28701

Submitted by admin on Mon, 02/28/2022 - 10:59
Top Product Attributes

  • Common Name

    Paeonia, Peony, White Peony, Bai Shao

  • Botanical Name

    Paeonia lactiflora

  • Part Used

    Root

  • Clinical Summary

    Click here

  • Monograph

    Click here

  • Alcohol

    60%

  • Dose

    15 to 30mL weekly

Paeonia is effective in the treatment of conditions, such as premenstrual syndrome and polycystic ovarian syndrome, which have at their core various hormonal irregularities, including elevated androgens, low progesterone, high or low oestrogen and elevated prolactin, all of which paeonia has been shown to influence. 

Main Product Attributes
A guide to Paeonia and its properties

  • Traditional Use

    In TCM paeonia is often prescribed for a wide range of gynaecological problems making it one the most versatile herbal medicines for women’s health. Paeonia is also used in traditional Chinese medicine for inflammation and pain.

  • Actions

    Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, anticonvulsant, analgesic, antithrombotic, hormone modulator, hepatoprotective, immunomodulator, neuroprotective, cognitive enhancer, uterine tonic, sedative

  • Indications

    •    Dysmenorrhoea, premenstrual syndrome, endometriosis and adenomyosis
    •    Polycystic ovarian syndrome, ovulatory failure, infertility, androgen excess, mastalgia and menopausal symptoms
    •    Hyperprolactinaemia
    •    Headaches and muscular spasm
    •    Hepatic injury and toxicity
    •    Cardiovascular disease (including angina, atherosclerosis and thrombosis)
    •    Oxidative stress and inflammatory disorders
    •    Memory impairment 
    •    Pre and post operative pain and spasm (colonoscopy)

  • Energetics

    Bitter, salty, cold

  • Use in Pregnancy

    Paeonia appears safe in pregnancy and lactation.

  • Contraindications & Cautions

    None known.

  • Drug Interactions

    Caution with phenytoin (a medicine used to treat epilepsy). Monitor with anticoagulant/antiplatelet (such as warfarin) drugs.

  • Dietary Information

    Vegan friendly. Gluten and dairy free.

  • Substitutes

    False Unicorn Root, Dong Quai, Chastetree, Black Cohosh

28601

Submitted by admin on Mon, 02/28/2022 - 10:55
Top Product Attributes

  • Common Name

    Codonopsis, Dang Shen

  • Botanical Name

    Codonopsis pilosula

  • Part Used

    Root

  • Clinical Summary

    Click here

  • Alcohol

    45%

  • Dose

    15 to 30mL weekly

Codonopsis is an immune tonic and adaptogen useful for fatigue, especially when it interferes with digestion and assimilation, or causes symptoms of shortness of breath and heaviness in the limbs. It is used as support during convalescence and can be used to return vitality to pre-illness levels. 

Main Product Attributes
A guide to Codonopsis and its properties

  • Traditional Use

    Historically codonopsis has been used as a low-cost replacement for Korean ginseng (Panax ginseng) and is also known as ‘poor man’s ginseng’. In China it is used for ‘wasting and thirsting syndrome’ (diabetes). For debility associated with anaemia codonopsis is traditionally combined with astragalus (Astragalus membranaceous) and dong quai (Angelica polymorpha). 

  • Actions

    Immunomodulator, adaptogen, antihaemorrhagic, anti-inflammatory, blood sugar regulator, blood tonic

  • Indications

    •    Fatigue, post-viral fatigue syndrome, chronic fatigue syndrome, post-operative fatigue, provide support during convalescence, poor appetite, digestive weakness, indigestion, nausea, vomiting, anaemia, diarrhoea, stress, exhaustion, chronic sickness
    •    Chronic bronchitis
    •    Chronic hepatitis
    •    Peptic ulcers
    •    Hypoglycaemia, diabetes mellitus, gestational diabetes 
    •    HIV infection, as a protective adjuvant to radiotherapy in cancer treatment 

  • Energetics

    Neutral, sweet

  • Use in Pregnancy

    Insufficient reliable information available. Professional supervision recommended

  • Contraindications & Cautions

    Avoid large doses (30 to 60gms).

