WHAT ARE HERBS? Herbs are the highest quality food known to man containing vitamins, minerals and trace elements in natural balance and harmony. 2. WHY USE HERBS? It is our sincere belief that our Creator put herbs upon the earth to maintain and restore our health. We believe that herbs get to the cause of health problems. 3. ARE THERE BAD SIDE EFFECTS WITH USING HERBS? No, but some people experience cleansing action on the body when first using herbs (such as nausea, diarrhea, aches, etc.). It is this detoxifying process that helps bring the body into a state of health. 4. DO I TREAT HERBS LIKE DRUGS? (For example: small dosages, caution in mixing & possible overdose) Herbs are food, not drugs. Herbs can be taken in large quantities with no harmful side effects. Mixing herbs has less of a side effect than eating different foods together. Therefore, you can take all the herbs you want to get greater health benefits. DON'T FORGET THE IMPORTANCE OF WHOLESOME FOOD & PURE WATER. The Properties of Herbs Anti-microbial Herbs Anti-microbial herbs help the body to resist and kill unwanted organisms such as bacteria, virus, fungus and parasites. The properties are often referred to in a more specific way using the terms anti-bacterial, anti-biotic, anti-fungal, and anti-parasitic. An individual anti-microbial herb may have one or more of these properties. Common anti-microbials; BONESET, ECHINACEA, GARLIC, GINGER, GOLDENSEAL, OSHA, USNEA. Anti-spasmodic Herbs Anti-spasmodic herbs help to relieve muscle cramps and spasms in the body. Common anti-spasmodics; BONESET, CRAMP BARK, LOBELIA, PASSION FLOWER, SKULLCAP, VALERIAN. Astringent Herbs Astringents contract tissues and reduce secretions and discharges. Common astringents: BLACKBERRY ROOT, MEADOWSWEET, RASPBERRY LEAF, SLIPPERY ELM. Demulcent Herbs Demulcent herbs soothe and protect irritated and inflamed tissues, especially in the respiratory and digestive systems. Demulcents contain a lot of mucilage (slippery when wet) which also make them useful for binding herbs together when making pills and lozenges. Common demulcents; COMFREY ROOT, MARSHMALLOW, SLIPPERY ELM, MULLEIN LEAF. Diaphoretic Herbs Diaphoretic herbs promote perspiration and the elimination of toxins through the skin. In the treatment of colds and flu, diaphoretic herbs are used as a general aid in ridding the body of infections and to help regulate fever. Common diaphoretics; BONESET, CAYENNE, CATNIP, ELDER FLOWER, ELECAMPANE, GARLIC, GINGER, PEPPERMINT, YARROW. Expectorant Herbs Expectorants herbs help the body to expel mucus from the respiratory tract. Common expectorants; COLTSFOOT, COMFREY, ELECAMPANE, GRINDELIA, LICORICE, MARSHMALLOW, MULLEIN. Tonic Herbs Tonic herbs help build and tone and are useful in the maintenance of good health. Some tonics are specific for an organ or organ system. Others have a general tonifying action on all the internal organs. Tonic herbs are usually used in large quantities over a long period of time. Some of the herbs listed below also have other properties (detoxifying, relaxant etc.) that can be an aid in selecting which tonics are right for you. Common tonics; BONESET, BURDOCK, CAYENNE, ECHINACEA, DANDELION, GARLIC, GINSENG, LICORICE, NETTLES, OATS, RASPBERRY, RED CLOVER, SKULLCAP, YELLOW DOCK.