23601

Submitted by admin on Mon, 02/28/2022 - 08:40
Top Product Attributes
  • Common Name

    Jamaica Dogwood

  • Botanical Name

    Piscidia piscipula

  • Part Used

    Root-Bark

  • Clinical Summary

    Click here

  • Alcohol

    60%

  • Dose

    20 to 170mL weekly

This plant, often found in ‘women’s tonics’, is a mild sedative and relaxes smooth muscle. It is a powerful remedy for the treatment of painful conditions such as neuralgia and migraine. Its main use is in insomnia where this is due to nervous tension or pain.

Main Product Attributes
A guide to Jamaica Dogwood and its properties
  • Traditional Use

    Traditionally it has been used as an analgesic and narcotic for neuralgias and as a fish poison (fish poisons from plants are not toxic to humans unless they are injected).

  • Actions

    Analgesic, antispasmodic, sedative, antitussive, anti-inflammatory, anodyne

  • Indications

    •    Insomnia, neuralgia, headache, migraine
    •    Nervous tension, anxiety
    •    Dysmenorrhoea, ovarian and uterine pain

  • Energetics

    Pungent, bitter, cooling

  • Use in Pregnancy

    Contraindicated

  • Contraindications & Cautions

    Contraindicated with bradycardia (slow heart rate) and cardiac insufficiency.

  • Drug Interactions

    Caution with central nervous system depressants. 

  • Dietary Information

    Vegan friendly. Gluten and dairy free

  • Substitutes

    Passion Flower, Feverfew, Hops, Valerian

23401

Submitted by admin on Mon, 02/28/2022 - 08:35
Top Product Attributes
  • Common Name

    Wormwood, Absinthe

  • Botanical Name

    Artemisia absinthium

  • Part Used

    Herb

  • Clinical Summary

    Click here

  • Alcohol

    25%

  • Dose

    5 to 40mL weekly

Wormwood is a potent bitter herb used, as the name suggests, to expel intestinal worms. It promotes the appetite and enhances digestion by stimulating peristalsis and increasing the secretion of digestive enzymes and bile from the liver and gallbladder. It is an excellent remedy for dyspeptic complaints including stomach disorders, gastritis, liver and gallbladder ailments. 

Main Product Attributes
A guide to Wormwood and its properties
  • Traditional Use

    Wormwood is the main ingredient in the highly alcoholic French spirit, absinthe. Historically wormwood has been used by women to stimulate uterine contractions during childbirth or bring on delayed or suppressed menstruation due to stagnation of the uterus. Its diuretic action is useful for fluid retention around the time of the period.  

  • Actions

    Bitter tonic, carminative, anthelmintic, cholagogue, choleretic, expectorant, anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, hepatoprotective

  • Indications

    •    Lack of appetite, indigestion, flatulence, Crohn's disease
    •    Intestinal worm infestations especially roundworm and pinworm
    •    Fever and infections

  • Energetics

    Cooling, warming, dry

  • Use in Pregnancy

    Contraindicated

  • Contraindications & Cautions

    Should not be taken continuously for periods of more than  three to four weeks. Contraindicated in gastric and duodenal ulcers; in known sensitivity to wormwood or the Asteraceae (Compositae) family

  • Drug Interactions

    Caution is advised with L-thyroxine (Levothyroxine) and lithium (psychiatric medication). 

  • Dietary Information

    Vegan friendly. Gluten and dairy free

  • Substitutes

    Mugwort, Sage, Celandine, Black Walnut, Cloves

23301

Submitted by admin on Mon, 02/28/2022 - 08:32
Top Product Attributes
  • Common Name

    Oats Green, Oat Straw

  • Botanical Name

    Avena sativa

  • Part Used

    Herb

  • Clinical Summary

    Click here

  • Monograph

    Click here

  • Alcohol

    30%

  • Dose

    10 to 40mL weekly

Oats, in its various forms and extracts, has been traditionally used for its physical and psychological fortifying properties for centuries. The purported benefits include reduced anxiety, mild antidepressant effects and increased ability to cope with stress. Oats green is rich in minerals, especially those that are important for the nervous system and the integumentary system (hair, bones, teeth, nails). 

Main Product Attributes
A guide to Oats Green and its properties
  • Traditional Use

    Oats have traditionally been used as a food and nutritive tonic. The oats green, or whole plant, has been used in nervous debility and exhaustion. It was also thought to help with depression and stress symptoms and has been used traditionally as a herbal sedative to aid sleep. Oats green supports long term nervous system health as it is rich in minerals. The herb has become popular for stamina, and as a natural libido enhancer, and is reported to be effective for treating impotence and premature ejaculation.

