Dandelion: The golden-yellow flower heads of the plant brighten up the fields. The medicinal value of the dandelion plant is the treatment of all kidney complaints, liver trouble and circulatory disorders. It is widely used for treating arthritis, to disperse acidic deposits from the affected joints. To benefit from this herb, the leaves which are slightly bitter should be eaten raw in salad. Dandelion coffee made by roasting the washed roots in a warm oven can be taken when mixed with pure coffee. It cures pimples and skin spots.

Damiana : Best known as a sexual rejuvenator; increases sperm count; Mayans used it for lung ailments, dizziness and as a general body cleanser; helps with hot flashes; strengthens the female system; great for infertility and impotence; relieves colds and flu; good tonic for central nervous system. Works as an antidepressant for those suffering from mild to moderate depression and nervous exhaustion; especially valuable when anxiety and depression occur together, as happens with long-term stress. Often given for painful and delayed menstrual
periods. Useful in the treatment of urinary infections such as cystitis and urethritis. Also used as a mild laxative, useful in treating constipation due to poor bowel muscle tone.
 

Dill: Improves digestion, eases colic, prevents infectious diarrhea in children. Traditional herbalists also recommended dill for prevention of flatulence, and perhaps there was something to this. The herb has anti-foaming action, suggesting that it might help break up gas bubbles.

Dried Milk: Nourishing and used to thicken face masks.

Don Quai : Used since 588 BC for female problems; strengthens circulation; antibiotic for several "bugs;" encourages proper balance of female hormones; cleanses and purifies the blood; relieves tinnitis, blurred vision, and palpitations; enhances use of vitamin E; calms nerves; use as a post-partum tonic to build blood and regulate menses; bowel lubricant

Echinacea : "King of blood purifiers;" improves lymphatic system; strengthens immune system and is most potent for such; good for colds and flu; anti-inflammatory; anti-viral; antibiotic tendencies; increases white blood cells to destroy virii; no side effects noted and is a very safe; keeps T-cells healthy; good for glandular infections-; expels poisons and toxins; prevents cell infection; beneficial during pregnancy. The most important immune stimulant in Western medicine.

Eggs: The most useful aid to beauty. The yolk is nourishing and the white is drying and tightening. Used in masks and as a hair conditioner.

Elder: All parts of the tree are used. Its leaves combined with honey in a standard infusion clears troubled skin. The infused flowers offer a remedy for catarrh, coughs and colds. It soothes all burns and scalds. A balm of elder flowers is said to keep crow's feet at bay.

Emulsifying Wax B.P.: Extremely useful for stabilizing creams. Made from ceto stearyl alcohol and sodium lauryl sulphate.

Ephedra : Iincreases sweating, dilates the bronchioles (small airways in lungs), diuretic, stimulant, raises blood pressure, disperses cold. Used in conventional medicine for its decongestant properties, as well as for treating asthma and hay fever. Can cool fevers and alleviate rheumatism. Use with extreme caution and only under
professional supervision! DO NOT take if you suffer from angina, glaucoma, high blood pressure, enlarged prosate, or overactive thyroid. Can cause headaches, tremors, and insomnia.

Evening Primrose: Evening Primrose is edible and medicinal and has a long history of use as an alternative medicine. The leaves are cooked and eaten as greens and the roots are said to be sweet succulent and delicious when boiled like potatoes. Flowers are a sweet addition to salads or as a garnish and young seedpods are Steamed. , it is being increasingly cultivated for the oil contained in its seeds which contains certain the essential gamma-linoleinc acid (GLA), a very valuable fatty acid that is not found in many plants and has numerous vital functions in the body. GLA is an essential fatty acid that the body does not manufacture. This fatty acid is known to help prevent hardening of the arteries, heart disease, eczema, cirrhosis, rheumatoid arthritis, menopause, PMS, multiple sclerosis, and high blood pressure. It has a positive effect on sex hormone response including the hormones estrogen and testosterone, aids in lowering cholesterol levels, and is important in treating cirrhosis of the liver. Research also demonstrates that primrose oil helps relieve pain and inflammation. The oil also has a positive effect on the uterine muscles, nervous system and metabolism. The bark and the leaves are astringent and sedative. They have proved of use in the treatment of gastro-intestinal disorders, whooping cough and asthma. A tea made from the roots is used in the treatment of obesity. A finely ground powder made from the flowering stems is used cosmetically in face-masks to counteract reddened skins.

