Herbs and Herbal Supplements

[InfiniteNow]

Originally Posted by Chacmool

I wish I had some of this right now - I'm in bed with the flu! Any other home remedies you can suggest?

Eat some spicy food, preferably with a decent amount of cayenne pepper, and continue to drink lots of water to replace the fluids you lose through the sweat.

[Racoon]

Originally Posted by Chacmool

I wish I had some of this right now - I'm in bed with the flu! Any other home remedies you can suggest?

Cut and Paste the Feverfew here Chacmool pg. 3 I believe...

FEVERFEW (Chrysanthemum parthenium) : Want fewer fevers? Than Use feverfew!!
I've been asked by Turtle about this herb, so I will expound.
I picked up a Feverfew plant a couple years ago at a nursery, and it has since had babies! I got little feverfews popping up in the yard!
It has a Distinct smell. I Like it. It smells like walking into a Country store in the Mall.
I haven't ever used it, I just enjoy it's smell. It is slow growing, and has small daisy like flowers when it blooms!

OK, Herbalists since Ancient Greece have been using Feverfew for a variety of ailments; As its name suggests, it was used to bring down fevers.
John Hill, a famous herbalist wrote " in the worst headache, this herb exceeds whatever else is known. "

Feverfew was forgotten about until a British woman said that it Cured her Migraines! Medical researchers then studied Feverfew.
They reported their findings in the well respected medical journal "The Lancet".
It seems Feverfew (extracts of) inhibited release of two inflammatory substances: Serotonin from platelets & Prostaglandin from white blood cells! Both being thought to bring onset of Migraines.

Take 1 - 3 capsules daily. It might take several months before it works, but it has been shown to be highly effective in about 80% of migraine cases.
If anything, its a pretty little Herb that has a unique smell!


I would also recommend:

White Willow Bark >>> what aspirin comes from, but the Herb is better! It helps break a fever too...
Take 2-3 capsules every 3 hours as needed.

Gingerroot and/or Peppermint tea for Nausea

Catnip and/or a grated raw apple (with the skin) if you got the runs

Arrowroot is also good for upset stomach: you can make a prep w/ 2 teaspoons in 2 cups hot water, and add a little honey to sweeten.

And Well Wishes from us at Hypography!
Get well soon Kiddo!

[Chacmool]

Thanks a million for your replies, InfiniteNow and Racoon. I feel better already just knowing you guys are thinking of me.

[Michaelangelica]

[/QUOTE]I haven't ever used it, I just enjoy it's smell. It is slow growing, and has small daisy like flowers when it blooms!
Feverfew was forgotten about until a British woman said that it Cured her Migraines!
Take 1 - 3 capsules daily. It might take several months before it works, but it has been shown to be highly effective in about 80% of migraine cases.
If anything, its a pretty little Herb that has a unique smell!
[/QUOTE]
You can just eat a couple of fresh leaves a day. They don't taste great, but a small price to pay for no migraines. They are a preventative, so need to be taken every day. Some people have them on a sandwich, others freeze the plant and crumble them into capsules. It is best taken fresh or frozen. There is a book out which details the research done at Guy's Hospital Migraine Clinic in London . It is a small book simply called "Feverfew".
It is easy to grow, and has pretty little daisy like flowers. When the flower heads are dry spinkle them arround your garden and they will seed readilly. it is a pretty cottage garden plant.
m

[Racoon]

Herbs and the Bible part 3

The Ancient Hebrews apparently had a healthy reverance for plant medicines.
In Ecclesiastes, we are told, "The Lord created medicines from the earth, and a sensible man doesn't despise them."

The Bible also forbids short-term exploitation of the land, something we have chosen to ignore.
In Leviticus , there are laws concerning the preservation of trees. God says
"Thou shalt not destroy the Trees therof by forcing an axe against them: for thou may eatest of them, and thou shalt not cut them down (for the tree of the field is man's life)

That wraps up this 3 part Bible discussion on herbs.
Anybody who reads the Bible have anything more to add about this?

[Racoon]

ELECAMPANE (Inula helenium)

This herb is a traditional remedy for respiratory tract infections and digestive problems.
Its essential oils and high mucilage content provide a soothing, protective coating that can relieve irritation due to excessive coughing.

Culpeper endorsed ELECAMPANE as unequaled in treating whooping cough in children.
It was also a folk remedy for amenorrhea (loss of menstration)

Use dried herb to make tea, or mix 10 - 30 drops in liquid up to 3x daily.

