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

30101

Submitted by admin on Mon, 02/28/2022 - 12:08
Top Product Attributes

  • Common Name

    Turmeric, Haridra

  • Botanical Name

    Curcuma longa

  • Part Used

    Rhizome

  • Clinical Summary

    Click here

  • Monograph

    Click here

  • Alcohol

    60%

  • Dose

    35 to 150mL weekly

Turmeric is one of the most relevant herbs for today’s health challenges. In recent years it has received a lot of media hype being among the most studied medicinal herbs. With anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties turmeric can be used for an impressively wide range of health issues. It has the potential to both heal and prevent certain diseases, offer pain relief, soothe digestive complaints, improve blood circulation, reduce LDL (bad) cholesterol, enhance brain function, assist healing of wounds and skin problems and promote enzymes and bile to support liver health. As a result it is often heavily marketed as some kind of super herb however it is not for everyone. For those who have a very dry constitution turmeric may not be the best herbal match. Curcumin is undoubtedly a key active medicinal constituent found in turmeric each and every one of turmeric’s 300 phytochemicals are there to help achieve success in clinical practice.

Main Product Attributes
A guide to Turmeric and its properties

  • Traditional Use

    Since the time of Ayurveda (1900 BC) numerous therapeutic activities have been assigned to turmeric for a wide variety of diseases and conditions, especially anti-inflammatory. 

  • Actions

    Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, neuroprotective, anticarcinogenic, antiproliferative, chemopreventive, antimutagenic, immunomodulator, radioprotective, hepatoprotective, anti-ulcer, hypolipidaemic, antiatherogenic, analgesic, antimicrobial, antiviral, antifungal, nephroprotective, antidepressant, antiaging, larvicidal, insecticidal.

  • Indications

    •    Adjunctive cancer treatment, chemoprevention (to reverse, suppress or prevent the development of cancer), chemosensitisation (makes tumour cells more sensitive to chemotherapy). 
    •    Inflammatory conditions such as arthritis, osteoarthritis, Irritable Bowel Disease (IBD), inflammatory bowel disease, asthma, eczema, psoriasis, lupus nephritis.
    •    Cardiovascular disease prophylaxis, adjunct in the treatment of hyperlipidaemia
    •    Dyspepsia, peptic ulcer, infections
    •    Adjunctive diabetes treatment
    •    Topically for skin conditions, sprains and strains, adjunct in periodontitis.

  • Energetics

    Warming, drying

  • Use in Pregnancy

    When used as a spice turmeric is most likely to be safe however the safety of therapeutic doses has not been established.

  • Contraindications & Cautions

    Contraindicated in patients with obstruction of the bile duct, cholangitis, liver disease, gallstones and any other biliary disease. High doses are probably best avoided in males and females wanting to conceive. Contraindicated when used in patients allergic to turmeric, any of its constituents (including curcumin), certain yellow food colourings or other members of the Zingiberaceae (ginger) family. 

  • Drug Interactions

    Caution with dexamethasone (an anti-inflammatory medication), sulphasalazine (a disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug), tacrolimus (an immunosuppressive drug), talinolol (a beta blocker), anticoagulant/antiplatelet and antidiabetic drugs. Combination may be beneficial with high alcohol ingestion and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

  • Dietary Information

    Vegan friendly. Gluten and dairy free

  • Substitutes

    Ginger, Liquorice, White Willow, Maritime Pine, Cinnamon, Cat’S Claw, Cayenne, Green Tea

30001

Submitted by admin on Mon, 02/28/2022 - 12:04
Top Product Attributes

  • Common Name

    Andrographis

  • Botanical Name

    Andrographis paniculata

  • Part Used

    Herb

  • Clinical Summary

    Click here

  • Monograph

    Click here

  • Alcohol

    45%

  • Dose

    10 to 20mL weekly

Andrographis has been shown in human studies to reduce the severity of acute respiratory infections, such as the common cold, and may prevent the onset of a cold in healthy people. Some research shows that high dose andrographis (six grams daily) works as well as paracetamol after three to seven days of treatment. 

Main Product Attributes
A guide to Andrographis and its properties

  • Traditional Use

    Commonly known as the ‘king of bitters’ and ‘Indian echinacea’, andrographis is used in Ayurveda to treat gastrointestinal upsets and as immune support for bacterial and viral respiratory tract infections such as influenza, colds, pneumonia, fever, sore throats and bronchitis.

