36501
Top Product Attributes
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Common Name
Ribwort, Narrow-leaved Plantain
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Botanical Name
Plantago lanceolata
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Part Used
Leaf
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Clinical Summary
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Monograph
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Alcohol
25%
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Dose
20 to 80mL weekly
Ribwort can be used as first aid to heal many types of wounds and to take the swelling and sting out of a variety of different insect bites. It can be used internally for dry coughs, bronchitis, sinusitis and mucus membrane inflammations including diarrhoea and peptic ulcers. It can also be added to remedies for seasonal allergies such as hay fever. Ribwort is valued for its broadly therapeutic effects on the urinary system and is useful in cases of cystitis, prostate inflammation or bladder infections.
Main Product Attributes
A guide to Ribwort and its properties
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Traditional Use
Plantago is from the Latin planta, the sole of the foot, because it grows on paths and lanceolata refers to the lance shaped leaves. It has long been considered by herbalists to be a useful remedy for coughs, wounds, inflamed skin or dermatitis, and insect bites. Bruised or crushed leaves have been applied topically to treat insect bites and stings, eczema and small wounds or cuts. It was considered to be a gentle, soothing expectorant with a mild astringent effect said to help remedy haemorrhoids or bladder infections with small amounts of blood in the urine. Traditionally regarded as a mucilage drug.
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Actions
Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, expectorant, anticatarrhal, antibacterial, antimicrobial, astringent, demulcent, soothing diuretic
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Indications
• Upper respiratory catarrh, particularly in children, including chronic mucous membrane discharge, asthma, acute and chronic bronchitis, coughs of all sorts, pertussis (whooping cough), rhinitis, sinusitis, nasal and middle ear catarrhal conditions
• Inflammation of the mouth and throat
• Dysentery and diarrhoea, gastric and peptic ulcer, colitis, haemorrhoids
• Incontinence in children, painful urination, cystitis
• Externally for wounds and inflammation of the skin, as a form of first aid for insect bites and bruises -
Energetics
Cooling, moistening
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Use in Pregnancy
Not advised as there is insufficient evidence for safe administration.
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Contraindications & Cautions
None known.
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Drug Interactions
None known.
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Dietary Information
Vegan friendly. Gluten and dairy free
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Substitutes
Ivy Leaf, Liquorice, Mullein, Thyme, Stone Root, Adhatoda, Aniseed, Elecampane, Grindelia, Heartsease, Hyssop
38201
Top Product Attributes
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Common Name
Motherwort
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Botanical Name
Leonurus cardiaca
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Part Used
Herb
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Clinical Summary
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Monograph
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Alcohol
45%
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Dose
15 to 80mL weekly
Motherwort is commonly known as ‘mother’s little helper’ because of its ability to help ease the stress and tension of weary mothers and it has a special affinity for women throughout their lives. Motherwort is traditionally used for the women’s reproductive system as suggested by its English name which means ‘mother’s herb’. While motherwort is often considered a herb for women, men can find benefit in using it as well for maladies of the nervous system and heart triggered by stress.
It is also an acclaimed cardiotonic known for strengthening the heart as indicated by the Latin name cardiaca.
Main Product Attributes
A guide to Motherwort and its properties
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Traditional Use
Folkloric uses of motherwort emphasised it as being a calming and relaxing herbal agent with tonic effects on hormonal, nervous and cardiac systems. It is also a traditional childbirth and postpartum botanical that has been used for centuries.
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Actions
Cardiovascular tonic, relaxing nervine, circulatory stimulant, antispasmodic, hypotensive, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, emmenagogue, uterine tonic, diaphoretic, diuretic, hypoglycaemic, digestive bitter, antibacterial, antifungal, vermifuge
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Indications
• Cardiac insufficiency, tachycardia or other arrhythmias, hypertension, heart palpitations associated with anxiety and excessive worry, especially when they are a feature of insomnia, poor circulation
• Hyperthyroidism (Graves’ disease)
• Menstrual cramping, dysmenorrhea, amenorrhea, menopausal symptoms (especially accompanied by anxiety, insomnia and palpitations), delayed labour, delayed afterbirth. It is often used in the last weeks of pregnancy to facilitate labour and following childbirth to minimise blood loss.
