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The Encyclopedia of Healing Foods by Michael Murray, N.D. and Joseph Pizzorno, N.D. See book keywords and concepts

Rosemary was a revered culinary herb and natural medicine in both ancient Greece and Rome from 500 b.c.e. Rosemary's popularity came in part from the widespread belief that rosemary stimulated and strengthened the memory, an attribute for which it is still traditionally used. In ancient Greece, to stimulate thought and memory, students would place rosemary sprigs in their hair while studying for exams. Mourners would often throw the fragrant herb into the grave of the deceased as a symbol of remembrance.

Its memorable flavor makes it an essential herb every place food is prepared. HISTORY Originally found in Mediterranean regions, rosemary is now cultivated throughout much of the temperate regions of both Europe and America. Rosemary was a revered culinary herb and natural medicine in both ancient Greece and Rome from 500 b.c.e. Rosemary's popularity came in part from the widespread belief that rosemary stimulated and strengthened the memory, an attribute for which it is still traditionally used.

In the sixteenth century, tarragon was one of the plants colonists carried with them, planting it in the first herb gardens grown in America and using infusions as a tea drunk to treat diarrhea, colds, headaches, and the pains of childbirth. HEALTH BENEFITS The Traditional medicinal uses of tarragon undoubtedly reflect its high content of active volatile compounds in its essential oil. Modern research has shown that the essential oil contains several compounds with potent antifungal activity, including 5-phenyl-l, 3-pentadiyne, capillarin, and methyleugenol.

The stalks can be used for soups, stocks, and stews, while the leaves can also be used as an herb seasoning. Fennel seeds may be ground, crushed, or used whole. Whole seeds should be lightly bruised with a mortar and pestle or lightly roasted to bring the flavorful oils out. QUICK SERVING IDEAS • Sliced raw fennel with avocadoes, oranges, and navy beans to create a colorful, healthful salad. • Braised fennel is a wonderful complement to any fish or seafood entree. • Add sliced fennel to any sandwich as an addition to or substitute for the Traditional toppings of lettuce and tomato.

Prescription for Herbal Healing: An Easy-to-Use A-Z Reference to Hundreds of Common Disorders and Their Herbal Remedies Phyllis A. Balch, CNC See book keywords and concepts

Adding too much of an herb can be less effective than not using the herb at all. For this reason, only tried-and-true combinations of the great herbal traditions and the most innovative modern herbalists are recommended in this book. Herbal formulas are available as teas, tinctures, powders, capsules, and tablets. Most formulas are available in several different forms. Most herbal experts say that Chinese and Japanese herbal formulas are most effective when taken as teas, while ayurvedic formulas are traditionally taken as powders.

Be sure not to use an "herbal" product that contains synthetic progesterone while using this herb. HERBS TO AVOID Women who have endometriosis should avoid the following herbs: cordyceps, dan shen, fennel seed, licorice, and peony. For more information regarding these herbs, see individual entries under The Herbs in Part One. FORMULAS formula comments Dong Quai and A Traditional Chinese herbal formula that reduces production Peony Powder of both estrogen and inflammatory compounds in endometrial tissue without producing masculinizing side effects.

This herb may increase the chance of developing sun blisters if you are out in the sun for too long. HERBS TO AVOID Ll Use immune-stimulant herbs, other than cat's claw, with caution, and inform your physician if using immune-stimulant herbs, if you are on any kind of "cocktail" treatment. For more information regarding individual herbs, see THE HERBS in Part One. FORMULAS FORMULA COMMENTS Minor Bupleurum A Traditional Chinese herbal formula that can prevent the Decoction1 progression of HIV infection to AIDS.

Be sure not to use an "herbal" product that contains synthetic progesterone while using this herb. 2lt concentrated soy isoflavones cause upset stomach, use kudzu instead. HERBS TO AVOID Women who have fibrocystic breasts should avoid the following herbs: cordyceps, dan shen, fennel seed, licorice, and peony. (For more information regarding these herbs, see cordyceps, dan shen, fennel seed, licorice, and/or peony under The Herbs in Part One.) FORMULAS formula comments Augmented A Traditional Chinese herbal formula that lowers estrogen Rambling levels.