  • Actions

    Immune modulator, bitter tonic, antiviral, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, choleretic, hepatoprotective

  • Indications

    •    Upper respiratory tract infections, such as the common cold and influenza, sore throat (especially tonsillitis), fever, general debility
    •    Ulcerative colitis, diarrhoea, loss of appetite, sluggish liver, flatulence, dyspepsia
    •    Rheumatoid arthritis

  • Energetics

    Bitter and cold

  • Use in Pregnancy

    Not recommended. There is insufficient reliable evidence available to determine safety.

  • Contraindications & Cautions

    Suspend use one week before major surgery.
    While andrographis is usually considered safe concentrated (standardised with andrographolides) andrographis products, particularly ones using methanol as a solvent, have had adverse effects reported to the Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) such as taste disturbance and anaphylactic/allergic reactions. It should be noted that the TGA advisory committee stated that in the more traditional uses of andrographis the extract is used in lower concentrations and such products have not been implicated in adverse drug reactions. Traditional preparations include dried plant material, infusions, decoctions and tinctures with extract ratios of between 1:1 and 1:6.

  • Drug Interactions

    Clinical significance of use in combination with immunosuppressive drugs is not clear (theoretical risk) but caution is advised. There is a theoretical risk of increased bleeding with antiplatelet or anticoagulant drugs.

  • Dietary Information

    Vegan friendly. Gluten and dairy free

  • Substitutes

    Sweet Wormwood, Cat’s Claw, Echinacea, Thuja

29901

Submitted by admin on Mon, 02/28/2022 - 12:00
Top Product Attributes

  • Common Name

    Butcher’s Broom, Box Holly

  • Botanical Name

    Ruscus aculeatus

  • Part Used

    Root

  • Clinical Summary

    Click here

  • Alcohol

    45%

  • Dose

    25 to 100mL weekly

Butcher’s broom is used for the discomforts of chronic venous insufficiency, such as pain and heaviness, as well as for cramps in the legs, itching and swelling, and for supportive therapy for complaints of haemorrhoids, such as itching and burning. 

Main Product Attributes
A guide to Butcher’s Broom and its properties

  • Traditional Use

    Greek physicians used butcher’s broom to treat kidney stones. In the 17th century the English herbalist Nicholas Culpepper used butcher’s broom to help the healing of fractured bones.

  • Actions

    Venotonic, antioedema, anti-inflammatory, diuretic, alterative, diaphoretic

  • Indications

    •    Conditions requiring improved circulation, chronic venous insufficiency such as pain and heaviness, leg cramping, itching and swelling, varicose veins, oedema
    •    Internally and topically for haemorrhoids. 

  • Energetics

    Cool, dry

  • Use in Pregnancy

    Avoid using

  • Contraindications & Cautions

    In rare cases it may cause stomach discomfort, nausea, diarrhea or vomiting`

  • Drug Interactions

    Caution with alpha-adrenergic agonists (such as pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) and others) and alpha-adrenergic agonists such as doxazosin (Cardura), prazosin (Minipress), terazosin (Hytrin) and others. 

  • Dietary Information

    Vegan friendly. Gluten and dairy free

  • Substitutes

    Maritime Pine, Horsechestnut, Stone Root

29801

Submitted by admin on Mon, 02/28/2022 - 11:52
Top Product Attributes

  • Common Name

    Aniseed

  • Botanical Name

    Pimpinella anisum

  • Part Used

    Fruit

  • Clinical Summary

    Click here

  • Monograph

    Click here

  • Alcohol

    60%

  • Dose

    10 to 20mL weekly

This aromatic herb has a delicious, sweet liquorice-like flavour and is a commonly used, and very safe, herbal remedy that is well suited for all age groups from children to the elderly. It is useful in respiratory conditions such as coughs, colds, whooping cough and asthma as well as digestive complaints including bloating, flatulence, colic, nausea and indigestion. It increases milk supply in lactating women and also gives relief to their infants from gastrointestinal problems. It has beneficial effects on dysmenorrhea and menopausal hot flushes in women.