[Michaelangelica]

Originally Posted by Racoon

Herbs and the Bible part 3
That wraps up this 3 part Bible discussion on herbs.
Anybody who reads the Bible have anything more to add about this?

The Herb Society of America is a great institution with fantstic gardens cared for by different "Units" throughout the country.
Their Washington garden is especially worth a visit.
They also protect and gather collections of herbs. I saw one member's garden in California with over 50 different types of Oregano!
This is from the South Texas Unit of The Herb Society of America's website
http://www.herbsociety-stu.org/bible_herbs.htm
There are many more Bible herbs than in this list. I have three books about it, but have recently moved, and all my books are sadly still in boxes.

Thanks for the thread Racoon
(PS Note this:-
"You must spread some Reputation around before giving it to Racoon again.")

Herbs of the Bible (http://www.herbsociety-stu.org/bible_herbs.htm)

There are numerous references in the Bible to a wide variety of herbs. Obviously, most of these herbs are well-suited to dry, desert-like conditions as one would find in the Middle East. When researching the herbs to include in the Bible-themed herb garden, one may find different herbs referenced for the same verse. This inconsistency is due to the many different translations of the same verse. One translation may attempt to specifically identify an herb while another translation may refer to it more simply, as in "bitter herb." The list below was compiled by Jane Dole of Indiana, Pennsylvania. Her article appears in Phyllis V. Shaudys’ Herbal Treasures (Storey Communications, Inc. Schoolhouse Road, Pownal VT 05261: 1990)

Historically, herbs like spices, are rich in legend, fact, lore, romance, and business. Wars have been fought, trade routes established, lives sold, and cultures, countries and businesses founded, all in the name of the plants we call herbs. Below is a listing of herbs mentioned in the Bible or associated with the Christian religion.

Aloe (Aquilari agalloche) is believed to be the only tree descended to man from the Garden of Eden.

(Numbers 24:6) Like valleys that stretch afar, like gardens beside a river, like aloes that the Lord has planted, like cedar trees beside the waters.

Coriander (Coriandrum sativum) is referenced several times in the Old Testament.

(Exodus 16:31) Now the house of Israel called its name manna; it was like coriander seed, white, and the taste of it was like wafers made with honey.

Cumin (Cuminum cyminum) is an herb native to the upper areas of the Nile, mentioned in the Bible, along with Mint (Mentha sp.), when Jesus reproved the scribes.

(Matthew 23:23) "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for you tithe mint and dill and cumin, and have neglected the weightier matters of the law, justice and mercy and faith; these you ought to have done, without neglecting the others."

Garlic (Allium sativum) is mentioned only once in the Bible. It was held in great esteem by the ancient Egyptians.

(Numbers 11:5) "We remember the fish we ate in Egypt for nothing, the cucumbers, the melons, the leeks, the onions, and the garlic."

Hyssop (Sorghum vulgare) is known as the holy herb. Hyssop was used to cleanse the temples and other sacred places of the Egyptians. David mentions hyssop in Psalms 51:7. Hyssop as we know it may or may not be the hyssop mentioned by David. There is some debate since the derivation of the name hyssop is in the Greek word hussopos and the Hebrew esob, meaning simply, "holy herb."

(Psalms 51:7) Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.

Mustard (Brassica nigra) is described in Matthew 13:31 as "the least of all seeds: but when it is grown, it is the greatest among herbs, and becometh a tree, so that the birds of the air come and lodge in the branches thereof."

Rose (Rosa spp.) The name for a rose is almost the same in every European language. Dried roses have been found in Egyptian tombs.

(Isaiah 35:1) The wilderness and the dry land shall be glad, the desert shall rejoice and blossom; like the rose.

Rue (Ruta graveolens) has long been the symbol of sorrow and repentance, and may have been nicknamed the "herb of grace" in Christian times for the grace given by God following repentance for one’s sins. Brushes made from rue were once used to sprinkle holy water at the ceremony preceding High Mass.

(Luke 11:42) "But woe to you Pharisees! for you tithe mint and rue and every herb, and neglect justice and the love of God; these you ought to have done, without neglecting the others."

Wormwood (Artemisia absinthium) is frequently mentioned in Scripture, always for its bitterness. According to legend, wormwood grew up in the trail left by the serpent’s tail as it slithered out of the Garden of Eden.

