Herbs

Herbs

BLACK COHOSH

Botanical name: Cimicifuga racemosa

Common name: Black Cohosh

Botanical family: Ranunculaceae

Parts used: Rhizome, Root

Active constituents: triterpene glycosides & quinolizidine alkaloids

Actions: Hormone modulator, anti-inflammatory, anti-spasmodic, sedative and tonic to central nervous system

Medicinal uses:

Female reproductive system:

Black Cohosh is mainly used as an alternative to oestrogen replacement therapy in the treatment of menopausal problems such as hot flushes, vaginal thinning & drying, night sweats, anxiety & depression.

It is also used for premenstrual syndrome or dysmenorrhoea (painful periods) where there is ovarian involvement and cramping.

Due to its normalizing effects on female hormones, Black Cohosh is useful in some cases of amenorrhoea or delayed menstruation..

Musculoskeletal:

Black Cohosh may reduce spasm and inflammation in rheumatic pains, osteoarthritis, sciatica and neuralgia.

Nervous system:

Black Cohosh alleviates some cases of anxiety, nervousness and insomnia.

Contraindications:

Pregnancy & lactation.

Avoid use in people with oestrogen-dependent tumours.

Precautions: None

Interactions: Interaction with tamoxifen in vitro; in vivo application has not yet been established.

Use in pregnancy & lactation:

Contraindicated, except for assisting labour and delivery.

Side effects:

High dosages may cause frontal headache; some report nausea and/or vomiting. Overdose may bring on vertigo. Adverse effects tend to be rare, mild & reversible.

Dosage: 0.3 – 2ml of 1:1 fluid extract three times daily.

1. Huntley & Ernst, 2003

2. Bodinet & Freudenstein, 2002

3. Jarry, Gorkow & Wuttke, 1995

4. Hirabayashi et al, 1995

ASTRAGALUS

Botanical name: Astragalus membranaceous

Common names: Astragalus; Milk Vetch Root; Huang-Qi

Botanical family: Leguminosae

Part used: Root

Active constituents: saponins, triterpene glycosides, beta-sitosterol

Actions: immunostimulant, antioxidant, hepatoprotective, adaptogenic, cardiotonic, hypotensive

Medicinal uses:

Immune system:

In vitro and in vivo studies confirm immune-enhancing activity. Astragalus stimulates macrophage activity and enhances antibody response.

Astragalus may inhibit many viruses. It destabilizes the defensive membrane wall of the virus thus permitting the body’s immune system to attack the now weakened virus.

It may reduce the incidence and duration of the common cold and help prevent influenza. It is very useful for post-viral recovery.

It may be used as a support therapy for those cancer patients undergoing pharmaceutical treatment for cancer as it enhances the effectiveness of chemotherapy and reduces associated side effects.

Cardiovascular:

Astragalus may improve the condition of congestive heart failure and ischaemic heart disease patients.

Metabolism:

Astragalus may improve athletic performance through its antioxidant action. It may alleviate Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. It may alleviate fatigue by increasing the body’s production of energy and the basal metabolic rate.

Astragalus protects the liver against paracetamol, carbon tetrachloride and other toxins, probably as a result of increased liver glutathione levels observed after treatment.

Contraindications: Acute stages of infection with fever.

Precautions and interactions: Reduced drug activity is possible as immunostimulant activity has been demonstrated – use with caution in the immunosuppressed.

Use in pregnancy and lactation: Safety is unknown but no adverse effects are expected.

Side effects: None known.

Dosage: 4.5 – 8.5ml/ day of 1:2 fluid extract.

1. Jin et al, 1994

2. Zhang et al, 1997

3. Murray, M. 1995

BURDOCK

Botanical name: Arctium lappa

Common name: Burdock

Botanical family: Asteraceae

Parts used: Roots & rhizome

Active constituents: flavonoid glycosides, bitter glycosides

Actions: depurative, bitter, diuretic, detoxifier & decongestant

Medicinal uses:

Skin:

Chronic skin diseases resulting in dry & scaly skin, especially eczema, & psoriasis, if used over a long time. Dandruff and acne conditions may also be helped by long-term use of burdock as may boils

Digestion:

This herb’s action is partly through the stimulation of digestive juices, especially the secretion of bile thus aiding digestion & appetite.

Urinary:

Burdock’s diuretic properties also indicate its tonic effect on the urinary system. It

aids kidney function and may prevent the formation of kidney stones due to its alkalizing action. It may be helpful in treating cystitis.

Contraindications: None known

Precautions: None required.

Interactions: None known.

Side effects: None known

Use in pregnancy & lactation: No adverse effects expected

Dosage: 2 – 4 ml 1:2 fluid extract three times daily.

