Rhodiola has been used traditionally by the Vikings and Siberians to increase physical strength and endurance, resistance to cold and disease and to promote fertility and longevity. The modern use is as a stimulating adaptogenic tonic known as the best herb for ‘21st century stress’ which manifests as fatigue, mental fog, trouble concentrating, low energy and mild depression. Many herbalists use rhodiola to support people with depression and anxiety. It appears to be able to significantly reduce the fatigue and 'burnout' that come from chronic stress and anxiety and numerous trials suggest meaningful effects through its anxiolytic and antidepressant actions. It increases physical and mental efficiency, it can enhance a moderately low mood, help to improve sleep quality, energy levels and enhance convalescence. As a result it can help the body deal with marathon training, mountaineering, to cope better with the stress of exam preparations, a heavy workload or for recovery from illness, including post viral fatigue. 

Perhaps because of rhodiola’s stress supporting properties its popularity has boomed in recent years. The plant's rapid growth in the supplement market has led to industrial-scale overcollection. Rhodiola is now endangered and was added to Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) on February 23, 2023 because of declines in wild populations due to overexploitation and increased international trade. As a result international trade is restricted and rhodiola is subject to additional import and export requirements. This means we are no longer able to source sustainably grown raw material. Below we have provided you with some alternative herbs to assist you in your prescribing.

Cordyceps

Cordyceps is known as a functional mushroom for energy and endurance because its adaptogenic and tonic effects. Herbalists and naturopaths prescribe it to support energy levels and for convalescence after infection, illness, or stress, to improve vitality.

Korean ginseng

Herbalists classify Korean ginseng as a stimulating adaptogen with a wide range of therapeutic uses. Korean ginseng restores and enhances wellbeing, boosts energy, reduces stress, and improves thinking processes and cognition. Western herbalists understand Korean ginseng to be useful for short-term treatment of the effects, or anticipated effects, of stress (a ginseng “hit”) and over a long period (for up to three months – a repeated course is feasible) to reduce the impact of the ageing process.

Schizandra

Schizandra is utilised for increasing resistance to disease and stress, increasing energy and increasing physical performance and endurance. In Russia, schizandra first gained recognition as an “adaptogen agent” in the 1960s when it was published in the official medcine of the USSR handbook, following the discovery that it helps fight adrenal fatigue, heart problems and the negative effects of stress. 

Siberian ginseng

Siberian ginseng is often referred to as the ‘king of adaptogens’ and is traditionally used to help the body better adapt to stress. It is most effective in the treatment of exhaustion and anxiety

resulting from overwork, lack of sleep and long-term stress. Think of those people burning the candle at both ends such as students, night shift workers and multi-tasking parents juggling careers and families. Siberian ginseng also shows promise for the management of moderate chronic fatigue syndrome. 

References

van Wyk B, Wink M. Medicinal Plants of the World. Pretoria: Briza Publications;

2004. p. 271.

Natural Medicines (US). Schisandra [Internet]. Somerville (MA): Therapeutic

Research Center; 2024 [updated 2024 Sep 24; cited 2024 Nov 20]. Available from

https://naturalmedicines.therapeuticresearch.com/databases/food,-herbs-

supplements/professional.aspx?productid=376

Corneau N, Corneau G. THE ADAPTOGENIC SPECIES: THEORETICAL AND

PRACTICAL IMPORTANCE. A REVIEW. Oltenia. Studii úi comunicări.ùtiinĠele

Naturii. 2013;29:1

The Christmas tree is the enduring iconic symbol of Christmas. Out of all the Christmas traditions, decorating the Christmas tree with candy canes, tinsel, collected ornaments, baubles and topping it off with a star is certainly up there for some as one of their favourite childhood memories. Adorned with lights, Christmas trees promote hope and offer brightness. There's nothing like the uplifting scent of a real Christmas tree to get you feeling festive. So in the spirit of the season we bring you some of the medicinal attributes of maritime pine.

Maritime pine is famed for its ability to fight inflammation, stimulate immune system action, ease swelling and exert remarkable antioxidant effects. The most extensively studied use of maritime pine is to treat cardiovascular health, especially improvement of endothelial (the inner lining of blood vessels) function and chronic venous insufficiency, a condition defined by poor drainage of blood from veins resulting in swelling or skin problems. Other indications include hypertension, cholesterol reduction, fluid retention, diabetes, diabetic retinopathy, gingival bleeding/plaque, venous leg ulcers. Maritime pine is also included in prescriptions for the common cold, influenza, asthma, bronchitis, sinusitis, upper respiratory catarrh, rheumatism and arthritis. 

