B — Herb Directory

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Babchi

— Psoralea corylifolia. Family Papilionaceae. Babchi is an effective remedy for different kind of infections, including bacterial and fungal ones. Its primary use consists in both external and internal application for skin conditions, like psoriasis, leucoderma, and so on. Additionally it is used to fight constipations, boost perspiration and urination.

Bael

— Aegle marmelos. Family Rutaceae. Bael is applied for treating digestive disorders, like contipation of common origin, diarrhea, and stomach disorders. It is used to enhance blood circulation, as well, due to which reason the plant is applied in treating diabetes. Additionally bael is used for scurvy and fevers.

Balm

— Melissa officinalis. Family Mint, Labiatae. Melissa is applied as a soothing remedy for the nervous system, being effective in treating nervous conditions of various types, like depression, anxiety, and so on. Additionally Melissa is used to fight flatulence, stimulate the digestive system, boost stomach functionality, fight headaches and toothaches.

Balm of Gilead

— Populus candicans. Family Salicadeae. Balm of Gilead is an excellent remedy for respiratory conditions, like coughs, laryngitis, bronchitis or recurrent type, and so on. It is applied externally to soothe rheumatic pains, skin inflammations and wounds. The plant is potent of killing parasitic microorganisms.

Balmony

— Chelone glabra. Family Scrophulariaceae. Balmony is applied for digestive system abnormalities, particularly, for liver conditions, and weak bile movement. It is used to treat stones in gallbladder, and jaundice which accompanies them. Balmony is also effective in curing inflammations, both topically and internally, for instance breast inflammations, inflamed swellings and so on.

Balsam Fir

— Abies balsamea. Family Pinaceae, Pine. Balsam fir has a long history of medical applications for alsmost any purpose, for instance, coughs and colds, mucous membrane inflammations, digestive disorders and so on. Still, presently, it is applied mostly for turpentine production and as glue.

Bamboo Leaf

— Lophatheri gracilis. Family Gramineae. Bamboo leaf is applied to treat inflammations, reduce fevers, especially ones which are accompanied by anxiety, and is additionally known for its diuretic properties.

Bamboo Manna

— Bumbusa spinosa, Bumbusa orientalls, Bumbusa apous, Bumbusa arundinacia. Bamboo Manna is used to boost blood circulation, thus fighting recurrent conditions and even inducing sexual desire. It is also potent of curing inflammations and fevers. Additionally the plant is used to calm the nervous system down, being a good aid in anxiety.

Bamboo shavings

— Caulis bambusae in taeniis. Family Gramineae. Bamboo shavings are a great remedy for bleeding of various types, including menstrual, nasal bleeding, and bloody vomiting. It is used to reduce fevers and promote expectoration in case of hardly evacuated mucus.

Barberry

— Berberis vulgaris. Family Berberidaceae. Barberry is always recommended as a safe and cheap alternative for liver conditions. It is an excellent liver and gallbladder stimulant, which boosts bile movement and regulates liver functionality. The herb is additionally applied for nausea and vomiting, as well as used for fevers and inflammations of the digestive system. Barberry is a mild laxative remedy which can be applied even for children.

Barley

— Hordeum vulgare. Barley’s primary use consists in vessel purification in order to prevent their blockage by cholesterol and fats. The plant is also used for digestive system disorders, like stomach ulcers, indigestion, and so on. Externally the plant is applied for inflammations, like tumors and sores, in order to soothe the pain. Also used to strengthen the muscles.

Basil

— Ocimum Sanctum, Ocimum Spp, Ocimum basilicum. Family Labiatae, Mint. Basil is generally appreciated for its potency to supply the digestive system and treat its conditions, like stomachaches, ulcers and constipation. Additionally the herb is applied for depression and other nervous conditions. People use it due to antispasmodic activity it produces, as well as its capacity to relieve inflammations.

Bayberry

— Myrica cerifera. Family Myricaceae. Bayberry is an herb known in America for many centuries. Its main application consists in fighting diarrhea and dysentery, due to its astringent characteristics. The herb also acts as a febrifuge, producing a cooling effect on the organism, when it’s seized with fever. Externally the plant is used to treat skin conditions.

Bear's Garlic

— Allium ursinum. The remedy is applied for curing diarrhea, intestinal colic and boost appetite. It benefits the digestive system, by healing a range of conditions, associated with it, like constipation, catarrh, and so on. Additionally applied for liver conditions.

