11101

Submitted by admin on Sun, 02/27/2022 - 14:34
Top Product Attributes

  • Common Name

    Blue Flag

  • Botanical Name

    Iris versicolor

  • Part Used

    Root

  • Alcohol

    45%

  • Dose

    20 to 40mL weekly

Blue flag is one of the main alteratives, which are also called blood cleansers or depuratives. It can bring about a gradual change in chronic disease states, especially skin, joint and connective tissue disorders, by improving the processes of detoxification and elimination. 

Main Product Attributes
A guide to Blue Flag and its properties

  • Traditional Use

    In Ayurvedic literature blue flag is considered to possess antiobesity properties.

  • Actions

    Alterative, laxative (mild), lymphatic, anti-inflammatory, cholagogue, diuretic 

  • Indications

    •    Skin complaints such as eczema and psoriasis
    •    Sluggish liver, poor gallbladder function
    •    Relief of indigestion, nausea, headache or constipation, particularly when related to sluggish liver
    •    Relief of enlarged lymph nodes, thyroid and goitres

  • Energetics

    Cold, dry

  • Use in Pregnancy

    Professional supervision is suggested during pregnancy and lactation

  • Contraindications & Cautions

    Monitor sensitive individuals and when prescribing at, or exceeding, the high end of the recommended therapeutic dosage (adverse reactions including gastrointestinal upset have been recorded). Caution may be warranted in patients with gallstones, due to the potential for impacted gallstones and obstructed bile ducts.

  • Drug Interactions

    Avoid combining with digoxin (cardiac glycoside), diuretics and warfarin (anticoagulant).

  • Dietary Information

    Vegan friendly. Gluten and dairy free.

  • Substitutes

    Yellow Dock, Sarsaparilla

10801

Submitted by admin on Sun, 02/27/2022 - 14:27
Top Product Attributes

  • Common Name

    Black Cohosh

  • Botanical Name

    Actaea racemosa

  • Part Used

    Root

  • Clinical Summary

    Click here

  • Monograph

    Click here

  • Alcohol

    73%

  • Dose

    5 to 40mL weekly

In modern times black cohosh’s most notable clinical application has been to reduce the frequency and severity of hot flushes in menopause. However, it is not just ‘the menopause herb’ and has a long history of being used for the nervous system. It is used for stressed menopausal women and muscle tension, where it soothes and relaxes the smooth muscles.

Main Product Attributes
A guide to Black Cohosh and its properties

  • Traditional Use

    Black cohosh was used by North American indigenous people, and the Eclectics, for gynaecological conditions such as pain associated with premenstrual syndrome, pain during childbirth and menopausal complaints, including migraines. It has traditionally been used in China, Europe and North America for centuries to treat a variety of illnesses, including menopausal symptoms and osteoporosis.

  • Actions

    Anodyne, antispasmodic, sedative, hormone balancer, anti-inflammatory, antirheumatic, uterine tonic.

  • Indications

    •    For the relief of menopausal symptoms such as hot flushes, sweating, mood swings, depression, anxiety, vaginal dryness, insomnia
    •    Premenstrual syndrome, painful menstruation, ovarian and uterine pain, PCOS, infertility, miscarriage
    •    Childbirth and as a partus preparator in the final trimester of pregnancy, mastitis
    •    Nerve and muscle pain including rheumatic pain, musculoskeletal pain, sciatica and neuralgia
    •    Headaches, tinnitus
    •    Respiratory disorders such as whooping cough and asthma

  • Energetics

    Cooling

  • Use in Pregnancy

    Not recommended in the first and second trimester of pregnancy. Can be used as a partus preparator and during childbirth however there are no clinical trials to support the safety of this practice. 

  • Contraindications & Cautions

    Several case reports link black cohosh to liver failure or autoimmune hepatitis however there is no conclusive evidence that black cohosh is the cause of liver damage in these patients. Until more is known monitor liver function in patients who take black cohosh. American herbalist Jim McDonald says that hepatotoxicity has been associated with standardised extracts however this has not been associated with the plant. He also says if too much black cohosh is taken, particularly the standardised, it can cause a dull achy headache.

