Here are some interesting facts about herbs that you may enjoy knowing.
The following is from the book, "The Natural Pharmacy."
FENUGREEK: Helpful in these conditions: Atherosclerosis, constipation, diabetes, high cholesterol, stuffy sinuses, and high triglycerides.
Although originally from southeastern Europe and western Asia, fenugreek grows today in many parts of the world. It is used as a spice in many foods, such as falafel. The seeds of the fenugreek contain the most potent medicinal effects of the plant.
In ancient times fenugreek was used to treat wounds, abcesses, arthritis, bronchitis and digestive problems. (It can be taken in capsule form to dry up overactive sinuses, too.) Traditional Chinese herbalists used it for kidney problems and conditions affcting the male reproductive tract. Fenugreek is extremely safe except in doses exceeding 100 grams of the seeds taken in one day, at which dose it can cause upset intestines and nausea. The taste is bitter, so most people take it in capsule form. You can buy this at most health food stores.
HORSE CHESTNUT: Traditionally, many of the aerial parts of the horse chestnut tree, including the seeds, leaves and bark, were used in medicinal preparations. Modern extracts of horse chestnut are usually extracts of the seeds, which are the most potent part. Supports in the following conditions: chronic venous insuffieiency, edema, hemorrhoids, sprains and other injuries, varicose veins.
Historically the leaves have been used as a cough remedy and fever reducer. They were also believed to reduce pain and inflammation of arthritis and rheumatism. Poultices of the seeds were used to treat skin ulcers and cancers. Other uses include the internal and external application for venous circulation, including varicose veins and hemorrhoids, as well as phlebitis.. Follow the recommended dosage on the the bottle.
This herb is safe in recommended dosages. It should be avoided by anyone with liver or kidney disease, or anyone pregnant or lactating. Discontinue use if a rash develops when using externally.
KAVA: Good for relief of anxiety, pain relief, muscle-relaxing, and is anticonvulsant.
It is native to the Pacific Ocean islands. The root is used. A nonalcoholic drink made from the root of kava played an important role in a variety of ceremonies in the aPacific, including welcoming visiting royalty, at meetings of village elders, or as part of social gatherings. Kava was valued both for its mellowing effects and to encourage socializing. It was also noted for initiating a state of contentment, a greater sense of well-being, and enhanced mental acuity, memory and sensory perception. Kaa has also been used to treat pain traditionally.
Kava directly influences the limbic system, the ancient part of the brain associated with emotions.
Amount to take: 140 to 210 mg of kava-lactones per day. Check the bottle to find out how much is in each capsule. May be purchased in health food stores. Not to be taken along with other herbs or substances that act upon the central nervous system, such as alcohol, poke root, barbiturates, anti-depressants, antipsychotics, or anti-histamines. Long term use may turn the skin temporarily yellow, if this happens just discontinue use. Skin will return to normal. Not recommended for pregnant or lactating women.
KUDZU: This is used in traditional Chinese medicine and modern herbal products. It is a climbing vine, the root of which can get to be as big as a human body. Conditions in which it might be supportive: alcoholism, angina pectoris, hypertension. In Chinese medicine this herb is recomended for thirst, headache, and stiff neck with pain due to high blood pressure. It is also recommended for allergies, migrane headaches, and diarrhea.
This root is high in isoflavones, such as diadzein and puerarin. Kudzu improves microcirculation and blood flow through the coronary arteries. It inhibits the desire for alcohol ( modern studies are underway). At recommended dosages, (Chinese pharmacopia recommends 9-15 gms per day of the root) there have been no reports of toxicity in humans from kudzu.
ST. JOHN'S WORT: Used for depression, sure, but guess what else? Adrenal support, recurrent ear infection, vitiligo, and the herb soaked in olive oil for a couple of weeks makes a wonderful ointment that speeds up the healing of bruises. In ancient times in Greece it was used to treat sciatica, poisonous reptile bites, and is a folk remedy for kidney and lung ailments.
Dosage: about 300 mg. per day at 0.3% hypericin (again, read the bottle for dosing). This can be found in health food stores. Side effects include making the skin more light-sentitive, so stay out of bright sunlight and tanning beds while taking it. Avoid foods like red wine, cheese, yeast and pickled herring. Do not take this herb while taking prescription anti-depressants. Not recommended during pregnancy or lactation.
AS WITH ALL HERBS OR MEDICATIONS, CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR BEFORE USE. THIS NEWSLETTER IS NOT INTENDED AS A SUBSTITUTE FOR "MEDICAL ADVICE."
