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1. Respiratory system  
Herbs aid the activity of the mucous membranes and ensure the gas exchange through these membranes can occur. They can activate the secretion by lung tissue so that the air is sufficiently moistened and the membranes protected. They can augment neurological responses regulating the breath. They can tone up the circulation and ensure that blood bathes the tissues properly and help by stimulating the whole of the glandular and excretory processes to ensure a clean and harmonious inner environment.
Respiratory Stimulants: Stimulate the nerves and muscles of the respiratory system by triggering a neurological reflex via the sensory ending in the digestive system. This causes "expectoration". Expectorants encourage the loosening and subsequent expulsion of mucus from the respiratory system. Examples are: Bittersweet, Cowslip, Daisy, Senega, Soapwort, Squill and Thuja.
Respiratory Relaxants:Relax the tissue of the lung, which will be most useful in any problem connect with tension and over-activity. In a seemingly paradoxical way the easing of tension promotes the flow of mucus and thus allows expectation to occur. Examples are: Angelica, Aniseed, Coltsfoot, Elecampane, Ephedra, Flaxseed, Grindelia, Hyssop, Plantain, Pill-bearing Spurge, Sundew, Thyme, Wild Cherry Bark and Wild Lettuce.
Demulcents: Soothe, relieve and soften irritated or inflamed mucous membranes, as their mucilaginous, slippery characteristics enable them to coat, protect and lubricate the membranes and other tissue surfaces. Under their protective help, healing can take place. The most valuable ones for the lungs being: Comfrey Root, Coltsfoot, Flaxseed, Liquorice, Lungwort Moss, Marshmallow Leaf and Mullein.
Upper respiratory tract herbs treat Infections- usually acute, including the nose, sinuses, pharynx or larynx. This commonly includes tonsillitis, pharyngitis, laryngitis, sinusitis, otitis media, and the common cold. Examples are: Balm of Gilead.
Lower respiratory tract herbs treat bronchiectasis and other chronic lung conditions. Elecampane.

2. Herbs for the Ears, Nose, Throat and eyes      
THE EARS
Infections: Infections of the middle year often originate in the throat and spread via the eustachian tube. The most important herbs to use are anti-microbial remedies like Blue Flag, Echinacea, Garlic and Wild Indigo which are also anti-catarrhal and alterative, with Echinachacea being the most useful one in all infections of ears nose and throat. The herbs rich in antiseptic oils may be useful oils may be useful but are more indicator in throat or nose complaints. The lymphatic tonics such as Cleavers and Poke Root have to be considered, as should the anti-catarrhal and mucous membrane tonics: Elder Flower, Golden Rod and Golden Seal.
Earache: A few drops of room temperature Pennywort juice and plug the ear with cotton wool.
Mullein oil can be used in the same way, as can warm Almond oil or the tincture of Lobelia. If non of these are available, make a strong infusion of Chamomile, Yarrow or Hyssop and use a couple of drops in the same way.
Tinnitus: This is a condition in which one hears a moise within the ear. it can be caused by cararrhal congestion, but regardless of the cause it may be treated effectively by the use of Golden Seal or Black Cohosh taken as a tea or in capsules over a period of time.