1. Grieve, M. 1971

2. British Herbal Pharmacopoeia, 1983

CHAMOMILE

Botanical name: Matricaria recutita

Common name: Chamomile, German Chamomile

Botanical family: Compositae

Part used: Whole plant (especially the flowers)

Active constituents:essential oil, flavonoids, coumarins, sesquiterpene lactones

Actions: anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, carminative, sedative

Medicinal uses:

Digestive system:

Chamomile is widely used to relieve stomach cramping, indigestion, flatulence, bloating and irritable bowel disease, acute diarrhea, gastrointestinal spasms and inflammatory diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. It is helpful in cases of diverticulosis and infantile colic.

Skin and hair:

Chamomile is used topically to heal a variety of skin conditions including eczema, dermatitis, abrasive wounds, dry skin and it may alleviate inflammatory skin conditions like itching, hives and leg ulcers. Its anti-inflammatory effects on mucosal membranes have shown that chamomile mouthwash may be beneficial in treating chronic oral inflammations such as mouth ulcers and gingivitis.

Nervous system:

Chamomile may relieve anxiety and restlessness. It may relieve insomnia for overtired children or people who are exhausted, overstimulated and having trouble falling asleep. Nervous irritability may respond well to chamomile.

The oil as used in aromatherapy may reduce the secretion of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) in response to excessive stress.

Contraindications: Known allergy to plants belonging to the Asteraceae/Compositae (daisy) family.

Precautions: The likelihood of chamomile preparations causing a contact allergy is low. However, people with known sensitivity to other members of the same plant family should avoid oral and topical application of chamomile products.

Interactions: Chamomile tea may reduce iron absorption. Chamomile may enhance the effects of benzodiazepines but this has not yet been proved by clinical studies.

Use in pregnancy and lactation: No adverse effects expected.

Side effects: Contact dermatitis has been reported from those sensitive to this family of plants, but this is rare. One case of anaphylaxis from ingestion has been reported, however using ethanolic extracts denatures the proteins & makes this type of reaction extremely unlikely.

Dosage: 3 – 6 ml of 1:2 fluid extract per day

3 – 12 gm dried chamomile flowers (as for a tea) per day

1. ESCOP monographs

2. 2. Gould et al 1973

3. British Herbal Phamacopoeia

CHASTE TREE

Botanical name: Vitex agnus-castus

Common name: Chaste Tree, Chaste Berry

Botanical family: Labiatae

Part used: fruit

Active constituents: iridoid glycosides

Actions: works on pituitary-hypothalamic axis; prolactin inhibitor; indirectly progesterogenic; binds to oestrogen receptors; possibly increases LH release; possibly mildly antiandrogenic; galactagogue

Medicinal uses:

Female reproductive system:

Premenstrual syndrome symptoms which may improve with Chaste Berry therapy include tenderness of breasts, fluid retention, premenstrual acne, fatigue, carbohydrate cravings, headaches, constipation, depression, anxiety, nervousness and irritability. It may also alleviate menorrhagia (abnormally heavy bleeding during menstruation).

It may lower elevated oestrogen levels and inhibit secretion of excessive Follicle Stimulating Hormone from the pituitary gland.

Amenorrhoea arising from luteal phase defect.

It may lengthen the duration between periods in women with short cycles, where its action normalizes a shortened luteal phase.

Chaste Tree normalizes body’s production & secretion of prolactin thus improving the chances of women with conception difficulties in becoming pregnant.

Chaste tree in low doses improves milk production in lactating women.

Chaste tree may aid the expulsion of the placenta after birth.

It is used to normalize hormones following the use of oral contraceptives.

Contraindications: Caution in pregnancy.

Precautions: People with tumours sensitive to oestrogen or progesterone should avoid chaste tree until safety can be established.

Interactions: Chaste may theoretically interact antagonistically with dopamine receptor antagonists.

Use in pregnancy and lactation: Not recommended during pregnancy. Low doses only in lactation for its positive effects on milk production.

Side effects: Occasionally a rash but otherwise no significant side effects have been reported.

Dosage: 1 - 2.5ml of 1:2 fluid extract per day, administered in the morning on arising before breakfast.

1. Milewicz, A. et al, 1993

2. Mills, S., 1992

3. Meyer, B. et al, 2000

4. Berger, D et al, 2000

DANDELION

Botanical name: Taraxacum officinale

Common name: Dandelion

Botanical family: Compositae

Parts used: Leaf, Root

Active constituents: minerals, especially potassium; bitter glycosides

Actions: bitter tonic, diuretic, choleretic

Medicinal uses:

Urinary system:

Dandelion has a history in the treatment of oedema. Dandelion leaf in particular has a diuretic activity similar to frusemide without causing potassium loss because of the leaves’ high potassium content. It is regarded as a tonic cleanser to the kidneys. In combination with Arctostaphylos uva-ursi it has successfully undergone trials in the treatment of recurrent cystitis.

