National Women's Health Network
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 It appears to be a safe herb for short-term relief. There have been several placebo-controlled trials that show it significantly reduces anxiety.33
There is only one study of kava for menopausal symptoms. Forty women using doses of 30 to 60 mg per day for a minimum of fifty-six days found significant improvements in the Hamilton Anxiety Scale and the Kupperman Index of menopausal symptoms.34 In a follow-up study of forty women taking 210 mg per day, similar relief from anxiety was reported. |
Earl Mindell, R.Ph., Ph.D.
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 Vitex—Also called chaste tree or chasteberry, this herb is reputed to be a hormone regulator and is used to treat PMS. Studies suggest that it may increase the production of progesterone, which could help normalize the hormonal imbalance that is believed to cause PMS.
Wild yam—Wild yam contains natural progesterone, which may help PMS symptoms by restoring the estrogen/progesterone balance. Wild yam is available as a cream. It can be applied to thin skin such as the inside of the arms or legs, the face and neck, upper chest, and the abdomen. Be sure to follow instructions. |
| Pau D'arco—Also known as taheebo, this herb has long been used by the Indians of South America to treat fungal infections of all types.
Personal advice
Starve a yeast infection—Yeast thrive on simple carbohydrates. These include cane and beet sugars, corn and maple syrups and molasses. In the initial stages of yeast infection, avoid foods high in simple carbohydrates and foods with a high content of yeast or mold including alcoholic beverages, cheeses, dried fruits, melons, and peanuts. Limit intake of high carbohydrate vegetables such as potatoes, corn, yams, and parsnips. |
Sheldon Saul Hendler
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 Anyone who is immune deficient should use echinacea only while being monitored by a physician so that the effect of the herb on the immune system can be reliably evaluated.
Ephedra/Ma-Huang
(Stimulant) _
Ephedrine is widely used these days, to a large degree for its stimulant properties. Ephedrine, as well as pseudoephedrine and norpseu-doephedrine, is found in all of the Ephedra species. Use of ephedra goes back a long way in Chinese traditional medicine, by the Pakistanis and others. The Chinese species is Ephedra sinica or ma-huang. Pakistani ephedra is Ephedra gerardiana. |
| Eyebright does have some astringent properties, and tinctures of the herb have been reported to help with one eye problem—conjunctivitis—in some. Homeopathic physicians use eyebright for colds, hay fever, as well as for conjunctivitis. Unfortunately, there are many reports that application of drops of the tincture in the eye can cause itching, redness, swelling and other adverse symptoms. Application of eyebright to the eye is definitely not advised.
Fennel
___(Beware of the Oils)
Fennel and finocchio are the common names for the plant Foeniculum vulgare, a member of the carrot family. |
| However, because of the herb's toxicity, I would recommend not using it internally at all.
Cruciferous Vegetables
(Cancer Fighters)
Once again, your mother was right when she told you: "Eat your vegetables; they're good for you." Evidence is mounting that the cruciferous vegetables, in particular, are good for you, especially in terms of protecting against cancer. This family of vegetables includes cabbage, broccoli, brussels sprouts and cauliflower. |
| Test-tube studies with astragalus show that the herb can have positive immune modulating effects. Researchers in the U.S. have confirmed some of these findings. Investigators at the University of Texas have reported strong immune-restorative effects in test-tube studies of cancer cells treated with astragalus extracts. And certain cells treated with astragalus extracts in culture survive 50 percent longer, according to some U.S. researchers. |
| A constituent of the herb has inhibited the AIDS virus in test-tube studies. The same constituent also has anti-depressant effects. milk thistle—Has remarkable detoxifying and liver-protective effects. oats—Decoctions of fresh oat plants have reduced the craving for nicotine. saint john's wort—Showing potent antibiotic and anti-viral effects in recent studies. Strongly inhibits the AIDS virus in test-tube work. (Very toxic if not used properly.) wheat grass/barley grass—May be protective against radiation, some cancers and various toxins. |
| The common names of the herb are derived from its popular use during the Middle Ages as a tonic by monks in the monasteries.
Blessed thistle is mainly used as a folk remedy to stimulate the appetite and as a tonic. It is also claimed to act as a mild diuretic and to be helpful in the treatment of constipation, flatulence, liver disorders, headaches and fever.
The dried flowering tops of blessed thistle are most commonly used as bitters. Usually of vegetable origin, bitters have been traditional remedies for loss of appetite and are still used in many tonics. |
volker schulz and Rudolf Hansel
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 Eight of these continued to take 25 mg of feverfew leaf twice daily, and the 9 others were switched to placebo. In the latter group, there was a significant increase in frequency and severity of the migraine attacks, and nausea and vomiting were more common.
A subsequent double-blind, placebo-controlled cross-over study (Murphy, 1988) involved 72 patients who had not previously taken feverfew. The leaf was administered in the form of 82 mg capsules, each containing 0.54 mg of parthenolide. Cross-over occurred after 4 months, but results were assessed every 2 months. |
Earl Mindell, R.Ph., Ph.D.
