| The standardized extract of the gum oleoresin of boswellia is recommended by many herbalists. For rheumatoid arthritis (p. 158) or osteoarthritis (p. 130), boswellia can be taken in the amount of 150 mg 3 times per day.5 As an example, if an extract contains 37.5% boswellic acids, 400 mg of the extract would be taken 3 times per day. Treatment with boswellia generally lasts 8 to 12 weeks. Are There Any Side Effects or Interactions? Boswellia is generally safe when used as directed. Rare side effects can include diarrhea, skin rash, and nausea. |
| Some herbalists suggest mixing 200 to 300 mg of herbal extract or 4 ml of myrrh tincture with warm water and swishing it in the mouth 2 to 3 times per day. Are There Any Side Effects or Interactions? Refer to the individual herb for information about any side effects or interactions.
Checklist for Canker Sores (Mouth Ulcers)
Ranking
Nutritional Supplements
Herbs
Secondary
B-complex (p. 341) (B [p. 337] B. [p. 338] BJp.340]) Acidophilus (p. 325)
Aloe vera (p. 391) Licorice (DGL) (p. 440)
Other
Iron (p. 304)
Chamomile (p. 409) Echinacea (p. 417) Myrrh (p. |
| Topical aloe vera has facilitated wound healing in some controlled research.91 However, in one controlled trial, topical aloe vera gel was inferior to conventional management of surgical wounds.92
Australian Aboriginals used the leaves of tea tree to treat cuts and skin infections, crushing and applying them to the affected area. Modern herbalists recommend tea tree oil (p. 463) (at a strength of 70-100%) applied moderately in small areas at least twice per day to the affected areas of skin. |
Michael Tierra
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 MAKING AN HERBAL FORMULA
When using potent herbs, herbalists generally prefer using a mixture of several herbs according to a basic formula rather than using a single herb. This is because the single herb may have an effect that is too direct or too strong, or because a set of effects is desired that no single herb provides. One can think of the herbs as different colors. By mixing them together one can produce a tremendous variation in shades that aren't found in nature. The effects of the combination of herbs are different from the mere sum of the individual herbs going into the formulation. |
Mark Stengler, N.D.
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 A number of herbalists have suggested that people should avoid use of chamomile if you're allergic to plants in the ragweed family, but I haven't seen any clinical evidence to support this view.
The warning signs would be reactions like an outbreak of hives, difficult breathing, or digestive upset. Of course, you should stop taking chamomile if you have any of these reactions. But millions of people use chamomile each year, and I haven't seen any reports of these adverse reactions.
CHAMOMILE
Recommendations from the Natural Physician for ... |
Textbook of Natural Medicine 2nd Edition Volume 1Michael T. Murray, ND
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| The collectors of the herbs vary from uneducated natives to self-proclaimed "herbalists" to trained botanists.
The mode of harvesting varies from hand labor to very sophisticated equipment. The mode is not as important as the time of year. A plant should be harvested when the part of the plant being used contains the highest possible level of active compounds. Again, this is ensured by the use of analytical techniques.
Drying
After harvesting, most herbs have a moisture content of 60-80% and cannot be stored without drying. |
John Heinerman
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 Several licensed and practicing medical herbalists in London told me that "any lay person with some common sense could safely use it." But good judgment and care are definitely required!
Bring a pint of water to a boil; add 1/4 teaspoon finely chopped bryony root. Cover and let simmer on low heat for 7 minutes; set aside and steep for 20 minutes, then strain. Pour the liquid into another saucepan and reheat until warm but not very hot. Then add some sugar or honey and vanilla flavoring. Cover and steep for 10 minutes, then refrigerate. |
| However, in former times, this root juice was applied to the joints to relieve gout and rheumatism, but since then has fallen out of favor, even with herbalists.
Tincture Cures Shingles and Sciatica
A tincture of the buttercup root can be made for curing shingles very effectively and relieving the excruciating pain accompanying sciatica. Dig up two buttercup root bulbs and wash them under running water to remove any debris. Put on some plastic gloves and chop both roots coarsely with a sharp French knife. |
James A. Duke, Ph.D.
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 Put a lid on the jar and store it in a warm place for at least 3 days (some herbalists recommend 2 weeks).
To use the oil, first strain out the plant material, then place a few drops into the affected ear with an eyedropper. Repeat the treatments up to three times a day. Store any remaining oil away from light and heat for up to 3 months.
Incidentally, if you ever intend to treat a youngster with an oral herbal remedy—such as echinacea, for an ear infection—you need to adjust the dosage. |
Elson M. Haas, M.D.
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 Echinacea
Echinacea root, most often as the species Echinacea augustifolium (Kansas snake-root), has been a popular medicine with American herbalists for more than a century. They use it in the treatment of various infections, fevers, snake and insect bites, and many skin problems, such as acne, boils, abscesses, and ulcers. More recently, echinacea has become very popular with the American public, mostly for infections and to purify the blood and lymph. For treating skin problems, most natural practitioners feel that blood purification is important. |
Ruth Winter, M.S.
