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This health article is part four of four installments of our herbal supplements encyclopedia. Please see the bottom of this page for links to the other encyclopedia health article sections.

Saw Palmetto
This botanical product is derived from a small palm tree found in South Carolina and Florida. Over the last few years saw palmetto has gained notoriety for its beneficial effects on a condition called “benign prostatic hyperplasia,” a benign (non-cancerous) growth within the prostate gland. Also referred to as enlargement of the prostate, this condition is common in men age 50 and older. The male hormone testosterone is converted into a chemical called DHT (dihydrotestosterone), which seems to play a part in causing the prostate to become enlarged. Saw palmetto has been found to inhibit this action.

Silymarin (Milk Thistle)
Silymarin (milk thistle) is an herb generally used to protect the liver from a variety of toxic substances. It prevents toxins from penetrating the interior of liver cells while promoting the growth of healthy new cells to repair liver damage. Milk thistle seed has demonstrated significant value in the treatment of hepatitis, cirrhosis, inflammatory liver disease and liver damage from toxic substances. It has also been used as an antidote for death-cap mushroom poisoning, and has antioxidant properties.

Slippery Elm
Slippery elm is taken orally for stomach inflammation, ulcers and sore throat. Applied to the skin it can be used as a treatment for wounds, burns and skin conditions. For much of the 20th century, slippery elm was a popular over-the-counter remedy for sore throat and upset stomach. It was listed in The United States Pharmacopoeia until 1960, and was declared safe and effective by the Food and Drug Administration, disappearing from drug store shelves only after Dutch elm disease destroyed nearly all the elm trees in the US. The powdered inner bark of the tree provides relief by forming a slippery, viscous coating that soothes irritation in the throat and the lining of the stomach. Its water-retaining properties also make it an ideal ingredient for a soothing compress.

St. John’s Wort
Sometimes referred to as “Nature’s Prozac,” St. John’s wort is believed to combat depression by boosting the levels of certain chemical messengers in the brain. It works on two levels: Like the prescription antidepressant Prozac, it seems to increase the amount of serotonin available to the nervous system. And like the monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitor Nardil, St. John’s wort is thought to promote higher levels of dopamine and certain other chemical messengers.

St. John’s wort has also been used to treat sleep disturbances, gallbladder disorders, gastritis, bronchitis, asthma, diarrhea, bed-wetting, rheumatism, muscle pain, hemorrhoids and gout. Researchers are currently studying its use in acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) patients.

Cut at the start of the flowering season and processed in bunches, St. John’s wort must be dried quickly to preserve its oil and secretions. Early Christians named the plant in honor of St. John the Baptist because they believed the plant secreted its blood-red oil each year on Aug. 29, the day the saint was beheaded. Used medicinally for over 2000 years, Ancient Greeks believed that the odor of St. John’s wort repelled evil spirits. St. John’s wort is also known as amber, goat weed, hardhay, klamath weed and tipton weed.

Excessive use of St. John’s wort increases sensitivity to sunlight. To avoid sunburn, minimize your exposure to the sun while using this medication. This herb can also cause bloating and constipation.

Do not use St. John’s wort while taking a prescription MAO inhibitor, such as Nardil or Parnate, as a dangerous interaction may be possible. Avoid aged, pickled and fermented food and beverages while taking St. John’s wort. Foods such as aged cheese, wine and beer contain tyramine, which was formerly used to treat abnormally low blood pressure. The combination of St. John’s wort and these foods could cause a sudden, dangerous surge in blood pressure. Additionally, St. John’s wort should not be used by anyone with hypertension or borderline hypertension, as it can increase blood pressure.

Most recently, research indicates St. John’s wort lessens the effectiveness of indinavir, a medication given to HIV patients, and of the drug cyclosporin, which is used to suppress the immune systems of heart transplant patients so their bodies don’t reject the new organ.

Turmeric
Turmeric is a major ingredient in curry powder and is also used in certain varieties of mustard. Its active ingredient, curcumin, is prescribed as an anti-inflammatory agent in the treatment of numerous disorders, including jaundice, bruises, chest pain and menstrual difficulties. Although medical evidence does not support its use in all these ailments, turmeric does appear to be an effective antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial agent, and it may aid heart, liver and gastrointestinal problems.

