Simples (Single Plant Tinctures) D-F

Simples are tinctures (alcohol and water extracts) that are of one single plant. Many people prefer simples to formulas (which are multiple plant extracts blended in one bottle), as they can help determine which plant works best for you, one plant at a time. 

We at Haven make a lot of different simples in order to make our formulas. We now are offering simples in 1 oz. dropper bottles (the smaller size in the picture) to you of ones we regularly have in stock. (Sorry, no more 4 oz simples are available.)

This listing are for plants with a common name starting with A-C. If it is in stock, you will be able to order a simple of it! 

All information on historical use per plant listed below is for educational purposes only (the FDA makes us state this).

Dandelion leaf (Taraxacum officinale): Dandelion leaves act as a diuretic, increasing the amount of urine your body makes. The leaves are used to stimulate the appetite and help digestion. Dandelion may also help improve the immune system. Highly nutritious and high in mineral content, Dandelion leaf has been found to promote healthy lipid profiles, suppressing fat accumulation in the liver and reducing insulin resistance. This leaf also contains antioxidants that have a specific effect against liver toxicity.

Dandelion root (Taraxacum officinale): In the West, the root and leaves are distinct remedies, but the Chinese use the whole plant, which they call pu gong ying; it is used as a galactagogue (an agent that induces the flow of breast milk). Dandelion is believed to clear heat and toxins from the blood and is also used for boils and abscesses. It is a liver cleanser and bitter herb.

Dong Quai (Angelica sinensis): Dong quai (also known as female Ginseng) is used in TCM for menstrual cramps, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), and menopausal symptoms. It is also used orally as a "blood purifier"; to manage hypertension, infertility, joint pain, ulcers, "tired blood" (anemia), and constipation; and in the prevention and treatment of allergic attacks.

Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea): We grow the Ohio native, which is medicinally interchangeable with the European angustfolia. It is a perennial medicinal herb with important immunostimulatory and anti-inflammatory properties, especially the alleviation of cold symptoms. According to Commission E, "Echinacea is used for preventing and treating the common cold, flu, and upper respiratory tract infections (URIs). It is also used to increase general immune system function and to treat vaginal candidiasis. The clinical literature tends to support the treatment for symptoms of colds, the flus, and URIs."

Elderflower (Sambucus canadensis): We grow the North American native Elder, which is medicinally interchangeable with the European nigra. The Commission E approved the internal use of elder flower for colds. The British Herbal Compendium lists its uses for common cold, feverish conditions, and as a diuretic (Bradley, 1992). The German Standard License for elder flower tea calls it a diaphoretic medicine for the treatment of feverish common colds or catarrhal complaints (Braun et al., 1997).

Elecampane root (Inula helenium): Elecampane is used for lung diseases including asthma, bronchitis, and whooping cough. It is also used to prevent coughing, especially coughing caused by tuberculosis; and as an expectorant to help loosen phlegm, so it can be coughed up more easily.

Eleuthro (Eleutherococcus senticosus): also known as Siberian Ginseng. Traditional Chinese Medicine has used Eleuthero for reducing lethargy, fatigue, and low stamina as well as increasing endurance and resilience to environmental stresses. It is considered an “adaptogen,” a term that describes herbs or other substances that, when ingested, appears to help an organism increase resistance to stress. There is strong evidence that it increases endurance and mental performance in patients with mild fatigue and weakness.

Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium L.): Long used for medical purposes, it was documented by Greek herbalist Dioscorides as an anti-inflammatory. Feverfew contains parthenolide, a compound believed to reduce and prevent headaches and migraines. 

Figwort (Scrophularia nodosa): The name Scrophularia comes from scrofula, a form of tuberculosis that figwort was historically used to treat. Figwort was used by the practitioners of Eclectic medicine and the Doctrine of Signatures to treat diseases of the throat. The herb was and is still used in salves and poultices to soothe inflamed skin in cases of psoriasis and eczema, and to heal burns. Herbalists today consider figwort as a cleansing herb that supports the detoxification of the body.