Medicinal plant

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Plants of Longevity, The Medicinal Flora of Vilcabamba Rainer W. Bussmann and Douglas Sharon See book keywords and concepts

It is an alternative to Western medicine and is strongly linked to religious beliefs and practices of indigenous cultures. medicinal plant lore or herbal medicine is a major component of Traditional Medicine. In Latin American countries, herbal medicine is deeply rooted, practiced extensively by indigenous groups, and frequently used by a broad cross-section of the larger society. Often it is an economically inevitable alternative to expensive Western medicine.

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

Manuscript page from an Anglo-Saxon herbal of about AD 1050, illustrating the aerial parts and root system of a medicinal plant. Garlic is native to Asia but was readily adopted for its medicinal and culinary qualities in the West. The trade in herbs was not entirely one way. The European herb sage, for example, was used in China, where it was considered to be a valuable yin tonic. The arrival of Columbus's ships in the Caribbean in 1492 was followed by the rapid conquest and colonization of Central and South America by the Spanish and Portuguese.

History & Folklore Horse chestnut was first documented as a medicinal plant in 1565, in Pierandrea Matthioli's translation of Dioscorides' Materia Medica. Medicinal Actions & Uses Horse chestnut is astringent, an anti-inflammatory, and an aid to toning the vein walls, which, when slack or distended, may become varicose, hemorrhoidal, or otherwise problematic. Horse chestnut also reduces fluid retention by increasing the permeability of the capillaries and allowing the reabsorption of excess fluid back into the circulatory system. The bark can be used to reduce fever.

The Natural Guide to Medicinal Plants and Herbs Frantisek Stary See book keywords and concepts

Common Comfrey is a very old medicinal plant, one that was widely used particularly in the Middle Ages. It grows in Europe and western Siberia. More detailed investigation of the therapeutic properties of this ancient plant revealed that the constituents contained in the root, which is used medicinally even today, have excellent healing properties in the treatment of lesser as well as extensive bruises, thromboses, varicose ulcers, inflamed muscles as well as tendons, chronic diseases of the joints and bones, and stubborn wounds.

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

It is also cultivated in many parts of the world as both a garden ornamental and a medicinal plant. The aerial parts are gathered in summer. Parts Used Aerial parts. Constituents Rue contains about 0.5% volatile oil (including 50-90% 2-undecanone), flavonoids (including rutin), furanocoumarins (including bergapten), about 1.4% furoquinoline alkaloids (including fagarine, skimmianine, arborinine, and others). Rutin has the effect of supporting and strengthening the inner lining of blood vessels and reducing blood pressure.

Women's Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine: Alternative Therapies and Integrative Medicine for Total Health and Wellness Tori Hudson, N.D. See book keywords and concepts

Historically, it has also been recognized as a medicinal plant for humans and, more recently, as a menopausal herb. At least six clinical trials have been conducted on the effect of red clover isoflavones on vasomotor symptoms. Three show benefit, and three do not. The first two published studies on red clover and vasomotor symptoms showed no statistically significant difference between the red clover standardized extract and the placebo.90' 91 Two other studies showed positive results in reducing hot flashes.92' 93 The two most recent studies continue the contradictions.

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

History & Folklore The Greek physician Dioscorides, writing in the 1st century AD, noted that wall germander was a popular medicinal plant in northern Italy, that the fresh leaves were eaten to stave off plague, and that the plant was also used to relieve coughs and asthma. Medicinal Actions & Uses Infusions of wall germander have long been used to treat gout, rheumatism, stomach problems, fever, and congestion. The plant has also been taken to aid weight loss and is a common ingredient in tonic wines.

PDR for Herbal Medicines, Fourth Edition Thomson Healthcare, Inc. See book keywords and concepts

Hikino H, Economic and medicinal plant Research, Vol I., Academic Press UK 1985. Ishida H et al. Studies on the Antihemorrhagic and anticoagulative substances in herbs used for treatments of Bleeding and stagant blood in traditional Chinese medicine. J Pharm Sci. 76; S200. 1987 Lewin L, Gifte und Vergiftungen, 6. Aufl., Nachdruck, Haug Verlag, Heidelberg 1992. Roth L, Daunderer M, Kormann K, Giftpflanzen, Pflanzengifte, 4. Aufl., Ecomed Fachverlag Landsberg Lech 1993. Teuscher E, Lindequist U, Biogene Gifte - Biologie, Chemie, Pharmakologie, 2. Aufl., Fischer Verlag Stuttgart 1994.

