Calamint (Calamintha officinalis): Diaphoretic, expectorant, aromatic. The whole herb has a sweet, aromatic odor and an infusion of the dried leaves, collected about July, when in their best condition and dried in the same way as Catmint tops, makes a pleasant cordial tea, which was formerly often taken for weaknesses of the stomach and flatulent colic. It is used in hysterical complaints, and a conserve made of the young fresh tops has been used, for this purpose.
          Culpepper says that it 'is very efficacious in all afflictions of the brain,' that it 'relieves convulsions and cramps, shortness of breath or choleric pains in the stomach or bowels,' and that 'it cures the yellow jaundice.' He also recommends it, taken with salt and honey, for killing worms  

Calamus (Acorus americanus) Calamus rhizome is a bitter tonic that stimulates the digestive juices and is combined with gentian in the tonic Stockton bitters.  It counters overacidity, heartburn, and intestinal gas.  Herbalists report it useful to help reduce severe loss of appetite due to cancer or other illness or the eating disorder anorexia nervosa.  Traditional Islamic medicine employs calamus for stomach and liver inflammation and rheumatism, as well as a calamus-rose oil-vinegar mix to treat burns. Egyptians used sweet flag for scrofula, but it should be combined with supporting, more effective herbs for this chronic condition.   
            Chinese studies show that calamus extracts kill bacteria, lower blood pressure by dilating the blood vessels, stop coughing, and eliminate lung congestion.  Traditional Chinese medicine uses it to open the orifices, vaporize phlegm and quiet the spirit; for phlegm veiling and clocking the sensory orifices with such symptoms as deafness, dizziness, forgetfulness, and dulled sensorium, as well as seizures or stupor.  It harmonizes the middle burner and transforms turbid dampness: for such symptoms as chest and epigastric fullness and abdominal pain due to dampness distressing the Spleen and Stomach.  Also used both internally and topically for wind-cold-damp painful obstruction, trauma and sores.    Use with caution in cases of yin deficiency with heat signs or where there is irritability and excessive sweating or vomiting blood. According to some traditional sources, this herb antagonizes ma huang.   
             The Regional Research Institute in India found that calamus reduces epileptic fits and even eases some emotional problems.  It is also used in India to treat asthma. The Native Americans for the Great Plains chewed it when they had a fever, cough, cold, or toothache.  The American species is especially sedative to the central nervous system and stops muscle spasms.  In India the burnt root mixed with some bland oil is used as a poultice for flatulence and colic as well as for paralyzed limbs and indolent ulcers and wounds.   Its solvents are alcohol and partially in hot water.

Calendula (Calendula officinalis): : Throughout the ages, tinctures made from calendula blossoms have been used to treat headaches, toothaches and even tuberculosis.  The ancient Romans used calendula to treat scorpion bites and soldiers in the American Civil War found it helped stop wounds from bleeding. There is nothing better for sore or inflamed eyes than to bathe them in marigold water.  Calendula is a popular salve and cream ingredient because it decreases the inflammation of sprains, stings, varicose veins and other swellings and soothes burns, sunburn, rashes and skin irritations.  Laboratory studies show it kills bacteria and fungus such as ringworm, athlete's foot.  It is gentle enough to be applied as a tea to thrush in children's mouths. 
           Taken internally, it has been used traditionally to promote the draining of swollen lymph glands, such as in tonsillitis and as part of the therapy for uterine or breast cancer, both as a poultice and as a tea.  Herbalists report success in using a swab of calendula preparation or calendula boluses to treat abnormal cervical cells.  Some antitumor activities have been observed in scientific studies.  The infusion or tincture helps inflammatory problems of the digestive system such as gastritis, peptic ulcers, regional ileitis and colitis.  Calendula has long been considered a detoxifying herb, and helps to treat the toxicity that underlies many fevers and infections and systemic skin disorders such as eczema and acne.  The herb is also considered cleansing for the liver (promotes bile production) and gallbladder and can be used to treat problems affecting these organs.  Makes a healing mouthwash for gums after tooth extraction.
           Calendula has a mild estrogenic action and is often used to help reduce menstrual pain and regulate menstrual bleeding.  The infusion makes an effective douche for yeast infections.  

