Phyllis A. Balch, CNC
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 Ancient herbalists relied on dandelion greens as a liver tonic to treat liver maladies. Modern research has shown that due to their choline content, dandelion greens stimulate production of bile, enabling the liver to do its job more efficiently. They also cleanse the gallbladder. Dandelion greens seem to have a general tonic effect on the body. The parts generally eaten are the leaves and tender stems. The blossoms and roots are also edible. |
Heather Boon, BScPhm, PhD and Michael Smith, BPharm, MRPharmS, ND
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 It has been argued that it is largely the favorite simply because of familiarity — it is native to North America and knowledge about this species has been handed down through generations of herbalists and Native healers. However, E. angustifolia is largely still harvested from wild sources, which raises concerns about both the sustain-ability and quality of the supply. Limited efforts are currently underway to cultivate E. angustifolia for medicinal purposes.
In contrast, Echinacea purpurea is the only species currently commercially cultivated. |
Phyllis A. Balch, CNC
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| Chinese herbalists have long considered mushrooms to be the most beneficial of all medicinal foods; however, the ordinary culinary mushrooms found at the supermarket are not as advantageous to the immune system as the more exotic reishi, maitake, or shiitake mushrooms. Modern research has determined that these mushrooms can support immune function. Extracts of these mushrooms can be purchased in capsule form.
Herbs for Immunity
Aloe vera has been found to "turn on" the immune system by activating macrophages. |
Dr. Michael Heinrich, Joanne Barnes, Simon Gibbons and Elizabeth M. Williamson
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 It must be remembered that herbalists use preparations and mixtures not necessarily intended to target a particular enzyme or biochemical system. The use of phytomedicines has been described as the 'herbal shotgun' approach, as opposed to the 'silver bullet' method of conventional medicine. This approach would not only encompass synergy in a herb, but include routine practices such as adding a laxative to a formula for haemorrhoids. |
Phyllis A. Balch, CNC
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| Ancient Chinese herbalists considered the reishi mushroom the most beneficial of all medicines and the emperors of Japan believed the reishi granted them immortality. Today, the Japanese government officially recognizes the reishi mushroom as a substance for treating cancer.
Reishi is only one of more than 38,000 varieties of mushrooms that flourish throughout the world. Some varieties are edible, others (often called toadstools) are highly toxic or even poisonous, and most grow in the wild. |
| American herbalists recommend turmeric for reducing the pain and inflammation of arthritis and preventing gallbladder disease. The active constituent in turmeric is curcumin, a strong antioxidant. Other substances in turmeric help remove toxic byproducts that may contribute to the formation of cancer cells. It soothes inflammation by reducing levels of histamine, a body chemical that is released as part of the immune response. Research raises hope that turmeric may help to prevent blood clots, reduce cholesterol levels, and, possibly, protect against gallbladder disease. |
Heather Boon, BScPhm, PhD and Michael Smith, BPharm, MRPharmS, ND
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| In the 19th century, herbalists used it for treating hysteria, epilepsy, convulsions, schizophrenia, and even rabies. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, Scutellaria baicalensis was used to treat fevers, colds, coughs, diarrhea and dysentery.4
Current Medicinal Use
Based on traditional evidence, scullcap is now primarily used to treat conditions of nervous tension and exhaustion, such as insomnia and anxiety.
Relevant Research
Preventative and Therapeutic Effects
CONSTITUENTS'257
Since there is a lack of information specifically relating to Scutellaria lateriflora L. |
| While herbalists use goldenseal for many conditions, it is considered especially useful in the management of infections and conditions of mucous membranes. Given its bright yellow color, it was also used commonly as a dye.1-2 The early Eclectic physicians continued to use goldenseal into the beginning of the 20th century. Goldenseal is now mentioned in most of the world's herbal pharmacopoeias. |
| This appears to confirm the distinction between leaf and root noted by herbalists.2 Also noted was that a 4% aqueous leaf extract (8 mL/kg) given for thirty days resulted in a marked weight loss.14 In a more recent in vivo trial, no real diuretic effect was noted when an extract of Taraxacum officinale was administered to female wistar rats. Although no specifics were given regarding dose, the dandelion root was used in the preparation of the extract. Even though the diuretic action of dandelion has been shown in animal studies, the exact mechanism is as yet unknown. |
| Current Medicinal Use
Modern day herbalists consider alfalfa to be a good general tonic, due largely to its reputation as an excellent source of vitamins, minerals and protein. While more research is needed, alfalfa may be effective in reducing high cholesterol levels. Evidence from traditional use suggests that alfalfa may also be helpful in managing menopause and menstrual discomfort.
Relevant Research
Preventative and Therapeutic Effects
CONSTITUENTS48
þ amino acids: canavanine.
þ saponins with the aglycone medicagenic acid.
þ isoflavone flavonoids: genistein, daidzein, formononetin. |
| The effect of this approach to the synergy that is reputed by herbalists to exist between components has yet to be clarified.
In order to assure quality, some preparations may be standardized to a 'marker' component guaranteeing that the correct plant was harvested and used. This 'marker' agent need not necessarily be the active constituent.
