top 13 Medicinal Herbs by Dr Christopher

1. YARROW (Achillea millefolium)

I begin first with one of the most sacred and powerful of all herbs-Yarrow. It was said around 120 years
ago by a visionary, holy man thatwhen troubled times came, if you had this sacred herb you would
beable to ward off any type of plague or fever.Yarrow is a powerful healer and purifier. Its fragrance
seems to reachdeep down inside you pulling forth the impurities within. Its distinctaroma and
appearance makes it easily identifiable in the field. Filigreeleaves and clusters of tiny white flowers are
its distinct characteristicswhen foraging for Yarrow in the fields.Yarrow has been extremely beneficial
in many types of disorders. Itdoes wonders for the female reproductive organs, regulating menstruation
in younger womenand helping older women through difficulties in menopause. It has been my
experience thatevery woman with any female complaint could benefit by drinking one cup of Yarrow a
day.Yarrow also helps with abdominal disorders, nose bleeding, migraine headaches, bloodcleansing
and renewal, bone marrow disorders, bleeding of the lungs, bleeding hemorrhoids,stomach bleeding,
indigestion and heartburn, colds/flu, gas, liver disorders, constipation,lack of appetite, fevers, skin
infection, boils, pimples, etc. You may now begin to appreciatewhy the old herbalists called Yarrow "a
cure for all ills".

2 . NETTLE (Stinging) (Urtica dioica)

I am very fond of Nettle and I have found it to be one of the most valuable medicinal herbs in the field.
Many people are somewhat leary of using Nettle because of its "stinging" reputation, but if handled
withcare (gloved-hands suggested) it can be one of the most vibrant plantsthere is. Its jagged-edged and
square stem marks its distinctions.Being a person who loves the outdoors and exerts high amounts of
energyon long hikes in the mountains, I call stinging Nettle my naturalenergizer. It acts like a mild
Cayenne in stimulating circulation andreviving a weary body. Not only is it great for fatigue and
exhaustion,but it keeps my circulation at its best as I never have cold hands or feet.Nettle is great for
the blood due to its high iron content and its highlevels of vitamins A and C and protein.Nettle is also
good for liver, gall bladder and spleen disorders, headaches, dropsy, anemia,blood disorders, colds/flu,
allergies, vascular contractions, faulty circulation, eczema, bloodcleansing and building, stimulates the
bowels and urinary tract, helps the pancreas. Also canbe used as a hair wash to stimulate hair growth.I
personally drink 1 part Nettle, 1 part Horsetail, and 2 parts Chamomile made into a tearegularly to
maintain health and well-being.
3. HORSETAIL (Equisetum aroease)

I esteem Horsetail as the most valuable herb for building calcium inthe body and preventing arthritis
and rheumatism-like pains. Itsappearance is two-fold. In its first year it appears like a bristly horse’stail
which is how I prefer to use it as it is more tender and has moremedicinal qualities. The tall reed-like,
matured Horsetail can also beused, but with less value as the chlorophyll is decreased and also someof
the vitamins and minerals.Horsetail has always been one of my favorites for kidney and
bladdertroubles. I am reminded of a story of a man in his late 70's whocouldn't urinate and was so
swollen up with an accumulation ofwater that he couldn't walk without help or even see his ankles from
somuch swelling. He went to the hospital and got no results. By way of his son, he received
someHorsetail to make into a tea. He cussed and said he wasn't going to take "any blasted weed,”
buteventually his son convinced him to try it. The following morning the older man, stillcantankerous
and cussing, said he didn't sleep well at all that night as he had to keep getting upand going to the
bathroom. Then he realized he could see his ankles and walk without aid whichreally made him a
believer of Horsetail. Horsetail is most helpful when all other diuretics fail. I have used it with amazing
results for allpain caused by rheumatism, arthritis and gout. I have also used it for leg cramps
andhemorrhaging in childbirth with excellent results. Horsetail is also good for ulcerated legs,dropsy,
itching rashes, herpes, hemorrhoids, visual defects, nervousness, nose bleeds,bedwetting, depression,
bursitis, bleeding gums, tonsillitis, disorders of the lungs, uterusand stomach, and chronic bronchitis. I
feel very thankful to the Creator for giving us such awonderful herb as Horsetail.

4. PLANTAIN (Platago lanceolata, Plantago major)

I use either the broad leaf or the narrow leaf Plantain in the samemedicinal way. Both are distinct in
that the veins in the leaves runparallel from stem to tip. There is a legend in India that tells of how
themongoose, after being bitten by the deadly cobra, goes off into thefield or forest to find its antidote-
Plantain.Another old herbal tells that when "a toad is bitten by a spider; ithurries to find Plantain for
help.”What a marvelous teacher is nature and its wildlife, if we would onlylook, listen and learn. And
what a marvelous blood cleanser isPlantain especially when it comes to poisonous bites and stings.
(Although I have yet to try it on a cobra bite!) It is Nature's remedy for dog bites, cuts,scratches,
wounds, blisters, bee and wasp stings, open oozing sores, and all skin maladies. Itis also great for the
lungs, bronchitis, bronchial asthma, phlegm in the lungs. Eating the seedsand leaves can strengthen
weak children and adults. It also acts as an internal insecticide,possibly making the skin odorless and
tasteless to insects. So next time you walk out on the lawn, notice the humble Plantain plant and offer a
little prayer for such a helpful friend.
5 . MULLEIN (Verbascum thapsus)