California Poppy (Eschscholzia californica)..... West Coast Indians used the California poppy chiefly as a pain reliever for toothache.  The plant was also prescribed as a sedative for headache and insomnia, and it is still mentioned today as a gentle sedative and analgesic.  California poppy is not a narcotic like its relative the opium poppy.  It tends to normalize psychological function.  It’s gently antispasmodic, sedative, and analgesic effects make it a valuable herbal medicine fore treating physical and psychological problems in children.  It may also prove beneficial in attempts to overcome bedwetting, difficulty in sleeping, and nervous tension and anxiety.  May be useful in the treatment of gall-bladder colic.

Cancer Bush (Sutherlandia frutescens )  It was introduced to the colonists in the early days by the Khoikhoi. It is a long respected and used in medicine. It has been used ever since as a remedy for a variety of ailments. If one cup of leaves steeped is added in 1 litre of boiling water, it will be good for washing wounds and 0.25 to 0.5 cup of this brew sipped every half hour is an old-fashioned remedy used to bring down fevers, treat chicken pox, and to treat internal cancers. Among the Khoi and the Nama people, the plant is used as a bitter tonic and a general panacea.  They used extracts externally to wash wounds and internally to relieve fever.  Recent studies have identified the presence of high concentrations of amino acids in this plant, including canavanine.  The tea of the dried leaves and twigs has been used for treating stomach problems and internal cancers. 
              It was used as an eyewash in the treatment of eye troubles. Many of the farmers in the Cape say that their workers still use cancer bush to treat eye and ailments today. It can help in liver ailments, hemorrhoids, bladder, uterus, female complaints, for diarrhea, stomach ailments and for backache. Many people use cancer bush as a tonic and believe that a little taken before meals will aid digestion and improve the appetite.  The cancer bush is a traditional remedy for the relief of stomach problems and internal cancers. It is said to be a useful bitter tonic and a good general medicine. The virtues of the plant also extend to include relieving the symptoms of colds, influenza, chicken pox, diabetes, varicose veins, piles, inflammation, liver problems, backache and rheumatism.

Cankerroot (Coptis groenlandica or C. greenlandica)  The roots and rhizomes of cankerroot chewed raw or boiled, have been used to treat canker sores, fever blisters, and other mouth irritations and to treat indigestion and sore throats.  A medicinal brew from the roots has been used as an eyewash.  The effectiveness of all these uses is due to the presence of the alkaloid berberine, a mild sedative, in the plant.  A decoction of equal parts of cankerroot and goldenseal has acquired the reputation of eliminating the craving for alcoholic beverages.

Capers (Capparis spinosa)  The unopened flower buds are laxative and, if prepared correctly with vinegar, are thought to ease stomach pain.  The bark is bitter and diuretic, and can be taken immediately before meals to increase the appetite.  The root bark is purifying and stops internal bleeding.  It is used to treat skin conditions, capillary weakness, and easy bruising, and is also used in cosmetic preparations.  A decoction of the plant is used to treat yeast and vaginal infections such as candidiasis. Capers are an appetizer and digestive.  Since ancient times, caper poultices have been used to ease swellings and bruises and this led to the belief that rutin had properties affecting the permeability of the blood capillaries; such as reducing their fragility though clinical evidence is inconclusive

Caper Spurge (Euphorbia lathyrus)  Caper spurge is so violent a purgative that it is rarely if ever used in contemporary herbal medicine.  Caper spurge seeds were commonly employed, but an oil extracted from them was also used in very small doses (the oil is highly toxic).  In the past, the milky latex of caper spurge was used as a depilatory and to remove corns and warts, but is too irritant to be used safely. 

