31901

Submitted by admin on Mon, 02/28/2022 - 12:56
Top Product Attributes

  • Common Name

    Comfrey, Knitbone

  • Botanical Name

    Symphytum officinale

  • Part Used

    Root

  • Clinical Summary

    Click here

  • Alcohol

    40%

  • Dose

    External use

Also known as knitbone, comfrey is mainly used externally for the treatment of inflammation, bruises, sprains, dislocations, pulled ligaments and muscles (sprains), fractures, arthritis, psoriasis, eczema, glandular swellings, slow healing wounds and boils. Topically comfrey has been shown to be effective for patients with osteoarthritis of the knee.

Main Product Attributes
A guide to Comfrey and its properties

  • Traditional Use

    Before the potential for toxicity was known comfrey was taken internally for ulceration, and erosion, of the gut wall, internal bleeding, haemorrhoids and for dry, irritated lungs and coughs.

  • Actions

    Anti-inflammatory, vulnerary, demulcent, astringent, haemostatic, emollient

  • Indications

    •    Externally for the treatment of inflammation, bruises, sprains, dislocations, pulled ligaments and muscles (sprains), fractures, arthritis, osteoarthritis, psoriasis, eczema, glandular swellings, slow healing wounds and boils, varicose veins, burns and hernias

  • Energetics

    Sweet, moistening, cooling

  • Use in Pregnancy

    Professional supervision recommended for external use. Contraindicated internally. 

  • Contraindications & Cautions

    External use only. May be safe to apply to skin or closed wounds for short periods. Care should be taken with deep wounds. Comfrey has been shown to contain pyrrolizidine alkaloids some of which, when taken internally, are potentially toxic to humans by causing liver damage. There is a rare, but real, risk when using comfrey leaves internally. Avoid in people with a history of liver disease.

  • Drug Interactions

    None known for external use.

  • Dietary Information

    Vegan friendly. Gluten and dairy free

  • Substitutes

    Chickweed, Marshmallow, Arnica, Gotu Kola, Calendula, Ribwort, Yarrow

31601

Submitted by admin on Mon, 02/28/2022 - 12:51
Top Product Attributes

  • Common Name

    False Unicorn, Helonias

  • Botanical Name

    Chamaelirium luteum

  • Part Used

    Root

  • Alcohol

    45%

  • Dose

    15 to 40mL weekly

One of the best strengtheners of the reproductive system, false unicorn root has a reputation as a uterine and ovarian tonic for uterine weakness often associated with irritability and depression. Its bitter principles have a tonic effect on the liver and digestive system which benefits appetite and digestion.

Main Product Attributes
A guide to False Unicorn and its properties

  • Traditional Use

    It has been used historically for a wide variety of gynaecological complaints

  • Actions

    Uterine tonic, ovarian tonic, oestrogen modulating, diuretic, bitter tonic, anthelmintic

  • Indications

    •    To support normal menstruation and female reproductive function, amenorrhoea, dysmenorrhoea and ovarian pain, menopausal symptoms, ovarian cysts, infertility, digestive problems, to normalise hormones after oral contraceptive use.
    •    To improve digestion, to rid the intestines of worms.

  • Energetics

    Sweet, warm

  • Use in Pregnancy

    Even though it is traditionally recommended for use during pregnancy for threatened miscarriage, false unicorn’s reputation as a uterine stimulant means it could be unsafe for pregnant women.

  • Contraindications & Cautions

    None known

  • Drug Interactions

    Caution with lithium

  • Dietary Information

    Vegan friendly. Gluten and dairy free

  • Substitutes

    Wild Yam, Tribulus, Chastetree, Dong Quai, Paeonia, Shatavari, Raspberry, Blue Cohosh, Black Cohosh

31301

Submitted by admin on Mon, 02/28/2022 - 12:47
Top Product Attributes

  • Common Name

    Poke Root, Pokeweed

  • Botanical Name

    Phytolacca americana

  • Part Used

    Root

  • Clinical Summary

    Click here

  • Alcohol

    45%

  • Dose

    1 to 10mL weekly

Poke root is a powerful, low dose plant which is one of the best blood purifying herbs. It is an excellent remedy for the lymphatic system and infections of the upper respiratory system. Poke root helps clear the skin of inflammatory problems such as acne, eczema, psoriasis and boils. It is also recommended for arthritis, to promote digestion and in conditions associated with a sluggish liver such as constipation.  

Main Product Attributes
A guide to Poke Root and its properties

  • Traditional Use

    A Native American herb, poke root was listed officially in the United States Pharmacopeia for nearly one hundred years, from 1820 to 1916, and in the National Formulary from 1916 to 1947, where it was classed as a slow emetic, purgative and alterative.