  • Actions

    Nervine, nutritive tonic, sedative, antidepressant, anxiolytic, antioxidant, antipruritic, emollient

  • Indications

    •    Nervous irritability, exhaustion, depression
    •    Convalescence
    •    Stress, anxiety
    •    Insomnia
    •    Atherosclerosis
    •    Inflammatory skin conditions
    •    Oxidative stress
    •    Male sexual dysfunction

  • Energetics

    Moist, neutral temperature

  • Use in Pregnancy

    Oral use is considered to be safe in pregnancy and lactation.

  • Contraindications & Cautions

    Patients with coeliac disease should be able to tolerate moderate amounts of oats in the diet (both short and long-term studies found no adverse immunological effects). .

  • Drug Interactions

    Caution with immunosuppressant drugs. Combination may be beneficial with antihypertensive and lipid-lowering drugs.

  • Dietary Information

    Vegan friendly. Gluten and dairy free

  • Substitutes

    Oats Seed, Alfalfa, Nettle Leaf, Chickweed

23201

Submitted by admin on Mon, 02/28/2022 - 08:27
Top Product Attributes
  • Common Name

    Ribwort, Narrow-leaved Plantain

  • Botanical Name

    Plantago lanceolata

  • Part Used

    Leaf

  • Clinical Summary

    Click here

  • Monograph

    Click here

  • Alcohol

    25%

  • 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
  • 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.

  • Actions

    Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, expectorant, anticatarrhal, antibacterial, antimicrobial, astringent, demulcent, soothing diuretic

  • 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

  • Use in Pregnancy

    Not advised as there is insufficient evidence for safe administration.

  • Contraindications & Cautions

    None known.

  • Drug Interactions

    None known.

  • Dietary Information

    Vegan friendly. Gluten and dairy free

  • Substitutes

    Ivy Leaf, Liquorice, Mullein, Thyme, Stone Root, Adhatoda, Aniseed, Elecampane, Grindelia, Heartsease, Hyssop

23001

Submitted by admin on Mon, 02/28/2022 - 08:21
Top Product Attributes
  • Common Name

    Gotu Kola, Brahmi, Indian Pennywort

  • Botanical Name

    Centella asiatica

  • Part Used

    Herb

  • Clinical Summary

    Click here

  • Monograph

    Click here

  • Alcohol

    45%

  • Dose

    10 to 40mL weekly

Gotu kola is well known as a universal panacea for promoting longevity. It is recognised for its rapid healing and anti-inflammatory qualities and is one of the chief herbs for treating skin problems, varicose veins and to heal wounds. It is widely used as a blood purifier as well as for treating high blood pressure. 

Main Product Attributes
A guide to Gotu Kola and its properties
  • Traditional Use

    In Traditional Chinese Medicine gotu kola is one of the reported ‘elixirs of a long life’ known for more than 2000 years ago. It has been used for centuries for the treatment of anxious and depressive complaints and to improve memory. In Ayurveda gotu kola is one of the main herbs for revitalizing the nerves and brain cells where it is an intellect promoting (medhaya rasayana) medicine.

  • Actions

    Adaptogen, anxiolytic, nervine tonic, neuroprotective, nootropic, sedative, antidepressant, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, alterative, skin protective, antidiabetic.

  • Indications

    •    Cognitive function, Alzheimer’s disease
    •    Anxiety, stress, depression
    •    Insomnia
    •    Circulation and water retention
    •    Joint pain, swelling 
    •    Skin conditions, wound healing, stretch marks, varicose veins and scarring including topically

  • Energetics

    Sweet, bitter, cooling.

  • Use in Pregnancy

    None known

  • Contraindications & Cautions

    None known

  • Drug Interactions

    Caution with central nervous system depressant and hepatotoxic drugs 

  • Dietary Information

    Vegan friendly. Gluten and dairy free

  • Substitutes

    Bacopa, Ginkgo, Rosemary, Lemon Balm, Sage

22901

Submitted by admin on Mon, 02/28/2022 - 08:17
Top Product Attributes
  • Common Name

    Dong Quai, Chinese Angelica

  • Botanical Name

    Angelica polymorpha

  • Part Used

    Root

  • Clinical Summary

    Click here

  • Alcohol

    45%

  • Dose

    30 to 120mL weekly

Dong quai is renowned for its use in the treatment of a wide variety of gynaecological conditions and menstrual disorders including endometriosis, amenorrhea, dysmenorrhea, irregular menstruation, recovery from childbirth and menopausal symptoms (especially hot flushes). In both sexes dong quai is used for strengthening the blood, for heart conditions, high blood pressure, inflammation, headache, infections, nerve pain and liver problems. Dong quai is also used to modulate the immune system and to treat chronic constipation of the elderly and debilitated. 