Caraway (Carum carvi): Caraway water is well known for its carminative effect, particularly for babies.  This property of the seeds has been known and used from ancient times until today.  Caraway is also used as a flavoring for children’s medicines.  It is a good digestive and stomachic.  Other properties it is believed to have are: antispasmodic, aphrodisiac, appetitive, emmenagogic, expectorant and galactagogic (stimulates the secretion of bile).   It was used in cases of dyspepsia, diarrhoea and even hysteria.   Dioscorides is quoted as recommending pallid girls to take a tonic of caraway oil.  Modern researchers have discovered that two chemicals (carvol and carvene) in caraway seeds soothe the smooth muscle tissue of the digestive tract and help expel gas.  Antispasmodic, which appear to be present in caraway, soothe not only the digestive tract but other smooth muscles, such as the uterus, as well.  Thus, caraway might relax the uterus, not stimulate it.  Women may try it for relief of menstrual cramps.  For a pleasant-tasting infusion that might help aid digestion, relieve gas or menstrual cramping, use 2-3 teaspoons of bruised or crushed seeds per cup of boiling water. Steep 10-20 minutes.  Drink up to 3 cups a day.  If you prefer a tincture, take ½-1 teaspoon up to three times a day.  Low-strength caraway infusions may be given to infants for colic and gas.

Cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum): : Its digestive properties have made it popular as an after-dinner infusion, and it acts as a breath freshener when chewed.  It is used in India for many conditions, including asthma, bronchitis, kidney stones, anorexia, debility and weakened Vata.  The herb has a long-lasting reputation as an aphrodisiac.  Cardamom treats gastralgia, enuresis (involuntary urination), warming, antimucus stimulant to add to lung tonics.  
          Cardamom is very high in cineole, a potent expectorant compound and a central nervous system stimulant.  In cases of emphysema, add a teaspoon or two of powdered cardamom to fruit juice or tea.
           In Chinese medicine it:  1) increases the Qi and replenishes deficiency; restores the lungs, spleen and nerve and generates strength; lifts the spirit and rids depression; 2) Warms and invigorates the stomach and intestines; frees spasms and dries mucous damp; awakens the appetite, settles the stomach and quells vomiting; 3) Stimulates the lungs, expels phlegm and clears the head; 4) antidotes poison and resolves contusion.

Carline Thistle (Carlina acaulis )  Internally for fluid retention, liver, gall bladder, and prostate problems, bronchitis, and skin complaints, such as acne and eczema.  It is used in the form of an infusion to treat stomach and liver disorders, edema and urine retention.  Decoctions are applied externally to bathe skin disorders, fungal infections and wounds and are used as an antiseptic gargle.  The dried and chopped roots, soaked in wine, stimulate digestion and soothe the nerves.  Wine extract of 40-50 g of powdered roots/1 litre wine acts as a vermifuge.  Take a wine glass twice daily.  A water extract produces the same effect in 50/50 mixture with vinegar.  Swedish bitters contains the root of the carline thistle, which possesses bacteriostatic properties and acts on the stomach as well. The root is antibiotic, antispasmodic, carminative, diaphoretic, digestive, mildly diuretic, emetic in large doses, febrifuge and purgative in large doses.  The plant was at one time in great demand as an aphrodisiac, it is used nowadays in the treatment of spasms of the digestive tract, gall bladder disorders, dropsy etc.

Carob (Ceratonia siliqua): Carob pods are nutritious and, due to their high sugar content, sweet-tasting and mildly laxative.  However, a decoction of the pulp is also antidiarrheal, gently helping to cleanse and relieve irritation within the gut.  It arrests vomiting in infants.  These appear to be contradictory effects, but carob is an example of how the body responds to herbal medicines in different ways, according to how the herb is prepared and according to the specific medical problem.  The bark is strongly astringent and a decoction of it is taken to treat diarrhea. 

Carrot, Wild (Daucus carota): This vegetable is a wonderful cleansing medicine.  It supports the liver, and stimulates urine flow and the removal of waste by the kidneys.  The juice of organically grown carrots is a delicious drink and a valuable detoxifier.  Carrots are rich in carotene, which is converted to vitamin A by the liver.  This nutrient acts to improve night blindness as well as vision in general.  The raw root, grated or mashed, is a safe treatment for threadworms, especially in children.  Wild carrot leaves are a good diuretic.  They have been used to counter cystitis and kidney stone formation, and to diminish stones that have already formed.  The seeds are also diuretic and carminative. They stimulate menstruation and have been used in folk medicine as a treatment for hangovers.  Both leaves and seeds relieve flatulence and gassy colic and are a useful remedy for settling the digestion and upsets of the stomach.  Many Pennsylvania Dutch have used wild carrot seed as both an emmenagogue and a morning-after contraceptive.  Indian researchers have confirmed that carrot seed has anti-implantation activity in laboratory animals.  One teaspoonful of the seeds is taken daily starting at the time of ovulation or immediately after unprotected intercourse during the fertile time and continued for up to one week to prevent pregnancy.  Carrots contain 8 compounds that lower blood pressure.  Scottish studies showed that over a period of three weeks, a daily snack of two carrots lowered cholesterol levels by 10-20% in study participants.  Because the fiber pectin is the source of most of these benefits, don’t use a juicer which extracts most of the fiber. 
            Scientists in India have discovered that carrots afford significant protection for the liver in laboratory animals.  When liver cell injury was induced experimentally with chemicals, paralleling the liver damage inflicted by chemical pollutants, experiments showed that lab animals could recover with the help of carrot extracts which increase the activity of several enzymes that speed up detoxification of the liver and other organs.

