Simples (Single Plant Tinctures) V-Z

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).

Wild Carrot seed (Daucus carota): Also known as Queen Anne's Lace, Wild carrot is used for urinary tract problems including kidney stones, bladder problems, water retention, and excess uric acid in the urine; and also for gout, a painful joint problem caused by too much uric acid. It is also an emmenagogue and should not be used by happily pregnant people.

Wild Yam (Dioscorea villosa): is often promoted as a natural alternative to estrogen therapy, so you will see it used for estrogen replacement therapy, vaginal dryness in older women, PMS (premenstrual syndrome), menstrual cramps, weak bones (osteoporosis), increasing energy and sexual drive in men and women, and breast enlargement. 

White Oak (Quercus alba): White oak bark is used as a tea for arthritis, diarrhea, colds, fever, cough, and bronchitis; for stimulating appetite; and for improving digestion. It is highly astringent and good for toning swollen tissues (like hemorrhoids). 

Wild Lettuce (Lactuca canadensis): Wild lettuce is a valuable remedy for insomnia and muscular arthritis. The common name "lettuce opium", as it was known in the earlier official pharmacopoeias, refers to the potent milky latex produced by the stems and leaves which relieves pain.

Yarrow (Achillea millefolium): Yarrow is one of the oldest medicinal plants known to humankind. In laboratory experiments Yarrow was found to demonstrate anti-inflammatory and antipyretic (fever reducing) actions. Yarrow tincture, in laboratory studies, was found to be effective against Staph.aureus, Bacillus subtillus, Mycobacterium smegmatis, Escherichia coli, Shigella sonnei, and Shigella flexneri. Due to potential high thujone content, avoid in pregnancy.

Yellow Dock (Rumex crispus): aka curly dock, is Yellow dock root is cooling, sour, drying, cleansing, a laxative, and bitter. Yellow dock is indicated for cases of overactive digestion, excessive appetite, excessive hydrochloric acid with reflux and burning, and an overabundance of saliva. It is considered to be one of the best herbs for the entire digestive system. The taproot is rich in anthraquinone, which has a laxative action. It contains biochelated iron, which can be readily absorbed. It is helpful for anemia, fatigue, gout, and for folks with PMS or other hormonal imbalances.
 
Yerba Maté (Ilex paraguariensis): Some people take yerba mate by mouth to relieve mental and physical tiredness (fatigue), as well as chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). It is also taken by mouth for heart-related complaints including heart failure, irregular heartbeat, and low blood pressure.

Yerba Santa (Eriodictyon californicum): Yerba santa is used for respiratory conditions including cough, cold, tuberculosis, asthma, congestion, and long-term swelling (inflammation) of the airways in the lungs (chronic bronchitis). It is also used for fever and dry mouth.