HAWTHORN (Crategnus oxyacantha)
Used in poultice for drawing thorns, splinters, etc. Fruit is used for nervousness. Used to prevent miscarriage. Strengthens the heart, lowers blood pressure, lowers cholesterol. Used in the treatment of arteriosclerosis, heart palpitations, angina pectoris, heart valve defects, enlarged heart and other cardiac symptoms. A peripheral vasodilator. Mild dilation of coronary vessels, increased enzyme metabolism in heart muscle, increased oxygen utilization by the heart. Flavonoid components possess collagen-stabilizing action, increase intracellular vitamin C levels, cross-link collagen fibers.
Key Uses: angina, atherosclerosis, congestive heart failure, high blood pressure.
HONEYSUCKLE (Lonicera japonica)
Flowers and leaves can be made into a beverage tea. Anti-bacterial. Wash for sore eyes. Anti-viral. Lowers cholesterol. Traditionally used for breast tumors and tuberculosis.
Key Uses: colds, fevers, flu, dysentery, laryngitis, enteritis, sores, boils, scabies.
HOPS (Humulus lupulus)
Sedative. Nervine. Antispasmodic. Used for headaches, insomnia, nervous tension, restlessness. Has estrogenic activity. Relaxes gastric nerves. A digestive bitter. Traditionally used to allay male sexual excitement.
Key Uses: appetite stimulant, digestion, headaches, hyperactivity, insomnia, nervousness, pain and excessive sexual desires. Do not use with deep depression.
HOREHOUND (Marrubium vulgare)
Dilates blood vessels in the lungs and bronchial tubes. Used for coughs. Promotes healing of wounds. Stimulates bile secretions. Tonic to respiratory organs and stomach. In large doses acts as a laxative. Used in cough syrups. Promotes the healing of wounds.
Key Uses: asthma, colds, coughs, croup, hoarseness, lungs, phlegm, stomach tonic, respiratory.
HORSETAIL (Equisetum arvense)
Used for urinary tract disorders. Chronic cystitis. Diuretic. A storehouse of minerals especially silica. Good for hair, nails, and skin. Considered strengthening to connective tissue. Traditionally used to help speed healing of broken bones. Stops bleeding. Useful for wounds. Aid for mouth sores, canker sores. Useful for dysentery and diarrhea. Anti-inflammatory. Used for enlarged prostate. Traditionally used for lung problems, asthma, tuberculosis.
Key Uses: infections of mucous membranes, parasitic infections of the gastrointestinal tract, inflammation of the gallbladder, cirrhosis of the liver.
CAUTION: can reduce blood sugar levels and should not be used by hypoglycemic. Useful as a natural antibiotic. Aids in the treatment of sinus infections.