Herbal Reference Guide

BLUE SKY HERBS - HERB REFERENCE GUIDE

General guide to the types of herbs and their variety of use.

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	ALFALFA - Medicago sativa Alfalfa is a good laxative and natural diuretic that promotes urine flow and is often used to treat urinary tract infections and eliminate excess retained water. Alfalfa is especially useful for replacing vitamin K that is depleted during treatment with a wide variety of drugs, including antibiotics. Alfalfa acts as a blood purifier and has helped many arthritis sufferers. The action as a detoxifier and blood purifier has been found to be beneficial for a variety of illnesses, including liver disorders, breath odor, infections, disorders of the bones and joints and skin ailments.
Alfalfa has an alkalizing effect on the body. It is a great source of mineral supplements that are all alkaline, which has a neutralizing effect on the intestinal tract, thereby easing digestive problems, such as upset stomach, gastritis and indigestion. Alfalfa contains a high calcium and magnesium content, and studies have shown that migraines may be prevented and/or reduced when these two minerals are combined. All the minerals are in a balanced form, which also promotes absorption.
	ALOE VERA - Aloe barbadensis Benefits - Aloe Vera is a powerful laxative and known to be one of the finest body cleansers, removing morbid matter from the stomach, liver, kidneys, spleen and bladder and is considered to be the finest colon cleanser known. It will not promote "gripe" (sharp pains and grumbling in the bowels) when used as a laxative, and it is also less likely to cause dehydration from such use. Aloe is potentially helpful in the treatment of Type-2 diabetes and does not cause weight gain, a common side effect in some diabetes medications. The herb also promotes the absorption of nutrients through the digestive tract and normalizes blood sugar.
Aloe juice also contains aloemannan, a complex sugar that concentrates in the kidneys, stimulates the growth of healthy kidney cells and slows rate of crystal formation. Aloe Vera soothes the gastrointestinal tract and eases peptic ulcer inflammation caused by excess acid, aspirin and other anti-inflammatory drugs. Ingested, Aloe helps to lower cholesterol, increases blood-vessel generation in the lower extremities of people with poor circulation, soothes stomach irritation and promotes healing. Applied topically, Aloe Vera is known to rejuvenate wrinkled, sun-aged skin, and will stimulate cell regeneration. Application also promotes the healing of sores, insect bites, cuts and burns, and is an effective treatment against psoriasis and eczema. Aloe contains enzymes that relieve pain, and as a mild anesthetic, it relieves itching and swelling. Its topical application will help burns from scarring. Aloe Vera is an astringent and emollient; it is antifungal, antiviral and antibacterial. A tea made from the dried juice of Aloe Vera Leaf makes a fine mouthwash, effective against cold sores and also a wash for the eyes.
	BLUEBERRYS- Recent USDA studies show that Wild Blueberries deliver a potent antioxidant punch — in fact they have the highest antioxidant capacity per serving, compared with more than 20 other fruits.1 Using a lab testing procedure called Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity (ORAC), Dr. Ronald Prior, lead researcher at the USDA Arkansas Children’s Nutrition Center and Agricultural Research Service, found that a one-cup serving of Wild Blueberries had more total antioxidant capacity (TAC) than a serving of cranberries, strawberries, plums, raspberries and even cultivated blueberries. According to Dr. Prior, “Wild Blueberries are stars in terms of their antioxidant capacity.”
Simply put, this makes Wild Blueberries powerful allies in the quest for good health.
	DANDILION - Taraxacum officinale Potassium-rich Dandelion has been called the "free health food pharmacy" that grows everywhere! It is considered a superior natural diuretic, fine blood cleanser and excellent tonic that can help detoxify the system, especially the liver. For an overall feeling of good health and improved mobility, you'll want to add this "wondrous weed" to your herbal regimen.
Benefits- Dandelion is considered a superior and potent diuretic that increases urine flow, rids the body of excess water and helps to relieve bloated feelings. The high level of potassium in Dandelion is important, because large amounts of potassium are lost in the urine and too often flushed from the body when synthetic diuretics are used. Potassium-rich Dandelion is said to help promote healthy heart function. Dandelion root is considered a fine liver tonic that is also said to promote healthy gallbladder, pancreas and spleen function. Dandelion is an excellent nutritive that is a valuable source of sodium, minerals (especially potassium), large amounts of vitamins A, B-complex, C and D, and trace elements. The roots are sometimes used as a healthy coffee substitute or as an addition to coffee. In fact, some claim that it acts as an antidote to many of coffee's detrimental effects on the body and may be especially helpful in cases of dyspepsia.

Disclaimer:
The information presented herein by Blue Sky Herbs is intended for educational purposes only. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, cure, treat or prevent disease. Individual results may vary, and before using any supplements, it is always advisable to consult with your own health care provider.