  • Drug Interactions

    Caution with anticoagulant/antiplatelet drugs (such as warfarin).

  • Dietary Information

    Vegan friendly. Gluten and dairy free

  • Substitutes

    Korean Ginseng, Siberian Ginseng, Reishi, Cat’s Claw

28501

Submitted by admin on Mon, 02/28/2022 - 10:50
Top Product Attributes

  • Common Name

    Bupleurum, Sickle-leaved Hare's Ear

  • Botanical Name

    Bupleurum falcatum

  • Part Used

    Root

  • Clinical Summary

    Click here

  • Alcohol

    45%

  • Dose

    10 to 30mL weekly

Bupleurum is beneficial in diseases associated with poor liver function, acute and chronic liver disease, chronic inflammatory disorders and autoimmune diseases. It is also effective in endometriosis, irregular menstruation and the symptoms of perimenopause. More recently it has been used in the management of miscarriage cases.

Main Product Attributes
A guide to Bupleurum and its properties

  • Traditional Use

    Bupleurum is a traditional Chinese medicine used to protect the liver where it exerts anti-inflammatory and hepatoprotective actions. The root was traditionally used as a tonic for influenza and the common cold, to treat the associated fever (because it is cooling), inflammation and pain, as well as prolapse of the uterus and rectum.    

  • Actions

    Anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, antitussive, diaphoretic, neuroprotective, renal tonic, digestive tonic, bitter tonic

  • Indications

    •    Supports healthy gastrointestinal and liver function. acute or chronic liver disease including hepatitis, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
    •    Relief of the symptoms of cold and influenza, fever, pain
    •    Autoimmune disease or suppression including asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, dementia, pancreatitis, hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, cancer treatment
    •    Hypoglycaemia, kidney disorders
    •    Menstrual irregularity

  • Energetics

    Bitter, cold

  • Use in Pregnancy

    Contraindicated

  • Contraindications & Cautions

    Large doses may have a sedative effect in some patients. Keep to a minimum in patients with pre-existing cholestasis. In rare cases it may cause loose stool, nausea, flatulence, irritation of the gastric mucous membranes and reflux. Due to high saponin content use with caution in patients with coeliac disease, fat malabsorption, pre-existing cholestasis, deficiencies in vitamins A, D, E and K, upper digestive tract irritations and topically on open wounds.

  • Drug Interactions

    Caution with anticoagulant/antiplatelet (such as warfarin), antidiabetic and immunosuppressant drugs.

  • Dietary Information

    Vegan friendly. Gluten and dairy free

  • Substitutes

    Schizandra, Globe Artichoke, Dandelion Root, Turmeric, St. Mary’s Thistle, Celandine, Boldo

28401

Submitted by admin on Mon, 02/28/2022 - 10:45
Top Product Attributes

  • Common Name

    Rehmannia

  • Botanical Name

    Rehmannia glutinosa

  • Part Used

    Root

  • Clinical Summary

    Click here

  • Monograph

    Click here

  • Alcohol

    30%

  • Dose

    15 to 30mL weekly

Rehmannia supports adrenal gland function. Other effects include an anti-inflammatory action in allergies, fibromyalgia and autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis and psoriasis. Its tonic, immune regulating, adaptogen and anti-inflammatory actions make it useful for endometriosis. Rehmannia may also protect against the suppressive effects of corticosteroid therapy and chemotherapy.    

Main Product Attributes
A guide to Rehmannia and its properties

  • Traditional Use

    Rehmannia has been widely used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for more than 2000 years. It is renowned as a longevity herb that has the ability to balance the “yin”. According to TCM yin deficiency in the kidneys is closely associated with exhaustion and fatigue.

