Herbalism

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The AIDS War: Propaganda, Profiteering and Genocide from the Medical-Industrial Complex John Lauritsen See book keywords and concepts

Alternative therapies Since becoming an AIDS dissident, I have had much exposure to alternative or holistic medicine, including homeopathy, chiropractic, herbalism, acupuncture, herbology, meditation and relaxation techniques, and diets and food supplements of every kind. For this book it would be inappropriate for me to comment on any of these in detail, so I'll confine myself to a few general comments. The alternative health world is quite heterogeneous. It includes fine, dedicated people, who have a real grasp of what it means to be healthy. It includes charlatans and opportunists.

Get Healthy Now with Gary Null: A Complete Guide to Prevention, Treatment and Healthy living Gary Null See book keywords and concepts

This is part of a trend now," Hadady explains, "a very important trend in herbalism, of using Asian herbs manufactured with American standards. Digestive Harmony can be ordered from Oakland, California. It will ease the underlying troubles related to heart disease. Remember depression is in part a heart problem, Hadady says. The heart is not just a digestive center, but is for our emotions. Depression is rightly associated with heart disease since it affects the heartbeat. When we are not happy and our emotions are not smooth, then we feel it in the heart.

Most humans in the modern world have lost the ancient talent for "intuitive herbalism" that ancient cultures recognized, and that animals still possess. Dogs and cats will nibble certain grasses when they feel ill. More startling is an observation of African chimpanzees recorded in the International Herald Tribune in 1986, showing that sick chimps methodically seek out the leaves from a bush called Aspilia, keep them in their mouths for about 15 seconds, and then swallow them whole. Analysis showed that the Aspilia leaves contain a powerful antibiotic chemical.

Shennong, of around 2700 B.C. herbalism was not limited to the East. It reached a peak in England in 1653, when Nicholas Culpeper published his Complete Herbal, the first and greatest herbal work in the English language. Yet, soon after that time, the pendulum swung away from the use of herbs, which had become inextricably tangled with magic, myth, and astrology.

The Natural Pharmacy: Complete Home Reference to Natural Medicine Schuyler W. Lininger, Jr. DC See book keywords and concepts

Historical or Traditional Use Traditionally, in European and American herbalism, barberry was used to treat a large number of conditions, particularly infections and stomach problems.1 It has also been used internally to treat skin conditions. Active Constituents The alkaloid berberine receives the most research and widest acclaim as the active component of barberry and its relatives. Berberine is also a key constituent of goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis) (p. 429). Berberine and its cousins (such as oxyacan-thine) are antibacterial2 and also kill amoeba in test tubes.

Numerous herbs known variously as cholagogues and choleretics have a reputation for helping prevent gallstones in traditional herbalism. Cholagogues are herbs that stimulate the gall bladder to contract, while choleretics stimulate the liver to secrete more bile. Both of these actions could potentially help reduce the risk of developing gallstones. No modern studies have been done to test these hypotheses. Artichoke (p. 393), turmeric (p. 465), fumitory (Fumaria officinalis), fringe tree (Chionanthus virginicus), greater celandine (Chelidonium majus), dandelion (p. 415) root, barberry (p.

The New Holistic Health Handbook: Living Well in a New Age Berkeley Holistic Health Center and Shepherd Bliss See book keywords and concepts

In North America, the Native Americans practiced a unique brand of herbalism. When intermingled with western European herbal lore, this gave birth to a homegrown, eclectic naturopathy in the nineteenth century, only to be superceded by modern medicine with its reliance on chemical drugs and sophisticated surgical methods. Fortunately, the self-help and holistic health movements of the past few years have rekindled interest in the gentler, more natural healing methods. Herbs as alternative medicine are once again becoming popular in America.

The Natural Pharmacy: Complete Home Reference to Natural Medicine Schuyler W. Lininger, Jr. DC See book keywords and concepts

It has long played a role in European herbalism and popular folklore. Sprigs of rosemary were considered a love charm, a sign of remembrance, and a way to ward off the plague. Rosemary was used for headaches and topically for baldness in ancient China.2 Active Constituents A number of constituents have shown activity in the test tube. The volatile oil, including eucalyptol (cine-ole), is considered to have potent antibacterial effects3 and to relax smooth muscles in the lungs.4 Rosmarinic acid has antioxidant (p. 267) activity.

