Simples (Single Plant Tinctures) S-U

Simples are tinctures (alcohol and water extracts) that are of one single plant. Many people prefer simples to formulas (multiple plant extracts in one bottle), as they can help determine which plant works best for you, one 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 or 4 oz. sizes to you of ones we regularly have in stock.

This listing are for plants with a common name starting with S-U. We will list others alphabetically soon. All information on historical use per plant is for educational purposes only (the FDA makes us state this).

We pour simples on our scheduled production days as they are ordered, so depending on when you order, your total order may be delayed a few days. (You will be notified of any delay in shipment.)

Sage (Salvia officinalis): Sage is used for digestive problems, including loss of appetite, gas (flatulence), stomach pain (gastritis), diarrhea, bloating, and heartburn. It is also used for reducing overproduction of perspiration and saliva; and for depression, memory loss, and Alzheimer's disease. People with hormone-sensitive conditions shouldn't take sage. In large amounts, sage may interact with various medications, including sedatives, anticonvulsants, and diabetes medication.  Avoid is breastfeeding, as the thujone in sage may reduce milk supply.

St. John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum): Currently, St. John's wort is most often used as a dietary supplement for depression. It is so effective, that you should not take it while also taking synthetic SSRI pharmaceuticals. People also use it for menopausal symptoms, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and obsessive-compulsive disorder. It offers neurotransmitter support, and is therefore helpful in neuro-degerative diseases. You should avoid it when on antidepressants, hormonal birth control, Cyclosporine, Digoxin, Oxycodone, some HIV drugs, including Indinavir, and some cancer medications, including Irinotecan.

Skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora): Skullcap is used for trouble sleeping (insomnia), anxiety, stroke, and paralysis caused by stroke. It is also used for fever, high cholesterol, “hardening of the arteries” (atherosclerosis), rabies, epilepsy, nervous tension, allergies, skin infections, inflammation, and spasms.

Spilanthes (Toothache Plant) (Acmella oleracea): Spilanthes has antibacterial and antifungal properties making it an herb used for disinfecting wounds and curing ringworm infections. Spilanthes is also used as an antiparasitic and native remedy against malaria in the tropics. Like its common name suggests, it numbs pain topically- making it good for toothaches.

Spiny Sow Thistle (Sonchus asper): High in Vitamins K and C, this weed has a lot to offer. Used throughout traditional European medicine both internally and externally for boils, warts, indigestion, jaundice, and kidney and liver disorders. It is helpful as a supplement when withdrawing from opioids.

Stone Root (Collinsonia canadensis): Stone root is used to treat urinary tract problems including bladder pain and swelling (inflammation), stones in the kidney and elsewhere in the urinary tract, and excess uric acid in the urine. It is also used to increase urine flow to relieve water retention (edema).

Sweet Annie (Artemisia annua): Sweet Annie is also used for bacterial infections such as dysentery and tuberculosis; illnesses caused by worms, other parasites, and mites; fungal infections; and viral infections such as the common cold. It has been studied in recent times for its effectiveness against Lyme.

Thyme (Thymus vulgaris): Thyme is taken by mouth for bronchitis, whooping cough, sore throat, colic, arthritis, upset stomach, stomach pain (gastritis), diarrhea, bedwetting, a movement disorder in children (dyspraxia), intestinal gas (flatulence), parasitic worm infections, and skin disorders. In recent studies, it shows it kills more pathogens than bleach, leading it to be used in hand sanitizers and surface cleansers.

Turmeric (Curcuma longa): In India, it was traditionally used for disorders of the skin, upper respiratory tract, joints, and digestive system. Turmeric has many scientifically-proven health benefits, such as the potential to prevent heart disease, Alzheimer's and cancer. It's a potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant and may also help improve symptoms of depression and arthritis. It is safe to use daily, but can cause digestive upset in some people in higher doses.

Usnea (Usnea): Usnea is a lichen (algae fungus combination) known as Old Man's Beard and it is known as an antimicrobial, antibacterial, vulnerary and antifungal. In Germany, Usnea is approved in the Commission E monographs and its preparations are used for mild inflammation of the oral and pharyngeal mucosa. According to Paul Bergner, Author of Medical Herbalism. "The usnic acid in Usnea is effective against gram positive bacteria such as Streptococcus and Staphylococcus, making Usnea a valuable addition to herbal formulas for sore throats and skin infections. It is also effective against a bacterium that commonly causes pneumonia.