| Siberian ginseng has been shown to exert a number of beneficial effects that may be useful in the treatment of CFS. Successful treatment of CFS requires a comprehensive approach. replication and spread increased. This situation is commonly observed with Herpes virus infections, especially in immunocompromised individuals such as those with AIDS, cancer, or drug-induced suppression of immune function.
Infection with EBV is inevitable among humans. |
Gale Maleskey See book keywords and concepts |
The amount of ginseng you should take for erectile dysfunction depends on the species you buy and how much of the active ingredients is in the product. Dr. Kruzel recommends that most of his patients take 500 milligrams daily, but he says that it's best to consult your doctor for the optimum dose.
For Prostate-Related Impotence
In rare cases, an enlarged prostate gland, known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), causes impotence. Located below the bladder and surrounding the urethra, the prostate gland is normally no bigger than a walnut. |
| Siberian ginseng, which is mainly used to restore vitality, boost energy, and protect the body from the negative effects of stress, can stimulate the immune system and repair inflamed, tender gum tissue, says Hopman. lilli^^jlll lllir^iiiil iHi HH ilii
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There was a time when people were reassured by the swelling and red-hot pain of a gouty foot. Since the pain zeroed in on a distant extremity, the big toe, it seemed to signify that all the nerves in the far reaches of the body were working well. |
| Adapting to Conditions
The Chinese think of ginseng as a normalizing or restorative agent. Western herbalists classify it as an adaptogen, an herb that has the ability to normalize function. It can be a stimulant, increasing alertness, reaction time, respiratory output, and motor coordination, or it can have a milder tonic action, lowering blood pressure, regulating blood sugar (glucose) levels, maintaining the immune system, and helping the body deal with the effects of stress. |
Stephen T., M.D. Sinatra See book keywords and concepts |
Astragalus
Astragalus is another ancient Chinese herb that is frequently combined with ginseng to strengthen the body's natural defenses, namely, the immune system. Astragalus has also shown some vasodilatory as well as anti-inflammatory action. Its anti-inflammatory effects occur, it seems, because it inhibits the release of histamines from mast cells. Quercetin, a polyphenol, works the same way. Consequently, astragalus could help relieve hay fever and other allergic conditions. I have personally used astragalus as a remedy for my seasonal hay fever. |
Barnet Meltzer, M.D. See book keywords and concepts |
Royal jelly is commonly available in liquid form, combined with ginseng in vials of 300?00 mg.
5. Baked Potato
The potato deserves its reputation as an energy-boosting staple food. A complex carbohydrate, it helps to build endurance. Because of its high glycemic index, it begins working immediately upon ingestion. The glycemic index calculates the rate at which a carbohydrate is absorbed. On a scale of one to 100, with 100 being the rate of absorption for a simple sugar such as glucose, the baked potato scores an impressive 98. |
Michael Tierra, L.Ac, O.M.D. See book keywords and concepts |
A representative formula for this condition is ginseng and Astragalus Combination (Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang), also called Elixir of Life in the Planetary Formulas line.
QI STAGNATION
Qi stagnation is characterized by local pain and distension. Herbs that promote qi circulation include citrus peel (chen pi), cyperus (xiang fu), Cardamon (sha ren), saussurea root (mu xiang), and medicated leaven (shen qu). A representative formula for this condition would be Pills to Relieve Stagnation of All Kinds (Yue Qu Wan). |
Daniel B. Mowrey, Ph.D. See book keywords and concepts |
Changes in RNA content, ATPase (an important enzyme) activity and increases in endoplasmic reticulum after prolonged ingestion of ginseng suggest that the plant simply increases the efficiency of the body's own natural metabolic processes. See Also infertility, fatigue; whole body tonic; mental alertness/senility
GINGER ROOT probably does not have a direct effect on blood sugar levels. Nevertheless, it is an important herb for hypoglycemics to use. It works indirectly to increase the availability of dietary nutrients for digestion and metabolism. |
| INFERTILITY
HERBS
Form: Capsule, Tea
CONTENTS: DAMIANA leaves (Turners aphrodisiaca), ginseng (Siberian) (Eleutherococcus senticosus), Sarsaparilla root (Smilax officinalis), Saw Palmetto berries (Serenoa serrulata), Licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra), & Kelp (Laminara, Macrocystis, Asocphyllum).