What a proud and majestic herb is Mullein. Near our log cabin in thewoods we have a lot of Mullein
growing, and in late summer the stalksof Mullein look like myriads of people standing in the forest.
But thereis one extremely large and majestic plant which we call "TheGrandfather" plant which is the
guardian of them all. We honor thisplant by never using its leaves or flowers, but allowing it to
growunmolested.For winter survival the dried stalks make excellent tinder and will igniteeasily. They
are also excellent for making a bow-drill fire apparatus,and the leaves make excellent padding for shoes
or bedding. Mullein seeds have been used to catch fish in ponds when thrown in, as they are narcotic
and cause atemporary stupor in fish.Mullein also has many wonderful medicinal uses. Dried, the leaves
can be smoked to easethroat and lung congestions. They can also be made into a tea for a similar effect.
The flowersand leaves have been used for bruises, frostbite, hemorrhoids, earaches, blisters,
mastitis,stomach cramps, digestive system disorders, skin wash, and are marvelous for easing
andsoothing pain.Though stately and proud, the Mullein plant is also soothing and calming. The leaves
are sosoft and pliable that no herbal survivalist can resist plucking one or two on the way "just in caseof
an emergency."

6. DANDELION (Taraxacum officinale)

Each year with the arrival of spring comes the arrival of one of the mostuseful herbs known to man-the
Dandelion. And yet how manyhomeowners do everything in their power to rid themselves of thispesky
"weed"? We try sprays and chemicals, spades and shovels,breaking our backs in order to create a
perfectly manicured lawn. Yet inall our ignorance do we realize the value of the Dandelion as one
ofNature's greatest healing herbs?I was once sharing my beliefs and devotions concerning herbs with
anolder man who I would visit on occasion. He was in the hospital at thetime suffering from chronic
inflammation of the liver and hepatitis. Itold him about Dandelion and what marvelous healing
properties it hadfor the liver. He smiled and listened, but said he would rather trust in the doctors
instead ofsome "noxious weed.” Three days later he died of failure of the liver. I often think of this
manwhen the Dandelions come out in the spring. He had so much to live for, but wouldn't trust
inNature to heal him. It saddens me to tears to think he could be alive right now if he would haveonly
given herbs a chance.Dandelion is a good friend to the survivalist and much needed for suffering
mankind. It's agood tonic to be taken year-round as a tea. The fresh stems will bring quick relief to
chronicinflammation of the liver. It helps relieve stomach cramps, stimulates the liver and gallbladder,
it is a blood purifier, diuretic, helps chronic skin conditions such as rashes, eczema,and acne. It helps
the flow of gastric juices and added to salads make s a great health aid due toits high amounts of
Vitamin A. It is also good for poor eyesight, and night blindness. Peoplewith chronic fatigue should try
drinking Nettle and Dandelion tea 3-5 cups daily.
7. SHEPHERD`S PURSE (Capsella bursa-pastoris)

Shepherd's Purse, named for its unusual, heart-shaped seed pod, can befound almost anywhere. So
when the situation arises where someone isbleeding from a cut or wound, you can almost rest assured
thatShepherd's Purse will be close by.We have used it to stop bleeding during childbirth with much
success.Also for bleeding of the nose, stomach, intestines, uterus andhemorrhoids. It also helps to
regulate excessive menstrual flow, andone lady I know used it as a douche for fibroid tumors of the
uterus.The tea will also stimulate the bowels and kidneys. Shepherd's Purse isexcellent for equalizing
blood pressure, high and low.For relief of an earache, crush the plant to a pulp. Put several drops into
the ear canal and placesome sterile cotton or paper over the ear opening. For nose bleeds, chew or crush
up the plant toa moist pulp and insert into bleeding nostrils.This herb is a must on camping trips or on a
hike when accidents are bound to happen. Usedinternally and externally, bleeding should never be life-
threatening if you're familiar with theproperties of Shepherd's Purse.

8. CHICKWEED (Stellaria Media)

Chickweed is one of the most widely distributed plants in the world. Itcan be found in almost every
lawn or garden and is characterized by itsthin, winding vines with tiny white flowers.We have used it
for all kinds of skin disorders ranging from rashes,abrasions and bruises to boils, blisters and burns. It
is also a remedy forconstipation and helps to move the bowels. For bronchitis or sinusheadaches,
Chickweed will help without drying out the nasal passages.

