18401

Submitted by admin on Mon, 02/28/2022 - 03:50
Top Product Attributes

  • Common Name

    Rhubarb, Chinese Rhubarb, Turkey Rhubarb, Da Huang

  • Botanical Name

    Rheum palmatum

  • Part Used

    Root

  • Clinical Summary

    Click here

  • Alcohol

    60%

  • Dose

    15 to 40mL weekly

Primarily used in traditional medicine as a stimulant laxative to treat constipation. At low doses it is said to act as an antidiarrhoeal because of the tannin components whereas at higher doses it exerts a cathartic action. 

Main Product Attributes
A guide to Rhubarb and its properties

  • Traditional Use

    Rhubarb has long been used as a kidney tonic in traditional Chinese medicine. Several clinical trials have been conducted using rhubarb root extracts in patients with chronic kidney disease. 

  • Actions

    Astringent, laxative, anti-inflammatory, stomachic

  • Indications

    Short-term treatment of occasional constipation, cleansing action on the gut 

  • Energetics

    Cold, bitter

  • Use in Pregnancy

    Possibly unsafe when used in medicinal amounts because it is a stimulant laxative. Avoid using.

  • Contraindications & Cautions

    Short term use only (one to two weeks). Should be used only if no effect can be obtained through a change of diet or use of bulk-forming laxatives. Single doses may cause cramp-like discomfort of the gastrointestinal tract. Contraindicated in children under 10 years. Not to be used in cases of intestinal obstruction and stenosis, atony, inflammatory colon diseases (appendicitis, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis or irritable bowel syndrome), abdominal pain of unknown origin, undiagnosed acute or persistent abdominal symptoms, severe dehydration states with electrolyte depletion, haemorrhoids or nephritis.

  • Drug Interactions

    Caution with corticosteroids, digoxin, diuretics, stimulant laxatives and nephrotoxic drugs.

  • Dietary Information

    Vegan friendly. Gluten and dairy free

  • Substitutes

    Cascara Sagrada, Senna, Aloes, Butternut, Buckthorn

18301

Submitted by admin on Mon, 02/28/2022 - 03:45
Top Product Attributes

  • Common Name

    Sage

  • Botanical Name

    Salvia officinalis

  • Part Used

    Leaf

  • Clinical Summary

    Click here

  • Alcohol

    45%

  • Dose

    15 to 80mL weekly

Sage has long been used to flavour meals and to aid digestion. It is used to reduce symptoms of menopause such as night sweats. Recent research demonstrates effectiveness of sage spray for sore throat, a reduction in total cholesterol levels for people with elevated blood lipids and that it may improve memory in Alzheimer's disease and in healthy people.

Main Product Attributes
A guide to Sage and its properties

  • Traditional Use

    Sage has a long history of use in traditional medicine as an antispasmodic and carminative, to relieve excess sweating and as a gargle for inflammations of the mouth.

  • Actions

    Antihydrotic, cognitive enhancing, anxiolytic, antispasmodic, antioxidant, astringent, antimicrobial, antiseptic  

  • Indications

    •    Excessive perspiration and salivation, sweats and hot flushes associated with menopause
    •    Dysmenorrhoea, to cease lactation
    •    Flatulent dyspepsia, lack of appetite, diarrhoea
    •    Memory enhancement, dementia, lowering cholesterol
    •    Tonsillitis, as a gargle or mouthwash to relieve inflammation of the mouth and throat such as gingivitis 

  • Energetics

    Warming, drying, pungent, bitter

  • Use in Pregnancy

    Traditionally sage is reported to have abortifacient properties. Its use in pregnancy is therefore not recommended

  • Contraindications & Cautions

    When used in appropriate doses sage appears to be a safe herbal medicine.

  • Drug Interactions

    Caution with acetylcholinesterase inhibitors, anticholinergic, antidiabetic, cholinergic and central nervous system depressant drugs. Due to the tannin content, sage may reduce the absorption of iron, calcium, magnesium. Separate doses by two to three hours.

  • Dietary Information

    Vegan friendly. Gluten and dairy free

  • Substitutes

    Rosemary, Lemon Balm, Mugwort, Gotu Kola

18201

Submitted by admin on Mon, 02/28/2022 - 03:41
Top Product Attributes

  • Common Name

    Red Clover

  • Botanical Name

    Trifolium pratense

  • Part Used

    Flower

  • Clinical Summary

    Click here

  • Monograph

    Click here

  • Alcohol

    30%

  • Dose

    10 to 60mL weekly

Red clover has traditionally been used mainly as an alterative or blood cleanser. It was used in cases of cancer and congested skin conditions such as boils and acne. It was also known for its antispasmodic actions and teas made from the blossoms were employed in cases of whooping cough and other spasmodic bronchial conditions.

