Herb Glossary

A plant native to the Kalahari desert in southern Africa. It has analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-rheumatic properties and was perhaps the first herbal remedy to be considered for joint and muscle pain and inflammation, slowing or preventing deterioration in symptoms. Clinical studies have shown devil's claw extracts to be effective in relieving arthritic pain in the knee, hip, and back, Osteoarthritis, gout, fibromyalgia and back pain. 

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Goldenrod

Found in: Vitex

Also known as woundwort and Aaron’s rod, goldenrod has diuretic, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial and astringent actions. Goldenrod is used to treat kidney and urinary infections and stones. It can also be used to help with respiratory catarrh and arthritis and has shown in vivo anti-tumor effects in mice.

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Kelp (Seaweed)

Found in: Daily Health, Daily + Liver Support, Healthy Coat, Skin & Paws (Seaweed & Rosehips)

Kelp is composed of 60 elements, 16 amino acids and 12 vitamins. Providing an antioxidant effect, it attracts heavy metals and removes them from the body. It has been shown to improve thyroid stimulation and also has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory benefits.

Feeding kelp is a very economical way to provide for most of the nutrients for horses. There is a perceived danger that iodine toxicities could occur when a horse is fed too much seaweed – but, if fed with care, kelp (seaweed) can provide unique benefits to a horse’s health. If fed correctly the level of iodine is way below toxic levels.

The full range of nutrients of kelp are also beneficial for dogs. Kelp has an advantage over other green feeds as it does not have cellulose encircling the cell wall - cellulose can be difficult for a dog to digest. Of particular advantage to dogs is the effect of coat color enhancement, and also very helpful for dogs with skin allergies and alopecia. It may take several weeks, but improvement in skin dryness and itchiness have been recorded. As it helps to improve metabolism, the energy level is increased and resistance to disease and assisting immune functions are other benefits.

Commonly used in herbal medicine to stimulate the thyroid function, it can also be effective in weight loss as part of a low calorie diet. The consumption of seaweeds has also been associated with lower cancer rates.

Kelp is anti-inflammatory, demulcent, emollient, protective against radiation, anti-cancer, anti-tumor, antibiotic, immuno-stimulant, anti-viral and soothing to intestinal mucosa.

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Licorice Root

Found in: Daily Health + Liver Support, Liver & Kidney Support, Respiratory Herb Mix, TumEaze, Eat Well

This herbal medicine it has an impressive list of well documented uses and is probably one of the most over-looked of all herbal wonders.

Licorice promotes the healing of ulcers, it can lower stomach acid levels, relieve heartburn and indigestion and acts as a mild laxative. It can soothe irritation, inflammation and spasms in the digestive tract. Through its beneficial action on the liver, it increases bile flow and lowers cholesterol levels.

Licorice Root also has immune system boosting qualities, and eases pain through an aspirin-like action. It also acts on the adrenal glands, which improves one’s resistance to physical and emotional stress and increases energy levels.
Licorice’s anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties help calm liver inflammation and keep a healthy function of the heart. Licorice also eases congestion and coughing by helping to loosen mucus and making coughs more ‘productive’ and soothes soreness in the throat.

Finally, phytoestrogens in licorice root make it useful to ease PMS symptoms as well.

Use in moderation.

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Linden (Lime)

 

Found in: Harmonious VF, Mellow Girl

Gentle, soothing, heart opening herb with relaxing, cooling properties for nerves, muscles and emotions. Flowers and leaves are used for medicinal purposes. 

• Relaxing nervine – helps to calm tension and irritability in the nervous system
• Anxiolytic – eases anxiety
• Antispasmodic – eases muscle cramping
• Hypotensive – assists in lowering blood pressure
• Vasodilator – helps to dilate blood vessels
• Demulcent – rich in mucilage which helps to soothe and protect tissues
• Diaphoretic – helps to promote perspiration
• Anti-inflammatory – eases inflammation

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Marigold (Calendula) Flowers

Found in: Cleavers & Marigold, Daily Health, Daily + Liver Support, Healthy Coat, TumEaze

Calendula is a stunningly beautiful flower; the deep orange and yellow petals form a colorful contrast with the greenery in any herb garden. Is it little wonder that Calendula, called "Marygold" or "sunbride" in the herbals of the middle ages, was ascribed magical powers and healing virtues. Calendula flower oil heals the skin so well, The German Commission E has verified the effectiveness of calendula in healing wounds and reducing inflammation.

