Amarjit S. Basra
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 Pilot randomized controlled trial of Chinese herbal treatment for HIV-associated symptoms. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr Hum Retrovirol 1996. 12. (4), 386-393.
28. Jiratchariyakul, W.: Wiwat. C; Vongsakul, M.; Somanahandhu, A.; Leelamanit, W.; Fujii, I.; Suwannaroj, N.: Ebizuka, Y, HIV inhibitor from Thai bitter gourd. Planta Med 200\, 67, (4), 350-353.
29. Hanafy, M. S.; Hatem, M. E.. Studies on the antimicrobial activity of Nigella sativa seed (black cumin). J Ethnopharmacol 1991, 34, (2-3), 275-278.
30. Yao, X. J.; Wainberg, M. A.; Parniak, M. A. |
| TOXICITY
In any condition requiring long-term maintenance treatment the potential for toxicity increases whether treatment is orthodox or herbal. With herbal treatment few long-term studies have been conducted by which to confirm efficacy or toxicity.
Periwinkle (used to treat diabetes) is known to contain toxic substances (such as the Vinca alkaloids, used to treat cancer) and has the potential to affect the bone marrow when used long term. When first investigated, animal experimentation showed little hypoglycemic effect but did demonstrate leukopenia. |
by Michael Murray, N.D. and Joseph Pizzorno, N.D.
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| The most popular herbal treatment for the common cold is echinacea. Modern research has shown echinacea to exert significant effects on immune function in more than 300 scientific investigations. However, not all of the clinical studies have been positive. Mixed results from clinical studies with echinacea are most likely due to lack of, or insufficient quantity of, active compounds. What determines the effectiveness of any herbal product is its ability to deliver an effective dosage of active compounds. |
James F. Balch, M.D. and Mark Stengler, N.D.
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 Vitex is the most well-studied herbal treatment for PMS. Improvements are usually noted within two cycles. Do not take it if you are using the birth control pill.
Super Prescription #2 Homeopathic Combination PMS Formula
Take as directed on the container. It contains a blend of the most common homeopathic remedies for PMS. It's very effective for acute relief or can be used preventatively.
Super Prescription #3 Vitamin B6
Take 50 mg daily. Numerous studies have found vitamin B6 to help PMS. It works synergistically with magnesium as a cofactor for estrogen metabolism by the liver. |
Alan R. Gaby, M.D., Jonathan V. Wright, M.D., Forrest Batz, Pharm.D. Rick Chester, RPh., N.D., DipLAc. George Constantine, R.Ph., Ph.D. Linnea D. Thompson, Pharm.D., N.D.
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 Herbs that may be helpful
Vitex (page 757) is occasionally used as an herbal treatment for infertility—particularly in cases with established luteal phase defect (shortened second half of the menstrual cycle) and high levels of the hormone, prolactin. In one trial, 48 women (ages 23 to 39) who were diagnosed with infertility took vitex once daily for three months.25 Seven women became pregnant during the trial, and 25 women experienced normalized progesterone (page 577) levels—which may increase the chances for pregnancy. |
| Damiana (page 666) (Turnera diffusa) is a traditional herbal treatment for men with ED. However, no modern clinical trials have confirmed its effectiveness.
Are there any side effects or interactions?
Refer to the individual herb for information about any side effects or interactions.
Holistic approaches that may be helpful
ED that cannot be linked to physical causes has been successfully treated by hypnosis.17 In one trial, three hypnosis sessions per week, later decreased to one per month, over a six-month period led to improvemenr in 75% of men in the trial. |
Leslie Taylor, ND
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 If you are searching for the plants to use for the treatment of a specific disorder, go to herbal treatment of Specific Diseases and Disorders, which matches an extensive list of various diseases with the rainforest plants used as treatment. The Plant Data Summary is a section that offers a quick look at each of the rainforest herbs discussed in this book. 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. |
David Hoffman, FNIMH, AHG
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 In this context, herbal treatment can make a significant, positive contribution.
Actions Indicated
Hepatics support and improve liver function and metabolism.
Cholagogues have a direct upon the secretion and release of bile.
Eliminative support will help the whole body deal with the buildup of bilirubin and other metabolites. Laxatives, diuretics, and diaphoretics are the primary actions to consider.
Alteratives and tonics support the whole body in its healing work.
Bitters help with whole-system toning.
Lymphatics promote systemic tissue drainage. |
Mark Blumenthal
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 Caution: If no improvement in acute infection of the urinary tract occurs within the first 24 hours of herbal treatment, seek conventional medical treatment.
Drug Interactions
No known interactions with antibiotics or other drugs.
O on : o
Comments
When using a dietary supplement, purchase it from a reliable source. For best results, use the same brand of product throughout the period of use. As with all medications and dietary supplements, please inform your healthcare provider of all herbs and medications you are taking. |
| Kava—A safe herbal treatment for anxiety. Brit J Phytotherapy 1993/94:3(4): 147-153.
Boonen G, Haberlein H. Influence of genuine kavapyrone enantiomers on the GABA-A binding site. Planta Medica 1998;64(6):504-506.