Bearded Darnel

— Lolium temulentum. Historically the plant was applied for treating blood congestion, insomnia and digestive diseases. Applied topically, the herb helped heal sores, and herpes. Nowadays it’s not recommended to use due to its poisonous content.

Bedstraw

— Galium verum. Bedstraw’s activity is very similar to cleavers, but seems to be more expressive. Additionally, the plant is used as a sedative remedy for dropsy and epilepsy.

Beech

— Fagus grandifolia. Family Beech, Fagaceae. Beech is applied for treating diarrhea, dysentery, and diabetes. It’s also known to possess an anti-inflammatory and anti-septic effect, due to which reason the plant is used as a remedy for fevers as well.

Beechdrops

— Epifagus virginiana. Beechdrops is known to have astringent properties, inducing tissue recovery, due to which reason it’s applied topically for skin conditions, like bruises, cuts, or wounds.

Beleric Myrobalan

— Terminalia belerica. Family Combretaceae. Beleric Myrobalan is a highly popular herb in Ayurvedic medicine. It is used to treat a wide range of diseases, starting from common inflammations, asthma, bronchitis, sore throats and ending with heart, bladder and eye diseases.

Belladonna

— Atropa belladonna. Belladonna is though to produce a calming effect on the nervous system, heal the sores, relieve spasms, and boost urination and perspiration. However, despite of these properties it is not recommended to use as it may cause paralysis, severely affecting the nervous system.

Bennet

— Geum urbanum. Bennet is applied for boosting metabolic rates and digestion in people of old age. Additionally it is applied for recurrent fevers. Its astringent properties are highly beneficial in diarrhea, as well as in gum bleeding.

Betony

— Stachys officinalis. Betony is beneficial for curing respiratory system disorders, like asthma and bronchitis. It is also said to be effective for intestine helminthes. Additionally the plant is applied for kidney and bladder conditions. As a topical remedy the herb is used for healing sores, cuts, and other skin conditions.

Bhadram

— Aerva lanata. Family Amaranthaceae. Bhardam is used to relieve pains, including headaches. It is stated to be one of the most effective herbs for kidney and bladder stones in Ayurvedic medicine. It is also used to remove sugar from urine. During pregnancy the herb is applied as a tonic.

Bhringaraj

— Eclipta erecta, Eclipta alba. The plant is highly effective in stimulating the body, and all its processes, while rejuvenating hair, teeth, bones, and memory. It is used to prevent hair loss and graying. Additionally it’s applied in a range of liver and gallbladder conditions. It produces a positive effect on the nervous system as well.

Bhuamalaki

— Phyllanthus urinaria, Phyllanthus niruri, Phyllanthus amarus. Bhuamalaki is applied for curing digestive system abnormalities, like diarrhea. It is also used externally to fight skin inflammations and sores of various types. Additionally the plant is being tested for its potency to treat hepatitis B.

Bilberry

— Vaccinium myrtillus. Bilberry is a highly beneficial herbal medicine applied in a wide range of cases, including diarrhea, problems with vision at night, inflammations and ulcers. It has shown efficacy in treating atherosclerosis due to its ability to normalize sugar levels in blood.

Bird's Tongue

— Fraxinus excelsior. Bird’s tongue is mainly applied for treating fevers, but its additional use consists in treating bowel helminthes. The leaves are specifically used for treating mild constipations. Moreover, the herb is applied for soothing rheumatic pains.

Birthroot

— Trillium pendulum. Birthroot is highly effective in treating various respiratory system conditions. These include bronchial problems, common and bloody coughs, lung weakness. Additionally it’s employed to treat diarrhea. Its historical usage consists in application as an aid for childbirth.

Birthwort

— Aristolochia clematitis. Birthwort is applied to induce labor contractions, control monthly periods and stimulate uterine activity. It is also applied to reduce coughs, treat inflammations, and fight bacterial and fungal infections. May be poisonous.

Bistort

— Polygonum bistorta. Bistort’s primary use is linked with its astringent property, due to which fact the plant is applied for treating diarrhea, leukorrhea, dysentery, and cholera. It is additionally used to heal sores and wounds, as well as insect bites. Its external application is also meant to stop bleeding.

Bitter Melon

— Momordica charantia. Bitter Melon’s main capacity consists in lowering sugar levels in blood. For this reason it can be applied in diabetes, serving a good alternative for chemical drugs. It is additionally being tested as a potential remedy for HIV-virus.

