This is an informational page to share basic Herbal knowledge about some of my most beloved Herbal Allies!
WHAT IS EACH HERB GOOD FOR?
The main questions I am sure that anyone interested in learning about Herbs will have will likely revolve around what each Herb is good for. Below is a list of the Herbs I adore and their indications, actions, and contraindications.
NETTLES Urtica dioica
Indications: Allergies, Anemia, Childhood eczema/eczema in general, Hyper AND Hypo glycemia, Hyper AND Hypo thyroids, Poor urine flow and/or fluid retention/edema, Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH – enlarged prostate) – treat with the root, Amennorrhea, Joint pain, rheumatism, Trouble conceiving
Actions: Tonic and Trophorestorative, Diuretic, Hypotensive, Anti-histamine, Nutritive, Astringent, Amphoteric, Phyto-hormonal, Vulnerary and Styptic
Contraindications: None
LAVENDER Lavandula spp.
Indications: Mild to moderate anxiety, Insomnia, Eczema, Insect Bites, Stress-related headaches and migraines, Sadness, irritability, emotional tension/pent-up emotion, mood swings, Cuts, scrapes, etc.
Actions: Anti-microbial, Anti-bacterial, Anti-viral, Anti-spasmodic, Nervine/Anxiolytic, Mild Hypotensive, Mild Emmenagogue
Contraindications: None
ROSE Rosa spp.
Indications: Anti-inflammatory, Coolant/refrigerant – helps lower body temperature, especially during hot flashes, Circulatory, Anti-depressant (for mild to moderate depression which is situational or hormonally triggered)
Actions: Menstrual cramps, PMS/pre-menstrual tension, sadness, Headaches, Dull, dry, and/or wrinkled skin, red patches/blotches, Menopausal symptoms (hot flashes, mild depression, loss of libido, etc.)
Contraindications: None
RED RASPBERRY LEAF Rubus idaeus)
Indications: Irregular menses, painful periods, cramps, Anemia/low iron, Trying to conceive, Menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes and night sweats, Sore nipples and/or early mastitis due to nursing, Stomach upset, diarrhea
Actions: Uterine tonic, Astringent, Nutritive, Anti-inflammatory
Contraindications: First trimester of pregnancy*, May interact with the drug Pitocin
RED CLOVER Trifolium pratense
Indications: Acne, psoriasis, eczema, Bronchitis, inflamed lungs, Menopausal and perimenopausal symptoms, M to F gender transitions (depending on what pharmaceuticals/hormones are also taken)
Actions: Lymphagogue, Alterative, Antispasmodic, Expectorant, Nutritive
Contraindications: First trimester of pregnancy – after that, use only in tea blends, not tinctures, Blood thinners/anticoagulants
LADY’S MANTLE Alchemilla vulgaris
Indications: Irregular menses, painful periods, cramps, Excessive bleeding (menorrhagia), or metrorrhagia (bleeding at irregular times between cycles), Trying to conceive, Cervical dysplasia, abnormal Pap smear, Menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes and night sweats, Sore nipples and/or early mastitis due to nursing, Stomach upset, diarrhea
Actions: Uterine tonic, Astringent, Anti-inflammatory, Amphoteric- normalizes menstrual flow
Contraindications: First trimester of pregnancy*, May interact with the drug Pitocin
LEMON BALM Melissa officinalis
Indications: Mild to moderate anxiety or depression, Nervous stomach, stage fright, first date jitters, etc., Mild to moderate ADHD, Stomach virus, low to moderate fever, Viral infections such as HSV 1 or 2, HPV, or genital warts, Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) – especially for those who cannot use St. John’s Wort, Headaches brought on by stress or anxiety, Hyperthyroidism/Graves’ Disease
Actions: Anti-viral, Nervine, Diaphoretic, Carminative, Anti-spasmodic, Mild Anti-depressant
Contraindications: Almost none – safe for use in adults and children, but do not use excessively where hypothyroidism/Hashimoto’s is present, as large amounts are a thyroxin inhibitor.
