| If you are pregnant or nursing, or if you have a chronic illness and or are taking any medication, do not take medicinal herbs without consulting your physician.
þ If you consult an herbal practitioner, follow that person's instructions, and promptly report any unusual symptoms to them or to your doctor. example is ginseng. Many studies show that ginsenosides, the medicinal compounds in ginseng, help defend the body against the harmful effects of stress, enhance mental sharpness, and improve physical stamina. Siberian ginseng and astragalus are two other tonic herbs. |
the Editors of PREVENTION
See book keywords and concepts |  And when those plants are certain medicinal herbs, they can actually lower your cholesterol levels.
Thus, you get the most out of herbal remedies when you use them in tandem with good, healthy, cholesterol-lowering food choices. That advice holds true even with conventional cholesterol-lowering pharmaceutical drugs such as symvastatin (Zocor) or pravastatin (Pravachol). "It all comes down to diet," says George Milowe, M.D., a holistic physician in Saratoga Springs, New York. | | Try to drink at least three or four
Adventures in Herbalism
Cure of the Countess
The European explorers, soldiers, and missionaries who "discovered" the New World in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries also "discovered" a host of medicinal herbs long used by native healers there. Among these was the bark of a Peruvian tree called cinchona, which proved to be a miracle cure for what was then one of the world's most deadly diseases: malaria.
Cinchona was named for a Spanish countess, Anna del Cinchon, who was said to have been cured of a life-threatening fever with the bark. |
Linda B. White, M.D.
See book keywords and concepts |  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. While you won't see these terms very often in this book, they tend to crop up in health publications, advertisements, and manufacturers' literature as well as on herb product labels. These categories are sometimes called action-types. |
Michael T. Murray, N.D.
See book keywords and concepts |  Duke JA: CRC Handbook of medicinal herbs. CRC Press, Boca Raton, FL, 1985, pp. 470-473.
6. Bernarde A: A Pocket Book of Brazilian Herbs (Folklore—History—Uses). Shogun Editora, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, 1984, pp. 22-23.
7. Hartwell JL: Plants Used against Cancer. A Survey. Quarterman Publications, Lawrence, MA, 1982.
8. Morrison RK, et al: Oral toxicology studies with lapachol. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 17,1-11, 1970.
9. de Lima OG, et al.: Primeiras observacoes sobre a acao antimicrobiana do lapachol. Amis da Sociedade de Biologica de Pernambuco XIV, 129-135,1956.
10. de Lima OG, et al. | | Duke JA: Handbook of medicinal herbs. CRC Press, Boca Raton, FL, 1985. pp. 43-44.
3. Zhu DPQ: Dong quai. Am J Chin Med 15,117-125,1987.
4. Duke JA and Avensu ES: Medicinal Plants of China. Reference Publications, Algonac, MI, 1985, pp. 74-77.
5. Opdyke DLJ: Angelica root oil. Food Cosmet Toxicol 13(Suppl.), 713-714,1975.
6. Grieve M: A Modern Herbal. Dover Publications, New York, 1971. pp. 35-40.
7. Lust J: The Herb Book. Bantam Books, New York, 1974. pp. 97-99.
8. Yoshiro K: The physiological actions of tang-kuei and cnidium. Bull Orient Healing Arts Inst USA 10, 269-278,1985.
9. | | At that time many Europeans believed that syphilis had come to Europe from the West Indies with Columbus's sailors; since there was a general belief that whatever disease was native to a country might be cured by the medicinal herbs growing in that region, it was only natural for sarsaparilla to become a popular remedy. Because at that time the standard treatment for syphilis involved the use of mercury, which often resulted in greater morbidity than did syphilis, sarsaparilla was a welcome alternative. |
the Editors of PREVENTION
See book keywords and concepts | | Most of the evidence for medicinal herbs is still empirical (the result of practical observation) rather than scientific (based on con-
Herbs in the Bible
It happens every Christmas. Some overcheered caroler insists on asking anyone who'll listen, "Just what were frankincense and myrrh, anyway?"
Well, you can tell the wag that they were—and are—medicinal plants. True, the Three Wise Men may have had the sweet-smelling incense properties of these gummy tree resins in mind when they took them as gifts to Bethlehem, but both were also used as antiseptics in biblical times. |
Michael T. Murray, N.D.