Cascara sagrada (Rhamnus purshiana )   Cascara is a very effective laxative, containing hydroxymethyl anthraquinones that cause peristalsis of the large intestine, emodin and other rhamnoid glycosides. It has been used as such by many First Nations groups. For example, Cascara bark tea was drunk as a laxative by Nuxalk, Coast Salish, Nuu-chah-hulth, and Kwakwaka’wakw, and a decoction of the inner bark and water was used as a remedy for dysentery. The bark is often aged before use so it will be less likely to cause nausea. First introduced to Europe in 1877, about 3 million pounds of the bark is harvested annually for use in commercial laxatives.  Squaxin used a Cascara infusion to wash sores--sometimes people chewed the bark and then spit it on sores. The bark has also been used to treat heart strain, internal strains, and biliousness. Skagit people burn the bark and mix the charcoal with grease to rub on swellings, and also have employed the bark in a green dye for mountain goat wool. Makah eat the fresh berries in July and August. Internally used for chronic constipation, colitis, digestive complaints, hemorrhoids, liver problems, and jaundice.  It is a medium-strength laxative and somewhat weaker than Rhubarb root and Senna leaf.   Externally used to deter nail biting.  

Cassia (Cinnamomum cassia): It is used medicinally in much the same way as Ceylon cinnamon, mainly for digestive complaints such as flatulent dyspepsia, colic, diarrhea and nausea, as well as the common cold, rheumatism, kidney and reproductive complaints.  In Chinese medicine it is used particularly for vascular disorders.  A great deal of research has been carried out in recent years regarding the pharmacological actions of cassia. Warms the Kidneys and fortifies the yang: for a wide variety of problems due to insufficiency of Kidney yang and waning of the gate of vitality.  Usually taken as a powder, pill or  tincture.  Rarely decocted because this causes the loss of the volatile oils which carry much of its effect.   

Catmint (Nepata cataria): Catnip has long been used medicinally as a tea, juice, tincture, infusion and poultice.  Catnip tea is used for headaches, stomachaches, colic and sleeplessness in children.  It has also been used to treat cancer, insanity, nervousness, nightmare, scurvy and tuberculosis, while a root extract served as a mild stimulant.  Drinking two cups of catnip tea a day could significantly reduce the likelihood of developing cataracts.  Catnip has been employed orally to treat colic, diarrhea, flatulence, hiccups, whooping cough, the common cold, measles and chicken pox (reduces the eruptions), asthma, yellow fever, scarlet fever, smallpox, jaundice and to induce parturition and encourage menstruation.  Poultices were used for hives, sore breasts of nursing mothers and to reduce swelling.  A poultice of catnip and other herbs was employed to treat aching teeth in the Ozark Mountains.  A tincture makes a good friction rub for rheumatic and arthritic joints and, as an ointment, to treats hemorrhoids.  Catnip was sometimes smoked to relieve respiratory ailments.   The fresh leaves can also be chewed for headache.  It’s an old home remedy for colds, nervous tension, fevers and nightmare.  It is diaphoretic and antispasmodic.    Fresh catnip leaves are preferred for infusion or tincture.   