THE NOSE
The nasal passages are lines with mucous membranes. They constantly produce some mucus, to protect the underlying membranes from drying out and to remove and sterilise any irritant that enters the nose when we breathe. The natural production of mucus can be stimulated by various factors and lead to problems of excess mucus such as cararrh and cold. The reason can also lie in external irritants like tabacco or petrol fumes, dust particles or bacteria, but most commonly stems from internal problems, from a state of internal build up of toxins. If this is the cause, the body will use the mucus of the upper respiratory tract as one of its vehicles for waste removal- called vicarious elimination.
Catarrh: Nasal catarrh may be the result of systemic factors and can inso involve infection and allergies. To treat this sometimes intransigent problem effectively, herbs that work on the mucous membranes in the nose, while also treating the body in a wider context can be used, such as: Golden Rod, Elder Flower and Eyebright bring specific relief as they are anti-catarrhal and astringent, with Golden Rod normally being the most useful. Golden Seal is another specific remedy for nasal catarrh, but should be used with discretion as some people find that it has too much of a drying action on the mucous membranes. Catarrh is often acompanied by an infection, so anti-microbial remedies like Echinacea, Garlic (best taken raw or as oil in capsules), or Wild Indigo.
Colds: The common cold is usually seen as an inconenience that should be supressed as soon as possible. The aim should be to find aour way back to inner harmony and thus make the indicator unnecessary. We "catch" a cold when the conditions in our body are right for a virus to thrive. Herbs that are useful are: Elder Flower, Peppermint and Yarrow (infusion). Also later Vitamin C is useful, which can be taken in the form of Rosehips or Acerola Berries.
Influenza: Herbs such as Comfrey, Elder Flower and Peppermint are useful in infusion.
Sinusitis: Is an infection of the sinus cavities, often turnign from an acute state into a chronic one. For a short term treatment, effective herbs are: Echinacea, Golden Rod, Golden Seal, Marshmallow Leaf.
Hayfever: Hayfever and other conditions like allegic rhinitis are cuased by immunological reaction to an external allergenic substance. it is debatable why the body reacts in this over-sensitive fashion. Some useful herbs are: Elder Flower, Ephedra, Eyebright, Golden Seal.
Polyps: These can be a recurring problem and have to be treated in the context of the condition of the whole body. Locally they can be treated with a snuff made from equal parts of Blood Root and an astringent such as Rhatany, which should be made into a fine powder. Also the polyps may be painted with the fluid extract of Thuja with a fine brush.
Nosebleed: Nosebleed is purely a symptom of something else that is srong in the body. It may be a minor sign or can indicate a serious problem. For example high blood pressure. Astringents can be used locally such as Witch Hazel soaked cotton wool used as a plug in the nostril.

THE THROAT
The throat may be affects by problems originating in the lungs, the nose, the siuses, the stomach and the mouth and also by systemically based problems.
Tonsillitis: The glandular tissue called the tonisls is a variety of lymphatic tissue and shares with other lymphatic lgands a role in the defence of the body from infection. Antimicrobial remedies lie Echinacea, Myrrh or Red Sage are useful, together with lymphatic alterative tonics like Cleavers, Poke Root, Calendula or Golden Seal. Astringents and demulcents may also be used.
Laryngitis: Herbs used for tonsillitis are useful. An infusion of Red Sage and Garden Sage make an especially valuable mouthwash and gargle.

THE EYES
The herb which is excellent for the treatment of the eyes is Eyebright. It can be used internally and externally in all eye problems. It can be used internally and externally for eye problems, and will help the eyeball and the surrounding tissue.