(Jeremiah 23:15) Therefore thus says the Lord of hosts concerning the prophets: "Behold, I will feed them with wormwood, and give them poisoned water to drink; for from the prophets of Jerusalem ungodliness has gone forth into all the land."

Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) is a symbol of fidelity and remembrance once used in the holiest of Christian ceremonies, the wedding and the funeral. For centuries people thought that the rosemary plant would never grow higher than 6 feet in 33 years so as not to stand taller than Christ. Another story tells that the flowers were originally white, but changed to blue when the Virgin Mary hung her cloak on the bush while fleeing from Herod’s soldiers with the Christ child.

Costmary (Chrysanthemem balsamita) is also known as Bible leaf because in Colonial times a leaf served as a bookmark in Bibles and prayer books. When drowsiness set in, the sleeper treated himself to the minty leaf to stay awake.

Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) and Dill (Anethum graveolens) were carried to prayer meetings in Colonial times in small pouches. The seeds were used to curb the appetite. They were called "meeting seeds."

[yungen]

Ginseng, Korean by Douglas Dupler

Korean ginseng is one of the most widely used and acclaimed herbs in the world. Its scientific name is Panax ginseng, which is the species from which Chinese, Korean, red, and white ginseng are produced. Chinese and Korean ginseng are the same plant cultivated in different regions, and have slightly different properties according to Chinese medicine. White ginseng is simply the dried or powdered root of Korean ginseng, while red ginseng is the same root that is steamed and dried in heat or sunlight. Red ginseng is said to be slightly stronger and more stimulating in the body than white, according to Chinese herbalism.

Korean ginseng has had a long and illustrious history as an herb for health, and has been used for thousands of years throughout the Orient as a medicine and tonic. Early Chinese medicine texts written in the first century A.D. mention ginseng, and ginseng has long been classified by Chinese medicine as a "superior" herb. This means it is said to promote longevity and vitality. Legends around the world have touted ginseng as an aphrodisiac and sexual tonic. Researchers have found a slight connection between sex drive and consuming ginseng, although a direct link and the mechanism of action are still researched and disputed.

Korean ginseng grows on moist, shaded mountainsides in China, Korea, and Russia. It is a perennial herb that reaches heights of two or more feet, and is distinguished by its dark green leaves and red clusters of berries. The root of the plant is the part valued for its medicinal properties. The root is long and slender and sometimes resembles the shape of the human body. Asian legends claim that this "man-root" has magical powers for those lucky enough to afford or find it, and the roots bearing the closest resemblance to the human body are still the most valuable ones. The word ren shen in Chinese means roughly "the essence of the earth in the shape of a man."

Korean ginseng has historically been one of the most expensive of herbs, as it has been highly in demand in China and the Far East for centuries. Wars have been fought in Asia over lands where it grew wild. Wild Korean ginseng is now nearly extinct from many regions. Single roots of wild plants have recently been auctioned in China and New York City for sums approaching $50,000. Most of the world's supply of Korean ginseng is cultivated by farmers in Korea and China.

Because of the number of herbs sold under the name of ginseng, there can be some confusion for the consumer. Korean ginseng is a member of the Araliaceae family of plants, which also includes closely related American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius) and Siberian ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus). Both American and Siberian ginseng are considered by Chinese herbalists to be different herbs than Korean ginseng, and are said to have different effects and healing properties in the body. To add more confusion, there are eight herbs in Chinese medicine which are sometimes called ginseng, including black ginseng, purple ginseng, and prince's ginseng, some of which are not at all botanically related to Panax ginseng, so consumers should choose ginseng products with awareness.

General use
The word panax is formed from Greek roots meaning "cure-all," and Panax ginseng has long been considered to be one of the great healing and strengthening herbs in natural medicine. Ginseng is classified as an adaptogen, which is a substance that helps the body adapt to stress and balance itself without causing major side effects. Korean ginseng is used as a tonic for improving overall health and stamina, and Chinese herbalists particularly recommend it for the ill, weak, or elderly. Korean ginseng has long been asserted to have longevity, anti-senility, and memory improvement effects in the aged population. As it helps the body to adapt to stress, athletes may use ginseng as herbal support during rigorous training. Korean ginseng generally increases physical and mental energy. It is a good tonic for the adrenal glands, and is used by those suffering from exhaustion, burnout, or debilitation from chronic illness.