  • Drug Interactions

    Possible beneficial interaction with anticancer treatments such as tamoxifen so women on these medications may require lower doses. It is recommended that patients taking the chemotherapy medications cisplatin or doxorubicin should avoid black cohosh until safety can be confirmed. A beneficial interaction with the fertility drug clomiphene citrate is possible under professional supervision.

  • Dietary Information

    Vegan friendly. Gluten and dairy free.

  • Substitutes

    Blue Cohosh, Dong Quai, False Unicorn.

10501

Submitted by admin on Sun, 02/27/2022 - 14:17
Top Product Attributes

  • Common Name

    Bacopa, Brahmi (not to be confused with other species also known as brahmi such as gotu kola (Centella asiatica)), Water Hyssop

  • Botanical Name

    Bacopa monnieri

  • Plant Part

    Herb

  • Clinical Summary

    Click here

  • Monograph

    Click here

  • Alcohol

    50%

  • Dose

    15 to 40mL weekly

Bacopa is a brain tonic used in the treatment of neurological disorders particularly those involving anxiety, intellect and poor memory. It combines attributes of a multifaceted nervine, an adaptogen and a cognitive enhancer useful for treatment in patients with anxiety, depression or mental function issues.

Main Product Attributes
A guide to Bacopa and its properties

  • Traditional Use

    Bacopa is a very important plant in Ayurvedic medicine where it has been used for almost 3000 years for its memory enhancing properties and for reducing anxiety.

  • Actions

    Nootropic, anxiolytic, sedative, nervine tonic, adaptogen, neuroprotective, antioxidant, antidepressant, anti-inflammatory, vasodilator, antinociceptive, mild anticonvulsant.

  • Indications

    •    Improving cognitive function, learning, memory, intelligence, mental health and assist with exam performance and studying 
    •   Prevention and treatment of age-related cognitive decline, menopausal cloudy thinking
    •   Dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease and other neurodegenerative disorders
    •   Chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia syndrome
    •   Memory problems and mood disorders associated with epilepsy and migraine
    •   Ischaemic stroke rehabilitation
    •   Anxiety, depression, stress, insomnia, nervous exhaustion, debility, mental overwork
    •   Prophylactic reduction of oxidative damage (oxidative stress is one of the most important factors in aging and age-related illnesses)
    •   Cerebral atherosclerosis
    •   Hypothyroidism
    •   Chronic pain
    •    To speed up recovery from head trauma
    •    Gastric ulcer treatment, irritable bowel syndrome
    •    Possible use in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

  • Energetics

    Cooling, bitter.

  • Use in Pregnancy

    Bacopa is recommended as a tonic for anxiety in pregnancy according to traditional Ayurvedic medicine however insufficient information is available to confirm safety during pregnancy.

  • Contraindications & Cautions

    Bacopa is well tolerated however in trials using standardised bacopa the most common side effects are minor gastrointestinal disturbances, nausea, abdominal cramps, increased stool frequency and diarrhoea. Caution is advised in hyperthyroidism as bacopa has been shown to significantly elevate thyroxine levels in vivo. The clinical significance of this finding is unknown.

  • Drug Interactions

    Bacopa appears to affect acetylcholine levels so theoretical and speculative interactions include acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitors (used in Alzheimer’s disease), anticholinergic drugs (used for conditions such as urinary incontinence, asthma and Parkinson’s disease. Benadryl has this effect.) and serotonergic drugs for depression such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), antidepressants such as citalopram (Celexa), fluoxetine (Prozac), fluvoxamine, paroxetine (Paxil) and sertraline (Zoloft). 

  • Dietary Information

    Vegan friendly. Gluten and dairy free.

