19701

Submitted by admin on Mon, 02/28/2022 - 06:58
Top Product Attributes

  • Common Name

    St Mary’s Thistle, Milk Thistle, Silymarin

  • Botanical Name

    Silybum marianum

  • Part Used

    Seed

  • Clinical Summary

    Click here

  • Monograph

    Click here

  • Alcohol

    45%

  • Dose

    20 to 80mL weekly

St. Mary’s thistle has been used for centuries to protect and nourish the liver. It is used as supportive treatment in chronic liver diseases and high-cholesterol. Traditionally the seeds have been used to treat jaundice, hepatitis, haemorrhoids and psoriasis, as a tonic for nursing mothers and as a general ‘liver cleansing’ agent. In practice St. Mary’s thistle is commonly used for treating digestive disorders and any indication whereby improved liver function or liver protection may be a benefit. It affords protection against the toxic effects of a number of drugs and environmental poisons. 

Main Product Attributes
A guide to St Mary’s Thistle and its properties

  • Traditional Use

    St Mary’s thistle has a long history of traditional use since ancient times. Over the centuries it has been touted as a remedy for snakebite, melancholy, liver conditions and promoting lactation.

  • Actions

    Hepatoprotective, hepatorestorative, choleretic, cholagogue, chelates iron, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antifibrotic, hypoglycaemic, galactagogue

  • Indications

    •    Liver disease including toxic liver damage, chronic liver diseases, alcoholic liver disease, acute viral hepatitis, hepatitis C infection
    •    Preventing gallstones, gallbladder support
    •    Hypercholesterolemia (high cholesterol)
    •    Chemotherapy support, exposure to conventional drugs and chemical pollutants
    •    Digestive disorders, dyspepsia, hangover
    •    Skin conditions involving liver dysfunction
    •    Support breast milk production during breast feeding

  • Energetics

    Bitter, warm and dry.

  • Use in Pregnancy

    No known restrictions

  • Contraindications & Cautions

    Contraindicated in individuals with an allergy to the Asteraceae or Compositae (daisy) family.

  • Drug Interactions

    Caution with risperidone (antipsychotic agent), sirolimus (selective immune-suppressing drug) and tamoxifen (hormonal therapy used to treat breast cancer). Monitor with metronidazole (antibiotic). The combination may be beneficial with doxorubicin and cisplatin (chemotherapy medications) and hepatotoxic substances.

  • Dietary Information

    Vegan friendly. Gluten and dairy free

  • Substitutes

    Globe Artichoke, Bupleurum, Schisandra, Dandelion Root, Andrographis

19601

Submitted by admin on Mon, 02/28/2022 - 06:55
Top Product Attributes

  • Common Name

    St John’s Wort

  • Botanical Name

    Hypericum perforatum

  • Part Used

    Herb

  • Clinical Summary

    Click here

  • Monograph

    Click here

  • Alcohol

    60%

  • Dose

    15 to 80mL weekly

Over the past 30 years St. John’s wort has become a poster herb for depression and mood disorders, especially seasonal affective disorder, as well as holding promise as a therapy for cancer, inflammation, bacterial and viral infections. Research suggests that St. John's wort may help relieve physical and emotional symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) in some women including cramps, irritability, food cravings and breast tenderness.

Main Product Attributes
A guide to St John’s Wort and its properties

  • Traditional Use

    St John’s wort was traditionally used for damaged nerve endings.

  • Actions

    Anti-inflammatory, nervine tonic, antiviral, astringent, hepatic, antiproliferative, antispasmodic, relaxing nervine, nervous system trophorestorative, anxiolytic, antidepressant, vulnerary, alterative, anodyne

  • Indications

    •    Mild to moderate depression and to reduce the risk of relapse, anxiety, stress, burnout, exhaustion, chronic fatigue syndrome (where there is a viral infection with concomitant depressive symptoms), seasonal affective disorder, premenstrual syndrome, perimenopausal and menopausal women with psychological symptoms, anxiety and depression associated with irritable bowel syndrome
    •    Nerve pain, nerve entrapment in osteoarthritis, sciatica, fibromyalgia, migraine headaches
    •    Gastrointestinal conditions such as oesophagitis and peptic ulcers, liver stagnation
    •    Viruses including herpes viruses such as cold sores and shingles, Graves' disease (caused by virus)
    •    Topically to treat burns, injuries, allergic dermatitis, psoriasis, muscle pain, bacterial vaginosis

  • Energetics

    Neutral (can be warming and cooling), drying. Taste is slightly bitter, pungent, sweet.

