When asked what are the top ten herbs, how can you possibly choose just ten? Dr. Christopher chose ten top herbs by classifying one herb in each of his most used categories. He explained that Hippocrates used 29 herbs and their combinations to keep the people of the Isle of Cos healthy. Dr. Christopher used approximately 100 herbs in his practice to take care of the maladies brought to him. We will briefly discuss 10 of those herbs in 2 newsletters.

Alterative: These herbs gradually alter and correct impure conditions of the blood.

          Plantain (Plantago major; P. lanceolata PLANTAGINACEAE) 

          Part used: Entire plant

This can be used externally on sores and wounds. It helps stop bleeding and is a go to herb for bee stings and insect bites. A poultice on these helps draw out poisons and heal the tissue. Internally plantain is used as a blood purifier, and helps expel mucus from the lungs. It strengthens the kidneys and has been used for bedwetting. 

Astringent: These herbs help tighten tissues and reduce discharges.

          Oak (Quercus alba; Quercus spp; FAGACEAE)

          Part used: Mainly the inner bark, also the leaves and acorns

This herb is used in situations where there is too much discharge such as diarrhea, vaginal discharge, bleeding in the lungs, stomach and bowels or bloody urine. When tissues need tightening it can be used as a fomentation or a poultice in cases of varicose veins, hemorrhoids, tumors or swellings. Dr. Christopher used it as an aid for the mouth to tighten loose gums and to heal pyorrhea. 

Cathartic: Botanical cathartics speed up the physical intestinal evacuation processes, as they heal, cleanse, strengthen and tone.

        Mountain Flax (Linum catharticum; LINACEAE)

        Part used: Herb

Mountain flax is used to cleanse the colon without causing gripping. It is excellent for a sluggish liver and is effective against colds.

Diaphoretic: These herbs induce perspiration and are one of the most important of all herb groups.

          Yarrow (Achillea millefolium; COMPOSITAE)

          Part used: Entire plant

When administered hot, yarrow will raise the heat of the body, equalize the circulation, and produce perspiration. It opens the pores freely by relaxing the skin while purifying the blood of toxins. Yarrow has a tonic action and will never weaken a patient. When given at the onset of a cold, it will break it up within 24 hours.

Diuretic: These herbs increase urine flow with the purpose of removing waste and poisonous materials from the blood. 

          Parsley (Petroselinum crispum; P. sativum; UMBELLIFERAE)

          Part used: Whole herb, root, leaves, seeds

Parsley is an excellent herb for the kidneys and is high in potassium and other minerals and nutrition. Parsley helps remove kidney or bladder stones as well as gallstones. It helps cleanse the blood and strengthen the circulatory system. 

There are many herbs in each of these categories. It is good to have a basic knowledge of a few herbs. Have them on hand so when they are needed you won’t be without them. 

Jo Francks is a Master Herbalist working at the School of Natural Healing.