Main Product Attributes
A guide to Dong Quai and its properties
  • Traditional Use

    Dong quai is known as the best Chinese tonic herb for women, although it can be used for men, and it is the most highly valued blood tonic in the East. It is also called ‘female ginseng’ because it is an important herb for the uterus, Another traditional use is for the treatment of coughs and shortness of breath.  

  • Actions

    Anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, blood tonic, cardiotonic, antiarrhythmic, circulatory stimulant, hepatoprotective, immunomodulator, uterine tonic, mild laxative

  • Indications

    •    Gynaecological conditions and menstrual disorders including endometriosis, amenorrhoea, dysmenorrhoea, irregular menstruation, premenstrual syndrome, infertility, recovery from childbirth and menopausal symptoms (especially hot flushes) 
    •    Liver disease
    •    Heart conditions including hypertension, angina pectoris, palpitations, arrhythmia
    •    Anaemia
    •    Chronic constipation

  • Energetics

    Warming, moistening.

  • Use in Pregnancy

    Contraindicated in the first trimester.

  • Contraindications & Cautions

    Case reports suggest that concomitant use of dong quai with warfarin can increase the anticoagulant effects of warfarin and increase the risk of bleeding. Women with breast cancer, uterine cancer and ovarian cancer should avoid using dong quai.

  • Drug Interactions

    None known.

  • Dietary Information

    Vegan friendly. Gluten and dairy free

  • Substitutes

    Black Cohosh, Blue Cohosh, False Unicorn, Raspberry, Paeonia, Shatavari

22701

Submitted by admin on Mon, 02/28/2022 - 08:13
Top Product Attributes
  • Common Name

    Peppermint

  • Botanical Name

    Mentha x piperita

  • Part Used

    Leaf

  • Clinical Summary

    Click here

  • Alcohol

    45%

  • Dose

    10 to 80mL weekly

As one of the best carminative agents available it used for the relief of indigestion, flatulence, nausea and associated problems. Its cooling effects can be very soothing in the hot stage of a fever when the patient feels restless, agitated and overheated as opposed to when they feel cold and shivery

Main Product Attributes
A guide to Peppermint and its properties
  • Traditional Use

    This popular remedy has been widely known to relieve digestive ailments for at least the last two centuries. Peppermint has been used in both traditional Chinese medicine and Western herbalism as a diaphoretic to address fevers that accompany colds and influenza.

  • Actions

    Aromatic, carminative, anodyne, stimulating nervine, antispasmodic, stimulating diaphoretic, antiemetic, antitussive, antimicrobial, cholagogue, choleretic, antiseptic (locally), antipruritic (locally)

  • Indications

    •    Indigestion, colic, nausea, flatulence, hiccups, bad breath, irritable bowel syndrome, ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease
    •    Common cold, catarrh, coughs, flu, fever, sinus congestion
    •    Dysmenorrhoea 
    •    Spasms, headaches
    •    Externally to soothe itching and inflammation of the skin 

  • Energetics

    Dry, cooling to warming, pungent 

  • Use in Pregnancy

    Likely safe when used orally in amounts commonly found in foods

  • Contraindications & Cautions

    There are cautions for peppermint oil however peppermint leaf is well tolerated orally.

  • Drug Interactions

    Concentrated peppermint oil preparations may theoretically interact with a number of different medications. It is unlikely that any interaction will occur with simple liquid extracts or peppermint tea.

  • Dietary Information

    Vegan friendly. Gluten and dairy free

  • Substitutes

    Lemon Balm, Chamomile, Elder Flowers, Yarrow, Angelica, Celandine, Boldo, Cinnamon

22601

Submitted by admin on Mon, 02/28/2022 - 08:09
Top Product Attributes
  • Common Name

    Heartsease, Pansy

  • Botanical Name

    Viola tricolor

  • Part Used

    Herb

  • Clinical Summary

    Click here

  • Monograph

    Click here

  • Alcohol

    25%

  • Dose

    20 to 80mL weekly

Used mostly in the skin, lung and urinary systems. Applications include weeping eczema especially when associated with rheumatic symptoms, bronchial infections, cystitis and autoimmune disease where several of these conditions are combined.