It gives the most current scientific explanation of how each herb has been used successfully for centuries as a healing tool. It also provides current clinical information on the herbal formulas of ayurveda, Traditional Chinese medicine, Native American, and South American medicine most widely used today, as well as several modern herbal formulas of great healing potential. Although every herb and formula listed in Part One has been employed by one or more of the great schools of Traditional herbal healing, no herb in Part One is employed only by informal healers.

HERBS TO AVOID _l People with lupus should use any immune-stimulating herb with caution. Herbs that stimulate the immune systern's response to infection also stimulate the production of interleukins, which cause inflammation and tissue death. People with lupus should also avoid alfalfa, ephedra, and ginkgo. (For more information regarding these herbs, see ALFALFA, EPHEDRA, and/or GINKGO under The Herbs in Part One.) FORMULAS FORMULA COMMENTS Ginseng Decoction A Traditional Chinese herbal formula that increases the to Nourish the effectiveness of prednisolone.

Healing with Whole Foods: Asian Traditions and Modern Nutrition Paul Pitchford See book keywords and concepts

The herb calamus root (Acorus calamus and subspecies) will help restore mental damage resulting from drugs or other causes. It is used for this purpose in Ayurveda, the Traditional medicine of India. (Follow standard dosage and preparation given earlier on pages 70-71.) For treatments for alcohol and other drug abuses, see page 389. Parasites Various parasites infect a major percentage of the population. The most common types include pinworms, roundworms, and tapeworms, which proliferate in a mucus-laden digestive tract.

Warming herb teas such as cinnamon bark and dried ginger root can be used by those with cold signs. Ideal breads to use in a fast include Traditional, naturally leavened (sourdough) bread of unrefined grain and Essene-style bread of sprouted grain. The grain fast in the form of bread and water for one or two days a week has recently been recommended to the world through several children who experienced the apparition of "Our Lady of Medjugorje" at Medjugorje, Yugoslavia.

Adaptogens: Herbs for Strength, Stamina, and Stress Relief David Winston, RH(AHG), and Steven Maimes See book keywords and concepts

This is in contrast to Traditional herbal medicine that favors using the whole herb. Modern herbalists in the United States, Great Britain, and Australia have begun to carefully chronicle their clinical experience and conduct small-scale clinical studies of herbal treatments. TRADITIONAL HERBAL MEDICINE Traditional systems of medicine such as ayurveda from India, Traditional Chinese medicine, Tibetan medicine, Greco-Arabic medicine (Unani-Tibb), Eclectic medicine, and kampo from Japan have a long and impressive history of effectiveness.

They believe that in many cases the whole herb has more value than its individual constituents and that most phytochemicals work better together in their natural matrix rather than in isolation. When considering different approaches to herbs, it is important to recognize the difference between the Traditional herbal approach and the Western pharmacological approach. Traditional herbalists favor ingesting the whole herb or whole herb extract. Western pharmacologists usually take an herb, find the supposed active ingredient, extract it, and then study the isolated compound.

Adaptogenic Herbs in Combination There is an empirical maxim that says if one superior herb is good, more than one is better. Throughout the history of herbal medicine, the use of multiherb formulas rather than single herbs (simples) has been the more common practice. Single-herb therapy occurs in folk traditions and as home remedies, but virtually all Traditional systems of herbal medicine rely on complex and well-thought-out formulas.

Traditional herbalists favor ingesting the whole herb or whole herb extract. Western pharmacologists usually take an herb, find the supposed active ingredient, extract it, and then study the isolated compound. This latter approach has several significant drawbacks. First, no plant has a single active constituent. There may be dozens or even hundreds. Even constituents that are not active may contribute to the herb's activity by increasing its absorption into the body, reducing toxicity, or preventing adverse effects. Table 2.3.

