tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-83982464710508579752024-02-08T10:37:14.498-08:00Beauty & WellnessHolistic and Alternative MedicineUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger90125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8398246471050857975.post-54742101158576366042009-06-23T10:11:00.000-07:002009-06-23T10:13:49.863-07:00Herbs: WormwoodWormwood <br /><br />scientific name: Artemisia absinthium <br /><br />other common names: Artemisia, absinthe, ajenjo, estafiate<br /><br />growing areas: Native to Europe; grows in the eastern United States<br /><br />physical description: Wormwood is a perennial that has grayish-green stems. It can grow to a height of 4 feet, and its leaves, which are in blunt segments, have silvery hairs on both sides and resembleieathers.<br /><br />traditional uses: Beginning/in the late eighteenth century, wormwood was used to give a popular liqueur called absinthe its bitter flavor. But within that alcoholic mix lurked a great danger. Thujone, a volatile oil within the plant, is believed to have a narcotic effect and is reported to have been responsible for hallucinations, psychosis, and possible brain damage, a syndrome labeled "absinthism." The great painter Vincent van Gogh was reported to have been a habitual user of absinthe, and experts believe the heavy use of yellow in his art may have resulted from thujone-caused brain damage. After much controversy, the drink was banned in France in the early twentieth century.<br /><br />Herbalists report that wormwood is useful for expelling intestinal worms and stimulating the gastrointestinal tract and uterus. It is also reported to work as an anti-inflammatory. It is a Hispanic folk remedy for diarrhea, arthritis, gout, and late menstrual periods. In one survey of Mexicans and Mexican-Americans it was found to be one of the top ten herbal remedies used in households. In Central America it is used" to treatUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8398246471050857975.post-81710417131503171412009-06-23T10:09:00.000-07:002009-06-23T10:11:13.691-07:00Herbs: Witch HazelWitch Hazel<br /><br />scientific name: Hamamelis virginiana <br /><br />other common names: Agua maravilla, winter bloom, spotted alder<br /><br />growing areas: Native to the eastern United States <br /><br />physical description: A perennial shrub that sheds its leaves in the fall, Hamamelis virginiana sends up a number of twisting stems that end in branches containing oval leaves. The plant's seed pods burst open with an audible popping sound and propel two black seeds several yards. The plant produces yellow flowers. <br /><br />traditional uses: Witch hazel is the extract prepared from the twigs of Hamamelis virginiana through a distillation process. It was used by Native Americans before the colonists arrived, and the settlers soon learned of witch hazel's astringent qualities. The name witch hazel is thought to derive from either the use of the plant's wood to make brooms or else the popping sound made by the seed pods, perhaps thought to be a hint of some occult power. In any case, a decoction of the plant became widely used as an astringent and antiseptic in the United States during the nineteenth century. It was then that controversy erupted following the commercial use of distillation to make extracts of witch hazel. According to author and herbal expert Michael Castleman, some critics contend that distillation removes many of the astringent tannins, leaving water that is of little medicinal value. Castleman has noted that while herbalists recommend that only a decoction of witch hazel be used, the commercially prepared liquid has properties that are reportedly antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, astringent, and anesthetic.<br />In Puerto Rican communities, a witch hazel compound known as agua maravilla is sometimes reported to be used as a therapy for asthma. The mixture, containing juice of aloe vera, honey, garlic, onion, and other substances, is ingested.<br /><br />availability and dosage: Witch hazel is readily available in the United States in most pharmacies, supermarkets, and botdnicas. It is also present in hemorrhoid preparations. Agua maravilla is available in botdnicas. Herbalists recommend using up to 2 grams of dried leaves or bark to make a tea to use as a gargle. For an astringent decoction, a similar amount can be used per cup of boiling water. For external topical use, consult the directions on the product.<br /><br />contraindications: Pregnant and breast-feeding women should avoid using it internally.<br /><br />special precautions: Consult your physician before beginning any use of an ethnobotanical substance for medicinal purposes.<br />There is the risk of nausea and vomiting if large amounts are ingested. Skin irritation may also result from topical use.<br /><br />medical research: None noted.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8398246471050857975.post-68026588022055180442009-06-23T10:07:00.000-07:002009-06-23T10:09:10.921-07:00Herbs: ThymeThyme<br /><br />scientific name: Thymus vulgaris <br /><br />other common names: Tomillo, mother of thyme, garden thyme<br /><br />growing areas: Native to southern Europe; cultivated around the world<br /><br />physical description: It is an aromatic shrub with woody stems, small leaves, and pink flowers.<br /><br />traditional uses: Thyme is another example of a plant that has long been used for both cooking and medicinal purposes. Pliny said it was useful as a treatment for headaches and snakebite, possibly because of the way the plant's stem resembles a serpent. In ancient times it was used as a cough remedy, to treat gastrointestinal problems, and to treat intestinal worms. During medieval times, women gave their knights scarves embroidered with sprigs of thyme as a symbol of bravery. Herbalists from that period said thyme induced childbirth. By the eighteenth century, thyme's antiseptic properties were known, and its oil, known as thymol, was extracted and made available. It was used widely as an antiseptic up to World War I, when shortages of thymol developed. It gradually came to be replaced by other antiseptics.<br />Herbalists use thyme as an antiseptic, expectorant, massage oil, chest rub, and antibiotic. In Costa Rica the herb is used to combat intestinal worms and to treat warts, diarrhea, toothache, whooping cough, scabies, and flatulence. It is also considered a powerful strength-ener of the lungs. Thymol is a key ingredient in Listerine, a popular mouthwash. <br /><br />availability and dosage: Thyme is available in many supermarkets and health food stores. It is also available as a liquid extract and can also be purchased as a dried plant in botdnicas. Thyme can be applied directly to the skin to relieve insect bites and help rheumatic pain. Infusions of up to 2 grams of dried herb can be used for tea. An infusion can also be used for a gargle. A dilution of essential oil of thyme can be used on skin for certain conditions.<br /><br />contraindications: Since it has a history of use as a' uterine stimulant, it should not be used by pregnant women. Fetrow and Avila caution that it should not be used by persons with a history of gastritis and intestinal disorders, nor by those allergic to plants such as grass, nor by those with enterocolitis or cardiac insufficiency.<br /><br />special precautions: Consult your physician before beginning any use of an ethnobotanical substance for medicinal purposes. Pure thymol should not be taken internally, since even small amounts can be toxic. Thyme may cause allergic reactions in some persons.<br /><br />medical research: Thyme has been reported as exhibiting antifungal activity and showing spasmolytic action in animal tests.