  • Actions

    Adaptogen, antipyretic, adrenal tonic/trophorestorative, antihaemorrhagic, anti-inflammatory, mild laxative, immune regulating

  • Indications

    •    Menopausal symptoms, endometriosis
    •    Rheumatoid arthritis, osteoporosis, fibromyalgia, multiple sclerosis
    •    Asthma
    •    Allergies, urticaria, psoriasis, skin rashes
    •    Chronic nephritis (inflammation of the kidney)
    •    Fevers
    •    Adrenal function support
    •    Constipation
    •    Diabetes
    •    Insomnia
    •    To protect against the suppressive effects of corticosteroid therapy and chemotherapy

  • Energetics

     Cooling

  • Use in Pregnancy

    Not recommended due to lack of sufficient data. In TCM its use is endorsed.

  • Contraindications & Cautions

    Contraindicated in transplant recipients, or those taking therapeutic immunosuppressives. Avoid in diarrhoea and lack of appetite due to possible irritation of gastrointestinal tract; also where there is a known allergy/hypersensitivity to rehmannia, any of its constituents or members of the Orobanchaceae family.

  • Drug Interactions

    Caution with antidiabetic drugs. May be beneficial with irbesartan (sold under the brand name Avapro among others. A medication used to treat high blood pressure, heart failure and diabetic kidney disease) – medical supervision recommended. 

  • Dietary Information

    Vegan friendly. Gluten and dairy free

  • Substitutes

    Liquorice

28101

Submitted by admin on Mon, 02/28/2022 - 10:39
Top Product Attributes

  • Common Name

    Shatavari (Sanskrit), Satavari (Hindi), Satmuli (Bengali)

  • Botanical Name

    Asparagus racemosus

  • Part Used

    Root & Rhizome

  • Clinical Summary

    Click here

  • Monograph

    Click here

  • Alcohol

    30%

  • Dose

    30 to 60mL weekly

Shatavari is the most important Ayurvedic rejuvenating tonic for women. It is used for infertility in both sexes, preventing miscarriage and to balance hormones. Not only does it increase milk production in breastfeeding mothers it is also an excellent remedy for women experiencing hot flushes during menopause. Shatavari is calming, helps relieve anxiety and stress, is used during convalescence and for infections such as herpes. The soothing qualities of shatavari are useful for gastritis, peptic ulcers and diarrhoea along with irritated conditions in the urinary and respiratory systems. For those concerned with using false unicorn root shatavari is an alternative, especially in instances of aggravated oestrogen displacement.

Main Product Attributes
A guide to Shatavari and its properties

  • Traditional Use

    In Ayurveda shatavari is known as a rasayana herb, a group of plant derived medicines reputed to promote physical and mental health, augment resistance of the body against disease and diverse adverse environmental factors, revitalise the body in debilitated conditions and increase longevity. Most of the rasayana herbs are adaptogen and anti-stress agents. In Western herbal medicine shatavari is often seen as a female reproductive tonic and in Sanskrit shatavari does indeed mean to “possess a hundred husbands".

  • Actions

    Adaptogen, antitussive, antioxidant, antibacterial, antidiarrhoeal, antiulcerogenic, digestive, cytoprotective, galactogogue, immunomodulator, antioxytocin, antispasmodic, oestrogen modulator, neuroprotective

  • Indications

    •    Sexual debility and infertility
    •    Insufficient lactation, menopausal symptoms
    •    Threatened miscarriage
    •    Stress, fatigue, general weakness
    •    Inflammatory conditions of the gastrointestinal and urinary tracts including cystitis, gastritis, diarrhoea, dysentery and gastrointestinal ulceration
    •    Immune debility
    •    Chronic disease, prevention of adhesions, cancer, rheumatism
    •    Cough, fluid retention
    •    Prevention of urinary stones
    •    Used as an alternative to the endangered false unicorn root

  • Energetics

    Sweet, bitter

  • Use in Pregnancy

    Although shatavari has been used traditionally to promote conception and for threatened miscarriage caution should be exercised in pregnancy until more is known about effects in humans. 

  • Contraindications & Cautions

    Usually an extremely potent phytoestrogenic herb and long term use is not advisable. Take care with sensitive individuals who may be allergic to the Asparagus species. May inhibit hydrochloric acid, observation is advised for those with hypochlorhydria. 