The New Holistic Health Handbook: Living Well in a New Age Berkeley Holistic Health Center and Shepherd Bliss See book keywords and concepts

The old herbalism was largely a trial-and-error affair. Different cultures used locally available herbs to deal with a multiplicity of physical and spiritual ills. These therapeutic "secrets" were passed on from generation to generation, interwoven with religious practices and ritual mores. Bodies of herbal medicinal knowledge developed in pockets around the planet, exhibiting a remarkable cross-cultural validity—many of the same plants were used for similar purposes in a wide variety of cultures.

The Encyclopedia of Psychoactive Plants: Ethnopharmacology and Its Applications Christian Ratsch See book keywords and concepts

Brunfels produced an important work on herbalism, Contrafayt Kreuterbuch, in 1532. (Contemporary woodcut) 63 On the Putumayo (Colombia), this name is also used to refer to the fever tree {Stephanopodium peruvianum Poeppig et Kndlicher; Dichapetalaceae) (Schultes 1983a, 262*). 64 Possibly a synonym for Brunfelsia paucifloravax. calycina (Benth.) J.A. Schmidt (Roth et al. 1994, 174*). 65 The common garden plant Brunfelsia uniflora (Pohl) D. Don is very easily confused with the very similar Brunfelsia australis Benth. (Plowman 1977, 290).

In Japanese kampo medicine, which is based on Chinese herbalism, the roots of the species Aconitum carmichaelii are known as bushi and are used for weak digestion (cf. Murayama and Hikino 1984). Pharmacological investigations have determined that the so-called aconitans A, B, C, and D have hypoglycemic effects, i.e., they lower blood sugar levels (Hikino et al. 1989,1983). Psychoactive Products Aconite (Aconitum napellus) is said to have been an important ingredient in witches' ointments. The Asian species Aconitum carmichaelii is used in traditional Chinese medicine.

David Frawley and Vasant Lad The Yoga of Herbs (2001,161) Ashwagandha has a significance in Ayurvedic medicine that is similar to that of ginseng (Panax ginseng) in Chinese herbalism. Ashwagandha is regarded as a "rejuvenative herb"; "sattvic in quality, it is one of the best herbs for the mind upon which it is nurturing and clarifying. It is calming and promotes deep, dreamless sleep" (Frawley and Lad 2001, 161). Constituents The plant contains steroid lactones, somniferin, withaferin A, and various steroids (Al-Hindawi et al. 1989, 167). The root contains approximately 2.

The Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants Andrew Chevallier See book keywords and concepts

Once conventional medicine established its monopoly of practice — in most European countries by the end of the 19th century — it became (and in many cases remains) illegal to practice herbalism without medical certification. In Greece, traditional herbalists, known as komboyannites, were persecuted, and the word itself became an insult meaning "trickster" or "quack." In France and Italy, experienced traditional herbalists were imprisoned for providing treatment to their patients.

Today, herbalism is increasingly popular in Europe, and in some countries it is widely practiced by orthodox medical practitioners as well as by qualified herbalists. Each of the world's major herbal traditions has developed its own framework for making sense of illness. In Europe, the model for understanding and explaining illness was the "theory of the four humors," which persisted well into the 17th century. It was laid down by Galen (ad 131—201), physician to the Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius.

Other native Australian plants are now used in Australian herbalism because of their medicinal use elsewhere, for example gotu kola (Centella asiatica, p. 74) and visnaga (Ammi visnaga, p. 59), which have a long n. cj o i tvnLin Red river gum (Eucalyptus camaldulensis) has aromatic, astringent leaves. Wlxen it is taken internally, generally to treat diarrhea, it turns the saliva red. history of medicinal use in India and the Middle East. Early British settlers imported European medicinal plants, such as vervain (Verbena officinalis, p. 147), hawthorn (Crataegus spp., p.

Some Canadian colleges offer diplomas in herbalism. Herbs are viewed primarily as a source of new phamacologically active chemicals rather than as medicines in their own right. The wild yam (Dioscorea villosa, p. 89) is a good example. The plant was used medicinally in Mexico from the time of the Aztecs as a treatment for rheumatic complaints and as an analgesic. In 1942, researchers discovered that it contains a steroid, diosgenin, that mimics the effect of progesterone — one of the female sex hormones — in the body.

