Herbs and Supplements Starting With The Letter
~ S ~
Safflowers
Carthamus tinctorius
Safflowers is a digestive bitter that aids the digestion of oils. It helps to thin and remove cholesterol buildup in arteries as well as clean tissues and joints throughout the body. It stimulates the liver and gallbladder where it improves the movement of bile. It can also help remove hardened phlegm and congested lymph. One benefit may be the reduction of enlarged breasts. Safflowers are used to reduce lactic acid accumulation during competitive sports.
Sage
Salvia officinalis
Sage is a warming stimulant for a weakened digestive or nervous system. Sage has the drying ability to decrease perspiration and decrease lactation during weaning. It also dries up persistent sniffles. Sage is made into a tea for laryngitis and hoarseness. Sage also has the reputation of strengthening concentration, improving memory, producing calmness and clarity, and returning hair to its original color.
Sarsaparilla
Simlax
Cowboys often ordered sarsaparilla (root beer) because it was both the most widely used treatment for syphilis in the 1800's and was also considered a male aphrodisiac. Research shows that components of the root attack microbes in the body. Sarsaparilla is a diuretic and can be used to support congestive heart failure, high blood pressure, and premenstrual fluid retention. It promotes sweating. It is especially good for skin problems such as psoriasis, acne, rashes and hives. Sarsaparilla is a popular herb in glandular balance formulas. It contains saponin, which is chemically similar to testosterone and anabolic steroids.
Saw Palmetto
Serenoa serrulata
Saw palmetto is an important glandular-strengthening herb. It is considered a tonic for the whole body. It strengthens the thyroid, which controls overall glandular function. It also strengthens digestion, the lungs, and other tissues that are damaged by debilitating, wasting or chronic diseases. In men, it is used for impotence, sterility, underdeveloped testicles and enlarged prostate. In women, it is used for infertility, lack of stamina, ovarian dysfunction and underdeveloped breasts.
Schizandra
Schizandra Chinensis
Schizandra helps the body adapt to stress and nourishes the nervous system. It increases the supply of energy to the cells in the brain, muscles, liver, kidneys and glands. Schizandra is cherished among women as a sexual enhancer and youth invigorator.
Scullcap
Scutellaria lateriflora
Scullcap is a nervous system and muscle relaxant when there is excess excitement or uncontrolled movement. It seems to have been recommended for almost every ailment of the nervous system. Relief of nervous tension may improve learning and logical thinking. As an antispasmodic, it has a sedative action that contributes to formulas for asthma, seizures, menstrual cramping, and Parkinson's disease. Scullcap is also used in formulas for pain, insomnia, addiction recovery and vertigo.
Senna
Cassia acutifolia
Senna leaves stimulate the peristaltic action of the colon. Senna is usually combined with digestive herbs such as ginger or fennel to avoid gripping. Senna is found in many over-the-counter laxatives. Do not use if pregnant or with digestive tract inflammation, including hemorrhoids. Senna can cause dependency if used for extended periods.
Shitake
Lentinus edodes
Shiitake mushrooms can be used to boost the immune system, protect the body from cancer (and even shrink existing tumors), lower blood cholesterol levels, reduce blood pressure, and combat viruses and bacteria. Shiitake contains vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and a number of polysaccharides, which are linked to countering cancer, primarily by promoting immune function rather than attacking cancer cells directly.
Slippery Elm
Ulmus fulva
Slippery elm bark is mild-flavored and very nutritious; it has a food value similar to oatmeal. It expands and should be taken with plenty of water. It is a contact healer that coats, soothes and heals irritated or inflamed tissues, including hemorrhoids, ulcers, burns, and sore throats. It is a mild bulk laxative that absorbs toxins from the bowel. Slippery elm and marshmallow are very similar. For babies or debilitated persons, slippery elm can be made into a healing gruel.
Spirulina
Spirulina pratensis
Spirulina is a blue-green fresh water algae. It is an excellent source of amino acids (protein), chlorophyll, vitamins and minerals. It stimulates the thyroid to produce energy and is recommended as part of weight control and blood sugar control programs. Spirulina is an herb that is said to "correct polarity reversal”.
Squaw Vine
Mitchella repens
Squaw vine strengthens the uterus, and helps relieve congestion there and in the ovaries. It may help strengthen the body’s defense against vaginal infections. This herb is often used for both menstruating and pregnant women. The Native Americans used it in the last few weeks of pregnancy to prepare for childbirth. Squaw Vine is used for menstrual irregularities (amenorrhea, dysmenorrhea, and menorrhagia) and for vaginal discharge (antiseptic properties for vaginal infections). It is tonifying to both the uterus and ovaries and helps to relieve congestion. Other uses include: dropsy, gravel, suppression of the urine, diarrhea. It has a calming effect on the nervous system and may improve digestion. As a salve, it may be applied to sore nipples while nursing. Other external uses include as a wash for skin problems .
Stevia
Stevia rebaudinceae
Stevia is a safe, all-natural alternative to artificial sweeteners and refined sugar in the diet. Stevia is eight times as sweet as sugar. It is a good source of chromium and other minerals. Stevia may be safely used as a sweetening agent by both diabetics and hypoglycemic persons in small quantities.
St. John's Wort
Hypericum persoratum
St. John's Wort is known for its soothing, anti-depressant properties. It is also beneficial for the respiratory and immune systems, both of which are damaged by smoking. It is often used to help improve the irritable, stressed disposition of individuals trying to break their addiction to tobacco and alcohol. St. John's Wort may cause photosensitization, so be cautious of overexposure to sunshine. Persons taking antidepressant prescription drugs should not take St. John's Wort at the same time.
Stone Root
Collinsonia Canadensis
Stone root has been used in the treatment of a variety of ailments, including hemorrhoids, varicose veins, benign prostatic hypertrophy, and chronic laryngitis. It has a long history of use as a remedy for diverticulosis, dysentery, colitis, rectal pain, and other disorders of the digestive system. Stone root, a strong diuretic, has most often been used in the reduction of urinary sediment in order to prevent kidney stones. It has been used in combination with gravel root and hydrangea for this purpose. It has also been used as a general cardio tonic. Stone root is often combined with saw palmetto to aid in the treatment of prostate trouble.
Suma
Pfaffia paniculata
Suma is an adaptogen herb, which helps the body adapt to stress, and acts as a tonic to the entire system. By enhancing the body's immune system, Suma aids in preventing free-radical damage to the body. Suma contains significant amounts of Germanium, a trace mineral which stimulates the immune system and helps promote oxygen flow to cells. It also contains "allantoin", a substance which assists in healing wounds.
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This information is provided for educational purposes only.
The descriptions of nurtritional supplements are based on the historical usage of the various ingredients. They are not intended to promote any direct or implied health claims, and actual results of usage can vary.
The statements on this Web site have not been evaluated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
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