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 Used by herbalists to treat liver problems, constipation, and arthritis. CICLOPIROX OLAMINE • A germicide. See Pyridine. CIMICIFUGA RACEMOSA • Black Cohosh. Snakeroot. Bugbane. Black Snakeroot. Rattleroot. Used in astringents, perennial herb with a flower that is supposedly distasteful to insects. Grown from Canada to North Carolina and Kansas. It has a reputation for curing snakebites. It is used in ginger ale flavoring. A tonic and antispasmodic. No known toxicity. The root contains various glycosides (see) including estrogenic substances and tannins. |
John Heinerman
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| Fantastic Beauty Aid
European herbalists rave about the great cosmetic benefits to be derived from the use of chamomile. When the face is washed with the tea of the herb several times a week, it will show a healthier and softer glow. The same tea also makes a wonderful hair conditioner, especially for blond hair, making it more manageable and shinier.
To make a tea, simply bring 1 pint of water to a boil, then remove from heat and add 2 tsp. of dried flowers. Cover and let steep for 45 minutes. Strain and use when lukewarm to cool. |
Elson M. Haas, M.D.
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| Goldenseal
Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis) root has been a panacea and cure-all used by many herbalists and a very popular herb to the Native Americans. Its range of uses is probably as wide as that of any other herb. Goldenseal's active alkaloids, hydrastine and berberine, appear to have many body actions, and this bitter, tonifying herb is used as an antibacterial and antiparasitic, especially for giardia and amoebic infections, as well as other infections with yeast, worms, or other germs. |
John Heinerman
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| A unique charter drawn up by King Henry VIII a couple of centuries ago permits herbalists to practice their wonderful craft without interference from the regular medical profession.)
After one of the morning sessions had concluded, Dame Wiggins, Lord Kingsbury, their doctor and I went off in one corner and had a pleasant little conference of our own. This very prim and proper lady with the regal bearing, insisted that I "pay close attention" to what she wanted to tell me. So, I readily complied, always being eager to learn something new. |
Mark Stengler, N.D.
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| In traditional Chinese medicine, herbalists and Asian doctors prescribe astragalus to help prevent colds and upper respiratory tract infections. It's effective with people who are susceptible to asthma. It's also known as a remedy for poor appetite, weak digestion, and diabetes.
Practitioners of traditional Chinese medicine sometimes recommend astragalus for organ prolapse—that is, conditions like prolapsed uterus or hemorrhoids. In addition, it acts as a natural diuretic, helping to excrete excess fluids and relieve conditions such as edema. |
| North American herbalists and naturopathic doctors mainly use the roots for their medicinal properties, but the leaves and fruits are also used. A related species, common burdock (Arctium minus), can also be effective.
Burdock root contains many different constituents including inulin, phytos-terols, polyacetylenes, arctic acid, volatile acids, tannins, vitamin A, iron, calcium, sodium, and other minerals. It is said to be "cooling" in terms of its effect on body temperature.
Burdock is an excellent herb for skin disorders such as acne, eczema, psoriasis, and rashes. |
John Heinerman
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| Bryony roots were once carved several centuries ago into human form and often used as shop signs by English herbalists.
The root holds considerable medicinal value, but in large amounts can be poisonous! Externally, it is a dirty yellow color, resembling in some ways a parsnip. But it has a horrendous taste and, in former times, when employed as a powerful purgative, could, quite literally, make a person vomit.
Careful Treatment for Whooping Cough and Cardiac Disorders
Bryony is great for a couple of serious health problems, but requires common sense and some skill in using. |
Mark Stengler, N.D.
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| To get the aloe vera juice that is usually taken internally, herbalists remove the latex (which has a bitter taste) and dilute the gel with water. But there's also a product called aloe vera latex, aloe bitter latex, or drug aloe. This is derived from the rind—the lining just underneath the leaf surface—and it's bitter tasting. Bitter latex acts as a powerful laxative.
THE ROLES OF ALOE
Aloe grows in most of the warm, sunny climates of the world. As far back as 550 B.C., Egyptians were already using aloe to treat certain skin conditions, according to written sources. |
John Heinerman
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| And while herbalists like himself have recommended it for a wide variety of problems, ranging from osteomyelitis, ringworm, and bronchitis to gastritis, colitis, cystitis, prostatitis, lupus and Hodgkin's disease, he prefers to keep things simpler than this. Having had considerable experience with the herb tea himself, he has categorized its use this way: "Pau d'arco's chief purpose seems to be in the elimination of pain caused by almost any disease you can think of."
Boil one quart of water. Add two cups of crudely cut inner bark. Cover and simmer for 20 minutes. |
Mark Stengler, N.D.
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| Today, ginger is used by herbalists and physicians to treat colds, arthritis, digestive conditions, respiratory tract infections, headaches, motion sickness, and cardiovascular disease.