See book keywords and concepts | | Duke JA: Handbook of medicinal herbs. CRC Press, Boca Raton, FL, 1985.
7. Tyler V, Brady L, and Robbers J: Pharmacognosy, 8th Ed. Lea & Febiger, Philadelphia, 1981.
8. Boiteau P and Ratsimamanga AR: Asiaticoside extracted from Centella asiatica, its therapeutic uses in the healing of experimental or refractory wounds, leprosy, skin tuberculosis, and lupus. Therapie 11, 125-149,1956.
9. Boiteau P, Nigeon-Dureuil M, and Ratsimamanga AR: Action of asiaticoside on reticuloendothelial tissue. Acad Sci Compt Rend 232, 760-762,1951.
10. Monograph: Centella asiatica. Indena S.p.A. | | Duke JA: Handbook of medicinal herbs. CRC Press, Boca Raton, FL, 1985.
3. Gilman AG, Goodman AS, and Gilman A: The Pharmacologic Basis of Therapeutics. Macmillan, New York, 1980.
4. Hikino H, Konno C, Takata H, and Tamada M: Antiinflammatory principle of ephedra herbs. Chem Pharm Bull 28,2900-2904,1980.
5. Kasahara Y, et al: Antiinflammatory actions of ephedrines in acute inflammations. Planta Medica 54, 325-331,1985.
6. American Pharmaceutical Association: Handbook of Nonprescription Drugs, 8th Ed. American Pharmaceutical Association, Washington, DC, 1986.
7. | | Phytoestrogen effects
Plant estrogenic substances, or phytoestrogens, are components of many medicinal herbs historically used to treat conditions now treated with synthetic estrogens. Chinese and Japanese angelicas contain highly active phytoestrogens, although these compounds are much lower in activity than animal estrogens (1:400 as active). This helps to explain why angelica is used ito treat conditions characterized by both high and low estrogen levels. Phytoestrogens demonstrate an alterative effect by competing with estrogen for binding sites on cells. |
the Editors of PREVENTION
See book keywords and concepts | | Institute of Medical Herbalism in Calistoga, California. medicinal herbs can complement
Stevia: Sweeter Than Sugar virtually no calories and no effect on blood sugar levels, stevia is a safe herbal alternative to sugar or artificial sweeteners, says C. Leigh Broadhurst, Ph.D., a nutrition consultant and herbal researcher based in Clovery, Maryland, and a diabetes researcher with the USDA Human Nutrition Research Center in Beltsville. You won't find it next to aspartame or saccharin in your grocery store, though. | | All you have to do is get to know some friendly medicinal herbs and make the decision to get involved with your own well-being.
"It's really just a question of taking control of your health again," says David Field, N.D., a naturopathic physician, licensed acupuncturist, and president of the California Association of Naturopathic Physicians in Santa Rosa. | | Ginkgo is one of the best-researched of all the medicinal herbs, and its ability to increase blood circulation to the brain—thereby enhancing memory—is well-documented. There is evidence that it helps enhance the function of the brain's synapses as well, says William War nock, N.D., director of the Champlain Center for Natural Medicine in Shelburne, Vermont.
Ginkgo is almost always used for treating memory problems once they've already developed, Dr. Warnock says, although it can be used on an ongoing, preventive basis by taking 60 to 80 milligrams twice a day. |
Mark Bricklin
See book keywords and concepts |  For more about onions, see our discussion of them in "The Ten Most Practical Medicinal Herbs: How to Grow and Use Them," which is part of the large entry entitled Herbal Medicine.
Completing our little team of fire-breathing heart helpers is garlic. Here's a guy that doesn't know when to quit. For starters, it stimulates lots of the fibrinolytic activity that dissolves blood clots before they get nasty. Arun Bordia, M.D. | | Grieve's two-volume herbal is the supreme practical guide for those seriously interested in medicinal herbs. Her book has obviously been exhaustively and meticulously researched, and the material is presented in a very clear and systematic fashion. Included is information on the chemical constituents of herbs, where they are grown, how to cultivate them, how to prepare them, and what conditions they are recommended for. Aside from being the most comprehensive modern treatise on herbs I have seen, it also makes fascinating reading. | | Health Secrets of medicinal herbs. New York: Arco, 1981.
