I am certainly not an expert, but I've had interest from several directions as to my opinions on herbology and use. Just for info, here is a basic list of what I keep in the house and why. For your own use, I strongly encourage you to research everything about a herb before self-medicating with it. Some are stronger and faster acting than others, and the form in which you use the herb will also have greater or lesser punch. Tisane brewing herbs is the safest way to use them. Tinctures and capsules are much more easily overdosed, and as with any medication overdosing can be dangerous.
First, a quick note on storage: herbs need to be kept sealed, dry, cool, and dark. I keep mine in glass quart canning jars in a top cupboard in my kitchen. Some are premixed in blends, most are not. ALL are labeled! It is very, very important to keep your herbs labeled, as a lot may look or even smell similar, but you don't want to mix them up by mistake. My jars are labeled on top in pen with the herb name, and on a paper label taped to the side of the jar with the herb name and basic uses and warnings. I also keep a computer file of information on every herb I keep in the house, in case I need to check further details that are not labeled on the jar.
I got started at
Bulk Herb Store - Herbs, herbal books, remedies, and articles and have added/adapted from there for my own home use.
Oatstraw: Use any age any time. Tisane or tincture. High in nutrients esp calcium & magnesium. PMS/irritability relief, UTI, calcium deficiencies, toxin absorbant.
Rosemary: Safe at all times. Aromatic = sedative effect. Mild antiseptic.
Chamomile: Use any age any time. Strongest effect on liver and kidneys, toxin purge. Relaxant especially in children, dyspepsia, flatulence, nausea, UTI, headaches, PMS cramps, regulates menstrual flow.
Gingko bilboa: Use any age/gender, as often as desired. Active principles wear off in 8hrs. Decreases blood clotting, increases circulation = avoid use while taking blood clotting aid.
Lavender: Safe at all times. Bath, tisane, tincture. Relaxant in physical symptoms caused by stress, eg migraine. Tonic to the nervous system. Causes sweating and reduces fever as tisane.
Peppermint: Safe at all times. Catalyst, or activator. Internal = digestive, heartburn, colds and flu, headaches, dizziness, dysmenorrhea, nausea. External = fatigue, headache, muscle pain, itching, toothache, congestion.
Passionflower: Safe at all times. Tincture or tisane, or poultice for cuts and bruises. Mild sedative; balances nervous system; soothes muscle spasm. Anxiety, tension, cough, hyperactivity, high blood pressure.
White willow bark: NOT safe for pregnant women. Tincture, tisane. What asprin was originally made of, but will not thin the blood. Pain relief, fevers, inflammation.
Fennel seed: Use cooking, tisane, chew seeds. Infant colic, digestion, diuretic, milk production increase, breath sweetener, mild appetite suppressant.
Anise seed: Very similar to fennel. Same uses in menstrual cramp relief. Colic relief.
Feverfew: Bitter taste in tisane. NOT for use during pregnancy or nursing. Local poultice for sting/bite relief. Eases inflammation, migraine, lowers blood pressure. Blood clotting agent.
Mama's blend: contains red raspberry leaf, alfalfa, nettles, peppermint. Safe at all times, especially women's use TTC, pregnant or nursing. Nutritionally high. Nettles = blood clotting, so may be helpful to replace nettles for gingko during menses.
(Note: I am also making a Mama's blend tincture for a stronger impact use, or use on days I prefer to drink another tisane.)
Cough blend: licorice root, ginger root, red clover tops. Expectorant, antispasmodic, circulation increased. NOT for use during pregnancy or nursing. May elevate estrogen with prolonged use.
Dr Cinnamon blend: (this is my version of Shoshanna's) cinnamon, orange peel, green tea, gingko, red raspberry leaf. Great morning blend.
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