Steven Horne

Steven Horne Author, teacher, herbalist, iridologist, natural healer

Ligustrum is a Chinese remedy, the fruits of glossy privet. Privets are widely grown as ornamental trees and shrubs and ...
06/05/2026

Ligustrum is a Chinese remedy, the fruits of glossy privet. Privets are widely grown as ornamental trees and shrubs and some species are used to make hedges. The fruits of this species of privet are used in TCM for heat (irritation or inflammation) associated with weakness rather than acute illness or injury. I think this aligns closely with the idea of chronic low grade inflammation in the West. In this article, I discuss ligustrum as a remedy, but I also talk about the problem of free radicals and the value of antioxidants in general health and in liver health in particular. Read more

Privets are part of the genus Ligustrum and are widely grown as ornamental shrubs or trees, with some being used to create hedges. Many species produce fruits that are eaten by birds but are toxic to humans. I found a small privet tree on the property my wife and I moved to last fall, but because I....

Moderate liver dysfunction and liver congestion are very common in modern society because of our heavy exposure to chemi...
06/02/2026

Moderate liver dysfunction and liver congestion are very common in modern society because of our heavy exposure to chemicals and the lack of nutrients in processed foods. Bupleurum is an important herb in Chinese medicine for supporting the liver and is very helpful for removing stagnation in the liver and promoting a more harmonious liver function. Read more

An important Chinese herb for supporting liver health, bupleurum works by harmonizing and supporting the other organs by transforming nutrients into usable form, breaking down toxins to be excreted, and more.

N-acetycysteine can be a helpful supplement for several health issues. First of all, it is helpful for detoxification fr...
05/29/2026

N-acetycysteine can be a helpful supplement for several health issues. First of all, it is helpful for detoxification from heavy metals and chemicals. It enhances glutathione production which protects the liver and eyes from free radical damage. It can also be helpful for breaking up thick, heavy mucus in COPD. Read more:

Supplementing with n-acetylcysteine (NAC) can help with glutathione synthesis. And glutathione is a powerful antioxidant important for liver, eye, and general health.

Previously, I posted an article on Jasmine, one of the two essential oils I find almost intoxicating. The other one is y...
05/07/2026

Previously, I posted an article on Jasmine, one of the two essential oils I find almost intoxicating. The other one is ylang ylang, which is very relaxing and sensual. It's also a good essential oil for skin care. You can read more about it here:

Promoting sensual feelings, relaxing the nerves, and supporting skin health, ylang ylang has similar uses to jasmine, including being an aphrodisiac and antidepressant.

We have Jasmine growing on our property in California and I love the relaxing, almost intoxicating fragrance of it. It's...
04/30/2026

We have Jasmine growing on our property in California and I love the relaxing, almost intoxicating fragrance of it. It's both uplifting (energizing) and relaxing at the same time and helps clear your mind. You can read more about it here:

Jasmine is an intoxicating fragrance that can be used to lift depression, aid self-confidence, promote sexual desire, and facilitate positive, clear thinking. It might also help stimulate several neurotransmitters including oxytocin, dopamine, and serotonin.

For a while, the FDA banned tryptophan supplements. That's great news, because this amino acid and its derivative, 5-HTP...
04/28/2026

For a while, the FDA banned tryptophan supplements. That's great news, because this amino acid and its derivative, 5-HTP, have potential benefits for mental and digestive health. You can read more in this article from my website:

Tryptophan is an essential amino acid  that is involved in mood regulation, sleep, and appetite regulation. In the body it is converted into the neurotransmitters serotonin and melatonin and is used in other important processes in the body.

I remember when I first got some of these woody mushrooms from a Chinese herb shop. They're an adaptagenic remedy that h...
04/23/2026

I remember when I first got some of these woody mushrooms from a Chinese herb shop. They're an adaptagenic remedy that has numerous health benefits for the immune system, cardiovascular system, and the nervous system. They have a calming effect on the nervous system and are used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) to calm the shen (the emotional energy found in the heart. You can read more about them here:

Reishi mushrooms are a valuable TCM remedy for calming the shen (spirit), balancing immune functions, and replenishing a weakened system. They have numerous health benefits and have long history of use in China, where it is called Ling Zhi, which means “spiritual mushroom.”

Eucommia bark is a tonic for the kidneys in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). It also helps to strengthen bones and co...
04/17/2026

Eucommia bark is a tonic for the kidneys in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). It also helps to strengthen bones and connective tissues. It's a key ingredient in KB-C, a formula I use for weak kidney function. Read more about it here:

The only surviving species of the Eucommia genus, eucommia is native to China and widely used in Chinese medicine as a superior tonic that enhances health and diminishes signs of aging. It is a superior tonic that promotes kidney, structural, and general health.

Here's the final article in my series on herbs containing the alkaloid berberine. This article focuses on two herbs used...
03/08/2026

Here's the final article in my series on herbs containing the alkaloid berberine. This article focuses on two herbs used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), coptic or Goldenthread and Amur cork tree bark. It also talks about a lesser known Western herb with berberine that I think we need to make better use of. It's a Southern remedy known as Yellow Root. If you want to know more about yellow root, there's a link in the article to an interview with Southern Herbalist Phyllis Light where we discuss this plentiful alternative to the over harvested goldenseal, one of the most popular of the berberine-containing plants.

Plants containing the alkaloid berberine have been used around the world to fight infections. Two examples of traditional Chinese herbs are coptis or goldenthread and amur cork tree bark. A third example is the Southern folk remedy yellow root.

Following up on my recent article on berberine, here is one of the major herbs that contain it, barberry. This article d...
03/06/2026

Following up on my recent article on berberine, here is one of the major herbs that contain it, barberry. This article doesn't stop with using barberry as a liver-cleansing and infection-fighting herb however. It talks about barberry and the emotional issue of setting health boundaries, as well as the use of barberry as a homeopathic for dissociative identity disorder. I hope you find these insights useful in helping people with this plant.

A thorny shrub, barberry is used to fight infections, stimulate bile flow and aid conditions such as gallbladder pain, gallstones, and jaundice. Barberry is also helpful for supporting healthy personal boundaries, which are important to help define what is self and what is not self.

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