Full of good research and good sense, this herbal dictionary covers no less than 309 different herbs in just over 140 pages of text. While the number of herbs covered is commendable in this inexpensive paperback book, depth is to be prized more than breadth when it comes to matters medicinal, and the lack thereof can be considered a shortcoming. Still, Mairesse's book makes an economical companion on your library shelf to other books that may go into more detail. | | The explosion of interest in medicinal herbs that took place during the 1970s brought with it a great proliferation of herb books that were good, bad and indifferent. Nearly all of them treated herbalism in a historical manner, pointing out the traditional uses of herbs and not much else. Clearly, what was needed was a scientific, up-to-date book written for the layman that would allow us to distinguish folklore from real folk medicine. Here is that book. Dr. Tyler has studied the use of herbal medicines throughout the world for some 30 years, has a Ph.D. |
Lesley Tierra
See book keywords and concepts |  Box 712, Santa Cruz, CA 95061
In his favorite element, the garden, Michael teaches the identification and detailed description and use of 12 medicinal herbs. From garden to kitchen, he covers folkore, growing and gathering herbs and simple herbal medicines and home remedies which can be easily made and used. Herbal rituals, dances and songs are also included.
A wealth of information, this 60-minute video celebrates herbal home medicine. The background music is Michael's own classical piano rendering of the American composer, Edward MacDowell's Woodland Sketches. |
Francisco, M.D. Contreras
See book keywords and concepts | | No scientific research is needed to prove that fresh vegetables, fruit, juices, medicinal herbs, vitamins, minerals, fiber, etc. are not harmful to the body. It would be nice if there were proof that surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy were not harmful.
In short, people like Dr. Casseleth may criticize alternative doctors and treatments galore, but the fact is that more and more doctors are becoming interested in alternative therapies. Associations like the American College of Advanced Medicine (AC AM), and other associations are quickly jumping on the bandwagon. |
Dr. Cass Ingram
See book keywords and concepts |  This is because it is one of the most safe and versatile of all medicinal herbs. Researchers have proven that garlic is enormously valuable for combating a wide range of illnesses. In other words, it is one of those rare substances that is a universal tonic. This means it provides a certain degree of protection for virtually any illness.
Researchers have discovered that garlic is a natural germicide, capable of killing nearly any microbe. Bacteria, parasites, viruses, and fungi all wilt under its powers. | | The Greeks and Romans regarded it as one of their top medicinal herbs. Dioscorides (1st century A.D.) gave dozens of uses for it. Nigella, he claimed, eradicated headaches, sinus problems, toothaches, menstrual disorders, and intestinal parasites. Today, its antiparasitic actions are perhaps most renowned. African/Asian herbalists use it to purge the bowel of worms, especially in children. It is also relied upon for reversing gas, stomach ache, and intestinal cramps. In India it is taken extensively to enhance breast milk formation and is perhaps the most effective herb known for this purpose. | | Rosemary is listed among the most ancient of all medicinal herbs. For thousands of years it has been known particularly for its ability to improve the function of the mind. Ancient texts describe how concoctions of rosemary were used to stimulate the mind enhance mood boost intellectual powers, and improve memory. In fact, it is most famous as a memory aid. Yet, it was also famous for combating disorders of the nerves as well as arthritis. Oil of rosemary is a concentrate of this herb's healing capacities. Condensed power is ultra-important in any crisis, including chronic disease. |
Michael Castleman
See book keywords and concepts |  The chapters on homeopathy, Chinese medicine, Ayurveda, and naturopathy also touch on medicinal herbs, because herbs figure prominently in these alternative healing systems.
Healing Systems: Different Perspectives on Health
Mainstream medicine is a healing system. It has a distinct philosophy that lays the groundwork for a particular approach to diagnosis and treatment. Its proponents say that it can treat an enormous range of illnesses. And it relies on professional practitioners who use standard examination procedures and treatment protocols. | | What many people don't realize is that medicinal herbs are a key link between the alternative therapies and mainstream medicine. For much of the pharmaceutical industry's 130-year history, researchers have focused on extracting medicinal constituents from plants and repackaging them as drugs. An estimated 25 percent of all pharmaceuticals still come from plant sources. |
Michael Tierra
See book keywords and concepts |  These are the best times for gathering these various parts of medicinal herbs and plants. If there are only one or two specimens don't bother them. Always gather where there is an abundance—then you can be certain that the herbs you get are potent. When drying the herbs, carefully spread them out on a screen in a well-ventilated, partially shaded place. Turn them once each day so they will dry evenly, thus preventing decay and browning of the leaves. | | Sometimes vegetables, small amounts of beans, other grains, meat, and medicinal herbs are also added. Congee, also called jook in Cantonese, is a traditional Chinese breakfast because it is easily digested. In India, a similar dish called kicharee (see page 55) consisting of a stew of rice and mung beans with ghee and certain spices is recommended to accompany healing of all diseases.
