Slippery Elm

For Constipation: This mucilage herb has a history of use for constipation. It stimulates nerves in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, which then leads to mucous production and provides relief from constipation. Limited research has been done to determine long-term effects. Slippery elm coats the GI tract, so it may help lower absorption for some medications…

Senna

For Constipation: As a herb, senna is used to help treat constipation and to clear the bowel before some medical procedures. The fruit is thought to be gentler than the leaf. Still, it should only be used in the short term and at the recommended doses. Long-term and high-doses use has been reported to cause…

Rhubarb

For Constipation: Rhubarb is used to help treat constipation. Rhubarb has a laxative effect, but a study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology found that it also has antidiarrheal effects due to its tannin content. As a result, rhubarb should only be used on a short-term basis.

Prune Juice

For Constipation: This one is quite known. Both prunes and prune juice are commonly used by people with hard stools that are a challenge to pass. Prunes are a natural laxative and contain the fiber needed to move stools faster. A couple of prunes or a small glass of prune juice will do the trick.

Thieves Oil

For Colds: Thieves oil is a blend of clove (syzygium aromaticum), lemon cinnamon bark (cinnamomum), eucalyptus and rosemary that was created by 15th century thieves during the plague. The oil blend is antiviral, antiseptic and antibacterial. It works well in a diffuser to help purify the air in your home, or as a throat spray…

Rosemary Essential Oil

For Colds: Rosemary essential oil can work as an antiseptic and an antimicrobial agent. In The Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy, Valerie Ann Worwood suggests using a blend of rosemary, lemon and eucalyptus oils to massage the nose, cheekbones and temples in order to relieve congestion and discomfort.   For Fatigue: Rosemary essential…

Thyme Essential Oil

For Colds: Thyme essential oil (Thymallus) is both an antiseptic and anti-bacterial. A lot of aromatherapists recommend that you use it in a blend with tea tree oil, lemon and eucalyptus oil in bath or in an inhaler to help ward off congestion. Word of warning: Don’t use this oil if you have high blood…

Wild Blue – Green Algae

For Cold Sore: Wild blue-green algae is considered to be a phyto-plankton and it contains evirtually every known nutrient, with a 60% protein content and a more complete amino acid profile than either beef or soy beans. It also contains one of the best known food sources of beta carotene, B vitamins and chlorophyll. It…

Grape Seed

For Circulation Problems: Grape seeds are strongly vasodilatory, so they’re highly beneficial for a wide array of blood pressure and circulatory conditions. They help protect blood vessels from being damaged in the first place (which can sometimes contribute to high blood pressure), and their vessel-dilating effects help lower blood pressure in those with hypertension. Studies have…