Boonen G, Ferger B, Kuschinsky K, Haberlein H. In vivo effects of the kavapyrones (+)-dihydromethysticin and (+/-)-kavain on dopamine, 3,4-dihydroxypheny-lacetic acid, serotonin, and 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid levels in striatal and cortical brain regions. Planta Medica 1998;64(6):507-510.
Boonen G, Pramanik A, Rigler R, Haberlein H. |
David Hoffman, FNIMH, AHG
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| However, if antibiotics are necessary, do not stop the herbal treatment; it can only be beneficial and will not conflict with orthodox drug treatment.
In an average year, influenza is associated with about 20,000 deaths nationwide and many more hospitalizations. Flu-related complications can occur at any age; however, the elderly and people with chronic health problems are much more likely to develop serious complications than younger, healthier people are. |
| Treatment of Cholecystitis
Given time, cholecystitis responds well to herbal treatment, but because of the extreme pain, the patient may not be willing to wait. Diet is of fundamental importance, as consumption of any fat will precipitate pain.
Orthodox medicine tends to downplay the role of the gallbladder and bile in digestion. This may be the reason the gallbladder is so often surgically removed when gallstones are present, and why it is said that such people lead perfectly normal lives thereafter. |
| Treatment of PMS
Note that the herbal treatment guidelines given here consist of two components, a daily prescription for working on hormonal issues and a combination to address acute PMS symptoms.
Actions Indicated
Nervines usually alleviate symptoms, but rarely clear the recurrent pattern. Antispasmodics ease any accompanying dysmenorrhea. Diuretics are indicated if water retention is part of the picture.
Hormonal normalizers are indicated if the diagnosis suggests that hormonal imbalance is making a pivotal contribution to PMS. |
| Treatment of Aphthous Ulcers
The herbal treatment guidelines given here for aphthous ulcers are best seen in the context of the general health of the mouth, stomach, and digestive tract. A stress component indicates the important role played by the nervous system.
Actions Indicated
Anti-inflammatories play a core role by reducing the localized mucosal reaction.
Antimicrobials inhibit the development of infection or prevent the spread of bacteria to the rest of the body, which can occur due to impaired buccal immune response. |
Henry Pasternak, D.V.M., C.V.A.
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 Before discussing various herbal treatment options and the protein diet controversy, I must emphasize that the administration of daily subcutaneous fluids at home is probably the most important treatment option. Most cats will receive about 200 cc's of lactated ringers solution on a daily or every-other-day basis depending on clinical signs and laboratory indices.
HERBAL TREATMENT OPTIONS
Astragalus Membranaceus
Astragalus acts as a diuretic when the kidneys are weak. It provides support for the kidneys and has been used in Chinese medicine for treatment for chronic kidney disease. |
Michael Tierra
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 Without a proper balanced diet, the effectiveness of herbal treatment is very limited. With the appropriate eliminative or balanced diet, herbal treatment will prove itself to be effective where no medicine will work and will often be faster than the quick but temporary relief offered by Western drugs.
The nutritional philosophy I have found to be the best and easiest centers around the use of whole grains, properly cooked foods and small amounts of fresh vegetables and fruits when they are in season. |
Tanya Harter Pierce
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 Still obtainable today, it is an herbal treatment consisting of a topical salve, a topical powder, and an internal herbal tonic. Though many people have never heard of it, this treatment approach was very successful and was actually used by tens of thousands of Americans in the early to mid-1900s. Around 1953, at the height of the Hoxsey therapy, the main Hoxsey clinic in Dallas, Texas had 12,000 patients and was the largest private
55 cancer center in the world. There were also subsidiary clinics in 17 other states.
History
The history of the Hoxsey therapy is a colorful one. |
Amarjit S. Basra
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| Although the herb has been known for centuries, it was mainly used for other purposes such as wound healing, and its current popular use does not have a very strong traditional base, although the plant was reputed to ward off evil spirits—a property which might indicate some psychological effects.
The clinical evidence for its usefulness in mild depression has a solid basis, and it has been demonstrated to be as effective as the traditional synthetic tricyclic antidepressants such as imipramine, with fewer and weaker adverse events in those taking standardized commercial preparations. |
Tanya Harter Pierce
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| Hopefully, the United States will pass more freedom of medical choice legislation, and this amazing herbal treatment will someday be able to return to its U.S. homeland and be developed and studied further.
Resources:
Bio-Medical Center Phone: (Oil) (52) 66-84-9011
P.O. Box 727
615 General Ferreira
Colonial Juarez
Tijuana, Mexico 22000
Treatment at Bio-Medical Center: As of this printing, the total cost of treatment is under $4,000. Patients pay a set "lifetime" rate that is the same for everyone and covers as many times as treatment is needed. Patients are asked to arrive by 9 A.M. |
| Needless to say, Mildred was finally convinced that Hoxsey's herbal treatment was effective and went to work for Hoxsey's Dallas clinic as a nurse. Mildred's father was subsequently also treated for cancer by Hoxsey, and he completely recovered as well.
