Reishi is perhaps the most famous of all the medicinal mushrooms. It holds an important place in traditional Chinese medicine, where it is known as lingzhi (spirit plant), for its wide spectrum of actions as an adaptogen, anti-inflammatory, anti-viral and immune modulator. Traditionally it was used in China by Taoist monks to promote a centred calmness, improve meditative practices and attain a long and healthy life. Chinese royalty, seeking longevity, held reishi mushroom in high esteem. 

This versatile mushroom is regarded as a panacea for a wide range of ailments including allergies, asthma, arthritis, bronchitis, hepatitis, autoimmune conditions, heart disease, infections and cancer. It may also help balance hormone levels, decrease anxiety and depression and keep blood sugar levels in check.

Reishi is one of the most popular herbal supplements used by cancer patients around the world. This can be attributed to its potential in alleviating the side effects of chemotherapy, like low immunity and nausea, and enhancing the efficacy of radiotherapy. Although reishi appears to hold some promise for cancer prevention, or treatment, more information is needed to confirm this. A 2020 double-blind randomised controlled trial found preliminary efficacy and safety of reishi and glossy privet (Ligustrum lucidum) in improving the quality of life for patients with non-small cell lung cancer undergoing chemotherapy. 

References

HEC monograph

Liu J, Mao JJ, Li SQ, Lin H. Preliminary Efficacy and Safety of Reishi & Privet ormula on Quality of Life Among Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy: A Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial. Integr Cancer Ther. 2020 Jan-Dec;19:1534735420944491. doi: 10.1177/1534735420944491. PMID: 32840126; PMCID: PMC7450289.

Sage is a tonic herb with many virtues making it one of the most valued medicinal plants of antiquity. The generic name Salvia means “to be saved” and this has made its way into many historical references about sage. In 1931 Maud Grieve wrote in A Modern Herbal that sage is sometimes spoken of as Salvia salvatrix or ‘Sage the Saviour’ and there is a saying from medieval times which, when translated from Latin, says “Why should a man die whilst sage grows in his garden?” Despite recently being pigeonholed as a menopause herb, and often thought of as purely a culinary herb for use in the kitchen, sage supports all bodily systems with major medicinal abilities. Its reputation as a climacteric herb is well founded as its hormone balancing properties can reduce menopausal symptoms, plus its astringent action gives it a drying tendency which has led to its use for the excessive sweating some women experience during this time. This tightening and toning is a valuable part of healing leaky or lax tissues. It can also quieten overzealous saliva glands (especially when supporting patients with Parkinson’s disease), cease lactation, ease a runny nose, calm excessive vaginal discharges and loose stools. 

Sage is a bitter herb with digestive and liver stimulant actions useful for encouraging the flow of digestive enzymes and promoting the appetite. This also explains its use in the preparation of fatty foods. Its carminative action helps ease gas and bloating. It also improves cholesterol and diabetes markers making it beneficial for people with diabetes and insulin resistance. Its astringency makes it the herbal go-to sore throat remedy long used for oral health and symptoms of laryngitis and tonsilitis along with its use as a gargle or mouthwash to assist in the healing of inflamed gums and mouth ulcers. It will enhance the immune system and help prevent infections, especially in the respiratory system, and autoimmune problems. 

Sage is a tonic for the nervous system, enhancing strength and vitality, and can be considered for nervous exhaustion, post-viral fatigue and general debility. Its cognitive enhancing effects may be beneficial for memory and attention in people with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), memory loss and Alzheimer’s symptoms. Its powerful antioxidant properties make it a traditional tonic for longevity where it helps delay the aging process and reduce the harmful effects of free radicals. It also has applications as an anti-inflammatory. All the more reasons to bring sage to the front of the spice rack and herbal dispensary.

References

Jones L. A Working Herbal Dispensary. Aeon:Glasgow. 2023. p317-8

Lovell Verinder E. Plants for the People. Thames and Hudson:Port Melbourne.

2020. p173

Grieve M. A Modern Herbal. Penguin Books:Middelsex. 1931. p701

Nigella in the management of adolescent polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS): results of a randomised controlled trial

A clinical trial published in July this year found that short-term supplementation with nigella (Nigella sativa) may be effective in improving hormonal balance, menstrual irregularities and reducing ovarian volume in adolescents with PCOS. PCOS is a common endocrine disorder in women of a reproductive age and is the most common cause of infertility due to anovulation. It is associated with irregular menstrual cycles, excess facial and body hair, acne, heavier weight, ovarian cysts and increased risk of diabetes. Early diagnosis and treatment of this condition can prevent long-term health, reproductive and emotional consequences associated with this syndrome. Nigella has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and insulin resistance-lowering properties which may have therapeutic benefits in PCOS.

