Ask The Herbalist

January Herb of the Month- Echinacea

Today’s common uses: Often called the “King of the Blood Purifiers,” all echinaceas are anti-microbial infection fighters and blood purifiers especially for strep, staph infections, herpes virus and nail fungus. Echinacea purpurea and angustifolia are famous worldwide for their antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal properties. Effectively increases production and activity of white blood cells against pathogenic organisms at any point in immune deficiency - the onset of colds, flu or respiratory infections, or any acute inflammatory condition, like mumps, measles, rheumatic fevers, urinary or venereal infections, food borne infections, bites or stings. Echinacea increases the phagocytic activity of leukocytes (antibodies) and stimulates T-Cell formation. Echinacea helps keep infections in check by clearing toxins from the glands and lymph. It reduces inflammation in the lungs for allergy symptoms and tonsillitis. Echinacea is an effective bowel and colon detoxifier, and helps relieve prostate swelling. Effective for skin conditions like herpes, acne, eczema, psoriasis. A notable modern success has come as an anti-fungal for candidiasis and venereal disease, and as a douche for vaginal infections.

Traditional Herbal Medicine uses: Almost all Native Americans valued echinacea. They used it for poison oak, snake and bug bites and stings, and STDs like syphilis and gonorrhea. They chewed the root for respiratory complaints, and used it as an anti-inflammatory for arthritis. They shared it as medicine with the colonies in the 1700s and with early medical doctors.

Key compounds: Contains vitamins A, E, and C,  B-3 and riboflavin, iron, iodine, copper, sulphur and potassium. High in cobalt, silicon and zinc, chromium, manganese, selenium.

Common doses: 10-50 drops extract or tincture; 3 capsules every two hours for acute conditions.

Works in synergy with: 1) Anti-Bio caps use a blend of echinaceas with goldenseal root, coptis, myrrh capsicum and yarrow for front line defense against harmful bacteria.  2) with ginsengs, goldenseal and other tonifying herbs for rebuilding and restoring health. 3) Bladder-Comfort caps use echinacea with juniper, goldenseal, Jamaican dogwood, uva ursi and cranberry to cleanse the urinary tract of bacteria, reduce inflammation and strengthen urinary tissue.

-Sarah

December Herb of the Month- Rosemary

Rosemary- Rosmarinus officinalis

According to folk legend, smelling rosemary on Christmas eve will bring happiness for the coming year. Rosemary is a symbol of remembrance, friendship and fidelity, still used in European weddings and funerals. Rosemary branches were burned to purify the air, ward off evil, illness and the Plague since ancient times. Its aromatic, needle-like leaves are a culinary favorite in Mediterranean dishes and Herbes de Provence seasoning.

Today’s common uses: Rosemary is one of nature’s best antioxidant sources to fight free radical damage; great for cardiac health, with anti-inflammatory and anti-cholesterol activity. Its antioxidants can provide a shield against carcinogens, preventing cancer causing chemicals from binding to DNA. Its antioxidants help prevent free radical damage to delicate brain tissue. Rosemary is a powerful nerve and brain stimulant. It uplifts your spirits, boosts energy, and sharpens mental focus. It specifically improves memory lapses and menopausal “brain fog,” and counteracts the effects of aging. Rosemary stimulates hair follicle growth and strengthens hair. Rosemary rinses especially add luster, retain hair color, reduce hair loss.

Traditional Herbal Medicine uses: Rosemary has been used for centuries to enhance memory and soothe digestive problems. In ancient Greece and Rome, students dabbed oil on their foreheads or wore rosemary garlands or sprigs in their hair to strengthen memory and boost energy during exams. Shakespeare’ Hamlet refers to “rosemary for remembrance.” Used in many folk remedies for colds, coughs, headaches, heart problems, rheumatic pain, indigestion, gas, muscle and back pain.

Key compounds: Flavonoids, rosmarinic acid, volatile oil, calcium, borneol, camphor, eucalyptol. Gentle, non-invasive, rich antioxidant proanthocyanidins promote healthy veins, arteries and capillaries. Modern research reveals its antioxidants and other compounds help prevent breakdown of acetylcholine in the brain, a key brain chemical for memory.