Black Alder

— Alnus glutinosa. Black Alder is applied both externally and internally to stop bleeding. It is additionally used to treat diarrhea, and stimulate the digestive system. Fresh bark is particularly used to induce vomiting.

Black birch

— Betula lenta. Black birch is an effective remedy for mouth sores, kidney and bladder stones, and blood purification. It is additionally used to kill bowel helminthes. Black birth is also used to treat diarrhea.

Black Catechu

— Acacia catechu. Family Leguminosae. Black Catechu can produce a strong astringent effect, due to which aim it is applied in treating diarrhea, hemorrhage, dysentery, and catarrh. As for external application, the herb is used for healing bleeding gums and mouth sores.

Black Cohosh

— Cimicifuga foetida, Cimicifuga racemosa, Cimicifuga dahurica, Cimicifuga heracleifolia. Family Buttercup, Ranunculaceae. Black cohosh is primarily used for reproductive system problems in females, especially for uterine spasms, as well as menopausal symptoms, like hot flashes, which occur due to estrogen deficiency in the organism. It is additionally applied for fevers and rheumatism.

Black Haw

— Viburnum prunifolium. Family Caprifoliaceae. Black Haw is generally applied to prevent miscarriage, soothe womb pains, induced by menstruation or false contractions, and help the uterus carry the fetus during pregnancy. Also applied as a sedative remedy, to decrease high blood tension.

Black Horehound

— Ballota nigra. Family Labiatae. Black Horehound is an effective remedy for vomiting and sickness associated with nervous diseases and conditions. It is also applied for motion sickness. Additionally the plant is known to regulate menstruation, and induce expectoration.

Black Nightshade

— Solanum incertum, Solanum rubrum, Solanum nigrum. Black Nighshade is applied for coughs, nervous tension and anxiety. It serves as a digestive stimulant, inducing bowel movement and purifying the intestinal tract. It is also applied externally for skin conditions and tumors. Berries can be poisonous.

Black Pepper

— Piper nigrum. Family Piperaceae. Black pepper is widely used as a spice. Its medicinal application consists in treating flatulence, hemorrhoids, helminthes, and obesity. Additionally it is applied for respiratory conditions like sore throat, cough, and fevers associated with colds. As a topical remedy black pepper is used for toothaches.

Black Root

— Leptandra virginica. Family Scrophulariaceae. Black Root is a strong laxative remedy. It is thus used to treat constipations, primarily those associated with liver congestion. Black Root is additionally applied to treat liver and gallbladder conditions, due to its ability to move bile. Black Root is a strong emetic remedy as well.

Blackberry

— Rubus villosus. Family Rosaceae. Blackberry is an effective astringent remedy which is applied in any case when astringent property is required, for instance, in diarrhea, dysentery, gum bleeding and so on. Blackberry is used for bowel disorders, as well as applied externally for wounds, burns and other skin inflammations.

Bladderwrack

— Fucus vesiculosus. Family Fucaceae. Bladderwrack is primarily applied for treating goiter and thyroid dysfunctions, as well as various diseases, associated with their deficiency. It is additionally applied for obesity, accompanied by thyroid dysfunction. Moreover, the plant is effective for treating bladder conditions.

Blessed Thistle

— Cnicus benedictus. Family Compositae. Blessed thistle was considered to be a panacea in the early times of herbal medicine. Nowadays it is used to stimulate the digestive system, fight constipation, flatulence and other digestive problems. It is also applied for respiratory conditions, and liver diseases. Externally the herb is used to heal sores, boils, and other skin conditions.

Blood Root

— Sanguinaria canadensis. Family Papaveraceae. Blood root is primarily applied for respiratory system conditions, like bronchitis, and asthma, and is especially valuable for pulmonary diseases of congestive origin. Additionally it works as a circulation stimulant. However, due to its sedative property the plant is not recommended for use without medical control.

Blue Cohosh

— Caulophylum thalictroides. Family Berberidaceae. Blue Cohosh is applied for stimulating uterine functionality, for instance, inducing labor pains, menstruation, and even preventing miscarriage. Additionally the plant is applied to relieve spasms of various types, including those associated with uterine disorders, asthma, and rheumatism.