Main Product Attributes
A guide to Red Clover and its properties

  • Traditional Use

    Traditionally it is considered as an alterative remedy with blood-cleansing properties useful in the treatment of skin diseases such as psoriasis, eczema and rashes.  

  • Actions

    Phytoestrogen, antispasmodic, alterative, hypotensive, anticancer, diuretic, nutritive tonic

  • Indications

    •    Menopausal symptoms, particularly hot flushes
    •    Metabolic syndrome & atherosclerosis
    •    Hypertension
    •    Skin conditions such as eczema, boils, acne
    •    Prostate cancer
    •    Bronchitis and whooping cough
    •    Osteoporosis

  • Energetics

    Cooling, sweet, salty

  • Use in Pregnancy

    Not generally recommended in pregnancy due to phyto-oestrogen content and lack of safety data.

  • Contraindications & Cautions

    There are no known contraindications for the flower head extracts. Concentrated isoflavone extracts should only be used by people with oestrogen-sensitive cancers under professional supervision because of the possible proliferative effects. Additionally, people with conditions that may be aggravated by increased oestrogen levels, such as endometriosis or uterine fibroids, should use this herb under professional supervision only. No randomised controlled trials have addressed the long-term safety of phyto-oestrogens in patients after a diagnosis of breast cancer. 

  • Drug Interactions

    Caution with hormone replacement therapy, methotrexate (a chemotherapy agent and immune-system suppressant), tamoxifen (hormonal therapy used to treat breast cancer), anticoagulant/antiplatelet (such as warfarin) and contraceptive drugs. May be beneficial with lipid-lowering drugs – monitor. 

  • Dietary Information

    Vegan friendly. Gluten and dairy free

  • Substitutes

    Alfalfa, Yellow Dock, Calendula, Heartsease, Nettle Leaf, Clivers, Sarsaparilla, Echinacea, Burdock, Poke Root

18101

Submitted by admin on Mon, 02/28/2022 - 03:36
Top Product Attributes

  • Common Name

    Raspberry

  • Botanical Name

    Rubus idaeus

  • Part Used

    Leaf

  • Clinical Summary

    Click here

  • Alcohol

    30%

  • Dose

    30 to 170mL weekly

Raspberry leaf has long been pigeon-holed as a women’s uterine tonic and, while it does make childbirth easier as a partus preparator, it is also known for its ability to address inflammation in the mouth and throat, for allergies and influenza with copious free discharge of clear mucous and for diarrhoea. Raspberry leaf tones the mucous membranes throughout the body and soothes the kidneys and urinary tract. 

Main Product Attributes
A guide to Raspberry and its properties

  • Traditional Use

    Midwives have used raspberry leaves since ancient times to prepare the uterus for childbirth in an attempt to facilitate a complication-free labour.

  • Actions

    Astringent, partus preparator, uterine tonic, antidiarrhoeal, antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, 

  • Indications

    •    Prepares the uterus for childbirth, reduces the pain of uterine contractions during childbirth, makes contractions more effective and productive, thereby easing and shortening the duration of the birth and reducing the risk of haemorrhage, aids with the production and maintenance of breastmilk, dysmenorrhea, menorrhagia, general and uterine tonic following surgery to the uterus such as the removal of fibroids, termination of pregnancy or a curette.
    •    Diarrhoea, to improve digestion
    •    Inflammation of mouth and throat, tonsillitis, allergies, influenza, conjunctivitis (locally as eye lotion)
    •    Soothes the kidneys and urinary tract

  • Energetics

    Cool, dry

  • Use in Pregnancy

    Likely to be safe, but safety cannot be confirmed (first trimester), likely to be safe (second and third trimester). There is no evidence of harmful effects on the foetus, despite consumption by a large number of women. Clinical studies suggest that it is safe to use after the first trimester, although it is prudent to ensure close professional supervision.

  • Contraindications & Cautions

    As tannins may reduce the absorption of other substances, it is recommended to take raspberry leaf preparations separately (by at least two hours) from other medications. The high tannin concentration means it should be avoided in constipation, iron deficiency anaemia and malnutrition. Use cautiously in highly inflamed or ulcerated conditions of the gastrointestinal tract.

  • Drug Interactions

    Due to its high tannin content raspberry may decrease absorption of iron, calcium and magnesium, as well as some drugs. As such, it is advised to separate the administration of these substances by at least two hours.

