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Hydrocotyle |
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Hydrocotyle |
By Kathleen Finn
Got a headache or a cold ? Why not reach for an herb instead of aspirin or other drugs? Botanical medicines offer you a natural and safe way to prevent and treat illness.
We're experiencing the beginning of an herbal renaissance in the United States," says Daniel Fe Gagnon, a medical herbalist in Santa Fe, N.M. "People are going to doctors and requesting options to pharmaceuticals. They want to know if there are other remedies they can take—namely herbs. Medical doctors and pharmacists also want to know more about herbs so they can inform their patients and customers."
Gagnon is also encouraged that some medical schools now offer herbalism classes. Although herbal classes aren't part of the official curriculum, he believes in the next 20 years herbal medicine will become an integral element of a young doctor's training. Why the turning tide? "Herbal remedies are less expensive than their pharmaceutical counterparts, produce virtually no side effects, and their efficacy is well-documented," Gagnon says. "Although there's a place for both pharmaceuticals and herbs, herbs work well in the gray area between severe and moderate illness. For example, St. John's wort is an excellent tonic for mild to medium depression; however, a more severe case of depression may call for stronger drugs."
Gagnon does, however, warn against using herbs as magic-bullet treatments. He recommends "building a strong base" first. "You need to build from the bottom with good habits, which include paying attention to the emotional, exercise, dietary, mental attitude and spiritual components of health," he says. "Herbs are a nice slice of the holistic health pie and work well with astounding results, but they're just one piece."
With this in mind, peruse the following list of 26 common and well researched herbs and their uses for various ailments and diseases. Herbs are potent medicines, and you should consult with an experienced herbal practitioner before taking them.
Stop Colds and Flu
1. Echinacea. Pronounced "ek-i-NAY-sha," the purple coneflower is the powerhouse, herb for prevention of colds and flu. Out of the three species of echinacea commonly used for medicinal purposes—angustifolia, purpurea and pallida— Echinacea angustifolia is the most widely used. Echinacea's strength comes from its chemical components: volatile
Calendula
oil, caffeic acid derivatives, polysaccharides, polyines, polyenes and isobutylamides, according to herbalist Steven Foster in Alternative and Complementary Therapies (June/July 1995). A nonspecific immunostimulant, echinacea works by increasing phagocytosis—the engulfing of bacteria, viruses and other invaders by white blood cells. It requires repeated dosages to sustain the immune stimulating effect, writes Foster; however, echinacea may become ineffective if taken for more than two weeks at a time.
2. Boneset. Aptly named for its use in alleviating "bone-deep" aches, boneset (Eupatorium perfoliatum) may be one of the best flu remedies around, according to David Hoffmann in An Elders' Herbal (Healing Arts). The tops and leaves of this shrub-like perennial are used to help relieve aches and pains of flu and help reduce fever as well as clear the upper respiratory tract of mucus. Boneset's volatile oils increase heat and circulation, thus promoting sweat. It's also a digestive and elimination stimulant.
Increase Immunity
3. Licorice root. The "grandfather of Chinese herbs," licorice is second only in importance to ginseng in Chinese herbal medicine because of its tonifying effects on the entire body. "It's considered the key to health," writes Daniel Mowrey, Ph.D., in Herbal Tonic Therapies (Keats). Glycyrrhetinic acid (GLA) and glycyrrhizin (GL) are its main constituents. GLA (not to be confused with gamma-linolenic acid) has anti-inflammatory action comparable to hydrocortisone, and both GLA and GL stimulate the immune system. GLA has been shown to induce interferon production in mice, according to Mowrey, while GL has shown efficacy against alcoholic hepatitis in a study published in the Asian Medical Journal (1980, vol. 23). Licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra) also detoxifies, helping eliminate poisons and toxins from the body, regulates blood sugar levels and recharges depleted adrenal glands.
