Boneset was a favorite medicine of the North American Indians, who called it by a name that is equivalent to 'Ague-weed,' and it has always been a popular remedy in the United States, probably no plant in American domestic practice having more extensive and frequent use.
Medicinal Action and Uses: Stimulant, febrifuge and laxative. It acts slowly and persistently, and its greatest power is manifested upon the stomach, liver, bowels and uterus. It is regarded as a mild tonic in moderate doses, and is also diaphoretic, more especially when taken as a warm infusion, in which form it is used in attacks of muscular rheumatism and general cold. In large doses it is emetic and purgative.
Medicinal Action and Uses: Stimulant, febrifuge and laxative. It acts slowly and persistently, and its greatest power is manifested upon the stomach, liver, bowels and uterus. It is regarded as a mild tonic in moderate doses, and is also diaphoretic, more especially when taken as a warm infusion, in which form it is used in attacks of muscular rheumatism and general cold. In large doses it is emetic and purgative.
As a remedy in catarrh, more especially in influenza, it has been extensively used and with the best effects, given in doses of a wine glassful, warm every half hour, the patient remaining in bed the whole time; after four or five doses, profuse perspiration is caused and relief is obtained. It is stated that the popular name Boneset is derived from the great value of this remedy in the treatment of a species of influenza which had much prevailed in the United States, and which from the pain attending it was commonly called Break-
Policosanol is taken from the wax of the sugar cane, and studies at clinically evaluated dosages, has shown cholesterol-lowering properties comparable to of prescription statins.
Native Americans used Lobelia to treat respiratory and muscle disorders, and as a purgative. Today it is used to treat asthma and food poisoning, and is often used as part of smoking cessation programs. It is a physical relaxant, and can serve as a nerve depressant, easing tension and panic. The species used most commonly in modern herbalism is lubelia inflata (Indian Tobacco). As used in North America, Lobelia's medicinal properties include the following: stimulant, antispasmodic, expectorant, diaphoretic, relaxant, nauseant, sedative, diuretic, and nervier.
Salvia (Sage) is an herb common to southern Mexico and Central and South America. The main active ingredient in Salvia, salvinorin A, is a potent activator of kappa opioid receptors in the brain.
Grape seed proanthocyanidins are natural antioxidants, which are known to possess a broad spectrum of biological, pharmacological and chemoprotective properties against free radicals and oxidative stress. Studies have assessed the concentration- or dose-dependant free radical scavenging abilities of ActiVin™, a novel IH636 grape seed proanthocyanidin extract, in both in vitro and in vivo models, and compared these data with vitamins C, E and beta -carotene. ActiVin demonstrated excellent concentration/dose-dependent inhibitions in both in vitro and in vivo experiments.
Garlic health benefits and medicinal properties have long been known. Garlic has long been considered a herbal "wonder drug", with a reputation in folklore for preventing everything from the common cold and flu to the Plague! It has been used extensively in herbal medicine (phytotherapy, sometimes spelt phitotherapy). Raw garlic is used by some to treat the symptoms of acne and there is some evidence that it can assist in managing high cholesterol levels.
In general, a stronger tasting clove of garlic has more sulphur content and hence more medicinal value. Some people prefer to take garlic supplements. These pills and capsules have the advantage of avoiding garlic breath.
Modern science has shown that garlic is a powerful antibiotic, albeit broad-spectrum rather than targeted. The body does not appear to build up resistance to the garlic, so its positive health benefits continue over time.
Studies have shown that garlic can have a powerful antioxidant effect. Antioxidants help to protect the body against damaging "free radicals".
Vervain is a wonderful tonic to the nervous system, calming the nerves and easing tension. Vervain used to be held as sacred, as a holy herb for sacrificial rites, revered by the druids as highly as mistletoe. It was dedicated to Isis, the goddess of birth, and was a famous ingredient in love potions. Vervain can be taken to relieve anxiety, to lift depression and for stress-related problems such as headaches and migraines as well as nervous exhaustion.
Yarrow has seen historical use as a medicine, mainly because of its astringent effects. Decoctions have been used to treat inflammations such as piles (hemorrhoids), and also headaches. Confusingly, it has been said to both stop bleeding and promote it. Infusions of Yarrow, taken either internally or externally, are said to speed recovery from severe bruising. The most medicinally active part of the plant are the flowering tops. They also have a mild stimulant effect, and have been used as a snuff. Today, yarrow is valued mainly for its action in colds and influenza, and also for its effect on the circulatory, digestive, and urinary systems.
The active agent from Horehound is believed to be Marrubiin.
Marrubiin is related to the fragrant aromas in mint known as terpenoids, but is chemically distinct.