A recent study involving 20 children (aged between 8-12) with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) found that supplementing with maritime pine bark extract significantly decreased inattention, impulsivity and hyperactivity. The randomised, double-blind, crossover, placebo-controlled study included two experimental units (four weeks with maritime pine supplementation and four weeks with placebo supplementation) separated by a two-week washout period. ADHD participants were supplemented with 25mg or 50mg of maritime pine bark extract. The aetiology of ADHD is complicated and includes genetic factors, the abnormal metabolism of neurotransmitters, heavy metal toxicity, food sensitivities, nutritional problems among other risk factors. Recent research shows that oxidative stress may play an important role in the pathology of ADHD and antioxidant supplements have been reported to assist in the treatment of ADHD. Maritime pine bark is abundant in procyanidins, referred to as oligomeric proanthocyanidin complexes (OPCs), a rich source of natural polyphenols. 

References

HEC monograph

Hsu CD, Hsieh LH, Chen YL, Lin IC, Chen YR, Chen CC, Shirakawa H, Yang SC.

Complementary effects of pine bark extract supplementation on inattention,

impulsivity, and antioxidative status in children with attention-deficit hyperactivity

disorder: A double-blinded randomized placebo-controlled cross-over study.

Phytother Res. 2021 Jun;35(6):3226-3235. doi: 10.1002/ptr.7036. Epub 2021 Feb 8.

PMID: 33559134.

The olive tree is one of the oldest cultivated trees on earth. The cultivation of olive started in ancient times and it dates back more than 7000 years. According to archaeological records, olives were commercially cultivated by the Minoans in Crete as far back as 3000 BC. It is the first botanical noted in the Bible, where it is described in Ezekiel 47:12, “The fruit thereof shall be for meat, and the leaf thereof for medicine.” The dove, released from the Ark by Noah in the book of Genesis, returned with an olive branch, thus permanently linking both the olive branch and the dove with peace. The olive branch has transcended its biblical origins to become an international symbol of peace and reconciliation. 

Throughout history there are multiple references for use of olive leaves in the treatment of fevers including intermittent fever, typhoid fever and bilious fever. The leaves were also traditionally used for the treatment of malaria. The first mention of olive leaves’ medicinal use in modern times was in 1843 when Daniel Hanbury of England reported a bitter substance from olive leaf tea was the agent responsible for healing malaria and associated fevers. These findings were reported in 1854 in the Pharmaceutical Journal, along with dosing instructions and a recipe for making the curative tea. In 1898, a strong decoction of olive leaves was cited in King’s American Dispensatory as helpful in regulating body temperature. 

In the last century, extracts of olive leaves have been studied in both animals and humans and have been found to exhibit strong antimicrobial properties against viruses, bacteria, yeast and parasites. Olive leaves also have numerous cardiovascular benefits, some hypoglycaemic activity, and possesses antioxidant activity and can be used for heart health to combat high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes and atherosclerosis. Research suggests the antioxidant action could help support the immune system and general wellbeing by providing protection and repair from oxidative damage to the liver, gastrointestinal tract and nervous system. 

References

Bynum H and W. Remarkable Plants that Shaped our World. Thames and

Hudson:London. 2014. p50

Antoniou C, Hull J. The Anti-cancer Effect of Olea europaea L. Products: a Review.

Curr Nutr Rep. 2021 Mar;10(1):99-124. doi: 10.1007/s13668-021-00350-8. Epub

2021 Mar 8. PMID: 33683579; PMCID: PMC7979598.

Newton J. The Roots of Civilisation. Murdoch Books:Millers Point. 2009. p226-7

de Oliveira NM, Machado J, Chéu MH, Lopes L, Barroso MF, Silva A, Sousa S,

Domingues VF, Grosso C. Potential Therapeutic Properties of Olea europaea

Leaves from Selected Cultivars Based on Their Mineral and Organic Profiles.