The One Earth Herbal Sourcebook: Everything You Need to Know About Chinese, Western, and Ayurvedic Herbal Treatments Alan Keith Tillotson, Ph.D., A.H.G., D.Ay. See book keywords and concepts

Fast symptomatic cures are an important part of herbalism. Research Highlights • In a study of rats with chemically induced gastric ulcers, hot water extract of black tea significantly reduced gastric lining erosion (ulcer formation). The results suggested that the tea helped preserve the cellular antioxidant glutathione peroxidase (Maity etal., 1998). • Both green and black tea show the ability to prevent various kinds of bacterial infections (Chosa et al., 1992), and in one study, green tea inhibited the growth of various bacteria species that cause diarrhea (Toda et al., 1989).

The Natural Pharmacy: Complete Home Reference to Natural Medicine Schuyler W. Lininger, Jr. DC See book keywords and concepts

Chinese herbalism by Shen Nong.1 Ephedra's traditional medicinal uses include the alleviation of sweating, lung and bronchial constriction, and water retention. Coughing, shortness of breath, the common cold, and fevers without sweat are all indications for its use. While the active constituent, ephedrine, was isolated in 1887, the herb did not become popular with U.S. physicians until 1924 for its bronchodilat-ing and decongesting properties.2 Active Constituents Ephedra's main active medicinal ingredients are the alkaloids ephedrine and pseudoephedrine.

Textbook of Natural Medicine 2nd Edition Volume 1 Michael T. Murray, ND See book keywords and concepts

Aust J Med herbalism 1993; 5: 63-65 CHAPTER CONTENTS General description 1025 Chemical composition 1025 History and folk use 1026 Pharmacology 1026 Clinical applications 1028 Dosage 1029 Toxicology 1029 Zingiber officinale (ginger) Michael T. Murray, ND Joseph E. Pizzorno Jr, ND Zingiber officinale (family: Zingiberaceae) Common name: ginger GENERAL DESCRIPTION Ginger is an erect perennial herb with thick tuberous rhizomes (underground stems) from which the aerial stem grows to a height of 2-4 feet. Grass-like alternate leaves, 6-12 inches long and 0.

Bartram's Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine: The Definitive Guide Thomas Bartram See book keywords and concepts

Before days of modern medicine herbalism was the only method of assistance. Although the modern hospital has taken over the management of the case, powerful plant parturients are still available for the enlightened physician. Raspberry leaf tea (iron absorption) should be taken the last 3 months of pregnancy (1 oz to 1 pint boiling water; infuse 15 minutes; all drunk at intervals during the day). Taken hot at expectation of delivery the tea favourably assists. For last month of pregnancy to ensure easy delivery Blue Cohosh should also be taken: (Helonias or Pulsatilla in its absence).

One of the most powerful and reliable blood tonics of herbalism. Antibiotic action of the root against staphylococcus. Adaptogen, alterative, anti-fungal, hepatic, lymphatic, diaphoretic, diuretic, laxative, hypoglycaemic, orexigenic. bitter. Anti-tumour activity reported (Farnsworth, Kiangsu-429) Uses. Arthritis, gout, rheumatism, boils, styes, seborrhoea, cystitis, anaemia, anorexia nervosa. To lower blood sugar. Skin diseases - especially psoriasis, acne, eczema. To reduce cholesterol level. Measles (Chinese traditional). Combination I. Dandelion 2; Burdock root 1; (rheumatism).

Pioneer in the introduction of American herbalism into Britain at the turn of the 20th century. ENTERITIS. See: GASTRO-ENTERITIS. ENURESIS. Bed-wetting. Unconscious persistent discharge of urine in bed by children over three years. Possible hereditary tendency. Some cases psychological in origin: lack of security, marital disharmony, etc. Adenoids or worms sometimes responsible. Occurs mostly in boys where foreskin is too tight. Circumcism may be necessary. Parents should not scold but reserve extra affection and attention to patient. Treatment. No drinks at night. Empty bladder at bedtime.