3. The Digestive System      
There are a large number of plant remedies that are useful in the treatment of digestive disorders. This is not surprising if herbs are viewed as food- as vegetables. Actions can be broadly grouped into those that stimulate various parts of the system to increase or better activity- the digestive stimulants- and those that relax the tissue or reduce any overactivity in the system- digestive relaxants.
STIMULANTS
Bitters: While having a large range of other properties and chemical constituents, the bitter herbs all have in common an intensely bitter taste. This bitterness promotes appetie and in a complex way aids digestion. If these herbs are given in capsule form and connot be tasted, their digestive properties do not come into play. Out of the many bitters, the mosst valuable ones are Barberry, Centaury, Gentian Root, Golden Seal, White Horehound and Wormwood. Of course a large range of other actions are also reprresented here. For example White Horehound can be used in a bronchitic condition where the appetite is weak and the digestion sluggish, or as a digestive remedy in cases where there is a lung weakness.
Sialagogues: Digestion starts in the mouth and initiates a process that is continued in the gut. The saliva breaks down large carbohydrates into smaller unitis which can then be processed in other parts of the system. If time is not taken to chew food properly the saliva does not get to mix thoroughly enough wiht it and the whole digestive process is affects. Besides the bitters, which all stimulate the flow of saliva, other sialagogues are Cayenne, Ginger, Licorice, Tamarind and Turkey Rhubarb Root.
Hepatics:These herbs strengthen, tone and stimulate the secretive functions of the liver. This cases an increase in the flow of bile. Remedies that also promote the discharge of bile into the duodenum are called lcholagogues. The liver is involved in digestive problems via the bile. See Hepatics and cholagogues section for list of herbs.
Laxatives and Purgatives: Many herbs can promote the evaucation of the bowels, ranging from very mild laxative to more violent and drastic purgatives. Such strong purgative should only be used in extreme cases and under qualified supervision. The best laxative are those that stimulate the natural secretion of digestive juices such as bile, thus promoting evacuation. Some examples are Balmony, Barberry, Dandelion Root, Licorice, Wahoo and Yellow Dock.
For a more powerful evacuant, consider Rhubarb Root, which in small dosage is also a midle astringent. Other valuable herbs are Aloe, Buckthorn, Cascara and Senna. These stronger evacuants work mainly by chemical or neurological stimulation, irritating the lining of the intestines and causing an active expulsion of material.
Emetics: There are first aid situations where expulsion of the contents of the sotmach is highly desirable, as in posoning where vomiting is often the appropriate treatment. In long term administration of herbs, the action is against the natural processes of the body and not advised. Many plants can cause the reflex by either acting on the controllng nerves or by irritating the gastric lining. Examples are Balm, Ipecacuanhu, Lobelia and Senega.
Anthelmintics: The anthelmintics are a group of stimulating herbs that do not really act on the digestive system itself, but rather against parasitic worms that might be present.

RELAXANTS
Demulcents: When the mumbranes of the digestive tract are irritated or inflamed, demulcent herbs can soothe and protect them. Out of the many demulcents that are active in different parts of the body, Comfrey Root, Hops, Iceland Moss, Irish Moss, Marshmallow Root, Oats, Quince Seed and Slippery Elm are most effective for the digestive system.
Calminatives: Many aronatic herbs contain volatile oils that affect the digestive system by relaxing the stomach mucles, increasing the peristaalsis of the intestine and reducing the production of gas in the system. They thus support the movement of material through the systme and relieve distension due to gas. Some carminatives are Angelica, Aniseed, Calamus, Carraway, Cardamon, Cayenne, Chamomile, Coriander, Fennel, Ginger, Peppermint and Thyme.
Astringents: The action of astringents lies mainly in their ability to contract cell walls, thus condensing the tissue and making it firmer and arresting any unwanted discharge. Some of these are: Agrimony, Bayberry, Cranesbill, Meadowsweet, Nettle, Oak Bark, Pilewort and Tormentil.
Anti-spasmodics: These remedies rapidly relax any nervous tension that may be causing digestive spasms or colic. The tension involved in lifestyle conditions can manifest in many digestive conditions that necessitate the use of relaxing nervine or muscular ant-spasmodics. The best ones to use in cases of digestive problems are: Chamomile, Hops, Lobelia, Mistletoe, Pasque Flower, Skullcap, and Valarian.
Anti-microbials: Infections can be the cause of digestive problems they can also arise easily if the digestive system has been weakened by a disease. In either case, the use of anti-microbials will be helpful. Many of the herbs already mentioned are anti-microbials, such as Pulsatilla, Thyme and Wormwood, but the two outstanding ones are Echinacea and Myrrh.

4. Hepatics and Cholagogues
Hepatics are herbal remedies which in a wide range of ways aid the work of the liver. They tone, strengthen and in some cases increase the flow of bile. In a broad holistic approach to health they are of great importance because of the fundamental role of the liver in the working of the body. Most bitters and hepatics are also cholagogues. A whole range of plant constituents will have that action on the liver tissue, but without it being forced or damaging. The secretion of bile is of great help to the whole digestive and assimilative process, and as we are what we eat- we are what we digest. The role of bile is partially that of facilitating fat digestion but also of being a natural laxative, and thus cleansing to the system. Without exploring the vast complexities of liver function, it is worth noting that bile formation and flow are fundamental to it all. Thus, these herbs have a much deeper value than 'simply' the release of bile, they help ensure a strong and healthy liver and so enliven the whole being. As its importance would suggest, there are many hepatic herbs available to use, and the most useful are Balmony, Barberry, Black Root, Blue Flag, Boldo, Dandelion Root, Fringetree Bark, Golden Seal, Vervain, Wahoo, Wild Yam, and Yellow Dock.