4. Milk thistle. Referred to by herbalists as the "liver herb," milk thistle helps detoxify our second largest organ (second to skin) as it's assaulted daily by toxins such as alcohol, prescription drugs, stress, hormones, pesticides, pollution and the list goes on. Milk thistle has been used as a liver tonic for at least 2,000 years, according to Foster. Its main constituent— silymarin—protects liver cells from chemical damage. Silymarin is a mixture of chemical compounds called flavonolignans, which are harvested from the seed of Silybum marianum, from the daisy family. This seed grows into a six-foot plant that blooms with purple thistles. Besides its protective qualities, milk thistle may help reverse toxic liver damage caused by cirrhosis and hepatitis.
5. Goldenseal. It doesn't kill bacteria like many people think; however, goldenseal does slow growth of bacteria. It's specifically used for sub-acute and chronic inflammations of the mucous membranes, explains Gagnon. When the body suffers from inflammation due to a cold, sinusitis or urinary tract infection, bacteria have an easier time infiltrating and setting up house. Inflammation changes the integrity of mucus by making it too thin to protect against bacteria or too thick, which creates a feeding ground for bacteria. By reducing inflammation, Gagnon says, goldenseal helps keep bacteria out and illness at bay.
Although goldenseal is an effective herb, use it sparingly as it is at present an endangered herb. An effective substitute for goldenseal is Oregon grape.
Prevent PMS
6. Vitex.
Also called chasteberry or Vitex agnus castus, vitex helps regulate estrogen and
progesterone. This action helps reduce premenstrual hormone swings, according to Farida Sharan,
N.D., in Herbs of Grace (Wisdome Press). Vitex works directly on the pituitary gland, which
has a large impact on hormonal functions throughout the body. One primary action of vitex is an
increase in the production and secretion of luteinizing
hormone and an inhibition of the release of follicle-stimulating hormone. In other words, it
equalizes hormones, helping reduce symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS).
7. Black cohosh. Also known as rattleweed and bugbane, black cohosh is derived from the roots and rhizome (horizontal subterranean plant stem) of the forest plant Cimicifuga racemosa. It's used in Europe to relieve symptoms of PMS and menopause and menstrual cramps. Black cohosh works by dilating blood vessels and contains several compounds that bind to estrogen receptors, thus reducing the amount of estrogen able to enter cells and cause PMS symptoms such as cramps, irritability and depression.
8. Dandelion. The liver plays an integral part in PMS symptoms of irritability, fatigue, foggy thinking and headaches because the liver is the body's primary detoxifier. If your liver is overloaded by too much caffeine, alcohol, environmental toxins or stress by-products such as adrenaline, it can't efficiently do its job, and your body suffers physically and emotionally, especially during monthly hormonal surges. Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) is a liver tonic and has the capacity to clear obstructions and stimulate the liver to detoxify poisons, writes Michael Tierra, N.D., C.A., in The Way of Herbs (Pocket Books).
Hinder Heart Disease
9.
Hawthorn.
For the initial stages of heart disease, hawthorn (Crataegus oxyacantha) can be effective
because it helps carry blood and oxygen to the heart, according to Gagnon. Hawthorn, however, is
slow acting and can take three to four weeks to show a positive effect. To determine the various
stages of heart disease, the New York Heart Association enumerates four levels of heart pain.
Stage 1: You perform strong exercise such as shoveling snow and feel heart pain, but
upon sitting it goes away. Stage 2: You perform more strenuous exercise such as
walking up
flight of stairs, but upon sitting the pain goes away.
Stage 3: You take a couple of steps and have to sit down because the pain is so bad. Stage
4: Simply sitting causes heart pain. Hawthorn is indicated for stages l and 2, says Gagnon. (Note:
See your physician if you experience heart pain.)
10. Garlic. A staple of the Italian diet, garlic (Allium sativum) can also help lower cholesterol and thus reduce your risk of heart disease. Several volatile sulphur compounds including allicin are the probable active constituents, according to Mowrey in The Scientific Validation of Herbal Medicine (Keats). It's believed allicin blocks the production of cholesterol. "Animal and human basic research has irrefutably established garlic's ability to lower blood serum cholesterol levels," he writes. He cites studies published in Lancet, Artery, American Journal of Clinical Nutrition and American Journal of Chinese Medicine that back garlic's claim to fame a cholesterol reducer.