Eyebright: It is a tiny meadow herb whose white flowers are edged with mauve and yellow. The leaves are oval shaped and slightly downy. This herb is used to treat ophthalmic complaints. Eyebright is often prescribed where the vision has deteriorated. A good eyebright lotion can be made by adding one teaspoonful of tincture to a half cup of slightly saline water that has first been boiled and allowed to cool. The eyes are then washed three times daily.

False Unicorn Root: Used specifically for female reproductive disorders. Valuable for menstrual problems and ovarian cysts; can also be very helpful during menopause. Used as a tonic to help treat digestive and genitourinary problems. Uterine and ovarian tonic, promotes menstrual flow, diuretic. Seems to have a normalizing effect
on the female reproductive system and is given to women with absent or irregular periods. Encourages the ovaries to release their hormones correctly. Also used to treat endometriosis and uterine infections.

Fennel: It is a herb which has a cleansing effect on the skin. When steaming the face use it in the water. Good for slimming.

Fenugreek seeds :

They contain alkaloids (mainly trigonelline) and protein high in lysine (Lysine is an essential amino acid needed for growth and to help maintain nitrogen balance in the body.) and L-tryptophan. Its steroidal saponins are thought to inhibit cholesterol absorption and synthesis. Trials have shown that fenugreek lowers elevated cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the blood, but does not lower HDL (“good”) cholesterol levels. The typical range of intake for cholesterol-lowering is 5–30 grams with each meal or 15–90 grams all at once with one meal. As a tincture, 3–4 ml of fenugreek can be taken up to three times per day. Due to the potential uterine stimulating properties of fenugreek, which may cause miscarriages, fenugreek should not be used during pregnancy.

Feverfew: Reduces fever, as well as number and severity of headaches, and the nausea of migraines; good for pain relief, chills, colds, and arthritis; helps body heal & strengthen itself; alcohol destroys its effects. Feverfew has been used since early Roman times to induce menstruation and is given in difficult births in order to aid expulsion of the placenta. Useful for migraines associated with menstruation.

Fuller's Earth (Multani Mitti):  An absorbent clay, rich in minerals. Used in face mask for thickening and cleansing, drawing and stimulating qualities. Also used as a dry shampoo.

Garlic: As antiseptic and drawing properties. It's primary benefit is in the reduction of heart disease. Garlic reportedly reduces the risk of cancer, lowers blood pressure, reduces total cholesterol and raises HDL (the desirable component of cholesterol), helps fight bacterial, viral and fungal infections, and reduces the tendency of blood to form clots. The main "ingredient" in garlic is allicin. It is responsible for the "garlic odor" as well as the plant's reported therapeutic effects. Allicin is present in garlic extract, dried garlic and in the fresh plant, so using any form provides the same benefit.

Gelatin: A rich source of protein. Used for hair conditioning or diluted as a setting lotion and nail hardening creams.

Ginger: Ginger, the underground stem, or rhizome, of the plant Zingiber officinale has been used as a medicine in Asian, Indian, and Arabic herbal traditions since ancient times. In China, for example, ginger has been used to aid digestion and treat stomach upset, diarrhea, and nausea for more than 2,000 years. Ginger has also been used to help treat arthritis, colic, diarrhea, and heart conditions.