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| At the same time, this herb helps strengthen the heart muscle and works to help the body rid itself of excess salt and water.
Tumeric—If you eat curry, you have tasted this exotic spice that adds flavor and color to many foods, including curry powder and sauces. Studies show that tumeric can lower blood-cholesterol levels by stimulating the production of bile. Bile is produced by the liver, and cholesterol is a component of bile—thus when the production of bile increases, it uses excess cholesterol. Tumeric also prevents the formation of dangerous blood clots that can lead to heart attack. |
Earl Mindell
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 Yohimbe Bark
The herb yohimbe is one of the few so-called aphrodisiacs that has been shown to help treat male impotence. Unfortunately, it is also quite dangerous because it contains yohimbine, which is sold by prescription and should only be used under the supervision of a physician. This weaker form, yohimbe bark, is available without prescription, although it is not as effective. (The usual dose is 1-3 capsules daily.)
CAUTION: Yohimbe can lower blood pressure and should not be used by people with hypotension. |
Michael Castleman
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 For a free catalog, contact: The herb and Spice Collection P.O. Box 118 Norway, IA 52318
Homeopathy
Books
Discovering Homeopathy: Your Introduction to the Science and Art oj Homeopathic Medicine by Dana Ullman (Berkeley, Calif: North Atlantic Books, 1991).
Everybody's Guide to Homeopathic Medicines by Stephen Cummings and Dana Ullman (Los Angeles: Jeremy Tarcher, 1991).
Homeopathy at Home: Natural Remedies jor Everyday Ailments and Minor Injuries by M. B. Panos and Jane Heimlich (Los Angeles: Jeremy Tarcher, 1980). |
| With the bulk herb, use two teaspoons of dried leaves per cup of boiling water. Steep 10 to 20 minutes. Drink one cup before bed. Taste: pleasantly lemony.
Catnip. The plant famous for its intoxicating effect on cats has a mild sedative/tranquilizing effect on people. Catnip has been used to treat anxiety and insomnia since ancient times. Scientists have discovered that the chemicals responsible for this plant's amusing effect on cats are quite similar to the natural sedatives in valerian.
When using commercial preparations, follow package directions. |
Mark Stengler, N.D.
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 But because it contains more Rbl ginsenosides, American ginseng is considered to be the superior herb for treating digestive problems, especially ulcers. It is much better suited for the person who gets warm easily, is "uptight," but not suffering from burnout. Chinese ginseng, by contrast, is preferred for people who are chilly, totally exhausted and depleted, and feeling burned out.
Siberian ginseng is somewhere in the middle, just as its temperature is in the middle range between Chinese and American. |
| It's officially considered a drug rather than an herb in many parts of the world—notably in Belgium, France, and the United Kingdom.
It comes in many forms. You'll easily find chamomile tea in the supermarket. The tinctures and capsules are in many health food stores and pharmacies. Chamomile is even used as an ingredient in shampoos. (It brings out blonde highlights, as well as acting as a cleanser.) Widely used as a homeopathic remedy, it's also a popular essential oil that's much valued for its aroma.
A CHOICE OF TEAS
Two species of chamomile are used medicinally. |
| It's an herb with a pleasant taste—so tasty, in fact, that even hard-core coffee-lovers can be found drinking it from time to time. If you ever need a tonic, too, to help anyone in the family overcome stomach upset, chamomile (Recutita matricaria) is the one to choose.
Much of chamomile's medicinal effects are targeted toward the digestive tract and nervous system. It's a synergistic combination, since the state of your nervous system is quite likely to dictate the health of your digestive system. In a world where high stress predominates, chamomile offers welcomed relief to "jangled nerves. |
| Saw palmetto (Serenoa repens) is an incredible herb for treatment of prostate enlargement, also known as benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH). This common condition affects 50 percent of men over the age of 50—and close to 90 percent of men in their 80's have a problem with BPH. Youth is no guarantee of immunity, however. Nearly one out of every ten men between the ages of 25 and 30 have BPH. |
| Hayfever
When someone asks what one herb I consider most effective for hayfever, my immediate response is nettles. I find about 50 percent of people who use freeze-dried nettles for hayfever notice a substantial improvement. Take 2 capsules three times daily until the symptoms are under control. (continued)
After a week or two you may be able to reduce the amount by half and continue taking it as a maintenance dosage. Again, side effects are not an issue—which makes nettle very attractive for people who suffer drowsiness and other side effects from prescription antihistamine medications. |
Earl Mindell
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| Pennyroyal
This herb, often referred to as lung mint, is used as an inhalant in treating colds; it's also used as a tea for curing headaches, menstrual cramps, and pain.
CAUTION: Pennyroyal can induce abortion and should therefore NEVER be used during pregnancy.
