Item #HHAWW:
Hawthorn Berries, Whole

Known as Mayblossom, the Bread and Cheese Tree, Ladies Meat, Whitethorn, and it's formal Latin name of Crataegus Pinnatifida, Hawthorn was formerly regarded as sacred, with the belief that it was used to create the Crown of Thorns that was said to be placed upon Christ's brow. Some folk also believed that it still bears the unpleasant aromas of the Great Plague of London, with the plant actually possessing the same fragrance of decay. This aroma attributed to the plant is said to attract the carrion insects that nest in it, and aid in fertilizing the plant though whether this is true lends to some debate. Also quite popular in marking hedgerows that were used to demonstrate the boundaries of farmland, in the 19th century some researches began using the Hawthorn berries in the treatment of heart conditions.

Today, this research as to the treatment of heart conditions has expanded a great deal. Hawthorn Berries are now often used to promote a healthy cardiovascular system, and are often used in the treatment of high blood pressure, congestive heart failure, and cardiac arrhythmia. The berries have also been found to aid in strengthening the heart and blood vessels. There is also some evidence indicative that they are helpful in the treatment of blood clots and the restoration of the heart muscle wall, with other evidence showing it to be quite effective in lowering cholesterol. Use in Europe of these purposes has become widespread, with the berries frequently seeing use in treatment of the early stages of heart disease, for which it is endorsed and approved by the German Government.

Item #HHIBW:
Hibiscus Flowers, Whole

Also found under the names of Rosemallow and Flor De Jamaica, Hibiscus is actually the genus name for Flowers that are well known for their showy blossoms that are often found as part of shrubs in gardens around the world. Beyond this cosmetic use, Hibiscus flowers can also be found put to use in a great many ways globally, ranging from use as a vegetable in culinary dishes to paper making. In Mexico, it is often found in a drink called Agua de Flor De Jamaica, which is popular for its color and flavor (which is said to be similar to cranberry juice), as well as for the actual consumption of the dried flowers, which are held as a delicacy. Elsewhere it is frequently used as an herbal tea which is held to be relaxing. In spiritual practices throughout the world Hibiscus flowers are associated with love and are said to be quite potent an aphrodisiac, as well as being useful in spells and rituals to attract love and lust. In some traditions it is also held to be a potent aid in divination and dream magic, particularly where you are seeking love.

Modern medicine has also turned an eye upon the flower, conducting a study in 2008 that showed that the traditional hibiscus flower tea can be quite helpful in lowering blood pressure in pre-hypertensive and mildly hypertensive patients. In this way it can be quite good at soothing nerves. It has also been suggested that the tea can be used as an antispasmodic as well, though further study needs to be conducted.

Item #HHIGC: High John

Known under the latin name of ipomoea jalapa, the root is more commonly named after John the Conqueror (or John the Conqueroo as he is sometimes called), who is spoken of often in African American folklore and is frequently considered to be quite magically potent, particularly among Hoodoo traditions. Also known as Bindweed or Jalap Root to some, it is actually related to the morning glory and the sweet potato, and you can see some resemblance in the general shape of the tuber. Most frequently, High John Root is used as part of a Mojo bag. There it is said to provide good luck and the strength to help overcome obstacles; as well as provide potent protection from the negative energies and curses of others. Another common usage of the Root is within spells of a sexual nature, where it is said to be quite potent in drawing the attentions of the one you desire. It has been written of and referenced for these purposes by numerous famous Blues singers, including Willie Dixon, Muddy Waters, and Bo Diddley, making it quite the iconic among that community and culture.

Modern herbalists and Hoodoo practitioners typically use it externally; in most cases avoiding its internal use as when it is taken orally it produces strong laxative properties, that are best avoided unless the situation warrants it.