Little used in present-day UK herbalism. Stomach cramp (China). Recovery after hysterectomy. Combines well with Lemon Balm for depression. Preparations. Tea. 1 teaspoon dried (2 teaspoons fresh) herb to each cup boiling water. Infuse 10 minutes. Dose: One-third-1 cup thrice daily. Salads: addition of 2-3 fresh leaves as a nerve sustainer. External. Basil oil protects against some types of fungus. Fresh juice - lotion for warts, stings. No longer used in Aromatherapy, or in pregnancy. BASTYR COLLEGE OF NATUROPATHIC MEDICINE.

Chinese herbalism now has an appeal to general practitioners looking for alternative and traditional therapies for various diseases where conventional treatment has proved to be ineffective. See entry: BAREFOOT DOCTOR'S MANUAL. Address. Hu Shilin, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China. CHIRETTA. Chirata. Swertia chirata, Buch. German: Driesenenzian. French: Swertie. Italian: Swertia. Indian: Chirata. Entire plant. Constituents: xanthone derivatives, iridoids, alkaloids, flavones.

REPPED: IS IT NOT AMAZING, after 200 years denigration and ridicule, that herbalism is stronger than ever? At a time of unprecedented demand for natural medicines there would appear to be a need for a comprehensive A to Z compendium of diseases and their treatment. Today, clinical effects of natural medicines are convincingly demonstrated. These were the remedies used by Pythagorus, Galen and Hippocrates. Their use today has been built upon the experience of centuries. Their data has often been confirmed at the cost of human lives - a point often overlooked by research workers.

The Green Pharmacy Anti-Aging Prescriptions: Herbs, Foods, and Natural Formulas to Keep You Young James A. Duke, Ph.D. See book keywords and concepts

Eventually, the herb was adopted into American herbalism. Oddly, passionflower contains both tranquilizing compounds and Dr. Duke's ¦txir Cataract-Combating Tonic Since I don't have a bearing bilberry bush, I use blueberries in this recipe, which supplies an abundance of eye-friendly anthocyanosides. WHAT you need 1 cup blueberries 1 handful catnip 1 handful rosemary 1 handful lemon balm 2 cups water 1 nib fresh ginger Dash or two of turmeric WHAT to do In a blender, combine the blueberries to a drinkable consistency. Set aside.

The New Holistic Health Handbook: Living Well in a New Age Berkeley Holistic Health Center and Shepherd Bliss See book keywords and concepts

The New herbalism represents a renaissance in natural healing—a breath of fresh air amidst the chaos of modern civilization. Chinese Medicinal Herbs Today in China, herbal preparations and acupuncture are well integrated into the mainstream of established medical practice. Such integration doesn't happen overnight, so it's no wonder that the earliest treatise on medicinal herbs was written in China 5,000 years ago. The most famous of Chinese herbs are ginseng, ma huang, and ginger.

Staying Healthy with Nutrition: The Complete Guide to Diet and Nutritional Medicine Elson M. Haas, M.D. See book keywords and concepts

These include herbalism, homeopathy, acupuncture, and chiropractic, to name a few. Avoid habitual drug use, such as consumption of caffeine in coffee, tea, or colas and regular sugar use. Minimize use of recreational drugs, such as cocaine, sedatives, alcohol, and marijuana. They all have negative effects, especially in the long term. Avoid cosmetics with warnings of certain dangerous ingredients, such as antiperspirant sprays containing aluminum. Also, if you believe in animal rights, avoid using products from companies who conduct experimental testing on animals.

The Green Pharmacy: New Discoveries in Herbal Remedies for Common Diseases and Conditions from the World's Foremost Authority on Healing Herbs James A. Duke, Ph.D. See book keywords and concepts

Aloe Aloe, which is easily grown indoors on a windowsill, has been used medicinally since biblical times. herbalism was at a low ebb), no one sent the panels enough studies to convince them. And why should they? The herbal believers are already convinced, and there's no economic incentive for drug companies to get aloe approved when anyone can grow it and the companies can't make any money on it. V Echinacea (Echinacea, various species). Most people familiar with herbs know that echinacea (also known as coneflower) stimulates immune responses.

Textbook of Natural Medicine 2nd Edition Volume 1 Michael T. Murray, ND See book keywords and concepts

The scientific investigation of plant medicines is replacing some of the mystery and romance of herbalism with a greater understanding of the ways in which herbs work. Those herbal traditions willing to learn are being improved by modern scientific research and technology. Improvements in plant cultivation techniques and the quality of herbal extracts (quality control and standardization) have led to the development of some very effective plant medicines.

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