Guide To Herbal Remedies

Throughout the centuries people of every culture have been

using herbs as natural remedies. For years American doctors

have dismissed the effectiveness of herbs, but in recent years

most Americans have discovered the benefits of using herbs

along with or instead of prescribed medicines.

This guide was designed to help explain the benefits of

some of the most commonly used herbs.

Please save and print this guide for future reference .

ALOE VERA (Aloe Barbadensis) Specific part used: inner gel of plant. Said to be useful in treating certain intestinal disorders.

Helps improve absorption of nutrients. Taken internally in capsules, it soothes stomach ulcers, assists digestive function and

acts as a gentle laxative.

BILBERRY Specific part used: berries. This European blueberry taken in capsule form are used to

improve vision (eg. night blindness) and treat cataracts by increasing blood circulation to the eyes.

BLACK COHOSH (Cimicifuga Racemosa) Specific part used: root. Has been used as a relaxant, antispasmodic and sedative.

Also used in cases of rheumatism. The root in capsule form treats a variety of women's reproductive system conditions, including

menstrual problems such as cramps and irregular bleeding, PMS, and symptoms of menopause.

CAYENNE (Capsicum Annum) Specific part used: seeds. This pepper plant contains capsaicin, which works as a pain reliever.

Taken internally in capsules, cayenne an relieve migraine and other headaches. Adding it to as a skin cream or salve helps

relieve chronic pain (eg. arthritis, backache.) Can be used as a gargle to treat sore throat and hoarseness. Reduces nausea.

CHAMOMILE (Anthemis Nobilis) Specific part used: flowers of plant. Known to be an effective remedy for menstrual discomfort

and associated symptoms. Acts as a gentle sedative, helpful in treating insomnia.

CRANBERRY Specific part used: berries. These berries treat women's urinary tract and bladder infections. Studies show that

concentrated cranberry capsules are more potent and more effective than cranberry juice.

CHICKWEED (Stellaria Media) Specific part used: herb. Helps provide relief from symptoms of bronchitis, coughs, colds,

inflammation. Also may be used as a mild laxative.

DANDELION ROOT (Taraxacum Officinole) Specific part used: root. Has been used to fight anemia because it contains

iron, calcium, and other trace minerals. An ideal natural laxative, it is also helpful in treating poor circulation, bowel

inflammation and stomach disorders.

DONG QUAI Specific part used: root. Popular Chinese herb used to improve mental acuity and to help relieve symptoms

of daily stress and mental fatigue. Especially soothing for women's ailments, the root of this Asian plant promotes the

body's production of the hormone estrogen to relieve symptoms of PMS and menopause.

ECHINACEA Specific part used: root. Helps stimulate glandular organs such as the kidneys to function more efficiently.

Has been used by herbalists to fight infection, detoxify and stimulate healing. Echinacea is also used to help relieve

symptoms of hay fever and other allergies. The root is used in capsule form to strengthen the immune system and increase

resistance to stress.

EYEBRIGHT (Euphrasia Officinalis) Specific part used: herb. Used to treat jaundice, loss of memory and vertigo. Topically, has been

used to relieve conjunctivitis (pink eye.)

FENNEL SEED (Foeniculm Vulgare) Specific part used: seeds. Helps decrease the appetite so it has been used for weight-loss.

Aids acid stomach, intestinal gas and gastric troubles.

FO-TI (Polygonum Multiflorum) Specific part used: root. Acts as an effective diuretic. Excellent nourishment for the blood.

Also has been used to help improve memory and treat depression.

GINGER (Zingiber Officinale) Specific part used: root. The root, in capsule form, is used to treat nausea and symptoms of

motion sickness (vertigo, nausea, vomiting), mild stomach aches, and indigestion. It also promotes healthy circulation.

Eases the effect of a cold and soothes sore throat.

GINKGO BILOBA Specific part used: leaf extract. Used extensively in Europe to treat a variety of ailments . . . Helps increase

blood circulation to the brain and has positive effect on mental performance. The leaves, taken in capsule or extract form,

help treat short-term memory loss, ringing in the ears, poor circulation, and arteriosclerosis.

GINSENG (Ponax Quinque Folius) Specific part used: root. The root of ginseng increases energy, reduces stress, and strengthens

immunity. In China, it is a male tonic and an anti-aging herb for the elderly. A demulcent, it is helpful for coughs, colds and chest

congestion. Reduces symptoms of feverish and inflammatory illness and can help relieve nausea.

GOLDEN SEAL (Hydrastis Canadenis) Specific part used: root. Helps decrease nausea. Excellent remedy for colds and

digestive troubles. The root in capsule form reduces inflammation of ulcers, cleanses the blood and liver. Mix with warm

water as an external eye wash, goldenseal is also used for treating conjunctivitis and other eye inflammations.

GOTU-KOLA (Cantella Asiatica) Native to India, where it is taken to slow aging, the leaves improve mental ability, relieve

stress. This plant also helps to speed the healing of wounds, eczema, and other skin conditions. Accelerates healing of

bruises and abscesses. Acts as a sedative and diuretic. Also claimed to help energize brain cells and relieve tension.

HAWTHORN (Crataegus Oxyacantha) Specific part used: berries. Capsules of the berry are widely used to treat cardiovascular

conditions, lower blood pressure, reduce cholesterol levels, promote blood circulation, and slow and strengthen the heartbeat.

Provides nutritive support to the heart and circulatory system. Stimulates increased enzyme metabolism in the heart muscle.

Improves oxygen utilization.

JUNIPER (Juniperus Communis) Specific part used: berries. Excellent for kidney and bladder difficulties. Also effective in relieving

flatulence and gastric afflictions.