Dosage Considerations Botanical medicine is not practiced in a homogenous manner. Different groups follow distinct philosophies that favor specific dosage systems. |
Sharol Tilgner, N.D.
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 What should be used for echinacea? Most herbalists use 45 - 50% alcohol for an herb like echinacea, and this appears clinically to be very effective.
When making fresh plant extracts, it is usually necessary to use 190 proof or 95% alcohol, so the directions will be for 95%. If making dry plant extracts above 45%, there are few alcohols available other than the 190 proof alcohol that can be used. When calculating for an extract, most herbalists use 100% rather than 95% because the calculations are easier mathematically and the final product is unaffected. |
Dr. Michael Heinrich, Joanne Barnes, Simon Gibbons and Elizabeth M. Williamson
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| Chronic fatigue syndrome. Herbalists' prescriptions
A first consultation with a herbalist may last for an hour or more, during which the herbalist will explore the detailed history of the illness. Generally, a combination
Table 12. |
Phyllis A. Balch, CNC
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| It has an overall tonic effect. Some herbalists recommend it to lower blood pressure.
Because it is similar to parsley, chervil can be used with almost any dish, either as a garnish or as a flavoring. Use in combination with other herbs to bring out the flavor.
Key nutrients in chervil include calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, zinc, manganese, vitamin C, vitamin A, vitamin B6, vitamin E, vitamin Bj (thiamine), vitamin B2 (riboflavin), vitamin B3 (niacin), folate, and fiber.
Chives
Chives have a flavor that is mild and onionlike. |
Christian Ratsch
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 This is based on the assumption that the herbalists of ancient Greece were as intelligent and resourceful as the herbalists of pre-Conquest Mexico. (Wasson et al. 1998,44)
The cosmopolitan Cyprus grasses (Cyperus spp.) are often infected with the fungus Balansia cyperi, which produces psychoactive alkaloids as metabolites. (Woodcut from Gerard, The Herball or General History of Plants, 1633)
362 According to Zander (1994,420*), the grass is originally from North America and became naturalized in the Mediterranean region only after the conquest of the New World! |
C. P. Khare
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 Use in Western herbal
Varuna has attracted the attention of Western herbalists after the publication of a monograph by CCRAS during 1987.
Now Varuna is used in the prevention and treatment of kidney stones. It is given to people who are prone to develop kidney stones, and for reducing the tendency to stone formation. It is also prescribed for the people who already have small stones. j
CROCUS
Crocus sativus Linn.
Figure 1 Crocus sativus [ZANDU] Habitat
Cultivated in Kashmir up to 2000 m and in Chaub-hattia in Uttar Pradesh. |
| Many herbalists give 4 capsules of senna, 3 capsules of cinnamon with a glass of milk. Senna is often combined with psyllium.
In the West, senna capsules (300 mg) and more than 15 variants of compounds tablets are sold over-the-counter. Tincture is also available.
In homoeopathy, the tincture of Alexandrian senna is given in constipation with colic and flatulence; also to treat enlarged liver.
Caution
Contraindicated during pregnancy and while nursing. |
| When used externally on wounds or burns, as is being advised by some herbalists, may cause severe dermatitis in sensitive persons.
Cassia fistula Linn.
Figure 1 Cassia fistula [ADPS]
Habitat
Found both wild and cultivated throughout India. Classical & common names
Ayurvedic: Aaragvadha, Chaturaangula, Kritama-ala, Kritamaalaka, Karnikaara, Sampaaka, Praag-raha, Raajvrksha (Charaka, Sushuta); Nripapaa-dapa, Raajadruma, Vyaadhighaataka. Unani: Amaltaas; Khiyaar-shambar (Arabic). English: Purging Cassia.
Parts used
Fruit (pod) pulp.
Dose
5-10 g. |
| Garlic is one herb that is recommended for everything from tuberculosis to cancer, but Tyler has rightly advised herbalists to utilize the herb for its hypocholesterolaemic, hypotensive and vasodila-tory properties, in addition to its traditional application in cough, cold, flu, dyspepsia and digestive disorders.
Use in Western herbal
German Commission E monograph recognized the herb's efficacy in the following areas:
> Atherosclerosis
» Elevated levels of lipids in blood ft Common cold
> Cough/bronchitis. |
| The herbalists of Europe have long used the herb as a tonic for anxiety, tension, insomnia, depression; for menopause hot flushes, night sweats, depression, irritability, lack of concentration, and fatigue. The herb is also being used for intestinal colic, irritable bowel, dysmenorrhoea and as a antispasmodic.
The red oil of St. John's Wort is used externally as an antiseptic and tissue healer for wounds and burns and to relieve cramp and nerve pain.
The oil is also given, under medical supervision, internally for gastric inflammation and peptic ulcers, and oesophagitis. |
Dianne Onstad
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 Note: herbalists and doctors say it is best to stay clear of catnip if you are pregnant or plan on being pregnant in the near future.
