Latin Name: rubus idaeus Alternative Name: red rasberry Forms Available: leaf, root, stem, tea, coffee
Raspberry – rubus idaeus – The raspberry plant is extremely edible – the fruit is eaten raw or cooked, the root cooked, the shoots raw or cooked and the leaves make both an herb tea or a coffee substitute. Medicinally, the leaves are the most used part particularly for female issues. A tea, made from the leaves, is a tonic for the uterus both strengthening and toning the muscles, treating irregular or excessive menstruation, and relieving menstrual cramps. The leaves are also a remedy for diarrhea. Externally, in a wash or poultice, the leaves and root treat sores, wounds, varicose ulcers and burns. They can also be used in a gargle to relieve oral inflammations.
Aromatherapy & Health Uses: The leaf is the most used part – used to strengthen and tone the muscles of the uterus, relieves diarrhea, treats irregular or excessive menstruation, relieves menstrual cramping, treats burns and minor wounds.
Latin Name: eryngium yuccifolium Alternative Name: eryngium, water eryngo, buttonsnake root, corn snakeroot Forms Available: root
Rattlesnake Master – eryngium yuccifolium – This plant’s root is used medicinally. It has been used to treat rattlesnake bites – the root being chewed and then applied to the bite. It has also been applied to scorpion stings. Back in early Greek times the root was a remedy for flatulence. The chewing of this root produces a profuse amount of saliva. It is both expectorant and diaphoretic and has been used to treat pulmonary infections. Used to treat renal problems such as kidney stones and nephritis. This root also has the properties of reducing nocturnal emissions caused by urinary irritations.
Aromatherapy & Health Uses: Has been used as an antidote to snake bites, the root being chewed and then applied to the bite. Infusion of the root can be used to reduce fevers and shift phlegm. It has been used to treat renal disorders such as kidney stones and chronic nephritis.
Ravensara Aromatica. Clove/eucalyptus-type odor, a mild version of Rosemary aroma. It is highly anti-viral, this is the essential oil to use for the flu or respiratory infection. Used for clearing the sinus and breathing passages, loosening tight muscles, relieving menstrual discomfort and aches and pains. Very safe on the skin, good for cold sores, shingles and genital herpes. It is also considered a muscle relaxant and analgesic. Blends well with chamomile, lavender and pine.
Aromatherapy & Health Uses: Used for clearing the sinus and breathing passages, loosening tight muscles, relieving menstrual discomfort and aches and pains. Very safe on the skin, good for cold sores, shingles and genital herpes. Also considered a muscle relaxant and analgesic.
Latin Name: trifolium pratense, lespedeza sp. Alternative Name: purple clover Forms Available: leaf, root, seed, flower, tea
Red Clover – trifolium pratense – All parts of this plant are edible: the leaves, seeds, flowers, and root. The leaves can be eaten raw or cooked. The seeds, sprouted,can be eaten in salads. The flower can be eaten and the root, eaten after it is cooked. Red clover is a well used herb medicinally – internally it is expectorant, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, diuretic, cleansing and used to treat skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis. It is one of the best phlegm reducing natural products of nature. As a diuretic, this herb cleanses the body and as such, removes the toxic build up that creates so many disorders.
Aromatherapy & Health Uses: Internally expectorant, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, diuretic, cleansing and used to treat skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis.
Latin Name: cercis canadensis Alternative Name: North American Redbud Forms Available: root, inner bark
Redbud – cercis canadensis – A deciduous tree of the american continent. A tea, from the inner bark, can be used to treat fever, dysentery and diarrhea – it is very astringent. An infusion of the inner bark and root and be used to treat pulmonary complaints such as asthma, whooping cough, and general chest congestion.
Aromatherapy & Health Uses: Tea made from inner bark has been used to treat fever, dysentery and diarrhea. Infusions of the root and inner bark treat pulmonary issues such as asthma, whooping cough, congestion.
Rhubarb – rheum sp. – An edible plant. The stem can be eaten both raw and cooked. Medicinally, rhubarb is used in both eastern medicine and conventional medicine. It is a digestive tonic in small doses and a laxative in larger doses. It can be taken to enhance the function of the liver and gallbladder, aiding in the removal of excess toxins. Externally, rhubarb root can be used to treat burns, boils, wounds etc.
Aromatherapy & Health Uses: Treats constipation, diarrhea, is a digestive tonic, and enhances the liver and gallbladder functions.
Rice Bran Oil – oryza sativa – Rice Bran Oil is rich in vitamin E complex, tocopherols and tocotrienols, a unique antioxidant known as gamma oryzanol, high quantities of phytosterols, polyphenols and squalene. This oil has a very good shelf life compared to other vegetable oils because of these antioxidants. Due to its high content of natural antioxidants, some of the major antioxidant companies have recently switched their basic oil to rice bran oil. This movement shows that the industry leaders recognize rice bran oil’s oxidative stability. Gamma-oryzanol is effective in absorbing ultraviolet light, thereby inhibiting a number of adverse effects attributed to exposure to sunlight. A number of sunscreen formulations incorporating oryzanol have been developed and marketed for human use. The use of rice bran oil should be considered in formulations for the protection of animal coats; this oil is safe for internal consumption. If using it on animals, please start with a very small amount and watch for any adverse reactions such as loose stools, etc. This oil is used for dry and flaky skin and adds body and luster to hair. Typical use levels in skin care 0.5% to 7.0%, in hair care 0.5% to 3.0%, in sun care 0.5% to 10.0%.
Rooibos Tea – Rooibos has been shown to aid in health problems such as insomnia, irritability, headaches, nervous tension, and hypertension. Studies also show that Rooibos tea provides anti-spasmodic benefits which could relieve stomach cramping and colic. Rooibos tea has been used to treat allergies such as hay fever, asthma and eczema. It is also used to treat irritated skin by brewing the tea and placing it directly on the affected areas. Rooibos contains anti-oxidants which can help slow the aging process and boost the immune system. Rooibos tea doesn’t contain oxalic acid which makes it a good beverage for people prone to kidney stones.
Aromatherapy & Health Uses: Rooibos has been shown to aid in health problems such as insomnia, irritability, headaches, nervous tension, and hypertension. Studies also show that Rooibos tea provides anti-spasmodic benefits which could relieve stomach cramping and colic.
Forms Available: essential oil, powder, cut, whole
Rosalina – melaleuca ericifolia – Its aroma is at times floral, at times woody and to some it’s reminiscent of rosewood. This oil, being in the Melaleuca family, is similar to Tea Tree whose major constituent is terpinene-4-ol but without the medicinal smell of Tea Tree. At this time there are no known tested aromatherapy or skin results for this oil. Use with caution if in doubt, keep away from babies, children and pregnant women.
Aromatherapy & Health Uses: The essential oil is high in linalool, alpha-pinine and cineole which means it offers excellent decongestant benefits.
Latin Name: rosa multiflora Alternative Name: japanese rose Forms Available: seed, stem, fruit, leaf
Rose Hips, Wild – rosa multiflora – The fruit of this plant has been used as an antidote to fish poisoning and can be applied, in a poultice, to wounds, sores, ulcers, sprains and injuries. The seed is both laxative and diuretic. The leaf can also be applied, in a poultice, to sores and wounds.
Aromatherapy & Health Uses: The fruit is an antidote to fish poisoning and can be applied to ulcers, sprains, wounds etc. The seed and fruit are both diuretic and laxative. The leaf can also be applied to wounds and sores.