  • Use in Pregnancy

    In practice St. John’s wort is not recommended in pregnancy

  • Contraindications & Cautions

    Some people, particularly fair skinned people, find that taking St. John’s wort (especially hypericin standardised extracts) causes photosensitivity although this is unlikely at therapeutic doses.

  • Drug Interactions

    St. John’s wort is infamous for its known effects on pharmaceutical drugs. It increases the metabolic pathways used by many prescribed drugs thus reducing blood levels of these drugs which may lead to loss of therapeutic effect and potentially render them ineffective. Please see the full monograph for a detailed list.

  • Dietary Information

    Vegan friendly. Gluten and dairy free

  • Substitutes

    Magnolia, Saffron, Lavender, Lemon Balm, Rhodiola, Oats, Seed, Oats Green, Rosemary

19401

Submitted by admin on Mon, 02/28/2022 - 06:49
Top Product Attributes

  • Common Name

    Slippery Elm, Red Elm

  • Botanical Name

    Ulmus rubra

  • Part Used

    Bark

  • Clinical Summary

    Click here

  • Monograph

    Click here

  • Alcohol

    60%

  • Dose

    40 to 80mL weekly

Traditionally used to heal and soothe the mucous membranes of the respiratory, digestive and urinary tracts. It is useful for sore throats, coughs, dyspepsia, stomach ulcers, diarrhoea, constipation, irritable and inflammatory bowel diseases, cystitis and bladder irritation. Topically it can be used as a poultice on the skin to help soothe inflammation, protect the skin and draw out impurities in wounds, boils, burns, abscesses and ulcers.

Main Product Attributes
A guide to Slippery Elm and its properties

  • Traditional Use

    Based on traditional evidence slippery elm is taken internally to relieve the symptoms of gastritis, acid dyspepsia, gastric reflux, peptic ulcers, irritable bowel syndrome and Crohn's disease.

  • Actions

    Demulcent, emollient, nutritive, antitussive, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, diuretic, expectorant, astringent

  • Indications

    •    Gastritis, reflux, dyspepsia and gastric or duodenal ulcers
    •    Irritable and inflammatory bowel diseases
    •    Colitis, diarrhoea and constipation
    •    Upper and lower respiratory complaints including bronchitis and throat inflammation
    •    Convalescence as a nutrient supplement
    •    Externally it is applied as a poultice for wounds, boils, burns, abscesses and ulcers.

  • Energetics

    Moistening, neutral

  • Use in Pregnancy

    It is likely to be safe, but safety is still to be established.

  • Contraindications & Cautions

    None known.

  • Drug Interactions

    Although there are no controlled studies available, theoretically, the herb should be taken away from medications as the mucilage effects on the digestive tract may impede absorption. Separate doses by two hours.

  • Dietary Information

    Vegan friendly. Gluten and dairy free

  • Substitutes

    Marshmallow

19301

Submitted by admin on Mon, 02/28/2022 - 06:45
Top Product Attributes

  • Common Name

    Siberian Ginseng, Eleuthero, Ci Wu Jia, Acanthopanax Senticosus

  • Botanical Name

    Eleutherococcus senticosus

  • Part Used

    Root

  • Clinical Summary

    Click here

  • Monograph

    Click here

  • Alcohol

    45%

  • Dose

    15 to 40mL weekly

Siberian ginseng is often referred to as the ‘king of adaptogens’ and is traditionally used to help the body better adapt to stress. It is most effective in the treatment of prolonged exhaustion and anxiety resulting from overwork, lack of sleep and long-term stress and shows promise for the management of moderate chronic fatigue syndrome. Siberian ginseng is also used for increased endurance, especially athletic performance, and memory improvement, as well as for immunological enhancement and overall well-being.

Main Product Attributes
A guide to Siberian Ginseng and its properties

  • Traditional Use

    In Russia Siberian ginseng was originally used by people in the Siberian taiga (sub-arctic) region to increase performance and quality of life, and to decrease infections. In the 1950s the term adaptogen was coined by Soviet scholars and they considered Siberian ginseng to be one of the most important adaptogens after Korean ginseng (Panax ginseng). It can invigorate qi (vital energy), strengthen the spleen and nourish the kidney in the theory of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Siberian ginseng was first introduced into the American herb market in the late 1970s, as Wuchaseng and Wujiaseng, and it became commonly known as Eleuthero.