9. ELDERBERRY (Sambucus Canadensis)

The Elderberry can be found throughout the United States and as far north as Canada. A beautiful,
impressive shrub, its limbs seem to reachout to you along nearly every country road saying "Partake of
myhealing virtues.”The first story I ever heard concerning Elderberry was told to me by
Dr.Christopher. He told a story of a family in the early 1920's who hadtried everything else to save their
feverish, dying infant. Then theywere told by a friend to use Elderberry flowers and Peppermintbecause
not even in the last hours of life would this combination fail.They gave it a try and sure enough the
baby pulled through.I have used it on many occasions to alleviate fevers due to colds and flu. Wounds
can also behelped by washing them with the tea.Elderberry flowers are also good to cleanse the blood,
for headaches and upset stomachs.(Warning: The leaves and roots are poisonous. Unripe fruit can cause
diarrhea and vomiting).Also, by mixing Elderberry flower tea with tallow, it can make a good drawing
salve for boilsand splinters.The ripe berries can be lightly boiled and mashed and used for burns.The
blooming Elderberry bushes are a lovely sight to behold on long hikes and drives throughthe country.
Who could ever guess that such loveliness would produce such a treasure trove of herbal delights?
10. MINT (Mentha spp.)

What can compare to the aromatic pleasures of a cup of hot Mint tea? Both taste and aromacombine
together to create a spiritual uplift and calming effect to the nerves.And have you ever watched a cat or
kitten play in a patch of Catnip? It seems to energize them.Peppermint, Spearmint, Horsemint and
Catnip have many different uses but all the members ofthe Mint family have similar characteristics.
They can all be identified by their distinct aromatic smells and their jagged leaves and square stems.
-CATNIP-Used for soothing the nerves, digestion, colic, enemas to pull outtoxins, fever, gas, stomach
acid, and to help urination.
-PEPPERMINT-Remedy for toothache, nausea, colic, gas, headache,insomnia, fevers and dysentery.
Makes a delicious tea.
-SPEARMINT-Used for the same conditions as Peppermint but is especiallygood during pregnancy
when Peppermint isn't tolerated.
-HORSEMINT- This "field" mint is easily available and is good for colds,colic, gas, and diarrhea. It is
a delicious addition to any medicinal herbtea.
-PENNYROYAL- Used for colds, flu, fever, jaundice, gas and epilepsy.(Caution to pregnant women:
The oil should never be used and thedosage should not exceed more than 1-2cups of tea a day.)

11. ALFALFA (Medicago Sativa)

Used as a crop for all livestock, we see how powerful and strong the horse and ox are, that it isn't
surprising that Alfalfa is found to be high inmany vitamins and minerals. This "King of Herbs" has
beencultivated on over 27 million acres in the United States alone. It has been used by man for
thousands of years for both food and medicine. In folkmedicine, Alfalfa is acclaimed as a "cure all" for
all wasting diseases and for inflammations. It is highly regarded as a mild laxative and aids in digestion
due to a digestive enzyme (betaine).Alfalfa has a deep tap root sometimes reaching down as far as 30
ft. It extracts many vitamins and minerals from the earth such as vit. A, vit. E,vit. K, biotin, folic acid,
pantothenic acid, zinc, selenium, magnesium, potassium, and silicon.It's most popular use in American
herbology is for inflammation due to arthritis. It is also used for cleansing the blood, stimulating the
appetite, and as a tonic for all wasting disorders.Externally, it is used for burns, cuts, bruises, and to
prevent scar tissue from forming. It has also been known to heal skin tissue damaged by radiation.
12. RED CLOVER (Trifolium Pratense)

Red Clover seems to be found everywhere in the United States. It is in the same noble family as alfalfa
(Leguminosae or pea family).Dr. Christopher, Chief Sundance, and Harry Hoxsey made this herb well-
known in the U.S.A. All of these men, independent of each other,used this herb in their cancer formulas
because of its effects on purifying the blood.Red Clover is very high in potassium, chromium,
manganese,phosphorus, calcium, magnesium and niacin. Because of its high amounts of chromium it
protects the heart, and is essential in producing glucose tolerance factor (G.T.F.) which is necessary in
the production and utilization of insulin.Red Clover has traditionally been used to clean the blood and
expel any waste in the system. It also helps move mucous out of the lungs.Red Clover has a calming
effect on the whole nervous system and is one of the best herbs we have to assist in chronic illnesses
both in adults and children. Truly it is a friend to have and to hold.

13. OREGON GRAPE ROOT (Mahonia (Berberis)

Repens)Oregon Grape has been confused with so many other plants that I feel a brief description is in
order.The plant's leaves are rough, somewhat prickly around the edges, usuallywith seven to nine
leaflets in pairs along a thin, tough stem. Theblossoms are light yellow clusters, blooming in the spring;
when ripe,the berries are dark blue. The evergreen leaves turn red in the fall, hencethe Spanish name,
"Herb of the Blood." This creeping ground coverplant seldom rises more than an inch or two above the
ground. It can befound throughout the western U.S.Because of the bitter alkaloid berberine in Oregon
Grape, it works as an antiseptic and antibacterial. It is useful in lowering fevers, swollen and infected
conditions, a laxative andintestinal strengthener; as an antibacterial skin wash for skin disorders; as a
liver stimulant,for gallbladder complaints, and a good blood purifier.The flowers are good for a skin
dressing to prevent infections. The berries can be made into a tea for fevers, colds/flu; and as a
laxative.Because of its many marvelous uses, Oregon Grape is one of the most beneficial medicinal
plants in the western part of the U.S.