Expand Your Energy
11.
Ginkgo. You may not lack physical energy, but, does your brain need an energy boost? Then Ginkgo
biloba may be the herb for you. One of the oldest surviving botanicals on Earth, ginkgo
comes from the leaves of the ginkgo tree. This "mind" herb increases blood flow to the
brain, which enhances memory and other mental functions, writes Carlson Wade in Natural Energy
Boosters (Reward Books). It also appears to have antioxidant properties and thus may help
prevent atherosclerotic plaque
buildup—a precursor to heart disease
12.
Gotu kola.
Also called Centella asiatica and Indian pennywort, gotu kola is an ayurvedic mind herb of
sorts. Because of its ability to improve the integrity of the connective and fatty tissues in the
brain, it enhances general brain perfor mance including memory power, according to Mowrey. A
stimulant and adaptogen, gotu kola is also recognized for its ability to accelerate the healing of
skin wounds and diseases.
13.
Ginseng.
The most well-known adaptogen, ginseng is a Chinese herb that helps increase energy by aiding the
body to adapt to internal and external stresses. It's been used for centuries to increase vitality
and combat degenerative diseases. The root of the Chinese shrub Panax ginseng is believed to
contain all the elements necessary to adjust the body to be in tune with nature, writes Stephen
Fulder, Ph.D., in The Ginseng Book (Avery). He also clarifies the difference between ginseng
and other stimulants, noting that ginseng isn't an excitant and causes no sleep disruption.
Because it's an adaptogen, ginseng is most active when most needed, and the more tired you are, the more it stimulates. The Panax ginseng family includes American, Korean and Chinese ginsengs, and Siberian ginseng composes another family. All ginsengs should be used moderately and over short periods of time as they can be too stimulating for some people. Siberian ginseng is recommended for people who feel depleted.
Soothe Stress
14. Valerian.
The calming constituent of valerian (Valeriana officinalis) is valerianic acid, which acts as
a sedative for emotional disturbances and pain, according to Tierra in The Way of Herbs. Valerian
is often combined with other herbs such as hops, chamomile and passionflower to create nervine
tonics (substances that feed the nervous system and balance its energy). Although it's a rare
occurrence, in some people valerian can have a stimulating effect because the essential oil of
valerian isn't transformed by the body's own enzymes into valerianic acid. Until this enzymatic
process occurs, valerian has the capacity to stimulate.
15. Passionflower. Its name, passionflower, sounds stress-relieving, but it's more than a soothing moniker. This flower— named after Christ's Passion (suffering) because it resembles the crown of thorns worn during his crucifixionis a gentle tranquilizer. It's used to relieve muscle tension and emotional upset and is especially helpful in easing insomnia. It acts as a natural calming agent by promoting the transmission of subtle nerve impulses. Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata) is often used with other sleep-aid herbs such as chamomile in herbal formulas.
Passionflower
Protect Your Prostate
16. Saw palmetto. One element of prostate health is protection against benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)—enlargement of the prostate gland. BPH causes a frequent desire to urinate, difficulty with urination and can lead to urethra, kidney and bladder infections. One herb that's testing its mettle against harsh prescription drugs in the treatment of BPH is saw palmetto. The berries of saw palmetto (Serenoa repens), a small palm tree native to Southeastern United States, have shown efficacy in increasing urine flow, reducing residual urine and providing relief of other clinical symptoms in several small studies. One study published in Phytomedicine (1994, vol. 1) examined 505 patients over a three-month trial, and after only 45 days patients taking saw palmetto showed significant improvement in clinical symptoms of BPH compared with those taking a popular pre-scription medicine.
17. Pygeum. The extract of the African tree Pygeum africanum, pygeum has shown efficacy in a number of prostate disorders. While saw palmetto's strength lies in relieving symptoms of BPH, pygeum's forte is treating inflammation of the prostate—prostatitis—and may improve sexual performance in men with prostate disease, according to a 1991 Italian study.