Ginkgo Biloba: Has become very popular as of late due to its remarkable ability to improve circulation, especially poor
circulation to the brain ( a cause of memory loss). Seeds are used in Chinese medicine to relieve wheezing and reduce phlegm; also given to treat a weak bladder and incontinence. The leaves are traditionally used to treat asthma. Can reduce the possibility of stroke. One of the most useful herbs for senile dementia. A possible treatment for auto-immune problems, multiple sclerosis, and complications of organ transplants.
 

Ginseng: Mild stimulant; toner and tonic.

Glycerin: sometimes spelled glycerine, is a commercial product whose principal component is glycerol.It is used in face creams and lotion. It attracts and holds moisture. Used in cosmetics for thousands of years as a solvent, plasticizer, humectant, emollient, and lubricant

Goldenseal : A potent remedy for disorders affecting mucous membranes of the body, notably of the eye, ear, nose, and throat, the stomach and intestines, and the vagina. As a dilute infusion, goldenseal can be used as an eyewash and as a mouthwash for infected gums. Highly valued as a remedy for psoriasis. Internally, goldenseal increases digestive secretions, astringes the mucous membranes that line the stomach, and checks inflammation. It should not be taken for an extended period of time because it reduces the body's ability to absorb some nutrients; notably, B vitamins. It helps to reduce heavy menstrual bleeding and is used by some mid-wives to stop postpartum hemorrhage. Goldenseal stimulates the muscles of the uterus and should NOT be taken during pregnancy.

Gotu Kola : Tonic, anti-rheumatic, mild diuretic, sedative, peripheral vasodilator. Traditionally used to improve fertility, but research shows that its constituents may reduce fertility. Thins the blood and in large doses, helps to lower blood sugar levels. Used in Ayurvedic medicine to treat leprosy, skin ulcers, and other skin problems. Has a long-standing reputation as a rejuvenator, helping concentration and memory. Tonic for poor digestion. Fresh leaves are given to children
with dysentary. It is also thought to be helpful for fevers, abdominal disorders, athsma, and bronchitis. The oil is used to promote hair growth. Used mainly in Western medicine for skin problems and wounds. Also has anti-inflammatory properties which make it effective for rheumatism, rheumatoid arthritis, and poor venous circulation.

Grapes: Slightly acid and good for cleansing and bleaching.

Groundnut: A vegetable oil used in face creams and body lotions. Also known as peanut oil.

Guggul :

It contains resin, volatile oils, and gum. The extract isolates ketonic steroid compounds known as guggulsterones. These compounds have been shown to provide the cholesterol- and triglyceride-lowering actions. Guggul significantly lowers serum triglycerides and cholesterol as well as LDL and VLDL cholesterols (the “bad” cholesterols). At the same time, it raises levels of HDL cholesterol (the “good” cholesterol). As antioxidants, guggulsterones keep LDL cholesterol from oxidizing, an action which protects against atherosclerosis. Guggul has also been shown to reduce the stickiness of platelets—another effect that lowers the risk of coronary artery disease. Daily recommendations for the purified guggul extract are typically based on the amount of guggulsterones in the extract. A common intake of guggulsterones is 25 mg three times per day. Most extracts contain 2.5–5% guggulsterones and can be taken daily for 12 to 24 weeks for lowering high cholesterol and/or triglycerides. Guggul should be used with caution by women with liver disease and in cases of inflammatory bowel disease and diarrhea. A physician should be consulted before treating elevated cholesterol and triglycerides.

Gum Resin: a dried exudation from various trees, consisting of a principle soluble in water and insoluble in alcohol. Used as a tightening, fixing and stabilizing agent in the cream. 

Hawthorn (Cratagus oxyacantha):Hawthorn has a long reputation in both folk medicine and clinical medicine as a heart tonic. In Europe, hawthorn berry preparations are widely used by physicians in heart conditions, such as mild forms of angina. Hawthorn is safe to use for extended periods of time, according to European studies.

Heena (Mehandi): An astringent herb with cooling properties. It is used as hair conditioner, hair dye and for applying over hand and feet.