Cayenne
(Capsicum annuum, C. minimum)
The word capsicum arrived on the scene in 1700 undet the auspices of Joseph Pitton de Tournefort, eatly plant taxon-omist and plant huntet for the spectaculat gardens of Louis XIV. It most likely derives either from the Latin capsa, meaning "box," fot the hollow, boxlike shape of the fruit, or from the Gteek kapto, meaning "to bite," fot the pepper's actid, tongue-seating pungency. |
| Note: This herb is not recommended during pregnancy, as some herbalists considet it too telaxing to the uterus. Also, some people with hay fever who are sensitive to ragweed, astets, ot related plants may be sensitive to chamomile.
Chervil
(Anthriscus cerefolium) Also Known As: Skirret
Anthriscus derives from the Greek anthriskos, probably referring to an anther or beard of grain. Cerefolium means "wax-leaved." The English name chervil comes from a Greek word meaning "cheer leaf" or "leaf of rejoicing. |
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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 This herbal preparation should be swished slowly in the mouth before spitting out. To prevent recurrences, slightly less of the mixture can be used less frequently.
A toothpaste containing sage oil, peppermint oil, chamomile tincture, expressed juice from Echinacea purpurea, myrrh tincture, and rhatany tincture has been used to accompany this mouthwash in managing gingivitis.27
Of the many herbs listed above, chamomile, echinacea, and myrrh should be priorities. These three herbs can provide anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial actions critical to successfully treating gingivitis. |
Dianne Onstad
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| The plant got its name from Tudor herbalists who translated the German Guter Heinrich (good Henry), which was used to distinguish it from Boser Heinrich (bad Henry), a poisonous plant (Mercurialis perennis) that it resembles. Delighted with the title "good Henry," these hetbalists decided that a little royal flattery might not be a bad thing.
General Information
Once widely cultivated in European and American gardens, this British native is now rarely seen. |
Mark Blumenthal
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 Access: National herbalists Association of Australia.
September 2000;22:1. Tunon H. Phtyotherapie in Schweden. Z Phytother 1999;20:268-77. United States Congress (USC). Public Law 103-417: Dietary Supplement Health and
Education Act of 1994. Washington, DC: 103rd Congress of the United States.
1994.
United States Pharmacopeia (USP 25th Revision) - The National Formulary (NF 20th Edition). Rockville, MD: United States Pharmacopeial Convention, Inc. 1999;2509-10.
Upton R (ed.). St. John's Wort: Hypericum perforatum. HerbalGram 1997
Jul;40:(suppl.)l-32. USC. See: United States Congress. |
Dianne Onstad
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| Other herbalists developed aphrodisiac concoctions from coriander with lust in mind, for they believed that it aroused passion, a rumor that may have been started by the Arabian fantasy, The Thousand and One Nights, in which coriander was referred to as an aphrodisiac. its longevity. Select bunches that look fresh and bright. Cilantro quickly loses its flavor and develops a harsh, unpleasant taste; the leaves rapidly deteriorate, so use it soon after purchase.
Culinary Uses
Coriander seeds have a distinctive, sweetly aromatic flavor and spicy scent when crushed. |
Josef A. Brinckmann and Michael P. Lindenmaier
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 Exemption for medical herbalists to dispense up to 250 mg per dose, 750 mg daily. U.S.: Dietary supplement or homeopathic medicine. Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) natural flavoring substance for use in beverages only; not more than 83 ppm total cinchona alkaloids in finished beverage (§172.510).
Authentication: Macroscopic and microscopic, according to Ph. Eur. The powdered drug shows characteristic, thick-walled and yellow, spindle-shaped phloem fibers, which are 600—1300 pm long with distinctly striated and pitted cell walls (Figs. 4 and 5).
Fig. |
C. P. Khare
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| Contemporary herbalists recommend celery as a diuretic, tranquilliser, sedative, menstruation promoter and as a treatment for gout, arthritis, lack of appetite and obesity (water weight lost using diuretics invariably returns).
The seeds are prescribed for helping kidneys dispose off urates and other unwanted waste products, as well as for reducing acidity, detoxifying the body and for improving blood circulation to muscles and joints.
As a cleansing drink, one cup of organic carrot and celery juice is given daily. Fresh stalks are given to stimulate milk flow after childbirth. |
Dr. Cass Ingram
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 Historically, herbalists have relied upon sage for diarrhea as well as intestinal parasites.
If the nervous system is out of balance, sage is perhaps the ideal tonic. It exerts tremendous calming action upon the nerves. herbalists currently rely upon it for anxiety, nervousness, agitation. They even massage it into the skin to relieve muscle tension and pain. Furthermore, it is used for reversing depression and apathy, because of its ability to boost mood and stimulate the mind. Sage is an invaluable mind activator.
Sage is especially valuable as a hormone tonic. |
Dianne Onstad
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| Among herbalists, fennel is viewed in several ways: as an intestinal antispasmodic, for relieving intestinal spasms or cramps; as a carminative, for relieving or expelling gas; as a stomachic, for toning and strengthening the stomach; and as an anodyne, for relieving or soothing pain. Fennel also contains substances known as phytoestrogens, weak plant estrogens, which make it useful in treating many female complaints, especially menopause. |
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