Liver:

Dandelion root in particular stimulates the production and the flow of stored bile from the gallbladder. It may alleviate loss of appetite, dyspepsia and constipation. In vivo studies have demonstrated increases in levels of phase II detoxifying enzymes. Dandelion may enhance the function of the liver and may reduce the severity of hepatitis and jaundice.

Spleen:

Dandelion may stimulate the spleen.

Metabolism:

Dandelion may help to regulate blood sugar.

Musculoskeletal:

Arthritic and rheumatic conditions have traditionally been treated with dandelion.

Skin:

Dandelion may be helpful in the treatment of skin blemishes, bruises, urticaria & eczema.

Contraindications: It should not be used by people with obstruction of the bile ducts or intestinal obstruction or other serious diseases of the gallbladder. Caution is required if gallstones are present.

Precautions: Caution should be exercised by people with a known sensitivity to other members of the Compositae family.

Interactions: Dandelion may theoretically interact with other diuretics. It may reduce the absorption of quinolone antibiotics and it is therefore recommended to avoid concomitant use or to separate their dosing.

Use in pregnancy and lactation: Generally considered safe.

Side effects: None expected.

Dosage:

Leaf: 4 -10 ml 1:2 fluid extract three times daily

Root: 2 – 8 ml 1:1 fluid extract three times daily.

1. Blumenthal, M 1998

2. Larsson, B. 1993

3. British Herbal Pharmacopoeia, 1992

4. Hook, I., McGee, A., et al, 1993

DEVIL’S CLAW

Botanical name: Harpagophytum procumbens

Common name: Devil’s Claw

Botanical family: Pedaliaceae

Parts used: Root/Rhizome

Active constituents: iridoid glycosides

Actions: anti-inflammatory, antirheumatic, analgesic

Medicinal uses:

Musculoskeletal system:

Devil’s Claw may reduce pain and inflammation associated with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, chronic back pain, gout, myalgia, lumbago, tendonitis and fibrositis.

Cardiovascular system:

Devil’s Claw lowers arterial blood pressure in hypertensive patients, decrease heartbeat rate in tachycardia patients and its harpagoside content may help to prevent ventricular fibrillation.

Contraindications: None expected.

Precautions: None required.

Interactions: No substantiated reports have been made.

Use in pregnancy and lactation: No adverse effects expected.

Side effects: Sensitive individuals may experience mild gastrointestinal disturbances especially at higher doses.

Dosage: 2 – 4 ml of 1:2 liquid extract 3 times daily

1. Circosta et al, 1984

2. Loew, D., Puttkammer, S., 2000

3. Blumenthal, M., 1998

4. Kammerer, N., Fiebich, B., 2000

ECHINACEA

Botanical names: Echinacea angustifolia (the more potent variety)

Echinacea pallida

Echinacea purpurea

Common names: Echinacea, Purple Coneflower

Botanical family: Compositae

Parts used: Root, aerial parts

Active constituents: alkylamides, polysaccharides

Actions: immunomodulating, immunostimulant, lymphatic, anti-inflammatory

Medicinal uses:

Immune system:

Echinacea increases both the red blood cell count and white blood cell count. It may accelerate recovery from and help to prevent many types of bacterial & viral diseases.

Echinacea may inhibit the upper respiratory tract viruses that cause the common cold, ‘flu, strep throat and bacterial sinusitis.

It may also inhibit gastrointestinal bacterial infections and prevent the recurrence of infection by Candida albicans.

It may suppress the rate of growth of Trichomonas vaginalis, the protozoa that is responsible for causing most cases of leucorrhoea.

It is also used to treat catarrh, abscesses, boils, eczema, psoriasis, skin & glandular inflammations and urinary tract infections.

Echinacea may inhibit cyclooxygenase (an enzyme that causes inflammation).

Contraindications: People with allergies to the Compositae family of plants. The risk of allergies to Echinacea is very small, given that root preparations used are free of pollens.

Precautions: Caution is advised for those patients taking immunosuppressive drugs. Theoretical considerations suggest not to use Echinacea in cases of autoimmune disorders such as multiple sclerosis, lupus and rheumatoid arthritis. These theories have not been tested in controlled trials.

Interactions: None known or expected.

Use in pregnancy and lactation: No adverse effects expected.

Side effects: Not expected, although some individuals report some difficulty falling asleep with late doses of Echinacea at high doses due to some caffeic acid content.

Dosage: preventative or regular use = 3 -12 ml of 1:2 fluid extract per day in divided doses

Acute infections: some herbalists recommend high doses of Echinacea during the initial stages of infections, eg 3 – 5 ml of 1:2 fluid extract two hourly (up to 80 ml per day).