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8398246471050857975.post-53507511191994282432009-06-23T10:05:00.000-07:002009-06-23T10:07:05.672-07:00Herbs: Sour CaneSour Cane<br /><br />scientific name: Costusspicatus <br /><br />other common names: Cana agria, canita agria, cana amarga<br /><br />growing areas: Native to an area from Mexico to Brazil<br /><br />physical description: A tall perennial plant with thin, fleshy stems. The leaves are egg-shaped and pointed at the tip with brown hairs on the edges.<br /><br />traditional uses: Sour cane contains a bitter-tasting sap that is obtained from the plant by crushing it. It is used in Central America for a variety of ailments. In Costa Rica it is used for muscle pain and kidney and urinary function, and is sold widely by herb vendors as a fresh item. In the West Indies, the plant decoction is taken to relieve flatulence and rheumatism, and in Trinidad it is used to relieve the urinary burning that accompanies venereal disease, according to Julia Morton. She also noted that some Brazilians drink the plant juice with sugar and water as a hot-weather beverage.<br /><br />availability and dosage: Available by mail order. No information available on dosage.<br />contraindications: None noted.<br /><br />special precautions: Consult your physician before beginning any use of an ethnobotanical substance for medicinal purposes. <br /><br />medical research: Nonenpted.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8398246471050857975.post-41623838668556808882009-06-23T10:04:00.000-07:002009-06-23T10:05:48.939-07:00Herbs: SarsaparillaSarsaparilla <br /><br />scientific name: Smilax officinalis<br /><br />other common names: Cuculmeca, zazaparilla, brown sarsaparilla<br /><br />growing areas: Native to Central America and Colombia<br /><br />physical description: Sarsaparilla is a woody vine that can grow to a length of about 15 feet. It has tendrils that help it climb, ovate (egg-shaped) leaves, and green flowers. Its root is narrow and very long and is used for medicinal purposes.<br /><br />traditional uses: The plant was brought from the New World to Spain, along with China root (Smilax china), with great fanfare in the sixteenth century as a cure for syphilis after it had been used with some success in the Caribbean. It was listed in Nicholas Mo-nardes's book Joyful Newes out of the Newe Founde Worlde as a wonderful medicinal plant of that time. However, its usefulness as a cure for venereal disease dropped off, although it continued to be used for that purpose well into the nineteenth century. It became a flavoring agent for root beer but has been replaced by artificial ingredients.<br /><br />In traditional medicine, sarsaparilla has been used as a so-called blood purifier, as an anti-inflammatory, and as a cleansing agent. It is commonly used to treat psoriasis and eczema. It has steroid components and for that reason is reported to have been used by athletes as a performance-boosting medicine, as well as a possible treatment for impotence. It does not, however, contain testosterone, as some popularly believed. In Costa Rica it is used as a cold remedyf and a tonic for boosting immunity, and in Jamaica it is used as a diuretic. Commission E reported that it is used for rheumatic complaints, for kidney diseases, and as a diuretic and diaphoretic. <br /><br />availability and dosage: Sarsaparilla is available in powdered form as a tea or tablet and also as a liquid. For psoriasis, some experts recommend taking 1 to 4 grams of dried root or up to 30 milliliters of concentrated sarsaparilla compound as a decoction. A couple of teaspoons of powdered root as a decoction are also recommended as a diuretic.<br /><br />contraindications: Pregnant or breast-feeding women should not use sarsaparilla. It is also contraindicated if an individual is taking digitalis or bismuth.<br /><br />special precautions: Consult your physician before beginning any use of an ethnobotanical substance for medicinal purposes.<br />Sarsaparilla is considered by the Food and Drug Administration as safe for use as a flavoring agent. However, Commission E labels it as a medicinal plant whose use is unapproved. The commission cautions that sarsaparilla can lead to gastric upset and temporary kidney impairment. Sarsaparilla may also affect the action of other herbs taken with it, and the commission cautions that it may also interact with digitalis and bismuth. Other experts say it can lead to nausea or kidney damage. <br /><br />medical research: Medical research into sarsaparilla, given its long history of use as a medicinal plant, is rather modest. One study from the 1940s found that psoriasis patients treated with sarsaparilla showed improvement. However, that study has been criticized because of its design. Sarsaparilla has shown anti-inflammatory activity in rodents. There have been reports of tests in China showing that up to 90 percent of acute cases of syphilis were effectively treated with sarsaparilla.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8398246471050857975.post-35412713074419799702009-06-23T10:02:00.000-07:002009-06-23T10:04:10.982-07:00Herbs: SageSage<br /><br />scientific name: Salvia officinalis<br /><br />other common names: Garden sage, salvia, meadow sage, salvia virgen <br /><br />growing areas: Native to southern Europe; widely cultivated<br /><br />physical description: Sage is a perennial evergreen shrub that grows about 3 feet high. Its leaves are oval, green, and velvety. Its flowers, which bloom in the summer, run from white to purple.<br /><br />traditional uses: Like many medicinal herbs, sage is widely used in cooking. But sage also has a long reputation for treating a number of medical conditions, and its genus name, Salvia, derives from the Latin, meaning "to cure." Historians also note that a medieval saying by Italian medical students asserted, "Why should a man die who grows sage in his garden?" According to herb expert Michael Castleman, sage was used by the ancient Greeks and Romans as a meat preservative, as a memory enhancer, to treat problems such as epilepsy and snakebite, and to promote menstrual flow.<br />In more modern times, sage has been used as an antiseptic and astringent, a digestive tonic, an antiperspi-rant, and a method for controlling irregular menstruation and menopausal problems. A preparation of sage is used as a gargle for sore throat, mouth ulcers, sore gums, and tonsillitis. In Costa Rica, sage Is used for wounds, arthritis, asthma, and problems with-the prostate gland. It is also a commonly used herb among Mexicans. In Europe it has been used to lower blood sugar in diabetics.<br /><br />availability and dosage: Dried leaves are available in food stores and in botdnicas for further home preparation. Sage is also available through suppliers as a liquid extract. The dosages vary according to the herbalist. For a gargle, a weak infusion is recommended, using from one to four leaves. For menstruation problems, a tincture of up to 4 milliliters of leaf extract has been recommended by some experts. Fresh sage leaf is also applied directly to stings or bites as a treatment.<br /><br />contraindications: Use of sage should be avoided by pregnant women because of the herb's reputation for causing abortions. Diabetic patients also have to use sage cautiously because of its ability to lower blood sugar. Fetrow and Avila recommend that it be used carefully by persons already receiving anticonvulsants.<br /><br />special precautions: Consult your physician before beginning any use of an ethnobotanical substance for medicinal purposes.<br />While it has a long history as a medicinal herb, sage is viewed with caution by some doctors, pharmacists, and herbalists. In their professional handbook on alternative medicines, Fetrow and Avila advise that sage can interact with anticonvulsants, disulfiram, insulin, and other diabetic therapies. Herb expert Michael Castleman cautions that sage oil is toxic and should not be ingested. But he also notes that one toxic chemical contained in sage, thujone, while causing convulsions, is mostly eliminated by the heat of infusion preparation using plant leaves. <br /><br />medical research: None noted.