Main Product Attributes
A guide to Aniseed and its properties

  • Traditional Use

    Not to be confused with star anise (Illicium verum), aniseed is one of the oldest medicinal plants. Many countries around the Mediterranean region have traditional alcoholic beverages produced with aniseed such as ouzo and sambuca. The common special feature of all these beverages is their unique behaviour during dilution with water. Adding a large amount of water causes the clear liquor to turn instantly into an opaque, translucent milky-white colour. In traditional medicine aniseed is used as an analgesic in migraine. In some traditional texts it is mentioned for melancholy, nightmare and also in the treatment of epilepsy and seizures.

  • Actions

    Expectorant, bronchodilator, immunomodulator, carminative, galactagogue, diuretic, hypoglycaemic, hypolipidaemic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, antispasmodic, antiparasitic, oestrogenic agent

  • Indications

    •    Symptomatic treatment of mild, spasmodic gastrointestinal complaints including bloating, flatulence, colic, nausea and indigestion
    •    Bronchial catarrh, bronchitis, spasmodic coughs, colds, whooping cough and asthma
    •    To increase milk supply in lactating women and give relief to their infants from gastrointestinal problems
    •    Dysmenorrhoea, to promote menstruation, menopausal hot flashes and to facilitate birth
    •    To increase urine flow
    •    Appetite stimulant
    •    Increase libido
    •    Diabetes
    •    Topically for head lice and scabies

  • Energetics

    Warm and dry

  • Use in Pregnancy

    The safety of aniseed taken during pregnancy and lactation has not been established. There are no known problems provided that doses taken do not greatly exceed the amounts used in foods. It has been proposed that aniseed preparations used at recommended dosages may be used during pregnancy and lactation.

  • Contraindications & Cautions

    None known.

  • Drug Interactions

    None known.

  • Dietary Information

    Vegan friendly. Gluten and dairy free

  • Substitutes

    Angelica, Hyssop, Fennel, Fenugreek, Nettle

29501

Submitted by admin on Mon, 02/28/2022 - 11:47
Top Product Attributes

  • Common Name

    Witch Hazel

  • Botanical Name

    Hamamelis virginiana

  • Part Used

    Leaf

  • Alcohol

    45%

  • Dose

    40 to 80mL weekly

Witch hazel’s main action is astringent, due to the high level of tannins, making it an excellent remedy for internal and external bleeding. It is effective for excessive menstruation, diarrhoea and haemorrhoids. Externally it can be applied to wounds and used as a gargle for sore throats. It speeds healing and protects against infection. 

Main Product Attributes
A guide to Witch Hazel and its properties

  • Traditional Use

    Witch hazel has been used traditionally to stop bleeding from the lungs, stomach, uterus and bowels. It is also a key remedy for toxic conditions of the gut including irritation, infection and inflammation.

  • Actions

    Astringent, antihaemorrhagic, antidiarrhoeal, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, haemostatic, venotonic

  • Indications

    •    Colitis, diarrhoea,
    •    Haemorrhoids, varicose veins
    •    Topically for bruises, inflamed swellings, haemorrhoids, minor skin lesions, acne, sprains, varicose veins

  • Energetics

    Cold

  • Use in Pregnancy

    Insufficient reliable information available

  • Contraindications & Cautions

    None known

  • Drug Interactions

    None known

  • Dietary Information

    Vegan friendly. Gluten and dairy free

  • Substitutes

    Stone Root, Agrimony, Oak bark, Raspberry leaf, Lady’s mantle, Horsechestnut, Shepherd’s purse, Butcher’s broom

29301

Submitted by admin on Mon, 02/28/2022 - 11:37
Top Product Attributes

  • Common Name

    Arjuna

  • Botanical Name

    Terminalia arjuna

  • Part Used

    Bark

  • Clinical Summary

    Click here

  • Monograph

    Click here

  • Alcohol

    45%

  • Dose

    15 to 40mL weekly

As a renowned heart tonic arjuna is used extensively in heart diseases and related chest pain, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. Arjuna bark is astringent and its blood coagulating properties are extremely useful in arresting bleeding as seen in menstrual disorders such as menorrhagia. It is also used for earaches, diseases of the urinary tract and diarrhoea. Externally it is used to improve fractures, wound healing and bleeding gums. 

Main Product Attributes
A guide to Arjuna and its properties

  • Traditional Use

    Arjuna is a popular Indian medicinal plant, its bark being used as a cardiotonic agent from time immemorial. This well-known heart tonic is used extensively in cardiac debility and is best known for its special properties of strengthening the muscles of the heart and subsequent improved pumping activity of the heart. It was Acarya Vagbhata, an influential classical writer of Ayurveda in the 7th Century, who indicated for the first time that arjuna was used for treating heart disease. 