  • Drug Interactions

    Caution with lithium and metoclopramide.

  • Dietary Information

    Vegan friendly. Gluten and dairy free

  • Substitutes

    Wild Yam, Black Cohosh, Dong Quai, Paeonia, Rehmannia, False Unicorn Root, Tribulus, Withania, Siberian Ginseng

28001

Submitted by admin on Mon, 02/28/2022 - 09:48
Top Product Attributes

  • Common Name

    Olive Leaves 

  • Botanical Name

    Olea europaea

  • Part Used

    Leaf

  • Clinical Summary

    Click here

  • Monograph

    Click here

  • Alcohol

    45%

  • Dose

    10 to 20mL weekly

Olive trees are synonymous with the Mediterranean and there is traditional and widespread use of olive leaves in this region for high blood pressure, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, high cholesterol, support for the immune system and general wellbeing. 

Main Product Attributes
A guide to Olive Leaves  and its properties

  • Traditional Use

    The olive tree is one of the oldest cultivated trees on earth. The leaves of the olive tree have traditionally been used since ancient times for a wide variety of ailments. Olive leaf extract supports a healthy cardiovascular system.

  • Actions

    Antihypertensive, cardiotonic, diuretic, antioxidant, bitter tonic, antihyperlipademic, vasodilator, neuroprotective, antimicrobial

  • Indications

    •    High blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, atherosclerosis. 
    •    Prophylaxis to help support immunity and general wellbeing, to relieve symptoms of coughs, colds and flu, sore throats, fever, upper respiratory tract infections, Lyme disease and oral herpes.

  • Energetics

    Bitter, cool, dry

  • Use in Pregnancy

    Insufficient reliable information available. Avoid high doses.

  • Contraindications & Cautions

    None known

  • Drug Interactions

    Monitor with anticoagulant/antiplatelet, antidiabetic and antihypertensive drugs.

  • Dietary Information

    Vegan friendly. Gluten and dairy free

  • Substitutes

    Garlic, Hawthorn, Elderberry, Echinacea, Arjuna, Coleus, Pomegranate

27801

Submitted by admin on Mon, 02/28/2022 - 09:43
Top Product Attributes

  • Common Name

    Tribulus, Calthrops, Puncture Vine

  • Botanical Name

    Tribulus terrestris

  • Part Used

    Fruit

  • Clinical Summary

    Click here

  • Monograph

    Click here

  • Alcohol

    60%

  • Dose

    10 to 20mL weekly

Tribulus is a common weed whose dried spiky fruits (also known as goat heads) have been used for centuries in various systems of traditional medicine, including traditional Chinese medicine and Ayurvedic medicine in India, for enhancing libido, fertility and vitality in men and women, and treating impotence, reproductive, urinary and cardiovascular system disorders

Main Product Attributes
A guide to Tribulus and its properties

  • Traditional Use

    The Latin name tribulus originally meant a thorny plant or thistle. There is no well-documented information on the traditional use of tribulus leaf. Traditionally tribulus fruit has been used in the folk medicine of India, China, Bulgaria and South Africa for a variety of reproductive conditions such as infertility and sexual impotence, as well as for muscle strength, oedemas, abdominal distention, cardiovascular diseases and general health.

  • Actions

    Diuretic, demulcent, aphrodisiac, tonic, hormone modulation

  • Indications

    •    Urinary disorders:  cystitis, kidney stones, oedema
    •    Reproductive conditions:  infertility, sexual impotence, decreased libido, menopausal symptoms
    •    Coronary heart disease
    •    Muscle strength
    •    Gout
    •    Cough

  • Energetics

    Neutral, moist

  • Use in Pregnancy

    Not recommended during pregnancy or lactation due to lack of sufficient data.

  • Contraindications & Cautions

    People with androgen-sensitive tumours should avoid use.

  • Drug Interactions

    Caution with lithium, testosterone, antidiabetic, androgenic and erectile dysfunction drugs. Monitor with antihypertensive drugs e.g. ACA-inhibitors.