  • Substitutes

    Gotu Kola, Ginkgo, Rosemary

10401

Submitted by admin on Sun, 02/27/2022 - 14:11
Top Product Attributes

  • Common Name

    Barberry

  • Botanical Name

    Berberis vulgaris

  • Plant Part

    Bark

  • Clinical Summary

    Click here

  • Monograph

    Click here

  • Alcohol

    25%

  • Dose

    20 to 60mL weekly

Barberry is a powerful herb that has been widely used as a cholagogue to treat liver and gallbladder ailments. It is widely used to fight yeast infection, infections of the throat, lungs, urinary and gastrointestinal tracts and diarrhoea. 

Main Product Attributes
A guide to Barberry and its properties

  • Traditional Use

    Barberry’s use in liver and gallbladder ailments was the result of herbalists during the early Middle Ages being guided by the doctrine of signatures, the belief that a plant’s physical appearance reveals its therapeutic benefits. Barberry has yellow flowers and its roots produce a yellow dye. It was these features that were linked to the yellowing of the skin and eyes of jaundice, a symptom of liver disease, and which earned the plant the name jaundice berry. In addition, barberry has been traditionally prescribed for dysentery by Ayurvedic healers and for skin inflammations, high blood pressure and abnormal uterine bleeding. It was used by the ancient Egyptians to prevent the plague probably due to its antimicrobial action.

  • Actions

    Antimicrobial, cholagogue, choleretic, antiemetic, laxative (mild), bitter tonic, antiparasitic

  • Indications

    •     Inflammation of the gallbladder, sluggish liver
    •     Indigestion, gastritis, diarrhoea, peptic ulcer 
    •     Weak or debilitated people 
    •     Topically to relieve skin eruptions and inflammations including mild eczema
    •     Topically as a gargle to relieve mild mouth ulcers

  • Energetics

    Bitter, cold, astringent

  • Use in Pregnancy

    Contraindicated during pregnancy, lactation and in neonatal jaundice

  • Contraindications & Cautions

    Caution may be warranted in patients with gallstones due to the potential for impacted gallstones and obstructed bile ducts.

  • Drug Interactions

    Avoid using with cyclosporin (immunosuppressant medication). Until more data becomes available caution is advised with anticoagulant/antiplatelet (such as warfarin), antidiabetic and central nervous system depressant drugs

  • Dietary Information

    Vegan friendly. Gluten and dairy free.

  • Substitutes

    Golden Seal, Boldo, Celandine

10301

Submitted by admin on Sun, 02/27/2022 - 14:02
Top Product Attributes

  • Common Name

    Lemon Balm

  • Botanical Name

    Melissa officinalis

  • Plant Part

    Herb

  • Clinical Summary

    Click here

  • Monograph

    Click here

  • Alcohol

    45%

  • Dose

    20 to 80mL weekly

The definition of balm is to heal and soothe, and this calming and delicious plant does just that. Lemon balm is used to induce a sense of calm and help with anxiety.

Main Product Attributes
A guide to Lemon Balm and its properties

  • Traditional Use

    Lemon balm has a documented medicinal history extending back to approximately 50 to 80 BC when it was traditionally thought of as a panacea herb. In the Middle Ages it was used internally as a sedative and, by the 17th century, English herbalist Culpeper claimed it could improve mood and stimulate clear thinking.

  • Actions

    Relaxing nervine, anxiolytic, antidepressant, sedative, nootropic, nervine tonic, antimicrobial, antiviral, relaxing diaphoretic, febrifuge, carminative, aromatic digestant, anti-inflammatory, spasmolytic, antispasmodic, antioxidant

  • Indications

    •    Anxiety, nervousness, stress, insomnia, depression, chronic fatigue syndrome, tension headaches 
    •    Improves cognitive function, dementia, Alzheimer’s disease 
    •    Dyspepsia associated with anxiety or depressive states, diarrhoea, flatulence, bloating
    •    Menstrual cramping, muscle tension
    •    Colds and influenza, fever, viral infections (topically for cold sore and chicken pox treatment)
    •    Hyperthyroidism, Graves’ disease
    •    Radiation protection
    •    Heart disease, diabetes
    •    First aid for insect bites

  • Energetics

    Some see the aromatic qualities of balm as being warming and in Ayurveda the sour taste is generally seen as warming. However, in Western herbalism, balm is often considered cooling and drying.