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8398246471050857975.post-78690474700086466932009-06-23T09:55:00.000-07:002009-06-23T09:57:27.232-07:00Herbs: RueRue<br /><br />scientific name: Ruta graveolens <br /><br />other common names: Ruda, ruta, garden rue, German rue<br /><br />growing areas: Native to Europe; widely grown in Latin America<br /><br />physical description: Rue is a small, erect bush that grows to a height of about 3 feet. The shoots of the plant are pale green and appear covered in oil glands. It produces small yellow flowers, and its fruit contains rutin, the volatile oil that gives it a bitter taste.<br /><br />traditional uses: In ancient times, rue was considered a major remedy. It is mentioned more than eighty times by Pliny, but its reputation has lessened because it can be toxic. Still, it is reportedly used in a number of cultures as a beverage, and it is used in Costa Rica as an antispasmodic, emmenagogue, abortifacient, emetic, disinfectant, diuretic, and as a? treatment for epilepsy and worms. It is also used to speed labor in childbirth. Rue water is used as an insecticide and flea repellent. As a liniment, it is used on sore muscles.<br />Hispanics in the United States have reported using rue to treat empacho and mal op. Curanderos use rue as part of their limpias, or ritual spiritual cleansings. It is sometimes worn in amulets.<br /><br />availability and dosage: It is available through mail order and as a dried herb and liquid extract. Dosages vary.<br /><br />contraindications: Since rue causes abortions and uterine contractions and can act as an emmenagogue, it should not be used by pregnant women. Breast-feeding women should also not use it.<br /><br />special precautions: Consult your physician before beginning any use of an ethnobotanical substance for medicinal purposes.<br />Despite its wide use, rue is one of the more dangerous plants used medicinally. It is known to be an abortifa-cient and to cause skin irritation. It has also been known to cause severe stomach problems and vomiting and, according to Balick, has been reported in some cases to be ' fatal to the mother when used to cause an abortion. Given the various problems associated with it, rue should be avoided. <br /><br />medical research: Rue has been shown in animal experiments to act as an anticonvulsant, and extracts of it displayed antibacterial and antituberculosis activity in laboratory experiments, according to Balick and Arvigo. In other experiments, chloroform extracts of the root, stem, and leaf of the plant showed significant antifertility activity in rats.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8398246471050857975.post-6129802491560806022009-06-23T09:54:00.000-07:002009-06-23T09:55:41.561-07:00Herbs: RosemaryRosemary<br /><br />scientific name: Rosemarinus officinalis other common names: Romero, compass plant, <br /><br />old man growing areas: Native to southern Europe; grows in the United States, Mexico, Central America, and South America<br /><br />physical description: Rosemary is a perennial evergreen shrub that is very aromatic and grows from 3 to 7 feet in height. It has narrow green leaves resembling pine needles.<br /><br />traditional uses: A useful cooking herb, rosemary is long on legend and lore. It/was considered to enhance memory in ancient times, lo much so that students are said to have burned it at home before exams or worn it in garlands. It was used to preserve meats in the days before refrigeration, and it became a symbol of remembrance during funerals. In Hamlet, Ophelia remarks to the king, "There's rosemary, that's for remembrance. Pray you, love, remember." In European folklore it was believed to stave off bad dreams and was a symbol of love. Legend has it that Queen Elizabeth of Hungary in the thirteenth century was cured of the pain of rheumatism after her limbs were bathed in a wine decoction containing rosemary.<br /><br />Medicinally, rosemary has been used as an astringent, anti-inflammatory, and antiseptic, as well as an abortifacient, emmenagogue, and tonic. In parts of Central America rosemary has been used for nervous disorders, to cleanse wounds and skin ulcers, to relieve headaches, and for washing hair. A poll of Mexicans found rosemary to be among the top herbs they listed as being used medicinally, largely for menstrual and digestive problems.<br /><br />availability and dosage: Rosemary is found in herb form in supermarkets and other food stores. It is also available as a tea or essential oil. Some herbalists recommend that the essential oil be used externally or in a diffuser to permeate the atmosphere. Herbalists recommend that a tea can be made from up to 4 grams of leaf and taken as often as three times a day. contraindications: Rosemary should not be taken in medicinal quantities by pregnant or breast-feeding women.<br /><br />special precautions: Consult your physician before beginning any use of an ethnobotanical substance for medicinal purposes.<br />While the undiluted essential oil has a history of being taken internally, a number of experts believe it should not be consumed because it can lead to stomach or other gastrointestinal problems. German experts, however, have approved rosemary for internal use for indigestion and rheumatism.<br /><br />medical research: Essential oil of rosemary was noted by European researchers as being among a group of powerful convulsants.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8398246471050857975.post-86003985267539825922009-06-23T09:53:00.000-07:002009-06-23T09:54:27.658-07:00Herbs: RhatanyRhatany<br /><br />scientific name: Krameria triandra<br /><br />other common names: Raiz para, mapato, Peruvian rhatany, pumacuchu growing areas: Western slopes of the Andes in Peru, Ecuador, and Bolivia, at altitudes of up to 10,000 feet <br /><br />physical description: Rhatany is an evergreen shrub that grows about 3 feet in height and produces a large red flower. Its root, the part that is used medicinally, is deep.<br /><br />traditional uses: The major traditional use of rhatany is as an astringent and for gastrointestinal problems. It is also reported to be used by indigenous peoples as a tooth preservative. Herbalists say it is useful as a mouthwash and to treat sore throat and canker sores. Commission E reports that it is used as a topical treatment for inflammations on the oral and pharyngeal mucosae. The primary active ingredients are tannins.<br /><br />availability and dosage: Commission E recommends about 1 gram of powdered root in a cup of water as a decoction or 5 to 10 drops of rhatany tincture in a glass of water three times a day.<br /><br />contraindications: Fetrow and Avila report that rhatany is contraindicated for persons sensitive to substances in the plant.<br />special precautions: Consult your physician before beginning any use of an ethnobotanical substance for medicinal purposes.<br />Fetrow and Avila warn that products containing tannic acid are generally considered unsafe and ineffective and that frequent use can compromise the mucous membranes so that toxicity results. Commission E says that allergic reactions of the mucous membranes may occur in rare cases.<br /><br />medical research: None noted.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8398246471050857975.post-88890430371466088042009-06-23T09:50:00.001-07:002009-06-23T09:53:13.760-07:00Herbs: Quinine BarkQuinine Bark<br /><br />scientific name: Cinchona officinalis <br /><br />other common names: Cinchona, fever tree, cinchona bark<br /><br />growing areas: Native to South America, primarily in the area of the Peruvian Amazon basin; also cultivated in other areas of the region and in Java and India<br /><br />physical description: Cinchona is an evergreen that can reach a height of over 75 feet. It has a deep reddish bark and produces yellow-and-white flowers. There are about forty related tree species.