Common doses: You don’t have to heap on the rosemary. Less than a teaspoon, even added to food or wine, has powerful benefits. For dandruff massage a strong rosemary and nettle tea into hair nightly. Wrap hair in a cap and rinse out in the morning. Hair will look and feel squeaky clean. For a conditioning hair rinse, simmer 2 to 3 tbsp. rosemary sprigs in a small pot of hot water until fragrant, let cool and pour through hair.

Safety precautions: Do not take essential rosemary oil internally, it can be toxic, even small doses. Do not take medicinal doses if pregnant or breastfeeding. Test for skin sensitivity for topical application.

Works in synergy with: 1) Depress-Ex uses rosemary with St.John’s wort, kava, lady slipper, American ginseng, ashwagandha, eleuthero rt. to ease mild depression. 2) Muscle Relaxer uses rosemary with cramp brk.,Jamaican dogwood, black haw, kava, St. john’s wort, passionflower to ease headaches, back spasms, cramps, and muscle pain. 3) Beautiful Hair & Nails uses rosemary with seaweeds, nettles, sage, horsetail, oatstraw, alfalfa for healthy hair and nails.

-Sarah

November Herb of the Month- Evening Primrose

Evening primrose- Oenothera biennis

Today’s common uses: Evening primrose GLA (gamma linolenic acid) positively affects sex hormone response and balance. It should be a key part of any hormone program to control PMS, menopausal problems, infertility, and prostate problems for men. It also prevents hardening of the arteries and lowers cholesterol. A primary herb for skin beauty, hair loss and soothing breast soreness. An excellent preventive remedy for hangovers and cell damage from drugs and alcohol. As an EFA source, evening primrose helps even serious degenerative diseases like M.S. and muscular dystrophy. GLA from evening primrose is important for increasing prostaglandin production to treat many problems caused by low essential fatty acids: eczema, fibocystic breast pain, rheumatoid arthritis, diabetic neuropathy (nerve damage of legs, feet, arms and hands of long-term diabetics).

Traditional Herbal Medicine uses: Native Americans used it for digestive problems, coughs and sore throats and wounds, and as a staple food. They made a tea from the roots for obesity and bowel problems.

Common doses: 2 to 3 500mg gelcaps daily for hormone problems; 2 caps daily for EFA related problems.

Key compounds: A GLA (gamma linoleic acid) rich herb to enhance prostaglandin balance which helps regulate blood clotting, decrease inflammation, stimulate hormone production, and regulate PMS-related water retention. The oil has 74 percent linolenic acid (LA) and 8-10 percent gamma linolenic acid (GLA).  High in tryptophan, to promote healthy sleep patterns.

Can be taken during pregnancy precisely because the body requires more essential fatty acids during that time.

Works in synergy with: 1) for PMS and cramping, combine with dong quai and vitex. 2) Or Try Evening Primrose Pearls.

Note: There are a number of GLA rich herbs available - borage seed, black currant, arugula, sea weed, ginger are all worthy sources, but in my experience, Evening Primrose oil, is by far the most effective for hormone related problems for both men and women.

-Sarah

October Herb of the Month- Garlic

Garlic: Allium sativum 

A proven, universal antibiotic, garlic is helpful for every type of internal and external infections, and has a wide range of detoxification benefits. It’s a potent anti-viral against mononucleosis, herpes 1 and 2, chicken pox, mumps, measles and Epstein Barr. Garlic is a natural antibiotic for colds, coughs, flu, bronchitis, and against H. pylori caused ulcers. It is a specific for overcoming candida albicans yeast and fungal infections. As a tonic for the cardiovascular system, it raises “good” HDL cholesterol while lowering “bad” LDL cholesterol. It is a specific for controlling arteriosclerosis, and thinning sticky blood.

Traditional Herbal Medicine uses: The world has revered garlic as a strengthener and health enhancer, as a nutritional spice, and to preserve foods since man’s earliest times. Garlic saw significant medicinal use in the early dynasties of China, Egypt and the Pharaohs, where it was used to slow aging. In Greece, it was thought to ward off evil and witchcraft. Roman gladiators ate garlic before combat.