Adaptogens: Herbs for Strength, Stamina, and Stress Relief David Winston, RH(AHG), and Steven Maimes See book keywords and concepts

China has emerged as a world leader in medicinal plant research. Classic Texts The classic Chinese treatise on medicine, the Huang Di Nei Cbing Su Wen (Yellow Emperor's Classic of Internal Medicine) is considered the most important Chinese medical text and the most ancient. The book's authorship is attributed to Huang Di (known as the Yellow Emperor, he lived around 2600 BCE), but it actually was written by several authors over a long period of time—probably during the period from 475 to 225 BCE. It is commonly believed in China that Huang Di used ginseng, one of the oldest recorded tonics.

PDR for Herbal Medicines Joerg Gruenwald, Ph.D. See book keywords and concepts

Brunfeslamidine: A novel convulsant from the medicinal plant Brunfelsia grandiflora. In: Tetrahedron Letters 26(22):2623-2624. 1985. Further information in: Frohne D, Pfander HJ, Giftpflanzen - Ein Handbuch fur Apotheker, Toxikologen und Biologen, 4. Aufl., Wiss. Verlags-Ges Stuttgart 1997. Kern W, List PH, Horhammer L (Hrsg.), Hagers Handbuch der Pharmazeutischen Praxis, 4. Aufl., Bde. 1-8, Springer Verlag Berlin, Heidelberg, New York, 1969. Roth L, Daunderer M, Kormann K, Giftpflanzen, Pflanzengifte, 4. Aufl., Ecomed Fachverlag Landsberg Lech 1993.

In: PM, Abstracts of the 37th Annual Congress on medicinal plant Research Braunschwe. Harnischfeger, Buch, Harnischfeger G, Stolze H, Bewahrte Pflanzendrogen in Wissenschaft und Medizin, Notabene-Verlag, Bad Homburg. 1983. Vomel T, Arzneim-Forsch 35:1437-1439. 1985. Vomel T, Der Einflup eines pflanzlichen Immunstimulans auf die Phagozytose von Erythrozyten durch das retikulohistiozytare System der isolierte perfundierten Rattenleber. In: Arzneim Forsch 35(11): 1437-1439. 1985.

The Natural Guide to Medicinal Plants and Herbs Frantisek Stary See book keywords and concepts

Couch-grass's usefulness as a medicinal plant however does not make up for its harmfulness as a weed and that is why it is being consistently eradicated and is no longer so common in fields. The drug must be stored in air-tight containers because it readily absorbs moisture. It contains the polysaccharide triticin, mucilage, saponins, soluble silicic acid and principles with a bactericidal action. These constituents give the drug its specific diuretic properties and that is why it is used primarily in the treatment of prostate diseases, including benign tumours of the prostate gland.

PDR for Herbal Medicines Joerg Gruenwald, Ph.D. See book keywords and concepts

In: PM, Abstracts of the 37th Annual Congress on medicinal plant Research Braunschwe. Beuscher N, Bodinet C, Willigmann I, Harnischfeger G, Biologiocal activity of Baptisia tinctoria extracts. In: Inst, fur Angew. Botanik der Univ. Hamburg, Angewandte Botanik, Berichte 6, 46-61. 1997. Beuscher N, Kopanski L, Erwein C, Modulation der Immunantwort durch polymere Substanzen aus Baptisia tinctoria und Echinacea purpurea. In: Adv in the Biosc 68:329. 1987. Beuscher N, Kopanski L, Stimulation der Immunantwort durch Inhaltsstoffe aus Baptisia tinctoria. In: PM 1985:381-384. 1985.

Plant Spirit Healing: A Guide to Working with Plant Consciousness Pam Montgomery See book keywords and concepts

By feeling its stickiness, I became aware that there are lots of volatile oils, an attribute of a highly medicinal plant. My feeling sensation was in my head, specifically in my third-eye chakra. The external world and all that was going on around me gave many indications about Rosemary's essential nature. The dog came from the direction of the North, which is the direction of the wisdom keepers, the elders, and the dreamtime. The air swirled around and all was so heady, indicating the Vata dosha.

PDR for Herbal Medicines Joerg Gruenwald, Ph.D. See book keywords and concepts

Achillea Millefolium Yarrow DESCRIPTION Medicinal Parts: The yarrow flowers (dried inflorescences), and aerial parts of the herb, which are collected during flowering and dried, are the medicinal plant parts. Flower and Fruit: The plant has white, pink or purple composite flowers in dense cymes with small capitula. The bracts are imbricate and long. There are 5 white female linguiform florets. The disc florets are tubular, yellowish-white and androgynous. The bracts are lanceolate and thorn-tipped. The fruit is a 1.5 to 2 mm long hairless achaen.