Valerian
The odor of valerian has been likened to dirty gym socks, but this herb is a powerful remedy for spasms — it relaxes muscles and has a sedative effect. Valerian is also commonly taken for anxiety, mental strain, lack of concentration, excitability, hysteria, stress, headache, epilepsy, premenstrual syndrome, symptoms of menopause, nerve pain, fainting, stomach cramps and colic.

This plant, which produces bright pink to white flowers, grows 20 to 40 inches in height. It is native to Europe and the temperate regions of Asia, and is cultivated in Europe, Japan and the US. Valerian’s medicinal value comes from the underground stem and the roots.

Check with your doctor before using valerian extract or its volatile oil if you have a skin injury, an acute skin disorder, a severe infection, heart problems or severe muscle tension. In rare instances, valerian can cause digestive problems or an allergic reaction. Long-term use can lead to headache, restlessness, sleeplessness, pupil dilation and heart problems.

White Willow Bark
White willow bark (Salix alba) has been used for centuries to reduce fever, alleviate headaches and reduce pain and swelling in the joints. The discovery of the salicin nutrient in white willow bark led to the synthesis of today’s modern aspirin compound, which contains acetylsalicylic acid. Unlike aspirin, however, which can cause stomach irritation and even ulceration, white willow bark contains bioactive nutrients that are good for the digestive system. White willow bark is generally considered a relatively effective aspirin substitute.

Wild Yam (Dioscorea villosa)
Wild yam, a member of the Dioscorea family that includes the common potato, is considered a remedy for rheumatism, gallbladder problems, cramps, nerve pain, painful menstruation, upset stomach and morning sickness, although its effectiveness is unconfirmed. An extract of wild yam, however, has been shown to lower triglycerides and raise levels of the “good” HDL cholesterol that combats build-up of plaque in the arteries. Wild yam also calms muscular spasms, stimulates the flow of bile, promotes perspiration and seems to have anti-inflammatory properties.

Also known as China root, colic root, devil’s bones, rheumatism root and yuma, wild yam is used in the production of artificial progesterone. It does not, however, serve as a natural source of the female hormone progesterone. No known medical conditions preclude the use of wild yam, but take care to avoid excessive doses. Large doses have been known to cause nausea, and poisoning is conceivable.

Yohimbe
Yohimbe is an herbal nutrient that may get your blood pumping because of the natural component of yohimbe bark and yohimbe powder — hydrochloride. Pure yohimbe hydrochloride has been used in the medical profession for a number of years to treat male impotence. In its action as an “alpha adrenergic agonist” it appears to increase the flow of blood to the penis, while at the same time preventing blood from flowing out.

Yucca
Yucca is currently used as a treatment for arthritis, although its effectiveness has not been officially recognized. Research suggests that yucca relieves arthritis by blocking intestinal release of toxins that inhibit normal formation of cartilage. Historically, Native Americans used yucca for sprains, sores, bleeding and inflammation. It has also been used as a shampoo to fight dandruff and hair loss.

Yucca, a desert plant related to the Joshua tree, grows primarily in the southwestern United States. The medicinal parts are the stalk and root. Yucca is an FDA-approved food additive used as a foaming agent in beverages such as root beer.

Yucca poses a theoretical danger to red blood cells because in test-tube studies, ingredients in yucca have caused the cells to burst (a process known as hemolysis). This problem, however, has never been reported in humans. Yucca is considered otherwise safe under all medical conditions, but large doses may cause loose stools.

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This health article is part three of four installments of our herbal supplements encyclopedia. Please see the bottom of this page for links to the other encyclopedia health article sections.

Marigold (Calendula)
Marigold is a beneficial herb for digestive problems, and is sometimes used in the treatment of gastric and duodenal ulcers. Calendula has anti-fungal properties and may be used both internally and externally to combat such infections.

Photo by Luis Brito

Marshmallow Root
Marshmallow root has been used in traditional European medicines for more than 2000 years. It is commonly used to soothe and stabilize the digestive tract.

