21901

Submitted by admin on Mon, 02/28/2022 - 07:54
Top Product Attributes

  • Common Name

    Pau D’arco, Lapacho

  • Botanical Name

    Handroanthus spp.

  • Part Used

    Bark

  • Clinical Summary

    Click here

  • Monograph

    Click here

  • Alcohol

    45%

  • Dose

    10 to 20mL weekly

Pau d'arco tree bark has a long tradition of use as an antifungal herb in South American countries. It is thus highly regarded in Western naturopathic medicine for the management of fungal infections such as Candida including Candida albicans (thrush). It has been used for inflammatory diseases, chronic degenerative diseases, supportive treatment for cancer, tumours, cysts, rheumatic diseases and skin problems (especially eczema, herpes and scabies).

Main Product Attributes
A guide to Pau D'arco and its properties

  • Traditional Use

    Traditionally pau d’arco was used by native South Americans as an anti-inflammatory cure-all to treat various conditions including fever, malaria, bacterial and fungal infections, and skin diseases. 

  • Actions

    Antitumour, antioxidant, antimicrobial, antiviral, antiparasitic, anti-inflammatory, anticoagulant, antiplatelet; analgesic; antiproliferative, anti-depressant, antiobesity.

  • Indications

    •    Adjunct for cancer
    •    Inflammatory diseases including lupus, psoriasis, cardiovascular disease
    •    Infections, candidiasis, trichomonas vaginalis, herpes simplex virus, influenza, helicobacter pylori
    •    Parasitic diseases such as schistosomiasis
    •    Cervicitis and cervico-vaginitis
    •    Oedema

  • Energetics

    Cold, astringent, bitter

  • Use in Pregnancy

    Contraindicated.

  • Contraindications & Cautions

    Caution should be used in patients with blood disorders, those who are having surgery, taking anticoagulant or antiplatelet medications or supplements, due theoretically to an increased risk of bleeding. Avoid with known allergy/hypersensitivity to pau d'arco, its constituents, or members of the Bignoniaceae family.

  • Drug Interactions

    Avoid in those who are taking anticoagulant, or antiplatelet medications or supplements, as pau d'arco may theoretically increase the risk of bleeding.

  • Dietary Information

    Vegan friendly. Gluten and dairy free

  • Substitutes

    Paw Paw, Green Tea, Graviola, Pomegranate

21401

Submitted by admin on Mon, 02/28/2022 - 07:47
Top Product Attributes

  • Common Name

    Chastetree, Chasteberry, Vitex

  • Botanical Name

    Vitex agnus-castus

  • Part Used

    Fruit

  • Clinical Summary

    Click here

  • Monograph

    Click here

  • Alcohol

    45%

  • Dose

    5 to 20mL weekly

Chastetree is predominantly used as a herbal hormone regulator for a range of female reproductive conditions including menstrual cycle irregularities, premenstrual syndrome, dysmenorrhea, mastalgia, as a galactagogue, to support and enhance fertility and menopausal disorders. It is also useful when there is acne associated with hormonal irregularities.

Main Product Attributes
A guide to Chastetree and its properties

  • Traditional Use

    Chastetree has been called the “most archetypal” of all female reproductive herbs.

  • Actions

    Hormone regulator, female tonic, uterine tonic, galactagogue

  • Indications

    •    Menstrual disorders including:
    •    Irregularities of the menstrual cycle
    •    Infertility
    •    Habitual miscarriage
    •    Symptoms of premenstrual syndrome and/or menopause
    •    Hormonally induced acne (in both sexes)
    •    Cyclical breast pain and benign breast disorders
    •    Ovarian cysts
    •    Fibroids
    •    Endometriosis
    •    Latent hyperprolactinaemia
    •    Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) although this is contentious
    •    To help re-establish the cycle after use of the contraceptive pill
    •    To aid the expulsion of the placenta after birth
    •    Postnatal depression
    •    Fibromyalgia
    •    Hypothyroidism
    •    Restless leg syndrome
    •    Sleep maintenance insomnia
    •    Lactation support (low doses only)

  • Energetics

    Cooling and warming potential, dry, neutral

  • Use in Pregnancy

    Likely to be safe but cannot be confirmed. In practice some herbalists use it during the first 10 weeks of pregnancy in cases of difficult conception. Not traditionally recommended in pregnancy. 

  • Contraindications & Cautions

    People with tumours sensitive to oestrogen or progesterone should avoid using this herb until safety can be established. It has been suggested that the ability of chastetree to reduce prolactin levels may inhibit medical investigations and may mask diagnosis and proper treatment of prolactinoma.
    Use moderately during breastfeeding.