Traditional Chinese medicine also prescribes Korean ginseng to treat diabetes, and research has shown that it enhances the release of insulin from the pancreas and lowers blood sugar levels. Korean ginseng has been demonstrated to lower blood cholesterol levels. It has also been shown to have antioxidant effects and to increase immune system activity, which makes it a good herbal support for those suffering from cancer and AIDS and other chronic conditions that impair the immune system. Further uses of Korean ginseng in Chinese medicine include treatment of impotence, asthma, and digestive weakness.

Research
Scientists have isolated what they believe are the primary active ingredients in ginseng, chemicals termed saponin triterpenoid glycosides, or commonly called ginsenocides. There are nearly 30 ginsenocides in Korean ginseng. Much research on Korean ginseng has been conducted in China, but controlled human experiments with it have not been easily accessible to the English-speaking world. Recent research in China was summarized by Dr. C. Lui in the February 1992 issue of the Journal of Ethnopharmacology, where he wrote that Panax ginseng was found to contain 28 ginsenocides that "act on the central nervous system, cardiovascular system and endocrine secretion, promote immune function, and have effects on anti-aging and relieving stress."

To summarize other research, Korean ginseng has been shown in studies to have significant effects for the following.

Physical improvement and performance enhancement for athletes: A study performed over three years in Germany showed athletes given ginseng had favorable improvement in several categories over a control group who took a placebo. Another 1982 study showed that athletes given ginseng had improved oxygen intake and faster recovery time than those given placebos.
Mental performance improvement and mood enhancement: In general, studies show that ginseng enhances mental performance, learning time, and memory. One study of sixteen volunteers showed improvement on a wide variety of mental tests, including mathematics. Another study showed that those performing intricate and mentally demanding tasks improved performance when given Korean ginseng. Finally, a study has shown improvement of mood in depression sufferers with the use of ginseng.
Antifatigue and antistress actions: Patients with chronic fatigue who were given ginseng showed a statistically significant improvement in physical tests and in mental attention and concentration, when compared with those given placebos.
Lowering blood sugar: Animal studies have shown that ginseng can facilitate the release of insulin from the pancreas and increase the number of insulin receptors in the body.
Antioxidant properties: Scientific analysis of ginseng has shown that it has antioxidant effects, similar to the effects of vitamins A, C, and E. Thus, ginseng could be beneficial in combating the negative effects of pollution, radiation, and aging.
Cholesterol reduction: Some studies have shown that Korean ginseng reduces total cholesterol and increases levels of good cholesterol in the body.
Anticancer effects and immune system stimulation: Several tests have shown that Korean ginseng increases immune cell activity in the body, including the activity of T-cells and lymphocytes, which are instrumental in fighting cancer and other immune system disorders like AIDS. A Korean study indicates that taking ginseng may reduce the chances of getting cancer, as a survey of more than 1,800 patients in a hospital in Seoul showed that those who did not have cancer were more likely to have taken ginseng regularly than those patients who had contracted cancer.
Physical and mental improvement in the elderly: One study showed significant improvement in an elderly test group in visual and auditory reaction time and cardiopulmonary function when given controlled amounts of Korean ginseng. Korean ginseng has also been shown to alleviate symptoms of menopause.
Impotence: Studies of human sexual function and Korean ginseng have been generally inconclusive, despite the wide acclaim of ginseng as a sexual tonic. Tests with lab animals and ginseng have shown some interesting results, indicating that Korean ginseng promotes the growth of male reproductive organs, increases sperm and testoterone levels, and increases sexual activity in laboratory animals. In general, scientists believe the link between ginseng and sex drive is due to ginseng's effect of strengthening overall health and balancing the hormonal system.

Preparations
Korean ginseng can be purchased as whole roots, powder, liquid extracts, and tea. Roots should be sliced and boiled in water for up to 45 minutes to extract all the beneficial nutrients. One to five grams of dry root is the recommended amount for one serving of tea. Herbalists recommend that ginseng not be boiled in metal pots, to protect its antioxidant properties. Ginseng should be taken between meals for best assimilation.

Some high quality Korean ginseng extracts and products are standardized to contain a specified amount of ginsenosides. The recommended dosage for extracts containing four to eight percent of ginsenosides is 100 mg once or twice daily. The recommended dosage for non-standardized root powder or extracts is 1-2 g daily, taken in capsules or as a tea. It is recommended that ginseng be taken in cycles and not continuously; after each week of taking ginseng, a few days without ingesting the herb should be observed. Likewise, Korean ginseng should not be taken longer than two months at a time, after which one month's rest period should be allowed before resuming the cycle again. Chinese herbalists recommend that ginseng be taken primarily in the autumn and winter months.

