A study at the University of Chicago found that it decreased the blood pressure of lab animals by 12 % when they were given a daily dose (over a four-week period) and the same experiment showed a reduction in cholesterol that clogs arteries.

CAUTION: If you use it as a diuretic be advised that you may be stripping more than just water from your body. Diuretics can also deplete you of potassium that is an essential nutrient.

CHAMOMILE (Anthemis Nobilis) (Chamaemelum nobile) (Matricaria recutita)

The flowers of the plant are known to be an effective remedy for menstrual discomforts. It´s also considered a gentle sedative and is useful for insomnia.

German chamomile, Matricatia recutita, is named for it's traditional role as a gynecological herb and is the species most commonly used in the U.S. It is legendary since ancient times for its calming abilities.

As a beauty aid it has various uses ... it softens, heals, and smooths skin (also called Azulen) ... rinsing the face weekly with chamomile tea helps to keep the skin smooth, especially in bad weather. Cotton balls can be dipped in cool tea and placed on the eyes to relieve puffy bags ... and the herb can even be used on babies, dogs, and cats.

Helps to stop smoking.

Dioscorides, a Greek physician in the Roman army, prescribed chamomile for upset stomachs, jangled nerves, and kidney and liver diseases.

The ancient Egyptians powdered chamomile flowers and sprinkled them into the abdominal cavity of the mummy of Ramses II to act as an insecticide.

Today chamomile tea is known as an antidote for stress. It is also known to combat insomnia and prevent nightmares. German chamomile tea induced deep sleep in 10 out of 12 people within 20 minutes.

DOSAGE: Chamomile can be used as an ointment, lotion or cream externally to treat skin inflammation, sunburn, hemorrhoids, insect bites, and eczema. As a mouthwash it helps to alleviate mouth inflammations and toothaches.

To soothe a digestive tract which is causing dyspepsia (painful digestion) drink one cup of chamomile tea 2-3 times a day.

Use as a tea or take 10 to 20 drops of tincture in water 3 or 4 times a day to relieve nervousness, indigestion, or menstrual cramps. To relieve a stuffed-up nose, inhale the steam from a bowl of hot water with chamomile extract.

When making a tea it should be gently simmered in a covered pot to bring out the medicinal properties. Strain before using.

Normally taken as a tea by using one teaspoon of dried flowers in approximately 500 mL of water three times a day.

Gardeners have also found this herb to be useful ... especially for lawns, thousands walk on the famous chamomile lawn at Buckingham Palace with no ill effect to the herbs.

CAUTION: If you are allergic to ragweed or other members of the daisy and aster family then you may develop a reaction to chamomile tea (although rarely a serious one).

German chamomile should be avoided by people who are pregnant and those with allergies to related plants like ragweed, asters and chrysanthemums.

CHANTERRELLE MUSHROOMS

CHAPPARAL (Larria Mexicana)

CHARCOAL

It has also been reported that charcoal may prevent gas and bloating.

CHICKWEED (Stellaria Media)

CHINESE FUMEWART (Corydalis Yanhusuo)

CILANTRO (Also called Coriander)

The Romans used the seeds and the leaves to preserve meat and it is now known why. The herb contains antioxidants that prevent animal fat from putrefying. It also contains chemicals that kill meat spoiling fungi and bacteria.

To use as a tea put 1 teaspoon of crushed seeds or dry leaves (or ½ teaspoon of powdered seeds) into a cup of boiling water and steep for 5 minutes. Drink up to 3 cups per day either prior to or after meals.

To prevent infections in a wound, first clean the area and then sprinkle dried coriander leaves or leaves on the minor cut or scrape.

For arthritis, try a cup of this tea because new studies suggest that it has anti-inflammatory effects.

CAUTION: The only caution is probably its flavor, which many people do not like.

CHINESE GINSENG (Penax ginseng)

Individuals with high blood pressure should avoid it because it is a mild stimulant, which causes the heart to contract more strongly.

Italian university students treated with Chinese ginseng showed a favorable effect in attention, mental functioning, arithmetic, logical deductions, reaction time to sounds, and integrated brain/body functions. During the trials participants also reported a feeling of well being.

Soviet studies showed that soldiers who were given ginseng extract were able to run a 1.6 mile race faster than a placebo group ... other research studies have shown that ginseng allows people to work longer and harder at mental tasks while making fewer mistakes.

A study of nurses who had switched from day to night shift duty revealed that the group who had been taking ginseng had higher scores in competence, mood, well being, and mental and physical performance than their placebo counter-parts.

Dosage: Ginseng comes in different forms like root, capsules, tablets, tea bags, tinctures, and extracts. The dosage depends on the concentration of ginsenoside - the active component. The effective ratio of Rg1 to Rb1 is 2:1. Capsules standardized for 5% to 9% ginsenoside would have 500 to 1000 mg doses. With the higher concentrated extracts, an average dose may be as low as 200 to 400 mg.