Considering the endurance of the empirical experience of these ancient societies regarding the value of grains, it is arrogantly premature to rush to contrary conclusions based on relatively recent hypotheses. |
Linda B. White, M.D.
See book keywords and concepts | | Reduced risk of side effects is a big reason why medicinal herbs have become so popular. Just check out the potential side effects of any over-the-counter cold remedy—or, if you really want to read a lot of small print, the side effects of any blood-pressure medication. They may make you feel worse than the condition itself! For this book, we list only common side effects of the most commonly prescribed drugs. |
Michael Tierra
See book keywords and concepts | | Rather, one should have a collection of about two dozen culinary herbs and spices regularly used in cooking, and about three dozen medicinal herbs, including those used most often and those that are more difficult to obtain. Then if other herbs are needed for treating a specific condition, one can purchase them at that time.
When making herb teas, it is often convenient to make a large batch, one quart to one gallon, and store it in a tightly closed bottle in the refrigerator. These teas will last for no more than about three days. When reheating, do not boil the tea. | | Anticancer medicinal herbs (Hunan Science and Technology Publishing House, 1992). for all cancers and immune system deficiencies. As such, it is specific for individuals recovering from chemotherapy.
KELP
Kelp (Laminaria species) is salty and cold in nature and has trace amounts of iodine, which activates thyroid function. It is generally used in Chinese medicine to soften any hard lumps or tumors. It is rich in polysaccharides, which have known anticancer properties. It also is able to inhibit the growth hormone of tumors. |
page 6 of 13 | Next ->
FAIR USE NOTICE: The research quoted here is provided under the protection of Fair Use provisions and published by the 501(c)3 non-profit Consumer Wellness Center for the purposes of public comment and education. Authors / publishers may submit books for consideration of inclusion here.
TERMS OF USE: Read full terms of use. Citations of text from NaturalPedia must include: 1) Full credit to the original author and book title. 2) Secondary credit to the Natural News Naturalpedia as a research resource and a link to www.NaturalNews.com/np/index.html
This unique compilation of research is copyright (c) 2008 by the non-profit Consumer Wellness Center.
ABOUT THE CREATOR OF NATURALPEDIA: Mike Adams, the creator of this NaturalNews Naturalpedia, is the editor of NaturalNews.com, the internet's top natural health news site, creator of the Honest Food Guide (www.HonestFoodGuide.org), a free downloadable consumer food guide based on natural health principles, author of Grocery Warning, The 7 Laws of Nutrition, Natural Health Solutions, and many other books available at www.TruthPublishing.com, creator of the earth-friendly EcoLEDs company (www.EcoLEDs.com) that manufactures energy-efficient LED lighting products, founder of Arial Software (www.ArialSoftware.com), a permission e-mail technology company, creator of the CounterThink Cartoon series (www.NaturalNews.com/index-cartoons.html) and author of over 1,500 articles, interviews, special reports and reference guides available at www.NaturalNews.com. Adams' personal philosophy and health statistics are available at www.HealthRanger.org.
|
 |
Refine your search
with Medicinal herbs...