Herb/Drug Interactions: This herb contains tannins, and these substances can interfere with mineral absorption, especially iron. Tannins also can bind alkaloid medications such as theophylline. Separate the ingestion of amla and iron or alkaloid medications by three to four hours. Selected Research Studies Adaptogenic Properties of Six Rasayana Herbs Used in Ayurvedic Medicine (Rege, Thatte, and Dahanukar 1999). Six Traditional rasayana herbs were studied to determine if they had adaptogenic activity.

TASTE/ENERGY In Traditional medical systems, the energetic qualities of the herbs and of the person's symptoms along with some form of differential diagnosis allow a practitioner to match an herb or therapy precisely to the patient. Energetics include the taste (sweet, sour, salty, bitter, spicy, pungent, acrid) and energetic qualities (hot, cold, dry, damp) of each herb as well as the energetic quality of the patient's symptoms and constitution. This is an effective way of understanding an herb, not by its constituents, but by its activity and effects on the human body.

Best Choices From the People's Pharmacy Joe Graedon, M.S. and Teresa Graedon, Ph.D. See book keywords and concepts

What do you know about this herb? A. Studies in animals and humans show that fenugreek can lower cholesterol and blood sugar. If diabetics take fenugreek, they should monitor their blood sugar to make sure it doesn't fall too much. Fenugreek seeds are rich in soluble fiber and can be used to treat constipation. At high doses, this herb can cause digestive distress. • • • GYMNEMA SYLVESTRE This herb comes from India and has been used in Traditional Ayurvedic medicine for centuries. Animal studies have demonstrated that it is capable of lowering blood sugar.

Fennel One common herb that has traditionally been used to treat gas is fennel seed. It has a pleasant licorice-like aroma, although it is not licorice and does not have the same medicinal action as licorice. Many Americans are not familiar with fennel seed as a seasoning, but you can find it on the spice shelf of most supermarkets. You may taste it in Italian sausages. No, we're not suggesting you eat sausage to tame your farts. Both fennel seed tea and fennel seed capsules (try the health-food store) are easy ways to get this antifart herb.

At high doses, this herb can cause digestive distress. • • • GYMNEMA SYLVESTRE This herb comes from India and has been used in Traditional Ayurvedic medicine for centuries. Animal studies have demonstrated that it is capable of lowering blood sugar.251 No serious side effects have been reported, but perhaps the scarcity of well-controlled clinical trials explains that to some extent. NOPAL (Opuntia sp.) One interesting botanical treatment has only a little bit of research to support it, but it is becoming increasingly popular.

Both fennel seed tea and fennel seed capsules (try the health-food store) are easy ways to get this antifart herb. To make fennel seed tea, take 1 teaspoon of fennel seeds. Smash them with the back of a spoon to crush them slightly. A mortar and pestle certainly works but is not necessary. þ ?? Fennel Seed (Foeniculum officinale) Fennel is a member of the celery family, which also includes other culinary herbs like anise, caraway, and dill. It was traditionally used for indigestion and flatulence. A laboratory study suggested that it may counteract spasms of smooth muscle in the intestines.

Regardless of whether this legend has any basis in fact, the herb has long been used as a mild sedative. A number of small trials suggest that valerian reduces the amount of time it takes a person to fall asleep and may improve the quality of sleep.699 In one 6-week study, standardized valerian extract proved just as effective for mild insomnia as the prescription sedative oxazepam (Serax). Do not expect valerian to work instant magic. Unlike Traditional sleeping pills, it appears that valerian is more effective when taken nightly for at least 2 weeks.

Cromolyn, the active ingredient in NasalCrom, was originally derived from an herb, the fruit of bishop's weed (Ammi visnaga), which was traditionally used to treat asthma. The compound cromolyn stabilizes highly sensitive mast cells in the lining of the nose and **** NasalCrom (cromolyn sodium) This nonprescription nasal spray is often ignored by doctors, but it is a valuable tool in the fight against nasal allergies. By stabilizing mast cells in the nose, NasalCrom makes it harder for histamine and other inflammatory chemicals to be released and do their dirty work.

