Agrimony
Good for dry coughs, where its effect
is gently sedative. Some forms of rheumatism are helped. Considered a liver tonic. Sometimes known as Liverwort. Helps liver,
spleen, kidney problems.
Tea is believed to be helpful in diarrhea,
blood disorders, fevers, colds, sore throat, indigestion, musuc colitis, gout, hepatitis, gallbladder and gallstones, jaundice,
dropsy, snakebites, pimples, conjunctivitis and even worms. A poultice made from fresh leaves and roots can be used to treat
bruises, wounds, ulcers, draw out thorns and splinters, and sores. In general it is used for an anti-inflammatory; antibiotic;
astringent; also good for digestive disorders.
Bee Pollen
Bee Pollen has been called nature's
perfect food. It is very rich in vitamins and contains almost all known minerals, trace elements, enzymes and amino acids.
It contains the essence of every plant from which bees collect pollen, in combination with digestive enzymes from the bees.
Bee pollen is a popular nutritional supplement that builds the immune system and provides energy for the entire body. It contains
35% protein, 55% carbohydrate, 2% fatty acids and 3% minerals and vitamins. It is high in B-complex and vitamins A, C, D,
and E. It also contains lecithin, beta-carotene, selenium.
This combination of elements make bee
pollen an excellent source of anti-oxidants. Research studies and clinical tests have demonstrated that bee pollen has an
immunizing effect, enhances vitality, and can counteract the effects of radiation and chemical toxins. Used as an immune system
builder, bee pollen is thought to have the ability to correct body chemistry and eliminate unhealthy conditions.
It is considered to have the ability
to throw off poisons and toxic materials from the body. Radiation and chemical pollutants are known as the most severe stressors
to your immune system. Side effects of radiation treatment decreases the body's production of blood cells and nutrients in
the blood. Bee pollen is rapidly absorbed into the blood stream and stimulates immunological responses. It has proved beneficial
for nausea, sleep disorders, and urinary and rectal disorders following radiation treatment. Athletes often use this supplement
to help increase their strength, endurance, energy and speed. Bee pollen aids the body in recovering from exercise, returning
breathing and heart rate to normal, and improves endurance for repeat exertion. It provides energy, stamina and strength as
well as improving mental and physical reactions.
Those who do taxing mental work also
can see benefits from this natural energy food. Bee pollen can relieve brain fatigue and improve alertness. This can increase
your capacity for intense concentration and enable longer periods of work without becoming tired. Stress can use up vitamins
quickly and bee pollen can relieve stress and anxiety by replacing essential nutrient reserves in the body. Many people with
allergies have found relief by ingesting bee pollen. It reduces the production of histamine which can cause allergic responses
such as hay fever.
It can strengthen the respiratory system
and provide protein that can help the body build a natural defense shield against allergic responses. Bee pollen has an effect
on blood pressure and sexual function. People who suffer from low blood pressure can be subject to deficiencies in the sex
glands. Pollen increases blood pressure especially when taken with kelp and may increase hormone levels and sexual strength.
Weight loss also may occur as lecithin, an ingredient in bee pollen, increases the speed calories are burned and stabilizes
poor metabolism.
It aids in the digestive process and
the assimilation of nutrients. Bee pollen may also relieve anemia, cerebral hemorrhage, colitis and constipation.
Dandelion
Used as medicinal and edible, the Dandelion
is very nutritious, having more vitamins and minerals than most vegetables. The plant was somewhat of a panicia (cure for
everything). Research is reveling that the plants many constituents including Taraxacin, Taraxacoside, Inulin, Phenolic acids,
Sesquiterpene lactones, Triterpenes, Coumarins, Catortenoids and Minerals, mainly Potassium and calcium, are very valuable
in curing a number of disorders and illnesses.
Traditionally used as a tonic and blood
purifier, for constipation, inflammatory skin conditions, joint pain, eczema and liver dysfunction, including liver conditions
such as hepatitis and jaundice. An infusion of the root encourages the steady elimination of toxins from the body. It is a
powerful diuretic but does not deplete the body of potassium like many diuretics. The dandelion has such medicinal qualities
as aperient, cholagogue, depurative, diuretic, hepatic, laxative, stomachic, tonic.
Being used for the treatment of gall
bladder, kidney and urinary disorders, gallstones, jaundice, cirrhosis, hypoglysemia, dyspepsia with constipation, oedema
associated with high blood pressure and heart weakness, chronic joint and skin complaints, gout, eczema and acne. As a tonic
dandelion strengthens the kidneys. It has an antibacterial action, inhibiting the growth of Staphococcus aureus, pneumococci,
meningococci, Bacillus dysenteriae, B. typhi, C. diphtheriae, proteus.
Don Quai
The reputation of Don quai is second
only to Ginseng and is considered the ultimate, all-purpose woman's tonic herb. It is used for almost every gynecological
complaint from regulating the menstrual cycle to treating menopausal symptoms caused by hormonal changes.
Don quai is frequently used by the Chinese
as a strengthening treatment for the heart, spleen, liver and kidneys. Both men and women use the herb as a general blood
tonic. Don quai contains vitamins E, A and B12. Researchers have isolated at least six coumarin derivatives that exert antispasmodic
and vasodilatory effects.
Antispasmodics are a remedy for menstrual
cramps. The essential oil in don quai contains Ligustilide, butylphthalide and numerous other minor components. Ferulic acid
and various polysaccharides are also found in dong quai's root. These elements can prevent spasms, reduce blood clotting and
relax peripheral blood vessels.