  • Actions

    Cardioprotective, heart tonic, hypotensive, hypolipidaemic, inotropic (changes the force of the hearts contractions), antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, cytoprotective, antiulcer, apoptosis inducing, antidiabetic, antibacterial, antiviral, vulnerary, astringent, antipyretic, demulcent, expectorant, antidysenteric.

  • Indications

    •    Chronic cardiovascular diseases including chronic, stable angina, mild congestive heart failure, weakness of the heart, hypertension, hypercholesterolaemia and metabolic syndrome.
    •    Adjuvant during chemotherapy
    •    Antioxidant therapy in diabetes
    •    Gastric ulceration
    •    Difficulty in urination
    •    Diarrhoea
    •    General detoxification
    •    Menstrual disorders such as menorrhagia
    •    Topically to improve wound healing, bleeding gums

  • Energetics

    Bitter, cooling, pungent, light and dry. 

  • Use in Pregnancy

    Traditionally contraindicated during pregnancy.

  • Contraindications & Cautions

    None known

  • Drug Interactions

    It has been used concurrently with statins (cholesterol lowering drugs) with good results although information about interactions with long-term statin therapy is lacking.

  • Dietary Information

    Vegan friendly. Gluten and dairy free

  • Substitutes

    Hawthorn

29001

Submitted by admin on Mon, 02/28/2022 - 11:08
Top Product Attributes

  • Common Name

    Dandelion

  • Botanical Name

    Taraxacum officinale

  • Part Used

    Leaf

  • Clinical Summary

    Click here

  • Alcohol

    30%

  • 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

  • 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

  • Actions

    Diuretic, antioxidant, antirheumatic, diuretic, alterative, nutritive, digestive stimulant

  • Indications

    •    Impaired digestion, indigestion,
    •    Oedema, urinary stagnation, hypertension, cellulite, prostate problems
    •    Gout, rheumatism

  • Energetics

    Cooling, drying, bitter, salty.

  • 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.

  • Contraindications & Cautions

    Avoid in patients with hypersensitivity/allergy to dandelion or other member of the Asteraceae family.

  • Drug Interactions

    Caution with potassium-sparing diuretics (such as spironolactone), quinolone antibiotics and lithium

  • Dietary Information

    Vegan friendly. Gluten and dairy free

  • Substitutes

    Parsley Root, Corn Silk, Juniper, Horsetail, Uva Ursi, Golden Rod, Juniper, Buchu, Couchgrass, Crateva, Celery

28901

Submitted by admin on Mon, 02/28/2022 - 11:03
Top Product Attributes

  • Common Name

    Zizypus, Jujuba, Da Zao, Suan Zao Ren

  • Botanical Name

    Ziziphus jujuba

  • Part Used

    Seed

  • Alcohol

    30%

  • Dose

    20 to 40mL weekly

Zizyphus is used in Traditional Chinese Medicine to assist in falling asleep and staying asleep, for irritability, to assist in the relief of anxiety and nervous exhaustion and to aid in the relief of excess sweating and night sweats.

Main Product Attributes
A guide to Zizyphus and its properties

  • Traditional Use

    Zizyphus has long been cultivated in China for its popular fruits known as da zao or big date. The seeds are known as suan zao ren and they have been extensively trialled as the principal ingredient in a traditional Chinese formula called Suan Zao Ren Tang, or sour jujube seed decoction, a well-known classic Chinese herbal prescription for insomnia.

  • Actions

    Sedative, hypnotic, anxiolytic, hypotensive

  • Indications

    •    Insomnia
    •    Anxiety
    •    Restlessness
    •    Prophylaxis of liver disease
    •    Night sweats
    •    Irritability
    •    Heart palpitations
    •    Hypertension

  • Energetics

    Warming and cooling

  • Use in Pregnancy

    There is insufficient reliable information available about the safety of zizyphus in amounts greater than those found in foods.

  • Contraindications & Cautions

    None known.

  • Drug Interactions

    Caution with antidiabetic drugs and central nervous system depressants

  • Dietary Information

    Vegan friendly. Gluten and dairy free

  • Substitutes

    Valerian, Saffron, Passion Flower, Hops

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