<br /><br />traditional uses: For many centuries, cinchona has been used by the indigenous peoples of Peru, including the Incas, for malaria, digestive problems, and fever. It is known to stimulate secretion of saliva and digestive juices. Western contact with cinchona arose during the Spanish conquest of the Americas. Some legends hold that a sick Spanish soldier drank from a pool of water into which a cinchona tree had fallen, while another story holds that the wife of the viceroy of Peru was cured by the bark and reported to Europe about the marvels of cinchona. Whatever the truth may be, cinchona became widely accepted in the West as a cure for malaria, which had been a problem in European cities at one time. In 1820, French chemists Joseph Caventou and Joseph Pel-letier identified and isolated the alkaloid quinine from cinchona bark. The need for quinine, an agent effective against the mosquito-transmitted protozoan that causes malaria, required a substantial export trade from South America, which led to a monopoly. Finally the monopoly was broken when cinchona seeds were cultivated in Dutch Java, which came to dominate the world trade in cinchona.<br /><br />During World War II American officials were almost without any source of quinine because of Japanese conquests in the Far East. U.S. officials then turned to the forests of South America to get cinchona bark so that quinine could be extracted. After the war, new antimalarial drugs began to be manufactured and the demand for cinchona dropped off, although it remained useful in treating heart arrhythmias and had a long-standing use as a flavoring agent. However, the appearance of malaria parasites resistant to the new drugs has renewed interest in quinine as a treatment. <br /><br />availability and dosage: It is available in the United States as an herb powder made from bark. Commission E recommends 1 to 3 grams of the dried bark; 0.6 to 3 grams of cinchona liquid extract (4 to 5 percent total alkaloids); 0.15 to 0.6 grams of cinchona extract (15 to 20 percent total alkaloids). Herbalists recommend that a half cup of the bark decoction can be taken one to three times daily.<br /><br />contraindications: Herbalists warn that cinchona is not to be taken by pregnant or breast-feeding women. Persons with allergies to cinchona alkaloids are also cautioned about its use. Commission E states that it may increase the effect of anticoagulants.<br /><br />special precautions: Consult your physician before beginning any use of an ethnobotanical substance for medicinal purposes.<br />Herbalists caution that it should be used only under medical supervision. Cinchona is reputed to be toxic when used excessively and can lead to nausea, deafness, and other physical problems. Contact dermatitis and asthma are sometimes reported to have stricken workers in factories where cinchona bark was ground.<br />medical research: The scientific literature is filled with information about the efficacy of cinchona in the treatment of malaria and arrhythmia. A survey of medicinal plants also shows that cinchona is used as an antiepilep-tic treatment.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8398246471050857975.post-60005108984697145302009-06-23T09:49:00.001-07:002009-06-23T09:49:59.095-07:00Herbs: Picao PretoPicao Preto<br /><br />scientific name: Bidens pilosa other common names: Black Jack, Spanish nettle, mozote<br /><br />growing areas: Native to South America, Africa, and the Caribbean<br /><br />physical description: Bidens pilosa is a small annual herb that grows to a height of about 3 feet. It has a small yellow flower.<br /><br />traditional uses : It is reported to be used in the Peruvian Amazon for a number of ailments, including angina, dysentery, and worms. It is also used in Peru as a diuretic and anti-inflammatory, as well as to speed childbirth and as a treatment for hepatitis, according to Leslie Taylor.<br /><br />availability and dosage: It is available in the United States as a powder. Dosages vary. Herbalists recommend a half cup of the decoction three times a day.<br /><br />contraindications: Since it is reported to be used as a uterine stimulant, it should be avoided by pregnant women.<br /><br />special precautions: Consult your physician before beginning any use of an ethnobotanical substance for medicinal purposes.<br />Brazilian researchers have said that the use of Bidens pilosa must await clarification of the plant's toxicity because a link with esophageal cancer has been suggested.<br /><br />medical research: Bidens pilosa was among fifty-four plant extracts tested in an experiment of antibacterial activity in South Africa. Five types of bacteria were used in the study, including E. coli and two types of staphylococcus. The bacteria were placed in sterile petri dishes, the extracts were then introduced, and the antibacterial activity was determined by the size of the zone of inhibition or clear space where the organism did not grow. The Bidens pilosa extract was found to have some of the highest antibacterial activity against the staphylococcus strains, but not the E. coll. The results tended to support the traditional medicinal uses of the plant, the researchers concluded.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8398246471050857975.post-42731051806019753732009-06-23T09:47:00.000-07:002009-06-23T09:48:58.590-07:00Herbs: PeriwinklePeriwinkle<br /><br />scientific name: Catharanthus roseus <br /><br />other common names: Rosy periwinkle, vinca rosea, chata<br /><br />growing areas: Native to Madagascar; cultivated in numerous other places<br /><br />physical description: It is an herb that grows to a height of about 3 feet. Its leaves are green and shiny, and it produces a pink flower.<br /><br />traditional uses: The periwinkle is one of the best examples of a plant that has become a prime source of medicine for humans, serving as the basis for drugs to combat Hodgkin's disease and childhood leukemia. While originating in Madagascar, it was brought to Europe in the eighteenth century and spread from there, often being used as an ornamental plant. Before it began to be used as a source of modern drugs, periwinkle had a long history as a treatment for tumors, asthma, and diabetes and for use as an astringent, diuretic, and to increase menstrual flow. In parts of Central America and the Caribbean, the root and leaf are used to treat diabetes.<br /><br />availability and dosage: It is available in the form of a powder. Dosages vary. Herbalists recommend using a teaspoon of dried herb to make an infusion that can be consumed up to three times a day. Two medicines derived from periwinkle, vinblastine for Hodgkin's disease and vincristine for childhood leukemia, are used by doctors as part of therapeutic regimes.<br /><br />contraindications: See "Special Precautions."<br /><br />special precautions: Consult your physician before beginning any use of an ethnobotanical substance for medicinal purposes.<br />Commission E reports that periwinkle has proved to be destructive to blood components in animal experiments. Because most of its claimed uses have not been documented, Commission E states that the use of periwinkle is not justified. <br /><br />medical research: Periwinkle has been extensively studied by scientists, who have identified owr seventy alkaloids from the plant parts, including vincristine and vinblastine. The investigation of periwinkle began in the 1950s, when the National Cancer Institute began a program of screening plant chemicals for possible use against leukemia. Some pharmaceutical companies involved in the study expanded the search and found anticancer activity in a number of the alkaloids. Vinblastine was isolated in 1961 and approved for the treatment of Hodgkin's disease and testicular and breast cancer. Two years later vincristine was licensed for use against childhood leukemia. "Long term, disease-free survivals have been observed in the treatment of various lymphomas and leukemias, bladder cancer, and testicular cancer, while significant palliative benefits have been seen in patients with breast cancer, melanoma, and small-cell lung cancer," write Gordon M. Cragg and Michael R. Boyd of the NCI.