...and Key Health Concepts:...and Herbs
...and Herb
...and Plants
...and Medicine
...and Drugs
...and Treatment
...and Health
...and Side effects
...and Products
...and Medicinal plants
...and Adjectives:...and Herbal
...and Medicinal
...and Active
...and Clinical
...and Traditional
...and Natural
...and New
...and Medical
...and American
...and Recommended
...and Concepts:...and Time
...and Activity
...and Research
...and Studies
...and Healing
...and Species
...and Energy
...and Study
...and World
...and Safety
...and Physiology:...and Effects
...and Effect
...and Immune
...and Balance
...and Increase
...and Helps
...and Levels
...and Improve
...and Condition
...and Function
...and Plants and Herbs:...and Ginseng
...and Root
...and Astragalus
...and Leaves
...and Garlic
...and Ginkgo
...and Flowers
...and Feverfew
...and Echinacea
...and Bark
...and Anatomy:...and Body
...and Blood
...and Cells
...and Liver
...and Skin
...and Stomach
...and Immune system
...and Heart
...and Tissues
...and Brain
...and Objects:...and Plant
...and People
...and Oil
...and Journal
...and Product
...and Components
...and Produce
...and Data
...and Industry
...and Seed
...and Where:...and Chinese
...and United states
...and West
...and New york
...and China
...and Indian
...and India
...and Asian
...and Germany
...and Europe
...and Substances:...and Extract
...and Food
...and Water
...and Acid
...and Formulas
...and Tonic
...and Tincture
...and Fluid
...and Liquid
...and Bacteria
...and Who:...and Patients
...and Women
...and Herbalists
...and Human
...and Doctors
...and Physician
...and Animals
...and Herbalist
...and Practitioners
...and British
...and Medical Terms:...and Dose
...and Properties
...and Results
...and Doses
...and Potency
...and Dosage
...and Diagnosis
...and Dosages
...and Double-blind
...and Interactions
...and Actions:...and Taking
...and Growing
...and Eat
...and Understanding
...and Making
...and Actions
...and Cooling
...and Approach
...and Treating
...and Drink
...and Medical Adjectives:...and Scientific
...and Digestive
...and Therapeutic
...and Antiviral
...and Acute
...and Standardized
...and In vitro
...and Oral
...and Adverse
...and Menopausal
...and Foods and Beverages:...and Tea
...and Teas
...and Alcohol
...and Vegetables
...and Honey
...and Soups
...and Berries
...and Wine
...and Beans
...and Vinegar
...and Health Conditions and Diseases:...and Cancer
...and Diabetes
...and Pain
...and Menopause
...and Dermatitis
...and Depression
...and Anxiety
...and Vomiting
...and Indigestion
...and Diarrhea
...and Nutrients:...and Flavonoids
...and Alkaloids
...and Glycosides
...and Antioxidant
...and Calcium
...and Vitamin
...and Iron
...and Beta-carotene
...and Polysaccharides
...and Quercetin
...and Treatment Modalities:...and Chinese medicine
...and Traditional chinese medicine
...and Homeopathy
...and Ayurvedic
...and Cleanse
...and Detoxification
...and Massage
...and Relaxation
...and Organizations:...and Lancet
...and Health food stores
...and Usda
...and Pharmaceutical companies
...and Fda
...and Organization
...and Pharmacy
...and Manufacturers
...and Food and drug administration
...and Organizations
...and Biological Functions:...and Memory
...and Digestion
...and Metabolism
...and Strength
...and Attention
...and Period
...and Weight loss
...and Fertility
...and Vision
...and Breath
...and Macronutrients:...and Seeds
...and Oils
...and Enzymes
...and Salt
...and Protein
...and Mineral
...and Minerals
...and Fiber
...and Fatty acids
...and Fats
|
Related Concepts:
Herbs
Herb
Herbal
Chinese
Effects
Plants
Medicinal
Medicine
Drugs
Treatment
Plant
Active
Body
Health
Effect
Time
Extract
Activity
Ginseng
Research
Side effects
Root
Clinical
Studies
People
Products
Traditional
Astragalus
Blood
Medicinal plants
Natural
Dose
Healing
Disease
Scientific
Foods
New
Tea
Medical
Patients
Species
Symptoms
Energy
Immune
Properties
Extracts
American
Study
Chemical
Food
Recommended
Medicines
Astragalus membranaceus
Leaves
Diseases
Taking
Chinese medicine
Cells
Chronic
Chung
Pharmacology
Cold
Toxic
World
Water
Garlic
Liver
Women
Safety
Range
Dried
Example
Herbal medicine
Oil
Preparations
Problems
Herbalists
Western
Yang
Growing
Cancer
Ginkgo
Duke
Acid
Specific
Whole
Substances
Flavonoids
Conditions
Journal
Skin
Factors
Stomach
Toxicity
Healthy
Liu
Balance
Fresh
General
Handbook
|
Email this page to a friend