5. Nervous system      
These herbs strengthen and nourish the nervous system. Examples of these herbs are Oats, Damiana, Skullcap, Vervain and Wood Betony.
Nervine relaxants: are used to alleviate conditions of stress and tension. Examples are Black Cohosh, Black Haw, California Poppy, Chamomile, Cramp Bark, Hops, Hyssop, Jamaican Dogwood, Lady's Slipper, Lavender, Lime Blossom, Mistletoe, Rosemary, St. Johns's Wort, Skullcap and Vervain. Many of the relaxants also have other properties and can be selected to aid other problems. The demulcents can also help in conjunction with nervine, as they soothe irritated tissue and promote healing.
Nervine stimulants: Stimulate the bodies vitality with the help of digestive tonics. Examples are Kola nut, Coffee, Mate Tea and Black Tea. A problem with these commonly used stimulants is the fact that they have a number of side-effects and can be involved in causing many minor psychological problems such as anxiety and tension.

6. The Circulatory System       
Heart tonics:These herbs stimulate central circulation and include Broom, Bugleweed, Figwort, Hawthorn, Lily of the Valley, Mother wort and Night Blooming Cereus.
Herbs for Circulation: There are a vast range of remedies available to help and heal the vessels of the circulatory system. The most important include: Broom, Buckwheat, Cayenne, Dandelion, Ginger, Hawthorn, Horse chestnut, Lime Blossom, Mistletoe and Yarrow. Some of these are heart tonics wile some are diaphoretic and stimulate the peripheral circulation (Cayenne, Ginger), and yet others are diuretics (Yarrow). The circulation can be slowed down in any of these areas, and they are interdependent.
Diuretics: When circulatory problems arise there is often a need to aid the body in the removal of waste from the system. When the heart is weak and fails to circulate the blood efficiently through the kidneys or when the blood vessels (particularly in the venous system of the legs) are weak, a build up of water in parts of the body can occur and in such conditions, diuretics are useful, such as: Broom, Dandelion, Lily of the Valley and Yarrow can help. Perhaps the most important diuretic for circulatory problems is the Dandelion. When any other remedy is used to increase the power of the heart, there is always the danger of causing a potassium deficiency in the body, which in turn would aggravate the heart problem. Therefore, whenever a diuretic is prescribed in orthodox medicine, there is also a potassium supplement added. However as Dandelion already contains a high level of potassium there is an overall gain of it, whenever Dandelion is used as a diuretic.
Nervines: Anxiety and stress can lead to cardiovascular problems, and it is often impossible to determine any particular cause. The most useful nervine for cardiovascular problems are Lemon Balm, Hops, Lime Flowers, Motherwort, Pasque Flower, Skullcap and Valerian.