LICORICE (Glyeyrrhiza Glabra) Specific part used: root. The root in capsule form treats respiratory infections, asthma, and gastric ulcers. Current research shows it may help fight viruses, boost immunity, and treat Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Acts as a soothing remedy used

to heal ulcers, inhibit the growth of harmful viruses and has the ability to stimulate the adrenal glands.

MILK THISTLE The seeds help remove toxins and protect the liver. Used in capsule form to treat hepatitis and cirrhosis. It

is also used as a liver cleanser for smokers, alcoholics, drug users (eg. prescription, over-the-counter), and those who come in

contact with toxic chemicals and pollutants.

PARSLEY (Petroselinum Satirum) Specific part used: leaves, root, seeds. An excellent diuretic. Valuable in treating gall bladder

problems. High iron content makes it valuable in preventing anemia. Also has been used to treat menstrual problems, asthma,

coughs and indigestion.

PEPPERMINT (Mentha Piperita) Specific part used: leaf extract. The flowering plant leaves are used to treat tension

headaches, aid digestion, calm the stomach, and treat irritable bowel syndrome. The best known herbal remedy for intestinal gas

and to inhibit diarrhea.

SAW PALMETTO Specific part used: berries. The dark berries of this palm tree have traditionally been used as a male tonic

to treat urinary tract infections and reproductive problems, most notably enlarged prostate.

SARSAPARILLA (Smilax Officinalis) Specific part used: root. Used extensively in China for a variety of conditions. Has been

recommended to relieve symptoms of rheumatism and arthritis. Also known to be useful as a diuretic and to enhance digestive

functioning.

ST. JOHN' S WORT Specific part used: flowering tops of plant. The flowering tops of this plant in extract or capsule form are

used as a sedative to relieve mild anxiety and depression.

WHITE WILLOW (Salix Alba) Specific part used: bark. Pain reliever, fever reducer. Used as an antacid in stomach troubles

(heartburn, gas, indigestion). Has a major constituent known as salicin, which is closely related to aspirin and produces

similar effects as a pain reliever.

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Herbal Antioxidants

As you've probably heard by now, antioxidants are good for our health. They prevent damage from free radicals, damaging substances that are constantly being formed in our bodies. If free radicals are not quenched, then they can cause damage to our body cells, arteries and organs.

Antioxidants can help prevent this damage before it begins. While there are numerous antioxidant vitamins and minerals, and there are also antioxidant herbs that can help in the fight against free radicals. Here are some antioxidant herbs that can help protect our body and keep us healthy:

Green Tea: Green tea, a staple beverage in China and part of traditional medicine systems in various Asian countries, has become more popular today because of its health benefits. Green tea is primarily used as an antioxidant and to help maintain heart health. The antioxidant effects of green tea are a result of its role in reducing the oxidation of LDL (`bad`) cholesterol, which, in turn, can help maintain a healthy heart and cardiovascular system. Green tea contains flavonoids that contribute to the antioxidant capabilities of green tea to help protect the heart. Green tea extract has also shown to potentially have anti-cancer actions as well. The catechins and polyphenols may contribute to the anti-carcinogenic properties of green tea by preventing the formation of certain damaging substances. A standardized extract of green tea is recommended.

Grape Seed: Grape seed is derived from the seeds and skins of red grapes and contains flavonoids, such as proanthocyanidins or PCO's, that are powerful antioxidants. In addition to their antioxidant properties, PCO's in grape seed extract have also shown to improve blood circulation and help to strengthen blood vessels. This is important for individuals with conditions such as: varicose veins, leg cramps, arm or leg numbness, and even diabetes. Grape seed extract may be helpful for those with vascular (vessel) disorders, and may benefit from an increase in blood flow. Grape seed extract may also be beneficial for inflammatory conditions in the skin, such as eczema or psoriasis. The PCO's in grape seed extract help to keep certain constituents within skin (i.e. collagen, elastin, hyaluronic acid) healthy, by blocking certain enzymes that may disrupt or destroy their chemical structure. Grape seed extract is a powerful antioxidant with numerous health benefits. The suggested dose of grape seed extract for general health is 100 milligrams daily, or for therapeutic effects 100 mg twice daily.

Milk Thistle: Milk thistle has been used for years in Europe to treat liver and biliary tract disorders. Silymarin, the active constituent in milk thistle, works by altering the outer structure of liver cell membranes. Therefore, toxic substances are blocked from entering and damaging the liver. Silymarin in milk thistle also helps to protect the liver through its antioxidant action. It takes part in neutralizing free radicals that cause damage to our liver. A dry milk thistle extract standardized to 70% silymarin is recommended. Individuals taking medications metabolized by liver may need to adjust their medications when taking milk thistle. One report has noted that an ingredient of milk thistle, silybilin, can inhibit a bacterial enzyme that helps oral contraceptives work. Therefore, milk thistle may reduce the effectiveness of oral contraceptives. It is important for women on oral contraceptives to consult their health care provider before taking milk thistle.

Bilberry: Standardized extracts of bilberry is primarily used to treat circulatory and vascular (vessel) disorders and to promote eye health. Bilberry has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, and can help strengthen capillaries and stabilize collagen in the skin. Bilberry blocks certain enzymes that may disrupt or destroy collagen structure, which is important for maintaining healthy skin. Bilberry's antioxidant properties are important for eye health. Most research on bilberry has shown positive effects for various eye conditions, including day/night vision and retinopathy, and vascular disorders such as venous insufficiency and peripheral vascular disorders. A dry standardized extract of bilberry standardized to 25% anthocyanidins at a dosage of 80-160 milligrams taken 3 times daily is recommended.

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