Pharmaceuticals. 2024; 17(3):274. https://doi.org/10.3390/ph17030274

Somerville V, Moore R, Braakhuis A. The Effect of Olive Leaf Extract on Upper Respiratory Illness in High School Athletes: A Randomised Control Trial. Nutrients. 2019 Feb 9;11(2):358. doi: 10.3390/nu11020358. PMID: 30744092; PMCID: PMC6412187. vi Hechtman L. Advanced Clinical Naturopathic Medicine. Elsevier:Chatswood. 2020. p716

Chamomile may be small in stature but it is has a huge presence in most herbalist's dispensaries. This familiar plant, with an unmistakable scent and flavour, has a gentle, yet powerful, nature which means it works superbly for both adults and children alike. Well known for its soothing effects, and ability to help people relax and unwind after a long day, chamomile quietens the mind and promotes calm with its nervine sedative qualities. i

As well as being a remarkable relaxant for the nervous system chamomile is also a carminative for the digestion so it shines for digestive problems due to anxiety. It is a mild relaxing nervine with antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory and bitter activity. In the digestive tract chamomile relieves painful digestive spasms and inflammatory digestive complaints such as Crohn’s disease, colitis, irritable bowel disease and irritable bowel syndrome. A 2024 systematic review of clinical trials concluded that oral consumption of chamomile was effective in reducing anxiety in most of the available trials. The researchers said this effect is not limited to diagnosed patients with anxiety disorders and can help relieve anxiety symptoms in different groups for example, the anxiety that women experience during their menstrual cycle, postmenopausal women who show the anxiety symptoms, people suffering from insomnia and anxiety, and patients in the recovery phase of their psychological disorder. ii

There is some evidence to suggest that chamomile may be helpful in managing hyperactive traits of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). A small study found that children with ADHD who received chamomile extract for four weeks had improvements in hyperactivity and “conduct problems”, compared to a control group. However, the study was small and more research is needed to confirm these findings. iii

References

i Popham S. Chamomile: Beyond the Teabag. The School of Evolutionary

Herbalism. c2014-2024 Available from

https://www.evolutionaryherbalism.com/2022/08/24/chamomile-beyond-the-

teabag/

ii Saadatmand S, Zohroudi F, Tangestani H. The Effect of Oral Chamomile on

Anxiety: A Systematic Review of Clinical Trials. Clin Nutr Res. 2024 Apr

23;13(2):139-147. doi: 10.7762/cnr.2024.13.2.139. PMID: 38784853; PMCID:

PMC11109927.

iii Niederhofer H. Observational study: Matricaria chamomilla may improve some

symptoms of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. Phytomedicine. 2009

Apr;16(4):284-6. doi: 10.1016/j.phymed.2008.10.006. Epub 2008 Dec 20. PMID:

19097772.

Results from a Japanese human clinical trial, published in August, revealed that by enhancing peripheral blood flow ginger consumption may reduce eye fatigue and shoulder stiffness associated with prolonged screen use in woman aged 51 and under. Ginger is a staple ingredient in traditional Japanese cuisine and is believed to offer various health benefits such as improvements to thermogenetic function and blood flow acceleration. Based on ginger’s potential to boost blood flow the study investigated if daily supplementation with ginger could exert any benefits for people with visual display terminals (VDT) syndrome.

In recent years there has been a significant increase in the use of VDTs such as computers, smartphones, tablets and video games due to rapid advancements in information technology. While technology has many positive aspects prolonged exposure to VDTs, along with more office work and inadequate exercise, has increased the prevalence of VDT syndrome, a modern malady also referred to as digital eye strain (computer vision syndrome). This condition is characterised by symptoms such as dry eyes, eye fatigue and stiffness of the neck and shoulders. Digital eye strain, which contributes to deteriorating eyesight, is an emerging public health threat and is directly proportional to the duration of digital screen exposure. It results from prolonged computer, tablet, eReader and cell phone use. It has become a pressing social issue that must be addressed because it negatively impacts an individual’s quality of life. Studies have associated low ocular blood flow with eye diseases such as glaucoma and myopia, a known risk factor for glaucoma. These findings suggest that improving ocular blood flow may be an effective strategy for preventing or treating eye diseases since proper blood flow to the eye is crucial for providing sufficient oxygen and nutrients to the optic nerve.