Meadowsweet
Meadowsweet contains the analgesic substance “salicin,” which provides the basis for acetylsalicylic acid, or aspirin. Meadowsweet doesn’t relieve pain as well as aspirin (simply because it’s much lower in salicin), but it’s much less likely to cause aspirin’s major side effect — stomach upset. Some studies have shown that meadowsweet actually protects the stomach against aspirin-induced ulcers.

Milk Thistle
A compound in milk thistle seed known as “silymarin” has been shown to protect the liver from a variety of toxic substances. It prevents toxins from penetrating the interior of liver cells while promoting the growth of healthy new cells to repair liver damage. Milk thistle seed has demonstrated significant value in the treatment of hepatitis, cirrhosis, inflammatory liver disease and liver damage from toxic substances. It has also been used as an antidote for death-cap mushroom poisoning, and has antioxidant properties. Native to Europe, the milk thistle plant generally reaches a height of 2 to 5 feet. Also known as “Our Lady’s Thistle,” legend has it that the veins in the leaf of the milk thistle plant were turned white by drops of the Virgin Mary’s breast milk. Because of this legend, milk thistle was once used as a tonic for nursing mothers.

Parsley
Parsley seed, leaf and root are all used medicinally for urinary problems, but only the leaf and root have been thoroughly tested and found effective for kidney and bladder stones and urinary tract infections. In animal tests, parsley has been found to trigger and strengthen contractions of the uterus. In folk medicine, parsley is also used to treat stomach and intestinal disorders, jaundice, water retention and failure to menstruate, although its effectiveness for these ailments has not been scientifically proven. Juice pressed from fresh parsley is a folk remedy for insect bites.

Now grown worldwide, parsley originated somewhere in the Mediterranean regions. The Ancient Greeks employed it in their funeral rites, fashioning it into wreaths for their tombs. Ironically, this most widely used of kitchen herbs was never used for cooking in Ancient Greece. Instead, it was held sacred and reserved for the dead.

Although a common herb, parsley seems an unlikely candidate for medicinal use. The oil extracted from the plant is surprisingly potent, and in large doses it may be dangerous. Parsley is not recommended for people with water retention due to a heart or kidney condition, and it should not be used if there is a kidney inflammation. Do not take parsley if you have ever had an allergic reaction to parsley or its active ingredient, apiole, or if you are pregnant.

When using parsley to flush out the urinary system, be sure to drink large amounts of fluid. There is a slight possibility that parsley will cause a skin reaction. Contact with freshly harvested plants can increase sensitivity to the sun in light-skinned individuals. Refined parsley oil is considered too toxic for medicinal use, and high doses of parsley oil (or preparations rich in the oil) can be poisonous. Symptoms of poisoning include increased contractions of the bladder, intestines and uterus; excessive weight loss; bloody stools; nosebleeds; and, possibly, kidney shutdown. If you suspect you are having a toxic reaction, check with your doctor immediately.

Passion Flower
Although proven effective for edginess and insomnia, passion flower may also be used as a remedy for depression and nervous stomach. Homeopathic practitioners prescribe it for asthma and whooping cough. Applied externally, it has been used for hemorrhoids.

This perennial vine, which reaches 30 feet in length, grows naturally in the southeastern US, Brazil and Argentina, and is cultivated in Europe as a garden plant. The blossoms are considered symbolic of Christ’s Passion (their central corona, for example, represents the Crown of Thorns), which accounts for the plant’s name.

The above-ground parts of the plant hold its medicinal value. In animal tests, researchers found that passion flower slows the passage of food through the digestive tract.

Primrose
Both the flower and root of primrose are used medicinally. Documented therapeutic effects are a decongestant action and an effectiveness in thinning and loosening phlegm, which makes it easier to expel phlegm from the lungs. Folk remedies suggest the flower can be a remedy for headache, nerve pain and tremors, and may be used as a “heart tonic” for sensations of dizziness and cardiac insufficiency. Primrose root is taken for whooping cough, asthma, gout and insomnia. Also referred to as “cowslip,” primrose is used in homeopathic medicine for skin conditions and to whiten and smooth the skin.