  • Actions

    Adaptogen, immunomodulator, antiviral, mild stimulant, tonic

  • Indications

    •    Tonic in cases of decreased performance
    •    Prophylactic and restorative tonic
    •    Convalescence during recovery from acute or chronic disease, trauma, surgery and other stressful episodes
    •    Increases the body’s resistance to stressful exposures
    •    Adjunctive cancer treatment

  • Energetics

     Warming

  • Use in Pregnancy

    Safety during pregnancy and lactation has not been established. In the absence of sufficient data, the use during pregnancy and lactation is not recommended. It is not traditionally used in pregnancy.

  • Contraindications & Cautions

    May cause insomnia in some people if taken too close to bedtime. People with hypertension should be monitored.

  • Drug Interactions

    Caution with alcohol, central nervous system depressants, digoxin, lithium and immunosuppressant drugs. Monitor with anticoagulant/antiplatelet and antidiabetic drugs. May be beneficial in chemotherapy – medical supervision recommended. 

  • Dietary Information

    Vegan friendly. Gluten and dairy free

  • Substitutes

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

19201

Submitted by admin on Mon, 02/28/2022 - 06:42
Top Product Attributes

  • Common Name

    Shepherd’s Purse

  • Botanical Name

    Capsella bursa-pastoris

  • Part Used

    Herb

  • Clinical Summary

    Click here

  • Alcohol

    25%

  • Dose

    20 to 80mL weekly

As an astringent shepherd’s purse is effective for treating diarrhoea, wounds and nose bleeds. It can also reduce excess menstrual flow and is a key herb for dysfunctional uterine bleeding. 

Main Product Attributes
A guide to Shepherd’s Purse and its properties

  • Traditional Use

    Shepherd’s purse has a long history of medicinal use in Europe, China, Japan and Arabic countries. It is extensively prescribed in Traditional Chinese Medicine for the regulation of blood and to help with eyesight.

  • Actions

    Astringent, diuretic, antihaemorrhagic, urinary antiseptic, styptic, oxytocic, urinary antiseptic, antipyretic

  • Indications

    •    Heavy menstruation, dysmenorrhoea, dysfunctional uterine bleeding, uterine haemorrhage, reducing postpartum haemorrhage
    •    Cystitis
    •    Diarrhoea
    •    Nose bleeds, superficial skin wounds and bruising  

  • Energetics

    Cold, dry

  • Use in Pregnancy

    Likely unsafe due to possible uterine stimulation, menstrual flow stimulation and miscarriage.

  • Contraindications & Cautions

    None known

  • Drug Interactions

    Monitor with central nervous system depressants and thyroid hormone.

  • Dietary Information

    Vegan friendly. Gluten and dairy free

  • Substitutes

    Oak Bark, Lady’s Mantle, Agrimony, Yarrow, Witch Hazel, Stone Root, Raspberry

19101

Submitted by admin on Mon, 02/28/2022 - 06:36
Top Product Attributes

  • Common Name

    Senna Pods

  • Botanical Name

    Senna alexandrina

  • Part Used

    Fruit

  • Clinical Summary

    Click here

  • Alcohol

    45%

  • Dose

    10 to 40mL weekly

Used in more severe cases of constipation and conditions in which easy bowel evacuation, with soft stools, is desirable such as in haemorrhoids and after colon, rectal or abdominal surgery. Short term application is advisable. Can be taken on the fourth day of an intestinal worm protocol to cleanse the bowel of the dead parasites. Concurrent administration of carminatives and antispasmodics, such as ginger (Zingiber officinale) or fennel (Foeniculum vulgare), is highly recommended. 

Main Product Attributes
A guide to Senna Pods and its properties

  • Traditional Use

    Senna pods have been used for their stimulating laxative effect in more severe cases of constipation. 

  • Actions

    Laxative

  • Indications

    Constipation, conditions in which easy bowel evacuation with soft stools is desirable such as anal fissures, haemorrhoids, after colon and rectal surgery, for bowel clearance before X-ray examinations and before and after abdominal surgery.

  • Energetics

    Cold, dry

  • Use in Pregnancy

    Possibly safe when used short-term orally and appropriately. Possibly unsafe when used orally long term or in high doses.

  • Contraindications & Cautions

    Do not use for prolonged periods. Senna should not be used for more than one to two weeks. Excessive, or chronic use, or abuse may cause electrolyte imbalance including potassium deficiency, albuminuria (a condition of having too much protein in the urine which results from damage within the kidneys) and haematuria (blood in the urine). Adverse effects include diarrhoea, fluid loss, colic and possible hepatic reactions. Do not use in intestinal upsets including irritation, inflammations, diarrhoea, nausea and vomiting, intestinal obstruction and stenosis, atony, irritation of the bowel, inflammatory colon diseases, appendicitis, abdominal pain of unknown origin, severe dehydration states with water and electrolyte depletion or chronic constipation.