Cedar (Cedrus atlantica (Atlas cedar); Cedrus deodara (Himalayan cedar); Cedrus libani (cedar of Lebanon); Juniperus virginiana (red cedar)  

Celandine (Chelidonium majus) : Greater celandine acts as a mild sedative, relaxing the muscles of the bronchial tubes, intestines, and other organs.  In both Western and Chinese herbal traditions, it has been used to treat bronchitis, whooping cough and asthma.  The herb’s antispasmodic effect also extends to the gallbladder, where it helps to improve bile flow.  This would partly account for its use in treating jaundice, gallstones, and gallbladder pain, as well as its longstanding reputation as a detoxifying herb.  The tincture or infusion of the leaf will stimulate and clean the liver.  In one study, researchers gave tablets containing chelidonine to 60 people with symptoms of gallstones for six weeks.  Doctors reported a significant reduction in symptoms.  Greater celandine’s sedative action does not, however, extend to the uterus—it causes the muscles of this organ to contract.  Externally the salve has been used to clear eczema, scrofula and herpes.  The juice applied to the eyes will clear the vision, and applied to wounds will promote healing.   The fresh juice is dabbed two or three times a day on warts, ringworm and corns. (Do not allow it to touch other parts of the skin.)  The fresh juice mixed with milk is used to help remove cataracts and the white spots that form on the cornea.  An ointment of the roots and leaves boiled in oil or lard is an excellent treatment for hemorrhoids.  Only the dried herb should be taken internally.  The fluid extract is made with the fresh herb.   Ukrain, a derivate of celandine, is used for solid tumors such as breast, lung, and colon, as opposed to leukemia and myeloma, It can be beneficial even when used in combination with Taxol plus supporting the liver function.

Celandine, Lesser (Ranunculus ficaria)  Internally and externally used for hemorrhoids.  Externally also used for perineal damage after childbirth.  Combines well with plantain, marigold for agrimony for the internal treatment of piles.

Celery Seed (Apium graveolens dulce): : Until the 19^th century the essential oils was recommended as a cure for rheumatism.  It is believed to be a tonic for asthma and herbalists use it to treat liver diseases, bronchitis, fever and flatulence. It is also recommended as a diuretic, tranquilizer, sedative and menstruation promoter and as treatment for gout, arthritis, obesity, anxiety and lack of appetite.  Celery seed tea is said to promote rest and sleep.  It is good for nervous disorders and enjoys aphrodisiac qualities.  India's traditional Ayurvedic physicians have prescribed celery seed as a diuretic and as a treatment for colds, flu, indigestion, arthritis and diseases of the liver and spleen.  

Centaury (Erythraea centaurium (Centaurium erythraea))    One of the most useful bitter herbs, centaury strengthens digestive function, especially within the stomach. It is a useful herb in dyspepsia and in any condition where a sluggish digestion is involved. By increasing stomach secretions, it hastens the breakdown of food.  It also stimulates the appetite and increases bile production.  Indicated in appetite loss (anorexia) when it is associated with liver weakness.  Centaury needs to be taken over some weeks.  The preparation should be slowly sipped so that the components can stimulate reflex activity throughout the upper digestive tract.  Combines well with Meadowsweet, Marshmallow Root and Chamomile in dyspepsia.  In anorexia it is indicated with burdock root and chamomile.  It serves as a blood purifier, working on the kidneys and liver.  Externally the juice applied to the eyes will clear the vision, and applied to wounds will help promote healing.  The decoction applied to the skin regularly will clear the skin of freckles and spots.  A decoction externally applied also will destroy ice and other parasites in the hair.  