Main Product Attributes
A guide to Heartsease and its properties
  • Traditional Use

    Heartsease, also known as pansy, has traditionally been used for a range of ailments. The common name heartsease is reference to the use of the flowers in diseases of the heart and other names, such as love-lies-bleeding and love-in-idleness, refer to its folk use in love potions. As an expectorant, it is employed in inflammatory respiratory conditions such as bronchitis, tracheitis and asthma and has an anti-inflammatory action useful in skin disorders such as eczema and cradle cap. Heartsease has also been used historically in cases of insomnia, nervous strain and epilepsy and as a diuretic and cholagogue. The flowers of heartsease have also been used to make a natural plant dye, yielding a yellow-green colour.

  • Actions

    Anti-inflammatory, alterative, expectorant, diuretic, laxative, antirheumatic

  • Indications

    •    Respiratory disorders, including asthma and bronchitis
    •    Nervous tension, insomnia
    •    Blood sugar regulation
    •    Inflammatory skin conditions, such as eczema and seborrhoeic dermatitis
    •    Oxidative stress and inflammatory disorders
    •    Potential use in cancer and infections

  • Energetics

    Moist, neutral

  • Use in Pregnancy

    Heartsease appears to be safe in pregnancy, but use should be monitored.

  • Contraindications & Cautions

    Caution is warranted in patients with glucose-6-phosphate-dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency after a case of haemolysis was reported in a nine month old infant with this condition after ingestion of an infusion of heartsease.

  • Drug Interactions

    None known.

  • Dietary Information

    Vegan friendly. Gluten and dairy free

  • Substitutes

    Red Clover, Nettle, Clivers, Sarsaparilla, Echinacea, Yellow Dock, Poke Root, Calendula, Burdock, Dandelion Leaf

22401

Submitted by admin on Mon, 02/28/2022 - 08:06
Top Product Attributes
  • Common Name

    Goat’s Rue

  • Botanical Name

    Galega officinalis

  • Part Used

    Herb

  • Clinical Summary

    Click here

  • Alcohol

    25%

  • Dose

    20 to 40mL weekly

Goat’s rue was used in medieval Europe for the treatment of diabetes and became the basis of the modern antidiabetic drug metformin. It continues to be used by modern herbalists for its blood sugar regulating actions. It has a long tradition of use as a galactagogue in lactating mothers in Europe. 

Main Product Attributes
A guide to Goat’s Rue and its properties
  • Traditional Use

    In her classic 1930s book, A Modern Herbal, Maude Grieve says goat’s rue was used for its “diaphoretic properties in malignant (infectious) fevers (often relates to yellow fever) and the plague. The leaves, gathered just as the plant is going into flower and dried, with the addition of boiling water, make an infusion which being drunk plentifully, excites sweating and is good in fevers.”

  • Actions

    Hypoglycaemic, galactogogue

  • Indications

    •    To support normal lactation.
    •    Diabetes mellitus, poor lactation

  • Energetics

    Cool, dry

  • Use in Pregnancy

    Information regarding safety and efficacy in pregnancy is lacking

  • Contraindications & Cautions

    None known

  • Drug Interactions

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

  • Dietary Information

    Vegan friendly. Gluten and dairy free

  • Substitutes

    Fenugreek, Nettle, Fennel, Gymnema, Aniseed

22001

Submitted by admin on Mon, 02/28/2022 - 08:00
Top Product Attributes
  • Common Name

    Bladderwrack, Kelp

  • Botanical Name

    Fucus vesiculosus

  • Part Used

    Thallus

  • Clinical Summary

    Click here

  • Alcohol

    30%

  • Dose

    30 to 60mL 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
  • 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. 

  • Actions

    Thyroid restorative, metabolic stimulant, demulcent, nutritive, antiobesity, antirheumatic

  • Indications

    •    Supports healthy thyroid function, goitre, obesity associated with hypothyroidism
    •    Rheumatism, rheumatoid arthritis

  • Energetics

    Cold 1st degree, moist

  • 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. 

  • Contraindications & Cautions

    Due to the presence of iodine high, or prolonged, doses should be avoided during pregnancy and lactation.

  • Drug Interactions

    Caution is advised with thyroid medication and lithium. 

  • Dietary Information

    Vegan friendly. Gluten and dairy free

  • Substitutes

    Coleus, Withania