Herbals

Black cohosh (baneberry)* Actaea racemosa, prev. Cimicifuga racemosa
Black cohosh is a shrub-like plant indigenous to midwestern and eastern North America. Native Americans have traditionally used the dried root and rhizome of the plant medicinally for numerous maladies, though primarily to ease the ill-effects of menstrual discomfort such as cramps, and hot flashes and other symptoms of menopause.
Alternative medicine has found some uses for this herb in the relief of fever, insomnia, and the symptoms of some forms of arthritis. The most common application, however, has been for the partial relief of the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS), painful menstruation (dysmenorrhea), and the ontoward symptoms of menopause. There have been only minimal, inconclusive studies to support such traditional use of this herb. While some small clinical trials suggest an estrogen-like effect associated with the use of this herb, these have only demonstrated a partial relief of some of the more common symptoms in menopausal and postmenopausal women, and not as an alternative for hormone replacement therapy.
Black cohosh should not be confused with the botanically unrelated, blue cohosh (Caulophyllum thalictroides).
* Also variously known as bugbane, rattleroot, black snake root, bugwort, and richweed.
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Boswellia (frankincense, salai guggal) Boswellia serrata
Boswellia is a resinous extract obtained from the boswellia tree, native to India, and has been used in traditional Indian herbal medicine for centuries. The application of this herb has been primarily as an anti-inflammatory agent for various forms of arthritis, as well as for relief of a variety of respiratory and gastrointestinal disorders.
Modern alternative medicine suggests the use of this herb most commonly for the relief of symptoms of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, and it is occasionally found in preparations for some types of respiratory ailments such as asthma, and for inflammatory intestinal disorders such as colitis. The scientific interest in boswellia has been somewhat less enthusiastic than for other herbs, resulting in fewer studies to substantiate claims made for its effectiveness. Some work, though not extensive and somewhat controversial, has suggested that an application in the relief of the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis has merit. Additional scientific research currently in progress should shed more light on the usefulness of this herb.
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Cat’s claw (una de gato, saventaro) Uncaria tomentosa
Cat’s claw is a vine native to the high-elevation Amazon River region of South America. The roots and inner bark are used medicinally by the native Indian populations in the area, primarily for various arthritic and gastrointestinal disorders, as well as less specific maladies relating to general energy and health.
Modern use in alternative medicine has seen many applications, including the moderation of some effects of certain viral disorders, ranging from herpes to AIDS, rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis, and for some types of cancer. There has been considerably less research on this herb than for others and, as a result, less is known about the true beneficial effects that may be possible with its use. A great deal more study will be required before any definitive applications can be ascertained.
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Echinacea (Purple coneflower) Echinacea sp.
There are several species of echinacea, together which are known as the purple coneflower. A member of the daisy family, this herb has been used medicinally for over 200 years in North America and Europe. Its use is generally thought to improve immune function, aiding in the relief of the symptoms of the common cold, flu, and other respiratory disorders. Echinacea is also reported to have a mild antibiotic effect against some types of infections, and topically in the healing of burns and other wounds. Because of the desensitization of the immune system to the effects of this herb, it is recommended that it not be used for more than eight consecutive weeks.
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Eleuthero (ginseng, Siberian ginseng) Eleutherococcus senticosus
Eleuthero, often referred to as Siberian ginseng, is a traditional herbal that has been used in China for thousands of years, and in North America since the time of the early Native Americans. It is a natural source for vitamin A, vitamin B6, and zinc, and has applications similar to each of these essential nutrients, including the production of hormones, proper immune system function, and in cell development and maintenance. Additionally, recent research suggests that eleuthero has been effective in the maintenance and proper function of the central nervous system, liver, and circulatory system.
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Ephedra (Ephedrine, Ma huang) Ephedra sinica
Ephedra, also known as ma huang, has been used medicinally in China for thousands of years, primarily for respiratory ailments and, to a lesser extent for certain sleep disorders, hay fever and other allergies, and some types of inflammatory skin rashes. The active ingredient is ephedrine, an alkaloid derived from the plant, ephedra sinica, a perennial, evergreen shrub native to central Asia.
In the U.S., ephedrine is used in small amounts in over-the-counter (OTC) medications for colds, flu, and allergies, and similarly in other developed countries though as a prescription medication, notably in Germany and in the U.K. The application of greatest interest, particularly in the U.S., is ephedrine’s use in OTC weight-loss preparations. Because of its mildly stimulant properties, this herb has been unprofessionally marketed and distributed as a psychedelic agent, and as a performance enhancer, the abuse of which (particularly in the street-drug culture) has caused numerous adverse reports and considerable controversy.
As a weight-loss supplement (a thermogenic, or “fat-burning” agent), ephedrine has demonstrated some success in some individuals, and has the potential to be an effective addition to a weight loss program. The degree of weight loss that is possible depends upon many factors, including the proper use and dosage of ephedrine-containing supplements, and a supporting program of diet and exercise (see Weight Management for additional information). Because of the many known potential adverse effects with prior health conditions and other pharmacologic substances, a careful look at the contraindications list below would be advised.
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Garlic (Garlic) Allium sativa
History has recorded the use of garlic by humans for at least two thousand years, spanning cultures worldwide. The traditional use of this herb has been primarily as a preventative for wound infections and to improve the function of the circulatory system. Widespread use in alternative medicine continues, with such applications as the prevention of atherosclerosis, a topical antibiotic and fungicide, and a preventative against insect bites. A number of additional, less documented benefits have been suggested, including the herb’s ability to lower blood cholesterol, to reduce high blood pressure, and as a preventative for the risk of some types of cancer.
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Ginger root (Ginger) Zingiber officinale
The ginger plant is native to the Orient, and was used throughout Asia and in Europe for thousands of years in the preparation and preservation of food. Traditionally, its most common medicinal use has been for the relief of gastrointestinal discomfort. In modern times, ginger continues to enjoy its popularity as a digestive aid, but has reportedly also been effective for many other maladies. These include reducing the symptoms of nausea (from chemotherapy, pregnancy, and other causes), motion sickness, menstrual cramps, and the discomfort of common colds, headache and fever.
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Ginkgo biloba (Ginkgo) Ginkgo biloba
The ginkgo tree is millions of years old and its leaves have provided Oriental herbalists with a wide range of remedies since the time of recorded history. Some of the traditional uses of ginkgo include improvement of memory, defense against circulatory problems, mood enhancement, and as an aid in relieving some of the symptoms of such common maladies as headaches, allergies, and stress.
Modern science has studied this herb in some depth over the past several decades, the results of which have suggested many possible applications for its use. Among the potential effects reported are protection and enhancement of the circulatory system, especially improvement of blood flow to the brain, resulting in improved neural function (alertness, memory, etc.). Additionally, the herb acts as an antioxidant, protecting the body’s cells from damage which can aid in general longevity and in the risk reduction of some cancers.
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Ginseng, Korean (Asian ginseng, Panax ginseng) Panax ginseng, Panax sp.
Korean ginseng is a slow-growing perennial belonging to the ivy family, and native to northeastern Asia including, as its name implies, Korea. There also exists numerous closely related species, including a North American variant, Panax quinquefolius. Korean ginseng has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for millennia, as an overall tonic to maintain and balance both physical and mental vitality.
Often called Panax ginseng, this herb has long been popular in modern alternative medicine. This herb has enjoyed considerable popularity among athletes as a physical and mental stimulant, and has been applied to a diverse range of conditions including fatigue, physical and mental stress, insomnia, and depression, among others. More specific applications include the potential to reduce the effects of such disorders as diabetes, hypertension, and certain viral infections, among others, and also as an immune stimulant.
The potential effectiveness of this herb varies widely among those who have used it and, in most cases, reliable documentation is lacking, primarily due to the subjectivity of many of its reported applications. Some have suggested that Korean ginseng’s popularity has more to do with lore, than science, though there has been considerable research in recent years in an effort to isolate the cause and effect of some of the herb’s more common uses. Many have been properly designed, double-blind clinical studies that have demonstrated statistically significant results supporting the use of this herb.
Korean ginseng should not be confused with the similarly named Siberian ginseng, or Eleuthero, which is an entirely different species with dissimilar pharmacologic effects.