Holy Basil : Helps some types of diabetes, as it has the ability to reduce/stabilize blood sugar levels; lowers blood pressure and cholesterol levels; has anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and fever-reducing properties. Useful for respiratory infections, especially coughs, colds, bronchitis, and pleurisy, as well as asthma. The juice can be used for insect stings, ringworm, and other skin diseases. Also used as ear drops for inner ear infections. The juice or powdered herb helps canker sores heal.

Hollyhocks: Soothing properties. Used for preparing skin tonics.

Honey: Healing, nourishing and softening. It is used in masks, creams and lotions.

Hops : Strong stimulant for the entire digestive system as it increases gastric and other secretions and relaxes spasms. Its antispasmodic action makes it useful for certain types of asthma and menstrual pain. Ithas sedative  properties but as yet, the way they work is not completely understood. It relaxes smooth muscle and believed to have an estrogenic effect. As some of hops constituents depress central nervous system activity, this herb should NOT be taken by people with a history of or current depression, however mild. A hops sachet placed inside the pillow releases an aroma that calms the mind to reduce irritability and tension, thereby promoting a restful sleep.

Houseleek: Herb used for healing and astringent properties in lotions.

Jasmine Oil: A highly aromatic oil made from the flower and used as a perfume in many recipes

Karela (bitter gourd), regulates metabolism: It is known to aid in the metabolism of carbohydrates.

Kaolin: A fine white clay used for absorption purposes in masks.

Kelp: Seaweed rich in minerals. Used in masks and good for greasy or spotty skin.

Kohl: A dark powder used to outline the eyes

Lanolin: A thick tacky fat, widely used in skin foods for its moisturizing and softening effects. Lanolin is the natural oil extraced from sheep's wool and is the reares chemical substance to sebum - the natural lubricant of human skin. Alos helps guard against harmful effects of sun, wind and water. Lanolin alos stimulates the protecteve mechanisms of the natural skin's lipids.

Lavender: It has a pleasant fragrance. Lavender has been much cultivated since very early times and used for scenting bath water. Long used as a nerve tonic, cough cure and anti-paralytic, lavender is also renowned when used as a gargle or mouthwash. The essential oil of lavender, on external application, soothes headaches, reduces inflammation and calms angry joints and muscles.

Lecithin Powder: A complex, highly nutritious soft yellow powder found in egg yolk and soybeans.

Lemon: Rich in Vitamin C. It is acidic, astringent and bleaching. Used in skin tonics and creams. Lemon is useful as a water purifier- it adds a lovely citrus flavor while killing any bacteria. Lemon also assists the lymphatic and digestive systems- making it helpful in an anti-cellulite regime.

Lemon balm: Lemon Balm is edible and medicinal. Fresh leaves can be added to salad or used in egg dishes and can be used to make sauces for fish, poultry and pork. Dried or fresh the whole plant is used to make cool refreshing drinks or warm relaxing teas. Used in alternative medicine the leaves and young flowering shoots are antibacterial, antispasmodic, antiviral, carminative, diaphoretic, digestive, emmenagogue, febrifuge, sedative, and tonic. Balm contains a volatile oil citral and citronella which is strongly antispasmodic and aids in calming nerves, relieving menstrual cramps, insomnia, depression, hyperthyroidism, upset stomach, and colic in babies. Leaf tea is good for fevers, colds, and headache. Fresh crushed leaves are applied to wounds and insect bites. The essential oils in the fresh plant, particularly citronella make it a most effective insect repellent when crushed and rubbed on skin or clothes. A herb good for cleaning the skin. it can help significantly in the treatment of cold sores and combat the herpes simplex virus. Added to bath it relieves muscle tension and soothes irritated skin. The oil is often added to skin preparations and perfumes. The essential oil is used in aromatherapy and is very pleasant used in potpourris.