  • Dietary Information

    Vegan friendly. Gluten and dairy free

  • Substitutes

    Check for pregnancy contraindications. Uterine tonics:  Dong Quai, False Unicorn Root, Black Cohosh. Astringents:  Lady’s Mantle, Agrimony, Oak Bark, Shepherd’s Purse, Stone Root, Witch Hazel, Yarrow

17901

Submitted by admin on Mon, 02/28/2022 - 03:27
Top Product Attributes

  • Common Name

    Prickly Ash

  • Botanical Name

    Zanthoxylum clava-herculis

  • Part Used

    Bark

  • Clinical Summary

    Click here

  • Alcohol

    45%

  • Dose

    10 to 40mL weekly

Prickly ash is a gentle circulatory stimulant used when there is sluggish circulation. It is also indicated in other chronic inflammatory disorders marked by deficient circulation such as joint diseases like rheumatism and arthritis. 

Main Product Attributes
A guide to Prickly ash and its properties

  • Traditional Use

    Prickly ash has a rich history of use as a herb for aches and pains, particularly those that are brought on by aging, cold and poor circulation. Prickly ash is also known by the common name of toothache tree as it was used by native American Indian tribes for its numbing effect when chewed.

  • Actions

    Circulatory stimulant, diaphoretic, antirheumatic, sialogogue, carminative, diuretic

  • Indications

    •    Peripheral circulatory insufficiency including intermittent claudication, cramps in the legs (including night cramps), varicose veins, varicose ulcers, chilblains, Raynaud’s syndrome, erectile dysfunction
    •    Relief of respiratory catarrh
    •    Chronic rheumatic conditions, adjuvant for gout and osteoporosis
    •    Indigestion

  • Energetics

    Dry, warm

  • Use in Pregnancy

    Not recommended

  • Contraindications & Cautions

    None known

  • Drug Interactions

    Monitor with acid-reducing drugs (antacids, H2 antagonists, proton pump inhibitors)

  • Dietary Information

    Vegan friendly. Gluten and dairy free

  • Substitutes

    Cayenne, Ginger, Devil’s Claw, Horseradish, Cinnamon, Rosemary, Garlic

17501

Submitted by admin on Mon, 02/28/2022 - 03:22
Top Product Attributes

  • Common Name

    Passion Flower

  • Botanical Name

    Passiflora incarnata

  • Part Used

    Herb

  • Clinical Summary

    Click here

  • Monograph

    Click here

  • Alcohol

    30%

  • Dose

    10 to 20mL weekly

Passion flower has anxiolytic effects that help reduce symptoms of anxiety. It might also be useful for insomnia, especially when used as part of a herbal combination. There is some research suggesting it may help ease the symptoms of opiate withdrawal.

Main Product Attributes
A guide to Passion Flower and its properties

  • Traditional Use

    Traditionally passion flower has been used to treat neuralgia, generalised seizures, hysteria and insomnia. It has also been used to treat diarrhoea, dysentery and dysmenorrhoea by acting on the nervous system.

  • Actions

    Anxiolytic, mild sedative, anticonvulsant, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, hypnotic, hypotensive, anodyne

  • Indications

    •    Anxiety, especially before surgery, Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), ADHD, stress
    •    Insomnia
    •    Nervous conditions including tachycardia, headache and restlessness
    •    Spasmodic conditions including dysmenorrhea, asthma, whooping cough
    •    Neuralgic pain especially with anxiety
    •    Epilepsy, especially generalised seizures
    •    Adjuvant for opiate withdrawal and symptoms of opiate withdrawal
    •    Cardiac rhythm abnormalities, hypertension
    •    Sexual dysfunction 
    •    Menopause

  • Energetics

    Neutral, bitter

  • Use in Pregnancy

    Passion flower has demonstrated the ability to increase uterine contractions in vivo Whether this has any adverse effects in pregnancy remains unknown. Caution is advised until safety is better established.

  • Contraindications & Cautions

    Whether concomitant use of high doses of passion flower adversely affects people’s ability to drive a car, or operate heavy machinery, should be evaluated on an individual case-by-case basis.

  • Drug Interactions

    Caution with barbiturates, benzodiazepines and central nervous system depressant drugs.

