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HAWTHORN BERRY

172

Scientific Name: Crataegus monogyna

Common Names: Hawthorn Berry, Mayblossom, whitethorn, Red Haw

Family: Rosaceae

Part Used: Flowers, leaves, berries

Habitat: Native to Newfoundland, grows in woodland borders in thickets

Benefits: heart tonics, tradition says it provided the Crown of Thorns, dilates coronary arteries, boost energy , decreases lactic acid, improving pumping capacity, insomnia, digestive aid, sore throat

 

HENNA

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Scientific Name: Lawsonia inermis Syn. syn. L. alba

Common Names: Henna, Hina

Family: Lythraceae

Part Used: leaves

Habitat: Native to tropical regions of Africa, Asia, Australasia

Benefits: natural hair color, dye, used in body art

 

HIBISCUS

174

Scientific Name: Hibiscus sabdariffa

Common Names: Hibiscus, Roselle, Jamaica Sorrel, red sorrel, agua de Jamaica

Part Used: flower

Habitat: Tropical regions worldwide

Benefits: medicinal teas, natural red dye, antioxidant, diuretic, laxative, weight loss, antibacterial, anticancer

 

Holy Basil

175

Scientific Name: Ocimum Sanctum

Common Names: Tulsi, Sacred basil, Surasa, Tulasi, Kemangen

Family: Lamiaceae

Part Used: Leaves, Stems

Habitat: native to India

Benefits: reduces stress, anxiety, depression, enhance cerebral circulation, improve memory

CAUTION: Avoid if taking blood thinners

 

HONEYBUSH

176

Scientific Name: Cyclopia spp

Common Names: HoneyBush

Family: Fabaceae

Part Used: leaves, stems, flowers

Habitat: Native to South Africa

Benefits: Vitamin C, potassium, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antitumor, antiviral, weight loss

 

HONEYSUCKLE

177

Scientific Name: Lonicera periclymenum

Common Names: Honeysuckle, jin yin hua, lonicera

Family: Caprifoliaceae

Part Used: Aerial parts

Habitat: grows widely in North America

Benefits: cold, reduce inflammation, fever, respiratory infection, inflammation, gastrointestinal tract, arthritis, high blood pressure, detox, cuts, wounds, rashes

CAUTION: flowers are low in toxicity, the fruits, leaves, and stems are more toxic 

 

HOODIA

178

Scientific Name: Hoodia Gordonii

Common Names: Hoodia

Habitat: Native to African Kalahari Deserts

Benefits: appetite suppressant

 

HOPS

179

Scientific Name: Humulus Lupulus

Common Names: Hops

Family: Cannabaceae

Part Used: Flowers

Habitat: Found in Europe, Asia cultivated throughout temperate zones for use in brewing beer.

Benefits: sedatives, stimulate digestion, brewing beer, pain, muscle relaxant, anti-anxiety

 

HOREHOUND

180

Scientific Name: Marrubium vulgare L.

Common Names: Horehound, White horehound, marrubio

Family: Lamiaceae

Part Used: Aerial parts

Habitat: Native to Morocco, Europe, North America

Benefits: cough, cold, stimulates digestion, gas, pain, nervous system stimulant

CAUTION: Avoid if pregnant, nursing, mothers, children, elderly

 

HORSE CHESTNUT

181

Scientific Name: Aesculus hippocastanum

Common Names: Horse Chestnut, Buckeye

Family: Hippocastanaceae

Part Used: Bark, seed, leaf

Habitat: Native to central Asia

Benefits: supports circulatory system, anti-inflammatory , astringent, cellulite, varicose veins, hemorrhoids, wrinkles, cold, congestion, skin conditions

CAUTION: Avoid if pregnant

 

HORSERADISH

182

Scientific Name: Armoracia rusticana Syn. Cochlearia armoracia

Common Names: Horseradish root

Family: Brassicaceae

Part Used: root, leaves

Habitat: Cultivated worldwide

Benefits: digestive stimulant, congested sinuses, antibiotic properties, colds, diuretic, UTI, gout, arthritis, antibacterial, herpes, cold sores, scabies.

 

HYSSOP

183

Scientific Name: Hyssopus officinalis

Common Names: Hyssop

Family: Lamiaceae

Part Used: Flowers, leaf, oil

Habitat: Native to France

Benefits: expectorant, antiviral, respiratory conditions, influenza, colds, bronchitis, anxiety, digestive stimulant, insect repellent, herpes, sedative

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