7. The Skin      
The skin reflect a variety of internal conditions. All groups of herbs may play a role in its treatment, some groups are especially indicated. Particularly the vulneraries, alteratives, diaphoretics, anti-microbials and nervines.
Vulneraries: These herbs healin fresh cuts and wounds. As injuries of one sort or antoher are perhaps the most common physics problems, we find that every natural habitat contains those healing plants. Some traditional examples have a name reflecting their action, such as Woundwort, Comfrey and Self-Heal. Some of these herbs are astringents, and part of their efficiency is based upon their ability to arrest bleeding and condense the tissue. The most common and useful vulneraries are: Aloe, American Cranesbill, Chickweed, Comfrey, Elder Flower and Berries, Golden Seal, Horsetail, Irish Moss, Calendula Flowers, Marshmallow Root, Self -Heal, Slippery Elm, Witch Hazel and Woundwort. Some are applied externally, whilst others are userf both externally and internally.
Alteratives: These herbs gradually alter and correct a "polluted" conditions of the blood stream and restore a healthier functioning. They stimulate circulation and eliminatory function to rid the body of waste products and nourish tissues. They cleanse the whole of the body, but their activities are focusses in different areas, some in the kidney, some in the liver etc, and they have to be chosen according to ehir specific indications. Alterative include: Blue Flag, Burdock, Cleavers, Figwort, Fumitory, Golden Seal, Mountain Grape, Nettle, Red Clover, Sarsparella, Sassafras, Thuja and Yellow Dock.
Anti-microbials: For some skin conditions anti-microbials have to be used to red the body of micro-organisms that have invaded it, or act on the skin. Useful herbs for this action are Chickweed, Echinacea, Eucalyptus, Garlic, Calendula, Myrrh, Pasque Flower, Thuja, Thyme, and Wild Indigo.

8. Musculo-Skeletal system      
To treat problems that manifest in the bones or muscles effectively, digestion and assimilation have to work well, as do the various aspects of elimination. This should be kept in mind when choosing different kinds of herbs for particular needs.
Anti-rheumatics: A large number of herbs are used to relieve or cure rheumatic problems. Herbs can be chosen according to the needs of the whole body, as they include alterative, anti-inflammatories, rubifacients, diuretics, stimulants and digestives: Angelica, Bearberry, Black Cohosh, Black Willow, Bladder wrack, Blue Flag, Bogbean, Comfrey, Burdock, Cayenne, Celery Seed, Couchgrass, Dandelion, Devil's Claw, Guaiacum, Ginger, Juniper, Mountain Grape, Mustard, Nettle, Poke Root, Prickly Ash, Ragwort, Sarsparilla, White Poplar, Wild Yang, Wintergreen, Wormwood, Yarrow and Yellow Dock.
Alteratives: These herbs gradually cleanse and correct a "polluted" condition of the blood stream and restore healthier functioning. Most used herbs of this type are: Black Cohosh, Bogbean, Celery Seed, Devil's Claw, Guaiacum, and Sarsaparilla. Most rheumatic and arthritic conditions are improved through the general revitalization and cleansing brought about by these herbs.
Anti-inflammatories: These herbs are not primarily aimed at reducing inflammation, which is usually part of a healthy body response. These herbs rather reduce inflammation by helping the body to overcome the problem. These herbs can be helpful, particularly in rheumatic and arthritic conditions, where long-standing inflammation of joint and other tissues become self-defeating. A good example is Meadowsweet; it is rich in natural aspirin-like substances that reduce swelling and pain, while it is also a diuretic and hepatic, thus aiding the body in cleaning and elimination. In time, clearing the roots of the inflammation, which lie in an accumulation of waste and toxins. The most effective anti-inflammatories are Black Willow, Devil's Claw, Guaiacum, Meadowsweet, White Poplar and Wild Yam. Unlike drug anti-inflammatories these herb are safe in large doses, since they are in the dilute and balance form designed by nature.
Rubefacients: When these are applied to the skin, the circulation is stimulated in the local area. This increases the blood supply which in turn relieves congestion and inflammation, thus making rubifacients particularly useful as the basis for liniments used in muscular rheumatism and similar conditions. Most rubifacients are too strong to be used internally. They should be used with care on skin to avoid any damage. The most useful ones are Cayenne, Ginger, Horseradish, Mustard, Peppermint Oil, Ragwort, Rosemary Oil and Wintergreen.
Diuretics: Diuretics help the work of the kidney and thus the elimination of metabolic waste and toxins, or the products or inflammation, which is essential, as these can lie at the root of many problems like arthritis or rheumatism. If there is any kidney problem, it must also be treated. To support the work of this vital organ generally. Herbs that are useful are: Comfrey, Celery, Juniper Berries, Yarrow. Celery Seeds are often considered specific for rheumatism.
Circulatory Stimulants: Another way to cleans the body of toxins is to stimulate the circulation which increases blood flow to muscles and joints. This can be done without straining the heart by using herbs that stimulate the peripheral circulation, such asCayenne, Ginger, Poke Root, Prickly Ash or Rosemary.
Pain relievers: This is treating a symptom, rather than a cause, however healing aims at reducing suffering. These herbs reduce the often severe pain of conditions like rheumatism, which of course should be combined with a whole treatment of the cause. The anti-inflammatories will reduce pain to a degree, but the only effective way to reduce the eliminate pain is to clear the underlying problem. While this is being done, herbs such as Guaiacum, Jamaican Dogwood, St. John's Wort or Valerian can help to relieve the pain. They will be less effective if no other steps are taken.
Digestive tonics: The digestive process has to work properly, as nutrients need to be properly absorbed to have the muscular and skeletal system work properly. The use of bitter tonics like Gentian, Golden Seal, Wormwood or Yarrow may be useful. If there is any appreciable degree of constipation or a build up of faecal matter, the use of evacuants is called for, especially those that act by stimulating the liver, like Boldo Rhubarb Root or Yellow dock.

