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GINSENG
LICORICE (see below)
WORMWOOD (Artemisia absinthium)
Wormwood contains volatile oils, flavonoids, phenolic acids, lignans. It
stimulates the secretion of stomach acid and bile, and improves digestion and
absorption of nutrients. It eases gas and bloating, and gradually strengthens
the digestive system after a prolonged illness. (Tasting the bitterness of the
herb is important in order to derive the digestive benefits, as it triggers
digestive secretions.)
It is reported to be anti-inflammatory, moderately effective against worms,
and a mild anti-depressant. It may have an anti-tumor effect (via its
sesquiterpene lactones).
Dosage: Aerial parts are used; .... Take only in small doses, as it can be toxic in excess due to volatile oil thujone.
SARSAPARILLA (Smilax officinalis or medica)
It contains steroidal saponins, phytosterols, starch, resin, sarsapic acid
and minerals. It is anti-inflammatory and cleansing, and has been used to treat
various auto-immune diseases. It has a tonic action on the body, and can be
helpful in menopause for its progesterogenic action. Foreign research indicates
its usefulness against leptospirosis, syphilis and leprosy. I can personally
attest to it's usefulness as an aphrodisiac (it is said to have a testosterogenic
action on the body, even though it does not contain testosterone-like
substances). It is a mild diuretic and a diaphoretic. Do not use immediately
before sleep, may cause disturbed dreams.
Dosage: Rhizome and roots are used; 3 cups of tea a day (1 Tbsp. powdered root, simmer for 15 minutes in 3 1/2 cups water). Tincture: 1/2 tsp 3x daily. In overdose, it can cause digestive tract irritation.
LICORICE
ALOE
CAT'S CLAW
WILD YAM
GINGER
PAU D'ARCO
ROSEMARY
TURMERIC
ST. JOHN'S WORT
GARLIC
GRAPEFRUIT SEED
ST. JOHN'S WORT (see above)
SWEET ANNIE
TEA TREE
THYME
MILK THISTLE
YARROW
ELDERFLOWERS
LOBELIA
CASCARA SAGRADA (Rhamnus purshiana)
Cascara sagrada (the name means "holy bark") is the best herbal laxative that
I know about. It is gentle and non-cramping, and it it said to restore bowel tone
as well. It stimulates intestinal contractions.
One component, aloe-emodin, has been shown to have anti-leukemic action in lab
animals.
Dosage: Aged bark is used; boil 1 tsp in 3 cups of water. Drink 1-2 cups before bed. Or take 1-2 capsules with a glass of water.
SENNA (Cassia senna)
Senna is a very commonly used laxative, found in mainstream preparations as well
as unconventional ones. Senna has been researched extensively, showing that it
irritates the intestinal lining, causing it to contract. It also acts as a stool
softener by preventing the absorption of fluid in the large intestine. Chronic
use can lead to weakening of large bowel muscles. Senna often causes griping;
used in a tea mixture such as Smooth Move tea, the dose can be closely adjusted
for minimum discomfort. The taste is unpleasant -- another reason to mix it
with other herbs.
Dosage: Leaves and pods are used; 1/2-1 cup of tea at bedtime, or per directions. Tincture: 1/2-1 tsp at bedtime.
Researched and written by Vera Bradova © 1998
Updated 10-13-1998
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