Dupe Digestive Problems
Ginger
Peppermint
18. Ginger. This spicy-hot herb wins out over common nonprescription antiemetics (used to prevent vomiting). In a 1982 study published in Lancet, research participants were placed in rotating chairs to mimic motion sickness. Ginger proved more effective in preventing motion sickness in these subjects than Dramamine, a popular antinausea medicine. Ginger (Zingiber officinale) has long been used to prevent nausea and vomiting associated with motion sickness, morning sickness and other illnesses. Ginger is extensively used in Asia as a digestive aid, to prevent nausea, constipation, dyspepsia, poor appetite and poor nutrient absorption, as well as to treat colds, coughs, fevers and food poisoning, according to Mark Blumenthal, executive director of the American Botanical Council.
19. Chamomile. A cup of chamomile tea is just right for soothing an upset stomach or other intestinal irritations. Not only does it calm a queasy belly, but it relaxes the nerves as well. Used medicinally for centuries, chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) is one of the most extensively studied medicinal plants, writes Mannfried Pahlow in Healing Plants (Barron's). As with many medicinal plants, its most important healing component is its essential oil (and active ingredient), which contains up to 50 percent alpha-bisabolol and chamazulene. These powerful substances are responsible for chamomile's antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory properties.
20. Peppermint. You've just eaten a large meal replete with wine and a savory chocolate mousse, but your stomach isn't happy. This is when you reach for peppermint (Mentha piperita). Peppermint's principle benefit lies in its mild anesthetic effect on the mucous membranes, which helps quell nausea and vomiting, says Gagnon. Taking peppermint after eating helps stimulate liver and gall bladder function by increasing the liver's production of bile, which the gall bladder then releases into the intestines. This extra bile helps break down fats and allows the body to more efficiently use the fats. If that isn't enough, peppermint also acts as an intestinal and stomach disinfectant, preventing fermentation of undigested food, thus helping stop gas production.
21. Cat's claw. Uncaria tomentosa, or cat's claw, is a giant wooden vine found in the rainforest of Peru that can grow to 100 feet in length. It's the curved thorns at the base of each leaf that give it its name. The multi-faceted cat's claw is said to help heal a number of ailments from arthritis to herpes to allergic respiratory diseases and digestive disorders—particularly gastritis and stomach and duodenal ulcers. Its potent force is a group of oxindole alkaloids, which helps stimulate the immune system. It also has antioxidant and antimutagenic properties and is a known antiviral and anti-inflammatory agent, according to a study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology (1993, vol. 38), which may explain its efficacy as a digestive tonic.
Restore Healthy Skin
22. Aloe vera. This desert plant may have no rival when it comes to soothing burned or otherwise damaged skin. The gel from the leaves of the aloe plant can be directly applied to the skin for almost instant relief. Not as well known is aloe's use as an internal mucous membrane soother. Its alkaline properties lend themselves well to soothing an acidic stomach or inflamed intestines.
Aloe Vera
23. Calendula. Calendula officinalis is a vulnerary: an herbal remedy that brings about wound healing and reduces inflammation. Derived from the yellow petal of the marigold, calendula can be safely applied externally anywhere there's inflammation due to infection or physical damage, external bleeding, bruising or strains, and slow-healing wounds or skin ulcers.
24. Tea Tree oil. You probably know by its strong scent that tea tree oil has powerful functions to go along with its trademark aroma. Derived from the pressed leaves of the Australian melaleuca tree, tea tree oil is used as a topical antifungal, antibacterial and antiseptic, and clinical studies have shown its effectiveness in treating acne and skin and vaginal infections. The active ingredient of the oil is a compound called terpinen-4-ol, which kills many types of bacteria.
Pause for Pain
25. Feverfew. If you've suffered too long with migraines and you don't want the side effects of prescription drugs—which may include dizziness, chest pain, arrhythmia, atherosclerosis and hypertension— reach for feverfew, nature's headache relief An anti-inflammatory, vasodilator and relaxant, feverfew (Chrysanthemum parthenium) is especially helpful for migraines that are eased by applying warmth to the head. Feverfew is also indicated for arthritis in its painful, active inflammatory stage, writes Hoffmann in The Herbal Handbook (Healing Arts).