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8398246471050857975.post-53384350170582576442009-06-23T09:46:00.000-07:002009-06-23T09:47:22.819-07:00Herbs: Pedra Hume CaaPedra Hume Caa<br /><br />scientific name: Myrcia salicifolia other common names: Insulina vegetal <br /><br />growing areas: Native to South America and the West Indies<br /><br />physical description: Myrcia salicifolia is a shrub with small green leaves and large orange-red flowers, said Leslie Taylor. /<br /><br />traditional uses: In the Amazon, researchers found it to be used by Indians as a treatment for severe diarrhea and as an astringent and emetic. It has also been used to treat diabetes.<br /><br />availability and dosage: It is available in the United States as cut-and-sifted leaf. Dosages vary. Herbalists recommend a half cup of the leaf infusion two or three times a day.<br /><br />contraindications: Diabetics run the risk of hypoglycemia.<br /><br />special precautions: Consult your physician before beginning any use of an ethnobotanical substance for medicinal purposes.<br /><br />medical research: Research has shown that it has an inhibiting effect on serum glucose levels in diabetic rodents. One experiment involving the feeding of rats for three weeks with an extract of Myrcia uniflora improved metabolism of glucose compounds. However, another study detected no beneficial effect.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8398246471050857975.post-33796328374622364222009-06-23T09:43:00.000-07:002009-06-23T09:45:27.104-07:00Herbs: Pau d'ArcoPau d'Arco<br /><br />scientific name: Tabebuia impetiginosa other common names: Lapachol, lapacho, trumpet bush growing areas: Native to South and Central America<br /><br />physical description: It is a large flowering evergreen tree that can grow up to 15 feet high. The tree produces a large pink flower. The tree's durable wood has made it a target of loggers in the Amazon area, according to concerned environmentalists. There has also been concern raised over the harvesting of the tree's inner bark to produce folk medicine.<br /><br />traditional uses: Pau d'arco's history.as a medicinal plant has been controversial. In folk m/dicine, lapachol is obtained from the inner bark of the tree and has been used in Latin America for the treatment of colds, flu, arthritis, rheumatism, syphilis, and cancer. It also has been used to treat disorders of the immune system such as psoriasis. Because of pau d'arco's traditional use to treat cancer in some cultures, it has received a great deal of attention and publicity as a possible cure. But despite great fanfare, testing of the extracts from the plant have, according to a number of experts and government officials, not supported the use of lapachol as a treatment for cancer. AIDS patients have also turned to pau d'arco as an alternative treatment, most likely because it has a reputation as a remedy for immune system problems.<br /><br />availability and dosage: Pau d'arco is available in capsules, tablets, extracts, and teas. The bark is sold as a powder. Dosages may vary and run from 1 to 4 capsules a day for a week. Some suppliers recommend 300 milligrams of powdered bark three times a day. A tea is also made by boiling the bark in water for eight to ten minutes.<br /><br />contraindications: Pau d'arco contains substances that researchers believe can cause problems with coagulation, which makes use of the plant questionable for people suffering from coagulation disorders or taking anticoagulants. Experts also say pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid the herb. <br /><br />special precautions: Consult your physician before beginning any use of an ethnobotanical substance for medicinal purposes. Certain substances in pau d'arco present a danger of toxicity in humans. Fetrow and Avila recommend that pau d'arco not be used because of the problem of toxicity.<br /><br />medical research: During the 1960s, after it gained a reputation as a folk treatment for cancer, lapachol was put into clinical trials by the National Cancer Institute. However, in 1974 it was reportedly dropped by the NCI after failing to produce. significant results that outweighed its serious side effects. The negative experience of the NCI apparently did not forestall others from experimenting with lapachol as a cancer therapy, and there have been reports of trials in other countries that have shown beneficial results.<br /><br />While cancer experiments in the United States did not go well, lapachol seemed to fare better with experiments aimed at testing its usefulness as an antipsoriatic and anti-inflammatory agent. In an experiment in Brazil, lapachol was found to have significant anti-inflammatory action, diminishing swelling in rodents by as much as 85 percent, depending on the dosage. Results of another experiment published in 1999 showed that lapachol compounds stopped the growth of human keratinocytes, the cells involved in psoriasis.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8398246471050857975.post-60180841304063828252009-06-23T09:42:00.000-07:002009-06-23T09:43:38.917-07:00Herbs: PapayaPapaya<br /><br />scientific name: Caricapapoya other common names: Paw paw, melon tree, put, papaya real<br /><br />growing areas: Native to Mexico and Central America; cultivated in the Caribbean and Asia, as well as other tropical areas<br /><br />physical description: Papaya is a tree with a thick trunk that can grow up to 25/reet high. Its leaves are lobed, can grow up to 2 feet across, and resemble those of an oak. The papaya tree produces a large (up to 11 pounds) oval-shaped fruit that hangs from the trunk; its yellowish pulp is sweet. A latex substance is obtained from its stem, leaves, and fruit.<br /><br />traditional uses: For centuries, people in the Caribbean knew of papaya's ability to tenderize meat, and the leaves are still used for that purpose today. This characteristic is attributed to a number of enzymes, notably papain, which are contained in the latex of the unripe papaya fruit and help to break down protein. In traditional medicine, papaya has been used to aid digestion, most certainly because papain acts similarly to human peptic acids. In Belize, the plant is used to help in the healing of wounds and infections, while the green fruit, when boiled and eaten, is said to aid in the purging of intestinal parasites, report Balick and Arvigo. They also report that women have used roasted and ground papaya seeds in a formula for contraception.<br /><br />availability and dosage: Papaya fruit is readily available in the United States in food and fruit stores. Papaya enzyme is also available in tablet form. Doses may vary, although some herbalists recommend using a tea made from 1 or 2 teaspoons of dried papaya leaf before meals as an aid to digestion. <br /><br />contraindications: Pregnant women should not use medicinal amounts of papaya, as it has a history of use as a uterine stimulant. Breast-feeding women should also not use it.<br /><br />special precautions: Consult your physician before beginning any use of an ethnobotanical substance for medicinal purposes.<br />Excessive use of papaya may cause gastric upset, allergic reaction, and possibly perforation of the esophagus, according to experts. It may also act as a purge if too much is taken. Ingestion by dogs of papain has been linked to birth defects. An extract of the fruit has been shown to affect human cardiac activity.