  • Actions

    Alterative, lymphatic immunomodulator, anticatarrhal, antirheumatic, anti-inflammatory, expectorant, anticatarrhal 

  • Indications

    •    Lymphatic congestion, mastitis (internally and topically), swollen lymph glands, mumps, swollen, congested breasts, breast lumps and cysts, glandular fever
    •    Respiratory infections, respiratory catarrh, respiratory tract inflammation, tonsillitis, laryngitis, 
    •    Arthritis
    •    Acne, eczema, psoriasis, boils

  • Energetics

    Cold, bitter

  • Use in Pregnancy

    Contraindicated 

  • Contraindications & Cautions

    Do not exceed the recommended dose. In large doses poke root is a powerful emetic and may produce severe vomiting and diarrhoea in certain patients. Contraindicated in those with gastrointestinal irritation. Do not use for longer than 6 months.

  • Drug Interactions

    Avoid concurrent use with immunosuppressive drugs.

  • Dietary Information

    Vegan friendly. Gluten and dairy free

  • Substitutes

    Clivers, Calendula

31201

Submitted by admin on Mon, 02/28/2022 - 12:43
Top Product Attributes

  • Common Name

    Maritime Pine

  • Botanical Name

    Pinus pinaster

  • Part Used

    Bark

  • Clinical Summary

    Click here

  • Monograph

    Click here

  • Alcohol

    60%

  • Dose

    5 to 10mL weekly

Many clinical and pharmacological studies suggest that natural antioxidants can prevent oxidative damage. Among the natural antioxidant products maritime pine has received considerable attention. It can be used as antioxidant therapy to assist with cardiovascular health, hypertension, cholesterol reduction, fluid retention, chronic venous insufficiency, diabetes, diabetic retinopathy, gingival bleeding/plaque, venous leg ulcers, rheumatism and arthritis. Because it increases expectoration and supports the immune system maritime pine can also be used for the common cold and influenza symptoms, asthma, bronchitis, sinusitis and upper respiratory catarrh.

Main Product Attributes
A guide to Maritime Pine and its properties

  • Traditional Use

    A decoction of the bark of maritime pine is considered to be stronger than the needles and was historically used for lung infections.

  • Actions

    Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, cardioprotective, antiallergic, diuretic, stimulating expectorant, stimulating diaphoretic, nutrient dense food, vulnerary, antimicrobial

  • Indications

    •    Antioxidant therapy which may assist cardiovascular health, hypertension, cholesterol reduction, fluid retention, chronic venous insufficiency, diabetes, diabetic retinopathy, gingival bleeding/plaque, venous leg ulcers
    •    Common cold and influenza symptoms, asthma, bronchitis, sinusitis, upper respiratory catarrh
    •    Rheumatism, arthritis

  • Energetics

    Warming, drying, pungent, bitter, sour.

  • Use in Pregnancy

    No information available.

  • Contraindications & Cautions

    Because of its astringent nature, which may irritate the stomach of sensitive individuals, it may be best to take maritime pine with or after meals to avoid minor gastrointestinal discomfort.

  • Drug Interactions

    None known.

  • Dietary Information

    Vegan friendly. Gluten and dairy free

  • Substitutes

    Green Tea, Pomegranate, Rosemary, Ginkgo, Bilberry, Horsechestnut

31001

Submitted by admin on Mon, 02/28/2022 - 12:39
Top Product Attributes

  • Common Name

    Korean Ginseng, Panax Ginseng

  • Botanical Name

    Panax ginseng

  • Part Used

    Root

  • Clinical Summary

    Click here

  • Monograph

    Click here

  • Alcohol

    60%

  • Dose

    10 to 80mL weekly

Ginseng root has been used empirically for thousands of years in Asian countries. It is one of the most important medicinal products in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Its indication as a general tonic, along with those of physical performance enhancer, ‘adaptogen’ and aphrodisiac, has survived to this day. It is used as a tonic for the treatment of physical or mental exhaustion, stress, lowered immunity, general weakness, cold extremities, lack of appetite, weakness and wasting after long duration of illness, anxiety accompanied with heart palpitations and insomnia, impotence and infertility in women and cardiac insufficiency. 

Main Product Attributes
A guide to Korean Ginseng and its properties

  • Traditional Use

    The man-shaped root was initially taken as a whole body treatment according to the ‘doctrine of signatures'.