Blue Flag

— Iris versicolor. Family Iridaceae. Blue Flag’s primary internal use consists in treating liver and gallbladder conditions, as well as serving as an aid in digestive problems. It is also potent of healing skin diseases, especially those induced by liver problems. Blue Flag is sometimes applied topically for sores.

Bogbean

— Menyanthes trifoliata. Family Menyanthaceae. Bogbean is a remedy applied to stimulate gastro-intestinal tract. It is widely used to treat constipation, by stimulating bowel muscle activity. Additionally it serves as an aid for liver and gallbladder conditions, promoting bile movement. Bodbean is helpful in rheumatism, and rheumatoid arthritis.

Boldo

— Peumus boldo. Family Monimiaceae. Boldo is predominantly used to treat gallbladder and liver conditions, inducing bile movement and thus improving liver functionality. Additionally, boldo is known to produce a diuretic and anti-bacterial action, for which property it is successfully applied in treating cystitis.

Boneset

— Eupatorium perfoliatum. Family Compositae. Boneset is a potent remedy applied for treating coughs and different respiratory conditions. Due to its febrifuge ability it’s extremely useful under condition of influenza, as it helps to reduce fever, treat cough. Additionally, the plant is applied as a pain relief.

Borage

— Borago officinalis. Family Boraginaceae. Borage is primarily used as a support for adrenal cortex in convalescence or after a medical therapy, employing steroids. It helps restore the gland’s potential. Additionally Borage is potent of inducing sufficient milk production and fighting fevers. Borage is also known to produce an anti-inflammatory effect.

Boswellia

— Boswellia serrata. Boswellia is primarily used for osteoarthritis, arthritis, bursitis, and other inflammatory conditions. Boswellic acids, contained in it, are proven to be as effective as their chemical counterparts, but produce no side effects.

Brier Hip

— Rosa canina. Brier hips are especially useful for digestive conditions, and help stimulate gastro-intestinal tract. The herb is additionally applied for bladder and kidney conditions, including kidney stones (helps prevent their formation).

Brooklime

— Veronica beccabunga. Brooklime was applied to induce menstruation and fight fevers. It was also known to produce a mild stimulative effect on the urinary organs. Nowadays it has almost become historical.

Broom

— Sarothamnus scoparius. Family Leguminosea. Broom is especially useful in treating heart conditions associated with low blood pressure. It is applied for shrinking blood vessels. Due to its diuretic properties the herb is also used for purifying bladder and kidneys, especially for treating bladder stones.

Buchu

— Barosma betulina. Family Rutaceae. Buchu’s primary capacity consists in treating urinary tract infections and kidney disorders, by acting as a diuretic. It is still considered effective for heart failures and elevated blood tension. Additionally the remedy is used to relieve the symptoms of PMS in women.

Buddleia flower

— Buddleiae officinalis. Family Loganiaceae. The herb is primarily applied to treat eye conditions, like excessive tearing or excretions, light sensitivity, and so on. Additionally applied as a mild diuretic remedy.

Bugle

— Ajuga reptans. Family Labiatae. Bugle is primarily applied to stop bleeding, which occurs due to multiple reasons of skin damage, like wounds, cuts, and sores.

Bugleweed

— Lycopus europaeus. Family Labiatae. Bugleweed’s primary use consists in soothing the nervous system, for which reason it’s applied in nervous conditions. It is also used in coughs and palpitation associated with nervous disorders.

Bupleurum

— Bupleurum falcatum. Family Umbelliferae. Bupleurum is primarily applied for treating inflammations and fevers. It is thus applied in malaria, common colds with correspondent symptoms, and chest pains. Chinese herbalists prescribe it for organ prolapse.

Burdock

— Arctium lappa. Burdock is generally considered beneficial for the digestive system, for which reason it is applied to boost metabolic rates. It is additionally used to boost urination and perspiration, thus serving a good remedy for fevers. Burdock is also applied externally to treat tumors and hard-healing bruises. It is known to purify blood of toxic substances.

Butcher's broom

— Ruscus aculeatus. Butcher’s broom is a conventional remedy for vein insufficiency, as it provides sufficient vein constriction, and serves as an aid in atherosclerosis and varicose veins. It is additionally applied for inflammatory conditions.

Butternut

— Juglans cineraria. Family Juglandaceae. Butternut boosts digestive functionality, by increasing bile production and movement, stimulating intestinal glands, and intestines themselves. Additionally, it’s applied for treating constipation, jaundice, and skin conditions like herpes and eczema.