| SUNSCREEN: Jalap; Horse Chestnut; Pear; Basil; Common Thyme; Tarragon; Strawberry; Vervain; Creeping Thyme; Betony; Comfrey; Strawberry; Guava; Gobo; Sunflower; Apple; Chia; Chicory.
VIRICIDE: Lemon; Celery; Red Mangrove; Camu-camu; Rowan Berry; Arbutus; Pomegranate; Emblic; Canaigre; Babul; Gum Ghatti; Poison Hemlock; Sunflower; Guava; Coconut; Nance; Fenugreek; Winter's Bark; Grape.
APPENDIX A
ANTIAGING NUTRIENTS
* ACETYL-L-CARNITINE...........................704
*ALPHA-LIPOIC ACID...............................715
ţCOENZYME Q10.......................................718
*CONJ. |
Janet Zand, LAc, OMD, Allan N. Spreed, MD, CNC, James B. LaValle, RPh, ND
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 Note: comfrey is recommended for external use only. It contains substances that can cause liver damage if taken internally.
¦ Cordyceps is a tonic herb that increases the oxygen supply to body systems, enhances immunity, and acts as an antioxidant. Take 1,000 milligrams of standardized extract twice a day.
¦ A tea of corn silk and sage is excellent for helping to expel excess water from the system. Place 1 tablespoon (or tea bag) of each in 8 ounces of water and simmer for ten minutes. Strain and drink. Take a cup of tea up to three times daily. |
Gary Null, Ph.D.
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 Other good herbs for respiratory clearing are white pine, spruce, marshmallow root, licorice root, lungwort, and comfrey. Fresh thyme, nettles, and fenugreek are commonly used throughout Europe for treating various lung conditions. Horseradish, taken with more soothing herbs, helps to get rid of lung debris. It can be prepared by scraping, rinsing, shredding, and placing in oil overnight. Ginger is an expectorant herb that clears mucous secretions from the bronchi. One squirt of ginger extract into the mouth will clear the bronchi in a few minutes. |
Janet Zand, LAc, OMD, Allan N. Spreed, MD, CNC, James B. LaValle, RPh, ND
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| Apply the mixture to the affected area three times a day.
¦ comfrey root makes an excellent topical salve. Apply this three times a day.
HOMEOPATHY
¦ Antimonium crudum is good for a dry skin rash with pimples or vesicles. The itching is often worse at night.
Take one dose of Antimonium crudum 12x or 6c, as directed on the product label, three times a day for up to three days.
¦ Arsenicum album is for a dry, rough, scaly rash. The itching may be accompanied by a burning sensation and restlessness, and the rash feels worse when you are exposed to cold. |
Gary Null, Ph.D.
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| Other useful herbs include alfalfa, parsley, burdock root, comfrey root, ginseng, red raspberry leaves and nettle leaves. Herbs can be taken separately or combined in capsules or tea. In addition, the Chinese herb dong quai contains phytoestrogens that aid women who become anemic as a result of heavy menstruation. The herb contains vitamins A, E, and B12 and can be taken most days of the month, until menstruation starts. |
| It is excellent for alleviating stomach ailments, especially when combined with comfrey.
•Carrot...Carrot juice is high in antioxidants, including beta carotene and vitamins A, C, and E. In addition, it is filled with health-giving minerals and antiaging enzymes. One caveat on carrot juice: Since it is high in natural sugar, this juice should be diluted with water, especially when there is a blood sugar imbalance.
•Celery...This one is moderately high in sodium, not the bad-for-you salt shaker kind, but the good, natural kind that promotes good cell chemistry.
•Melon... |
| Some combinations to look for contain goldenseal, comfrey bee propolis, aloe vera, and vitamin E.
_What to Avoid_
Cold and canker sores usually surface when stress appears. While this cannot always be avoided, it is important to note what situations create stress and to address those issues. Stress can also be minimized through relaxation techniques, such as meditation, or biofeedback. Foods that stress the system should be avoided in general, and especially during an outbreak. Sugar and caffeine should not be used. Also, acidic foods, such as meat, tomatoes, and oranges, can be problematic. |
the Editors of PREVENTION
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 Alternatively, you can moisten powdered comfrey with a little bit of vegetable oil and apply it with a cotton ball or your clean fingers. Leave it on until the next time you bathe.