  • Actions

    Adaptogen, tonic, immunostimulant, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiproliferative, antiallergic, antiemetic, antidepressant, demulcent, stomachic, aphrodisiac, stimulant, diuretic, neuroprotective, cardioprotective, antihypertensive

  • Indications

    •    Support cognitive function and/or reduce mental fatigue (in cases of mental stress), enhance physical capacity/performance (in cases of physical stress), cancer related weakness, cardiac insufficiency, anxiety accompanied with heart palpitations
    •    Lowered immunity; impotence, menopausal symptoms
    •    Cold extremities; lack of appetite, weakness and wasting after long duration of illness and during convalescence
    •    Diabetes and supportive therapy for the promotion of healthy glucose levels
    •    Short term to improve stamina, concentration, healing processes, stress resistance, vigilance and work efficiency in healthy individuals
    •    Long term (up to three months – a repeated course is feasible) to improve wellbeing in debilitated and degenerative conditions especially those associated with old age

  • Energetics

    Sweet, slightly bitter and slightly warm. Tonifies the ‘primal qi’ and the ‘qi of all organs’, especially that of the lungs and spleen.

  • Use in Pregnancy

    While use in TCM formulas in Asia is common during pregnancy and lactation, caution is advised.

  • Contraindications & Cautions

    Older literature suggests ginseng is contraindicated during acute illness, haemorrhage and the acute period of coronary thrombosis. It’s also recommended that people who are highly energetic, nervous or schizophrenic should avoid it, and it should not be taken with stimulants, including caffeine (coffee), antipsychotic drugs or during treatment with hormones. The scientific basis for many of these statements is not clear.

  • Drug Interactions

    Caution with caffeine, digoxin, imatinib (chemotherapy medication), insulin, midazolam (a benzodiazepine with sedative properties), monoamine oxidase inhibitors (antidepressants), nifedipine (a medicine used to treat high blood pressure), oestrogens, raltegravir (an antiretroviral medication used to treat HIV/AIDS), anticoagulant/antiplatelet (such as warfarin), antidiabetic, immunosuppressant and stimulant drugs (such as cocaine, methamphetamine, nicotine and prescription stimulants such as Ritalin). May be beneficial with cancer therapy (chemotherapy and radiotherapy) under medical supervision.

  • Dietary Information

    Vegan friendly. Gluten and dairy free

  • Substitutes

    Codonopsis, Withania, Siberian Ginseng, Gotu Kola

30901

Submitted by admin on Mon, 02/28/2022 - 12:35
Top Product Attributes

  • Common Name

    Teasel Root

  • Botanical Name

    Dipsacus asper

  • Part Used

    Root

  • Clinical Summary

    Click here

  • Monograph

    Click here

  • Alcohol

    60%

  • Dose

    15 to 50mL weekly

Widely used as a remedy for bone health and in the treatment of lower back pain, knee pain, rheumatoid arthritis, postmenopausal osteoporosis, bone fractures, joint disease, muscle and joint pains, and for those symptoms associated with Lyme disease.

Main Product Attributes
A guide to Teasel Root and its properties

  • Traditional Use

    Teasel has been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for its effects on osteoporosis, lower back pain, knee pain, rheumatic arthritis and bone fractures.

  • Actions

    Anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, analgesic, bacteriostatic

  • Indications

    •    Joint disease including:  
    •    Rheumatoid arthritis
    •    Postmenopausal osteoporosis
    •    Fibromyalgia
    •    Bone fractures, muscle and joint pains
    •    Tendon and ligament injuries
    •    Soreness and weakness in the lower back and knees
    •    Symptoms in Lyme disease.

  • Energetics

    Warm

  • Use in Pregnancy

    In TCM teasel root has been used to treat pregnancy disorders for thousands of years. It is traditionally used to control bleeding and threatened miscarriage during pregnancy. It is currently ranked as the first herb to select for prevention of miscarriage clinically however there is no sufficient evidence as yet to assess its safety. Preclinical studies in mice suggest that high dose and long-term administration of teasel root preparations could be unsafe in pregnant women.

  • Contraindications & Cautions

    None known

  • Drug Interactions

    Caution with anticholinergic and cholinergic drugs.

  • Dietary Information

    Vegan friendly. Gluten and dairy free

  • Substitutes

    Devil’s Claw, Glossy Privet

30801

Submitted by admin on Mon, 02/28/2022 - 12:31
Top Product Attributes

  • Common Name

    Elderberry

  • Botanical Name

    Sambucus nigra

  • Part Used

    Fruit

  • Clinical Summary

    Click here

  • Monograph

    Click here

  • Alcohol

    25%

  • Dose

    40 to 160mL weekly

The poster herb for viral infections. Elderberry is commonly taken for upper respiratory infections including colds, influenza, sinusitis and the symptoms associated with them including aches and pains, coughing, nasal congestion, catarrh and fever. As well as supporting healthy immunity it has been used in herpes virus infections. Historically elderberry was commonly used for pain and inflammation such as in rheumatism.

