Sedative - Black Cohosh
Aloe vera is a succulant that is used for its antibacterial, and anesthetic properties. When aloe leaves are cut, a clear gel is released which helps with the restoration of tissue. The gel increases the availability of oxygen to the skin and is often used on burns and minor cuts. When aloe juice is combined with other herbs, it can be used to soothe the digestive tract.
The active ingredient in aloe vera has not been identified, but is probably a polysaccharide. The leaf juice of aloe vera has well-established effects to treat minor sunburn cases and also to treat burns from X-ray treatment of cancer and related diseases. The authors of one study wrote that aloe vera improves wound healing when administered either orally or topically, possibly by increasing the availability of oxygen and by increasing the synthesis and the strength of collagen. The known healing
effects of aloe vera on infected wounds are thought to be explained by the local activation of complement which is thought to lead to an influx of monocytes to the injured area.
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Black cohosh is an herb of many uses. It acts similarly to the hormone estrogen, and can be used as an astringent, expectorant, diuretic, sedative, and antispasmodic. It can calm the nervous system, reduce blood pressure, treat fatigue, soothe sore throats, and help arthritis.
Acetin, one of black cohosh's active principles, has been shown to lower blood pressure in experiments with rabbits, cats, and dogs. Black cohosh extracts have been proven antimicrobial in in vitro experiments and have been shown to decrease inflammation by one-third in experiments with laboratory animals. Investigations have also verified the use of black cohosh as a smooth muscle and nerve relaxant. Recently, the Russians approved an extract of black cohosh as a central nervous system tonic and as a treatment for high blood pressure.
Large amounts of black cohosh can cause poisoning!
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Cat's claw boosts the body's immune system. It can lower blood pressure and can reduce the risk of stroke and heart attack. It can also be used for intestinal problems such as colitis and gastritis because it balances the beneficial microbes in the intestine.
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Although catnip is usually thought of as an herb for cats, it can also be used with humans. Tea made from catnip calms the digestive system and can promote menstruation and lessen menstrual cramps.
Catnip has been reported efficacious in the treatment of iron-deficiency anemia, menstrual and uterine disorders, and dyspepsia, and as a gentle calmative. It has been drunk as a treatment for chronic cough and chewed for relief of toothache. Extract of catnip has been found to be toxic to HELA-S3 cancer cells in cell cultures.
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DHEA, known as the antiaging supplement, is produced by the adrenal gland and converted by the body into testosterone and estrogen. DHEA is produced in abundance during a person's 20s but decreases by 10% every decade thereafter. Since DHEA declines as we age, it is believed to be involved in the aging process. Supplementing with DHEA is seen as antiaging. DHEA works by inhibiting the damage caused by stress, increasing the production of antioxidant enzymes, and maintaining normal levels of sex hormones. Other effects of DHEA include mood elevation and burning calories for energy rather than storing them as fat. Some believe DHEA also enhances athletic performance.
WARNING: Do not take if you are pregnant or nursing.
Side effects: acne, irritability, fatigue.
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Echinacea is an effective antibiotic and is used for the common cold. Studies have shown that it improves the ability of white blood cells to attack invaders. Due to its antibacterial qualities, echineacea can help wounds heal, and relieve burns, insect bites, psoriasis, and acne.
Reports from Eastern Europe in the 1960s isolated a polysaccharide in echinacea which was found to increase alpha, beta, and gamma globulin, and promote the formation of antibodies. Antiviral activity was reported in a 1978 study of echinacea showing that a root extract was effective in destroying herpes influenza viruses. In 1972 an extract of echinacea root was shown to possess significant antitumor activity in rats. Several European laboratories reported in studies conducted in the 1980s the activation of human lymphocytes, increased rate of
phagocytosis, and macrophage activation.
Although no significant side effects have been reported due to the use of echinacea, long-term use is not recommended. This herb should only be used for 10-14 days followed by a few days of rest.
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Garlic is a well-known herb, and has been used for centuries. It stimulates the body's defenses and is a potent antioxidant. Studies have shown that garlic lowers cholesterol and blood pressure, thins the blood, and fights bacteria. It can be used to help prevent colds because it increases the activity of white blood cells and other cells that are central to the immune system. Its antioxidant capability makes it a good anticancer herb.
Perhaps the most significant health effect revealed from studies of garlic is its ability to lower cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL cholesterol levels while increasing the beneficial cholesterol, HDL. While there is no scientific agreement on the therapeutically active component of garlic, most of the medical benefits shown in recent scientific studies have been from isolated sulfur-containing compounds. The allium oils present in garlic (and onions)contain enzymes that are known to have antitumor properties. Another antitumor constituent found in garlic is the antioxidant selenium, which has been found to suppress leukemia in animals. A recent cancer study in China found that those who ate less than 11.5 kg/year of allium vegetables were more than twice as likely to develop stomach cancer than were people who ate more than 24 kg/year.
