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| HOPS (Humulus lupulus). The fruit or catkin of this flowering vine, best known as a beer ingredient and sleeping aid, is also a diuretic, stimulant, anthelmintic, alterative and astringent herb that promotes digestion by increasing the flow of bile. More commonly sold as a tincture than as a tea, hops helps lower blood sugar and has an antidiabetic effect. |
| HOREHOUND (Marribium vulgare). The leaves of this pleasant garden herb are sharply bitter. Best known as an old-fashioned cough drop ingredient, horehound is a tonic, bitter, slightly diuretic, aromatic, liver-tonic, stimulant, anthelmintic and culinary herb with a long history of use in the treatment of jaundice, worms, constipation, colic, stomachache, hepatitis and indigestion. Taken in large doses, it has a laxative effect. |
| HORSERADISH (Amoracia rusticana). A familiar culinary herb, horseradish is the root that brings tears to the eyes and clears the sinuses even without tasting it. Freshly cut or grated horseradish and, to a lesser extent, commercially prepared horseradish, stimulates the flow of bile and activates the gall bladder and liver. Take the fresh root only in small quantities as it's a powerful stimulant and can cause disorienting nausea. Horseradish root is a stimulant, mild laxative and diuretic. It improves digestion and helps ease flatulence and stomach cramps. Wasabi, a green Japanese horseradish, is the spice that makes sushi an eye-watering experience. Wasabi powder, sold in health food stores and Oriental markets, is mixed with water to form a pungent green paste for condiment use, and a pinch added to any herbal tea acts as a catalyst and tonic. |
| ICELAND MOSS (Centaria islandica). A lichen, Iceland moss is a traditional remedy for coughs and chronic stomach complaints. Often confused with Irish moss, Iceland moss contains bitter ingredients that activate the liver. As John Lust reported, this plant must be boiled for long periods to release its nutrients and, if used in excessive doses or for prolonged periods, it can cause gastrointestinal irritation and liver problems. |
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