Ginseng, Siberian [ see eleuthero ]

Gotu kola (Indian pennywort, marsh penny) Centella asiatica
Gotu kola is a ground-level creeping plant, native to numerous tropical and subtropical climates around the world. This herb has been traditionally used in the Far East and elsewhere to moderate the effects of various wounds and skin diseases, including treatment for leprosy, and for many other less specific respiratory, gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, and other general energy and health applications which are not well documented.
In modern times, the interest in this herb has focused on its potentially beneficial effects in connective tissue disorders, such as moderating the degree of formation of scar tissue, and in some chronic skin disorders such as scleroderma. Perhaps to a greater extent, the application of this herb in chronic venous insufficiency has shown some promise, in particular, in the management of lower limb circulation and the development of varicose veins. Although not definitive by any means, ongoing research frequently reflects the potential application of this herb in these and other areas involving the improvement of conditions relating to connective tissue disorders.
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Grape seed extract (proanthocyanidin, pycnogenol) Vitis vinifera
Grape seed extract contains a large amount of proanthocyanidin, one of a class of much studied, naturally occurring water-soluble compounds known as flavonoids, or bioflavonoids. Also referred to as oligomeric proanthocyanidin complexes (OPCs), or procyanidolic oligomers (PCOs), proanthocyanidins have been reported to demonstrate antioxidant properties, and to be a factor in the maintenance of protein involved in the proper functioning of blood vessels, muscle, and connective tissue. Some of the reported applications of this herbal include improved integrity and function of the circulatory system, moderation of the effects of some vascular disorders, reduction of some types of inflammation, and as an aid for the symptoms of arthritis.
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Green tea (Epigallocatechin Gallate [EGCG]) Camellia sinensis
Green tea has been used traditionally by the Chinese for millennia as a remedy for common aches and pains, headache, depression, to improve digestion and as a general health stimulant to help promote long life. In modern times, alternative medicine has promoted the use of the leafy portion of the plant, known to contain certain polyphenols, thought to contribute to various aspects of preventive health.
Some of the modern applications include use as an aid in the reduction of risk of high cholesterol and such cardiovascular diseases as atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), in the reduction of some forms of gastrointestinal discomfort, and in the prevention of certain types of gastrointestinal cancer.
Although commonly used as a social drink in the West, upwards to ten cups of tea per day would be necessary to exhibit any of the potential preventive health benefits mentioned above (decaffeination apparently does not affect the polyphenolic substances thought to be the active agent in this herb).
Current scientific research on green tea has been minimal, many of the effects are derived from animal studies, and the results of many of the studies are not conclusive or are contradictory. A good deal more research will be needed on this herb before its definitive role in preventive health can be established.