As with many herbs, ginger has many different active constituents. Dried ginger root contains between 1 and 4 percent volatile oils, which account for the strong taste and aroma. (The volatile oils include bisabolene, zingiberene, and zin-giberol.) Two of the pungent principles—gingerol and shogaol—are believed to be responsible for a lot of the medicinal effects. |
Michael Castleman
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 How-to: Most herbalists recommend using a tincture. Add one teaspoon to water, juice or a beverage tea. Use up to three times a day.
For a decoction, add two teaspoons of root material per cup of boiling water and simmer 15 minutes. Drink up to three cups a day.
When using commercial teas, follow package directions.
Shortly after ingestion, echinacea causes an odd numbing of the tongue that is temporary and harmless.
Ephedra
In addition to its decongestant value, Chinese ephedra has a long history of use in Asia as a coffeelike stimulant. |
| German herbalists once used chamomile so extensively, they called it alles zutraut, "capable of anything."
That's an exaggeration, but recent studies show that this popular beverage herb does indeed calm jangled nerves, relieve stomach distress, prevent ulcers and speed their healing and help fight infection by stimulating the immune system.
"Chamomile tea is an excellent home remedy for indigestion, heartburn and infant colic," says Dr. Duke. "It also has mild relaxant and sedative properties. |
| Chinese, Greek, Roman and Arab herbalists recommended it for wounds, burns, rashes and hemorrhoids. During the 1930s, radiologists discovered aloe vera's effectiveness in treating radiation burns. The latest scientific studies show that the herb has clear value in treating minor cuts, scrapes and burns.
How-to: "Keep a potted aloe in your kitchen, where most household burns occur," says Dr. Mowrey. "That way it's handy when you need it." Snip off a leaf, slit it open, scoop out the jelly-like material (gel) and apply it to the affected area. |
| Shaker woodworkers solved the problem by drilling peg holes into small wooden frames. The herbalists hammered powdered herbs into the holes and created the first pills. Like tinctures, herb tablets and capsules store easily and travel well.
Teas. Technically "hot-water extracts," there are three kinds of teas: beverage teas, infusions and decoctions. Beverage teas are typically steeped for a minute or two. Infusions are prepared like teas but are steeped for 10 to 20 minutes to extract more of the plant's healing constituents. |
| Frequently, aromatherapists' use of aromatic oils parallels herbalists' use of the flowers, stems, leaves and roots of the same plants. Valerian root, for example, is a well-known herbal sedative that's also recommended for stress management. At least one study shows that valerian oil reduces blood pressure and relieves stress. Aromatherapists often recommend it to relieve anxiety. And although many of aromatherapy's benefits come through the sense of smell, aromatherapists also advise topical applications of many essential oils because of the oils' healing benefits. |
| Some misinformed herbalists recommend this gorgeous South American flower as an aphrodisiac. Sorry, but the name has nothing to do with sexual passion,- it's a reference to the Passion of the Crucifixion. Passionflower has been used as a tran-quilizer/sedative by South Americans for centuries and was adopted by U.S. physicians in the 1830s. Passionflower contains potent tran-quilizing chemicals (maltol, ethyl-maltol and flavonoids). In Europe, it's an ingredient in many herbal sedatives.
When using commercial preparations, follow package directions. |
Rebecca Wood
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 It is not, according to herbalists, to be used for infants at any time. Spearmint, on the other hand, is a common remedy for feverish childhood illnesses as well as for hiccups, indigestion, and flatulence. Both peppermint and spearmint are tridoshic, though they are considered especially calming to pitta.
Use Mint's menthol is too intense an aroma and taste to go with subtly flavored savory dishes. But it's a great addition to tea, sugary foods, chocolate, and candy. Mint jelly or sauce is a traditional accompaniment to lamb. |
Earl L. Mindell, R.Ph., Ph.D.
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 Echinacea
Taken at the first sign of a cold or flu, echinacea will help boost the immune system. Many herbalists like to combine echinacea with goldenseal and astragalus.
Chinese Herbs
The Chinese have dozens of tried and true herbal remedies called "patent medicines" that they have used for thousands of years. These are just starting to catch on in the United States. They are available at many health food stores and herb shops. There are two that work
SHOULD YOU GET A FLU SHOT?
Every fall Americans are put through the annual flu season vaccination ritual. |
Elson M. Haas, M.D.
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| Watercress is particularly high in vitamin A and calcium and also contains vitamin C, potassium, iron, magnesium, and traces of nearly all the B vitamins. Many herbalists claim that watercress is a good blood purifier.
Stems
Asparagus Celery
Leeks Rhubarb
The stem category is basically what is left after the roots, leaves, and flowers. Leeks are probably more similar to the bulb or root group, while asparagus is in a world of its own. Most of these plants are low in calories and very good in fiber content.
Asparagus. |
| The Indians of the Americas and other herbalists have used sunflower seeds as a diuretic, for constipation, chest pain, or ulcers, to treat worms, and to improve eyesight. More recentiy, lohn Douglas, M.D., was quoted in Food and Nutrition (Rodale Press, 1983) as praising the medicinal powers of sunflower seeds. He recommends them to many patients with high blood pressure or cardiovascular problems and occasionally to help reduce allergic reactions, all with good success. |
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