  • Dietary Information

    Vegan friendly. Gluten and dairy free

  • Substitutes

    False Unicorn Root, Muira Puama, Damiana, Sarsaparilla, Sage

26701

Submitted by admin on Mon, 02/28/2022 - 09:38
Top Product Attributes

  • Common Name

    Gymnema

  • Botanical Name

    Gymnema sylvestre

  • Part Used

    Leaf

  • Clinical Summary

    Click here

  • Monograph

    Click here

  • Alcohol

    25%

  • Dose

    10 to 40mL weekly

Gymnema is the key herb for diabetes. It has wide ranging actions on blood glucose metabolism and is therefore able to alleviate a range of diabetic complications including cardiovascular risk factors such as hypertension, hyperlipidaemia and atherosclerosis, and the diabetic complications trio, retinopathy (damage to the eyes), nephropathy (damage to the kidneys), neuropathy (damage to the nerves), as well as susceptibility to infection and erectile dysfunction. Researchers have found that the appetite can be suppressed for up to 90 minutes after taking gymnema in liquid form. This is beneficial for weight loss if sugar cravings are uncontrollable. 

Main Product Attributes
A guide to Gymnema and its properties

  • Traditional Use

    Gymnema leaves have been used for more than 2000 years in Ayurvedic medicine in India to treat ‘madhu meha’ or honey urine (the equivalent of diabetes). Its native Hindi name ‘gurmar’ means ‘sugar destroyer’ on account of its ability to abolish the taste of sugar. When applied to the tongue gymnema remarkably anaesthetises the sweet taste buds.

  • Actions

    Hypoglycaemic, antidiabetic, appetite suppressant, hypolipidemic, antimicrobial, antibacterial, antiviral, larvicidal, diuretic, antiallergic, antirheumatic, digestive stimulant, laxative

  • Indications

    •    Type 1 and 2 diabetes
    •    Hyperglycaemia
    •    Insulin resistance
    •    Polycystic ovary syndrome
    •    Reduction of sweet cravings and appetite
    •    Weight loss
    •    Obesity including when associated with low thyroid function

  • Energetics

    Bitter, cooling

  • Use in Pregnancy

    There is insufficient reliable information available about the safety of gymnema in pregnancy.

  • Contraindications & Cautions

    None known.

  • Drug Interactions

    Use cautiously in diabetic patients using antidiabetic and insulin medications due to possible potentiation of effects. Serum glucose levels should be monitored and doses of concomitant hypoglycaemic drugs may require adjustment under the supervision of a healthcare professional. Concomitant use of gymnema with lipid-lowering agents may potentiate their effects. In practice these interactions may be useful as a reduction in the drug dose could theoretically be achieved under professional supervision.

  • Dietary Information

    Vegan friendly. Gluten and dairy free

  • Substitutes

    Fenugreek, Goat’s Rue

26401

Submitted by admin on Mon, 02/28/2022 - 09:34
Top Product Attributes

  • Common Name

    Baical Scullcap, Huang Qin

  • Botanical Name

    Scutellaria baicalensis

  • Part Used

    Root

  • Clinical Summary

    Click here

  • Alcohol

    60%

  • Dose

    15 to 30mL weekly

Baical scullcap is one of the most popular herbal medicines used in Eastern countries, including China, Japan and Korea, to treat allergies such as hay fever, inflammation and bacterial and viral infections. Although yet to be proven in humans, according to preclinical studies it may decrease the amount of histamine released from mast cells which can trigger symptoms such as itchy nose and eyes, a runny nose and nasal congestion

Main Product Attributes
A guide to Baical Scullcap and its properties

  • Traditional Use

    Baical scullcap is used in Chinese medicine to clear ‘heat and dry dampness’. Diseases with heat are associated with symptoms such as fever, irritability, thirst, cough and expectoration of thick, yellow sputum. Damp diseases may be associated with diarrhoea, a feeling of heaviness of the chest and painful urination. From a modern perspective this suggests that baical scullcap may be useful for infection and inflammation of the respiratory, digestive and urinary systems.

