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I

Indian Hemp – Formally known as Apocynum Cannabinum, and also called American Hemp, Dogbane, Amy Root, Hemp Dogbane, Rheumatism Root, and Wild Cotton, this is a type of marijuana. Native throughout much of North America, it grows in Gravelly or sandy soil, mainly near streams, and is a common weed of cultivated land. Primarily used by Native Americans for its fiber, numerous tribes used it for making clothes, twine, bags, linen, and paper. Though it is a poisonous plant that can cause cardiac arrest if ingested, it is also common in Native American herbal remedies. They made teas from its boiled roots to treat syphilis, rheumatism, intestinal worms, fever, asthma, and dysentery. The Prairie Potawatomi also utilized it as heart medicine and dropsy.

Indian Paintbrush – Officially known as Castilleja and also called Prairie-fire, this genus includes about 200 species of the Broomrape family native to the western Americas, from Alaska South to the Andes. The flowers of the Indian Paintbrush are edible and sweet, and various Native American tribes consumed them in moderation as a condiment with other fresh greens. These plants can be potentially very toxic if the roots or green parts of the plant are consumed. It has similar health benefits to eating garlic, but only if you eat the flowers in small amounts and in moderation. The Chippewa Indians now use Indian Paintbrush as a medicine to treat rheumatism and as a bath rinse to make their hair glossy. Both uses are helpful because of its selenium content. Nevada Indian tribes used the plant to treat sexually transmitted diseases and to enhance the immune system. Hopi women drank tea from the whole Indian paintbrush to “Dry up the menstrual flow.”

J

James’ Buckwheat – See Antelope Sage.

Juniper – Officially known as Juniperus communis, this evergreen shrub grows on mountains and heaths throughout Europe, Southwest Asia, and North America. The female trees bear cones that produce small, round, bluish-black berries that, when fully ripe, are eaten raw or made into teas to treat digestive disorders; kidney, bladder, and urinary tract problems; arthritis; gout; gum disease; dandruff; gonorrhea; diarrhea; high blood pressure; and rheumatic conditions. Be aware that large doses can irritate the urinary tract. Externally, apply it as a diluted oil with a slightly warming effect; it is effective for treating arthritic joints and wounds. Pregnant women should not use Juniper as it has been known to cause miscarriage.

Jiaogulan – Technically called Gynostemma Pentaphyllum, this herb native to Asia has also been called Twisting-vine Orchid, Southern Ginseng, and is praised as Xiancao, an “Immortality” Herb; it has many health-giving qualities and anti-aging effects. It has been found to lower cholesterol and high blood pressure, strengthen immune systems, inhibit cancer growth, improve reproductive and digestive systems, mental and liver functions, and stress-related symptoms.

K

Kava Kava – Technically known as Piper Methysticum, it is a tall shrub in the pepper family that grows in the South Pacific islands. Also called Kawa, Kew, Yagona, and Sakau, it has been used there for thousands of years as a folk remedy and a social and ceremonial beverage. Most commonly, the plant’s roots produce a drink with sedative and anesthetic properties. Others chew the root to relieve symptoms of throat pain. Also used to treat anxiety and insomnia.

Kola Nut – Also called Cola, this is the nut of the Kola Tree, native to the tropical rainforests of Africa. The kola nut has a bitter flavor, contains caffeine, and has long been chewed in many West African cultures for traditional spiritual practices and ceremonies. For medicinal purposes, it has been used to treat whooping cough, asthma, bronchial problems, anxiety, and depression, boost energy, and is an appetite suppressant. In the 1800s, a pharmacist in Georgia took extracts of kola and coca and mixed them with sugar, other ingredients, and carbonated water to invent the first cola soft drink – Coca-Cola. Coca was prohibited from soft drinks in the U.S. after 1904, but Coca-Cola still uses kola in its original recipe. Use kola nut with caution and avoid long-term use, as it has been found to have carcinogenic effects. Side effects include anxiety, dizziness, or nervousness. It is not recommended for pregnant or nursing women. People with intestinal or stomach ulcers, those who are sensitive to stimulants or caffeine, and people who suffer from high blood pressure or heart disorders should avoid using this seed. Today, kola nut remains an alternative medicine mainly for its antidepressant properties.

L

Lavender – Officially called Lavandula, this flowering plant has 39 species in the mint family, and its documented use dates back to Roman times. It has long been used in balms, salves, perfumes, cosmetics, topical applications, and as a fragrance in bath products. Its flowers yield abundant nectar that bees turn into high-quality honey, marketed worldwide as a premium product. Flowers can be candied and are sometimes used to decorate cakes. It is also used to flavor baked goods and desserts. Lavender essential oil has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. It is beneficial to treat insomnia, hair loss, anxiety, depression, headache, fatigue, stress, and postoperative pain. During World War I, hospitals used it to disinfect floors and walls. Externally, infusions have been used on insect bites, burns, and acne.

Lecithin – A generic term for a group of yellow-brown fatty substances found in animal and plant tissues; it is found in foods like eggs, liver, soybeans, wheat germ, butter, and peanuts. It is essential for brain and heart health. Supplements are also said to benefit the nervous and circulatory systems, indigestion, weight loss, the liver, and the reproductive system; improve memory; support healthy hair and skin; and treat gallstones.

Lemon Balm – Native to southern Europe and the Mediterranean region, this member of the mint family is now grown worldwide. Officially known as Melissa Officinalis, it is considered a “calming” herb. People have used it since the Middle Ages to reduce stress and anxiety, promote sleep, improve appetite, and ease pain and discomfort from indigestion, including gas, bloating, and colic. Even before the Middle Ages, people steeped lemon balm in wine to lift spirits, help heal wounds, and treat insect bites. Today, lemon balm is often combined with other calming, soothing herbs, such as Valerian, Chamomile, and Hops, to help promote relaxation. It is also used in creams to treat cold sores.

Lemongrass – Native to warm temperate and tropical regions, this genus of about 55 tall grasses is known as Cymbopogon. Common names include Barbed Wire Grass, Silky Heads, Citronella Grass, and Fever Grass, among many others. Beyond its medicinal properties, it is widely used as an herb in Asian cuisine, teas, soups, and curries. As it has antifungal properties, it has also been used as a pesticide and a preservative. Only fresh or dried lemongrass leaves and the essential oil derived from them are used in medicine to treat cough, cuts, asthma, and bladder disorders. It relieves headaches and promotes sweating.

Lemon Verbena is a perennial shrub whose leaves add a lemon flavor to many types of foods and beverages. It is also often used as an antioxidant, helping protect against oxidative damage and reduce signs of muscle damage.

Licorice Root – Formally called Glycyrrhiza Glabra, this root is known best for its flavoring in candies, foods, and beverages. Native to southern Europe and parts of Asia, it has also been called licorice, sweet root, and gan zao (Chinese Licorice). Over the years, it has been used to treat stomach ulcers, bronchitis, sore throat, hepatitis, heartburn, colic, liver disorders, malaria, tuberculosis, food poisoning, and chronic fatigue.

Lobelia– A flowering plant most often found in tropical and warm regions, Native Americans have long used lobelia to treat respiratory and muscle disorders and as a purgative. Appalachian folk medicine utilized the plant for asthma. Two species were once considered a cure for syphilis, and another, Lobelia Chinensis, is used as one of the 50 fundamental herbs in traditional Chinese medicine.

Disclaimer:  These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration, and we make no medical claims nor intend to diagnose, treat, or heal medical conditions. Women who are pregnant or nursing or persons with known medical conditions should consult their physician before taking any herbal products.

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