Side effects: It has been found that each person's response to ginseng is unique ... therefore care should be taken to avoid possible side effects. Some individuals who take large amounts over a long period of time may experience anxiety, irritability, hypertension, breast pain, and menstrual changes.

CHINESE ROSE HIPS (Rosa lavigata)

CHINESE PEARL BARLEY (Coix lacrymajobi)

CINNAMON

Several toothpastes are made from cinnamon because it is an antiseptic, which kills the bacteria that causes tooth decay.

A Japanese study on animals suggests that it may help in the prevention of ulcers. To make a soothing tea, mix ½ to 3/4 teaspoon of powdered cinnamon to a cup of boiling water. Steep for 10 to 20 minutes.

A German study revealed that it completely suppresses the cause of most urinary-tract infections (Escherichia coli bacteria) and the fungus responsible for vaginal yeast infections (Candida albicans).

Sufferers of adult-onset (Type II) diabetes can also use cinnamon because it helps to metabolize sugar better. In this type of diabetes the pancreas produces insulin but the body is unable to use it because it is unable to breakdown blood sugars. It has been discovered that cinnamon reduces the quantity of insulin required for the body to breakdown sugars. One eighth of a teaspoon triples insulin efficiency. Consult with your physician about taking 1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon of ground cinnamon with each meal for controlling blood sugar levels.

CAUTIONS: Some people are allergic to this spice. In the form of an oil it can cause redness and burning to the skin when applying topically. When the oil is taken internally it can cause nausea, vomiting and possibly kidney damage. Do not take the oil internally. Otherwise the herb is considered as safe.

CLEAVERS:

CLOVES (Caryophyllum Aromaticus):

Apply it to the sore gum or tooth by dipping a cotton ball (or swab) into the mixture and rubbing it on the offending area.

CAUTION: Potentially toxic when taken in large doses or for longer than a week.

COD LIVER OIL:

The aging body loses it´s ability to make CoQ-10 (by as much as 80%) and many age-related discomforts are said to be the result. Also, 75% of heart patients have been found to be deficient. Also, high concentrations are found in the liver and preventing a deficiency will probably ensure that it is running at peak efficiency.

COFFEE

Chase an aspirin with a quick cup of coffee for excellent pain relief.

An article in The Physician and Sports medicine says, that you can increase stamina by drinking coffee prior to an athletic event. The International Olympic Committee disqualifies athletes who have too much caffeine in their system. To reach the illegal limit one would have to drink 4 or 5 cups within 30 minutes, therefore athletes usually drink 3 or 4 cups in the hour prior to their event.

Coffee boosts the number of calories you burn in an hour by approximately 4 %.

CAUTIONS: Coffee can cause insomnia and increase anxiety. It can also cause an upset stomach. People with ulcers should not drink it because it raises the level of stomach acids. Also, if you are at risk for heart disease then limit your intake to 3 cups or less per day.

DEFICIENCIES: There are no signs of deficiency, but everyone can benefit from supplementing with colostrum. People that may benefit most from the consumption of colostrum include: diabetics, the overweight or obese, accident victims, persons suffering from terminal illness, and athletes.

Diabetics may benefit from supplementing with colostrum because of colostrums ability to assist in the regulation of blood sugar.

The overweight or obese, who frequently suffer from chronic hypertension, will find that colostrum lowers blood pressure, and because of its GH content, will simultaneously lower bodyfat levels.

Accident victims or those who have recently undergone surgery, may find that colostrum speeds healing and recovery. This is, in part, due to its GH and immunoglobin content. Anecdotal evidence suggests that women [and some men] who suffer from chronic yeast infections may benefit from supplemental colostrum. Colostrums ability to inhibit yeast formation may be responsible for this apparent, but yet scientifically unproved, benefit.

SIDE EFFECTS: No side effects have been reported.

CAUTION: Individuals suffering from diabetes, prostatitis, dwarfism, obesity, hypertension, HIV or cancer, should consult a qualified medical practitioner prior to the use of supplemental colostrum.

COLTSFOOT (Tussilago Farfara)

COMFREY (MARIGOLD) (Symphytum Officinale)

The root relieves chest congestion. Is useful in healing skin injuries.

Easily absorbed through the skin, it is primarily used as a topical remedy.

CAUTION: Harvard Medical School researchers say the tea has a potentially toxic effect and can cause liver disease (including cancer) or liver failure.

CORNSILK (Stigmata Maydis)

DOSAGE: Cranberry can be taken as a juice (150-600 mL) or in the form of juice capsules (600-800 mg) daily.