At customary dosage levels primrose is generally safe, but there is a possibility of developing a sensitivity to the plant, particularly the leaves and flowers. Do not take primrose if it causes an allergic reaction. An overdose of primrose can lead to stomach problems, nausea and diarrhea.

Photo by Stephanie Berghaeuser

Rose Hip
A well-known source of vitamin C, rose hip is often recommended for boosting resistance and fighting infections, although there is no scientific evidence of this. The seed of rose hip is recommended for urinary tract infections and for treatment of rheumatism, gout, kidney disease, water retention and sciatica, which is nerve pain in the lower back and thigh. (These remedies also have no scientific evidence.) Named “dog rose” because it was once believed to have an effect against rabies, this prickly climber grows up to 10 feet in length and produces large white or pink flowers. The plant’s seed receptacle contains its vitamin C, and the seeds themselves have compounds that flush excess water from the body and exert a laxative effect.

Rosemary
In folk medicine, rosemary (also known as compass weed or polar plant) was used to make salves for poorly healing wounds and eczema. In homeopathic medicine the herb is used for female sexual disorders. (Its effectiveness for these purposes remains unproven.) It is the essential oil of rosemary that provides medicinal benefit, which includes an ability to control spasms in the gallbladder and upper intestine, improve the flow of blood to the heart and strengthen the action of the heart muscle. Oil of rosemary improves circulation when applied externally.

Historically, rosemary had a reputation for improving memory, which led to its becoming a sign of lovers’ fidelity and to its being worn at wedding ceremonies. In Italy and Spain, it was believed to ward off evil.

Skin reactions from contact with the herb have been observed on occasion. Ingesting very large quantities of rosemary leaves or oil can cause severe reactions. Although no cases of overdose are on record, it may potentially cause coma, spasm, vomiting, inflammation of the digestive tract, uterine bleeding, kidney irritation, swelling in the lungs and possibly death. If you suspect an overdose seek medical attention immediately.

Photo by Kristian Birchall

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This is part two of four installments of our herbal supplements encyclopedia. Please see the bottom of this page for links to the other encyclopedia health article sections.

Garlic
Garlic has been used as a medicine and a food since the time of the Egyptian pharaohs and the earliest Chinese dynasties. Folk medicine suggests garlic may relieve high blood pressure, digestive ailments, menstrual pain and diabetes, and that external application may relieve corns, calluses, ear infections, muscle and nerve pain and sciatica. Garlic guards against hardening of the arteries through its proven ability to lower cholesterol. It also has proven antibiotic properties and a mild anti-clotting effect on the blood.

When garlic cells are crushed they release allicin, the active ingredient responsible for garlic’s characteristic odor. To be effective, garlic preparations must smell of allicin. Garlic is a known remedy for bronchitis, colds, coughs, fever, sore throat and infection.

At recommended dosages, garlic is safe for most people. If you are taking anti-clotting drugs or are preparing for surgery, check with your doctor before taking garlic. Ingesting large quantities of garlic may cause stomach distress and will lead to bad breath and body odor. Frequent hand contact with garlic may cause eczema (an itching and weeping rash), although this is rare.

Photo by Alessandro Paiva

Geranium
Derived from a Bulgarian plant called Geranium sanguineum, this herbal extract may have potent antiviral effects. It has been suggested that geranium can suppress the growth of infectious viruses, so if you have a bad cold or the flu geranium may help speed your recovery.

Ginger Root
Among the proven medicinal uses of ginger root are its effectiveness in preventing nausea and vomiting, and as an appetite stimulant. It is also taken to loosen phlegm, relieve gas and tighten the tissues. In Asian medicine it is used as a treatment for asthma, shortness of breath, water retention, earache and diarrhea. Homeopathic practitioners recommend it for sexual disorders as well.

Native to Southeast Asia, ginger was brought to Spain and then to America by the Spanish in the 15th and 16th centuries. It is now commercially cultivated in tropical regions of the United States, India, China and the West Indies. The plant is a creeping perennial that spreads underground, but only the root is medicinal.

At customary dosage levels, ginger root poses no problems to most people. It should not, however, be used by pregnant women to curb morning sickness. People with gallstones should also avoid using ginger root unless approved by a physician.

