Top-Selling Herbs

For optimum results combine herbs with common-sense health habits, including exercise and proper nutrition.

Herb

Traditional Uses

Modern Uses/Indications

Recommended Dosage

Black cohosh
(Cimicifuga racemosa)

rheumatism, snakebites, menstrual cramps, muscle soreness

rheumatism; symptoms of menopause, especially hot flashes

1 capsule standardized extract 2x daily;
10-40 drops tincture 2-3x daily

Cranberry
(Vaccinium macrocarpon)

externally on wounds; urinary tract infections

bladder infection, incontinence

2-4 capsules standardized extract daily;
1 cup unsweetened juice 1-2x daily

Echinacea
(Echinacea spp.)

snakebites, toothaches, sore throat, infections

colds, flu, urinary tract infections, gum problems

2-3 droppersful tincture 2-3x daily;
1 cup tea 3-4x daily

Elder
(Sambucus spp.)

colds, flu, fever

colds, flu, fever

2-3 cups tea 3x daily;
2 droppersful tincture 2x daily

Garlic
(Allium sativum)

colds, bronchitis, dysentery, earaches

colds, flu, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, parasites

2-4 perles daily; 2-3 minced cloves daily with meals

Ginger
(Zingiber officinale)

arthritis, digestive problems, colds, coughs

nausea, motion sickness, morning sickness, poor blood circulation, colds

1 cup tea 2-3x daily; 2-4 droppersful
tincture or 2 capsules powder 2-3x daily

Ginkgo
(Ginkgo biloba)

spermatorrhea, incontinence

Alzheimer’s disease, tinnitus, macular degeneration, improvement of blood circulation, memory

1 capsule standardized extract 2-3x daily;
1 dropperful tincture 2-3x daily

Ginseng
(Panax ginseng)

general weakness, convalescence, to increase longevity; sexual tonic

fatigue, convalescence, weak digestion, recurring infections

1-3 droppersful tincture or
1-2 capsules standardized extract 2-3x daily

Green tea
(Camellia sinensis)

externally for sunburn and inflamed eyes; to increase longevity

antioxidant; heart disease, ulcers, cancer, plaque formation

1 cup tea 2-3x daily;
1-2 capsules standardized extract daily

Hawthorn
(Crataegus laevigata)

heart disease, digestive upsets, weak digestion, diarrhea

heart palpitations, atherosclerosis, hypertension, weak heart, angina

1-2 tablets or capsules standardized extract 2-3x daily

Kava
(Piper methysticum)

urinary tract disorders, rheumatism, toothache, nervousness

tension, nervousness, insomnia, tight muscles, anxiety

1-2 tablets standardized extract
or 2-4 droppersful tincture 2-3x daily

Licorice
(Glycyrrhiza glabra)

sore throat, coughs, weak digestion, diarrhea, upset stomach

inflammatory conditions, viruses, digestive weakness, coughs, chronic fatigue syndrome

1 cup tea or 1-2 droppersful tincture
2-3x daily; 1-2 capsules of deglycyrrhinated licorice (DGL), twice daily

Milk thistle
(Silybum marianum)

poor digestion, gallstones, jaundice, liver disorders

hepatitis C and other forms of hepatitis, cirrhosis, jaundice; liver protection for tipplers or drug users

2-4 droppersful tincture or
1-2 capsules standardized extract 2-3x daily

Psyllium
(Plantago spp.)

amoebic dysentery, diarrhea,
constipation

constipation, diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome, high cholesterol

1-2 teaspoons in 1 cup warm water 1-2x daily

Reishi
(Ganoderma lucidum)

chronic hepatitis, hypertension, nerve weakness, bronchitis

anxiety, insomnia, weakened immunity, insomnia, chronic fatigue syndrome

1 cup tea or 2-3 tablets standardized
extract 2-3x daily with meals

St. John’s wort
(Hypericum perforatum)

bruises, spinal injury, shock, headache

depression, insomnia, injuries involving nerve trauma, bedwetting in children

4 droppersful tincture in the a.m. and
3 in the p.m. or 2 capsules standardized extract in the a.m. and 1 in the p.m.

Saw palmetto
(Serenoa repens)

urinary tract disorders, bronchitis; aphrodisiac

benign prostatic hypertrophy, weakness of genital or urinary organs

2 tablets standardized extract
(look for solvent-free on label ) 2x daily

Siberian ginseng
(Eleutherococcus senticosus)

respiratory tract disorders; to increase stamina, energy

stress, exhaustion, blood sugar swings, jet lag

40 drops tincture or
2 tablets standardized extract 2x daily

Valerian
(Valeriana officinalis)

menstrual cramps, nausea, insomnia, anxiety

anxiety, insomnia, nervousness, menstrual cramps

40 drops tincture or 1 cup tea 3-4x daily

Vitex
(Vitex agnus-castus)

menstrual disorders, to increase mother’s milk; aphrodisiac

premenstrual syndrome, menopause, insufficient flow of mother’s milk

1-2 droppersful tincture in the a.m. or 2-4 capsules standardized extract 2x daily

If you are pregnant, nursing, taking pharmaceuticals or have other health considerations, consult your health care pratitioner before taking any herbs.