Chamomile, German (Matricaria recutita)  German chamomile has been taken for digestive problems since at least the 1^st century AD.  Gentle and efficacious, it is very suitable for children. The herb is valuable for pain, indigestion, acidity, gas, gastritis, bloating, and colic.  It is also used for hiatus hernia, peptic ulcer, Crohn’s disease and irritable bowel syndrome.  German chamomile, which contains spiroether and bisabolol, very strong antispasmodics, relax tense, aching muscles and eases menstrual pain.  It also appears to have relaxing action on the smooth muscle lining of the digestive tract.  One study shows chamomile relaxes the digestive tract as well as the opium-based drug papaverine.  Chamomile also may help prevent stomach ulcers and speed their healing.  In one experiment, two groups of animals were fed a chemical known to cause ulcers.  Those also given chamomile developed significantly fewer.  Then the animals who developed ulcers were divided into two groups.  Those fed chamomile recovered more quickly.  It also relieves irritability and promotes sleep, especially in children.  German chamomile is useful for hay fever and asthma.  The proazulenes in the herb produce chamazulene on steam distillation, which is markedly antiallergenic.  Externally, it can be applied to sore, itchy skin and eczema.  It also relieves eyestrain.  A cream made from German chamomile was tested in 1987 for its ability to heal wounds and produced very good results.  Apply it externally for disinfecting and anti-inflammatory treatments in the form of packs, baths, and compresses using a strong tea, diluted chamomile tincture or a liquid chamomile extract.  In 1993, a trial using German chamomile and 4 other herbs showed them to be most effective at easing infantile colic.  Historically, chamomile poultices have been placed on cancers, and its sesquiterpene lactones do show immune system-stimulating and antitumor activity. 
            Inflamed oral mucosa can also be treated with chamomile tea.  For stomatitis, an uncomfortable inflammation of the mouth’s mucous membranes, and canker sores, the mouth is rinsed with the tea or a liquid chamomile extract into one glass of water.
            Due to its antispasmodic properties Chamomile is a good remedy for all cramping pains, especially for abdominal cramping in children.  At the same time it has a carminative effect of relieving flatulence. In pediatric medicine chamomile is used as a tea or syrup.  The effect can be increased by placing a hot chamomile pad on the painful area.  To treat cramps, mix equal parts of chamomile flowers and silverweed to make a tea.  Chamomile is a classic remedy for teething pains in children.  For this, use chamomile in its homeopathic form or as teething tablets. 

Chamomile, Roman (Chamaemelum nobile)   A remedy for the digestive system, Roman chamomile is often used interchangeably with German chamomile.  However, an infusion of Roman chamomile has a more pronounced bitter action than its German namesake.  It is an excellent treatment for nausea, vomiting, indigestion, and loss of appetite.  It is also sedative, antispasmodic and mildly analgesic, and will relieve colic, cramps, and other cramping pains.  By stimulating digestive secretions and relaxing the muscles of the gut, it helps normalize digestive function.  Roman chamomile may also be taken for headaches and migraine, even by children.  Its anti-inflammatory and antiallergenic properties make it helpful for irritated skin. 

Chaparal (Larrea tridentata ): Chaparal is used for treating such ailments as: tuberculosis, bowel complaints, stomach ulcers and bowel disorders, cancers, and colds and flu. It is found to be beneficial to the walls of capillaries throughout the body, and so are good to take regularly in cases of capillary fragility.  Chaparal contains N.D.G.A.. It is responsible for inhibiting several enzyme reactions, including lipo oxyginase, which is responsible for some unhealthy inflammatory and immune-system responses. It has been shown to reduce inflammatory histamine responses in the lung, which is good news for asthma sufferers. N.D.G.A. is one of the most highly anti-oxidant substances known to man. Several types of tumors, such as those in uterine fibroids and fibrosystic breast disease, can be helped immensely by a concentrated extract of the plant.   Chaparal can improve liver function, causing the liver metablolism to speed up, clearing toxins, and improving the livers' ability to synthesize fatty acids into high density lipids (HDLs....the good quality cholesterol). The low density lipids levels (LDLs....the poor quality cholesterol) decrease.  The strong anti-oxident effects of Larrea t. appear to repair free radical damage caused by drugs such as cocaine and amphetamines.  
           External uses of the herb include poultices placed on aching joints, and the tea or a fomentation (applied several times per day and left on the area) for such things as ringworm, skin fungi, and athletes' foot.  Has also been used for reducing fibroids  A study in the Journal of Dental Research showed chaparral mouthwash reduced cavities by 75%.   
            Lipoxygenase and 5-hydroxyeicosatatraenois acid are usually high in the synovial fluid of arthritis sufferers which means Chapparal’s ability to inhibit these can help here as well.   Larrea contains active flavonoids and ligans that, in addition to being anti-oxidants, act as antifungals, antibiotics, and antivirals. It is in this last capacity, as an antiviral that prompted investigations into its ability to inhibit the spl promoter HIV and as an inhibitor of Herpes simplex-1 in cell cultures; as well as Kaposi's sarcoma virus.   Clinical evaluations consisted of testimonies from close to 36 persons. Larrea was prepared as an extract in an aloe-based lotion and was effective in reversing symptoms in nearly all cases of HSV-1 and shingles within 12-24 hours and in greatly reducing the severity of sores from Kaposi's sarcoma in people in full-blown AIDS. The lotion proved to work faster and to be more effective than acyclovir, the main drug for herpes.   
            When applied to the skin as a tea, tincture, or salve, Chaparral slows down the rate of bacterial grown and kills it with its antimicrobial activity.  Chaparral will also help dry skin, brittle hair and nails and cracks in the hands or feet.  