9. The Endocrine (Glandular) System      
The group of herbs best indicated for endocrine treatment are the bitters. At first this might seem strange as these herbs are often though of as digestive tonics and stimulants. Their role in the glandular system is through a generalized reflex stimulation of the whole system. A stimulating action of this sort will promote right homeostatic function, reducing over activity and increasing under activity. In addition to the bitters the alteratives are most useful in their action of cleansing and promoting proper blood functions. The best bitters for the glandular system include Golden Seal, Mugwort, Rue, Wormwood and Yarrow. Useful alterative are Burdock, Cleavers, Echinacea, Dandelion, Red Clover, Sarsparilla, Violet Leaves and Yellow Dock. there are also specific glandular agents like Bladderack, Borage, Bugleweed, Ginseng, Goat's Rue, Liquorice and Wild Yam.

The Pancreas: Herbs which are useful for treating pancreatitis apears to be an auto-digestion problem, where the powerful digestive enzymes produced by the pancrase start attacking the organ itself. Fringe tree bark is specific for this problem.
Diabetes mellitus: This is the most common of the endocryne disorders, affecting over 1% of people in the western world. The basic problem in diabetes is that the level of glucose in the blood is higher than normal, whilst inside the cells it is low. Diabetes can result in a whole range of coplications that occur promarily in the arteries and capillaries. Diet is a mojor consideration in the treament and control of diabetes. It is not simply a matter of avoiding foods rich in carbohydrates, but setting up an eating pattern that avoids peaks of glucose entering the blood. Professional advice in the treament is recommended. Herbs like Garlic, Ginseng, Goat's Rue, Jambul, Nettle, Sweet Sumach and Fringe Tree Bark are useful in treating diabetes. Some herbs that have a hypoglycemic action are Allspice, Artichoke, Banana, Barley, Bugleweed, Burcock, Cabbage, Carrot, Ginseng, Lettuce, Lily of the Valley, Nettle, Oats, Olive, Onion, Papaya, Pea, Spinach, Sunflower, Sweet Potato, Turnip and Wormwood.

Thyroid
This gland regulates the bodies metabolism, through two main hormones. Problems may areise due to uner of overactive states.
Overactive Thyroid: When the thyroid is producing two much of these hormones the body will burn up food much gaster than ormal and appetite will increase, but weight will be lost. There is general overacitiy with restlessness, anxiety and tension. Remedies consist of Nervine relaxants to reduce excitability, digestive bitters and a specific herb for this problem which is Bugleweed.
Underactive Thyroid: In this condition the opposite is occuring. The body's basic rate of activity lowers, wieght is put on, lethargy and apathy are common, and there is a tendency to depression. The herbs that benefit this condition are the bitters, nervine tonics and the specific thyroid agent, which is Bladderwrack.
Goitre: Is a condition of enlargement of the thryoid gland. Some of the most common causes are under or overactive thyroid glands, but it can also smple be due to a deficiency of iodine in the diet. By far the richest plant source of iodine is seaweed, especially Bladderwrack.