PURPOSE: To help assist fertility; To help ameliorate many forms of impotence and related problems.
Other Applications: Hot flashes, vaginal-uterine infections, general tonic, arthritis, rheumatism, menstrual problems.
USE: 1. Infertility: 3-6 capsules per day. For best results use every day.
2. |
Rudolph M. Ballentine, M.D. See book keywords and concepts |
If windy, nervous, vatic (most common type): calming yoga, a warm bath, and oil massage to feet, also Passaflora, Valerian, and a CPM tonic of fo ti and ginseng or AV of ashwagandha. General (all types): elim caffeine; tryptophan 1 g, 30 mins before bed; melatonin 3 mg time-release; calcium/magnesium.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Holding on to outmoded phases of development. |
Sharol Tilgner, N.D. See book keywords and concepts |
It is a warming herb that helps stabilize inadequate circulation due to the adaptogenic characteristics. ginseng is taken over long periods of time for a tonifying effect.
Burdock, Arctium lappa, is a lymphagogue, stimulating the natural flow of lymphatic fluid and thus supporting the removal of toxic by-products from cells. Burdock should be considered if there is a need to enhance circulation of body fluids.
Ginger, Zingiber officinalis, is a circulatory stimulant. |
| Like others in the ginseng family, it supports the body through stressful situations and promotes strength and vitality.
Muira puama, Ptychopetalum olacoiaes., is used to enhance erectile engorgement and sexual libido. The mechanism of action is unclear but it does stimulate both penile and clitoral engorgement. Unlike yohimbe, it does not appear to have the major cardiac and nervous system side effects.
Sarsaparilla, Smilax ornata, is a tonic, diuretic, diaphoretic and alterative. |
| It decreases urinary excretion of protein and inhibits messangial cell proliferation. ginseng saponin protects the kidney from oxidative stress.
Astragalus, Astragalus membranaceus, is adaptogenic, promotes tissue regeneration, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and protects kidney and liver function.
Rhubarb, Rheum offlcinalis/palmatum, is extensively used for its protective ability of the kidney in beginning stages of kidney failure. It is able to improve uremic indices significanuy. |
| For more information see "Ginseng."
Contraindications: Information unavailable at this time.
Dong quai -
Angelica sinensis in the Umbelliferae or Parsley family. Part used: Root.
Taste/smell: Sweet, bitter, slightly pungent.
Tendencies: Warming, moistening, stimulating.
Dosage: Decoction: 1 heaping teaspoon per cup of water; or 1:4 dry liquid extract: 10-60 drops 1-4 times per day.
Mental picture and specific indications: Dong quai is beneficial for gynecological complaints with spasms and pain, chills, dryness of skin, constipation due to dryness and uterine or ovarian masses. |
| Panax ginseng has been found to be useful in treating the adverse actions of morphine. 363 It has also been shown to bind to progestin, mineralcorticoid and glucocorticoid receptors.377 This herb and other herbs in the Araliaceae family are used as adaptogens to assist the innate ability to adapt to environmental influences and decrease susceptibility to illness.
Contraindications: Concurrent use with the drug phenelzine has resulted in manic-like symptoms. 404
Goldthread -
Coptis chinensis in the Ranunculaceae or Buttercup family.
Part used: Root.
Taste/smell: Bitter. |
| Spikenard -
Aralia racemosa in the Araliaceae or ginseng family.
Part used: Root.
Taste/smell: Slightly pungent.