When capsules or tablets of Echinacea standardized to contain 4% echinacosides are used, the usual recommended dosage is 450 – 750 mg per day.

A blend of Echinacea purpurea (which has higher echinacin & cichoric acid content) & Echinacea angustifolia (the overall more potent variety) appears to be the most effective, especially in the treatment of respiratory tract infections.

1. ESCOP, 1999

2. Barrett, B., Vohmann, M., Calabrese, C., 1999

3. Blumenthal, M. et al, 2000

4. Melchart, D., et al, 2000

GINGER

Botanical name: Zingiber officinale

Common name: Ginger

Botanical family: Zingiberaceae

Parts used: Rhizome, root

Active constituents: essential oil & resin

Actions: carminative, antiemetic, digestive stimulant, peripheral circulatory stimulant, anti-inflammatory, antiplatelet

Medicinal uses:

Digestive system:

Ginger may stimulate the flow of saliva, and the flow of bile from the gallbladder.

Ginger may be useful for the treatment of Crohn’s Disease due to its ability to inhibit the excessive production of the pro-inflammatory leukotriene B4 that occurs during Crohn’s Disease.

As a carminative it promotes gastric secretion and may alleviate gastritis, flatulence, indigestion & colic & alleviate abdominal cramps in irritable bowel syndrome.

The antiemetic properties of ginger have shown it to be useful in the treatment of nausea and vomiting, for instance in the treatment of motion sickness & morning sickness and postoperative and chemotherapy-induced nausea & vomiting.

Cardiovascular system:

Ginger may help prevent atherosclerosis (by lowering serum cholesterol levels, inhibiting abnormal blood clotting and improving blood circulation. It may also reduce elevated serum triglyceride levels and reduce plasma LDL cholesterol levels and inhibit the oxidation of LDL cholesterol.

Ginger may prevent abnormal blood clotting by inhibiting platelet aggregation due to the gingerol content of ginger.

When ginger is taken in very high doses of at least 10g it exerts an antiplatelet activity (Bordia et al, 1997).

Musculoskeletal system:

Ginger has anti-inflammatory effects due to its inhibition of inflammation-inducing enzymes. Therefore it may alleviate pain & inflammation associated with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Other systems:

Ginger is used in the treatment of colds to reduce fever.

It also improves peripheral circulation and may have a warming effect in the treatment of cold extremities.

Its analgesic properties may be used to treat both migraines and dysmenorrhoea.

Contraindications: Patients with gallstones should only proceed with therapeutic levels of ginger under close supervision by their physician.

Suspend use of high dose supplements (>10g) one week before major surgery.

Precautions: Proceed cautiously in cases of gastroesophageal reflux.

Interactions: Ginger may increase the absorption of pharmaceutical drugs. .Avoid high dose supplementation (>10g/day) while taking blood-thinning drugs such as warfarin or aspirin unless under medical supervision. However, there is no evidence of interaction with warfarin at usual dietary or therapeutic intakes.

Theoretically increased antiplatelet and anti-inflammatory effects may occur with high-dose ginger preparations, but clinically this remains unproven.

Use in pregnancy and lactation: No adverse effects are expected within the recommended dose (0.7 to 2.0 ml of 1:2 fluid extract). Ginger has been successfully used in clinical trials to treat pregnant women with nausea.

Side effects: An increase in gastric secretory activity leading to heartburn is possible.

Dosage: 0.7 – 2ml of 1:2 fluid extract per day

1. British Herbal Pharmacopoeia

2. Blumenthal, M., et al, 1998

3. Altman, RD, Marcussen, KC, 2001

4. Mickelfield, GH, et al, 1999

5. Jewell, D, Young, G., 2002

GINKGO

Botanical name: Ginkgo biloba

Common name: Ginkgo

Botanical family: Ginkgoaceae

Part used: Leaf

Active constituents: terpene trilactones

Actions: antioxidant, antiplatelet activating factor and anticoagulant activity, circulatory stimulant (vasodilation), cognition enhancing

Medicinal uses:

Nervous system:

Ginkgo beneficially influences brain chemicals, protects nerve cells from damage and may stimulate immune function & reduce inflammation.

It may be used to treat cerebral insufficiency: under this heading come symptoms such as difficulties of memory and concentration, being absentminded, confusion, lacking energy, tiredness, depressive mood and anxiety.

It helps improve memory and cognitive performance for all and improves attention span in the young.

Ginkgo is used to treat age-related memory impairment (eg, Alzheimer’s dementia).

Cardiovascular system:

Ginkgo is often used for improving the brain function both of healthy individuals and for those who have suffered a recent stroke.

Ginkgo is used to prevent the onset of altitude sickness (Roncin, et al, 2002 & Gertsch, et al, 2002).

It may be one of the most effective known substances for enhancing blood circulation to the capillaries by vasodilation. Therefore it is useful for those with cold extremities or Raynaud’s Disease.