Although garlic usually causes no problems when taken, high doses can cause indigestion and allergic skin rashes. Do not use when breast-feeding as it may cause colic in babies. It may also increase the clotting time of blood.
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Ginkgo biloba is used to increase blood flow. It helps repair damage to the brain and protects cells from oxidant damage, thereby improving concentration and memory. It helps with PMS (premenstrual syndrome) and depression. Its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects make it useful in the treatment of asthma, allergies, and eczema.
Clinical research has shown an extract from ginkgo leaves a vasodilative, especially increasing blood flow in deeper-seated medium and small arteries. A recent double-blind, placebo controlled study showed a beneficial effect in patients over 50 years of age with mild to moderate memory impairment of organic origin. Of a study of 60 patients suffering from arterial erectile dysfunction who received a treatment of an extract of ginkgo biloba, 50% were able to achieve penile erections, while upwards of 45% of the rest showed some improvement. Another study of eight atopic asthmatic patients showed ginkgo achieved significant inhibition of the allergin responsible for bronchoconstriction compared to placebo.
In rare cases, ginkgo may cause headache, stomach upset, or an allergic skin reaction.
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Ginseng has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries and has been shown to be a safe and effective stimulant. It reduces stress, improves performance and energy levels, improves memory, and stimulates the immune system. The Chinese believe that health benefits can only be attained by the continuous use of this herb.
Currently there are three major types of Ginseng available in North America: Panax ginseng (Korean ginseng), Panax quinquefolius (American ginseng), and Eleutherococcus senticosus (Siberian ginseng). Over 1400 scientific papers published on Panax ginseng attest to its biological effects. A popular belief is that Panax ginseng has aphrodisiac properties, but there is no evidence, in animals or humans, to verify this action. Only preliminary studies have been carried out to identify the chemical constituents of Panax quinquefolius, which are quite similar to Panax ginseng, leading to the presumption that the biological effects of Panax quinquefolius are similar to Panax ginseng. Eleutherococcus senticosus, a new "ginseng" that has appeared in the marketplace of North America, has been rigorously studied by the Russians. While the chemical constituents differ from those of the Panax species, the pharmacological effects are quite similar to those of Panax ginseng: extracts have been shown to relieve stress, lower the toxicity of some common drugs, increase mental alertness, improve resistance to colds and mild infections, and be beneficial in cases where a person is continuously in contact with environmental stresses. A recent cellular immunity in study in Germany showed a dramatic increase in immune cells, especially T lymphocytes, which is a clear demonstration that the human immune system can be augmented with this herb.
Overuse of ginseng, especially before bedtime, can cause overstimultion, diarrhea, and nervousness. In rare cases some people develop headaches or high blood pressure.
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St. John's wort mainly effects the nervous system. It is often used as a mild antidepressant. It works by inhibiting the breakdown of neurotransmitters in the brain. It also works as a serotonin reuptake inhibitor. St. John's wort has also been shown to relieve menstrual cramping, sciatica, and arthritis.
An oil extract is recommended as a good external salve for burns, sores, bruises, and skin problems. German scientists applied an ointment containing St. John's wort to burns and reported that second- and third-degree burns healed three times faster than burns treated conventionally. An extract of St. John's wort, hypericin has recently generated much interest as an AIDS drug. Researchers at both New York University and the Weizmann Institute of Science in Israel found that hypericin possessed antiviral activity in mice. Although there have been no clinical studies of hypericin's effect on HIV in humans, some individuals have decided on their own to take hypericin extract and dramatic improvements have been reported in certain cases.
St. John's wort may cause a sensitivity to light, so users should avoid direct exposure to sunlight. Users may also want to avoid beer, wine, and cheese while taking this herb. In addition, this herb may interact with other prescription medication.
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Willows are used for pain relief and reduction of fever because the leaves contain salicylic acid, the ingredient in aspirin. Although the white willow is the best known of the willows, the black and goat willows contain the same properties as the white. Use willow in any situation where aspirin is used.
Aspirin is now receiving wide usage to prevent heart attacks in men over 50 due to its ability to prevent platelet clumping. The spread of tumor cells is also thought to be associated with platelet clumping, since several tumor cell types can aggregate platelets and form a metastasis. So, along with preventing heart attacks, willow may also help prevent the spread of cancer.
Willow causes irritation to the mucous membranes. Therefore it should not be used for upset or ulcerated stomachs. Willow also tends to reduce blood clotting time and should not be used with prescription anticoagulants. Willow should never be used to relieve fevers in children.
WARNING: Do not take if you are pregnant or nursing.
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