| In some cases, however, specific herbs for each of the secondary properties will be desired. For example, if a strong demulcent is needed, an herb which is high in mucilage would be added.
The stimulant herbs have been discussed in the section on "Stimulation" in the "Herbal Therapies" chapter. A stimulant herb can be added to provide about 10% of the formula. Ginger root and cayenne pepper are two very commonly used herbs for this purpose.
Antispasmodics are important for two reasons. | Michael Tierra, L.Ac, O.M.D. See book keywords and concepts | Since the internal organs in Chinese medicine refer not only to the specific organ but to the acupuncture channel or meridian that belongs to that organ, specific herbs are known to have a more or less specific effect on the corresponding organ meridian. Many of the relationships are obvious and correspond, with some exceptions, to the relationship of the flavors to the Five Elements.
Herbs with a sweet flavor typically belong to the earth element and therefore enter the spleen-pancreas and stomach organ meridians. These commonly have a nutritive and tonifying energy. | | In Chinese herbalism, the flavors of herbs do not always relate to their actual perceived tastes but are used to indicate the actions of specific herbs.
Spicy flavor: Herbs classified as spicy include cinnamon, pepper, ginger, mint, and cardamon. These are used to promote diaphoresis, disperse external pathogenic influences, promote circulation, and restore energy. Commonly, the spicy flavor indicates the presence of volatile oils. This means that such herbs are usually not boiled or decocted but are steeped for 10 or 20 minutes after first preparing the other herbs in the formula. | Alan Keith Tillotson, Ph.D., A.H.G., D.Ay. See book keywords and concepts | Developing formulas emphasizes the use of very specific herbs that remove inflammation and blood congestion from the eye. This is because from the traditional (and now modern) point of view certain herbs (as well as foods) have an affinity for ocular tissues.
The correlation between vitamin A intake and vision has been known for a long time, and we now know that specific carotenoids are equally beneficial to the eye. Lutein, zeax-anthin, and lycopene should be included in everyone's diet for prevention. | Gary Null See book keywords and concepts | The aroma of specific herbs brings a unique and clear reaction. Anyone with any familiarity with herb gardening would never mistake thyme for oregano or oregano for rosemary, even with their eyes closed. The recent development of aromatherapy is a recognition of the power of our genetic memory of certain herbal substances, which even responds to just the smell of them.
Most humans in the modern world have lost the ancient talent for "intuitive herbalism" that ancient cultures recognized, and that animals still possess. Dogs and cats will nibble certain grasses when they feel ill. | Alan Keith Tillotson, Ph.D., A.H.G., D.Ay. See book keywords and concepts | Prescribe specific herbs and nutrients to tone down the allergic response and make it less aggressive.
Treatment of allergies
Herbs choosen for allergies should be based upon signs and symptoms, using the following guidelines. Make sure to look for and correct underlying problems, such as exposures to allergy-causing foods or environment, intestinal health, and so on. Herbs for treating sinusitis are covered in Chapter 17.
• The severity of the general inflammatory response can be decreased by using healthful fats and oils and supplementing with borage oil, fish oils, and so on. | Ralph Golan, M.D. See book keywords and concepts | Adding Epsom salts, specific herbs, or other ingredients to the water can enhance its effects.
A compress using very cold water will constrict
* Acknowledgments to Robert Barry, M.D., for his personal assistance and his article on hydrotherapy in the Textbook of Natural Medicine, ed. Pizzorno, J. and M. T. Murray. Seattle: John Bastyr College Publications, 1985, Section III, pp. 1-12. blood vessels and decrease circulation—useful in treating sprains and contusions. Cold also works to diminish pain caused by a congestive condition, like a vascular headache. | Kathi Keville See book keywords and concepts | Step 2: Steam for five to ten minutes (use a quarter-cup herbs or three drops essential oils per three cups water—for specific herbs and steaming directions, see the recipes in the specific skin-type sections in "The Face" on page 308). «!" Step 3: Exfoliate your skin for two to three minutes —remember to use gentle circular movements. *« Step 4: Apply a mask and leave it on for about ten minutes «a Step 5: Apply toner. ;« Step 6: Finish up by applying a moisturizer.
If you do not have time for the full routine, how about a mini-facial? | Sharol Tilgner, N.D. See book keywords and concepts | Note: check the "Herb Chart for Harvesting and Preparation of Liquid Extracts" in this book to know how to proceed with specific herbs.
The two parts of a liquid extract are the herb, or "marc," and the liquid, or "menstruum." The valuable qualities of the plant are extracted from the marc into the menstruum. The final product will be the liquid extract. The menstruum used in a liquid extract can be straight alcohol, or a water and alcohol mix. The percentage of alcohol used in the menstruum will vary depending on the constituents in the plant. | | The 4 specific herbs in each category are listed in the example section below.
These figures are for rounded tablespoons (T).
Barks....................6 T
Flowers................14 T
Leafy parts............12 T
Seeds......................3T
Roots......................5T
Generally the most dense to the least dense plant part is as follows: Seeds > Roots > Barks > Leafy parts > Flowers.
