| Licorice is not a benign herb, and we do not recommend its use to treat menopausal symptoms unless it is part of a mixture prescribed by a traditional practitioner of Chinese medicine.
The usual dose is 1 to 4 grams of the root in an infusion (made like tea but steeped for twenty to thirty minutes) or 0.6 to 2.0 grams of licorice extract daily.
Red CI over (Trifolium prdtense)
Red clover contains the phytoestrogens formononetin, biochanin A, daidzein, and genistein. |
Textbook of Natural Medicine 2nd Edition Volume 2Michael T. Murray, ND
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| Escin
Escin is a compound isolated from the seeds of the Aesculus hippocasttmum (horse chestnut), an herb which has a long folk history of use in the treatment of varicose veins and hemorrhoids.11 It has anti-edema and antiinflammatory properties and decreases capillary permeability by reducing the number and size of the small pores of the capillary walls.12,13 The reduction in capillary permeability and edema appears to be due to inhibition of the lysosomal enzymes (mentioned above) which break down the proteoglycans of the ground substance. |
| Dosages are as follows:
• Curcumin: 400 mg three times/day; or ginger: incorporate 8-10 g of fresh ginger into the diet each day or recommend ginger extracts standardized to contain 20% gingerol and shogaol at a dosage of 100-200 mg three times/day
• Bupleuri falcatum —dried root: 2-4 g —tincture (1:5): 5-10 ml —fluid extract (1:1): 2-4 ml —solid extract (4:1): 200-400 mg
• Panax ginseng
—crude herb: 4. |
| For example, an aqueous extract of the herb Smilax sarsaparilla was found in a 1942 study to be effective in psoriasis, particularly the more chronic, large plaque-forming variety.12 In this controlled study of 92 patients, sarsaparilla greatly improved the psoriasis in 62% of the patients and resulted in complete clearance in another 18% (i.e. 80% of the subjects experienced significant benefits). This benefit is apparently due to sarsaparilla components binding to and promoting the excretion of bacterial endotoxins. |
| In particular, the herb Vitex agnus-castus (chaste berry) may prove to be very useful in cases of high prolactin levels due to corpus luteum insufficiency (discussed below). Vitamin B6 and zinc supplementation also lower prolactin levels and are discussed below. Prolactin levels also tend to be elevated in low thyroid function.
Reducing the estrogen to progesterone ratio
Central to effective treatment in most cases of PMS is lowering of the luteal phase estrogen to progesterone ratio. |
volker schulz and Rudolf Hansel
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 The fresh leaves are known to be used as a salad green and there are few reports of toxicity associated with gotu kola.
9.1.3.6 Rhodiola rosea
Rhodiola rosea is a perennial plant, native to the northern polar circle and high alpine regions of Europe, Asia and North America, that grows to a height of about 60 cm. Preparations made from the root of Rhodiola rosea are used in Siberia and certain regions of Scandinavia to increase resistance to infections. |
Textbook of Natural Medicine 2nd Edition Volume 2Michael T. Murray, ND
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| Botanical medicines
• Symphytum officinale (after the acute phase)
—500 mg of freeze dried herb three times/day —1:1 fluid extract, 30 drops two times/day
• Hydrastis canadensis: 400 mg of the solid extract three times / day during the acute phase; 200 mg three times/day during recovery
• Chlorophyll: douches alternating with vag packs
• Vag packs: daily during the acute phase until there is adequate clinical and laboratory response. After the acute phase, vag packs need to be used three times /week, alternating with chlorophyll douches, for 3 weeks. |
Ralph W. Moss, Ph.D.
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 The laetrile diet of Ernesto Contreras also forbids such items as alcohol, coffee, soft drinks, white bread, ice cream, butter, canned and prepared foods, and it encourages the use of "health foods" such as whole grains, herb teas, and honey (see Table 5).