Item #HHORC: Horehound, Cut

Valued by the Romans for its medicinal properties, Horehound's very Latin name, Marrubium vulgare, is said to be derived from the ancient town of Italy, Maria Urbs. Others debate this however, citing that it comes from Marrob, the Hebrew word for "bitter juice." This argument is supported by the belief that Horehound is one of the bitter herbs that the Jews partake of during the feast of Passover. Also known among Egyptian Priests, Horehound can be found referred to by them as Seeds of Horus, Bull's Blood, and the Eye of the Star. Among these cultures it was often attributed with anti venom properties, and was thought to be a powerful aid against poisons, serpent stings, and even the "Mad dogge's biting" which one can only assume to be Rabies. It was also considered to be a powerful herb that nullifies magic, and, conversely, is sometimes used to maintain mental clarity in lengthy and taxing rituals.

Today, Horehound is more commonly known for its long attributed ability to treat lung ailments and coughs. Also, in large doses it is said to be useful as a gentle laxative or even as a vermifuge (an agent that can aid in expelling worms and other animal parasites). Some herbalists also lay claim to the idea that Horehound can be useful in treating the common cold. This is probably in part due to its ability to aid in the treatment of coughs and other such symptoms.

Item #HHORGP: Horny Goat Weed, Powdered

Known under a variety of whimsical names that include Rowdy Lamb Herb, Barrenwort, Bishops Hat, Fairy Wings, and Yin Yang Huo, Horny Goat Weed has existed within lore and medicine for hundreds of years. Originating in China, the legend holds that a humble goat herded first came to understand its medicinal qualities when his goats stumbled upon a patch and, after eating it, experienced a sharp increase in sexual activity. Ever since it has been a popular aphrodisiac within Traditional Chinese Medicine, wherein it is largely believed to increase sexual desire, fertility, and sexual sensation. Healing practices within the traditional Chinese medicine also used it for kidney, liver, and joint disorders.

More modernly, Horny Goat Weed is most commonly found in sexual enhancement supplements. Within this, and among herbalists, it is widely known for its ability to increase fertility and sexual desire in men, and improve sexual sensation within both sexes. While there are no known severe long term hazards for taking Horny Goat Weed, extended use can occasionally result in dizziness, nausea, and nosebleed.

Item #HHORCP: Horse Chestnut, Powdered

Native to South Eastern Europe, Horse Chestnut (Aesculus Hippocastanum) is cultivated now within Europe and the US as an ornamental plant. This is largely due to the white flowers that bloom on its branches, followed by the appearance of green-brown fruits. It was first observed as being used by the Turks to treat respiratory problems within their horses, which likely resulted in the modern name. Interestingly, within European folk medicine it was used to ward off and cure arthritis by carrying it on one's person. Separately, Native Americans began using it similarly, carrying it on their person to ward off rheumatism.

In modern herbal practice, Horse Chestnut powder is still used as an anti-inflammatory to treat arthritis and rheumatism. It has also been validated as an expectorant, and is often used to treat respiratory ailments.

Item #HHYSC: Hyssop, Cut

Widely known as an ingredient in men's cologne or as a component in the French liquor of Chartreuse, Hyssop, or Agastache rupestris in Latin, is also used to produce the green coloring for which Absinthe is famous. Also within the culinary arts, it is sometimes used to add a bitter, minty flavor to soups. Outside of the culinary field, Hyssop is perhaps most famed for its repeated mention in the Old Testament, where it is written of frequently as part of rituals, particularly in seeking the protection of God. Perhaps the most famous example of this would be where it was said to be used in painting the doors where Hebrew families dwelled to protect them from Moses' plague that claimed every firstborn son of Egypt. Hyssop was also said to be used by the priests of the Temple of Solomon for purification and protection rites; a tradition that lives on among Catholic priests, who use it in the ceremonial aspergillum that they use to sprinkle holy water.

More modern herbalists portray Hyssop as an expectorant, which can be quite useful in treating coughs and other such illnesses of the lungs. It has also been shown to be a diaphoretic, used in the stimulation of sweating, and a carminative, used for expelling gas from the stomach and intestines to help relieve abdominal pain or flatulence. Hyssop is also frequently used in combination with Horehound for these purposes.