Dosage: Infusion: 1-2 teaspoons per cup of water, crushed and infused for 25 minutes; or 1:1 fresh strength liquid extract: 10-40 drops 1-4 times per day.
Mental picture and specific indications: Spikenard is indicated for asthmatic conditions with cough aggravated from lying down or coming on in the middle of the night, hay fever with frequent sneezing and nasal discharges that are excoriating with a salty acrid taste. |
Kathi Keville See book keywords and concepts |
Use immune herbs such as shizandra and Siberian ginseng to build up your resistance to infection and allergies. For more information on asthma, see chapter 13.
Herbs graphically called expectorants loosen congestion and help clear your lungs so you can breathe better. The most popular herbal expectorants— mullein, thyme, horehound and elecampane—are found in most herbal lung formulas, and for good reason. These expectorants also enhance the immune system. In Europe, even physicians recommend these herbs for treatment of bronchitis and other lung conditions. |
| Siberian ginseng is a good choice as an immune herb because it also clears bronchial passages, reduces inflammation and counters fatigue. Although many people erroneously consider don quai only a woman's herb, Chinese herbalists have long used this herb to treat allergies, especially those related to the lungs. While it is generally used to treat certain women's conditions, research shows that this multipurpose herb also reduces the number of antibodies manufactured by your immune system. Fewer antibodies mean less reaction to allergic sub-stances like pollen. |
| To avoid confusion, herbalists often refer to Siberian ginseng as eleuthro (which is short for its botanical name, Elcuthewcoccus senticosus). structural problems in the testicles, an enlarged prostate, a sexually transmitted disease, mumps or an inflamed urinary tract. A chronic case sometimes leads to infertility.
For a case that you feel confident self-treating or for more chronic conditions—after you have seen a doctor— use herbs such as lavender or chamomile to reduce the swelling and pain. These herbs also help fight the infections that sometimes accompany swollen testicles. |
Ronald Klatz and Robert Goldman See book keywords and concepts |
Personal Longevity Program
Exercise: Walking 2 hours/day, swimming and snorkeling when possible Supplements: Gingko biloba ginseng, blue-green algae, odorless garlic
Dietary protocol: High-fiber, very-low fat and high seafood diet, a lot of miso soup, very little to no red meat
Drink: Green tea
Alcohol: Moderate red wine with meals Relaxation: Meditation 30 minutes/day Stress reliever: Walking and meditation
Personal secret: Learn how to manage stress; take stress-free vacations Best habit to cultivate: Manage stress and follow a healthy diet
Frances A. Kovarik, Ph.D. |
Kathi Keville See book keywords and concepts |
Inflammation Pain Tincture
Yi teaspoon each tinctures ofbupleurum root, ginseng root, licorice root, echinacea root, yucca root and turmeric (if available) |
Henry Pasternak, D.V.M., C.V.A. See book keywords and concepts |
Natural sources of germanium: ginseng, aloe vera, chlorella, garlic, shiitake mushroom, pearl barley, and water chestnuts.
Potassium
Potassium, sodium, and chloride are electrolytes that conduct electricity when dissolved in water. These closely linked nutrients are always found in pairs. They are either positive as in sodium, potassium, and calcium to mention just a few, or negative as in chloride and phosphate. In general, a potassium deficiency is characterized by muscle weakness, fatigue, mental confusion, general weakness, panting, heart problems, and nerve conduction disturbances. |
Rudolph M. Ballentine, M.D. See book keywords and concepts |
Major male tonic and rejuve-native. The ginseng of Ayurveda. For general and sexual debility, exhaustion, aging, loss of memory, weakness. Nurturing, promotes deep, dreamless sleep.
Gotu kpla (Hydrocotyl asiatica/Brahmi): Perhaps the most important rejuvenative in Ayurveda. Revitalizes nerves and brain cells. Increases intelligence, longevity, and memory. Strengthens the immune system and adrenals. Also a blood purifier—used for psoriasis by homeopaths. Tea, 2 fresh leaves or grita.