Precautions
Consumers should be aware of the different kinds of ginseng, and which type is best suited for them. Red Korean ginseng is considered stronger and more stimulating than white, wild ginseng is stronger than cultivated, and Korean ginseng is generally believed to be slightly stronger than Chinese. Furthermore, American and Siberian ginseng have slightly different properties than Korean ginseng, and consumers should make an informed choice as to which herb is best suited for them. Chinese herbalists do not recommend Korean ginseng for those people who have "heat" disorders in their bodies, such as ulcers, high blood pressure, tension headaches, and symptoms associated with high stress levels. Korean ginseng is generally not recommended for those with symptoms of nervousness, mental imbalance, inflammation, or fever. Korean ginseng is not recommended for pregnant or lactating women, and women of childbearing age should use ginseng sparingly, as some studies imply that it can influence estrogen levels. Also, Chinese herbalists typically only prescribe ginseng to older people or the weak, as they believe that younger and stronger people do not benefit as much from it and ginseng is "wasted on the young."

Because of the number of and demand for ginseng products on the market, consumers should search for a reputable brand, preferably with a standardized percentage of active ingredients. To illustrate the mislabeling found with some ginseng products, Consumer Reports magazine analyzed ten nationally-distributed ginseng products in 1995. They found that several of them lacked significant amounts of ginsenocides, despite claims on the packaging to the contrary. Ginseng fraud has led the American Botanical Council, publisher of HerbalGram magazine, to initiate the Ginseng Evaluation Program, a comprehensive study and standardization of ginseng products on the American market. This study and its labeling standards are still under development, and consumers should watch for it.

Side effects
Korean ginseng acts as a slight stimulant in the body, and in some cases can cause overstimulation, irritability, nervousness and insomnia, although strong side effects are generally rare. Taking too high a dosage of ginseng, or taking ginseng for too long without a break, can cause ginseng intoxication, for which symptoms might include headaches, insomnia, seeing spots, dizziness, shortage of breath and gastrointestinal discomfort. Long term use may cause menstrual abnormalities and breast tenderness in some women.
Interactions
Those taking hormonal drugs should use ginseng with care. Ginseng should not be taken with caffeine or other stimulants as these may increase its stimulatory effects and cause uncomfortable side effects.

Key Terms
Adaptogen : Substance that improves the body's ability to adapt to stress.
Ginsenocide : Active substances found in ginseng.

Further Reading
For Your Information

Books

• Duke, J.A. Ginseng: A Concise Handbook. Algonac, MI: Reference Publications, 1989.
• Foster, S. and Chongxi, Y. Herbal Emissaries. Rochester, VT: Healing Arts Press, 1992.
• Fulder, Stephan. The Book of Ginseng and Other Chinese Herbs for Vitality. Rochester, VT: Healing Arts Press, 1993.
• Hobbs, Christopher. Ginseng: The Energy Herb. Loveland, CO: Botanica Press, 1996.

[Racoon]

Yungen,
On Korean Ginseng; What is your opinion?

Is there a difference between liquid vials that you can buy, and capsules?
In terms of manufacturing and potency and quality?

What are the better brands?

Do you recommend taking Korean Ginseng?

[yungen]

Originally Posted by Racoon

Yungen,
On Korean Ginseng; What is your opinion?

Is there a difference between liquid vials that you can buy, and capsules?
In terms of manufacturing and potency and quality?

What are the better brands?

Do you recommend taking Korean Ginseng?

I have no doubt on efficacy of Korean Ginseng and of course I do recommend taking Korean Ginseng.
It is important that you have to select Korean Origin-I mean Korean Ginseng is different from other ginseng. I have no experience on the other ginseng.
We Koreans have been used Korean ginseng as a cordial medicine for very long long time.

Korean herbal doctor recommend that you taking Korean ginseng by warm liquid state. Capsule or tablet, suspension are ok!

There are many Korean ginseng products manufacturing company and they are almost similar but I like best 'Korean Red Ginseng Extract" which made by Korea Ginseng Corp. http://www.kgc.or.kr/new_eng/index.html

If you are interested in above product I can help you because I know QA manager of the company.