Calendula is a particularly good treatment for cuts, scrapes, bruises, insect bites and minor wounds. Calendula is antifungal and so can help to cure thrush (Candida albicans). The antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties of calendula make it a good face wash for dry, irritated skin and acne.

Traditionally known as ‘the homoeopathic antiseptic’, wounds treated with calendula extracts healed cleanly and rapidly without one drop of pus. In recent times, this has been backed up by research confirming Calendula’s anti-bacterial properties against Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus faecalis both commonly found on the skin and in the nares and throat, using a dry hydroethanolic extract. (Dumenil G et al., Evaluation of antibacterial properties of marigold flowers (Calendula officinalis) and mother homeopathic tinctures of Calendula officinalis Re: Annual Pharm French 1980).

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Meadowsweet

Found in: Daily Health, Daily + Liver Support, Flex Joint Support, Harmonious Valerian Free, Senior, TumEaze

Mild, but effective anti-inflammatory herb used to treat arthritis and other aches and pains. Meadowsweet leaves and flowers contain salicylates, compounds that are converted by the body to aspirin. Meadowsweet is especially helpful for those arthritis sufferers who have gastritis, (inflammation of the stomach lining) from years of taking NSAIDs. While it may seem contradictory at first, since aspirin and salicylates are know for causing stomach upset, but years of observation and historic use confirm that meadowsweet is effective in a wide range of digestive problems, including diarrhea in children. This makes a strong case for the whole herb being much more than just the sum of its "active" ingredients. 

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Milk Thistle Seed

Found in: Daily Health, Daily + Liver Support, Flex Joint Support, Immune Support, Liver Support, Mellow Girl (Valerian Free), Senior, Vitex

This handsome plant has been used for liver ailments for thousands of years, but until recently was one of herbal medicine's best kept secrets. Silymarin, a constituent of milk thistle, is now listed in The Mereck Index as a liver protector and actually helps to regenerate liver cells and protects against damage by toxins and viruses. Whole seeds of milk thistle or a tincture made from them are now used in the United States as well as Europe for both protection and regeneration of the liver. Powdered seeds are also available in capsules. A frequent drinker, recovering alcoholic, or anyone taking harsh drugs long term, prescription or otherwise, should take milk thistle extract on a daily basis. Milk thistle combines well with dandelion, peppermint or bitters thus combining hepatropic (liver) and choleretic (gallbladder) herbal actions to support better digestion.

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Peppermint

Found in: Daily Health, Daily + Liver Support

An antispasmodic that calms nausea and aids in digestion. Most horses relish the taste of peppermint, and it can be added to unfamiliar drinking water to help horses accept it.

The peppermint oil that is found in the plant has a carminative action, helping to relax sphincters and the smooth muscles of the digestive system, assist in the expulsion of intestinal gas, tone mucous membrane surfaces and increase peristalsis. The oil has a cooling, soothing and anesthetic effect on the smooth muscles of the stomach and intestines, which makes it one of the key herbs to choose when dealing with horses prone to colic, gastric or duodenal ulceration, smooth muscle spasm, trapped gas, digestive cramping or poor appetite.

Peppermint contains a bitter quality that increases bile secretion and helps stimulate the appetite as well as tannins, which can help with horses who suffer from loose droppings or bouts of diarrhea.

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Plantain

Found in: Respiratory + Immune Support, Respiratory Support

Plantain is a common weed found throughout most of North America. It is a moist cooling herb. It is used to pull splinters, dirt, pus and infection out of wounds. Leaves are used on bee stings, insect bites, and snake bites to draw out the venom, as well as taken internally. If you or your animal gets stung by a bug while out riding, just hop off and grab a leaf, chew on it and apply to the bite. Within moments, you can feel the itch dissipate. It also helps to reduce the swelling typically left behind.