Marrubiin is also related to taxol, found in the Western Yew tree, which is used to treat ovarian cancer. The leaves of Horehound have a fuzzy texture to them and below the forest of hairs on the leaf are clusters of cells that include a cylindrical layer where the compound is made. The marrubiin is produced and stored in these structures known as secretory glands.
Work is underway to isolate the gene responsible for the manufacture of marrubin so that it can be produced in large quantities and also to begin to modify its structure in hopes of developing taxol-like anti-cancer activity and improved antibiotics.
Marrubiin is related to the fragrant aromas in mint known as terpenoids, but is chemically distinct.
Marrubiin is also related to taxol, found in the Western Yew tree, which is used to treat ovarian cancer. The leaves of Horehound have a fuzzy texture to them and below the forest of hairs on the leaf are clusters of cells that include a cylindrical layer where the compound is made. The marrubiin is produced and stored in these structures known as secretory glands.
Work is underway to isolate the gene responsible for the manufacture of marrubin so that it can be produced in large quantities and also to begin to modify its structure in hopes of developing taxol-
Valerian is a powerful nervine, stimulant, carminative and antispasmodic. It has a remarkable influence on the cerebra-spinal system, and used as a sedative to the higher nerve centers in conditions of nervous unrest, hypochrondriasis, neuralgic pains and the like.
The drug allays pain and promotes sleep. It is of especial use and benefit to those suffering from nervous overstrain, as it possesses none of the after-affects produced by narcotics.
The juice of the fresh root, under the name Energetene of Valerian, has of late been recommended as more certain in its effects, and of value as a narcotic in insomnia, and as an anti-convulsant in epilepsy. Having also some slight influence upon the circulation, slowing the heart and increasing its force, it has been used in the treatment of cardiac palpitations.
The drug allays pain and promotes sleep. It is of especial use and benefit to those suffering from nervous overstrain, as it possesses none of the after-
The juice of the fresh root, under the name Energetene of Valerian, has of late been recommended as more certain in its effects, and of value as a narcotic in insomnia, and as an anti-
The use of melatonin as a drug can entrain the circadian clock to environmental cycles and can have beneficial effects for treatment of certain insomnia. Its therapeutic potential may be limited by its short biological half-life, poor bio-availability, and the fact that it has numerous non-specific actions.
Products containing melatonin have been available as a dietary Supplement in the United States since 1993, and met with good consumer acceptance and enthusiasm.
Products containing melatonin have been available as a dietary Supplement in the United States since 1993, and met with good consumer acceptance and enthusiasm.
Fennel contains anethole, which can explain some of its effects: it, or its polymers, act as phytoestrogens. On account of its aromatic and carminative properties, Fennel is chiefly used medicinally with purgatives to allay their side effects and for this purpose forms one of the ingredients of the well-known compound Liquorice Powder. Fennel water has properties similar to those of anise and dill water: mixed with sodium bicarbonate and syrup, these waters constitute the domestic Gripe Water, used to correct the flatulence of infants.
The main use of magnesium trisilicate is for an antacid that alters the acidity of the stomach’s juices by binding to the excess acid and causing near instant relief of your antacid symptoms. Magnesium trisilicate decreases the acidity of the contents in your stomach which can help alleviate the symptoms you have from ulcers, dyspepsia, and heartburn. More specifically, magnesium trisilicate helps with upset stomachs, stomach pain and burning, and nausea and excess gas.
The medicinal actions of myrrh have not been well researched, although its astringent, antiseptic, and anti-microbial actions have been confirmed. Myrrh is not soluble in water and is therefore normally taken in the form of a powder or a tincture, rather than as an infusion. Myrrh is not easily absorbed by the intestines and so is generally used in external treatments or gargles rather than in internal remedies. Myrrh is considered to be tonic and aphrodisiac and to cleanse the blood. Myrrh also has a reputation for improving the intellect. Myrrh is widely used throughout India and the Middle East for the treatment of mouth, gum, throat, and digestive problems, as well as for irregular and painful menstruation.
Papain is a protein-cleaving enzyme derived from papaya and certain other plants. Enzymes are complex molecules produced in living organisms to catalyze (speed up) chemical reactions within the cell. A number of digestive enzyme supplements are available. The simple ones are extracted from tropical fruits: bromelain from pineapple and papain from papayas. Papain has a mild, soothing effect on the stomach and aids in protein digestion. It is most often used as a meat tenderizer.
Capsicum is a very effective herb and hot pepper that is used to relieve pain when applied topically or when taken internally. It is thought to interrupt the pain signal through a process of reversible desensitization. Over 30 years of recent research has demonstrated that capsaicin , the biological active component of capsicum, appears to desensitize sensory receptors on cells, and thus effectively blocks pain signals from being processed. (Capsaicin in the Study of Pain, John Wood, Academic Press, Harcourt Brace, New York, 1993)But capsicum has other attributes.
