Common complaints can often be cured with ordinary herbs. More serious conditions and even rare diseases can benefit from herbal remedies. In the weeks to come I hope to provide examples of how herbs can be used in the treatment of various problems. To impart some kind of order to this column, let's start off in alphabetical order.

During the next few weeks, we will deal with abscesses, acne, addiction, adrenal gland exhaustion, age spots, aging, aids (HIV), allergies, Alzheimer's, anemia, anxiety (including panic attacks), appendicitis, arteriosclerosis (clogging of the arteries), atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), arthritis (and rheumatism), asthma, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and athlete's foot.

Abscesses, known as boils or carbuncles, indicate a depressed immune system. Squeezing can cause blood poisoning. If you must squeeze, first use hot compresses three times a day to soften and bring to a head. Prepare compress by wetting a clean cloth with hot water containing dissolved Epsom salts.

Other treatments for abscesses include exposure to early morning sunlight, applications of fresh garlic juice, Aloe Vera, Echinacea, black walnut extract, tea tree oil, or liquid chlorophyll. Diet can also help. Yogurt, burdock root tea, and zinc supplements give good results. Beta Carotene, Vitamin E, and Vitamin C are also recommended.

Mouthwash made from myrrh extract is an excellent remedy for dental abscesses and dry sockets. Use mouthwash and apply myrrh extract 2 times a day.

Acne is hormone related and can be aggravated by bad diet. It can benefit from herbs that help remove waste products from the body. Burdock, dandelion, and Echinacea tea should be taken on a regular basis. Use mild oatmeal soap. Fight bacteria, ease pain, and reduce swelling with lavender essential oil applied full strength in one drop doses. Moisturize at night with light jojoba oil. Rub affected area with fresh cut garlic clove.

Many recipes give good results. Blend cabbage leaves with distilled witch hazel. Strain and add 2 drops of lavender oil. Use as a lotion. Other recipes call for a mix of cleavers, yellow dock, and burdock or tea tree oil, rosewater, and witch hazel.

One way to beat acne is to go on a three day cleanse. Eat apples, carrots, pineapples, and papaya with grains and fresh salads. Drink 6-8 glasses of water a day. Rub acne prone areas with papaya and cucumber slices. Cut out all sugar and refined food. Take ginseng and royal jelly (from honeybees), and drink licorice tea. Apply goldenseal (yellow root) and myrrh solutions daily.

For acne around the chin (usually caused by stress), take B complex vitamins. Beta Carotene with vitamin D is also helpful. For scarring try fresh pineapple on the scars and take 750 mg. of bromelain daily. Calendula and tea tree soap can also be used with good results. Other things to try include facial steams using lavender, eucalyptus, and thyme essential oils.

* Only use one remedy at a time and give it a chance to work. Always consult with your physician before using any herbal medicine. Discontinue use if irritation develops.