Mildred found Harry Hoxsey to be a compassionate, admirable man with many talents. She recalled that he had a photographic memory and never forgot a patient's name or face. She also said, "I le had a sixth sense if somebody was sick. He seemed to have almost a psychic thing of what would work for this particular person. |
Andrew Pengelly
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 Kava—a safe herbal treatment for anxiety Part 2', Mediberb
Professional Newsletter 39. Bradley, P. R. (ed.) 1992, British Herbal Compendium, Vol. 1, British
Herbal Medicine Association, Bournemouth. Brophy, J. J., Goldsack, R. J., Fookes, C. J. R. and Forster, P. I. 1995, 'Leaf oils of the genus Backhousia (Myrtaceaej', Journal of Essential Oil
Research 7: 237-254. Brud, W. and Gora, J. 1989, 'Biological activity of essential oils and its possible applications', Paper presented at 11th International Congress of
Essential Oils, Fragrances and Flavours, New Delhi. Bruneton, J. |
Michael T. Murray, N.D.
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 The old-time herbal treatment of asthma involves the use of ephedra in combination with herbal expectorants. Expectorants modify the quality and quantity of secretions from the respiratory tract, causing the user to spit up the secretions and ultimately improving respiratory tract function. Examples of commonly used expectorants include licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra), grindelia (Grindelia camporum), euphorbia (Euphorbia hirta), sundew (Drosera rotundifolia), and senega (Polygala senega).
Weight loss aid
Ephedra preparations may be useful as a weight loss aid. |
Linda B. White, M.D.
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 In many ways, herbal treatment is still self-treatment because many people don't have access to an herbal expert. But doctors, whether or not they know natural remedies, do know disease,- it's what they see day in and day out. Enlist their help in determining what you have, then go about researching the best way to heal it. Many medical doctors are becoming better informed about the effectiveness and safety of medicinal herbs, nutritional supplements, dietary changes, and other natural therapies.
TypES of Herbs
Herbalists have developed a set of categories to describe what herbs do. |
Michael Tierra
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| For in many cases, an herbal treatment will be gentler and more gradual in its action and it will rely primarily on allowing the body to heal itself by a slow, natural process. Using herbal therapy, the body will become stronger and the individual will take the time to learn something about the factors that led to the disease in the first place, thus giving the opportunity to prevent reoccurrence. The quick and powerful action of modern pharmaceuticals will bring superficial relief. Their primary action is to give temporary relief from the responsibility of taking proper care of one's health. |
Michael T. Murray, N.D., Joseph E. Pizzorno, N.D.
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 The comprehensive herbal treatment of cellulite involves both the oral and topical administration of botanical medicines that enhance connective tissue structures. As stated earlier, the breaking down or thinning of connective tissue structures is a major contributor to the development of cellulite.
Centella asiatica (Gotu kola)
An extract of centella containing seventy percent triterpenic acids (asiatic acid and asiati-coside) has demonstrated impressive clinical results when given orally in the treatment of cellulite and varicose veins. |
| Botanical Medicines
The best herbal treatment for boils is the topical application of tea tree oil. The tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) is a small tree native to only one area of the world: the northeast coastal region of New South Wales, Australia. Tea tree oil possesses significant antiseptic properties and is regarded by many as the ideal skin disinfectant. This claim is supported by its efficacy against a wide range of organisms and by its good penetration and lack of irritation to the skin. |
| Botanicals
The most popular historical herbal treatment of asthma involved the use of Ephedra sinica (Ma huang), in combination with herbal expectorants. Examples of commonly used expectorants include: Glycyrrhiza glabra (licorice), Grindelia camporum (grindelia), Euphorbia hirta (euphorbia), Drosera ro-tundifolia (sundew), and Polygala senega (senega). This approach appears to have considerable merit, as ephedra and its alkaloids have proven effective as bronchodilators for the treatment of mild to moderate asthma and hay fever.59,60 The peak bronchodilation system. |
Michael Tierra, L.Ac, O.M.D.
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 While they are included with much of what has been previously described in the Eight Principles, they represent another approach to arriving at an effective herbal treatment that may not be as obvious in any of the other systems. For instance, an individual who might be considered as deficient according to the Eight Principles might be seen more specifically as having qi or blood deficiency, according to Three Humors diagnosis. Conditions associated with qi, blood, or phlegm stagnation are better understood in the context of the Three Humors rather than of the Eight Principles. |
| Even when a patient's disease is correctly diagnosed and the proper herbal treatment is prescribed, the body of a patient eating contraindicated foods may not respond favorably or healing may generally progress too slowly. If, on the other hand, an herbalist specifically recommends foods with the correct energies and properties—however mild they may be, they can greatly assist the healing process. Thus, diet can either undermine or contribute to healing, depending on one's condition. Food can tonify and nourish yang, qi, yin, or blood, called the Four Treasures. |
| Possible dietary and herbal treatment: Reducing formulas and possibly laxatives.
• FIVE •
DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEMS hile Chinese herbal medicine classifies and uses herbs from
7 » neighboring as well as more distant countries, such as American ginseng (Panax quinquefolium) from the eastern seaboard of the North American continent, its traditional diagnostic systems are its greatest legacy. It is the classification and diagnostic systems of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for the use of herbs and substances from around the world that I call planetary herbalism. |
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