Wagner H, In: Economic and medicinal plant Research, Vol. 1, Academic Press, UK 1985. Wunderer H, Zentral und peripher wirksame Antitussiva: eine kritische Ubersicht. In: PZ 142(11):847-852. 1997. Further information in: Frohne D, Pfander HJ, Giftpflanzen - Ein Handbuch fiir Apotheker, Toxikologen und Biologen, 4. Aufl., Wiss. Verlagsges. mbH Stuttgart 1997. Hansel R, Keller K, Rimpler H, Schneider G (Hrsg.), Hagers Handbuch der Pharmazeutischen Praxis, 5. Aufl., Bde 4-6 (Drogen): Springer Verlag Berlin, Heidelberg, New York, 1992-1994.

The Healing Power of Herbs: The Enlightened Person's Guide to the Wonders of Medicinal Plants Michael T. Murray, N.D. See book keywords and concepts

Paper presented at the 36th Annual Congress of the Society of medicinal plant Research, Freiburg, Germany, September 12-16,1988. 15. Schulte KE, Ruecker G, and Perlick J: The presence of polyacetylene compounds in Echinacea purpurea and Echinacea angustifolia. Arzneimittel-Forsch 17, 825-829,1967. 16. Bauer R, Khan IA, and Wagner H: TLC and HPLC analysis of Echinacea pallida and E. angustifolia roots. Planta Medica 54, 426-430,1988. 17. Bauer R and Remiger P: TLC and HPLC analysis of Echinacea pallida and E. angustifolia roots. Planta Medica 55, 367-371,1989. 18. Roder E, et al.

101 Foods That Could Save Your Life! David W. Grotto, RD, LDN See book keywords and concepts

Home Remedies Wild celery was used as a medicinal plant throughout the Middle Ages. People used it to "treat" conditions such as anxiety, insomnia, rheumatism, gout, and arthritis. Wild celery was also thought to provide strength and purify the blood. The Romans wore wreaths of celery leaves as an antidote against the intoxicating effects of wine and the ensuing headache. In Vietnam, celery has been used as a remedy for lowering high blood pressure. Celery also has a reputation as an aphrodisiac.

Adaptogens: Herbs for Strength, Stamina, and Stress Relief David Winston, RH(AHG), and Steven Maimes See book keywords and concepts

It is our belief that a good clinical herbalist always should be a part of any medicinal plant research team. EFFICACY AND SAFETY OF PHARMACEUTICAL DRUGS There is always the question of efficacy—does the medicine work? The following chart provides estimates of how effective pharmaceutical drugs are for treating people with various illnesses or diseases. The range is from 25 to 60 percent effective. That means that pharmaceutical drugs are not effective from 40 to 75 percent of the time.

Alternative Medicine Magazine's Definitive Guide to Sleep Disorders: 7 Smart Ways to Help You Get a Good Night's Rest Herbert Ross, DC with Keri Brenner, L.Ac. See book keywords and concepts

European medicinal plant researchers have approved the use of hops for such conditions as nervous tension, excitability, restlessness, and sleep disturbances, and as an aid to stimulate appetite. Unlike many other sedatives, hops is not associated with either dependence or withdrawal symptoms, nor are there any reports of adverse side effects. Hops tea is effective just before bedtime; use 1 heaping teaspoon of whole hops per cup of water for tea.

Adaptogens: Herbs for Strength, Stamina, and Stress Relief David Winston, RH(AHG), and Steven Maimes See book keywords and concepts

It never became a major medicinal plant in the American materia medica, but the root was listed in the United States Pharmacopeia from 1842 to 1888. It was primarily used as a mild stimulant and digestive remedy. The Chinese have embraced American ginseng—especially wild ginseng. It is considered more yin (cooling) than Asian ginseng and is used to reduce heat in the respiratory and digestive systems. The Chinese have started to grow American ginseng, so future demand for cultivated ginseng from America may be reduced. Rhodiola Several varieties of rhodiola species (including R.

The Healing Power of Herbs: The Enlightened Person's Guide to the Wonders of Medicinal Plants Michael T. Murray, N.D. See book keywords and concepts

The broad chemical composition of this medicinal plant suggests possible synergistic effects among its constituents. For example, in some experimental models, echinacea's water-soluble polysaccharides stimulate the cellular immune system more so than the fat-soluble components, which enhance macrophage phagocytosis.3 The important constituents, from a pharmacological perspective, of echinacea can be divided into seven categories: (1) polysaccharides, (2) flavonoids, (3) caffeic acid derivatives, (4) essential oils, (5) polyacety-lenes, (6) alkylamides, and (7) miscellaneous chemicals.

The 150 Healthiest Foods on Earth: The Surprising, Unbiased Truth About What You Should Eat and Why Jonny Bowden, Ph.D., C.N.S. See book keywords and concepts

From its beginnings, mustard was considered a medicinal plant rather than a food; Hippocrates, the father of modern medicine, used mustard in all sorts of medicines and poultices. The ancient Chinese considered mustard an aphrodisiac. And the mustard seed figures prominently as a symbol in the Christian faith, used to signify something small and insignificant that, when nourished, can grow into something of great strength and power. Mustard itself is only as good as the seeds it was made from. There are many really delicious gourmet mustards loaded with phytochemicals. Seek them out!

