MARJORAM (Origanum majorana)

MarjoramUsed a spice and flavoring. Fortifies stomach and intestines. Stimulates appetite. Anti-spasmodic. Reduces fever. Traditionally used for flatulence. Supports liver and gallbladder function. Helpful for coughs, bronchitis, asthma and colds. Relieves headaches. Mild diuretic activity. Used externally for sprains, arthritis, rheumatism, and bruises.

Key Uses: Coughs, colds, sprains.

Cautions: Not intended for extended use.

MARSHMALLOW (Althaea officinalis)

MarshmallowMucilage. Helps relax the bronchial tubes. Soothes membranes in kidneys. Heals inflammation. Anti-inflammatory. Anti-irritant. Good for gastrointestinal tract. Soothing on mucus membranes. Useful for lungs and bronchial tubes. Its soothing properties work well as a poultice. Used to treat: kidney stones, cystitis, incontinence, painful urination, diarrhea, dysentery, cholera. Soothes respiratory tract. Good for bronchitis, asthma, whooping cough.

Key Uses: asthma, emphysema, kidneys, lung congestion, infected wounds, bronchial infections.

MILK THISTLE (Silybum marianum)

Famous as a liver rejuvenative. Restores impaired liver function. Used for the treatment of liver diseases and amanita mushroom poisoning. Antioxidant. Helps prevent plaque buildup and hardening of the arteries. Stimulates protein synthesis. Lowers fat deposits in liver. Increases secretion and flow of bile from liver to gallbladder. Increases production of liver cells to replace damaged old ones. Protects against liver damage due to chemotherapy, chemicals, alcohol, hepatitis.

Key Uses: liver disorders, hepatitis, cirrhosis of the liver, gallstones, psoriasis.

Note: Must be taken with food to be absorbed. Fat-soluble.

MILKWEED (Asclepias syriaca L.)

Used as a diuretic, laxative, emetic and to induce sweating. Traditional cancer remedy. Useful as an expectorant. Relieves indigestion. Used for congestive heart failure (dropsy). Milky sap was applied to warts, moles, ringworm and other skin afflictions. Used for gonorrhea.

Key Uses: colds, flu, coughs, lung congestion, kidney stones and constipation. Caution: may be toxic.

MOTHERWORT (Leonurus cardiaca)

Useful for suppressed menstruation. Good heart tonic. Promotes blood circulation. Dissolves blood clots. Also used for nervousness and insomnia. Hypotensive. Sedative. Antispasmodic. Calms heart palpitations. Helps relieve anxiety. Strengthens heart. Useful tonic during menopause. Eases false labor pains.

Key Uses: delayed menstruation, heart problems, nervousness and anxiety.

MULLEIN (Verbascum thapsus)

Good pain killer. Helps induce sleep. Calms irritated nerves. Loosens and thins mucus. Cleans lymphatic system. May be smoked for lung and bronchial congestion. Tones mucus membranes of respiratory tract. Useful remedy for coughs. Inhibits absorption of allergens through membranes. Reduces pain and swelling. Anti-bacterial. Used to treat tuberculosis. Used for asthma, bronchitis, coughs, diarrhea, insomnia, lymphatic system, pain, pleurisy, sinus congestion, tuberculosis.

Key Uses: remove lymphatic congestion, coughs, sore throat, earaches.

MYRRH (Balsamodendron myrrha)

MyrrhAntiseptic on mucous membranes. Disinfectant to wounds. Cleansing and healing agent of stomach and colon. Good gargle for sore throat, spongy gums, pyorrhea, and canker sores. Helps in waste elimination. Inhibits bacterial growth. Stimulates capillary activity. Increases digestion. Promotes absorption of nutrients. Increases number of white blood cells. Has anti-biotic and anti-viral activity. Good for delayed menstruation. Used for bad breath, bronchitis, colon, gums, hemorrhoids, lung diseases, mouth sores, skin sores, sore throat.

Key Uses: antiseptic, menstrual congestion, pains, gas, mouthwash.

Caution: Do not use internally for longer than two weeks at a time. It is very rough on the kidneys. Do not use during pregnancy.