Adrenal Glands
The adrenal glands are found just above each of the Kidneys. They control many hormones, including adrenalin and nor-adrenalin. A number of plants are known to contain the natural precursors of the adrenal hormaones. The most important of these herbs are Borage, Ginseng, Licorice and Wild Yam. The long term use fo these herbs can be highly beneficial for anyone in very stressful conditions, especially through regularly drinking Borage tea and taking Ginseng. 10. Urinary System       
The urinary system has the extremely important function of eliminating waste products and toxins. Herbs that aid the kidneys are not only useful for urinary problems but may be relevant to aid the body's cleansing mechanism in treating the whole body, no matter what the problem. However the term tends to be used more generally for any herb that acts on the kidney or the bladder.

Diuretics:
Plants that increases the excetion and flow of urine. The list of diuretis es enourmous, but perhpas the most effective and valuable diuretic recommended for general use is the root or lead of Dandelion. Not only it is as effective as synthetic diuretics, it also contains a high percentage of potassium, an element that is often washed out of the body by the use of synthetic diuretics. This washing out process is not only avoided with Dandelion but there is also an actual increase in the potasssium level because of the high percentage it contains. One more general diuretic is Cleavers. Its simple diuretic action combined with alterative properties can safetly benefit most condtions.
Urinary antiseptics: The antiseptic action of some diuretic herbs is usually due to a content of volatile oils or glycosides which are secrete through the kidney tubules. Typical examples are Bearberry, Birch, Boldo, Buchu, Celery Seed, Couchgrass, Juniper and Yarrow. General antimicrobials such as Echinacea and Wild Indigo Root will also lend their properties to any diuretic. Angelica Root and Golden Rod, though primarily repiratory in their action, are also urinary antiseptics.
Urinary Demulcents: In some conditions, the tissue of the urinary membranes needs to be soothes if it is irritated because of an infection or friction as from a kidney stone. Herbs such as Corn Silk, Couchgrass or Marshmallow Leaf supply a demulcent action, and can be used together with other urinary remedies.
Urinary Astringents: Whilst blood in the urine is a symptom that needs professional attention and diagnosis, it can be treated with the aid of astringents if it turns out to be caused by a minor problem. Astringents will stop hemorrhaging in the kidneys, bladder, urethra or ureter and will also aid the healing of lesions. The best urinary astringents are Beth Root, Burr-Calendula, Horsetail and Plantain. Tormentil is another good astringent which is mildly antiseptic and vulnerary at the same time.
Anti-lithics: Some diuretic herbs have an ability to prevent the formation or aid in the removal of calculi (stones or gravel) in the urinary system. These herbs are: Gravel Root, Hydrangea, Parsley Piert, Pellitory of the Wall and Stone Root. Names like: Gravel Root and Stone Root show the medicinal interest with kidney stones in the 18th and 19 centuries. Vegetable such as lovage, Celery, Asparagus and Artichoke are also good preventative of stone formation.