  • Dietary Information

    Vegan friendly. Gluten and dairy free

  • Substitutes

    Valerian, Hops, Lavender, St. John’s Wort, Magnolia, Lemon Balm, Skullcap, Saffron, Californian Poppy, Zizyphus

17301

Submitted by admin on Mon, 02/28/2022 - 03:17
Top Product Attributes

  • Common Name

    Oats, Groats, Oatmeal

  • Botanical Name

    Avena sativa

  • Part Used

    Seed

  • Clinical Summary

    Click here

  • Alcohol

    45%

  • Dose

    10 to 40mL weekly

One of the safest and most popular nervine tonics is oats seed which is considered to have a rebuilding and restorative effect. Oats seed is an excellent nervine which gently and gradually helps restore nervous system balance, reducing anxiety, irritability, reactivity and rapid mood changes. There is some truth to the universally understood reference to promiscuity “sowing your wild oats” because oats seed supports reproductive health by nourishing the endocrine system and restoring nerve health. As a result they have a traditional use as a tonic appropriate for ageing men. Oats seed has a reputation for relieving depression and cravings in people who are attempting to break addiction to nicotine. They are considered to be more stimulating and tonifying than oats green.

Main Product Attributes
A guide to Oats seed and its properties

  • Traditional Use

    Many Eclectics considered oat seed to be of some importance for treating nervous debility. Many Western herbalists prefer to use oat seed tincture as a simple to quiet temporary, mild anxiety or to take the edge off moods that might otherwise be expressed as angry outbursts or losses of self-control. Oats seed has a more immediate effect than oats green and is considered more specific to people who are going through acute nervous exhaustion.  

  • Actions

    Nervine tonic, anxiolytic, antidepressant, nutritive tonic, antipruritic, emollient, lipid lowering, antihypertensive, immunomodulation, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, blood sugar regulator 

  • Indications

    •    Convalescence, fatigue, stress, nervous tension, anxiety, insomnia, depression, psychological aspects of menopause, drug withdrawal, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
    •    Reduction of blood cholesterol and sugar levels, hypertension 

  • 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. Dairy free

  • Substitutes

    Oats Green, Alfalfa, Nettle Leaf, Chickweed

17101

Submitted by admin on Mon, 02/28/2022 - 03:13
Top Product Attributes

  • Common Name

    Mullein, Candlewick Plant, Flannel-leaf, Bunny's Ears

  • Botanical Name

    Verbascum thapsus

  • Part Used

    Leaf

  • Clinical Summary

    Click here

  • Alcohol

    25%

  • Dose

    30 to 170mL weekly

Much loved in folk medicine to assist breathing, mullein leaves are a beneficial respiratory remedy for toning the mucous membranes and treating lung congestion. It is widely used to treat dry, irritating coughs, influenza, asthma and bronchitis. It also supports people who have inhaled irritants such as pollution and bush fire smoke. 

Main Product Attributes
A guide to Mullein and its properties

  • Traditional use

    More than 2000 years ago mullein was described as a treatment for ‘old coughs’ by the Greek physician, botanist and author of De materia medica Dioscorides. Similarly, in 19th century Ireland, it was considered a leading remedy for tuberculosis (TB), which plagued the population, and large amounts of it were cultivated for this particular purpose.

  • Actions

    Expectorant, demulcent, anticatarrhal. Vulnerary, diuretic, sedative

  • Indications

    Respiratory catarrh, bronchitis, common cold, productive and dry cough, chronic otitis media, influenza

  • Energetics

    Cool, moist

  • Use in Pregnancy

    Insufficient reliable information is available however Commission E states that no restrictions are known.

  • Contraindications & Cautions

    None known

  • Drug Interactions

    None known

  • Dietary Information

    Vegan friendly. Gluten and dairy free

  • Substitutes

    Adhatoda, Elecampane, Grindelia, Liquorice, Red Clover, Thyme, White Horehound

17001

Submitted by admin on Mon, 02/28/2022 - 03:09
Top Product Attributes

  • Common Name

    Mugwort

  • Botanical Name

    Artemisia vulgaris

  • Part Used

    Herb

  • Clinical Summary

    Click here

  • Monograph

    Click here

  • Alcohol

    30%

  • Dose

    10 to 40mL weekly

Mugwort has been used traditionally for treating gynaecological ailments and gastrointestinal diseases resulting from cold including stomach pain, diarrhoea, flatulence and intestinal colic. It supports digestion through bitter stimulation while also possessing carminative properties. Mugwort is also useful for depression, insomnia, excessive stress exposure and tension due to a nervine action, and is considered a substitute for nicotine and cannabis.