Chaste Tree (Vitex agnus-castus )  Back in the 17^th century, herbalist Gerard wrote that the seeds and leaves helped with pain and inflammation of the uterus.  The hormonelike substances found in the seeds help to correct female hormonal imbalances, such as those that can occur during menopause, premenstrual syndrome, or menstruation, and also help dissolve fibroids and cysts.  German researchers suggest the berries increase production of luteinizing hormone and prolactin. Another study adds the increase of the hormone progesterone to the list.  The seeds do stimulate mother’s milk flow as shown in a clinical study when 100 nursing mothers taking chaste seeds were compared to those who were not.  Christopher Hobbs suggests its use during the first 3 months only of pregnancy to help prevent miscarriage and, with ginger, to allay morning sickness.  Chaste berries can help regulate periods when there is excessive or too frequent bleeding.  It also reestablishes normal ovulation after contraceptive pills have been used.  In women without ovaries, chasteberry appears to lessen extremes of hormonal imbalance, perhaps through indirect effects on the endocrine system, liver and circulation. Women with PMS with significant depression should probably steer clear of chasteberry.  Some research suggests that PMS with depression is caused by excess progesterone, and chasteberry is said to raise progesterone levels.  Chasteberry may help some women trying to conceive if infertility is due to low progesterone levels.  Most of the research has been done on a chaste berry extract called Agnolyt.  When 53 women with excessive bleeding and short menstrual cycles were given this product, 65% showed improvement and about 47% were cured.  Those over age 20 experienced the most improvements.  Other studies with Agnolyt found the chaste berry helps control acne in both young women and young men. 

Cocoa (Theobroma cacao): Although cacao is most often used as a food, it also has therapeutic value as a nervous system stimulant.  In Central America and the Caribbean, the seeds are taken as a heart and kidney tonic.  The plant may be used to treat angina and as a diuretic.  Cacao butter makes a good lip salve, and is often used as a base for suppositories.  In 1994, Argentinian researchers showed that cacao extracts counter the bacteria responsible for boils and septicemia.  
            Chocolate naturally contains a drug substance, theobromine, which is chemically similar to caffeine, and has a similar mild habit forming, stimulating effect on humans.  Its action on muscle, the kidneys and the heart is more pronounced.  It is used principally for its diuretic effect due to stimulation of the renal epithelium; it is especially useful when there is an accumulation of fluid in the body resulting from cardiac failure, when it is often given with digitalis to relieve dilatation.  It is also employed in high blood pressure, as it dilates the blood-vessels.  Many people are "addicted" to this drug and humorously refer to themselves as "chocoholics". Although chocolate is as mildly addicting as is coffee and other caffeine containing drinks, its effect is relatively innocuous.  
              Central Americans have used cocoa for centuries to treat fever, coughs and complaints of pregnancy and childbirth.  They have also rubbed cocoa butter on burns, chapped lips, balding heads and the sore nipples of nursing mothers.  The Eclectics recommended cocoa butter externally as a wound dressing and salve.  For internal use, they prescribed hot cocoa for asthma and as a nutritive for invalids and persons convalescing from acute illness.  
             There is no evidence that chocolate causes acne, kidney stones, or infant colic.  However, chocolate does contain chemicals (tyramines) that trigger headaches in some people, particularly those prone to migraines.  Many people find a cup of hot chocolate soothes their stomachs after meals.  The problem is that cocoa and chocolate may cause heartburn. The herb relaxes the valve between the stomach and the esophagus,   