Hearing:

Ginkgo is used to treat vertigo and tinnitus.

Vision:

Ginkgo is used to treat age-related Macular Degeneration, and may retard the progression of glaucoma and cataracts. It may increase blood circulation to the optic nerve.

Contraindications:

If unusual bleeding or bruising occurs, stop use immediately.

Precautions:

Ginkgo should be used with caution in patients on anticoagulant or antiplatelet medications.

Interactions: Caution when prescribing Ginkgo with warfarin & aspirin as theoretically ginkgo may increase bleeding risk. However trials have found that Ginkgo does not affect the clinical effects of warfarin (Jiang et al, 2003).

Ginkgo may reduce the sexual dysfunction side effects of antidepressant drugs and improve sleep continuity (Cohen, AJ, Bartlik, B., 1998)

Pregnancy:

No adverse effects are expected.

Side effects: None expected.

Dosage:

Fluid extract (1:1) – 0.5 ml 3 times daily.

1. Le Bars, PL et al, 2000

2. Wettstein, A., 1999, 2000

3. Muir, AH, et al 2002

4. Chung, HS et al 1999

HAWTHORN

Botanical name: Crataegus laevigata/Crataegus oxyacantha/Crataegus monogyna

Common name: Hawthorn

Botanical family: Rosaceae

Parts used: Leaf, Berry

Active constituents: oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPCs)

Actions: cardioprotective, mild cardiotonic, hypotensive, , hypocholesterolaemic, antiarrhythmic, peripheral vasodilator

Medicinal uses:

Cardiovascular system:

Hawthorn may alleviate various cardiac irregularities including angina and irregular heart rhythm.

It may prevent & treat atherosclerosis & may reduce existing atherosclerotic plaques.

Hawthorn may improve the utilization of oxygen by the heart muscle.

Hawthorn may alleviate congestive heart failure by increasing the force of cardiac muscle contractions.

Hawthorn may help to lower blood pressure by dilating blood vessels, by inhibiting angiotensin-converting enzyme, by functioning as a diuretic and by enhancing heart function.

Hawthorn may reduce serum lipid levels by enhanced degradation of cholesterol to bile acids and through suppression of cholesterol biosynthesis.

Contraindications: None known.

Precautions: Heart disease can be a very serious medical condition with a rapidly changing course. Close medical supervision is necessary; chest pain and shortness of breath require immediate medical attention.

Interactions: Hawthorn may potentiate the effects of digitalis glycosides, beta-blockers and other hypotensive drugs. However, under close professional monitoring only, hawthorn may be used to modify the dosage of pharmaceutical drugs.

Use in pregnancy and lactation: No adverse effects expected.

Side effects: None expected if taken within recommended dosage range.

Dosage:

Fluid extract (1:2): 3-7ml/day (higher doses may be required for effective control of hypertension).

1. Blumenthal, M. et al, 2000

2. Mills & Bone, 2000

3. Zapfe, jG, 2001

4. Siegel, G, Casper, U, Schnalke, F, et al 1996

1. Armanini, D.,Bonanni G, et al 1999

2. Strandberg, T 2001

3. Blumenthal, M et al 1998

4. Bradley 1992

5. Homma et al, 1994

6. de Klerk et al 1991

MILK THISTLE

Botanical name: Silybum marianum

Common name: Milk thistle, St Mary’s Thistle

Botanical family: Asteraceae

Part used: ripe seed

Active constituents: flavolignans (silymarin)

Actions: hepatoprotective, hepatic trophorestorative

Medicinal uses:

Endocrine system:

Liver: Milk Thistle’s primary focus is on the liver. It may stimulate regeneration of the liver & protects the liver from the toxic effects of many poisons. It may be used to treat cirrhosis of the liver. Liver function of hepatitis patients may improve with consistent use of Milk Thistle.

Milk Thistle may counteract the toxicity of alcohol and certain recreational drugs as well as exposure to certain environmental chemical pollutants.

Due to its action on the liver, Milk Thistle is helpful in treating reproductive hormone imbalance, particularly with regard to oestrodiol. This has a relevance when treating premenstrual syndrome, among other conditions.

Milk Thistle may assist recovery from jaundice.

Milk Thistle may prevent the formation of gallstones.

Milk Thistle has desirable effects on cholesterol levels. It may lower elevated total cholesterol, it may increase HDL & lower LDL cholesterol levels.

Pancreas: Milk Thistle may reduce blood sugar levels and help insulin resistance.

Skin:

Milk Thistle can be useful for certain skin conditions (for example, psoriasis) which involve liver dysfunction.

Contraindications: None known other than those people with known allergy to Compositae family of plants..

Precautions: None required

Interactions: None expected

Use in pregnancy:No adverse effects are expected.