Main Product Attributes
A guide to Elderberry and its properties

  • Traditional Use

    Various parts of the elder plant have been used for thousands of years by Native Americans and people of the Mediterranean basin and surrounding regions. It continues to be commonly gathered as a food and medicine and, according to ethnobotanical research, is currently one of the most used medicinal plants worldwide where the berries are used primarily as antiviral agents for colds, influenza and Herpes virus infection. Elder flowers and berries have long been used in the English countryside for making many homemade drinks and preserves.

  • Actions

    Immunomodulating, antiviral, antibacterial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, diuretic 

  • Indications

    •    Colds, and influenza, and the symptoms associated with them including aches and pains, coughing, nasal congestion, catarrh and fever
    •    Supports healthy immunity
    •    Herpes virus infections

  • Energetics

    Cooling, drying, sour

  • Use in Pregnancy

    Information regarding safety and efficacy in pregnancy is lacking however there is no data suggesting that elderberry would have an adverse effect on pregnancy.

  • Contraindications & Cautions

    None known for properly prepared elderberry at therapeutic dosages.

  • Drug Interactions

    Caution with immunosuppressant drugs

  • Dietary Information

    Vegan friendly. Gluten and dairy free

  • Substitutes

    Echinacea, Elder Flower, Andrographis, Garlic, Olive Leaves, Thuja

30701

Submitted by admin on Mon, 02/28/2022 - 12:24
Top Product Attributes

  • Common Name

    Golden Seal

  • Botanical Name

    Hydrastis canadensis

  • Part Used

    Root and Rhizome

  • Alcohol

    60%

  • Dose

    15 to 60mL weekly 

Golden seal is a mucous membrane tonic used for digestive problems and catarrhal states. It is also beneficial for uterine conditions such as excessive menstruation. 

Main Product Attributes
A guide to Golden Seal and its properties

  • Traditional Use

    Golden seal is a traditional Native American medicine for wounds, ulcers, digestive disorders, cancer, skin and eye ailments. 

  • Actions

    Anticatarrhal, mucous membrane tonic, antimicrobial, bitter tonic, anti-inflammatory, alterative, vulnerary, choleretic, antihaemorrhagic, uterine tonic, choleretic, antiviral, antiseptic, antiparasitic

  • Indications

    •    Upper respiratory catarrh.
    •    Digestive disorders such as indigestion, loss of appetite, colitis, gastritis, bloating, flatulence, intestinal dysbiosis, peptic ulceration 
    •    To support normal menstruation, menorrhagia, dysmenorrhoea, post-partum haemorrhage.
    •    Topically for inflammation of the mouth and throat and skin conditions such as  eczema and pruritus 

  • Energetics

    Cold

  • Use in Pregnancy

    Contraindicated

  • Contraindications & Cautions

    Use with caution in patients with high blood pressure, diabetes, glaucoma and a history of cardiovascular disease.

  • Drug Interactions

    Caution with antimicrobial agents, cyclosporin (an immunosuppressant medication), digoxin (for heart conditions), midazolam (a benzodiazepine with sedative properties), tacrolimus (an immunosuppressive drug) and anticoagulant/antiplatelet (such as warfarin), antidiabetic, antihypertensive, central nervous system depressant drugs. There is a theoretical additive effect with antimicrobial agents making the combination beneficial.

  • Dietary Information

    Vegan friendly. Gluten and dairy free.

  • Substitutes

    Barberry

30601

Submitted by admin on Mon, 02/28/2022 - 12:20
Top Product Attributes

  • Common Name

    Cayenne, Capsicum, Cayenne Pepper, Tabasco Pepper 

  • Botanical Name

    Capsicum frutescens

  • Part Used

    Fruit

  • Clinical Summary

    Click here

  • Monograph

    Click here

  • Alcohol

    63%

  • Dose

    1 to 2mL weekly

Cayenne is a circulatory stimulant that can be taken internally in small amounts or applied topically to enhance circulation and blood flow.

Main Product Attributes
A guide to Cayenne and its properties

  • Traditional Use

    Cayenne is one of the hottest herbal medicines and is a powerful way to warm the body. It is best used in small doses. It was traditionally used for relaxed uvula (a fleshy extension at the back of the soft palate which hangs above the throat).

  • Actions

    Pungent, circulatory stimulant, carminative, diaphoretic, decongestant, antipyretic, stimulant (gastric, metabolic, circulatory), antispasmodic. Externally rubefacient, antiseptic, analgesic, counterirritant, vasostimulant.