  • Drug Interactions

    Caution with digoxin, diuretic drugs, oestrogens, stimulant laxatives and warfarin.

  • Dietary Information

    Vegan friendly. Gluten and dairy free

  • Substitutes

    Rhubarb, Cascara Sagrada, Aloes, Butternut, Buckthorn

32301

Submitted by admin on Mon, 02/28/2022 - 06:31
Top Product Attributes

  • Common Name

    Scullcap, Helmet Flower, Quaker Bonnet, Skullcap (Alternate American Spelling)

  • Botanical Name

    Scutellaria lateriflora

  • Part Used

    Herb

  • Clinical Summary

    Click here

  • Alcohol

    30%

  • Dose

    15 to 80mL weekly

Stress, tension, anxiety, insomnia, nervousness and panic attacks are all indications for this bitter and cooling herb. It is said to be specific for the psychological side of premenstrual syndrome. Scullcap is admired for its ability to reduce muscle twitches and involuntary muscle spasms. It works well for acute situations but it can also be taken long term to broadly support the nervous system and help to reduce the negative effects of chronic stress. 

Main Product Attributes
A guide to Scullcap and its properties

  • Traditional Use

    Scullcap is native to North America and has been used extensively by Native Americans. Much of the ethnobotanical data comes from the Cherokee nation, who have used at least three different species of scullcap for a variety of ailments including diarrhoea, breast pain and to enhance kidney function. Many other eastern Native American tribes have a long history of using scullcap as well. The Physiomedicalists and Eclectics of the 19th century also used scullcap as a relaxing nervine to treat a variety of nervous system disorders.

  • Actions

    Nervine tonic, relaxing nervine, sedative, antispasmodic, analgesic, anticonvulsant, hypotensive, antioxidant

  • Indications

    •    Stress, anxiety, pain, muscle spasms, insomnia, panic attacks, seizures, twitching, teething, tension headaches
    •    Premenstrual syndrome 

  • Energetics

    Cool, dry

  • Use in Pregnancy

    Insufficient reliable information available

  • Contraindications & Cautions

    None known

  • Drug Interactions

    Caution with central nervous system depressant drugs.

  • Dietary Information

    Vegan friendly. Gluten and dairy free

  • Substitutes

    Hops, Valerian, Lime Flowers, Chamomile, Motherwort

18701

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

  • Common Name

    Rue

  • Botanical Name

    Ruta graveolens

  • Part Used

    Herb

  • Alcohol

    30%

  • Dose

    10 to 20mL weekly

Traditionally used for the treatment of rheumatism, arthritis and other inflammatory conditions. Rue is used to regulate menstruation and bring on delayed periods (due to shock, stress or other causes) in combination with uterine tonics. It can be used in the digestive system for griping and the respiratory system for spasmodic coughs. It can also be used in hypertension and varicose veins.

Main Product Attributes
A guide to Rue and its properties

  • Traditional Use

    An exceedingly bitter herb rue is a plant rich in folklore, culinary and medicinal use.

  • Actions

    Emmenagogue, uterine stimulant, abortifacient, circulatory stimulant, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, anthelmintic, antimicrobial, bitter, antitussive, stimulating expectorant, rubefacient, tonic

  • Indications

    •    Fibroids, endometriosis, dysmenorrhoea, amenorrhoea (where pregnancy is excluded), oligomenorrhoea
    •    Colic, bowel tension, flatulence
    •    Rheumatism, arthritis, gout, sprains, especially as an ointment
    •    Fevers
    •    Multiple sclerosis, nervous overactivity, tension
    •    Spasmodic coughs, bronchial and croupy conditions
    •    Hypertension, heart palpitations
    •    Intestinal worms
    •    Externally for eye ailments including conjunctivitis, cataracts and to improve vision, head lice, ring worm, insect repellent

  • Energetics

    Warming, drying, pungent, bitter.

  • Use in Pregnancy

    Contraindicated because it is a uterine stimulant and abortifacient.

  • Contraindications & Cautions

    Although a rare occurrence, if handled in sunlight (ultraviolet A light) skin contact with rue can cause photosensitivity and can cause a painful rash. Gardeners growing rue are advised to wear protective clothing when handling it.