  • Drug Interactions

    People taking medicines with contraceptive, hormonal and/or dopaminergic actions should consult their health professional prior to combined use with chastetree.

  • Dietary Information

    Vegan friendly. Gluten and dairy free

  • Substitutes

    Black Cohosh, Paeonia

21201

Submitted by admin on Mon, 02/28/2022 - 07:43
Top Product Attributes

  • Common Name

    Yellow Dock, Curled Dock

  • Botanical Name

    Rumex crispus

  • Part Used

    Root

  • Clinical Summary

    Click here

  • Alcohol

    30%

  • Dose

    15 to 80mL weekly

Yellow dock can be used to gently stimulate the liver and help the body remove wastes. It is commonly used to promote healthy digestion and to help clear hot inflamed skin conditions such as acne and eczema. It has a history of use in cases of chronic pain, such as rheumatism and as a blood cleanser. It has also been used to ease anaemia due to its iron content as well as its ability to promote the absorption of iron. 

Main Product Attributes
A guide to Yellow Dock and its properties

  • Traditional Use

    King’s American Dispensatory, an Eclectic herbalist text written in the late 19th century, recommends yellow dock when there is “epigastric fullness and pain, and aching or darting pain in the left chest, with flatulent distension of the stomach and eructations of gas.” It has been historically used to address tumours and cancer. Eclectic herbalists often recommended it as a lymphatic herb to address swollen lymph glands.

  • Actions

    Laxative (mild), cholagogue, alterative, astringent, antimicrobial, antioxidant

  • Indications

    •    Constipation, indigestion, flatulence, sluggish liver, jaundice, anaemia
    •    Skin conditions, psoriasis, acne, eczema
    •    Arthritis

  • Energetics

    Cooling, drying, bitter

  • Use in Pregnancy

    Contraindicated

  • Contraindications & Cautions

    Contraindicated in people with intestinal obstruction or inflammatory diseases of the gastrointestinal tract

  • Drug Interactions

    Avoid with digoxin and diuretic drugs. Caution with warfarin.

  • Dietary Information

    Vegan friendly. Gluten and dairy free

  • Substitutes

    Heartsease, Gotu Kola, Dandelion Root, Burdock, Clivers, Sarsaparilla

21101

Submitted by admin on Mon, 02/28/2022 - 07:40
Top Product Attributes

  • Common Name

    Yarrow

  • Botanical Name

    Achillea millefolium

  • Part Used

    Herb

  • Clinical Summary

    Click here

  • Alcohol

    30%

  • Dose

    15 to 80mL weekly

The familiar wildflower yarrow is a highly versatile remedy, with countless virtues, famous for healing haemorrhage and fever. It is also used for urinary tract infections, as a bitter tonic to stimulate digestion and for menstrual irregularities. Yarrow is useful in chronic health challenges but is perhaps best known for acute injuries (it has long been thought of as a soldier’s herb) where its styptic and antimicrobial actions promote the healing of cuts and wounds, burns, ulcers and inflammatory skin conditions.  

Main Product Attributes
A guide to Yarrow and its properties

  • Traditional Use

    Yarrow is a panacea herb, a veritable herbal first aid kit, and has a myriad of uses. It can be used to heal wounds and was famously used on Roman battlefields so has long been thought of as a soldier’s herb.

  • Actions

    Antiseptic, bitter, antimicrobial, astringent, antispasmodic, carminative, peripheral vasodilator, diuretic, anti-inflammatory, diaphoretic, styptic, vulnerary, antipyretic

  • Indications

    •    Wounds, bleeding wounds, infections, circulatory problems, varicose veins, haemorrhoids
    •    Urinary tract infections
    •    Cold and flu symptoms, fevers, sore throat
    •    Menstrual irregularities, dysmenorrhea, amenorrhea, menorrhagia
    •    To support healthy digestion, dyspepsia, diarrhoea, irritable bowel syndrome

  • Energetics

    Cooling, warming, drying.

  • Use in Pregnancy

    Not recommended.

  • Contraindications & Cautions

    Known allergy.

  • Drug Interactions

    Caution with barbiturates, lithium and anticoagulant/antiplatelet (such as warfarin) drugs. Monitor with acid reducing drugs such as antacids, H2 antagonists and proton pump inhibitors.