In addition, laetrilists sometimes employ other relatively nontoxic and unorthodox therapies, such as those mentioned in the following chapters of this book or included in the ACS handbook on unproven methods. |
Textbook of Natural Medicine 2nd Edition Volume 1Michael T. Murray, ND
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| DOSAGE
• Dried herb: 0.2-0.6 g three times/day
• Tincture: 15-30 drops three times/day
• Fluid extract: 8-10 drops three times/day.
TOXICOLOGY
Ingestion of toxic levels of lobelia usually results in vomiting, thereby lessening the likelihood of a fatal outcome.4 Like nicotine poisoning, toxic symptoms include:
• nausea
• salivation
• diarrhea
• disturbed hearing and vision
• mental confusion
• marked weakness.
Faintness and prostration ensue; blood pressure falls; the pulse becomes weak, rapid, and irregular; breathing is difficult; and collapse occurs followed by convulsions. |
| Anti-neoplastic effects
Due to the folklore information surrounding the tumor-reducing qualities of the herb LaPacho, it underwent extensive study by the National Cancer Institute (NCI). After initial positive results, it was felt that lapachol was the most active anti-neoplastic agent. Lapachol entered phase I clinical trials at NCI in 1968, based on its activity against Walker 256 tumors (with over a 90% confidence rate). |
Elson M. Haas, M.D.
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 Stevia, or "sweedeaf," is an herb that is a fairly strong natural sweetener. It has no calories and can be used by people with diabetes, or hypoglycemia. This green leaf can be used straight or in cooking.
Artificial sweeteners, or chemical sweets, are not recommended. Cyclamate was popular for a while but has been since taken off the market because of cancer-producing tendencies. Saccharin has been around for a while and is still used, though there are long-range health concerns associated with its use. |
| This herb is called the "man plant" because of the shape of the roots; its name panaxrefers to "all healing," as in "panacea." Other active ginsengs are Panax quinque-folius, or American ginseng, and Eleutherococcus senticosus, or Siberian ginseng. The ginsengs have a number of active ingredients, such as peptides, glycosides, and the more recently acknowledged trace mineral germanium (discussed shortly), which may turn out to be a very helpful and fascinating supplement. Yet we still do not know medically or pharmacologically what gives ginseng its powers. |
| It is a very helpful and safe herb. For improving body heat, one or two capsules of ginger root powder can be taken once or twice a day for about a month. Cayenne pepper can also be used in this way.
Ginkgo biloba
One of the oldest living plant species is the ginkgo tree. Estimated at well over 100 million years old, the leaves from this tree have a bilobal, brainlike appearance, hence the name, Ginkgo biloba. Though fairly new to the Western culture, the leaves of the gingko tree have been used for centuries in the Orient for complaints associated with aging. |
| People in Keshan, China, where the disease was discovered, treat it with a common herb called Astragalus, which accumulates selenium from the soil.
As in the Keshan area of China, the soil in many parts of the United States is very low in this important mineral. Here, the western states generally have higher selenium levels than the eastern; South Dakota has the highest and Ohio the lowest. Ohio has more than twice South Dakota's rate of a number of common cancers. Most states with high levels of soil selenium show a decreased rate of cancer deaths. |
| Gotu kola leaf is a good herb for mental stress. Like ginseng, it is very popular in the Eastern cultures. Two formulas that I have used for patients are made by Professional Botanicals: BTX ("relax"), which contains skullcap, passion flower, celery seed, musk root, lupulin, and hops, and RST ("rest") or Sleepeaze, which contains passion flower, valerian root, black cohosh root, German chamomile flowers, lupulin, and lemon balm.
Some practitioners use adrenal glandular tablets to support the extra adrenal demands during stress. |
| Eat or drink nothing else except water, laxative herb tea, and peppermint or chamomile tea.