For 5000 years, Asians have used garlic for diarrhea, whooping cough, ringworm, impetigo, vaginal infections, dysentery, and bladder infections. In China, a detoxifying medicinal syrup of garlic, vinegar and honey is still used to clear the lungs of infection. Native Americans used garlic as an antiseptic for bee stings and snake bites. 

Delivery forms: dried: capsules, juice, extract, poultice, maceration; powder, tincture, tea, ear oil, enema and implant. fresh: either topically or as a food. 

Key compounds: An excellent disease preventive, garlic is loaded with fiber, calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, and B-complex vitamins. It contains volatile oils with 33 sulphur compounds like allicin, allin and ajoene. Garlic has 15 rich antioxidant compounds, including germanium (one of the best natural sources), chromium, selenium, zinc, vitamins A and C, and 17 amino acids.

Safety precaution: stomach irritating if taken raw; don’t use in medicinal doses during pregnancy (OK in food dishes).

Works in synergy with: 1) for defense in high risk seasons, use with echinacea, siberian eleuthero, rose hips, goldenseal rt., hawthorn, pau d’ arco, astragalus, elecampane, peppermint. 2) for supporting cardiovascular health, use with ginkgo biloba. 3) Ear Defense Drops formula uses garlic clove with hawthorn, echinacea, goldenseal, rosehips and astragalus to prevent ear infections in high risk seasons.

-Sarah

 

September Herb of the Month- Sage

Sage (white)- Salvia officinalis- The Latin name for sage, salvia, means “to save” or “to heal.”

Today’s common uses: A popular culinary herb, sage is also a good healing tonic. High in minerals, it’s used today as part of a “spring cleansing” tea to freshen and cleanse the whole body. It’s a good aromatherapy herb to dry up excessive mucous, sinus secretions and post nasal drip. It is a specific in a blood cleansing and anti-infective formulas for colds, intestinal viruses, flu and bronchitis. Excellent in a soothing syrup with honey, sage helps reduce pain and inflammation of sore and strep throat, laryngitis and tonsillitis. It's a good women’s herb, a specific for irregular menstruation and menopausal night sweats. Sage helps dry up mother’s milk during weaning. For men, sage helps relieve benign prostatic hyperplasia.

Traditional Herbal Medicine uses: Sage was regularly eaten in ancient times to preserve health and improve memory. Native Americans continue to use sage in purification ceremonies as a smudge stick.

Delivery forms: tea, tincture, syrup, compress, poultice, hair rinse, smudge stick.

Key compounds: Sage thujone has estrogenic actions, partially responsible for its effect on menstrual flow and its ability to help dry up breast milk. Contains saponins, flavonoids, significant minerals (zinc, iron, calcium, magnesium, potassium) and vitamins A, C, B-complex.

Works in synergy with: 1) with pau d’arco, green tea, ginkgo biloba, hawthorn, sassafras, ginger, calendula, yellow dock, peppermint, butcher’s broom, bilberry and licorice  to stimulate circulation, deter cholesterol.  2) with mint and chamomile to relieve coughs and throat infections. 5) Beautiful Skin uses white sage with white tea, horsetail extract, barley grass, rosemary, burdock, nettles and tremella mushroom for radiant skin. 3) Beautiful Hair & Nails uses white sage with a seaweed blend, nettles, rosemary, horsetail, oatstraw, alfalfa for longer, stronger, healthier hair and nails.

-Sarah

August Herb of the Month- Beets

Today’s common uses: Beet juice is a blood builder that cleanses the elimination organs, lymphatic system, and enlivens the body with rich minerals and natural sugars. An anti-inflammatory cleanser, beet juice is especially effective for the kidneys, liver and spleen, and is a good choice for a healing program from cancer. Beets help restore health to a liver damaged from alcohol abuse.
Traditional Herbal Medicine uses: In ancient Greece, beets were offered on a silver platter to Apollo at Delphi. Ayurvedic tradition recommends that the juice be sniffed up the nose for headache and toothache. Medieval medicos used beet juice for uterine diseases, itching skin, dandruff and sores. Taking a small glass of beet juice at bedtime or an hour before breakfast is helpful to overcome liver disease, constipation and hemorrhoids. 
Therapeutic parts: juice, leaves and root.
Delivery forms: finely grated, capsules and especially juice. To use beet juice in a detox program, mix beets with other cleansing vegetables like carrots and spinach. No fresh beets? Open 6 beet capsules and mix into a cleansing juice.
Key compounds: Beets owe their medicinal benefits to betaine, an essential hepatotropic, lipotropic amino acid similar to methionine that helps revitalize the blood. It is also a good source of vitamin A, specifically for fatty degeneration of the liver.
Works in synergy with: 1) Beet tea with vinegar relieves running sores and itching, cleanses dandruff and scabs. 2) Combine beet juice with juice from carrots, cucumber, parsley and spinach for a superior overall body cleanse.