Side effects: Milk Thistle is considered a very safe and well tolerated herb.

Dosage:

Fluid extract (1:1) – 4 – 9 ml/day

1. Blumenthal, M.,1998, 2000

2. Feher, J. 1989

3. Krecman et al, 1998

4. Velussi et al, 1997

The Ginsengs

Korean Ginseng:

Botanical name: Panax Ginseng

Common name: Korean Ginseng

Botanical family: Araliaceae

Part used: Root

Active constituents: ginsenosides

Actions: Adaptogenic, tonic, immune modulating, cardiotonic, male tonic

Medicinal uses:

Adaptogen:

Ginseng has a reputation as an adaptogen, which signifies that it has an effect on the adrenal glands. As part of the adrenal glands’ function is to affect the body’s ability to respond to stress and work capacity. Clinical trials have shown that Korean Ginseng significantly improves quality of life and well-being measures while under stress, including alertness, relaxation, appetite, fatigue levels, sleep quality, recovery from the common cold and bronchitis and decreases systolic blood pressure.

It may significantly decrease serum triglyceride levels (Yamamoto and Kumagai, 1982).

It is used by some athletes to improve stamina and to improve rapid recovery from injuries.

However, a study involving 19 healthy active women did not reveal any significant difference between the ginseng and the placebo study groups for: peak anaerobic power output, rate of fatigue and immediate post-exercise recovery heart rates (Engels et al. 2000).

Other studies show that Korean Ginseng may improve athletic performance by sparing glycogen in the muscles during exercise, thus reducing the production and accumulation of lactic acid and improving the absorption and utilization of oxygen by muscles. It may also enhance the body’s production of energy and increase stamina.

It may delay and alleviate fatigue.

It is also used as an adaptogenic tonic for chronic conditions and for the elderly, for those experiencing a decline in capacity for work and concentration, and during convalescence.

Diabetes:

A study has found that Ginseng may improve mood, psychophysical performance and reduce fasting blood glucose and body weight in people with non-insulin dependent diabetes. It may reduce insulin sensitivity and may increase insulin receptors & therefore be useful for those with insulin resistance.

It may stimulate the process of thermogenesis ("fat-burning").

It may have protective effects on liver function and regenerate damaged hepatocytes.

Immune system:

It may stimulate natural killer lymphocyte activity which assists the body’s defences when exposed to viral and bacterial attack and also helps in patients with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

Ginseng may restore immunity after chemotherapy.

Hormones:

Korean Ginseng may increase FSH, LH & testosterone levels.

It may promote hair growth.

Nervous system:

Due to the enhancement of the function of cholinergic receptors Korean Ginseng may be useful in the treatment of dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease.

It may slow the progression of Parkinson’s Disease.

It may counteract toxic effects of excessive stress and enhance the ability to cope with stress.

It may improve attention span, concentration ability and memory.

Sexual system:

Korean Ginseng may be useful for the treatment of enlarged prostate. It may increase sexual desire and improve the ability to attain erections in men with impotence problems.

It may alleviate male infertility by increasing sperm count and lowering elevated prolactin levels.

Contraindications:

Acute infections with fever or excessive heat conditions, acute asthmatic attacks.

Precautions:

Korean Ginseng use should be discontinued one week prior to surgery. It should not be used concurrently with amphetamines.

Interactions:

Korean Ginseng may interact with warfarin.

Use in pregnancy: No adverse effects expected.

Side effects:

Excessive doses of Korean Ginseng may cause overstimulation. This may be defined as hypertension, nervousness and insomnia.

Dosage:

Fluid extract, 1:2 = 1 - 6 ml per day.

1. Murphy and Lee, 2002; Price & Gazewood, 2003

2. Tsai et al, 2003

3. Kennedy et al, 2001

4. Blumenthal, M, et al – Commission E monographs 1998

5. Cabral de Oliveira AC et al, 2001

6. Hong, B, 2002,

7. Janetzky, K., Morreale, AP, 1997

8. Vuksan, V., et al

SIBERIAN GINSENG

Botanical name: Eleutherococcus senticosus

Common name: Siberian Ginseng

Botanical family: Araliaceae

Part used: Root

Active constituents: glycosides, saponins

Actions: Adaptogenic, immune modulating, tonic

Medicinal uses:

Adaptogen:

Siberian Ginseng is widely used to treat people with nervous exhaustion or anxiety due to chronic exposure to stress. It increases levels of noradrenaline and serotonin in the brain and adrenaline in the adrenal glands.

It may be of benefit in the treatment of altitude sickness.

If the body’s adaptation to stress results in responses to stress becoming inadequate, then, after having taken Siberian Ginseng, the increase in hormone levels induce a more efficient stress response.