This study included 100 healthy people, aged 20-73 years old, with eye fatigue and shoulder stiffness. Participants were randomly assigned to receive either placebo capsules or ginger extract powder capsules (100mg) daily for eight weeks. Ocular blood flow, peripheral blood flow, eye fatigue, shoulder stiffness, body warmth and shoulder muscle stiffness were assessed at weeks 0, 4 and 8 respectively. Peripheral blood flow in deep vessel areas was enhanced in females under 51. Similarly, subjective complaints of eye fatigue and shoulder stiffness were improved by ginger consumption in females under 51. Body warmth changed significantly in males aged 51 and under due to ginger consumption. Considering that eye fatigue was significantly improved in the ginger group, it is possible that the optic nerve and surrounding tissue were delivered more oxygen and nutrients owing to improvements in ocular blood flow, thereby improving eye fatigue. i

References

i Higashikawa F, Nakaniida Y, Li H, Liang L, Kanno K, Ogawa-Ochiai K, Kiuchi Y.

Beneficial Effects of Ginger Extract on Eye Fatigue and Shoulder Stiffness: A

Randomized, Double-Blind, and Placebo-Controlled Parallel Study. Nutrients. 2024

Aug 15;16(16):2715. doi: 10.3390/nu16162715. PMID: 39203851; PMCID:

PMC11357383.

Whooping cough (pertussis) cases in Australia have surged in 2024 with all states and territories reporting more cases than in previous years. Between 1 January 2024 and 1 September 2024, there were 24,108 cases of whooping cough notified to the National Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System (NNDSS), compared to 2,451 cases for 2023. This is the largest spike in nine years since 2015, when 22,571 cases were recorded. Notifications of whooping cough began increasing from April 2023 after a few years of limited circulation in Australia, particularly during the COVID 19 pandemic. In 2024 notification rates have been highest in Queensland, followed by New South Wales. Victoria has seen over 10 times the number of cases in 2024 than in 2023. South Australia has seen almost 550 cases in 2024, which is a six-year high. Rates are substantially higher in school-aged children aged 10-14 years, followed by children aged 5-9 years. The NNDSS says the current situation may be due to several factors including expected epidemic peaks, vaccination coverage, waning immunity and overall population having reduced exposure to whooping cough during the COVID-19 pandemic. Whooping cough is not the only respiratory condition seeing a major spike this year. There have been more than 350,000 laboratory-confirmed cases of influenza this year so far, which exceeds the total number of infections detected for 2023. More than 164,000 respiratory syncytial virus cases have been recorded in 2024, which also exceeds the 2023 figure of 128,110. i

Whooping cough is a highly infectious disease of the respiratory tract, caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis, with periodic cyclical increases occurring every three to five years despite high levels of vaccination coverage. It spreads when an infected person coughs or sneezes and others breathe it in. It starts with the catarrhal phase, the most infectious phase, which is typical cold and flu symptoms such as a runny nose, sneezing, a mild cough and fever. So, early on, it is hard to tell it apart from any other nasty cold. The bacteria affect the lungs and airways and, after one-to-two weeks, coughing can become more frequent and severe, even causing vomiting or fracturing ribs, and it may have the characteristic ‘whoop’ sound. This can make it hard for the infected person to breathe. This is known as the paroxysmal phase. During the convalescent phase the cough can last for months (it is also known as the cough of 100 days). Infants under one year old are at the greatest risk for serious disease. Early diagnosis and treatment are important. ii iii

Appropriate antibiotic therapy is usually the recommended allopathic treatment for whooping cough. For professional herbalists and naturopaths the treatment approach is to support this with herbal medicines that physicians have historically (it is an old disease with the first recorded epidemic occurring in Paris in 1578) used to relieve whooping cough symptoms. They include immune enhancing herbs such as echinacea and andrographis and respiratory antiseptic herbs such as elecampane, thyme and garlic. During the coughing stage expectorant, respiratory spasmolytic and mucolytic herbs can loosen the tenacious sputum such as garlic, horseradish, elecampane, thyme, hyssop, liquorice, fennel, grindelia, aniseed, white horehound and red clover. Antitussive and demulcent herbs can dampen and soothe the cough reflex such as liquorice, ivy leaf and marshmallow. Inhalation therapy and topical applications of chest rubs are recommended along with the internal use of the botanical medicines above. A good convalescence is a marvellous thing so during recovery include nutritive and tonic herbs such as alfalfa, nettle leaf, oats green, bitter tonics, such as gentian and dandelion root, immune

system building herbs such as astragulus, cordyceps, reishi and schizandra. Adaptogens and adrenal strengthening herbs such as liquorice, Siberian ginseng and withania help with general strength and fatigue along with respiratory disorder lung herbs such as mullein, garlic and thyme. iv v

References

National Communicable Diseases Surveillance Report Fortnight 18, 2024

Summary Notes for Selected Diseases 19 August 2024 to 01 September 2024.