<br /><br />medical research: According to Balick and Arvigo, a number of studies have been done that show papaya to have antibacterial and antifungal activity. They also reported that a study from 1947 showed that a water extract of the papaya fruit worked as a human cardiac depressant. Human clinical trials indicate that papaya can treat inflammation from surgery or accident and that it can be used to reduce postoperative edema in cases of head and neck surgery, write Fetrow and Avila.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8398246471050857975.post-87320720637933010502009-06-23T09:41:00.000-07:002009-06-23T09:42:17.051-07:00Herbs: OreganoOregano<br /><br />scientific name: Lippiagraveolens, Origanum vulgare other common names: Oregano castillo, yerba dulce, wild marjoram<br /><br />growing areas: Lippia graveolens grows in temperate and tropical areas.<br /><br />physical description: Lippia graveolens is a shrub that grows up to 6 feet in height and has aromatic flowers.<br /><br />traditional uses: There are about forty different plants known by the name oregano. Lippia graveolens and related plants are known as a food seasoning. But oregano also has a long history of use as a medicinal plant. The Chinese are reported to have used it beginning in ancient times to treat fever, diarrhea, and vomiting. Among Mexicans, a species of oregano (Monarda menthaefolia) is listed in one survey as being among the top ten medicinal plants used in their culture to treat the symptoms of cold and flu, as well as coughs, sore throat, and congestion. Based upon fieldwork done in Belize, Balick and Arvigo found that oregano is used as a tea to treat upper respiratory tract infections, induce menstruation, and, when taken a week after childbirth as a leaf decoction, to help a new mother, expel a retained placenta. A boiled leaf solution is also said to be a good wash for wounds and burns. <br /><br />availability and dosage: Oregano is widely available in supermarkets and food stores. The essential oil derived from the plant is also available, though herbalists caution that it should not be taken internally. For treating colds, teas made with boiling water using up to 3 teaspoons of herb or up to half a cup of fresh leaves as much as three times a day are recommended by some experts.<br /><br />contraindications: Pregnant women should not use medicinal amounts of oregano, as it has a history of use as a uterine stimulant. Some experts say oregano can interfere with the absorption of iron.<br /><br />special precautions: Consult your physician before beginning any use of an ethnobotanical substance for medicinal purposes.<br />Experts caution that children under the age of two should not be given medicinal amounts of oregano. It may also produce allergic reactions and gastrointestinal discomfort.<br /><br />medical research: Oregano was found to inhibit the growth of eleven different microbes in one Australian study.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8398246471050857975.post-7768574268271085552009-06-23T09:39:00.000-07:002009-06-23T09:41:15.551-07:00Herbs: NettleNettle<br /><br />scientific name: Urtica dioica<br /><br />other common names: Common nettle, big string nettle, stinging nettle<br /><br />growing areas: Temperate regions of the world<br /><br />physical description: It is a perennial bush that can grow up to 7 feet tall. Its leaves are triangular-shaped and edged with points. It produces a flower that ranges in color from white to yellow. Bristles on the leaves and stems can sting, hence the common name.<br /><br />traditional uses: The major interest in nettle today is in its use to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), or enlarged prostate gland, a common condition for men over the age of fifty. It is used in combination with another herb, saw palmetto, for prostate health. But over the ages nettle has had a number of medicinal uses. Dioscorides listed it in his famous book of herbal remedies from the first century as a treatment for nosebleeds. The ancient Greeks used it to treat coughs and arthritis. It has a history of use as an astringent, to treat skin conditions, and as a remedy for baldness. It was also used to promote childbirth and stop uterine bleeding. It is used as a diuretic and as therapy for rheumatism and inflammations of the urinary tract. <br /><br />availability and dosage: Nettle is available as a capsule and as an extract, powder, or tincture of the root and leaf. Dosages may vary and can range from a recommended intake of one capsule of 100 milligrams a day to a total of 300 milligrams. Teas can be made of up to 2 teaspoons per cup twice a day. Commission E recommends dosages between 8 and 10 grams of the herb and leaf daily and 4 to 6 grams of the root. It is also available as an element in herbal preparations. <br /><br />contraindications: Commission E reported that no contraindications were known. However, some pharmacists report that nettle is contraindicated in pregnant women because it is a stimulant of uterine contractions. Breast-feeding women should also not use it. <br /><br />special precautions: Consult your physician before beginning any use of an ethnobotanical substance for medicinal purposes.<br />Internal use has been known to cause occasional gastrointestinal upset. The hairs on the plant contain chemicals that can cause severe skin irritation. <br /><br />medical research: Nettle does not appear to reduce the enlarged prostate gland in humans but rather increases the flow and volume of urine, according to the findings of Commission E. However, some research done in Germany has indicated that nettle inhibits prostatic hyperplasia in mice. In the German experiments, the prostate glands of mice were treated to create prostatic hyperplasia and five preparations of stinging nettle root extract, each prepared with a different method of liquid extraction, were tested. The experiment found that ethanol extracts and water extracts had the greatest effect on inhibiting the growth of the mice prostate glands. However, the researchers were unclear as to how the extracts worked. Another experiment, done in Japan on prostate tissue taken from a human patient suffering from an enlarged gland, suggested that steroids and other components in the stinging nettle roots inhibit prostate cell growth and metabolism.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8398246471050857975.post-29820749499891241862009-06-23T09:37:00.000-07:002009-06-23T09:39:11.564-07:00Herbs: Muira PuamaMuira Puama<br /><br />scientific name: Ptychopetalum qlacoides<br /><br />other common names: Potency wood, marapuama,<br />marapama, potenzholz growing areas: Native to the Amazon region, particularly Brazil<br /><br />physical description: It is a bush that grows up to 15 feet in height and produces a small white flower that has a jasminelike fragrance, said Leslie Taylor.<br /><br />traditional uses: Based on his extensive travels and observations in South America, Richard Schultes reports that muira puama is used to treat neuromuscular problems, baldness, rheumatism, asthma, and gastrointestinal and cardiac problems. A bath of the root is used to treat paralysis. However, its major use is as an aphrodisiac tonic in the Amazon. James Duke also reports that the drug has a long history of use in Brazil as an aphrodisiac and nerve stimulant.<br />Commission E has noted that while muira puama is used to prevent sexual problems and as an aphrodisiac, its effectiveness has not been documented and that it is not approved for use. However, an extract of muira puama has been marketed in Europe under the names Herbal v-Y and Herbal v-X to treat impotency in men and sexual problems in women.<br /><br />availability and dosage: It is available as a bark powder and as a concentrated liquid extract. Herbal formulas in tablet form were available in Europe in the late 1990s.<br /><br />contraindications: Reported to be contraindicated for persons taking MAO inhibitors. <br /><br />special precautions: Consult your physician before beginning any use of an ethnobotanical substance for medicinal purposes. Muira puama should not be taken during pregnancy or lactation.