EXAMPLES
Each of the following herbal plant parts equals one ounce. | | Note: check the "Herb Chartfor Harvesting and Preparation of Liquid Extracts" in this book to know how to proceed with specific herbs. Many plants, like shepherd's purse, chickweed and St. John's wort should be used fresh. Other plants can also be used fresh, but the dried form is adequate, just not quite as good as the fresh. In these cases, the fresh plant is made into a liquid extract and the dried plant is added to the extract to make it stronger. | Alan Keith Tillotson, Ph.D., A.H.G., D.Ay. See book keywords and concepts | Because plant proteins called lectins bind to the surface of your cells and act like specific antibodies, there is no doubt that your blood type can also partially determine your individual response to specific herbs. In fact, the plants themselves use similar sensitive chemical recognition mechanisms to activate defense-related genes just as we do. This can certainly help explain why some people react differently to certain herbs and foods than do others, and is a fascinating area for future herbal research. | Richard Lucas See book keywords and concepts | Chinese girls are taught early in life the value of specific herbs to improve female health the natural way. They are also taught a few words of warning about the adverse effects of anything cold on the female system.
5. Dong Quai root has been famed for ages in Chinese medicine for its affinity for the female constitution.
6. Only the upper parts of Dong Quai, from the hip to the head of the root, are used as a domestic remedy.
7. | Schuyler W. Lininger, Jr. DC See book keywords and concepts | Neither study listed the specific herbs used. People with hypothyroidism who wish to use Chinese herbs should consult with a physician skilled in their use. Are There Any Side Effects or Interactions? Refer to the individual herb for information about any side effects or interactions.
Checklist for Hypothyroidism
Ranking
Nutritional Supplements
Herbs
Secondary
Desiccated thyroid, Iodine (p. 303) Selenium (p. 33 1)
Other
Vitamin B, (p. 339)
(nicotinic acid) Zinc (p. 346)
Immune Function
The immune system is an intricate network of specialized tissues, organs, cells, and chemicals. | Donald R. Yance, j r.,C.N., M.H., A.H.G., with Arlene Valentine See book keywords and concepts | Enzyme preparations, taken in combination with specific herbs and mushroom extracts, work synergistically to break down fibrin. Thus, many of my protocols combine enzymes with herbs and mushroom extracts; they should be taken together between meals to enhance their effectiveness.
Proteolytic Enzymes
Wobenzym
Proteolytic enzymes, such as trypsin, chymotrypsin, bromelain, papain, serratio-peptase, SOD (superoxide dismutase), amylase, protease, and lipase, all make up Wobenzym, called Wobe-Mucos in Germany where it is manufactured (see Resources). | | Many of the supplements recommended for diarrhea, such as SB, lacto-bacillus acidophilus, tanabit, and berberine-containing plants, such as goldenseal or bayberry, are also excellent treatments for yeast infections. specific herbs to consider for fungal infections include usnea, spylanthes, and propolis.
Dose: 10 to 30 drops three to six times daily (use a single herb or a combination of all three).
Vaginal Infections
For vaginal infections, there are a number of herbal suppositories sold in health food stores. | Robert S. McCaleb, Evelyn Leigh, and Krista Morien See book keywords and concepts | Herb "green-papers" and research reviews highlight specific herbs and their medicinal uses.
Medical Herbalism http: / / www.medherb. com The electronic version of Paul Bergner's newsletter of the same name. Also includes a discussion board, bookstore, adverse events reporting site, and many other features.
Michael Moore's Home Page http: / / www.rt66. com/hrbmoore/ HOMEPAGE/
Features an excellent collection of medicinal plant images. Site is managed by the director of the Southwest School of Botanical Medicine.
National Institutes of Health Dietary Supplement Database http:/ / www.nal.usda. | Larry Trivieri, Jr. See book keywords and concepts | Enzymes, specific herbs, and certain hormones like DHEA are other natural options for modulating immune function.
Balancing Hormones
Women going through menopause may experience a host of symptoms, including hot flashes, fatigue, night sweats, mood swings, and weight gain. Men are not immune to these problems, either. In their 50s, men sometimes experience "male menopause": a condition characterized by fatigue, less muscle strength and endurance, decreased libido, short-term memory loss, and weight gain around the midriff. What is happening to produce these symptoms? | | Supplementation with meals can help or stimulation of natural production can be achieved by careful use of specific herbs such as the "Swedish bitters" combination. | Donald R. Yance, j r.,C.N., M.H., A.H.G., with Arlene Valentine See book keywords and concepts | The blocking and suppressing agents found in specific herbs and foods (see table 4.1) are capable of the following anticancer activities:
• Inhibition of cancer formation by blocking or diverting carcinogenic material away from the cell, allowing it to be metabolized by the liver to a less toxic, more excretable substance.
• Prevention of cancerous substances reacting with the cell's DNA by meeting the carcinogen before it can do any damage and enhancing its excretion through metabolism.