26. Cayenne. Aching joints and limited movement, hallmarks of chronic arthritis, may be allayed through the topical and internal use of cayenne. Cayenne pepper (Capsicum annuum) contains a substance called capsaicin, which depletes fibers. In a study published in Seminars in Arthritis and Rheumatology (1994, vol. 23), researchers found capsaicin reduced tenderness in the joints of participants who suffered from fibromyalgia, a painful musculoskeletal condition.
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The Many Forms of Herbs
Capsules and tablets are the most convenient and pleasant-tasting way to ingest the healing properties of herbs. Take with eight ounces of pure water to ensure they dissolve properly and are readily absorbed in the digestive system. Compresses, which capitalize on the therapeutic action of heat, treat congestion, tension and aching muscles by stimulating circulation of blood and lymph in the body. Also known as a fomentation, a compress contains herbs that are absorbed slowly and in small amounts into the system and is for herbs too strong to ingest internally. Compresses are made by soaking a towel in a hot herb tea and placing it on the affected area. Be sure the liquid is not so hot that it burns and wring the towel out thoroughly. Cover the compress with a dry towel and leave on for several minutes, replacing the dry towel as needed. Apply compresses for up to 30 minutes. Discontinue if area becomes red or uncomfortable. Decoctions are preferable if the herbs used are hard or woody such as the roots or bark of a plant. Make a decoction by placing a teaspoon of the chopped-up dried herb in an enamel or glass container with one cup of purified water to ensure the soluble contents of the herb are extracted. Boil,then simmer 10 to 15 minutes. Strain the tea while it's hot so ingredients that separate on cooling will combine again when the mixture is shaken before use. Infusions are strong teas for drinking. Pour one pint of boiled water over one ounce of crude or powdered herb. Brew for 10 to 20 minutes, covering container tightly with lid to prevent evaporation. In recipes that call for one part dried herb, three parts fresh herb can be substituted. Ointments can be bought ready-to-use. They're semi-solid preparations formulated from organic materials such as beeswax and olive oil. They're applied to the skin when the active principle of the herb is needed for an extended period of time such as for wounds. Oils can be used topically during massages, in baths or applied directly to the skin. Each use allows the healing properties of the herbs to be absorbed into the skin. Oils are convenient when poultices or compresses aren't practical. Pure essential oils, often used for aromatherapy, are extracted from the herb usually by a complex process of distillation. Poultices are made from fresh, dried or powdered herbs applied directly on the affected area. Starting with dried herbs, make an infusion using 1/2 pint boiling water for every ounce of the herb. Mash the herb and gently squeeze out excess moisture. Place the mash on a thin piece of gauze and apply to affected area, then cover with a warm cloth or towel. Poultices help draw out infection and foreign bodies and relieve muscle spasms and pain. Teas are the most common form of medicinal herbs. According to some health care experts, ingesting herbs is the best way to access their various medicinal properties. Steep about one ounce of dried tops (leaves, flowers and stems) per pint of boiled, hot water. Brew for 5 to 15 minutes. Usually the dried herb is preferred because it contains more concentrated oils than fresh herbs. For convenience, many teas are available in teabags at your natural products store. Tinctures are herbal remedies made by combining powdered or finely cut herbs with alcohol. Alcohol is a better solvent than water for some plant constituents and because alcohol is a preservative, it helps maintain the healing properties of the herbs. Glycerin is also used as a base and though milder on the digestive tract than alcohol, glycerin may not be as efficient at dissolving resinous or oily materials. Tinctures are desirable because they're stronger volume for volume than infusions and less is needed for healing. Tinctures can be taken straight or in water. Dissolution in hot water evaporates the alcohol, leaving most of the extract. Sources: An Elders' Herbal (Healing Arts Press) by David Hoffman; Rodale's Illustrated Encyclopedia of Herbs (Rodale) by C. Kowalchik & W. Hylton, eds; Today's Herbal Health (Woodland Books) by Louise Tenney. |
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Reprinted with permission from the July 1996 issue of Delicious! Magazine, a publication of New Hope Communications, Boulder, CO.
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