Cocklebur  (Xanthium strumarium)  Cocklebur fruits are used to treat arthritis and rheumatism, to open the nasal passages and sinuses, for allergic rhinitis with headache, chronic lumbago, leprosy and pruritis (severe itching) of the skin.  Three or four pods boiled in water will stop the most obstinate diarrhea.  A teaspoon of the crushed pods boiled for five minutes has analgesic, diuretic, and antispasmodic effects.  This herb is very obnoxious in its natural state, as the seed pods tend to adhere to animal fur and human clothing.  It is, however, a very valuable therapeutic agent widely used by the Chinese for rheumatic aches and pains as well as sinus blockage.  Extracts of the plant have been shown to control tumor growth in laboratory animals.  The stem and leaves used to treat German measles.  A tea of the leaves is a useful diuretic and is especially useful for chronic cystitis; a rounded teaspoon of the chopped leaves in tea, morning and afternoon.  A tincture of the crushed seeds is both clotting and antiseptic for skin abrasions, and is a good first aid dressing.

Codonopsis (Codonopsis pilosula and Codonopsis tangshen ) Codonopsis has a central place in Chinese herbal medicine as a gentle tonic that increase energy levels and helps the body adapt to stress for both sexes.  Research has confirmed this use. Codonopsis is thought to be similar in action to ginseng, but it is milder and has a shorter-lasting effect.  It is given to those who find ginseng too strong a tonic and is used interchangeably with ginseng in Chinese herbal formulas.  In Chinese herbal medicine, codonopsis is considered to tone the qui, lungs, and spleen.  It improves vitality and helps to balance metabolic function.  It is a gentle tonic remedy that helps to revive the system as a whole.  Codonopsis is taken in particular for tired limbs, general fatigue, and for digestive problems such as appetite loss, vomiting, and diarrhea.  It is thought to nourish the yin of the stomach without making it too “wet,” and at the same time to tone the spleen without making it too “dry.”  It is beneficial in any chronic illness where “spleen qi deficiency” is a contributory factor.  Codonopsis is given as a tonic to people who are stressed and have “false-fire” symptoms, including tense neck muscles, headaches, irritability, and high blood pressure, and who find the tonic action of ginseng too strong.  Codonopsis is reputedly more successful in reducing levels of adrenaline, and therefore stress, than ginseng.  The herb is taken regularly by nursing mothers in China to increase milk production and as a tonic to “build strong blood.”  Codonopsis clears excessive mucus from the lungs and is useful for respiratory problems, including shortness of breath and asthma
            Laboratory experiments have demonstrated that codonopsis increases hemoglobin and red blood cell levels, and lowers blood pressure.  Other research has confirmed the ability of codonopsis to help increase endurance to stress and to maintain alertness. 

Comfrey (Symphytum officinale): : Comfrey leaves and especially the root contain allantoin, a cell proliferant that increases the healing of wounds.  It also stops bleeding, is soothing, and is certainly the most popular ingredient in herbal skin sales for wounds, inflammation, rashes, varicose veins, hemorrhoids and just about any skin problem.  Taken internally, comfrey repairs the digestive tract lining, helping to heal peptic and duodenal ulcers and colitis.  Studies show it inhibits prostaglandins, which cause inflammation of the stomach lining.  Comfrey has been used to treat a variety of respiratory diseases and is a specific when these involve coughing of blood.  In cases of bleeding of the lungs, stomach or bowels the leaves or root should be made into a strong decoction, or a strong infusion of the leaves and regular hourly or two hourly drinks taken until the bleeding ceases.  The root is stronger and more effective than the leaves.  In the case of bleeding piles the addition of distilled extract of Witch Hazel to the infusion or decoction will increase the effectiveness. To aid in the cure of mucous colitis mix equal parts of comfrey leaves, agrimony herb, cranesbill herb and marshmallow herb, use one ounce of the mixed herbs, make an infu9sion and take a wineglassful at least three times daily.
         The leaves moisten the lungs, help dissolve and expel mucus, soothe the throat, lowers fever, relieves cough and treat asthma.  It is applied externally as a poultice and taken internally to promote healing of injured tissues and bones.  The root is used to treat chronic lung diseases with dry cough and inflammation, sore throat, pulmonary catarrh, stomach ulcers, and wasting diseases.  It is excellent both internally and externally for promoting the healing of sores, bones, muscles and other tissues, and is as powerful as some of the best Oriental tonic herbs.  Concurrent internal and external application has the most favorable effect on the healing process.