Oat fresh milky seed (Avena sativa)*

Strengthens and nourishes the nervous system. It is indicated for nervous exhaustion (burning the candle at both ends), sexual neurasthenia, and occipital pain extending toward the spine. Oat reduces withdrawal effects from nicotine and caffeine. Used for neurasthenia (nervous exhaustion), anxiety, impaired sleep patterns and weak libido, milky Oat is appropriate for chronic stress. Oat extract, Oat straw and Oatmeal contain calcium and magnesium which are essential nutrients for the nervous system.

Stinging Nettle leaf (Urtica dioica)*

Stinging Nettle is widely known for the rash it causes when fresh. Once dry it becomes a highly nutritious herbal food rich in iron, magnesium, calcium, boron and carotenoids appropriate for treatment of “deficient blood” i.e. anemia and low hematocrit during pregnancy. A mild non-irritating, potassium-sparing diuretic, it is a “kidney food” strengthening function and tonus of the organ. Stinging Nettle is commonly used for kidney pain caused by nephritis, especially with hematuria. It is also indicated for skin that has lost its tonus and tears easily.

Horsetail spring gathered herb (Equisetum arvense)*

A rich source of vegetal silica and other minerals. Horsetail acts as a co-factor with calcium to increase bone mass and density, gradually reversing osteoporosis, speeding the healing of fractures and improving nail strength. It increases maturation of the osteoblasts, cells in bone tissue that build bone mass. Horsetail is also a diuretic useful for urinary tract infections especially with bladder irritation and blood in the urine. In Europe, Horsetail is commonly used to treat arteriosclerosis, osteoarthritis and benign prostatic hyperplasia

Chamomile fresh flowers (Matricaria recutita)*

Is a mild but effective remedy for children and adults alike. The flowers are anti-inflammatory, anti-spasmodic, carminative and sedative. Children find the taste palatable and readily take it for teething pain, colic, cramps, colds, irritability and night terrors. For adults it is a soothing remedy for frazzled nerves, insomnia, tension headaches, irritable bowel syndrome, morning sickness and ulcers.

Alfalfa leaf (Medicago sativa)*

Is rich in minerals, vitamins and trace elements that are easily absorbable. It also is a concentrated source of isoflavones (phytoestrogens) and has been used to prevent menopausal symptomology and osteoporosis.

Bibliography:

Bartram, T. Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine, Grace Pub., 1995

Gladstar, R. Herbal Healing for Women, Simon & Schuster, 1993

Hoffman, D., Medical Herbalism, Healing Arts Press, 2003

Pederson, M. Nutritional Herbology, Pederson Pub., 1987

Winston, D. Herbal Therapeutics - Materia Medica notes, HTSBM, 2005

Winston, D., Herbal Therapeutics, Specific Indications For Herbs & Herbal Formulas, HTRL, 8th ed., 2003