High Blood Pressure
^~Hgh blood pressure is a stealthy enemy. You can't see it, you can't feel it, and in most cases, you can't even pin down what's causing it. What you can do, though, is take advantage of some very effective and problem-free herbs to help get that pressure down to healthy levels.
That's important, because high blood pressure can kill. |
| Chamomile, Elder, comfrey, and Nettle
After cleansing, mist with a soothing, anti-inflammatory astringent. Falconi often teaches this recipe to students who attend her herbal classes.
Cause: Heredity and hormones influence how oily skin is. Tiny glands located along hair shafts all over the body produce a thick, oily substance called sebum, which lubricates the skin. The glands are most numerous and productive on the scalp and face, with the largest located on the forehead, nose, and upper back. Male hormones called androgens stimulate sebum production. |
| Do not use comfrey on deep wounds, however, Dr. Lemmon cautions, because it might impede healing.
Aloe
Smooth fresh gel liberally on the hot spot. The clear gel inside the leaf of the aloe plant speeds up the rate of healing and reduces the risk of infection. Between treatments with the calendula tea, Dr. Childs suggests applying cooling aloe gel as needed.
You can grow your own household first-aid plant or purchase the gel already bottled at a drugstore. Look for products that contain at least 90 percent pure aloe vera gel. Do not use it on deep wounds, says Dr. Lemmon. |
Gary Null, Ph.D.
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 ANTIDANDRUFF: Sunflower; Cornmint; Comfrey; Broccoli; Dill; Parsnip; Horseradish; Garden Cress; Cabbage; Red Mangrove; Lettuce; Butterbur; Peppermint; European Nettle; Snakeground; Purslane; Radish; Virginia Mountain Mint; Spinach.
ANTIDEPRESSANT: Parsnip; Camu-camu; Acerola; Asparagus; Pignut Hickory; Lettuce; Pigweed; Purslane; Shagbark Hickory; Berro; Lambsquarter; Endive; Spinach; Chinese Cabbage; Broccol; Cowpea; Huaca-Mullo; Tomato; Chayote; Oats. |
American Medical Publishing
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| The degree of injury caused by pyrrolizidine alkaloid-containing plants, like comfrey, is probably influenced by such factors as the age of the user,body mass, gender, and hepatic function, as well the total cumulative dose ingested and the type of exposure (i.e., whether exposure was to leaves or roots, infusions or capsules). Infants in general appear to be particularly susceptible to adverse effects of exposure to pyrrolizidine alkaloids; there are reports of infants developing hepatic veno-occlusive disease following acute exposure of less than one week. |
the Editors of PREVENTION
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| Calendula has healing properties similar to those of comfrey, and studies have shown that it fights inflammation and aids in the growth of healthy new cells. Janet Zand, N.D., O.M.D., a naturopathic doctor and doctor of oriental medicine in Austin, Texas, and Los Angeles, recommends making a calendula infusion. Put a tablespoon of the dried herb in 4 ounces of distilled, boiled water and steep for 10 to 15 minutes.
Let the mixture cool and strain it to remove any pieces of herb, then apply to the closed black eye using a clean cotton cloth. |
Glenn W. Geelhoed, M.D. and Jean Barilla, M.S.
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 Fresh comfrey leaves can be mashed with a blender and applied to the skin.
FRESH AIR Whenever possible, free your feet from bondage and skip the shoes altogether. Fresh air and sunlight promote healing. If you can't go barefoot, try sandals or some other form of open-toed footwear.
GARLIC This herb has powerful antifungal properties, and is reputed to ward off infections caused by fungi. A clove or 2 of garlic in your daily diet may help get rid of the nasty foot fungus for good. (Some people rub raw garlic directly on the infected area. |
| Or, try a mixture of lavender, comfrey, rosemary, mint and thyme in an infusion to soften your skin. If you've got skin irritation, try some burdock steeped in water and allowed to cool.