  • Use in Pregnancy

    Safety has not been scientifically established and is unknown. The tea beverage is considered safe in moderate amounts after the first trimester.

  • Contraindications & Cautions

    Claims that lemon balm should be used cautiously in hypothyroidism are based on in vitro studies which cannot be extrapolated to human use. Human studies are needed to fully understand the implications of lemon balm in people with hypothyroidism. Monitor the use of lemon balm in these people. 

  • Drug Interactions

    Caution with alcohol, barbiturates and central nervous system depressants. Monitor with antidiabetic drugs and thyroid hormones.

  • Dietary Information

    Vegan friendly. Gluten and dairy free.

  • Substitutes

    St. John's Wort, Lavender, Oats Seed, Rhodiola, Rosemary, Vervain, Gotu Kola, Lime Flowers, Passion Flower, Scullcap, Magnolia, Bacopa

10201

Submitted by admin on Sun, 02/27/2022 - 13:51
Top Product Attributes

Herb

  • Common Name

    Alfalfa, Lucerne

  • Botanical Name

    Medicago sativa

  • Plant Part

  • Clinical Summary

    Click here

  • Alcohol

    25%

  • Dose

    30 to 210mL weekly

Commonly known as the “father of all foods”, alfalfa is a perennial herbaceous leguminous plant species that is commonly baled for hay (known as lucerne) as an animal fodder in Australia. The sprouts (germinated seeds) are a popular health food and the ground dried herb may be given during convalescence and debility because it is rich in vitamins and minerals. 

Main Product Attributes
A guide to Alfalfa and its properties

  • Traditional Use

    It has a long tradition of use as an Ayurvedic medicine used in central nervous and digestive system disorders. The late Australian herbalist Dorothy Hall said protein allergies are alfalfa’s main symptom indicators including a digestion of protein problem contributing to allergies to milk, eggs, cheese, meat, mosquito bites, prawns or oysters.

  • Actions

    Hormone modulator, tonic, antioxidant, detoxifier, hepatoprotective, antidiabetic, antirheumatic, cardio tonic

  • Indications

    •    Debility, convalescence especially after blood loss and during anaemia
    •    Menopausal symptoms
    •    Central nervous system disorders
    •    Digestive disorders and peptic ulcers
    •    Mild hypothyroidism 
    •    Supporting healthy cholesterol levels
    •    Arthritis
    •    Diabetes

  • Energetics

    Cooling

  • Constituents

    Isoflavones, vitamins, coumestrol, genistein, daidzein, alkaloids asparagine and trigonelline.

  • Use in Pregnancy

    Not recommended because alfalfa contains constituents with possible oestrogenic activity

  • Contraindications & Cautions

    Because alfalfa seems to have oestrogenic effects women with hormone sensitive conditions should avoid alfalfa. Some of these conditions include breast, uterine and ovarian cancer, as well as endometriosis and uterine fibroids.

  • Drug Interactions

    Because alfalfa contains a large amount of vitamin K concomitant use can reduce the anticoagulant activity of warfarin.

  • Dietary Information

    Vegan friendly. Gluten and dairy free.

  • Substitutes

    Fenugreek, Shatavari, Red Clover, Nettle Leaf

10101

Submitted by admin on Sun, 02/27/2022 - 10:46
Top Product Attributes

  • Common Name

    Agrimony

  • Botanical Name

    Agrimonia eupatoria

  • Plant Part

    Herb

  • Clinical Summary

    Click here

  • Alcohol

    30%

  • Dose

    15 to 60mL weekly

Agrimony is specific to childhood diarrhoea due to its astringent action. It is also used for colitis, indigestion and cystitis. As a gargle it is used for sore throats.