148. Peppermint (leaves)
An antispasmodic, tonic, and stimulant, peppermint has been used to treat nervousness, insomnia, cramps, dizziness, and coughs. (For headaches, you might want to try a strong cup of peppermint tea, then he down for 15-20 minutes. It usually works as effectively as aspirin—and there are NO side effects. |
volker schulz and Rudolf Hansel
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| An extract prepared from 100 g of dried flowers in 2 liters of hot water can be added to bath water for external use.
None of the clinical or clinical-pharmacologic studies cited here contain reports of adverse events that the investigators could relate to the lavender preparations. In the topical application of cosmetic preparations whose ingredients included lavender oil, three women aged 28,71, and 76 years experienced a contact allergic reaction with dermatitis or mucosal inflammation. |
Earl Mindell
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| Bilberry
This herb, also known as European blueberry, is a potent antioxidant. It contains anthocyanosides, that have been found to help keep capillaries strong, protect against cataracts, night blindness, and other vision problems, and improve circulation. It may also inhibit the growth of bacteria and act as an anti-inflammatory, as well as have anticarcinogenic effects.
Food and Supplement Advice: As a supplement, bilberry is available in capsules and liquid extract. Take one 500 mg. capsule up to 3 times daily. Or, mix 15-40 drops in water or juice, and drink 3 times daily. |
Michael Castleman
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| Echinacea
Echinacea root was the Plains Indians' herb of choice for wounds, infections and insect and snake bites. Early settlers adopted echinacea, including Dr. H. C. F. Meyer of Pawnee City, Nebraska, who used it in a patent medicine that he touted as a remedy for dozens of ailments, including rattlesnake bite. In 1885 he sent a sample to Cincinnati pharmacist John Lloyd, an early president of the American Pharmaceutical Association. Lloyd scoffed at echinacea. |
Earl Mindell
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| Considered a nutraceutical, this herb is also a muscle relaxer used to alleviate menstrual cramps, and is a good expectorant as well. Externally, it is an antiseptic and a painkiller.
As a treatment for depression, St. John's wort may take up to three weeks to produce any mood-elevating effects. There is, however, a new form of St. John's wort with a polyphenol extract, also taken from the plant, that is now available; one tablet per day has been found to produce results in just 2-3 days. |
| Astragalus
This herb has been found to alleviate fatigue and lessen the frequency of colds. It's an immune system booster that improves resistance to viruses and bacterial infections and also accelerates healing. It may also prevent the spread of malignant cancer cells to healthy tissue. It works best with zinc and vitamins A and C.
CAUTION: If you are undergoing chemotherapy, do not take astragalus—or any other medication—without first consulting your doctor.
135. Basil
Sweet basil is a plant that can be used as a poultice to draw poison from the skin. |
Stephen T., M.D. Sinatra
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 Myrrh gum, prized as a valuable herb since biblical times, was presented as a gift (along with gold and frankincense) by one of the wise men to the Christ child. It contains volatile oils ideally suited for promoting easier breathing during congestive colds and for clearing out mucus-clogged nasal passages. Long noted for its antiseptic and healing properties, myrrh gum was used in ancient Greece to treat wounds. It has also been used in oral preparations to tone the gums and to prevent tooth decay. Mixed with witch hazel, a tincture of myrrh may be applied to cold sores. |
Dr. Mary Dan Eades
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| The antiviral compounds found in this herb have been shown to be active against HIV in test-tube studies. Researchers still have a long way to go in determining the effects on humans.
• St. John's wort is useful during childbirth and postpartum healing. The oil is soothing when rubbed on the perineum, the area between the vagina and anus, during labor. After delivery, its antiinflammatory action eases burning and swelling and speeds the healing of perineal tears.
• Some researchers believe St. John's wort affects the serotonin levels in the brain, decreasing the body's desire for food. |
| Indian and Scandinavian studies have consistently shown that this herb is useful for treating most forms of arthritis. The more than 12 antioxidants present in ginger neutralize the free radicals that aid in causing inflammation.
• Thousands of years ago, Chinese sailors chewed gingerroot to combat seasickness. One modern study of 80 naval cadets showed that taking a half-teaspoon of powdered ginger shortly before shipping out reduced symptoms of seasickness, including dizziness, by 38%. |
| S-Adensyl-L-Methionine (SAMe) isn't an herb or hormone. In fact, it is a chemical compound found in all living cells. In most people, the body manufactures all the SAMe it needs from the amino acid methionine found in soybeans, eggs, seeds, lentils, and meat. SAMe appears to regulate more than 35 different mechanisms and helps the body maintain cell membranes, remove toxic substances, and produce mood-enhancing neurotransmitters. It has proven effective in treating various stages of depression. |
| Americans were slow to catch on, and it has only been a short while that we have recognized the herb for its antihistamine properties.
• Licorice soothes the throat and is often recommended for treating asthma. Long-term use has some side effects, such as headache, lethargy, sodium and water retention, loss of potassium, and high blood pressure. If you decide to use licorice on an ongoing basis, I recommend the deglycyrrhizinated extracts, which cause fewer problems. This form is available over the counter. |
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