Turmeric fresh rhizome (Curcuma longa)*

Useful as an anti-inflammatory and analgesic in the treatment of arthritis, colitis, Crohn's disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and bursitis. It is also an antihepatotoxin, cholagogue, anti-protozoal, anti-bacterial, and anti-fungal.  Turmeric lowers blood pressure and acts as an emmenagogue for use in amenorrhea.

Sarsaparilla rhizome (Smilax ornata)*

A mild adaptogen and contains plant sterols which are anti-inflammatory. This herb binds endotoxins in the gut increasing their excretion. Sarsaparilla is specific for red, hot skin conditions like psoriatic arthritis. It is used for psoriasis, arthritis, gout, bursitis, colitis, and inflammatory connective tissue diseases (rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, lupus and scleroderma).

Catnip fresh herb (Nepeta cataria)*

Specifically indicated when digestive upsets are caused by nervous tension.  It is used for nervous dyspepsia, flatulence, nausea, gastritis, gastric ulcers, and irritable bowel syndrome. Catnip is also useful for children's fevers, colic and nausea

Yarrow flowering herb (Achillea millefolium)*

A good anti-inflammatory indicated in cases of irritable bowel disorder and irritation of the bladder and urethra. Yarrow is a diaphoretic useful for colds and flu, and an astringent and styptic useful for menorrhagia, leucorrhea, hemoptysis, gastric ulcers and hemorrhoids.

Wild Yam fresh root (Dioscorea villosa)*

Indicated in cases of biliousness, abdominal, uterine, ovarian or hepatic pain, colic, gas pain, menstrual cramps, and spastic colon.  It is used as an anti-inflammatory agent for rheumatoid arthritis. Wild Yam is also a cholagogue.

Bibliography:

Bone, K.  Clinical Applications of Ayurvedic and Chinese Herbs, Queensland, Australia, 1996

Felter, H.W.  The Eclectic Materia Medica, Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Cincinnati, 1922

Mills, S.  Out of the Earth - The Essential Book of Herbal Medicine, London, 1991

Sherman, J. ND  The Complete Botanical Prescriber, 1993