Lemon peel:Contains an essential aromatic oil and a small quantity of natural anti-oxidants. Good for face masks. The British Pharmacopoeia (1988) also lists lemon peel as an aromatic for use as an aroma and flavour enhancer. The (bio-)flavonoids of the drug are reported to reduce the permeability of blood vessels, especially of capillaries, so that extracts from lemon peel are also included in remedies for phlebitis and many vitamin and mineral supplements. New studies on a monoterpene found in lemon peel called limonene show that it very effectively prevents individuals from developing abnormal growths on their skin.

Lettuce(Chuqandar):Rich in minerals, iron and vitamins. It is cooling and excellent for sun-burn to reduce redness.

Licorice root :

Derived from the root of a shrubby perennial plant native to Europe and Asia, It boosts overall health. licorice root appears to promote normal heart rhythm (China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica, 1991, vol. 16) and enhance hormonal balance in women (Endocrinology Japonica, 1988, vol. 35). Plus, it's often used for detoxifying the liver. The plant's root contains a variety of chemical agents, including glycoside glycyrrhizin. The amount of glycyrrhizin varies from 7 percent to 10 percent, depending on growing conditions. In case you decide to use, opt for the DGL (deglycyrrhizinated) form.

Mandrake: American Mandrake is medicinal and edible (fruit), used extensively by Native Americans. The fully ripe fruit is eaten raw, cooked or made into jams, jellies, marmalades, pies. It is very aromatic, and has a sweet peculiar but agreeable flavor. The seeds and rind are not edible, said to be poisonous. The root and plant contain valuable constituents Quercetin, Kaempferol, Podophyllin, Isorhamnetin, Gallic-acid, Berberine, Alpha-peltatin, that are being studied for their healing, anticancer and other properties. The root is used as a medicinal herb, it is antibilious, cathartic, cytostatic, hydrogogue and purgative, it should only be used by professional Herbalists. It is a most powerful and useful alternative medicine. A possible treatment for cancer is being tested as it contains podophyllin, which has an antimiotic effect (it interferes with cell division and can thus prevent the growth of cells). The resin, which is obtained from the root, is used in the treatment of warts. The whole plant, apart from the ripe fruit, is highly poisonousin large doses. American Mandrake herb produces nausea and vomiting, and even inflammation of the stomach and intestines, which has been known to prove fatal.In moderate doses, it is a drastic purgative with some cholagogue action. Not a medicinal herb to be used during pregnancy, may cause birth defects.

Marigold(Genda):The orange marigold is a prolific garden plant. It opens its petals at nine and closes them at four. A disinfectant herb, marigold has been used in the effective treatment of ulcers and open sores. The flowers may be eaten raw, taken as a standard infusion or the latter applied as a lotion. The same plant cures varicose veins and other circulatory troubles. As a lotion, a marigold infusion (petals only) provides the ideal balancer of an over-oily skin and all complexions.

Marshmallow: Generally found on waste land. This herb has thick downy leaves and pretty mauvish flowers which appear on clusters at the height of summer. Mallows are analgesic, antitussive, demulcent, diuretic, febrifuge, highly emollient, slightly laxative and odontalgic. Mallow or Hibiscus tea is well known in alternative medicine for its use as a demulcent to soothe throat inflammations and laryngitis, as an expectorant for coughs and bronchitis. It is used in the treatment of dysentery, lung ailments and urinary ailments. The tea is also taken for gastritis and enteritis or used as an enema for intestinal inflammations, and is an excellent laxative for young children. Used externally to wash wounds and sores or made into an emollient salve or poultice to soothe skin inflammations. The root is used as a toothbrush or pealed and given for teething children to chew. A decoction of the roots has been used to treat fevers and to reduce blood pressure. The seeds are also chewed as a nervine, stomachic and to sweeten the breath, also said to be aphrodisiac. Fragrant flowers are also used in potpourri.

Mayonnaise: Nourishing and used as a face mask and for hair conditioning.

Melon: Used on dry skin for refreshing and cleaning the skin.

Milk: Used for softening, nourishing and cleaning the skin.