<br /><br />medical research: Researchers in France are reported ' to have used herbal preparations from muira puama for over a decade with one hundred impotent male patients, over 60 percent of whom reported significant improvement in their sex lives after a month's use.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8398246471050857975.post-16943937486442492732009-06-23T09:36:00.000-07:002009-06-23T09:37:57.493-07:00Herbs: MugwortMugwort<br /><br />scientific name: Artemisia vulgaris<br /><br />other common names: Ajenjo, carline thistle (a related herb, Artemisia absinthium, is known in Mexican culture as ajenjo and also commonly known in English as wormwood, and is considered a more dangerous herb)<br /><br />growing areas: Native to North America and China<br /><br />physical description: It is an ornamental plant with lobed leaves, which grow in sets of two on the stem.<br /><br />traditional uses: Anglo-Saxons considered it a sacred herb, and it is said by historians to have been used by Roman soldiers, who placed sprigs of the plant in their shoes to prevent foot problems during long marches. It is used in modern times as a treatment for dysmenorrhea, colic, diarrhea, constipation, and cramps. It is also considered an anthelmintic (a substance that 'destroys or causes the body to expel intestinal worms) and an emmenagogue. Russians reportedly have used it as an abortifacient and for bladder stones, and there are additional reports that it is useful for depression and neuroses. <br /><br />availability and dosage: It is available as a dried leaf or root, as well as in a fluid extract and tincture. Herbalists recommend varying dosages, including up to 5 grams in a decoction for menstrual pain. Some experts recommend an infusion of up to 15 grams of the dried plant for such pain. <br /><br />contraindications: Because it can cause uterine contractions, it should not be used by pregnant women. Breast-feeding women should not use it. <br /><br />special precautions: Consult your physician before beginning any use of an ethnobotanical substance for medicinal purposes.<br /><br />Mugwort is believed to cause uterine contractions and may cause contact dermatitis, according to some experts. Avila and Fetrow caution that patients taking anticoagulants or with bleeding problems should not take mugwort. Duke reports that in large doses mugwort can be toxic and that a constituent element, thujone, can cause epileptic seizures. It may also cause dermatitis and allergic reaction in some people. <br /><br />medical research: None noted.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8398246471050857975.post-45786644016699706022009-06-23T09:35:00.000-07:002009-06-23T09:36:25.868-07:00Herbs: MozoteMozote<br /><br />scientific name: Triumfetta semitriloba other common names: Pega pega, burr bush, mozote de caballo<br /><br />growing areas: Native to Central America, the Caribbean, and parts of South America<br /><br />physical description: Mozote is a shrub that grows to a height of about 3 feet. Its leaves are generally three-lobed and toothed. It produces a yellow flower, and the undersides of the leaves are hairy. • traditional uses: In Costa Rica mozote is used as a treatment for colds and diarrhea. According to Julia Morton, Mexicans use a decoction of the root for treating venereal disease, as well as kidney and liver problems, while a more astringent leaf decoction is used in Yucatan to treat hemorrhoids and leukorrhea. availability and dosage: Available by mail order in the United States and Central America. No information available on dosage. <br /><br />contraindications: Should be avoided by pregnant women.<br />special precautions: Consult your physician before beginning any use of an ethnobotanical substance for medicinal purposes.<br /><br />medical research: None noted.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8398246471050857975.post-88405109463920535462009-06-23T09:34:00.000-07:002009-06-23T09:35:41.872-07:00Herbs: MaracujaMaracuja<br /><br />scientific name: Passiflora incamata<br /><br />other common names: Passionflower, maypop, pas-sionaria, maracuya<br /><br />growing areas: Native to Central and South America and parts of the southern United States; cultivated in Europe and North America<br /><br />physical description: It is a climbing vine that can grow close to 30 feet long. Maracuja, or passionflower, as it is commonly called, has a three-lobed leaf that resembles a trident. Its flower is distinctive and has five stamens.<br /><br />traditional uses: Legend has it that following the conquest of the Incas by the Spaniards, a priest, looking for a divine sign that Spain's action was proper, discovered a flower on a vine in the Andes that symbolized the crucifixion of Christ. The flower's five stamens have come to symbolize the five wounds of Christ on the cross, and its three styles stand for the three nails used in the crucifixion.<br />After its discovery by the priest, passionflower was imported to Europe as a tea and was used as a sedative. In the United States it has been used as a sedative and to treat insomnia, anxiety, and panic. Experts also report that it is used to relax muscles and can relieve the discomfort of menstruation. By reducing anxiety, passionflower may also have other collateral effects on the body, such as lowering high blood pressure.<br /><br />While passionflower was considered a sedative for many years in the United States, it was reported that the Food and Drug Administration removed it from the list of herbs generally considered as safe in 1978 because it was not proven effective as a sleeping aid. However, in Europe it- is considered safe and useful in treating nervous restlessness.<br /><br />availability and dosage: It is available as a dried herb, liquid extract, and tincture. Dosages vary. Some herbalists recommend dosages for tea ranging from 0.5 grams to 2.5 grams of the herb in boiling water up to three times daily. Commission E recommends 4 to 8 grams in a preparation. Herbal experts recommend a teaspoon of crushed leaves steeped in a cup of boiling water for about ten minutes to help with insomnia.<br /><br />contraindications: It has been reported that in Norway a number of patients admitted to a hospital with altered states of consciousness had taken an insomnia remedy that was derived from passionflower. It was believed that the product may have interacted with other drugs to cause an intoxicating effect. Some experts also believe it is contraindicated for pregnant and breastfeeding women.<br /><br />special precautions: Consult your physician before beginning any use of an ethnobotanical substance for medicinal purposes.<br />Since passionflower appears to act on the central nervous system, it may interact with other depressants. It may also contain a uterine stimulant.<br /><br />medical research: A series of experiments with mice who received injections of passionflower extracts has shown that the plant contains chemicals that act as a central nervous system depressant. In one French study, mice showed reduced activity when treated with a water extract. In addition, the extract caused the mice to go to sleep when it followed a dose of phenobarbital. But the strength of the tranquilizer seems to depend on the solvent used to prepare the extract. For instance, when an extract was prepared with a water and alcohol agent, the mice appeared to show more activity, not less. Other studies with rodents show general sedative activity of the passionflower extract, including an instance when rats showed diminished activity when they were kept for a three-week period on oral doses of passionflower.