  • Actions

    Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiallergic, hepatoprotective, neuroprotective, hypotensive, anxiolytic, hypnotic, antimicrobial, immunostimulant, antiemetic

  • Indications

    •    Chronic inflammatory conditions such as asthma, arthritis and allergies
    •    Liver disease and infections such as hepatitis
    •    Hypertension, vascular disorders
    •    Common infections such as the common cold and bronchitis
    •    Nausea and vomiting especially as adjunctive therapy during cancer treatment

  • Energetics

    Bitter, cold.

  • Use in Pregnancy

    Baical scullcap is used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for restless foetus (threatened abortion) and toxaemia of pregnancy however safety in pregnancy is still unknown.

  • Contraindications & Cautions

    Baical scullcap is contraindicated in cold conditions in TCM. 

  • Drug Interactions

    Baical scullcap is contraindicated during interferon therapy for cancer treatment. Avoid using with cyclosporin (immunosuppressant medication) and rosuvastatin (a statin medication). Until more data becomes available caution is advised with benzodiazepines (nervous system depressants commonly prescribed to treat stress, anxiety or insomnia), lithium (psychiatric medication), anticoagulant/antiplatelet (such as warfarin), antidiabetic and central nervous system depressant drugs. 

  • Dietary Information

    Vegan friendly. Gluten and dairy free

  • Substitutes

    Albizia, Nettle Leaf, Perilla

37101

Submitted by admin on Mon, 02/28/2022 - 09:29
Top Product Attributes

  • Common Name

    Schizandra, Wu Wei Zi

  • Botanical Name

    Schisandra chinensis

  • Part Used

    Fruit

  • Clinical Summary

    Click here

  • Monograph

    Click here

  • Alcohol

    45%

  • Dose

    25 to 60mL weekly

Schizandra is treasured in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and is becoming increasingly popular in Western herbalism where it is known as hepatoprotective, useful for acute or chronic liver disease, chemical liver damage, poor liver function and improving the detoxifying ability of the liver. It is also used as an antioxidant, adaptogen, nervine tonic and mild antidepressant helpful for improving mental and physical performance, endurance and adaptation to stress. It is used for chronic cough and asthma due to its antitussive effects and can be used to assist childbirth due to its oxytocic effects. 

Main Product Attributes
A guide to Schizandra and its properties

  • Traditional Use

    Schizandra has been used and revered in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries. The ancient Chinese classified the herb in many ways - as a stimulant, tonic, antiseptic, relaxant and astringent. Schizandra has traditionally been used to treat a wide range of different ailments including coughs, fatigue, impotence, memory loss and nervous complaints. It has perhaps been most acclaimed for promoting longevity and increasing physical and mental stamina. Schizandra’s Chinese pin yin name ‘Wu Wei Zi’ translates to five taste fruit, giving it a special place in TCM due to the importance of the relationship between taste and herbal action. In herbal TCM theory this means that schizandra contains the qualities and benefits of all five flavours pungent, salty, sour, bitter and sweet.

  • Actions

    Antioxidant, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, adaptogen, immune modulating, hepatoprotective, antitussive, astringent, nervine, sedative

  • Indications

    •    Mental and physical stress
    •    Oxidative stress, inflammatory disorders
    •    Liver toxicity, hepatitis and compromised liver function
    •    Hypercholesterolaemia
    •    Lowered immunity and cancer
    •    Memory impairment, Alzheimer's disease
    •    Insomnia
    •    Gastrointestinal disorders including ulcers and gastritis

  • Energetics

    Warming

  • Use in Pregnancy

    Use in pregnancy is best avoided, though it is often used in late pregnancy to facilitate labour.

  • Contraindications & Cautions

    None known

  • Drug Interactions

    Avoid with sirolimus (selective immune-suppressing drug) and tacrolimus (immunosuppressive drug). Caution with benzodiazepines (e.g. midazolam), phenobarbital and warfarin.

  • Dietary Information

    Vegan friendly. Gluten and dairy free

  • Substitutes

    Astragalus, Reishi, Siberian Ginseng, Rhodiola, Codonopsis, Withania, Korean Ginseng

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