Alternatively, where a chronic overactive response to stress exists, negative feedback systems are triggered by Siberian Ginseng to inactivate the stress response.

Thus the action of Siberian Ginseng is that of a balancer.

Fatigue:

Siberian Ginseng is used to improve physical & mental responses during convalescence or fatigue. It is a tonic for those who are adrenally exhausted.

Anabolic or ergogenic activity

Siberian Ginseng may improve usage of glycogen and the metabolism of lactic and pyruvic acids.

Possible anabolic effects have led to its use by athletes for the improvement of endurance, performance and power. Increased oxygen metabolism and stamina have been demonstrated in clinical studies.

It may stimulate weight gain.

Immune system:

Siberian Ginseng significantly increases numbers of natural killer cells & T-helper cells (white blood cells).It is used to increase resistance to infection. It may inhibit replication of rhinoviruses that cause the common cold & replication of influenza A virus.

It enhances and accelerates recovery from surgery.

It may minimize toxic effects of radiation therapy and some of the anti-cancer pharmaceutical drugs used in chemotherapy.

Cardiovascular system:

Siberian Ginseng improves cardiovascular function and well being in patients with atherosclerosis. It may help to prevent anaphylactic shock. It may normalize blood pressure, raising it in hypotensive patients and lowering it in hypertensive patients, but all such patients should be closely monitored by a health professional. It may decrease blood levels of total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and triglyceride.

Nervous system:

Siberian Ginseng promotes a feeling of well being. It may improve memory and may alleviate exhaustion, irritability, insomnia and depression. It may increase both dopamine and norepinephrine.

Contraindications: Not during the acute phase of infections.

Precautions: None required.

Interactions: None expected.

Use in pregnancy: No adverse reactions expected.

Side effects: None within prescribed doses.

Dosage:

2 – 8 ml of 1:2 fluid extract per day.

1. Gaffney et al, 2001

2. Blumenthal et al, 2001

3. Farnsworth et al, 1985

4. Blumenthal, M., et al, 1998

5. British Herbal Medicine Association, 1992

6. Szolomicki, J et al, 2000

Siberian Ginseng compared with Korean Ginseng

Siberian Ginseng rarely causes overstimulation.

Siberian Ginseng has more generalized effects on the immune system than Korean Ginseng.

Siberian Ginseng has more stamina-increasing effects than Korean Ginseng.

SAINT JOHN’S WORT

Botanical name: Hypericum perforatum

Common name: St. John’s Wort

Botanical family: Guttiferae

Part used: Aerial parts including flowering tops

Active constituents: Naphthodianthrones, including hypericin, flavonoids including hyperforin, rutin & quercetin, beta-sitosterol

Actions: Antidepressant, nerve tonic, antiviral, anxiolytic, vulnerary

Medicinal uses:

Nervous system:

St John’s Wort is effective as treatment for mild to moderately severe depressive disorders, comparative efficacy to and better tolerated than tricyclic antidepressants.

Significant improvements with anxiety, loss of libido and insomnia after 8 weeks’ treatment of St John’s Wort has been documented (Wheatley, 1999).

It may also cause a reduction in alcohol intake (Panocka et al, 2000) and facilitate withdrawal from drug dependence associated with nicotine addiction.

It may alleviate anxiety and insomnia and to treat shock and concussion.

It may counteract the effects of excessive stress and nervous exhaustion.

A clinical trial found that 6 weeks of treatment with St John’s Wort (equivalent to 2g/day of dried herb) significantly improved vigour while reducing anxiety, fatigue, confusion and mood disturbance in athletes.

It is useful for treating bedwetting in children where the cause may be due to the nervous system.

It is used to treat neuralgia, sciatica and spinal injuries, which involve nerve inflammation.

Herpes virus (included under this category is chicken pox, cold sores and shingles) also affects the nervous system and St John’s Wort is used to relieve symptoms and aggravations associated with herpes (Mannel et al, 2000).

St John’s Wort is also used in the treatment of depression and anxiety experienced by premenstrual, premenopausal and menopausal women.

Immune system:

St John’s Wort may suppress or inhibit some types of viruses, mainly retroviruses (Meruelo et al, 1988). It may inhibit the growth of some detrimental bacteria, for instance E. coli and Staphylococcus aureus.

Hormones:

St John’s Wort may increase the nocturnal release of melatonin from the pineal gland, thereby improving sleep quality.

Vulnerary:

Topically St John’s Wort is used for the treatment of atopic dermatitis to reduce the intensity of eczematous lesions (Schempp et al 2003). It is also used to treat first degree burns and acute and contused injuries.

Contraindications:

Fair skinned people undergoing UV treatment or exposed to periods of sunlight should use St John’s Wort with caution.

Precautions:

Not suited to treating serious depression with psychotic symptoms or suicide risk.