Commonwealth of Australia. Department of health and Aged Care. (updated 17

Sept 2024;accessed 6 Nov 2024). Available from

https://www.health.gov.au/resources/publications/national-notifiable-diseases-

surveillance-system-nndss-fortnightly-reports-19-august-to-1-september-

2024?language=en

ii National Communicable Diseases Surveillance Report Fortnight 18, 2024

Summary Notes for Selected Diseases 19 August 2024 to 01 September 2024.

Commonwealth of Australia. Department of health and Aged Care. (updated 17

Sept 2024;accessed 6 Nov 2024). Available from

https://www.health.gov.au/resources/publications/national-notifiable-diseases-

surveillance-system-nndss-fortnightly-reports-19-august-to-1-september-

2024?language=en

iii Lauria AM, Zabbo CP. Pertussis. [Updated 2022 Oct 7]. In: StatPearls [Internet].

Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan-. Available from:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK519008/

iv Bone K, Mills S. Principles and Practice of Phytotherapy. 2nd ed.

Edinburgh:Churchill Livingstone Elsevier. 2013 p. 249-9

v Abascal K, Yarnell E. Taking the Whoop Out of Whooping Cough. Alternative and

Complementary Therapies. April 2006;12(2):71-76 DOI:10.1089/act.2006.12.71

Korean ginseng’s genus name, Panax, is derived from the Latin panacea meaning “cure all”. Traditional Chinese medicine textbooks describe near-mythical qualities for the human shaped root (the word ginseng is derived from the Chinese word for person) such as restoring balance to one’s life force and increasing longevity. In the East, where it is considered to be the most important of all medicinal herbs, wild mountain ginseng was a revered plant (it is now almost extinct), a treasure beyond price, surrounded by many stories of magical lore. While todays mostly cultivated Korean ginseng is not a miracle herb it is clearly an important remedy with an ancient history of improving health. Herbalists classify Korean ginseng as an adaptogen indicating a wide range of therapeutic uses.

Korean ginseng has shown some potential to help calm symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). In a study involving 18 children, aged between six and 14 years old who were diagnosed with ADHD, researchers reported improvements in anxiety, personality and social functioning. The children were given 1000mg of Korean ginseng for eight weeks. The effects of Korean ginseng compared to a placebo were evaluated on 70 ADHD patients aged between six and 15 years old. In the intervention group, 33 patients were given 40mL of Korean ginseng twice per day. After eight weeks a decrease in inattention and hyperactivity scores was recorded in the treatment group compared with the control group.

In another study, 40 children with ADHD, aged between six and 12, were given daily supplements containing omega-3 and Korean ginseng. Results of the study suggest that the combination of the two ingredients may help improve memory and attention in children with ADHD

References

i Zhang H, Abid S, Ahn JC, Mathiyalagan R, Kim YJ, Yang DC, Wang Y. Characteristics

of Panax ginseng Cultivars in Korea and China. Molecules. 2020 Jun 5;25(11):2635.

doi: 10.3390/molecules25112635. PMID: 32517049; PMCID: PMC7321059.

ii Hoffmann D. Medical Herbalism. Rochester: Healing Arts Press. 2003. p. 570

iii Lee SH, Park WS, Lim MH. Clinical effects of korean red ginseng on attention

deficit hyperactivity disorder in children: an observational study. J Ginseng Res.

2011 Jun;35(2):226-34. doi: 10.5142/jgr.2011.35.2.226. PMID: 23717065; PMCID:

PMC3659525.

iv Lee J, Lee A, Kim JH, Shin YM, Kim SJ, Cho WD, Lee SI. Effect of Omega-3 and

Korean Red Ginseng on Children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: An

Open-Label Pilot Study. Clin Psychopharmacol Neurosci. 2020 Feb 29;18(1):75-80.

doi: 10.9758/cpn.2020.18.1.75. PMID: 31958908; PMCID: PMC7006981.

v Ko HJ, Kim I, Kim JB, Moon Y, Whang MC, Lee KM, Jung SP. Effects of Korean red

ginseng extract on behavior in children with symptoms of inattention and

hyperactivity/impulsivity: a double-blind randomized placebo-controlled trial. J Child Adolesc Psychopharmacol. 2014 Nov;24(9):501-8. doi: 10.1089/cap.2014.0013. Epub 2014 Nov 4. PMID: 25369174