From London

One problemSchool of Hygiene &

with herbs is that few
The Tropical Medicine
the
of us can afford to keep more than a
Twel
book
small collection of them on hand.
vethey are not used a lot,
Principl
Since
es of
purchasing
Mos could be a problem,
Health
since they are likely to spoil before
t
we used them up.
SoImp
it would be well to know which
ones
orta are the most important! Here is
a list prepared by the present writer.
Read ntit, change the list around to
Herb
suit your own family needs,—and
then stock
s up on a few beneficial
herbs, so you will have them on
hand when you need them most.
 THE TWELVE MOST IMPORTANT HERBS
1 - CHARCOAL—
This is not an herb, yet it is invaluable in a number of ways. Charcoal is pure
carbon, and will adsorb (not absorb) 29 of the 30 most dangerous poisons.
You can drink it diluted in water, use it as a poultice on wounds, skin
infections, etc.

2 - CAYENNE—
Dr. Christopher, a well-known herbalist of the mid-20th century, said that if
he only had two herbs, he would select charcoal and cayenne. Cayenne is
powerful in its ability to attract blood to a body part. Since it is the blood
which brings healing, this can be an important quality.

Internally, it is useful for arteriosclerosis, arthritis, asthma, bleeding, high or

low blood pressure, bronchitis, chills, colds, convulsions, coughs, indigestion, infections, jaundice,
ulcers, and varicose veins.

Externally, it is used for frostbite, painful joints, swellings, and varicose veins. When added to herbal
formulas, it stimulates the action of other herbs. It is a preventative for heart attacks, flu, colds,
indigestion, and lack of vitality. It is good for treating the spleen, pancreas, kidneys and is effective as a
fomentation for rheumatism, inflammation, pleurisy, sores, and wounds. It can be rubbed on toothaches
and swellings.

3 - GARLIC—
This is one of the most powerful antiseptic substances ever discovered. In the
1950s, Soviet scientists found it to be equal to penicillin, yet without the harmful
effects of that powerful drug.

Internally, it is used for arteriosclerosis, cancer, contagious disease, coughs,

cramps, diverticulitis, emphysema, gas, heart problems, high blood pressure,
indigestion, liver congestion, parasites, rheumatism, sinus congestion, and ulcers.

Externally, it is used for bowel problems, parasites, ringworm, skin parasites,

tumors, warts, and yeast infections.

Garlic is used for all lung and respiratory ailments, and can be used as a tea or added to syrups for
coughs, colds, tuberculosis, fevers, and blood diseases. Use it as a tea in an enema for worms and bowel
infections. Use the fresh extract oil or eat the raw cloves.

4 - GOLDENSEAL—
This is another powerful antiseptic; and, in a sense, it is the first true herb on
this list. (The first three can be purchased in the grocery store.)
Internally, it is good for alcoholism, allergies, asthma, bad breath, bladder diseases, bronchitis, canker
sores, chicken pox, colds, diabetes, eczema, bleeding gums or gum infections, hay fever, heart weakness,
hemorrhoids, herpes, indigestion, infections, inflammations, leukorrhea, liver problems, lymph
congestion, measles, mammary and ovarian tumors, morning sickness, sore mouth, pyorrhea, tonsillitis,
and ulcers.

Externally, it is used for burns, canker sores, eye inflammations, bleeding gums, gum infections, herpes
sores, leukorrhea, mouth sores, ringworm, skin inflammation, tonsillitis, and wounds.
Goldenseal can be used on open sores, inflammations, eczema, ringworm, erysipelas, or itchy skin
conditions. It is a specific for all kinds of mucous membrane problems. Snuffed up the nose, it is good for
nasal catarrh. Small doses will relieve nausea during pregnancy. It is a douche for vaginal infections, an
eyewash, and an antiseptic mouthwash for pyorrhea. Used with cascara sagrada, it is a bowel tonic. As a
retention enema, it will reduce swollen hemorrhoids.

5 - PEPPERMINT—
This is an old household remedy, and is useful for a variety of
conditions.

Internally, it is useful for insomnia, measles, menstrual cramps,

migraines, morning sickness, muscle spasms, nausea, nervous
disorders, chills, colic, fevers, dizziness, gas, nausea, vomiting,
diarrhea, dysentery, and hysteria.

Externally, it is used for skin itch, toothache, and local anesthetic to local pains and inflamed joints. For
example, to open up the sinuses, put 5-10 drops into 2 quarts hot water and breathe it in through the
mouth and nostrils. Cover the head with a cloth as you do this.