Prescription for Nutritional Healing, 4th Edition: A Practical A-to-Z Reference to Drug-Free Remedies Using Vitamins, Minerals, Herbs & Food Supplements Phyllis A. Balch, CNC See book keywords and concepts

A rainforest herb whose active compound, pilocarpine, has been used for over 120 years to relieve intraocular pressure in glaucoma. Jatoba Bark, Phytochemicals: Beta-sitosterol, Fights inflammation, free radicals, and A rainforest herb with (Hymenaea leaves, caryophyllene, delta-cadinene, bacterial and fungal infection. Increases a wide range of courbaril) fruit. epicatechin. energy. Beneficial for asthma, bronchitis, bursitis, bladder infection, Candida and other fungal infections, arthritis, and prostatitis. Traditional uses. Juniper Fruit.

Damiana (Turnera aphrodisiaca) is the "woman's sexuality herb"—one of the most popular of plant aphrodisiacs. It contains alkaloids that directly stimulate the nerves and organs and have a testosterone-like effect. Damiana is excellent for supporting the sexual organs and enhancing sexual pleasure. For best results, place a dropperful of damiana extract under your tongue an hour or two before sexual activity. It may take several days for the difference to become apparent. Q Kava kava, traditionally valued for its mellowing effects, may help with issues of anxiety and nervousness.

Jatoba Bark, Phytochemicals: Beta-sitosterol, Fights inflammation, free radicals, and A rainforest herb with (Hymenaea leaves, caryophyllene, delta-cadinene, bacterial and fungal infection. Increases a wide range of courbaril) fruit. epicatechin. energy. Beneficial for asthma, bronchitis, bursitis, bladder infection, Candida and other fungal infections, arthritis, and prostatitis. Traditional uses. Juniper Fruit.

Bi phaya yaw (Clinacanthus nutans), an herb used in Traditional Thai medicine, has been shown in clinical studies to shorten the time it takes to recover from shingles in some cases. It is applied in cream form. Q| Burdock and red clover cleanse both the lymph nodes and the bloodstream. Q| Cayenne (capsicum) contains a substance called capsaicin, which relieves pain and aids in healing. It also acts as a detoxifier. Cayenne is available in tablet and capsule form. Q| Goldenseal has powerful antibiotic properties and reduces infection.

The Healing Power of Rainforest Herbs: A Guide to Understanding and Using Herbal Medicinals Leslie Taylor, ND See book keywords and concepts

Traditional Preparation Contraindications One-half cup of a whole herb infusion is taken one to two times daily or 1-3 ml of a 4:1 tincture is taken twice daily. If desired, 1-2 g powdered herb in tablets, capsules, or stirred into juice or water daily may be substituted. Gervao has been used in herbal medicine as an abortive agent and, therefore, is probably contraindicated during pregnancy. Gervao has been documented with vasodilator properties in an animal study and, therefore, may lower blood pressure.

It is hard to say if herbal manufacturers are uninformed or just capitalizing on the market created for a popular herb when they ignore Traditional preparation methods. Many herbal companies use only one extraction method for every product in their line, regardless of the many medicinal plants they work with and their unique chemical contents. This usually results in some products being effective, while others are not, depending on which active chemicals actually got extracted by the company's one standardized manufacturing method.

Essential information is listed, such as the main actions of the herb; its primary preparation method; its main uses; which actions have been documented by scientific research or traditionally used; and any cautions to using the herb. This summary, which has been conveniently condensed, guides the reader as to which plants to read about in greater detail in Part Three: Medicinal Plants of the Amazon. Part Three provides extensive information on seventy-four medicinal plants, trees, vines, and herbs of the rainforest.

Traditionally, V2 to 1 cup of a standard leaf or whole herb decoction is taken one or two times daily, or 1-3 ml of a 4:1 tincture is taken twice daily. Powdered leaf in tablets or capsules—1 to 2 g daily—can be substituted, if desired. The Traditional South American remedy for diabetes is to juice 1-2 fresh bitter melon fruits and drink twice daily. For seed or fruit extracts in capsules or tinctures, follow the label instructions. Bitter melon traditionally has been used as an abortive and has weak uterine stimulant activity; therefore, it is contra indicated during pregnancy.