ROSEMARY Salvia rosmarinus
Indications: Memory weakness/brain fog, Poor circulation/dizziness upon standing due to low blood pressure, Long-term stress and nervous anxiety, Muscle soreness
Actions: Tonic, Nervine, Mild Emmenagogue, Antioxidant, Astringent
Contraindications: Pregnancy (moderate culinary use is fine, avoid medicinal level dosages of herb or essential oil), Vasodilative headaches
ELDERFLOWER & ELDERBERRY Sambucus nigra
Indications: Common Cold, Cough, Flu/mild to moderate fever, Chronic congestion, allergies, hay fever, Arthritis, HIV and Herpes viruses (though more research is needed)
Actions: Diaphoretic/Febrifuge, Diuretic, Expectorant, Anti-viral, Anti-inflammatory, Antioxidant – high in Vitamin C and other antioxidants (berries only)
Contraindications: None, but unripe or undercooked berries can cause nausea or vomiting.
HAWTHORN LEAF, FLOWER, & BERRY Crataegus monogyna
Indications: Poor circulation and/or high cholesterol, Angina, Arrhythmia, Family history/higher risk for coronary artery disease, cardiovascular degenerative disease, mild congestive heart failure, Recovery from myocardial infarction, Loss of function due to old age, Hypertension, Broken heart, grief, need for healthy boundaries, navigating liminal spaces
Actions: Cardiotonic – nourishes and strengthens the cardiovascular system, Hypotensive/Vasodilator, Diuretic, Astringent, Inotropic – increases the contractility of the cardiac muscle, possible Cholagogue – stimulates the flow of bile from the liver
Contraindications: Use of cardioactive drugs/cardiac glycocisides derived from the Digitalis spp such as digoxin, digitoxin, strophanthin, etc, also contraindicated with the use of Viagra, Avoid during pregnancy, Avoid ingesting the seeds
DAMIANA Turnera diffusa or Tunera aphrodisicca
Indications: Low libido, Anxiety, stress, fear – in some cases due to trauma that takes us out of our bodies*, Coldness in extremities, Pelvic “stagnation”, delayed menses, mild erectile dysfunction, Mild depression, apathy, lack of creative flow, writer’s block, etc.
Actions: Aphrodisiac, Anti-depressant, Circulatory stimulant, Nervine & Trophorestorative, Emmenagogue
Contraindications: Pregnancy & Lactation, Do not use during a UTI, Excessive use, in some, may cause temporary tinnitus
CHAMOMILE Matricaria chamomilla
Indications: Nervine/anxiolytic, Antiviral, Carminative, Anti-inflammatory, Analgesic, Anti-spasmodic, Vulnerary, Antiseptic, Antimicrobial, Anti-emetic
Actions: Mild to moderate anxiety, Insomnia, Fever, Colds, cold sores, “Nervous stomach”, digestive disturbances, IBS, colitis, Muscle pain/soreness, Menstrual cramps
Contraindications: Avoid regular and/or medicinal level use during the first trimester of pregnancy, You may wish to avoid chamomile if you are allergic to plants in the Asteraceae family.
FURTHER HERBAL FAQS
What are the safest Herbs (of those discussed above) to consume in Teas?
Answer: While all of these herbs are relatively low risk, the safest are Nettles, Lavender, Rose, and Elder as they do not have any known contraindications when taken in tea form!
What Herbs (of those discussed above) are Best to Relax?
Answer: My favorite relaxing Herbs used in my Teas are Nettles, Lavender, Rose, Lemon Balm, Chamomile, Elder, and Hawthorn. But that is just my opinion based on personal use!
Which Herbs (of those discussed above) are the Best Uterine Tonics?
Answer: Nettles, Red Raspberry, and Lady’s Mantle are all excellent uterine tonic herbs.
What Herbs (of those discussed above) are Best for Psychic Work?
Answer: Rosemary and Damiana are all excellent for use in Psychic Tea Blends. Rosemary is related to memory, including Ancient Priestess and Land Ancestral Memory. Damiana is all about creativity, including the burst of Psychic inspiration.
Disclaimer: Any herbal information shared here on White Rose of Avalon is not intended to diagnose or treat medical conditions.
Link to my blog post about the evolution of White Rose of Avalon LLC: https://whiteroseofavalon.life/2025/04/06/a-new-era-at-white-rose-of-avalon-llc/