Gymnema (gurmar, gurmarbooti) Gymnema sylvestre
Gymnema is a climbing vine native to central and southern India. Extracts made from its leaves have been used for thousands of years, primarily to treat high blood sugar and, to a lesser extent, various less specific gastrointestinal and other ailments. Chewing the leaves of gymnema also has long been known to mask, or interfere with the ability to taste sweetness.
Modern research has not been extensive, and reports have not been entirely consistent regarding the degree to which this herb lowers blood sugar. There have also been a few reports, even less well documented, that gymnema may have the potential ability to lower blood cholesterol and triglycerides.
Ironically, the major concern regarding the use of gymnema is that it may work too well, creating a hypoglycemic condition (low blood sugar) that could be very dangerous, particularly in individuals who are already using medication for blood sugar maintenance, such as diabetics.
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Hawthorn (Hawthorn) Crataegus oxyacantha, Crataegus sp.
Hawthorn is a prickly, bush-like tree, usually standing 10-12 feet in height, that is indigenous to the cool, humid zones of most major continental land masses. Traditional use of this herb dates back to ancient Greece, where extracts made from the fruity part of the plant were used as a tonic for a range of disorders related primarily to the heart.
Modern alternative medicine uses extracts prepared from the flowers and leaves of the plant as an aid in the management of hypertension, angina, congestive heart failure, and other cardiovascular related diseases. The active constituents of preparations of this herb are a number of bioflavonoids, that have demonstrated beneficial effects in the improvement of arterial blood flow in a number of clinical trials. Because of its potential potency, particularly in combination with prescription medications, heart patients and other individuals should not use this herb without the supervision of their health care provider.
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Licorice (Sweet root) Glycyrrhiza glabra, G. uralensis
Commonly used as a flavoring, licorice is indigenous to central Europe and has been introduced elsewhere on the continent and to Asia. The medicinally active portion of the plant is the root, and has been used for millennia in Chinese medicine. Traditional uses of this herb have been primarily as a coating or soothing agent, an anticongestant, for gastrointestinal inflammation, and as a curative for various liver ailments, among various other disorders.
Modern application of licorice root in alternative medicine is primarily focused on use as an anti-inflammatory agent, and for the relief of the effects of stomach ulcers. Preliminary study has shown some positive effects as an antiviral, and more significantly as an antibacterial agent, the latter in particular in fighting the bacteria responsible for most peptic ulcers. These studies lack human trials, but show some promise and warrant continued research.

Saw palmetto (Saw palmetto, sabal) Serenoa repens, Sabal serrulata
Saw palmetto, sometimes referred to as sabal, is derived from a berry found on a small palm tree native to the southeastern U.S., and is also found in other sub-tropical areas such as southern Europe. Its use, dating back to the early 20th century in North America, has been almost exclusively associated with the relief of prostate related urinary discomfort in men.
A large number of men over 50 years of age suffer some degree of prostate enlargement (benign prostatic hyperplasia, or BPH), and associated increase in the frequency of urination and other urogenital discomfort. The symptoms of this malady have repeatedly been shown to be moderated with the use of this herbal, and recent scientific research has substantiated these claims in numerous studies. Men who suffer such symptoms, however, should seek professional medical advice to rule out the possibility of early warning signs of prostate cancer.
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Siberian ginseng [ see eleuthero ]

St. John's wort (St. John's grass, Klamath weed) Hypericum perforatum
St. John’s wort, also known as St. John’s grass and Klamath weed, is an extract derived from the flower of the plant of the same name and, though native to Europe and western Asia, is now commonly found throughout the world. Its use as an antidepressant and mood enhancer has been widely documented throughout Europe and Asia, dating as far back as the Grecian and Roman Empires, as well as more recently in North America. This herb has been the subject of widespread research in recent decades, with numerous reports suggesting its effectiveness in reducing nervousness, anxiety, and general depression.
St. John's wort is particularly sensitive to, and reactive with, numerous pharmaceutical agents. Anyone taking prescription medication should look carefully at our list of drugs reported, or known to be interactive with this herb.
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