Suppository
"Suppositories" allow quick absorption of herbal substances, because chemicals inserted in the lower intestine are absorbed more effectively. This method is particularly good for remedies intended for the entire body.
To prepare your own home-made suppositories, add powdered herbs to melted cocoa butter, pour into molds made from aluminum foil and allow to cool. |
| Helpful poultices include comfrey for wounds and sores, papaya for insect bites, hot onions for bronchitis and dandelion for boils.
Compress
A "compress" is like a poultice except that essential oils, infusions or decoctions are used in place of the actual herbal material. To make a compress, soak a clean towel or thick piece of gauze in the essential oil, infusion or decoction, wring out, and place on the body part you are trying to heal. Compresses can be either hot or cold, depending on the application. A hot eucalyptus compress applied to the chest is often good for colds or congestion. |
Ralph Golan, M.D.
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 We avoid the oral use of comfrey altogether and substitute other allantoin- and mucilage-containing herbs (ALOE VERA, MARSHMALLOW ROOT, PLANTAIN, SLIPPERY ELM).
Uses
TOPICAL:
Bruises
Abrasions, skin ulcers Strains, sprains
Ligament and cartilage injuries (closed)
Fractures (closed)
ORAL: No longer recommended
Curcumin
See TURMERIC.
Dandelion root
As a stimulant for the flow of bile from the gallbladder, dandelion:
1. Is known as a liver cleanser and blood purifier.
2. Has been used in cases of hepatitis.
3. Is believed to stabilize both hypoglycemia and diabetes.
4. |
Janet Zand, LAc, OMD, Allan N. Spreed, MD, CNC, James B. LaValle, RPh, ND
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| Prepare and apply a poultice of plantain leaves and comfrey (see PREPARING HERBAL TREATMENTS in Part Three). Tobacco leaves also make a time-honored poultice for bites and stings. If these herbs are not readily available, try applying an echinacea and goldenseal combination formula directly to the site.
HOMEOPATHY
¦ Apply Natrum muriaticum 6x (preferably in liquid form) immediately to the bite. This homeopathic remedy lessens itching and relieves the burning sensation. |
Ralph Golan, M.D.
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| Chickweed
Used alone or in combination cough formulas with comfrey (see warnings), (see LOBELIA, MARSH-MALLOW ROOT, and MULLEIN). Available in combination capsules and tinctures (see COUGHS, page 460) as well as salves for skin irritations or rashes. Can be used internally or externally (crushed fresh sprigs make an excellent poultice, or use a chickweed-tea-soaked cloth). Can promote weight loss. Excellent eaten fresh in salads and as a substitute for any greens.
Chlorophyll
Available in liquid and capsule form; also as the fresh juice of greens. Chlorophyll:
1. |
Glenn W. Geelhoed, M.D. and Jean Barilla, M.S.
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| Another name for comfrey is bruisewort.) Tannin in the leaves is also very astringent.
ECHINACEA The healing properties of echinacea are well documented, so it's no surprise that one effective remedy for treating cuts is a tincture of echinacea. For directions on how to make a tincture, turn to page 84.
The Egyptians and Chinese independently discovered that moldy bread can be used to heal boils, and over the centuries other cultures have discovered that moldy bread also can be used to treat cuts and severe wounds. |
American Medical Publishing
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| According to the FDA, the following substances in dietary supplements are among those that can raise serious safety issues: chaparral, comfrey, lobelia, germander, willow bark, ephedra (ma huang), L-tryptophan, germanium, magnolia-stephania preparations and dieter's teas. In addition, some vitamins and minerals can cause problems for some people when taken in excessive doses. Finally, a label of "natural" is no guarantee of a product's safety or effectiveness. |
| The pyrrolizidine alkaloids that are present in comfrey, in addition to being potent hepatotoxins, have also been shown to be toxic to other tissues as well. There is also evidence that implicates these substances as carcinogens. |
Gary Null
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 Va oz. comfrey leaves lA oz. goldenseal root Vi oz. peppermint leaves 1 qt. Mason jar Cheesecloth
Make a tea by adding the ingredients to the boiling water. Allow the mixture to stand, covered, for 30 minutes. Carefully strain the mixture with the cheesecloth, twice to remove all the leaves. Allow the solution to cool to room temperature. Never use it boiling hot. The solution may be kept in a closed jar for 48 hours before being discarded. The amount of ingredients may be reduced proportionally.