Fresh fruit or vegetable juices diluted with an equal amount of water will also provide a good cleansing. Some vegetable choices are carrots, celery, beets, and lots of greens. Soup broths can also be used. Juices with blue-green algae, such as spirulina or chlorella, mixed in can provide more energy, as these are high-protein plants and easily assimilable. |
Muhammed Majeed, Ph.D. Vladimir Badmaev, M.D., Ph.D. Uma Shivakumar, Ph.D. R. Rajendran, M.S.
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| FDA as an herb generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for its intended use as a spice, seasoning and flavoring agent (21 CFR 100.0, 182.10, 182.20).
1. Acute and chronic toxicity studies
The safety aspects of Curcuma longa and its derivatives have been studied in various laboratory animals. A single feeding of 30% turmeric diet to rats did not produce any toxic effects.107 In a 24-hour acute toxicity study, mice were fed dosages of 0.5 gm, 1.0 gm and 3 gm/kg of turmeric extract and in a 90-day chronic toxicity study, mice were fed drinking water containing 100 mg/kg turmeric extract per day. |
Textbook of Natural Medicine 2nd Edition Volume 2Michael T. Murray, ND
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| Botanicals
• Lobelia inflata
—dried herb: 0.2-0.6 grams three times/day —tincture: 15-30 drops three times/day —fluid extract: 8-10 drops three times / day
• Echinacea sp.
—dried root (or as tea): 0.5-1 g
—freeze-dried plant: 325-650 mg
—juice of aerial portion of Echinacea purpurea stabilized in 22% ethanol: 2-3 ml —tincture (1:5): 2-4 ml —fluid extract (1:1): 2-4 ml —solid (dry powdered) extract (6.5:1 or 3. |
Earl Mindell, R.Ph., Ph.D.
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 Studies show the herb kills the yeast fungi Candida albicans as well as certain bacteria staphylococcus. Try a cup of chamomile tea at night; it is also a natural sleep aid.
Cinnamon—An infection fighter, it kills disease-causing bacteria and fungi including Candida. For a good-tasting "antifungal" breakfast, sprinkle some cinnamon on a cup of plain yogurt.
Dandelion—This weed inhibits the growth of the fungus responsible for vaginal yeast infections. Eat some dandelion greens in your salad. Add a couple of handfuls of dried leaves and flowers to your bath water. |
Marion Nestle
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 Psyllium Husk Similar issues of science as opposed to commercial pressures apply to functional foods supplemented with psyllium husk, the dried seed coat of the stemless annual herb Plantago ovata. Psyllium is grown in India, where it is commonly used as a household remedy for constipation, and it is the active ingredient in over-the-counter laxatives such as Metamucil. Its bulking action in part explains its ability to cause cholesterol to be excreted rather than absorbed from the intestine. |
| John's Wort as a treatment for tuberculosis, influenza, and other infectious diseases that were unlikely to be cured by this herb.11
ELICITING CONCERNS OVER SAFETY AND EFFICACY
In the absence of firm regulation, the proliferation of supplements and of the claims for them has heightened concerns about safety and efficacy and has subjected the products to increasing scrutiny. Most concerns focus on supplements other than vitamins and minerals, but even these common nutritional products have been subject to questions about whether they are needed or cause harm in excessive amounts. |
Ruth Winter
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 CENTAURY (CENTRUIUM) herb • Flavoring in alcoholic beverages only. CEPHARP1R1N • An animal drug used in beef and milk. The FDA limits residue to 0.02 ppm in milk and 0.1 ppm in uncooked edible tissues of dairy cattle. Moderately toxic by injection into the vein. When heated to decomposition it emits toxic fumes.
CERESIN • Ceresine. Earth Wax. Used in protective creams. It is a white or yellow, hard, brittle wax made by purifying ozokerite (see), found in Ukraine, Utah, and Texas. |
| A European woody herb with a bitter taste, used in bitters and as a liquor flavoring for beverages and liquors. The extract is used in bitters, liquor, and vermouth flavorings for beverages, ice cream, candy, and liquors, and in making absinthe. The oil is a dark green to brown and a narcotic substance. Used in bitters, apple, vermouth, and wine flavorings for beverages, ice cream, ices, candy, baked goods, and liquors. In large doses or frequently repeated doses, it is a narcotic poison, causing headache, trembling, and convulsions. |
| VERONICA • Extract of Veronica officinalis, a small herb of wide distribution that has pink or white flowers. Flavoring in alcoholic beverages only. VERVAIN, EUROPEAN • Verbena officinalis. A class of medicinal plants used as a flavoring in alcoholic beverages only.