Main Product Attributes
A guide to Mugwort and its properties

  • Traditional Use

    Mugwort has been used traditionally in European folk medicine for aiding digestion and as a general tonic.  The herb was often used amongst the peasants as a tea substitute and sometimes used in culinary dishes being included in recipes for poultry stuffing. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) mugwort has been used as an analgesic agent and, in conjunction with acupuncture therapy, to treat neonatal jaundice, gastric ulcers, hepatitis and convulsive crisis. In TCM the downy underside of mugwort is used in moxibustion therapy for different conditions including hypertension and breech pregnancy. 

  • Actions

    Emmenagogue, anthelmintic, bitter digestive stimulant, cholagogue, antispasmodic, antioxidant, nervine

  • Indications

    •    Delayed or irregular menstruation, amenorrhoea, dysmenorrhoea, to hasten labour and help expulsion of the placenta
    •    Poor appetite, weak digestion, nervous dyspepsia
    •    Intestinal parasites
    •    Oxidative stress and infection

  • Energetics

    Cool and dry

  • Use in Pregnancy

    Due to the emmenagogic action mugwort is not recommended during most stages of pregnancy – except in the last weeks to aid delivery. It should be avoided during breastfeeding because it tends to dry up secretions.

  • Contraindications & Cautions

    Allergic reactions to mugwort pollen have been commonly reported, including cross reactivity to other daisy family species. One study found that using oral doses of the herb medicinally (in immunotherapy) could reduce allergic responses to the airborne pollens in the skin.

  • Drug Interactions

    None known.

  • Dietary Information

    Vegan friendly. Gluten and dairy free

  • Substitutes

    Wormwood, Celandine, Black Walnut, Cloves, Rue 

16901

Submitted by admin on Mon, 02/28/2022 - 03:05
Top Product Attributes

  • Common Name

    Motherwort

  • Botanical Name

    Leonurus cardiaca

  • Part Used

    Herb

  • Clinical Summary

    Click here

  • Monograph

    Click here

  • Alcohol

    25%

  • Dose

    15 to 80mL weekly

Motherwort is commonly known as ‘mother’s little helper’ because of its ability to help ease the stress and tension of weary mothers and it has a special affinity for women throughout their lives. Motherwort is traditionally used for the women’s reproductive system as suggested by its English name which means ‘mother’s herb’. While motherwort is often considered a herb for women, men can find benefit in using it as well for maladies of the nervous system and heart triggered by stress. 
It is also an acclaimed cardiotonic known for strengthening the heart as indicated by the Latin name cardiaca. 

Main Product Attributes
A guide to Motherwort and its properties

  • Traditional Use

    Folkloric uses of motherwort emphasised it as being a calming and relaxing herbal agent with tonic effects on hormonal, nervous and cardiac systems. It is also a traditional childbirth and postpartum botanical that has been used for centuries.

  • Actions

    Cardiovascular tonic, relaxing nervine, circulatory stimulant, antispasmodic, hypotensive, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, emmenagogue, uterine tonic, diaphoretic, diuretic, hypoglycaemic, digestive bitter, antibacterial, antifungal, vermifuge

  • Indications

    •    Cardiac insufficiency, tachycardia or other arrhythmias, hypertension, heart palpitations associated with anxiety and excessive worry, especially when they are a feature of insomnia, poor circulation
    •    Hyperthyroidism (Graves’ disease)
    •    Menstrual cramping, dysmenorrhea, amenorrhea, menopausal symptoms (especially accompanied by anxiety, insomnia and palpitations), delayed labour, delayed afterbirth. It is often used in the last weeks of pregnancy to facilitate labour and following childbirth to minimise blood loss. 
    •    Stress, anxiety
    •    Digestive disorders, flatulence
    •    Fever
    •    Topically used for wounds, skin inflammation, itching and shingles

  • Energetics

    Cooling, drying, bitter, astringent.

  • Use in Pregnancy

    Motherwort has a traditional use as an emmenagogue and should be avoided by pregnant women in the first trimester (especially in those with a history of miscarriage), second trimester and most of the third trimester. Under the guidance of an experienced practitioner it can be used just before and after labour.

  • Contraindications & Cautions

    Consult a doctor before taking motherwort if taking cardiac medications. Motherwort is contraindicated for women with endometriosis or fibroids because it increases vascularisation to the uterus. Caution should also be taken during heavy menstrual bleeding.

  • Drug Interactions

    Caution with central nervous system depressants including benzodiazepines.

  • Dietary Information

    Vegan friendly. Gluten and dairy free

  • Substitutes

    Coleus, Olive Leaves, Arjuna, Hawthorn, Garlic, Bilberry, Pomegranate, Ginkgo, Withania, Lime Flowers, Saffron

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