Wrap the area to be treated with sterile gauze or bandages. |
Simon Mills and Kerry Bone
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 Linseed, comfrey, marshmallow and cabbage leaf are frequently used in poultice form in traditional practice.
Suppositories and pessaries
Solid preparations suitable for rectal and vaginal insertion respectively, generally consisting of a solution or suspension of active agents in a solid base designed to melt at body temperature (and thus needing to be stored at cool temperatures). Two main types of base are cocoa butter and gelatin-glycerin mixes. The former is most immediately applicable where dry herbal preparations are to be added. |
| Slippery elm powder, one heaped teaspoon twice a day was also prescribed, together with comfrey ointment. Over the course of the next 16 weeks, the condition improved and he was free of any symptoms related to the haemorrhoids. He also reported feeling more relaxed.
References
1. Furness JB, Johnson PJ, Pompolo S, Bornstein JC. Evidence that enteric motility reflexes can be initiated through entirely intrinsic mechanisms in the guinea-pig small intestine. Neurogastroenterology and Motility 1995; 7 (2): 89-96
2. |
Janet Zand, LAc, OMD, Allan N. Spreed, MD, CNC, James B. LaValle, RPh, ND
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| An herbal cream made from comfrey and licorice, such as Simicort or Alticort, or a high-potency chamomile cream such as CamoCare, can have a very soothing and anti-inflammatory effect. Follow the directions on the product label.
¦ Dry eczema can benefit from the application of calendula ointment. Follow the directions on the product label.
¦ Pine-bark and grape-seed extracts are high in bioflavonoids and are excellent anti-inflammatory agents. Take 40 to 50 milligrams of either twice daily for one month. |
Ralph Golan, M.D.
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| Can be combined with comfrey (for external use), also wheat grass and barley grass (for internal or external use). The green juice can be mixed with the pulp of the greens for a poultice (wheat grass is especially good) for external application for any skin irritation or infection, including mastitis. Use orally as a bowel and liver cleanser. In the fat-soluble form, chlorophyll is a good source of vitamin K to slow functional bleeding disorders such as heavy menstrual flow. Chlorophyll has also been used to chelate heavy metals from the body. |
Rex Adams
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 Then I read about dried comfrey root, and bought some at a health food store. I made tea by pouring scalding water on it in a quart fruit jar; I drank it and also washed the ulcer with it. When the root had softened enough, I put it through a blender and applied it to the sores (as a poultice). To make a long story short, the ulcers filled in level and healed with no need for any skin graft. It was a godsend!"
A man we'll call Mr. O'D. suffered from diabetes and a leg ulcer that would not heal. He had tried cortisone and other antibiotic ointments. |
Robyn Landis
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 The Chaparral Chronicles
Chaparral, like comfrey, is an herb that's drawn negative publicity to itself and to herbs in general after an apparently idiosyncratic reaction by a small handful of people. Some publications cite the case of one woman who needed a liver transplant after taking the herb chaparral for ten months; six other cases of acute nonviral hepatitis (rapidly developing liver damage) have also been attributed to this herb by some accounts.
Now for the facts: Like other cases discussed above, only anecdotal evidence existed to suggest that the chaparral caused the problem. |
| A press release by the National Institute of Medical Herbalists, which contests laboratory research on comfrey's safety, speaks of "two insupportable assumptions. First, that the naturally occurring complex in the plant. . . can be regarded as a mere physical dilution of alkaloids; and secondly that the human metabolism is identical with that of the rat which is susceptible to these alkaloids, and not with the sheep which is resistant to them. |
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