-Sarah

July Herb of the Month- Jiaogulan

Today’s common uses: In Traditional Chinese medicine, jiaogulan is taken for physical endurance and stress management. Jiaogulan has the adaptogenic effects of Siberian eleuthero, and the power and endurance of Chinese ginseng, without the over-stimulation effects. It aids the liver in fat metabolism and normalizes liver function. Jiaogulan also shows tremendous promise for cardiac health and atherosclerosis, helping reduce bad cholesterol and triglycerides, while increasing good cholesterol. Jiaogulan bolsters immunity and inhibits tumor formation. Recent studies confirm that jiaogulan contributes to natural weight loss by inhibiting the body’s tendency to store sugars as fat.
Traditional Herbal Medicine uses: The Chinese call jiaogulan a miracle herb, and have used it for centuries to dramatically improve recovery from liver damage. Jiaogulan is also used for malignant tumors, chronic bronchitis, and to fight colds.
Therapeutic parts: leaf
Delivery forms: Naturally sweet as a tea. Extracts and caps are fine, too.
Key compounds: Jiaogulan contains 82 saponins (called gypenosides), like those in panax ginseng, with a structure similar to human hormones. There are 3 to 4 times as many gypenosides as in ginseng (which has no more than 28), accounting for its powerful effect on reproductive systems and immune response. Jiaogulan gypenosides relieve high blood pressure, lower triglyceride levels, cholesterol and phospholipids.
Safety precautions: Penta, which is enhanced when taken with food, is safe for continuous long term use. Unlike ginseng to which it is often compared in activity, children and the elderly can take it.
Works in synergy with: 1) Crystal Star Female Harmony uses jiaogulan with dong quai, damiana, burdock, nettles, sea greens, licorice and sarsaparilla to revitalize, energize and harmonize the female system for PMS and menopause symptoms.

June Herb of the Month- Onion

Today’s common uses: A sulphur-rich plant effective for infections, digestive and respiratory conditions. Onions fight colds, flu, coughs, bronchitis and skin problems, and are a digestive and circulatory stimulant. Onions are full of flavonoids and antioxidants to reduce cardiovascular problems (atherosclerosis, high blood pressure), diabetes, and tumors. A natural blood thinner like garlic, onion helps prevent blood clots. Its chromium content helps lower cholesterol and insulin levels. The most pungent onions have the strongest anti-platelet action for protection against heart attack and strokes.
Traditional Herbal Medicine uses: A food staple for over 5,000 years, in ancient Egypt, it sustained the pyramid builders. Egyptian medicine believed onion was useful for thousands of illnesses. In medieval times, it was a remedy for headaches, for blisters, boils, and coughs. Hippocrates recommended it for cuts and pneumonia. In World War II, Russian soldiers used it as an antiseptic on wounds.
Therapeutic parts: bulb.
Delivery forms: food, extract, compress. Onion-honey-garlic syrup works for colds and flu. Onion extract is used in topical skin products like Mederma for scar reduction. Fresh applied onion slices alleviate insect bites or rashes caused by food allergies. For onion breath: try chewing a sprig of parsley.
Key compounds: flavonoids (esp. quercitin), phenols, sulphur, chromium, vitamin C, vitamin B6, potassium, calcium, iron. The most bitter and strongest flavored onions (Western Yellow and Northern Red) contain the most flavonoids with accompanying benefits. Milder or “sweeter” flavored onions seem to have the lowest flavonoids and antioxidant actions. Common dose: 2- 3 capsules, two to three times daily; 1-3 tsp of the syrup daily.
Works in synergy with: 1) macerated with garlic in a honey syrup for relief of colds, flu, throat infections, excess mucous.

