Glossary of Herbs: R-S
Red Clover (Trifolium pratense): Red clover is used for bacterial infections, AIDS, inflammation, kidney and liver problems, skin disorders and can strengthen the immune system. It can be used as an antibiotic, blood purifier and relaxant.
Red Raspberry (Rubus idaeus): Red raspberry relaxes the uterus and can lead to a much easier childbirth by drinking raspberry leaf tea regularly during pregnancy. It nourishes the reproductive organs, especially the uterine muscles, and helps strengthen and prepare the body for childbirth and can help prevent hemorrhaging. It is also highly valued for its benefits for morning sickness, hot flashes and cramps. It’s soothing and astringent properties assist the stomach and intestinal tract which helps balance the body so that diarrhea or constipation can be relieved. It helps promote healthy nails, skin, teeth and bones.
Red Root (Ceanothus americanus): Red root can treat tonsil inflammations and sore throats.
Rhubarb (Rheum palmateom): Rhubarb stimulates the appetite and helps stop diarrhea and inhibits bacterial growth. It can be used as an antibiotic and it will eliminate worms.
Rosemary (Rosemarinus officinalis): Rosemary fights bacteria, treats headaches, soothes upset stomach and irritated nerves. It can also help prevent liver issues and prevent cancer and tumors.
Sage (Salvia officinalis) Sage stimulates the nervous system and the digestive tract and is beneficial for tonsillitis, hot flashes and can be used as a hair rinse to increase shine. Women can use it to assist in drying up milk when discontinuing nursing.
St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum): St. John’s Wort is an anti-inflammatory that can assist in treating lung diseases, urinary infections and viral infections. It is widely known as a natural remedy for stress and depression.
Sarsaparilla (Smilax ornata): Sarsaparilla increases energy and can protect against radiation exposure, regulate hormones and soothe sore eyes, wounds, and burns. It contains substances which are similar to the male hormone testosterone and the female hormone progesterone making it useful for frigidity, impotence, infertility, PMS and menopause.
Saw Palmetto (Serenoa serrulata): Saw palmetto can be used to reduce inflammation, stimulate appetite and assist in digestion. It can help support the prostate gland to keep it healthy. It may enhance sexual function and libido.
Scullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora): Scullcap relieves muscle cramps, pain, spasms, stress, and drug withdrawal symptoms. It is one of the most powerful herbs to help you get a better night’s sleep. It calms the nervous system, relaxes the muscles, and helps balance blood pressure. It also improves circulation and the heart.
Shepherd’s Purse (Capsella bursa-pastoris): Shepherd’s purse can lower blood pressure and reduce heavy menstrual flow, hemorrhage in childbirth; clear blood from the urine and stimulate uterine contractions.
Slippery Elm (Ulmus fulva): Slippery elm helps the body eliminate mucus and it soothes irritated tissues. This makes it quite useful for digestion issues and colds, coughs and sore throats.
Squaw Vine (Mitchella repens): Squaw vine can relieve painful menstruation; help prevent miscarriage and aid childbirth. It strengthens the uterus and helps relieve pelvic congestion. It may help strengthen the defense against vaginal infections.
Stevia (Stevia rebaudiana): Stevia is an herb that has a very sweet taste and is used by most naturalists as a sweetener for their food and drinks. As an added benefit it is quite soothing for the digestive system.
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This post is part of the series: Glossary of Herbs
This short series will introduce the use of herbs as a form of natural healing and preventative health. It will explain the various methods of using herbs for natural health and it will list and explain a number of the most common herbs uses for medicinal reasons.