• Stress, anxiety
• Digestive disorders, flatulence
• Fever
• Topically used for wounds, skin inflammation, itching and shingles -
Energetics
Cooling, drying, bitter, astringent.
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Use in Pregnancy
Motherwort has a traditional use as an emmenagogue and should be avoided by pregnant women in the first trimester (especially in those with a history of miscarriage), second trimester and most of the third trimester. Under the guidance of an experienced practitioner it can be used just before and after labour.
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Contraindications & Cautions
Consult a doctor before taking motherwort if taking cardiac medications. Motherwort is contraindicated for women with endometriosis or fibroids because it increases vascularisation to the uterus. Caution should also be taken during heavy menstrual bleeding.
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Drug Interactions
Caution with central nervous system depressants including benzodiazepines.
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Dietary Information
Vegan friendly. Gluten and dairy free
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Substitutes
Coleus, Olive Leaves, Arjuna, Hawthorn, Garlic, Bilberry, Pomegranate, Ginkgo, Withania, Lime Flowers, Saffron
37801
Top Product Attributes
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Common Name
Dandelion
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Botanical Name
Taraxacum officinale
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Part Used
Leaf
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Clinical Summary
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Alcohol
45%
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Dose
40 to 210mL weekly
Dandelion leaves are one of the most common diuretics used by herbalists to address oedema, urinary stagnation, gout and symptoms of high blood pressure.
Main Product Attributes
A guide to Dandelion and its properties
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Traditional Use
The delicate bitter taste of the leaves means they stimulate digestion plus they are nutritious. They are especially high in calcium, phosphorous, carotenes, potassium, magnesium and vitamin C. Like the roots the leaves also contain a high amount of inulin which has a beneficial effect on gut flora
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Actions
Diuretic, antioxidant, antirheumatic, diuretic, alterative, nutritive, digestive stimulant
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Indications
• Impaired digestion, indigestion,
• Oedema, urinary stagnation, hypertension, cellulite, prostate problems
• Gout, rheumatism -
Energetics
Cooling, drying, bitter, salty.
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Use in Pregnancy
Based on a long history of use in traditional medicine dandelion is generally considered safe in pregnancy and lactation. Dandelion leaf is used for various complaints such as digestive issues, diuretics and iron support during pregnancy.
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Contraindications & Cautions
Avoid in patients with hypersensitivity/allergy to dandelion or other member of the Asteraceae family.
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Drug Interactions
Caution with potassium-sparing diuretics (such as spironolactone), quinolone antibiotics and lithium
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Dietary Information
Vegan friendly. Gluten and dairy free
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Substitutes
Parsley Root, Corn Silk, Juniper, Horsetail, Uva Ursi, Golden Rod, Juniper, Buchu, Couchgrass, Crateva, Celery
37601
Top Product Attributes
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Common Name
Bladderwrack, Kelp
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Botanical Name
Fucus vesiculosus
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Part Used
Thallus
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Clinical Summary
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Alcohol
30%
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Dose
30 to 90mL weekly
Bladderwrack helps to regulate the function of the thyroid gland and has been traditionally used for the treatment of low thyroid function and obesity associated with hypothyroidism. It contains iodine which may be responsible for stimulating production of thyroxine and an increase in basal metabolism.
Main Product Attributes
A guide to Bladderwrack and its properties
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Traditional Use
Bladderwrack is a brown algae (seaweed) species that has been used since ancient times by the coastal communities of Britain, Asia and other countries.
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Actions
Thyroid restorative, metabolic stimulant, demulcent, nutritive, antiobesity, antirheumatic
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Indications
• Supports healthy thyroid function, goitre, obesity associated with hypothyroidism
• Rheumatism, rheumatoid arthritis -
Energetics
Cold 1st degree, moist
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Use in Pregnancy
Contraindicated in hyperthyroidism and related cardiac problems. Caution needs to be taken with long term use, if taken in excess quantities, and in cases of hypothyroidism not caused by iodine deficiency.
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Contraindications & Cautions
Due to the presence of iodine high, or prolonged, doses should be avoided during pregnancy and lactation.
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Drug Interactions
Caution is advised with thyroid medication and lithium.
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Dietary Information
Vegan friendly. Gluten and dairy free
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Substitutes
Coleus, Withania