  • Indications

    •    Poor or impaired peripheral circulation including cold hands and feet, chilblains, Reynaud’s disease, neuropathy, shingles pain, cardiovascular health, hypertension, hypotension.
    •    Digestive problems including indigestion, flatulence, colic, parasites
    •    Debility, fatigue, depression, low libido  
    •    To support healthy immune function, upper respiratory infections, especially when there are symptoms of coldness and dampness, to provide relief from mucous congestion, mild fever management when there are chills and or shivering. 
    •    Modulating inflammation, insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes, gestational diabetes  
    •    Topically for toothaches, bleeding, headaches, fungal infections, to relieve neuralgia, osteoarthritis arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, menstrual cramps other joint and muscle pain, including in the lower back, and as a gargle to relieve sore or inflamed throat, laryngitis.

  • Energetics

    Pungent, heating, drying.

  • Use in Pregnancy

    Likely to be safe when used topically and appropriately. Possibly safe when used orally and appropriately for the short-term. Capsicum 5mg daily has been used for up to 28 days during the latter half of the second trimester and the third trimester.

  • Contraindications & Cautions

    Occasional hypersensitivity may occur. Avoid contact with the eyes. Caution is advised in peptic ulcer and gastrointestinal reflux. Do not apply to broken skin.

  • Drug Interactions

    Caution with anticoagulant/antiplatelet drugs as there is a theoretical risk of increased bleeding. Caution with antidiabetic drugs as there is theoretical risk of additive effects. Caution with theophylline (used to treat lung diseases as there is a there is a theoretical increased drug absorption and risk of adverse side effects. While it may not be clinically significant monitor with ACE-inhibitors as there is a theoretical increased risk of drug-induced cough. Monitor with acid-reducing medication as there is conflicting data about improved or worsening outcomes. The combination of topical cayenne with analgesics and NSAIDs may be beneficial with additive effects possible.

  • Dietary Information

    Vegan friendly. Gluten and dairy free

  • Substitutes

    Horseradish, Prickly Ash, Ginger, Cinnamon, Rosemary, Garlic

30501

Submitted by admin on Mon, 02/28/2022 - 12:14
Top Product Attributes

  • Common Name

    Glossy Privet, Chinese Privet, Nu Zhen Zi

  • Botanical Name

    Ligustrum lucidum

  • Part Used

    Fruit

  • Clinical Summary

    Click here

  • Monograph

    Click here

  • Alcohol

    45%

  • Dose

    15 to 80mL weekly

In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) glossy privet it is a commonly prescribed herbal material in a number of formulae used to tonify the kidneys and strengthen bone. Therefore it has long been used for the treatment of osteoporosis. It is one of the most frequently used liver/kidney Yin tonifying TCM herbs for the treatment of liver cancer. As a tonic herb it is effective in improving chemotherapy induced bone marrow suppression, hair loss and immunosuppression. In TCM clinical practice it has also been used to enhance the therapeutic effects of chemotherapy. Glossy privet is commonly used in TCM herbal formulations for its positive impact on the immune system and to assist in fighting infections. 

Main Product Attributes
A guide to Glossy and its properties

  • Traditional Use

    Glossy privet has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for over 1000 years. It is used mainly to treat menopausal problems, blurred vision, tinnitus, rheumatic pains, palpitations, backache and insomnia, as well as to alleviate age-related symptoms. It has long been used for the treatment of osteoporosis in China.

  • Actions

    Hepatoprotective, antiviral, anticancer, antioxidant, immunomodulating, chemotherapeutic, chemopreventive, antiosteoporosis, hypolipidaemic, hypoglycaemic.

  • Indications

    •    Improving immune function, reducing side effects of chemotherapy, cancer prevention, Parkinson's disease
    •    Osteoporosis, menopause
    •    Hepatic disease, invigorating the liver and kidney 
    •    Hypertension
    •    Diabetes
    •    Rheumatism
    •    Vertigo
    •    Common cold, congestion, respiratory tract infections
    •    Constipation
    •    Chronic fatigue syndrome, debility
    •    Weak or blurred vision, spots before the eyes, macular degeneration
    •    Tinnitus
    •    Premature greying of hair

  • Energetics

    Bitter, Sweet, Cooling

  • Use in Pregnancy

    Information regarding safety and efficacy in pregnancy is lacking

  • Contraindications & Cautions

    None known.

  • Drug Interactions

    None known.

  • Dietary Information

    Vegan friendly. Gluten and dairy free

  • Substitutes

    Rehmannia, Teasel

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