The 16-week trial was conducted on 103 adolescents (mean age 17) with PCOS who had been referred to private or government obstetrics and gynaecology clinics in Iran. Participants were randomly allocated to either the intervention group (1000mg capsule per day of nigella) or control group (10mg tablet per day of the hormone medroxyprogesterone from the 14th day of the cycle for 10 nights). The mean difference in hirsutism score changes, right and left ovarian volume (by ultrasound), serum luteinising hormone (LH) and testosterone were significantly higher in the intervention group compared to the control group. The occurrence of infrequent periods, heavy irregular menstrual bleeding and absence of menstruation were significantly reduced after the study in the intervention group compared to the control group.

The researchers concluded that nigella’s effect on hirsutism might be related to male sex hormone-reducing effects. They said the reduced serum LH levels could be attributed to the effects of nigella on insulin resistance. Previous evidence has shown that increased insulin levels and insulin resistance intensify the production of sex steroids stimulated by ovarian gonadotropins and cause abnormal LH secretion. Nigella’s effect on menstrual disorders could be due to phytoestrogen compounds. Phytoestrogens are weak oestrogenic compounds that bind to oestrogen receptors. The authors also postulated that another mechanism of action might be related to nigella’s unsaturated fatty acid content, including linoleic acid and oleic acid. The oestrogenic effects of these unsaturated fatty acids have been reported in previous studies. Further research and long-term studies are warranted to validate the potential therapeutic effects of nigella in adolescents with PCOS.

References

Mahmoudian A, Ashouri A, Bilandi RR, Mohammadzadeh F, Dashti S, Bahri N. The possible short-term of Nigella sativa - L in the management of adolescent polycystic ovarian syndrome: results of a randomized controlled trial. J Ovarian Res. 2024 Jul 12;17(1):144. doi: 10.1186/s13048-024-01460-x. PMID: 38997723; PMCID: PMC11242022.

In this era of evidence based herbal medicine many practitioners are reconnecting with their traditional roots and bringing creativity into their practice. One of the key concepts of traditional herbalism is taking a personalised approach by choosing herbs for the person rather than the ailment. This is the art of herbalism – matching health solutions to the person and not the disease. Herbalists and naturopaths seek to understand a person, and their underlying imbalances, and skillfully match herbs, diet and lifestyle suggestions to help them create health from the inside out. When using herbs in this way they become a powerful tool to help someone discover, as well as resolve, the root cause of their health problems. 

A practitioner who integrates energetic principles into their practice is looking far beyond the name of the condition that ails the patient, they are tuning in to the nature of their constitution and the elemental balance in their body. This is one of the reasons that herbalism is such a powerful form of medicine. The idea that we are individuals, and that herbs, food and lifestyle choices should be matched to a person’s particular needs is found in all the major traditional herbal systems including Western herbalism (the four humors), Ayurveda (the tridoshic system) and Traditional Chinese Medicine (the five phases and organ systems) and they take many years to study and comprehend. 

The concepts of herbal energetics can be simplified into an approach that categorises herbs based on four complementary qualities, hot/cold and dry/damp, rather than solely their chemical constituents. This framework is used by many herbalists and naturopaths as their underlying diagnostic principle. Both people and plants can be assessed in terms of the four qualities with the goal being to support health by nurturing energetic balance. The energetics of a person is often referred to as their constitution. For instance, a warming herb might be indicated for a patient with a cold constitution, while a cooling herb could be beneficial for someone with inflammation or irritability. Everyone contains some aspect of the four qualities but has general tendencies, which can be affected by external forces such as weather or food. Using the senses, especially tasting herbs, is a way to understand herbal energetics. Understanding the general constitution, the energetics of the current illness, if there is one, and the energetics of plants leads to the “herbal sweet spot”. 

In holistic herbal medicine the mind, body and spirit cannot be separated. The ultimate goal of utilising herbal energetics is to create a holistic treatment plan that not only addresses physical symptoms but also considers emotional and spiritual wellbeing. By understanding the energetic properties of herbs and their patients, herbalists and naturopaths can facilitate a deeper connection between patients and their healing processes. It is a valuable approach when used alongside a more modern physiological and system-based approach

References

de la Foret R. Alchemy of Herbs. Hay House: California. 2017. p11

de la Foret R. Taste of Herbs. Learning Herbs:Shelton. 2017. p7

de la Foret R. Taste of Herbs. Learning Herbs:Shelton. 2017. P22

Jones L. A Working Herbal Dispensary. Aeon:Glasgow. 2023. p33.