• Repair of DNA that has been damaged by carcinogens. | Richard Lucas See book keywords and concepts | Chinese herbalists agree with these views, and, although they readily admit that even concentrations of certain botanicals such as senna and other strong, stimulant type herbal laxatives are undesirable, they are quick to point out that the plant kingdom provides certain specific herbs and a large variety of natural foods that are not actually laxatives, but are normalizers and regulators of bowel function. They explain, for instance, that it is easier for the bowels to move if you include with your meals foods that contain roughage or bulk. | Donald R. Yance, j r.,C.N., M.H., A.H.G., with Arlene Valentine See book keywords and concepts | See a qualified herbalist for specific herbs or compounds for your situation.
DMSO
Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), a by-product from wood processing, has been used for many years as an external treatment for inflammation and pain. DMSO has been shown to:
• Be a scavenger of hydroxal radicals
• Stimulate the immune system, specifically interferon
• Be antiviral and antibacterial
• Be helpful at softening scar tissue
• Cause differentiation in a number of human cancer-cell lines in vitro110
DMSO is a potent solvent and a great transdermal agent. | Richard Lucas See book keywords and concepts | Coix Combination and Clematis & Stephania Combination are two unique Chinese traditional herb formulas reputed to be very effective for treating various types of arthritis.
4. specific herbs in the form of oils, balms, liniments, plasters, or poultices are used externally for the relief of aches and pains.
5. Chinese Dragon Balm is not to be confused with Tiger Balm which is a different herbal product.
6. The quality and strict manufacturing process of Zheng Gu Shui liniment has earned it a Gold Award and Silver Award.
7. | | Oriental Health Wisdom for American Women
Chinese girls are taught early in life about the value of specific herbs, for the female body. And they are also taught a few words of warning passed down from generation to generation about the adverse effects of anything cold on the female system.
As one prominent Chinese herbalist explains:
"You will find many American girls in their twenties with arthritis already all through their bodies. I will tell you what the cause of that is—American people don't know how to take care of themselves, especially in the case of women and girls. | Lesley Tierra See book keywords and concepts | Bulletins covering specific herbs, formulas and treatments of various disorders; also Chinese herbals and Traditional Chinese Medicine theory.
Redwing Book Company
44 Linden St., Brookline, MA 02146.
Books on acupuncture, Traditional Chinese Medicine theory, herbology, massage, natural medicine, homeopathy and more.
Herbal Resource Guide
The following is a list of resources for purchasing herbs and herbal products.
Western Herb Suppliers
Attar Herbs and Spices, Playground Rd., New Ipswich, NH 03071. They specialize in essential oils. | | Aroma therapy is practiced by a few herbalists who believe that the smells of specific herbs affect a person's emotions and sense of well-being. Often essential oils are added to enhance the herbal aroma, and artificial coloring may be added, too. Sometimes they are put in pillows for sleeping, such as hops or mugwort, to induce sleep or enhance dreams.
Homeopathics
Homeopathics, another valuable form of herbal application, is a method in which an herb, when given in miniscule amounts, will cure the same symptoms it causes when given in excess. | Stephen T., M.D. Sinatra See book keywords and concepts | However, there are specific herbs and nutritionals that are also useful in prostate healing. In addition to the low saturated fat, lycopene, and a soy-enriched diet, I recommend the following for prostate health:
1. Avoid alcohol and nicotine.
2. Take natural vitamin/mineral preparations including folic acid, vitamin E, zinc, and mixed carotenoids, including beta carotene and lycopene.
3. Take saw palmetto, 160 mg to 320 mg daily, for an enlarged prostate. Saw palmetto is a safe, cost-effective natural alternative for treating BPH (benign prostatic hypertrophy). | Barrie R Cassileth, Ph.D. See book keywords and concepts | Contact NAPRALERT (Natural Products Alert) for information about specific herbs from a database of 126,000 articles: College of Pharmacy-UIC, 833 South Wood Street, Chicago, IL 60612 (312 996-2246).
? Consult an authoritative book such as Varro Tyler's The Honest Herbal (1992) or Herbs of Choice (1994) (both published by Haworth Press, New York), or Steven Foster and James Duke's Medicinal Plants (Houghton-Mifflin Company, Boston, 1990).
? Read the comprehensive summary article about herbal products in the November 1995 issue of Consumer Reports.
? | Richard Lucas See book keywords and concepts | It is used in combination with other specific herbs for the relief of bronchitis, hay fever, and asthma. For example:
Hsuan-fu-hua (elecampane) ...................... 1/2 oz.
Han-t'ao (cherry bark) .......................... 1/2 oz.
Sung (white pine) .............................. 1/2 oz.
Ch'ien-hu (angelica root) ........................ 1/2 oz.
Kan-ts'ao (Chinese licorice root) .................. 1/4 oz.
Place the herbs in one quart of boiling water; boil slowly down to one pint, strain, and add honey to make a syrup. | volker schulz and Rudolf Hansel See book keywords and concepts | Most of the commercial products available in Germany are made from extracts. If it is assumed for the sake of simplicity that these products have an extract content on the order of about 20 % (approximately 5:1 herb-to-extract ratio), the dosage of extract would be in the range of about 300-1200 mg daily. In the case of herbs that are consumed in powdered form, the active daily dose would be as high as 1.5-6 g/day. These figures suggest that some 50 % of the most common single-herb biliary remedies sold in Germany, and virtually all the combination products, are underdosed. |
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