Main Product Attributes
A guide to Agrimony and its properties

  • Traditional Use

    Agrimony has an old reputation as a popular domestic medicinal herb being a simple well known to all country folk. It had a great reputation for treating jaundice, other liver complaints, skin eruptions. It was used for fevers by indigenous North Americans.

  • Actions

    Antidiarrhoeal, astringent, bitter tonic, cholagogue, digestive tonic, diuretic

  • Indications

    •    Diarrhoea, irritable bowel syndrome, colitis
    •    Appendicitis
    •    Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD), indigestion
    •    Urinary incontinence, cystitis
    •    Gargle for sore throat, laryngitis
    •    Use in ointment for wounds and bruises

  • Energetics

    Neutral, cool

  • Use in Pregnancy

    Possibly unsafe so avoid use.

  • Contraindications & Cautions

    None known

  • Drug Interactions

    None known

  • Dietary Information

    Vegan friendly. Gluten and dairy free.

  • Substitutes

    Ladies Mantle, Oak Bark, Raspberry, Witch Hazel, Stone Root, Shepherd’s Purse, Yarrow

32701

Submitted by admin on Tue, 02/22/2022 - 23:13
Top Product Attributes

 

  • Common Name

    Adhatoda

  • Botanical Name

    Justicia adhatoda

  • Plant Part

    Leaf

  • Clinical Summary

    Click here

  • Alcohol

    45%

  • Dose

    5 to 10mL weekly

This Ayurvedic herb is well-known for its effectiveness in treating respiratory conditions. It has been used for centuries with much success to treat asthma, bronchitis and other respiratory conditions. It is a popular plant for digestion due to its extreme bitter taste.

 

Main Product Attributes
A guide to Adhatoda and its properties

  • Traditional Use

    An important herb in Ayurvedic medicine for more than 2000 years, adhatoda is used traditionally in productive cough, asthma, tuberculosis, fever, dysentery, diarrhoea, jaundice, skin disorders, bleeding disorders and headache.

  • Actions

    Antitussive, antispasmodic, expectorant, bronchodilator, antiasthmatic, hepatoprotective, antioxidant

  • Indications

    •    Bronchitis, cough, colds, asthma
    •    Post-partum haemorrhage and to assist uterine involution after pregnancy (shrinking)
    •    Locally for gum disease

  • Energetics

    Drying, bitter, cold

  • Use in Pregnancy

    Contraindicated in pregnancy. In Ayurvedic medicine it is considered safe postpartum.

  • Contraindications & Cautions

    None known

  • Drug Interactions

    None known

  • Dietary Information

    Vegan friendly. Gluten and dairy free

  • Substitutes

    Elecampane, Grindelia, Liquorice, Mullein, Red Clover, Thyme, Ivy Leaf, Hyssop

30301

Submitted by admin on Wed, 02/16/2022 - 23:23
Top Product Attributes

  • Common Name

    Ginger

  • Botanical Name

    Zingiber officinale

  • Plant Part

    Rhizome

  • Clinical Summary

    Click here

  • Monograph

    Click here

  • Alcohol

    90%

  • Dose

    5 to 10mL weekly

Ginger has a long history of use as a traditional remedy for nausea and vomiting, especially during pregnancy.

Main Product Attributes
A guide to Ginger and its properties

  • Traditional Use

    Known as the ‘universal medicine’ in Ayurveda, ginger has been indispensable to Indian and Chinese medicine, and cuisine since antiquity and it was one of the earliest spices to reach the West.

  • Actions

    Anti-emetic, carminative, digestive stimulant, antidiarrhoeal, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, anodyne, analgesic, antioxidant, stimulating diaphoretic, stimulating expectorant, antimicrobial, circulatory stimulant, immunomodulatory.