Plantain is an excellent general tonic for the gums, pulling out infection and toning the tissue. It is rich in vitamins C, K, and factor "T" which helps to stop bleeding.

Plantain soothes inflamed nerves and can help bring back damaged nerve function. It is turned to often for use with neuralgia. It is also used to ease cough because of its mucilaginous properties. Horses will seek out the leaves of this plant when they feel digestive discomfort. It has been used for impacted digestion and for internal hemorrhaging.

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Rosehips

Found in: Daily Health, Daily + Liver Support, Garlic & Rosehips, Immune Support, Skin & Paws (Seaweed & Rosehips), TumEaze

An accessory fruit of the rose plant, the rose hip can be used to lower cholesterol, improve conditions of Rheumatoid Arthritis, lower blood sugar levels aiding in diabetes treatment, aid in digestion and treat inflammation. Full of flavonoids and antioxidants, rosehips protect the body against heart disease, enhance blood circulation and improve kidney health.  

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Slippery Elm

Slippery elm (Ulmus rubra) is a smaller tree up to 60 feet high that is native to the eastern part of Northern America. It was used medicinally by the native Americans, who shared their knowledge with American settlers. 

The tannins in the bark reduce inflammation, and the oily mucilage components lubricate the digestive tract and assist in waste elimination. Slippery elm bark can be used to help with both diarrhea and constipation. Coating the lining of inflamed mucous membranes such as the gastrointestinal tract and respiratory tract, it helps soothe digestive issues and throat problems. Slippery Elm can also be used topically in poultices. 

Because of its "at risk" status on the United Plant Saver's list, Big Sky Supplements exclusively uses organically grown slippery elm bark, which is grown just for this purpose. 

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Stinging Nettle

Found in: Daily Health, Daily + Liver Support, Flex Joint Support, Immune Support, Healthy Coat, Immune Support, Lamina, Liver Support, Senior

Stinging nettles are a potent herb with a long history of use. Nettle is one of nature's best nutraceuticals, containing protein, calcium, phosphorus, iron, magnesium, beta-carotene, along with vitamins A,C, D, and B complex, all in a form that is easy for the body to use.

Nettle balances blood sugars which helps to prevent sugar spikes. The compound in the nettle that helps this is called glucoquinone and has the same benefit for humans with diabetes. Vitamin C improves the body’s absorption of iron, which aids in alleviating anemia and fatigue. This herb also contains a considerable amount of potassium, a mineral that reduces tension in arteries and blood vessels, all of which benefits blood circulation and cardiovascular health.

The stinging comes from the presence on the bristles of histamine that delivers a stinging burn when the hairs on the leaves and stems are touched. Stinging nettles contain natural antihistamines and anti-inflammatories (including quercetin), that, when ingested, help ease allergic reactions.

Nettle is a reliable diuretic that encourages excretion of uric acid, it also benefits humans with gout. It helps prevent water retention and is a superb nourisher of the kidneys and adrenals, which ultimately assists the removal of waste from the body.

The anti-inflammatory substances combined with the rich concentration of the minerals boron, calcium and silicon ease arthritic pain while helping to build strong bones. One reason may be that nettles contain large amounts of magnesium, which helps to moderate pain response.

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Vitex (Chaste Tree Berry)

Found in: Endocrine Support, Mellow Girl

Vitex is a normalizing herb for the female reproductive system, a regulator of
the hormonal balance of estrogen and progesterone. This normalizing of hormones is what makes the herb valuable in treating painful and irregular menses, PMS, menopause and infertility. For chronic problems, it is most effective when taken over a prolonged period of time.

Vitex berry tinctures were also traditionally prescribed for pain and weakness in the limbs.

Should not be used in pregnant or lactating animals. 

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More herbs coming soon. 

 

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Resources:
http://naturalchickenkeeping.blogspot.com/
http://www.anniesremedy.com/