash, to treat wounds, sores and boils. This bark has also been used to aid the expulsion of worms from the body.

Aromatherapy & Health Uses: The bark is diuretic, stimulant and tonic. Internally, a tea from the bark treats dysentery, indigestion, arthritis, rheumatism, fevers, and coughs. Externally, the tea treats wounds, sores and boils.

Yellow Sweet Clover

Yellow Sweet Clover – melilotus officinalis – has anticoagulent properties so the use of this plant lowers the risk of phlebitis and thrombosis. Also used to treat stress, neuralgia, insomnia and flatulence. Externally, as a poultice or wash, used to relieve bruising, inflammations, rheumatic pain.

Aromatherapy & Health Uses: Has anticoagulent properties so the use of this plant lowers the risk of phlebitis and thrombosis. Also used to treat stress, neuralgia, insomnia and flatulence. Externally, as a poultice or wash, used to relieve bruising, inflammations, rheumatic pain.

Yucca

Forms Available: powder, root

Yucca – yucca schidigera – Traditional use internally for arthritis and rheumatism. Yucca Root may purify the blood and act as an anti-inflammatory that can be beneficial for arthritis, osteoporosis and other inflammatory conditions. It contains steroid saponins, calcium, potassium, iron, manganese, copper, phosphorus, vitamins A, C, and B-complex. Yucca Root has been found to reduce pain and increase mobility by production of natural steroids in the body. Yucca Root also aids digestion and is a liver, blood, and digestive system detoxifier. It is helpful for allergies, asthma, skin problems, body odor, and stress. Yucca Root has also been used in soap-making, and it’s emollient, cleansing properties make it an ideal ingredient in shampoo and other hair care products. Saponins in roots of yucca species possess long-lasting soaping action. Yucca Root is gaining increasing attention among dog owners for its success in treating arthritis, hip dysplasia, and other degenerative bone and joint diseases – although not for cancer of the bone.

Acacia

Acacia – acacia senegal – Also known as gum arabic, gum senegal and gum acacia; produced by a tree that grows in North Africa. The species of acacia that produces gum arabic and gum acacia are so closely related that one can be used for the other.

Aromatherapy & Health Uses: An anti-inflammatory, anti-spasmodic, emollient. Can be used in ointments for burn treatment.

Other Uses: Herb and Oil – Burn for altar offerings or purification; aids psychic powers, meditation, platonic love, psychic awareness; purification; inspiration; wisdom; visions; anointing; protection; prophetic dreams; spirituality; money.

Agrimony

Agrimony – agrimonia eupatoria – The dried herb has an apricot scent and is used in sachets and potpourri. Also called “Church Steeples”.

Aromatherapy & Health Uses: Anti-inflammatory, analgesic, astringent, coagulant, vermifuge, diuretic. Useful in treating gastric disorders.

Other Uses: Herb and Oil – Use in all protection sachets and spells, also to banish negative energies and spirits. Returns spells to sender. Promotes sleep.

Alfalfa

Alfalfa – medicago sativa – a perennial herb that grows throughout the world. This plant grows to about 3 feet in height. Flowers are blue/violet. Alfalfa is full of vitamins and minerals such as Vit A, B, C, K, calcium, phosphorus and iron.
Alfalfa is an appetite stimulant. It has been used as a laxative and diuretic. It is also been said to relieve arthritis, asthma, hay fever and diabetes.
WARNING: Alfalfa is good in moderation BUT it should not be eaten by people with auto-immune diseases.

Aromatherapy & Health Uses: Appetite stimulant. Also said to relieve arthritis, asthma, diabetes. A nutritious vitamin and mineral rich plant.

Alkanet

Alkanet – anchusa spp. – a herbal coloring. Used to color food, soaps and other toiletries.

Other Uses: Used in incense and purification rituals.