  • Indications

    •    Prophylaxis and treatment for nausea, vomiting for morning sickness in pregnancy, motion sickness, postoperative and drug induced nausea.
    •    Digestive disorders including nausea, vomiting, dyspepsia, colic, gastritis, lack of appetite, diarrhoea especially bacterial diarrhoeal conditions with cramping (cholera, dysentery, E. coli etc.) and GIT discomfort such as stomach cramping, bloating, indigestion, flatulence
    •    Inflammation including joint pain, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis
    •    Migraines; ear infections
    •    To support mild feverish conditions such as colds and influenza, relief of mild bronchitis and other conditions requiring expectoration
    •    Cardiovascular health
    •    Relief of dysmenorrhoea (due to stagnation) especially when it is improved by the application of heat or warm drinks
    •    Conditions requiring improved peripheral circulation
    •    Flavouring agent and adjuvant in formulations to promote the activity of the other herbs

  • Energetics

    Hot, drying, pungent.

  • Contraindications & Cautions

    None known.

  • Use in Pregnancy

    Likely to be safe, but safety cannot be confirmed for high-dose supplements (concentrated extracts). Safe for usual dietary intake. No adverse effects on pregnancy were observed in multiple studies of ginger for nausea and vomiting. Doses up to 2g/day of dried ginger root have been used safely.

  • Drug Interactions

    Avoid with nifedipine (sold under the brand name Adalat among others, a calcium channel blocker medication used to manage angina and high blood pressure) and tacrolimus (an immunosuppressive drug). Caution with antidiabetic and anticoagulant/antiplatelet (such as warfarin) drugs. Limited research suggests ginger may reduce severity of anaesthetic-induced post-operative nausea and vomiting if taken pre-treatment. Combining with antiemetic drugs and chemotherapy (e.g. cisplatin) may be beneficial but medical supervision is recommended.

  • Allergens

    Vegan friendly. Gluten and dairy free.

  • Substitutes

    Turmeric, Cinnamon, Chamomile

49001

Submitted by admin on Wed, 02/16/2022 - 07:23
Top Product Attributes

 

  • Clinical Summary

    Click here

  • Monograph

    Click here

  • Alcohol

    24%

  • Recommended
    dosage

    Take 10mL twice daily in juice or water before food or as directed by your healthcare practitioner.

  • Contains

    Purified water, ethanol, glycerol, peppermint, aniseed oil

Herbal Vitality is a whole body tonic which may benefit major body organs and systems. It will assist during times of stress, debility, tiredness, fatigue, convalescence, poor concentration and poor immune function. It can also be taken as a prophylactic to aid in the maintenance of day-to-day wellbeing.

Main Product Attributes

  • Ingredients

    Each 10mL contains extracts equivalent to:
    Nettle Leaf (Urtica dioica) 888mg
    Parsley Root (Petroselinum crispum) 888mg
    Red Clover (Trifolium pratense) 711mg
    Eyebright (Euphrasia officinalis) 711mg
    Dandelion Root (Taraxacum officinale) 711mg
    Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna) 711mg
    Rehmannia (Rehmannia glutinosa) 711mg
    Siberian Ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus) 533mg
    Oats (Avena sativa) 355mg
    Horsetail (Equisetum arvense) 355mg
    Bilberry (Vaccinum myrtillus) 107mg
    Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) 71mg
    Cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum) 71mg
    Clove (Syzygium aromaticum) 18mg

  • Also Contains

    Purified water, ethanol, glycerol, peppermint, aniseed oil

  • Overview

    • May assist in stress adaptation
    • Cognitive function
    • May stimulate immune system
    • Promotes healthy digestive function
    • Acts as an antioxidant
    • Protects and maintains the health of heart and capillaries
    • Contains nutritive herbs
    • Helps improve general wellbeing

  • Contraindications & Cautions

    Caution with people on medications that are metabolised through the cytochrome P450 pathways. For best results, take on an empty stomach away from concomitant mineral supplements. Do not use in pregnancy or lactation. Caution with diuretics, anticoagulants and cardiac medications. Do not use with gall bladder disorders or Ileus. Always read the label, keep out of reach of children, use only as directed. If symptoms persist consult your healthcare practitioner.

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