The Healing Power of Herbs: The Enlightened Person's Guide to the Wonders of Medicinal Plants Michael T. Murray, N.D. See book keywords and concepts

In: The medicinal plant Industry (Wijeskera ROB, ed.). CRC Press, Boca Raton, FL, 1991, pp. 149-166. 12. Shibata S, et al:. Chemistry and pharmacology of Panax. Econ Med Plant Res 1, 217-284,1985. 13. Koren GS, et al.: Maternal ginseng use associated with neonatal androgenization. JAMA 264, 2866, 1990. 14. Farnsworth NR, et al.: Siberian ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus): Current status as an adaptogen. Econ Med Plant Res 1,156-215,1985. 15. Awang DVC: Maternal use of ginseng and neonatal androgenization. JAMA 265,1828,1991. 16.

PDR for Herbal Medicines Joerg Gruenwald, Ph.D. See book keywords and concepts

In: PM, Abstracts of the 39th Annual Congress of medicinal plant Research. 1991. Bohlmann F, Hoffman H, (1983) Phytochemistry 22(5): 1173. Braunig B, Dorn M, Knick E, Echinaceae purpureae radix: zur Starkung der korpereigenen Abwehr bei grippalem Infekten. In: ZPT 13(1):7. 1992. Die Chemie der Pflanze (Standard, Wirksamkeit). In: Symbiose 4(3):11. 1992. Dorn M, (1989) Milderang grippaler Effekte durch ein pflanzliches Immunstimulans. Natur- und Ganzheitsmedizin 2:314-319. Harnischfeger G, Stolze, H, (1980) Notabene Medici 10:484. Jacobson M, (1967) J Org Chem 32:1646.

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

Guatemala, where all the parts are used as remedies. . Avocado fruit Slippery elm (Ulmus rubra, p. 144) is a Native American remedy for boils and wounds. California poppy (Eschscholzia californica, p. 205) is a gentle, effective sedative that is often used to encourage sleep. Blue cohosh (Caulophyllum thalictriodes, p. 73) stimulates the uterus. to the air in thanksgiving for escape from danger," according to Virgil Vogel's American Indian Medicine (1970).

Interview with Chris Kilham, the Medicine Hunter, author of Hot Plants Mike Adams, the Health Ranger See article keywords and concepts

Chris has conducted medicinal plant research in India, China, Siberia, Brazil, Venezuela, Peru, Vanuatu South Pacific, Hawaii, Lebanon, Syria, Ghana, Austria, Thailand, and Malaysia. Chris is Explorer In Residence at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, where he teaches ethnobotany. Chris works with numerous companies to develop and popularize traditional plant-based medicinal products into market successes. These successes include kava, maca, horny goat weed, catuaba, tamanu oil, Tongkat Ali, and others.

The Encyclopedia of Healing Foods by Michael Murray, N.D. and Joseph Pizzorno, N.D. See book keywords and concepts

HEALTH BENEFITS It is beyond the scope of this book to detail all of the wonderful properties of this truly remarkable medicinal plant. Many of the therapeutic effects of garlic are thought to be due to its volatile factors, which are composed of the sulfur-containing compounds allicin, diallyl disulfide, diallyl trisulfide, and others. Additional constituents of garlic include other sulfur-containing compounds; high concentrations of trace minerals, particularly selenium and germanium; glucosinolates; and enzymes.

Plants of the four winds - The magic and medicinal flora of Peru Rainer W. Bussmann and Douglas Sharon See book keywords and concepts

Today the most serious threat to this millennial tradition is the destruction of medicinal plant habitats. Urban sprawl and the sugar industry have already greatly altered the coastal plains around Trujillo and Chiclayo. Climatic change and deforestation are threatening the mountain forest systems that are the source of many medicinal species. Most importantly, the high Andean ecosystems and sacred lagoons where many medicinally active species are found are in danger of being destroyed by large-scale mining activities [112, 113].

The Encyclopedia of Healing Foods by Michael Murray, N.D. and Joseph Pizzorno, N.D. See book keywords and concepts

The ancient Greeks and Romans hailed it as a medicinal plant, and Augustus Caesar went so far as to erect a statue in honor of lettuce based on his belief that it had aided his recovery from illness. In China, where lettuce has been growing since the fifth century, lettuce represents good luck. It is served on birthdays, New Year's Day, and other special occasions. Christopher Columbus introduced varieties of lettuce to North America during his second voyage in 1493. Lettuce was first planted in California (now the major U.S. producer) by Spanish missionaries in the seventeenth century.

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