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8398246471050857975.post-18525651716797921132009-06-23T09:32:00.000-07:002009-06-23T09:34:16.200-07:00Herbs: ManacaManaca<br /><br />scientific name: Brunfelsia uniflorus<br /><br />other common names: Manacan, vegetable mercury<br /><br />growing areas: Native to areas of the Amazon basin<br /><br />physical description: An ornamental shrub, manaca produces a beautiful yellow-white flower. In his work on medicinal plants, James Duke recounts a legend that the plant's name is attributed to a beautiful girl of the Tupi Indians of Brazil.<br />traditional uses: The Tupi use the plant in their medicinal and magical practices, according to Duke, who notes that the Indians once used a root extract of manaca as an arrow poison and that the scraped bark is considered a strong purgative. The common name vegetable mercury stems from the plant's use in traditional medicine for the treatment of syphilis. Based on his extensive travels in the Amazon area, botanist Richard Schultes reports that indigenous peoples use manaca as a treatment for rheumatism, as a diuretic, as an antiinflammatory, to reduce fevers, and sometimes as an ab-ortifacient. It has also been used as a hallucinogen, but with bad effects, Schultes writes.<br /><br />availability and dosage: It is available as cut-and-sifted bark. Dosages vary.<br /><br />contraindications: Since it is reported to have been used as an abortifacient, it should not be used by pregnant women.<br /><br />special precautions: Consult your physician before beginning any use of an ethnobotanical substance for medicinal purposes.<br />Manaca is reported to be toxic to children and pets and should be avoided.<br /><br />medical research: Laboratory tests in Brazil showed manaca to have anti-inflammatory properties. An extract of a related species, Brunfelsia hopeana, was shown in an experiment with rats to act as a central nervous system depressant and an anti-inflammatory. However, toxi-cological studies done in the United States of another species, Brunfelsia calcyina, determined that the consumption by dogs of this plant material was fatal, and researchers cautioned that the plant poses a significant hazard for small children. Duke says that even small doses of the alkaloid manacine, which is found in ma-naca, can lead to death due to respiratory paralysis in laboratory animals.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8398246471050857975.post-50747553851539939392009-06-23T09:31:00.000-07:002009-06-23T09:32:13.072-07:00Herbs: MallowMallow <br /><br />scientific name: Malvestrum sylvestris other common names: Malva, malva grande, malva real<br /><br />growing areas: Native to much of South and Central America<br /><br />physical description: It is a bush herb that grows to a height of 3 feet and generally is found at low elevations. Its stem has been described as stiff with hair, and its leaves have sharp teeth on the edges. Its flowers are reddish purple, and its flat fruit produces seeds that are shaped like kidney beans.<br />The mucilage contained in the leaves of this species is believed to be the reason why the herb has soothing, emollient qualities.<br /><br />traditional uses: Mallow has been eaten and used medicinally for thousands of years. In Costa Rica it is thought to stimulate lactation. It is also fiold as an emollient and for use as an enema. According to Fetrow and Avila, mallow is used for irritations of the throat, bronchitis, laryngitis, tonsillitis, and hoarseness. It has also been used in Central America and the Caribbean to treat sores and wounds, as well as as an astringent.<br /><br />availability and dosage: It is available as a dried leaf or flower. Fetrow and Avila report that the suggested dose is 5 grams daily of chopped, dried herb; an infusion may also be used.<br /><br />contraindications: Fetrow and Avila recommend it not be used by pregnant or breast-feeding women.<br /><br />special precautions: Consult your physician before beginning any use of an ethnobotanical substance for medicinal purposes.<br /><br />medical research: None noted.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8398246471050857975.post-67786152415242875852009-06-23T09:29:00.002-07:002009-06-23T09:31:18.420-07:00Herbs: MacelaMacela<br /><br />scientific name: Achyroclinesatureoides <br /><br />other common names: Juan bianco, macela do campo, marcela hembra<br /><br />growing areas: Native to Venezuela and parts of the Brazilian Amazon as well as Central America<br /><br />physical description: It is an aromatic shrub that grows to a height of about 3 feet. It hasilowers that are small and yellowish or white. The seed/are oval-shaped and bristled.<br /><br />traditional uses: Macela has a well-respected reputation in South America as a medicinal plant useful in the treatment of gastrointestinal problems and inflammations. In Venezuela it is reported to be used as an emmen-agogue and in Brazil as cough medicine. Argentines also have used it as an emmenagogue and to treat vaginal infections.<br /><br />availability and dosage: Available in powdered leaf form. Dosages vary. Herbalists recommend a half cup of the leaf infusion once or twice daily.<br /><br />contraindications: None noted.<br /><br />special precautions: Consult your physician before beginning any use of an ethnobotanical substance for medicinal purposes. It has been used as an emmenagogue.<br /><br />medical research: A number of laboratory experiments have demonstrated that macela extracts have been useful in treating artificially induced inflammations in rats. Additional studies have shown the flavonoids present in macela to have analgesic and antispasmodic properties, as well as having an effect on constipation.<br /><br />In a Brazilian study aimed at evaluating macela's anti-inflammatory properties, the ears of laboratory mice were irritated with the application of croton oil. For each test animal, one swollen ear was treated with the topical application of an extract of macela, while the other was left untreated. Five hours into the experiment, and at the height of the irritation, the animals were sacrificed and small disks were punched out of both ears and weighed. Researchers assumed the difference in the weight of the ears would be an indication of the response of the swelling to the plant extract. The results indicated that a water extract showed the greatest reduction of the swelling (by 41 percent). As a result, the researchers believed the tests supported the use in folk medicine of macela in the treatment of inflammatory diseases.<br /><br />Tests have also been done with macela extracts showing that in laboratory settings it has been effective in killing the parasites that cause trypanosomiasis in humans, as well as other microorganisms.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8398246471050857975.post-41883872363488875352009-06-23T09:29:00.001-07:002009-06-23T09:29:44.891-07:00Herbs: Kalallo BushKalallo Bush<br /><br />scientific name: Corchorus siliquosus other common names: Hiera te, malva te, te de la tierra<br /><br />growing areas: Native to the Virgin Islands and West Indies; also found in Mexico and Central America<br /><br />physical description: A bush about 3 feet high with short-stemmed leaves. The flowers are yellow and the seed capsule is flat.<br /><br />traditional uses: A decoction of this plant is reported to be used frequently in Central America as a refreshing drink. In the Virgin Islands the plant is cooked and eaten and used as a treatment for colds. It has been used as a treatment for venereal disease in Yucatan and for bladder trouble and as a bathwater additive in Cuba, according to Julia Morton.<br /><br />availability and dosage: The product is not believed to be available in the United States.<br /><br />contraindications: None noted.<br /><br />special precautions: Consult your physician before beginning any use of an ethnobotanical substance for medicinal purposes.<br /><br />medical research: None noted.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0