Research has shown that don quai produces
a balancing effect on estrogen activity. Modern treatments prescribe the herb to combat PMS and to help women resume normal
menstruation after using birth control pills. The herb has been found useful in balancing and treating many female systems
and cycles. Don quai's constituents can act to stimulate the central nervous system which can remedy weakness and headaches
associated with menstrual disorders.
It strengthens internal reproductive
organs, helps with endometriosis and internal bleeding or bruising. It relieves menopausal conditions such as vaginal dryness
and hot flashes. The herb has also been used as a blood purifier, to promote blood circulation and nourish the blood in both
sexes.
It is high in iron content and may help
to prevent iron deficiency and anemia. Studies show that it can aid in regulating blood sugar and in lowering blood pressure.
Don quai has a mild sedative effect which can relieve stress and calms the nerves. It has also be used to stimulate the uterus
during childbirth, treat insomnia, alleviate constipation and for migraine headaches.
Echinacea
Echinacea stimulates the immune system.
This occurs when the polysaccharides present in the plant, (complex carbohydrates which convert into sugars), stimulate the
T cell lymphocytes, which in turn increases the production of interferon. This interferon activity protects cells against
viral and bacterial infections. One polysaccharide named echinacin B has been isolated from E. angustifolia & E. purpurea
and its effect is healing for inflammations, wounds and swellings. Echinacea also contains an essential oil which has been
tested in the treatment of tumors. Echinacea taken internally reduced the swellings. Ingestion of Echinacea over a period
of time, along with dietary changes, improves the vitality of the immune system. Energy level increased along with an improved
resistance to minor colds and flu. The Native Indians used Echinacea for snake bites. They were aware of Echinacea's blood
cleansing properties and also used the plant for cancers and infections.
Feverfew
Recently feverfew has been gaining fame
as a effective treatment for migraine headaches. It may also help ease diseases caused by chronic inflammation such as arthritis.
It is an aromatic plant with a strong and lasting odor, it has been used externally as an insect repellent and for treating
insect bites. It is the combination of ingredients in the feverfew plant that brings such effective relief. It works to inhibit
the release of two inflammatory substances, serotonin and prostaglandins, both believed to contribute to the onset of migraines.
By inhibiting these amines as well as the production of the chemical histamine, the herb controls inflammation that constricts
the blood vessels in the head, and prevents blood vessel spasms which may contribute to headaches.
The plant is rich in sesquiterpene lactones,
the principal one being parthenolide. Other constituents include essential oils, flavonoid glycosides, pinene derivatives
and costic acid. Feverfew should be taken regularly to receive maximum benefit and protection from migraines. The tea, drunk
cold, may also relieve skin perspiration associated with migraines, and has been used to stimulate appetite, and improve digestion
and kidney function. Clinical tests have shown the use of feverfew may reduce of frequency and severity of headaches. It may
be more effective than other nonsteroidal antiinflammatories (NSAIDS), like aspirin.
Additional benefits include lower blood
pressure, less stomach irritation and a renewed sense of well-being. It may also relieve dizziness, tinnitus, and painful
or sluggish menstruation. Its extracts have been claimed to relieve asthma, coughs, dermatitis and worms.
Do not take this herb during
pregnancy.
Ginseng
The name panax is derived from the Greek
word panacea meaning, "all healing" and the benefits of ginseng are recognized as such. Ginseng is commonly used as an adaptogen,
meaning it normalizes physical functioning depending on what the individual needs (for example, it will lower high blood pressure,
but raise low blood pressure). It is also used to reduce the effects of stress, improve performance, boost energy levels,
enhance memory, and stimulate the immune system.
Oriental medicine has deemed ginseng
a necessary element in all their best prescriptions, and regards it as prevention and a cure. It is said to remove both mental
and bodily fatigue, cure pulmonary complaints, dissolve tumors and reduce the effects of age.
Ginseng is native to China, Russia,
North Korea, Japan, and some areas of North America. It was first cultivated in the United States in the late 1800's. It is
difficult to grow and takes 4-6 years to become mature enough to harvest. The roots are called Jin-chen, meaning 'like a man,'
in reference to their resemblance to the shape of the human body.
Native North Americans considered it
one of their most sacred herbs and add it to many herbal formulas to make them more potent. The roots can live for over 100
years. Ginseng contains vitamins A, B-6 and the mineral Zinc, which aids in the production of thymic hormones, necessary for
the functioning of the defense system.
The main active ingredients of ginseng
are the more than 25 saponin triterpenoid glycosides called "ginsenosides". These steroid-like ingredients provide the adaptogenic
properties that enable ginseng to balance and counter the effects of stress. The glycosides appear to act on the adrenal glands,
helping to prevent adrenal hypertrophy and excess corticosteroid production in response to physical, chemical or biological
stress.
Studies done in China showed that ginsenosides
also increase protein synthesis and activity of neurotransmitters in the brain. Ginseng is used to restore memory, and enhance
concentration and cognitive abilities, which may be impaired by improper blood supply to the brain. Ginseng helps to maintain
excellent body functions. Siberian ginseng has been shown to increase energy, stamina, and help the body resist viral infections
and environmental toxins. Research has shown specific effects that support the central nervous system, liver function, lung
function and circulatory system. Animal studies have shown that ginseng extracts stimulate the production of interferons,
increase natural killer cell activity, lower cholesterol and decrease triglyceride levels.
Men have used the herb to improve sexual
function and remedy impotence. Ginseng is believed to increase estrogen levels in women and is used to treat menopausal symptoms.
It is also used for diabetes, radiation and chemotherapy protection, colds, chest problems, to aid in sleep, and to stimulate
the appetite.