11. The Reproductive system      
Herbs for the female repoductive system
Uterine Tonics: These herbs have a specific toning and stergnthening action upon the whole system both on the tissue of the organs and on their functions. Whilst each has its unique associated actions, they all aid the whole repoductive system. Remedies like Black Coshosh, Blue Cohosh, Chasteberry, False Unicorn Root, Life Root, Motherwort, Raspberry and Squaw Vine. These are often indicated when there is no obvious acute disease but where a weakness of the sexual organs has a detrimental effect on the whole body.
Emmenogogues: These proote a normal menstrual flow. While most of the uterine tonics are also ammenogogues, which act through normalsing the system, there are many other emmenagogues which are not especially healing to the system as a whole. There are even emmenogogues that work by a stimulation that verges on irritation, which can be of benefit in some cases. The most useful emmenagogues are: Blue Cohosh, False unicorn root, Life root, Motherwork, Parsely, Pennyroyal, Rue, Southernwood, Squaw Vine and Yarrow.
Homonal nomalisers: These herbs balance the normalise the functioning of the reproductive system. An example is Vitex agnus-castus- Chasteberry. This valuable remedy normalises estrogen and progesterone activity and thus finds use in all aspects of mentrual dysfunction and especially in conditions assocatied with menopause.
Astringents: The following herbs have a speical affinity to the reproductive system: American cranesbill, Beth Root, Burr-Calendula, Lady's Mandtle, Periwinkle and Shepard's Purse.
Demulcents: These are often usef to provide a soothing and healing action on the system's mucous membranes. The urinary demulcents are often approprieate. A list of these includes Bearberry, Blue Coshosh, Corn Silk, Golden Seal, Irish Moss and Marshmallow.
Antiseptics: General antiseptics or of the urinary antiseptics can be used: Bearberry, Couch grass, Echinacea, Garlic, Juniper, Wild Indigo and Yarrow.
Alterative and lympatic tonics: As conditions of the reporductive system will affect the whole body and are affected by the condition of the whole body, it is often approprieate to use alterative and lymphatic tonics like: Blue Flag, Burdock, Cleavers, Echinacea, Poke Root or Sarsparilla.
Nervines: The proper and healthy activity of the nerves is vital for the repoductive system to work correctly. Many of the emmenaogues have nervine activity, but in addition it is worth considering the relaxing herbs: Cramp Bark, Skullcap, and Valerian. Damiana and Oats will also be useful.

12. Herbs Influencing infection and immunity       
Herbs can be used in two ways for infections and infestations: through their anti-microbial action they work directly against microbes and in addtiion they augment and vitalise the body's own defences. Myrrh is an example of a herb which combines direct toxic action on bacteria with the ability to stimulate the body's production of white blood cells. Other actions that are indicated are those that help to eliminate toxins, like diaphoretics, laxative and diuretics. Any accumulation of waste material and toxins is a prime environment for microbes to breed in.
Anti-microbials: Many plants have a direct toxic effect upon microbes. The best anit-microbials include: Echinacea, Eucalyptus, Garlic, Myrrh, Nasturtium, Thyme, Wild Indigo and Wormwood.
Diaphoretics: A diaphoretic is a remedy that induces the body to increase its amount of perspiration. This in turn increases elimination of toxins through the skin and helps to cleanse the body. Diaphoretics are indicated in a wide range of conditions, but nowhere more than in the treatment of fevers and of ingections affecting the whole system. Useful in the treatment of influenza. These herbs speed up and uagment the vital healing process without supressing any part of it. They may be used individually or as part of a wider therapy. The most useful ones are Angelica, Comfrey, Catnip, Cayenne, Elderflowers (or Berries), Ginger, Hyssop, Pennyroyal, Peppermint, Pleurisy Root, Thyme and Yarrow.
Anthelmintics: Rid the body or parasites and are used interanlly or externally. Some anthelmintics kill the parasite, while others expel them from the body, and most of them are very powerful herbs, some even potentially toxic if taken in large doses. Therefore care should be taken in prescribing dosage. Useful anthelmintics incluse Garlic, Pomegranate, Wormwood.

13. Alterative and antineoplastic     
These herbs alter a disease, purify blood, increase appetite, improve digestion and eliminate toxins. Clearing toxins lowers the amount of waste products in tissue- lowering the risk of development, maturation, and proliferation of malignant cells.
Examples
Berberis vulgaris- Barberry, Arctium lappa- Burdock, Larrea tridentate- Chaparral, Scrophularia nodosa- Figwort, Prickly ash (Xanthoxylum americanum), Red clover (Trifolium pratense), Sassafras (Sassafras officinale), Wild indigo (Baptista tinctoria), Yellow dock, Nettle

14. Trauma and recovery- Sheperds Purse- Capsella bursa-pastoris, Symphytum officinale- Comfrey