  • Drug Interactions

    Caution with photosensitising drugs

  • Dietary Information

    Vegan friendly. Gluten and dairy free

  • Substitutes

    Mugwort, Sage, Wormwood

18601

Submitted by admin on Mon, 02/28/2022 - 03:58
Top Product Attributes

  • Common Name

    Rosemary

  • Botanical Name

    Rosmarinus officinalis

  • Part Used

    Leaf

  • Clinical Summary

    Click here

  • Alcohol

    45%

  • Dose

    15 to 80mL weekly

Rosemary is an aromatic herb rich in antioxidant compounds which acts as a circulatory and nervine stimulant, well suited to the aging population facing cardiovascular and Alzheimer’s disease. In addition to being used as a heart and brain tonic rosemary can tone and calm the digestive system, relieving nausea, and gas, and supporting the liver. It also assists the respiratory system and can bring relief to cold and influenza symptoms such as fever, sore throat and stagnant congestion in the sinuses and lung

Main Product Attributes
A guide to Rosemary and its properties

  • Traditional Use

    Rosemary has been associated with remembrance since ancient Greece where scholars would wear garlands of rosemary, whilst studying, to aid their memories. It is for this reason sprigs of rosemary are worn on the lapel on Anzac Day in remembrance of fallen service men and women.

  • Actions

    Antioxidant, circulatory stimulant, hepatoprotective, carminative, antispasmodic, antimicrobial, Sedative, cardioprotective, analgesic

  • Indications

    •    Indigestion, poor appetite, flatulent dyspepsia, improvement of hepatic and biliary function 
    •    Headaches, low mood, depression with general debility, anxiety, poor concentration and memory
    •    Cardiovascular weakness
    •    External use in rheumatic conditions, peripheral circulatory disorders, promotion of wound healing and as a mild antiseptic

  • Energetics

    Warming, drying 

  • Use in Pregnancy

    Rosemary is not recommended in pregnancy in doses higher than the usual dietary intake levels until safety is established or only under professional supervision.

  • Contraindications & Cautions

    None known

  • Drug Interactions

    Caution with anticoagulant/antiplatelet drugs and iron supplements. Separate doses by two hours.

  • Dietary Information

    Vegan friendly. Gluten and dairy free

  • Substitutes

    Maritime Pine, Pomegranate, Green Tea, Lavender, Sage, Lemon Balm, Gotu Kola, Bacopa, Ginkgo, Butcher’s Broom

18501

Submitted by admin on Mon, 02/28/2022 - 03:54
Top Product Attributes

  • Common Name

    Rose Hips, Dog Rose

  • Botanical Name

    Rosa canina

  • Part Used

    Fruit

  • Clinical Summary

    Click here

  • Monograph

    Click here

  • Alcohol

    60%

  • Dose

    20 to 210mL weekly

Rose hips are filled with a wide range of phytonutrients, including being rich in antioxidants, so if taken regularly can not only enhance immunity but decrease oxidative stress which is thought to be the underlying cause of many chronic inflammatory diseases including arthritis, heart disease, diabetes and cancer. They have been used traditionally to treat a range of conditions including diarrhoea and bladder infections.

Main Product Attributes
A guide to Rose Hips and its properties

  • Traditional Use

    The use of rose hips in prescriptions dates back to Hippocrates (c. 460 to c. 370 BC) but precisely what for is unclear. As a medicinal plant it came into full bloom in World War II. When Britain was unable to import fresh citrus fruits the government organised the gathering of rose hips, which were known to be a rich source of vitamin C. Processed into syrup the rose hips helped to prevent scurvy and still, today, the plant is valued as a rich source of vitamin C. Rose hips have been used traditionally to treat a range of conditions including diarrhoea, bladder infections and diabetes. In Europe and America, rose hips are processed widely into jam and juice, used as a vitamin C supplement, in cosmetics and as a folklore drug in the form of tisane.

  • Actions

    Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, astringent, mild diuretic, nutrient

  • Indications

    •    Gastritis, diarrhoea
    •    Mild infections especially of the respiratory system and the common cold
    •    Adjuvant for the pain and joint stiffness associated with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis
    •    As a dietary supplement

  • Energetics

    Cooling

  • Use in Pregnancy

    No data available. Safe if used in amounts normally found in food and nutritional supplements. Rosehip tea has been traditionally recommended during pregnancy and there are no reports of ill effects.

  • Contraindications & Cautions

    None known.

  • Drug Interactions

    Caution with anticoagulant/antiplatelet drugs and lithium.

  • Dietary Information

    Vegan friendly. Gluten and dairy free

  • Substitutes

    Maritime Pine, Bilberry, Pomegranate, Green Tea

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