VERX1TE GRANULES and FLAKES • Hydrated magnesium-aluminum iron silicate. Soft and resilient. Used as an anticaking and blending agent in ruminant feeds.
VERXITE GRITS • Used as a roughage replacement in ruminant feeds. VERY LOW SODIUM • Less than 35 mg per serving.
VETIVER OIL • Vetiverol. Khus-Khus. |
| Its vapor was found to kill the bacillus of typhoid fever after forty-five minutes. The herb has been widely studied in Europe and Russia, and the major constituents, the Valepotriate, have been reported to have marked sedative, anticonvulsive, blood pressure lowering, and tranquilizing effects. It has been used for centuries to treat panic attacks. In Germany, valerian preparations have been used for more than a decade to treat childhood behavioral disorders, supposedly without the side effects experienced with pharmaceuticals for that purpose. |
| The bright green leaves of this northerly herb were collected and eaten in large quantities by European seamen to prevent scurvy. The plant has the strong odor of horseradish, to which it is related. No known toxicity. SCHINUS MOLLE OIL • A natural flavoring extract from the tropical pepper tree, Schinus molle. Used in candy, baked goods, and condiments. GRAS. There is reported use of the chemical, it has not yet been assigned for toxicology literature. SEBACIC ACID • Decanedioic acid. Colorless leaflets, sparingly soluble in water and soluble in alcohol. |
| Derived from an East Indian herb, Curcuma longa. An aromatic, pepperiike but somewhat bitter taste. The cleaned, boiled, sun-dried, pulverized root is used in coconut, ginger ale, and curry flavorings for puddings, condiments, meats, soups, and pickles; also for yellow coloring used to color sausage casings, oleomargarine, shortening, and marker ink. The extract is used in fruit, meat, and cheese flavorings for beverages, condiments, meats, soup bases, and pickles. |
Earl Mindell, R.Ph., Ph.D.
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| Many of my friends swear by this herb as an arthritis treatment. I personally use it for headaches.
Cartilage Cures
Since all forms of arthritis involve the destruction of cartilage, it makes sense that ingesting forms of cartilage may help relieve symptoms.
Glucosamine sulfate—This natural constituent of cartilage has been shown to produce positive results for sufferers from osteoarthritis; it works to address the underlying cause of the disease by stimulating cartilage repair and is free from side effects. It is sold in natural-food stores. |
National Women's Health Network
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 After a month, a two- to three-week break is usually recommended before using the herb again.
Evening Primrose (Oenetherd biennis)
Evening primrose oil, an expensive but good source of linoleic and gamma linolenic acid, has been evaluated in a double-blind controlled trial of fifty-six women and found to be no more effective than a placebo for hot flashes.19 The usual dose is 3 to 8 grams daily (six to sixteen 500 mg capsules).
Ginkgo {Ginkgo bilobd)
Ginkgo contains a variety of compounds. |
Earl Mindell, R.Ph., Ph.D.
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| Calendula—A salve and ointment made from this herb is soothing to skin wounds and bruises.
Personal Advice
Prevention is the best medicine—Unless you've been on another planet for the last five years, you know that early exposure to sunburn can mean skin cancer as an adult. Recent studies also confirm that overexposure to direct sunlight can increase the risk of developing cataracts and macular degeneration, two serious eye diseases that can lead to blindness.
Stay away from tanning salons and high sun. If you love the beach, protect yourself! Wear loose clothing, sunglasses, and a sunhat. |
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