Alstonia (Alstonia scolaris, A constricta): There are 43 species of alstonia trees. The bark of the tree is used medicinally in the Pacific Rim and India. Constricta, which is native to Australia, is used extensively as an Aboriginal folk remedy for fever, chronic diarrhea, dysentery and rheumatism. Scholaris, found growing mostly in India, Pakistan and [...]
Aquilaria malaccensis (Agarwood): Internally for digestive and bronchial complaints, fevers, and rheumatism (bark, wood). Because of its astringent nature, the powdered wood of the aloe tree provide an effective skin tonic and is recommended by Ayurvedic physicians as an application for restoring pigment in leucoderma. Powdered aloeswood provides an antiseptic so gentle it is used [...]
Aloe (Aloe barbadensis): Commercial aloe juice is made from the inner leaf, which is blended and strained, with a preservative added. To make aloe “gel”, the juice is thickened with seaweed to mimic the leaf’s original thick consistency. The crystalline part called aloin, a brownish gel found alongside the leaf blade, is powdered and used [...]
Almond, Indian (Terminalia catappa): Extracts from the leaves and bark of the plant have proven anticarcinogenic, anti-HIV and hepatoprotective properties (liver regenerating effects), including anti-diabetic effects. The leaves and bark have been used traditionally in the South Pacific, for fungal related conditions. It may be potentially beneficial for overall immune support, liver detoxification and antioxidant [...]
Almond (Prunus communis): Bitter almonds when distilled yield an essential oil containing about 5% of prussic acid. Almonds are usually processed to extract almond oil for cosmetic purposes. It is helpful for alleviating itchy skin conditions, such as eczema. The oil is popular with masseuses and aromatherapists as it is light, easily absorbed, and makes [...]
Allspice (Pimenta dioica): Allspice was included in the British Codex from 1721-1914. It was principally an aromatic stimulant and carminative, good for flatulence, indigestion and hysterical paroxyms. Aqua pimentae was an ingredient in stomach and purgative medicines, and also played a part in the treatment of rheumatism and neuralgia. The powdered berries have been used [...]
Alkali Heath (Sphaeralcea coccinea): This plant’s Navajo name came from the sticky mixture that occurs when the roots and leaves are pounded and soaked in water. The resulting sticky infusion is put on sores to stop bleeding and is used as a lotion for skin disease. The dried powdered plant is used as dusting powder. [...]
Alkali Heath (Frankenia salina): Used both internally and by injection or spray, for catarrhal diseases and other discharges from the mucous membranes, diarrhea, vaginal leucorrhea, gonorrhea, and gleet, and the different types of catarrh. The tea is a reliable astringent to reduce inflammation of the alimentary tract, from mouth sores to the intestines, relieving diarrhea [...]