Interactions:

St John’s Wort may interact with a number of drugs. Included among these are: SSRI antidepressants, the oral contraceptive pill, anticoagulants such as warfarin, methadone, digoxin, anticonvulsants such as phenobarbitone and phenytoin, cyclosporine and the bronchorelaxant theophylline.

Use in pregnancy:

No adverse reactions are expected, however safe doses of St John’s Wort in pregnant women have not yet been determined therefore it is best avoided in pregnancy.

Side effects: Increased photosensitivity is not expected at therapeutic doses. Reactions reported include mild gastrointestinal discomfort and skin reddening.

Dosages:

2 – 6 ml per day of 1:2 liquid extract.

1. Chapman, M., 2000

2. Whiskey et al, 2001

3. Linde & Mulrow, 2000

4. Blumenthal, M., 1998

5. ESCOP monographs, 1996

SAW PALMETTO

Botanical names: Serenoa repens, Serenoa serrulata, Sabal serrulata

Common name: Saw Palmetto

Botanical family: Palmae

Part used: Dried ripe fruit

Active constituents: fatty acids & phytosterols

Actions: male tonic, antiprostatic, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic

Medicinal uses:

Reproductive system (male):

Saw Palmetto berries are specific to the male reproductive system and to certain systemic symptoms relating to men in particular.

Saw Palmetto is prescribed to treat a mild to moderately enlarged prostate and the associated pain and inflammation. Saw Palmetto may reduce frequent and painful urination associated with enlarged prostate.

It may reduce the risk of prostate cancer and may stimulate the death of prostate cancer cells.

It may also alleviate genitourinary tract discharge.

Saw Palmetto is used to retard hair loss in people afflicted with male pattern baldness.

Saw Palmetto is also used as an aphrodisiac and to treat male infertility and impotence.

Contraindications: None known

Precautions: None required, but if symptoms of benign prostatic hypertrophy worsed or if blood is detected in the urine or if acute urinary retention occurs, seek professional medical advice.

Interactions: None known.

Use in pregnancy: No adverse effects are expected but it is not recommended due to its hormonal effects.

Side effects: Saw Palmetto is well tolerated. Minor gastrointestinal nausea may be experienced by some sensitive individuals but is usually resolved when the herb is taken with meals.

Dosage:

2 – 4.5 ml of 1:2 liquid extract per day.

1. Blumenthal, M. et al, 1998

2. British Herbal Pharmacopoeia, 1983

3. Wilt, T., et al 1998

4. Marks, LS et al, 2000, 2001

VALERIAN

Botanical name: Valeriana officinalis; Valeriana edulis (Mexican Valerian)

Common name: Valerian

Botanical family: Valerianaceae

Part used: Root and rhizome

Active constituents:valepotriates (more in Mexican Valerian) cyclopentane sesquiterpenes (eg valerenic acid – not present in Mexican Valerian)

Actions: anxiolytic, mild sedative, spasmolytic

Medicinal uses:

Nervous system:

Valerian is used in the treatment of insomnia. Its effects include a decrease in waking episodes, an increase in REM sleep, a decrease in morning sleepiness, reduction in time taken to fall asleep, improved sleep with less restlessness.

Valerian may alleviate the symptoms of Attention Deficit Disorder, specifically in reducing the anxiety, fear, restlessness and aggressiveness associated with ADD.

Athletes who experience performance anxiety problems may find small doses useful to relieve numbing fear before a tournament or race.

Patients suffering from stress-induced insomnia have found their stress & insomnia symptoms reduced after taking 600mg/day of valerian for 6 weeks.

It may relieve symptoms of stress, nervous tension and depression, when taken over 6 weeks.

It may reduce aggression.

It may relieve headaches & migraine.

Cardiovascular system:

It may lower blood pressure in hypertensive patients.

Musculoskeletal system:

Valerian may alleviate muscle spasm and cramps and in this capacity may be used for intestinal cramping, period pains (dysmenorrhoea), musculoskeletal muscle cramps such as in the calf muscle.

Contraindications: None known, though it is considered unsuitable for children.

Precautions: None required.

Interactions: Valerian may increase the effects of central nervous system depressants or alcohol when taken together, according to the US Pharmacopoeia.

Use in pregnancy: No adverse effects are expected but it is not recommended (Holford and Cass, 2001).

Side effects: Rarely, stimulating effects have been observed in clinical practice. These people should avoid valerian. Some individuals experience a sensation of tiredness particularly in higher doses. This is usually more a case of an increased awareness of the body’s needs rather than a negative depressant effect.

Dosage:

2 – 6 ml per day of 1:2 liquid extract.

1. Garges, HP, et al, 1998

2. Herrera-Arellano, A., et al 2001

3. Blumenthal, M., et al 1998

4. Felter, HW, Lloyd JU, 1905