Gugulu: A resin similar to myrrh. A strong purifier and rejuvenator. Many formulas. |
Linda B. White, M.D. See book keywords and concepts |
Siberian ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus)
This well-known tonic supports adrenal function and bolsters resistance to stress. A German study found that taking this herb (10 milligrams of fluid extract) three times daily for four weeks raised the number of immune cells in healthy volunteers. The two cell types that increased—T lymphocytes and natural killer cells—are often low in CFS sufferers. Typical dosage-. Up to nine 400- to 500-milligram capsules per day,- or 20 drops of tincture up to three times per day.
Echinacea (Echinacea angustifolia, E. purpurea, E. |
James Green See book keywords and concepts |
Blackberry root bark Black Cohosh root Burdock seeds Comfrey root
Crampbark Dandelion root
Echinacea root Ginger fresh slices, dry Mullein root Reishi
Siberian ginseng Willow bark Yellow Dock root
2—5 Gm: 2-4x a day 1—3 Gm: 3x a day 2—5 Gm: 3x a day 2—3 Gm: 3x a day
(See discussion of Comfrey in Chapter Two.) 2-5 Gm: up to 4x a day 2—6 Gm: 3x a day
(King's decocts for 10 min.; I decoct it 30 min.)
2—5 Gm: 3x a day
2—3 Gm in warm water
3-5 Gm: up to 4x a day
3-6 Gm: 3x a day (Decoct 45 minutes. |
| Use Black Cohosh sparingly, only when it
Green's Long-Awaited Embellishments
Burdock (Arctium lappa)
Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba)
Oat (wild: Avenafatua, cultivated: Avena sativa)
Saw Palmetto (Serenoa serrulata)
Siberian ginseng (Eleuthrococcus senticosus)
And then there's Reishi mushroom (Ganoderma lucidum), a fungus, and____Well, you can appreciate the problem we faced. is specifically indicated (see indications, page 30) and when there is no substitute available. |
Christopher Hobbs See book keywords and concepts |
For instance, in a recent analysis of 24 Chinese herbs, it was found that Reishi and Panax ginseng contained much higher levels of germanium than the others (Chiang and Wann, 1986). Many other medicinal mushrooms may contain large quantities of germanium, as well as polysaccharides and protein-bound polysaccharides, which have also been found to directly stimulate the immune system (Hung-Cheh & Mieng-hua, 1986). It is relevant that some reports indicate that it may not be wise to take purified germanium supplements due to possible kidney toxicity (Reynolds, 1993). |
| It is noteworthy that in the system of herbalism that is an integral part of Traditional Chinese medicine, many of the important tonics (such as ginseng) taste bitter and sweet and are considered warm in nature. Thus Fomitopsis officinalis may be an important first-class tonic (especially for enhancing immune strength and support-
þ asthma
þ colic ing adrenal function). This action has been disputed by one well-respected Chinese herbalist (Dharmananda, 1994), and it has not been proven by any scientific studies. See the monograph on this species for more details. |
| Larch Agaric from The Theater for which the Chinese hold Panax ginseng). An of Plants, by J. Parkinson,1640. example is the formula called the Mithridate, which contained Agaric, as well as such interesting items as "skinks bellies". This formula, copied and recopied (with free additions of new ingredients by the copiers), was supposed to render the taker safe from any sort of poison, of both human and animal origin. The legend goes that a king (after whom it was named) took it for a period of time to safeguard himself against the possibility of being poisoned by his enemies. |
| A good example is the notion that ginseng is for men only, and the blood-moving and tonifying herb dong quai is exclusively for women. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine or the age-old traditional use of these herbs, this idea is simply not true.
Scientific reports and studies on medicinal mushrooms come mainly from China, Japan, Germany, the United States, and Europe. As can be seen from a review of the bibliography of Medicinal Mushrooms, most of the laboratory and clinical studies were performed in China and Japan. |