Milk Thistle : Protects the liver, stimulates secretion of bile, increases breast milk in nursing mothers, antidepressant. Silymarin, a substance contained in the seeds, maintains the liver's function and prevents
damage from compounds that re normally highly toxic. This substance has been used successfully to treat hepatitis and cirrhosis of the liver. Protects the liver's many metabolic activities and helps renew its cells. Also used in the treatment of jaundice. Milk thistle can help limit the damage done to the liver by chemotherapy and speeds up the recovery from side effects once treatment is completed.

Mineral oil: A fine colorless non-penetrating oil. Ideal for creams.

Mint: It grows in shady, damp places and also on dry, rocky ground. Among the ancients, the scent of this herb was highly esteemed. In herbals, mint tea is used to help the digestion, revive the appetite and alleviate rheumatism. Pepper mint and spear mint are used as herbals to improve the appetite and digestion. Added to the bathwater, an infusion of pepper mint helps cure skin disorders and invigorates the bather.

Mullein: Quiets nerves; relieves pain; soothes any inflammation; excellent for lung diseases, coughs and consumption; it's a narcotic that won't induce euphoria; use mullein oil for ear infections; good to
eliminate excess mucous; used to treat tuberculosis

Musk: A strong smelling substance from a gland of musk deer.

Myrrh: A resin used in incense. Added to skin tonics it has preservative and mild disinfectant properties.

Neem, for skin care: It has anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and blood-purifying properties. Neem is very useful in skin disorders and helps maintain healthy, beautiful and glowing skin.

Nettle: On wasteland, pastures and in hedges, nettle is found in plenty. They are a most potent herb with many qualities compensating for the strung fingers. The nettle is widely used to treat rheumatism and poor circulation, to cure bronchitis, to reduce the risk of haemorrhages and dispel melancholia. The nettle leaves may be boiled and then eaten like green vegetables.

Nutmeg: Nutmeg is a great topping for cheese dishes, and is often a "secret ingredient" in barbeque sauces. A pinch of grated nutmeg gives a delicious spicy flavor to eggnogs, milk drinks, rum punches, spiced hot wines, puddings and custards, salads, roasted lamb and sweet sauces.

Nutmeg oil: Analgesic, reduces nausea, anti-oxidant, anti-rheumatic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, aphrodisiac, settles digestion, induces or assists menstruation, prostaglandin inhibitor, stimulant, tonic, larvicidal. Nutmeg oil is very good for arthritis, rub on joints and other aches and pains.

Oak: Oak leaves in the bath are deodorant and relaxing. They soothe inflammation.

Oatmeal (Jai Ka Atta): A cleansing and soothing meal. Use it for washing with, or in masks. Finely ground oat-meal is found in any grocer's shop.

Oleic Acid: A most useful oily liquid which has emulsifying properties. If a cream or lotion is separating, add one or two drops of oleic acid to bind it together.

Olive Oil (Jaitoon Ka Tel): A Poly-unsaturated vegetable oil. Used in nourishing creams.

Onion: An antiseptic. Wash your face with onion juice to prevent blemishes and mix it with honey to make an anti-wrinkle cream.

Orange: Contains Vitamin C. The juice is used in skin tonics and masks.

Orange Flower Water: A fragrant water produced by distilling orange blossom. Used in creams and tonics.

Orange Peel: Dry and grind some peel and use it in masks and facial scrubs. Also used in tooth powders.

Oregano: Oregano leaves have a powerful, peppery flavor, used in Italian pizza and tomato dishes. Mexican chili powders, and as a garnish. The tea is a tonic and relieves coughs, muscle spasms, nervous headaches, and menstrual pain. The leaves are antiseptic and applied to swellings, rheumatism, and stiff necks. The flowering tops yield a reddish dye. The essential oil is a powerful antiseptic, useful in room sprays. The leaves can be chewed for temporary releif from toothache. All oreganos contain the chemicals carvacrol and thymol which are known for their expectorant qualities.