 

May Herb of the Month- Tribulus Terrestris

Today’s common uses: A traditional sexual tonic, tribulus strengthens the reproductive system and enhances sexual satisfaction and performance. It is used by herbal practitioners for premature ejaculation, and low sperm count. Tribulus has a long history of reducing male impotence and enlarged prostate. It is thought to kick start the endocrine system, raising testosterone levels by activating luteinizing hormone (LH) in the pituitary gland. Tribulus enhances female sex drive without the side effects of hormone drugs. In one study, 2/3 of women reported renewed sexual interest. In the 1990s, Russian and Bulgarian athletes credited tribulus for their improved athletic performance, energy and stamina. As a liver tonic, tribulus helps breakdown excess cholesterol and improve emulsification of fats and fatty acids.

Traditional Herbal Medicine uses: Used since ancient times in China and India to remedy sexual and reproductive problems. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, it’s a kidney, liver and reproductive tonic. Similarly, in Ayurvedic medicine, it’s considered an effective but gentle kidney tonic often used for recovery after convalescence.

Therapeutic parts: entire plant, particularly fruit and root.

Key compounds: saponins, glycosides.

Delivery forms: extract, oil, decoction, infusion, powder.

Safety precautions: Avoid during pregnancy. May cause upset stomach.

Works in synergy with: 1) Liver Renew uses tribulus with burdock rt., artichoke lf., milk thistle sd., bupleurum, wild yam rt. and Chinese wolfberry to nourish, detoxify and cleanse the liver. 2) Stone-ex uses tribulus with protease, amla bry., kelp, sea buckthorn hawthorn, dandelion rt. to help reduce sediment build-up, and cleanse the kidneys. 3) Women’s Healthy Libido uses tribulus with wild green oats extract, maca rt., eleuthero rt., Chinese and American ginsengs, ginkgo biloba, and rhodiola rosea to help balance hormone levels and revive vitality and libido.

-Sarah

April Herb of the Month- Burdock- Arctium Lappa

Spring has finally sprung and it’s a great time for an herbal cleanse. Let’s start off the season right with a discussion on one of my favorite cleansing herbs, burdock.

Burdock is one of the world’s best blood purifiers, enhancing liver, gallbladder and bile functions. It’s an alkalizer that balances acid inflammations like arthritis, fibromyalgia and sciatica. It reduces joint swelling, rids the body of calcified deposits and is a primary herb to excrete uric acids for gout. It increases urine flow during a weight loss regimen, and helps bladder infections and irritation. Burdock helps cleanse the body of toxins and wastes that accumulate during illness, and increases the body’s resistance to infection. It produces good documented effects in a purifying formulas for herpes and viral warts.

Traditional Herbal Medicine uses: All parts of burdock were used as healing remedies in Greece. It was valued as both food and medicine throughout the Middle Ages, especially for kidney stones. It was an important blood purifier, an effective pain killer and rheumatism treatment. For the past 200 years, American herbalists have testified that burdock effectively alleviates arthritis symptoms. A cancer folk remedy all over the world, burdock is a part of the famous, traditional American Hoxsey formula for cancer, and also a primary herb of the cancer folk remedy “Essiac.”

Therapeutic parts: Root, herb and seeds are all used.

Delivery forms: Powder, poultice, tea, tincture, capsules, compress. Massage oil into the scalp for dandruff.  Roots are eaten boiled in salted water, topped with butter or sauce.

Key compounds: Burdock has a rich complement of active medicinal compounds. Abundant in iron and insulin for the blood, high in chromium, magnesium, manganese, silicon and thiamine. High in phosphorus, potassium, vitamin A and zinc. A rich source of FOS to normalize bowel flora. Contains up to 45% inulin, which helps metabolize carbohydrates. Modern research has isolated antibacterial, antifungal, tumor-protective constituents from burdock.

Works in synergy with: 1) Liver Renew formula uses burdock as a key to restore liver health, with artichoke, milk thistle seed, bupleurum, dandelion, Chinese wolfberry and Oregon grape root. 2) to detoxify the liver: equal parts turmeric, barberry, gotu kola and burdock. 3) with sheep sorrel, slippery elm and turkey rhubarb in the cancer-fighting “Essiac” formula. 

-Sarah