This section is a vintage collection of opinions on natural remedies by various authors, some who have passed on. For historical reference only. These articles are old. They have not been updated since the early 2000s and are not intended to provide medical information.

Herb, Mineral, Plant and Vitamin Uses

The following table presents some of the most common herbs, plants, minerals and vitamins, as well as their primary uses in alternative medicne. This is by no means a complete list, nor are are the items shown the only herbs, plants, minerals and vitamins with healthful properties. However, you should find almost everything you need here, and if you would like to see something added to this list, please e-mail us and let us know. Thanks!

Herbs and Plants
Agrimony	Used as an anti-inflammatory; antibiotic; astringent; also good for digestive disorders.
Alder Buckthorn	Bark can be used as a laxative.
Alfalfa	Nutritive with high mineral and vitamin content; lowers cholesterol.
Alkanet	Has been used as an expectorant and as an emollient.
Aloe	Used for minor wounds and burns. Dried leaves can be used as a strong laxative.
Angelica	Calming digestive disturbances; stimulates the appetite; alleviates coughs.
Anise	Can be used to relieve gas pains.
Apples	Used for bladder trouble; liver; diarrhea; tooth decay; and loss of appetite.
Apricots	Detoxifies the liver and pancreas.
Asparagus	Helps with urinary problems and fatty tumors.
Beet	Excellent liver and blood cleansers and purifier; good for nerves and anemia/
Bell Peppers	Good for eyes and indigestion.
Blackberry	Good for diarrhea and colon problems.
Blueberry	Feeds the pancreas; good for sugar problems
Cabbage	For vitamin C; tissue builder; removes toxins; helps with digestion.
Celandine	Excellent liver and blood cleansers and purifier.
Cantaloupe	Good for complexion and digestion.
Carrots	For eyes, blood, lymph, skin and digestion.
Cascara Sagrada	Purgative; laxative.
Celery	Good for arthritis; heart; indigestion; colds and skin problems.
Chaste Tree	Menstrual regulator; improves circulation and tone of female organs; promotes progesterone production.
Cherries	A good blood cleanser; also used for gout.
Crab Apple	For Vertigo.
Cranberry	Good for kidneys and asthma.
Dandelion	Excellent diuretic and liver cleanser.
Dandelion	Expels excess liquids in the body; liver cleanser.
Dong Quai	Menstrual regulator.
Ginger	For indigestion and gas pain; helps in relieving morning sickness; a general stimulant.
Ginseng, American	Used as a stimulant; can be used to prevent stress; to fight colds.
Milk Thistle	Excellent liver and blood cleansers and purifier.
Mistletoe, American	Used in folk medicine to reduce blood pressure and as a sedative.
Nettles	An astringent and alkalizing diuretic; good nutritive and high mineral content.
Oregon Grape	Excellent liver and blood cleansers and purifier.
Raspberry	Relieves nausea and improves digestion; improves uterine tone and blood supply; increases milk production
Sarsaparilla	Serves as a precursor for hormone production.
Wild Yam	Antispasmodic; relieves spasm or cramping of smooth muscle; hormone precursor.
Yellow Dock	Blood cleanser; helpful in anemia.
Minerals
Calcium	Vital in the formation of strong bones and teeth; also important for muscle growth and contraction; provides energy and participates in the activation of several enzymes; aids in deterring nervousness, brittle nails, hypertension, aching joints, increased cholesterol levels, and insomnia
Chromium	Involved in the metabolism of glucose needed for energy; vital in the synthesis of cholesterol, fats and protein; maintains stable blood sugar levels through proper insulin utilization.
Copper	Aids in the formation of bone, hemoglobin, and red blood cells; works in balance with zinc and vitamin C to form elastin; involved in the healing process, energy production, hair and skin coloring, and taste sensitivity; needed for healthy nerves.
Magnesium	Plays a roll in muscle movement and the transmission of nerve impulses; helps the body fight stress and combats depression; promotes the conversion of sugar into energy and aid digestion
Potassium	Important for healthy nervous system; aid in proper muscle contraction; works with sodium to control the body's water balance; aids in maintaining blood pressure.
Selenium	Keeps body tissues young and elastic; helps protect against some forms of cancer; aids in the combat against arthritis.
Zinc	Crucial to the reproductive system; important in prostrate gland functioning; decreases cholesterol and aids in healing wounds.
Vitamins
Vitamin A	Boosts immune system; helps protect against cancer; keeps skin healthy; improves eyesight
Vitamin B's	Improves mental attitude; protects against stress; keeps muscles, the nervous system and heart functioning well; also aids in digestion; promotes growth
Vitamin C	Helps immune system fight viruses and bacteria; prevents colds; heals wounds; decreases blood cholesterol
Vitamin E	Retards Aging; prevents blood clots; helps wounds heal without scarring; lowers blood pressure; provides energy and protects against air pollution