Traditionally, 1 to 3 cups of a standard leaf infusion are taken daily after meals; 3-4 ml of a concentrated 4:1 liquid extract, or 3-5 g daily of dried herb in capsules or tablets can be substituted, if desired. With standardized extract products, follow the instructions on the product label. None reported for internal use. Dermatitis, following contact with the fresh plant and leaves, has been reported. Artichoke has been documented in Traditional uses to be hypoglycemic; however, no clinical studies have been published to confirm this action.

The Traditional remedy calls for a decoction or infusion prepared with 30 g of dried anamu whole herb in a liter of water; V4 cup to V2 dosages are taken one to three times daily or used topically, depending on the condition treated. Since most of the chemicals are water soluble, powdered whole herb in tablets or capsules (1-3 grams) daily can be substituted, if desired. Methanol extracts of anamu cause uterine contractions, which can lead to abortion. As such, anamu is contraindicated for pregnant women. Anamu contains a low concentration of coumarin, which has a blood-thinning effect.

Alternative Cures: The Most Effective Natural Home Remedies for 160 Health Problems Bill Gottlieb See book keywords and concepts

CASCARA SAGRADA: The Herb of Choice for Constipation A Traditional remedy for constipation, cascara "is one of the few laxative herbs that improve the tone of the bowel, making it work better," says Rita Elkins, a master herbalist in Orem, Utah. Another benefit is that it doesn't irritate the bowel like other laxative herbs, such as senna, which can cause cramping. For maximum effectiveness, take cascara at night, after your evening meal or before bedtime. "It works while you are asleep, and you will probably have a bowel movement in the morning," Elkins says.

TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE: An Herb for "Yin Deficiency" Dr. Grossman recommends a Chinese herbal formula called Lycii-Rehmannia for dry eyes. It helps treat what Traditional Chinese Medicine terms a yin-deficient syndrome, in which a part of the body is too dry or too hot. Follow the dosage recommendations on the label. HYDROTHERAPY: Soak Your Eyelids It's very common for people with dry eyes to have blocked oil glands in their eyelids, a condition that makes tears less stable and more likely to evaporate quickly, says Dr. Dieterichs.

CHASTEBERRY: Chases Away Symptoms This herb is believed to have a profound effect hormonally, not only helping to reverse vaginal changes and lowered libido but also relieving many of the symptoms of menopause, says Jason Elias, a practitioner of Traditional Chinese Medicine in New Paltz, New York. It takes about 3 months of daily use to see results. He recommends using the herb in tincture form, following the dosage recommendations on the label. Chasteberry is often available in health food stores under the name vitex.

If you are applying an herb for the first time, it is always wise to do a patch test. Apply a small amount to your skin and observe the exposed area for 24 hours to be sure that you aren't sensitive. If redness or a rash occurs, discontinue use. Due to reports that some Chinese-made products contain potentially harmful contaminants, it is recommended that you obtain Chinese herbal remedies from a qualified practitioner of Traditional Chinese Medicine.

For maximum effectiveness, he recommends opening one gelatin capsule of each herb, putting the contents in a tablespoon, and taking the spoonful of herbs with a little water after each meal. Fast, Natural Relief from Belching Traditional doctors don't always take belching seriously, so they may advise patients simply to take antacids. According to alternative nutritionists and physicians, however, excessive belching usually occurs when the digestive system isn't working right.

This herb is both antiseptic and analgesic, she explains. "Smooth a small amount of the oil over the painful area once or twice a day," she says. You can safely use the oil for as long as you like. MASSAGE: For Incision Scars In Traditional Chinese Medicine, life-energy, or chi, flows through the body in currents called meridians. An incision made during surgery interrupts one or more of those currents, and the energy flows around or underneath the incision.

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