Ginkgo Biloba
Ginkgo biloba is thought to improve mental focus and concentration, and research does indicate there is improved blood flow to the brain along with enhanced alertness. One drawback, however, is the possibility of developing a headache when using this supplement.

Ginseng
Ginseng is one of the herbal supplements known as an “adaptogen.” Adaptogens help the body adapt to higher levels of stress. Ginseng may also help with increasing one’s endurance, and it may speed recovery after illness. There are a number of varieties of ginseng:

* Indian ginseng, know as “ashwagandha,” is used in India as a “vitalizer” and purportedly helps treat symptoms of arthritis, asthma, bronchitis and cancer. Adults have shown an increased number of red blood cells after taking ginseng.

* American ginseng, or Panax quinquefolius, may be useful as a laxative.

* Korean ginseng, also known as Panax ginseng, is thought to have mild central nervous system effects. It may also improve performance and stamina, and aid concentration and reaction times in the elderly.

* Siberian ginseng, or Eleutherococcus senticosus, is the most popular type of ginseng. It has been used in Russia for centuries for its purported ability to stimulate the immune system. It is also thought to be a remedy for stress, fatigue and complete nervous breakdown.

Goldenseal, Barberry, Oregon Grape and Goldthread
These four herbs all contain high amounts of the active ingredient “berberine,” which is believed to have a number of beneficial effects on the immune system. Berberine has been used in clinical trials to treat infectious diarrhea, trachoma (an infection of the eye) and liver disorders (cirrhosis), but there have been no detailed studies.

Gotu Kola
Ayurvedic medicine practitioners recommend gotu kola as a gentle sedative and for treating insomnia. It also helps improve memory and can help alleviate mental fatigue. Studies have shown that gotu kola can also be used as a treatment for varicose veins. It can partially restore the vein wall and lining, and reduce leg aching and heaviness.

Grape Seed Extract
Grape seed extract is a good source of various potent flavone antioxidants. Although it is similar to Pycnogenol (pine bark extract), the most potent free-radical scavengers are found only in grape seed extract.

Guarana
Guarana is caffeine in herbal form. Guarana is between 2.5 and 5 percent caffeine, which is two and a half times the amount of caffeine in the coffee bean. There is no performance benefit in taking guarana.

Hawthorn
Hawthorn is a diuretic and is also used as a sedative. Hawthorn relaxes the blood vessels so blood flows more easily, which can increase circulation and lower blood pressure. The herb is also believed to strengthen the heart.

Hops
Hops are most commonly used as a flavoring agent in beer, but have been used throughout history for soothing the stomach and encouraging healthy digestion. Research indicates hops can also have a positive effect on irritability, tension and insomnia.

Horse Chestnut
Also known as “buckeye,” horse chestnut is considered beneficial for diseases of the circulatory system, including edema, phlebitis, hardening of the arteries, varicose veins, stroke, heart attack, leg ulcers, sunburn, hemorrhoids and diarrhea.

Hyssop
Hyssop’s minty leaves can be found in many salads and poultry stuffing, but as an herbal remedy it is most beneficial as a “tonic” (to energize the body) and to soothe sore throats.

Juniper
Juniper has been used for years as a diuretic. It can also stimulate the appetite and decrease flatulence and indigestion.

Kava Kava
In the islands of the South Pacific, kava kava is used as a ritual beverage for ceremonial purposes, but it’s also well-known for its sedative qualities, for alleviating urinary tract infections, and as a pain reliever or muscle relaxant. Kava kava is also a great remedy for pre-menstrual syndrome (PMS) and menstrual cramps. Research indicates kava kava may help hyperactivity in children.

Lavender
Lavender is a natural antibiotic and antiseptic. It is also beneficial for sleep disorders and nervous stomach.

Licorice
While you may associate licorice with that chewy black candy, natural licorice is actually a plant in the pea family. Ancient Egyptians used licorice for treating coughs and lung disease. Traditional Chinese medicine recommends licorice as an antacid, and it is suggested for treatment of the spleen, liver and kidney. Licorice can also relieve coughs and bronchial spasms.

Read part one (A-F)
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