  • Dietary Information

    Vegan friendly. Gluten and dairy free

  • Substitutes

    White Willow, Elder Flowers, Sweet Wormwood, Andrographis, Feverfew, Peppermint

20701

Submitted by admin on Mon, 02/28/2022 - 07:36
Top Product Attributes

  • Common Name

    Wild Yam

  • Botanical Name

    Dioscorea villosa

  • Part Used

    Root

  • Clinical Summary

    Click here

  • Alcohol

    50%

  • Dose

    20 to 80mL weekly

Wild yam is popular for the alleviation of menopausal symptoms and premenstrual syndrome (PMS). It has an antispasmodic action making it useful for any kind of muscular spasm and colic such as intestinal colic, diverticulitis, flatulence, ovarian and uterine pain including threatened miscarriage. An anti-inflammatory action helps with inflammatory conditions of the bowel and rheumatoid arthritis.

Main Product Attributes
A guide to Wild Yam and its properties

  • Traditional Use

    For centuries herbalists have been using wild yam to treat menstrual cramps and problems related to childbirth, as well as for upset stomach and coughs. In the 1940s the roots of wild yam were discovered to be an important source of diosgenin, a plant steroidal saponin that scientists can manipulate to produce steroids such as progesterone, oestrogen, cortisone and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), which are then used for medical purposes. Diosgenin was used as starting material for the synthesis of a highly potent and orally active progestational agent which was the key ingredient in the first birth control pills in the 1960s.   

  • Actions

    Hormone modulator, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, antirheumatic, bitter

  • Indications

    •    Menopausal symptoms
    •    Menstrual cramping, female infertility, ovarian pain
    •    Gastrointestinal spasm including diverticulitis, irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory conditions of the gastrointestinal tract, reduces the inflammation and pain associated with intestinal cramping as part of inflammatory bowel disease, flatulence, diverticulitis, nausea, vomiting
    •    Rheumatoid arthritis

  • Energetics

    Sweet, neutral.

  • Use in Pregnancy

    Likely to be safe when consumed in dietary amounts however safety is not known when used in larger quantities.

  • Contraindications & Cautions

    None known.

  • Drug Interactions

    Monitor with oestrogens, for example hormone replacement therapy and oral contraceptives. 

  • Dietary Information

    Vegan friendly. Gluten and dairy free

  • Substitutes

    False Unicorn Root, Tribulus, Shatavari, Ginger

20601

Submitted by admin on Mon, 02/28/2022 - 07:32
Top Product Attributes

  • Common Name

    White Willow, Willow Bark

  • Botanical Name

    Salix alba

  • Part Used

    Bark

  • Clinical Summary

    Click here

  • Monograph

    Click here

  • Alcohol

    25%

  • Dose

    20 to 60mL weekly

White willow modulates inflammation and relieves pain. It is commonly used for backaches, muscular soreness, headaches and arthritis. White willow is best known for containing salicylic acid which is the key ingredient in the over-the-counter drug aspirin. The multi-component active principle of willow bark provides a broader mechanism of action than aspirin and is devoid of serious adverse events. In contrast to synthetic aspirin, willow bark does not damage the gastrointestinal mucosa.

Main Product Attributes
A guide to White Willow and its properties

  • Traditional Use

    Bark from the white willow tree is one of the oldest herbal remedies for pain, reducing fever and inflammation, dating back more than 3500 years. 

  • Actions

    Analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antipyretic, astringent, bitter tonic, vermifuge, diuretic

  • Indications

    •    Pain associated with inflammatory issues and conditions affecting the musculoskeletal system such as rheumatism, osteoarthritis, gout, joint pain, tendinitis, sprains, chronic backache, lower back pain
    •    Pain and fever from autoimmune diseases, urinary tract inflammation, viral infections such as colds and influenza, sore throats, mouth infections
    •    Symptomatic relief from pain including headaches, toothache, neuralgia and dysmenorrhea
    •    Digestion disorders including diarrhoea (especially associated with opiate withdrawal) and parasites
    •    Topically wounds and warts

  • Energetics

    Cool, dry, pungent.

  • Use in Pregnancy

    There is no data evaluating white willow’s safety during pregnancy or lactation. It is generally not advised to recommend salicylate containing medicines during pregnancy or lactation although no restrictions are known for white willow directly.

  • Contraindications & Cautions

    People known to be allergic to aspirin, and salicylate sensitive individuals, should avoid white willow.

  • Drug Interactions

    People using white willow bark may find they have lowered requirements for traditional anti-inflammatory medicines such as NSAIDs and opioid analgesics. This combination may be beneficial. Tannins may interfere with absorption of other medications. Use with caution in patients taking anticoagulant and antiplatelet medication such as warfarin.

