Search herbs by actions

http://thenaturopathicherbalist.com/herbal-actions/

I have checked out the website, and found it to be a useful library of resources on herbs and herbalism, especially with its comprehensive list of herbs that are searchable according to their medicinal actions.

I learnt that lemon balm has a number of medicinal uses, including "nervous system tonic & relaxant, carminative, sedative", and I noticed that it can be useful for treating symptoms such as "anxiety, restlessness, palpitations, headache, and excitability and also is a mild anti-depressant. It strengthens the brain and its resistance to stress/shock, and lifts the spirits. It has tonic effects on the heart and circulatory system".http://thenaturopathicherbalist.com/herbs/m-o/melissa-officinalis/ 

I think I can benefit from this herb myself as well, and I will find out more about how to use this herb, which I bought from the plant nursery, before I harvest the leaves for making natural remedies/health tonics. I am aware different herbs work for different people, so I think I will use a bit first to test if it is suitable for me. 

On the resurgence of folk herbalism

I have read this informative and engaging article http://ignite.me/articles/health/the-rise-of-herbalism-health-care-options-in-the-obamacare-era/ on the resurgence of folk herbalism in view of the ineffectiveness of conventional medicine in treating the root causes of sickness, as well as a growing knowledge and appreciation for the age-old and time-tested effectiveness of herbal medicine in preventing and treating sickness holistically.

I agree with the article that "holistic health modalities which focus on wellness and prevention" are our mainstay, compared to doctors and medical drugs which are important only as a complement to be used as a last resort, "especially for trauma care and acute illnesses".

It is also interesting to read the writer's own experience in discovering that cleavers are not really "weeds" as they are a perfect remedy for a skin disease with which she was struggling at that time. I decided to google about cleavers to find out more about it, and I learnt from this article http://www.naturalnews.com/022570_lymph_cancer_breast.html#ixzz2vEmbmgtK that cleavers "is one of the best tonics for the lymphatic system available", and "is helpful in clearing the urinary tract with basis in the lymphatic drainage, which helps detoxify the kidneys, keeping them in good working order".