ABUTA Cissampelos pareira

South American Indian women have used abuta for centuries to relieve symptoms associated with menstruation and to balance female hormones.  It is commonly referred to as the "midwives' herb" and has been believed to help prevent miscarriage and stop uterine hemorrhaging.

Abuta is helpful for kidney stones, other minor kidney problems, and acts as a diuretic.
 

ALFALFA Medicago sativa

Because of a long root system which absorbs abundant minerals, alfalfa is very high in minerals and vitamins, particularly iron, calcium, magnesium, potassium, trace minerals and vitamin K, several digestive enzymes, chlorophyll and carotene.  It helps to remove toxins and neutralizes acids.  It is good for anemia, menopause, arthritis, gout, stabilizing blood sugar levels, balancing the pituitary gland, and detoxifying the blood and kidneys.

Alfalfa helps soothe ulcers, the liver and acts as a heart tonic.  It helps with estrogen production and morning sickness.  It has in it a natural fluoride and is a mild diuretic.  Alfalfa may be used for reducing fevers and rheumatism and has a mild laxative effect.  It is good for cystitis or an inflamed bladder and relief from bloating and water retention.

Alfalfa is good for fatigue or muscle tenderness, and can be used on the skin or in a bath.  It is also used to reduce the pain and inflammation of rheumatism and arthritis.
 

ANIS Pimpinella anisum (or Star Anise)

Anis was originally used in Ancient Egypt. It is helpful in removing excess mucous from the lungs and digestive track.  It has been used for colic in children, as an antispasmodic, and an anti-fungal.  It can help prevent fermentation and gas in the stomach and bowels, thus relieving bloating and belching after meals.

Anis is a mild diuretic and can stimulate added production of milk in nursing mothers.  It has been mostly used for digestion issues including indigestion, nausea and gallbladder cleansing. It can also help asthma, bronchitis, and insomnia.  Folklore says that if you place anis in your pillow it will ward off bad dreams.
 

AQUILARIA

Aquilaria has been used to enhance cerebral function, balance the mind/body connection and the nervous system.
 

ARTICHOKE LEAF (Alcachofra) Cynara scolymus

ASTRAGALUS Astragalus membranaceus

Astragalus was originally used in China for a variety of reasons including immune system support, diabetes, heart disease and high blood pressure.  Dr. Mauligit of Texas University found it helped to restore immune function in cancer patients.

Astragalus helps to invigorate vital energy, drain pus, reduce swelling and strengthen the spleen.  It is helpful for lingering diarrhea.  It has been shown to augment interferon response to viruses.  It is a good herb for chronic low energy, weak lungs, shortness of breath, and kidney and bladder infections that do not respond to diuretics.  Astragalus helps strengthen digestion, improve metabolism and lift prolapsed organs.  It can also enhance fertility and libido.
 

ATRACTYLODES Atractylodes alba

Atractylodes has been shown to act on the stomach and spleen. It can be used to stimulate appetite, and stop vomiting and diarrhea.  It is a diuretic and has been used for edema, fatigue, spontaneous sweating, fever and chills.  It has been used in pregnancy for morning sickness and restless fetus.
 

BITTER ORANGE Citrus aurantium

Bitter orange has been used as a digestive tonic to help relieve nausea and soothe stomach disturbances such as indigestion, gas and bloating.  Research has shown that it is effective in shrinking a distended stomach and lifting a prolapsed womb or rectum.  It is an expectorant and laxative.  It is considered to be one of the strongest chi moving herbs, with the power to help break up tumors.
 

BOLDO Peumus boldus

Boldo is a widely used herb in South America. It has been used to treat liver, gallbladder and bowel dysfunctions. It helps promote fat digestion by stimulating the secretion of bile.  It helps neutralize acid and is good for digestion.  It has been used in Latin America for uro-genital inflammations such as gonorrhea.  Elsewhere it has been used for gout, hepatitis, rheumatism, syphilis and worms.  It has been shown to be an antiseptic and diuretic which is good for urinary infections and uric acid elimination.  It is bile-stimulating and helps with digestive problems such as gas and poor digestion.

Boldo is one of the most popular herbs in South America and considered to be an excellent general tonic.
 

Sources:
Powerful and Unusual Herbs from the Amazon and China, World Preservation Society
Traditional Uses of Rainforest Botanicals, J. Easterling (out of print)
Traditional Uses of Herbs of the Amazon Rainforest, Dr. Donna Schwontkowski