6 - SLIPPERY ELM—
This is the inner white bark of the slippery elm tree, and is invaluable to
keep on hand. (The outer dark bark is also sold, but is useless.)

Internally, it is used for bladder inflammation, bronchitis, colitis,

constipation, ovarian cramps, coughs, cystitis, diarrhea, diverticulitis,
dysentery, eczema, flu, gas, hemorrhage, hemorrhoids, hoarseness, lung
congestion, stomach problems, tonsillitis, ulcers.

Externally, it is used for burns, colitis, constipation, diverticulitis,

dysentery, gangrenous wounds, hemorrhoids, leukorrhea, open sores,
rheumatoid and gouty afflictions, and wounds.
Slippery elm is also used to bind materials of suppositories, boluses,
lozenges, and unleavened breads together. It makes a nourishing gruel
for children, for the elderly with weak stomachs, for those with ulcers and those who are recovering from
diseases. If used as a douche or enema, it must be diluted with water so it will not plug the apparatus
(since it is a mucilaginous herb).

7 - LOBELIA—
This is both a relaxant and stimulant, and a powerful helper.
Internally, it is used for allergies, arthritis, asthma, bronchitis, chicken pox, contagious diseases,
convulsions, coughs, earache, ear infections, fevers (all kinds), headache, heart palpitation, indigestion,
jaundice, pleurisy, pneumonia, food poisoning, St. Vitus dance, teething, toothache.

Externally, it is used for snake and insect bites, poison ivy, ringworm, and tumors.
Small doses of a tincture of lobelia (5-10 drops) will act as a tonic and stimulant; larger doses will act as
a sedative.

It relieves spasms and acts as an expectorant. It can be used as a wash on infected or itchy skin
conditions. In large doses, it is an excellent emetic. It is especially good in spasmodic coughing of
phlegm. Taken in small doses, it relaxes the heart and lowers
rapid pulse.

8 - ALOE VERA—
The gel from the leaves of this desert plant is invaluable. It is
best used freshly picked from a plant. Keep several plants
growing; you cannot have enough!

Internally, it is good for chronic constipation, gastritis,

hyperacidity, and stomach ulcers.

Externally, it is used for abscesses, burns, infection in wounds, insect bites, skin irritations, and ulcers.
When applied on the skin for severe burns and skin rashes, it can be left on for two days without
changing the application.

Do not use it during pregnancy, nor in large doses when there are hemorrhoids.

9 - CASCARA SAGRADA—
This is one of the safest laxatives for chronic constipation, and is not habit forming.

Internally, it is used for constipation, cough, gall bladder disease, gallstones, gastric
and intestinal disorders, hemorrhoids, indigestion, and jaundice.

10 - CORN SILK—
This is the best single herb for increasing urine flow, thus helping to eliminate
kidney and bladder problems.

Internally, it is used for bed-wetting, chronic cystitis, inflammation of kidneys

and bladder, kidney stones, prostatitis, excess uric acid, and urine retention.

It is a good remedy for all inflammatory conditions of the urethra, bladder,

prostate, and kidney; it can remove gravel from the kidneys, bladder and
prostate. It helps the aged when their urine is scanty and has heavy sediment.
 11 - HOPS—
This is an excellent nervine and will produce sleep when insomnia
is present. But it also has other uses.

Internally, it is used for coughs, fever, headaches, indigestion,

insomnia, jaundice, morning sickness, weak nerves, stomach tonic,
throat, bronchial tubes, chest ailments, toothache, and ulcers.

Externally, it is used for boils, bruises, earaches, inflammations,

rheumatic pains, skin ailments, and ulcers.

The tea is good for nervous stomach, poor appetite, gas, and intestinal cramps. Cold tea before meals will
increase digestion. The dry herb can be placed inside a pillow; it will induce sleep.

12 - WITCH HAZEL—
This is an excellent astringent herb and is one of the best remedies for
stopping excessive menstruation, hemorrhages from the lungs, stomach,
uterus, and bowels.

Internally, it is used for diarrhea, diphtheria, hemorrhoids, leukorrhea,

prolapsed bowel, varicose veins, and uterine problems. It is used to stop
bleeding from the lungs, uterus, and other internal organs.

Externally, it is used for burns, bruises, diphtheria, insect bites,

leukorrhea, sore breasts, sore muscles, tonsillitis, and varicose veins.

Witch hazel can be used as an injection for bleeding piles, vaginal

discharges, and infections. As either fomentation or poultice, it is good
for wounds, bed sores, sore and inflamed eyes, and oozing skin diseases. It is good for almost any
internal or external inflamed condition.