  • Dietary Information

    Vegan friendly. Gluten and dairy free

  • Substitutes

    Meadowsweet, Elder Flowers, Yarrow, Feverfew, Rosemary, Lime Flowers, Andrographis

20401

Submitted by admin on Mon, 02/28/2022 - 07:14
Top Product Attributes

  • Common Name

    Vervain

  • Botanical Name

    Verbena officinalis

  • Part Used

    Herb

  • Clinical Summary

    Click here

  • Monograph

    Click here

  • Alcohol

    30%

  • Dose

    20 to 80mL weekly

Vervain is such a delicate plant that it is easy to overlook but its medicinal power is belied by its humble appearance. In modern herbal medicine vervain is known as a nervine tonic taken to relive anxiety, lift depression and for stress related problems such as headaches, migraines and nervous exhaustion. It can reduce the impact of menopausal symptoms due to its nervine properties. Its bitter principles stimulate the liver enhancing digestion. Vervain is traditionally used as a galactagogue to increase the flow of breastmilk. It stimulates uterine contractions which can bring on delayed menstruation and enhance contractions during childbirth. 

Main Product Attributes
A guide to Vervain and its properties

  • Traditional Use

    Historically, vervain has been associated with sorcerers, witches, the divine, magic and other supernatural forces. As a medicinal plant it has a long-standing use from as early as 8th Century BC. It has been used traditionally in northern Europe for rheumatic pain and wounds. During the Middle Ages, healing herbs were often called simples and herbalists were known as simplers.  Vervain was prescribed so frequently for so many conditions that it became known as simpler’s joy and achieved a reputation as a cure-all used as a panacea for colds, fevers, nervous complaints, skin infections and gout. It is a traditional Chinese medicine used to induce menstruation, relieve rheumatism and as an astringent and vermifuge. 

  • Actions

    Sedative, mild antidepressant, antispasmodic, mild diaphoretic, astringent, diuretic, possible galactogogue

  • Indications

    •    Depression
    •    Early stages of fever, debility of convalescence after fevers, especially influenza
    •    Inflammation of gallbladder
    •    Jaundice
    •    Gastrointestinal irritation
    •    Promotion of lactation
    •    Topically for headache
    •    Rheumatism
    •    Haemorrhoids

  • Energetics

    Bitter, pungent, cooling

  • Use in Pregnancy

    Not recommended, but further studies are needed.

  • Contraindications & Cautions

    None known.

  • Drug Interactions

    When iron supplementation is required, or in cases of anaemia, vervain should not be taken simultaneously with meals or iron supplements. If it is, then a vitamin C-rich fruit juice can counteract its inhibiting effects.

  • Dietary Information

    Vegan friendly. Gluten and dairy free

  • Substitutes

    Bacopa, Lemon Balm, Oats Seed, Oats Green, Mugwort, Passion Flower, Magnolia

20301

Submitted by admin on Mon, 02/28/2022 - 07:11
Top Product Attributes

  • Common Name

    Valerian, Heliotrope

  • Botanical Name

    Valeriana officinalis

  • Part Used

    Root

  • Clinical Summary

    Click here

  • Alcohol

    60%

  • Dose

    5 to 20mL weekly

Valerian is most well-known for its sedating and relaxing properties and has long been used for people with anxiety, nervousness, restlessness, muscle pain and insomnia. While most famously used for insomnia valerian can also treat headaches. 

Main Product Attributes
A guide to Valerian and its properties

  • Traditional Use

    Historically patients that have responded best to valerian include those presenting with lack of adequate exercise and/or mental relaxation who manifest stress associated with despondency and mental depression.

  • Actions

    Anxiolytic, sedative, hypnotic, antispasmodic, relaxing nervine, anticonvulsant

  • Indications

    • Insomnia (especially sleep onset insomnia), restless legs, anxiety, stress, depression, support cognitive function, obsessive compulsive disorder
    • Muscle tension, pain, menstrual cramping, fibromyalgia
    • Spasmodic coughing
    • Poor digestion

  • Energetics

    Warming, drying.

  • Use in Pregnancy

    No restrictions are known however safety has not been well established in pregnancy.

  • Contraindications & Cautions

    Care should be taken when driving a car or operating heavy machinery when high doses are used. Vivid dreams, and paradoxical stimulating effects, have been observed in clinical practice however these appear to be rare.

  • Drug Interactions

    Caution with benzodiazepines (may be used to reduce dependency) and central nervous system depressant drugs, including barbiturates. 

  • Dietary Information

    Vegan friendly. Gluten and dairy free

  • Substitutes

    Chamomile, Passionflower, Scullcap, Lemon Balm, Hops, Ziziphus, Saffron, Californian Poppy

20101

Submitted by admin on Mon, 02/28/2022 - 07:06
Top Product Attributes

  • Common Name

    Thyme

  • Botanical Name

    Thymus vulgaris

  • Part Used

    Herb

  • Clinical Summary

    Click here

  • Monograph

    Click here

  • Alcohol

    35%

  • Dose

    15 to 80mL weekly

Thyme has acquired such a wide medicinal, and culinary, reputation that it is a mainstay of the modern herbal materia medica. It has a long history as a treatment for coughs and makes a good carminative for use in dyspepsia and sluggish digestion. 

Main Product Attributes
A guide to Thyme and its properties

  • Traditional Use

    Thyme is traditionally part of every herb garden, even the most modest. It was used medicinally by Hippocrates ("the father of medicine") over 4,000 years ago, and later by the first Century Greek physician Dioscorides, as a treatment for respiratory disorders. It continues to be one of the most recommended herbs in Europe for this indication. The 17th Century herbalist Nicholas Culpeper recommended thyme for whooping cough, gout, stomach pains and shortness of breath. The Eclectic physicians considered thyme an emmenagogue, antispasmodic and diaphoretic, and they used it for dyspepsia, hysteria, dysmenorrhea, flatulence, colic, headache and neuralgia. The British Herbal Pharmacopoeia recommends its use in children for diarrhoea and enuresis.

  • Actions

    Expectorant, antispasmodic, antitussive, antibacterial, carminative, antifungal, antiviral, antioxidant, astringent, anthelmintic, anti-inflammatory, analgesic 

  • Indications

    •    Respiratory tract problems including bronchitis, coughs, pertussis (whooping cough), pleurisy, asthma, emphysema, sinusitis and laryngitis
    •    Infections including streptococcal throat, tonsillitis, lung and kidney infections
    •    Digestive problems including dyspepsia, gastritis, diarrhoea, spasmodic conditions of the gastrointestinal tract, adjunct in treatment of peptic ulcer
    •    Skin disinfection (topically) - minor wounds, fungal and bacterial skin disorders, as a mouthwash to reduce oral bacteria, herpes simplex virus

  • Energetics

    Hot, dry

  • Use in Pregnancy

    Likely safe when used in amounts commonly found in foods. Use medicinal amounts of thyme cautiously in women who are pregnant, or trying to become pregnant, due to possible antifertility and abortifacient effects. Traditionally, thyme has been used as an aid in labour and delivery.

  • Contraindications & Cautions

    Contraindicated in patients with a known allergy, or hypersensitivity, to thyme, its constituents or members of the Lamiaceae (Labiatae) family. 

  • Drug Interactions

    Caution with anticoagulant/antiplatelet drugs (such as warfarin)

  • Dietary Information

    Vegan friendly. Gluten and dairy free

  • Substitutes

    Rosemary, Hyssop, Garlic, Elderberry, Angelica, Aniseed, Elecampane, Grindelia, Ribwort, White Horehound, Fennel, Ivy Leaf, Liquorice, Mullein, Thuja, Adhatoda, Red Clover

20001

Submitted by admin on Mon, 02/28/2022 - 07:02
Top Product Attributes

  • Common Name

    Thuja

  • Botanical Name

    Thuja occidentalis

  • Part Used

    Herb

  • Alcohol

    50%

  • Dose

    10 to 40mL weekly

Thuja is a popular immune stimulant for acute and chronic infections of the upper respiratory tract and as an adjuvant to antibiotics in severe bacterial infections such as bronchitis, otitis media and sinusitis. As an antiviral thuja has great success orally and locally in removing simple and genital warts and molluscum contagiosum and is often successful against herpes simplex and tonsillitis. 

Main Product Attributes
A guide to Thuja and its properties

  • Traditional Use

    Thuja is a native European tree widely used in homeopathy. 

  • Actions

    Antimicrobial, antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal, alterative, expectorant, immunomodulator, astringent, diuretic, emmenagogue

  • Indications

    •    Common cold, throat infection, bronchitis, tonsillitis, otitis media, sinusitis 
    •    Psoriasis
    •    Arthritis, osteoarthritis, rheumatism, rheumatoid arthritis
    •    Cystitis
    •    Amenorrhoea, polycystic ovarian disease, ovarian cysts, fibroids
    •    Topically (and internally) for warts and fungal infections of skin.

  • Energetics

    Warming, drying

  • Use in Pregnancy

    Contraindicated

  • Contraindications & Cautions

    Thuja is considered to be a low dose herb, used short term, for specific issues. High doses should be avoided with epilepsy.

  • Drug Interactions

    Caution with anticonvulsants and immunosuppressants

  • Dietary Information

    Vegan friendly. Gluten and dairy free

  • Substitutes

    Echinacea, Maritime Pine, Wormwood, Mugwort, Sage, Andrographis, Cat’s Claw, Thyme

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