American Ginseng
Plant Part Used Root. Introduction Native Americans have traditionally used American ginseng as a general tonic to help restore the health of the weak and wounded, as well as to help the mind. Today, along with the other forms of ginseng, American ginseng has become very popular as a natural preventative and restorative remedy. Scientists […]
Phyllanthus
Plant Part Used Whole plant (excluding root) Introduction Phyllanthus has a long tradition of use in the Hindu Ayurvedic system of medicine and it has long been used as a medicinal agent in cultures around the world. It is usually found in central and southern India, where it can grow from one to two feet […]
Noni
Plant Part Used Fruit juice. Introduction Noni is found in many parts of the tropics, including the Pacific Islands, Southeast Asia, India, and the Philippines. Noni fruit was used by the ancient Hawaiians, and it is still used by the local population in Hawaii for diabetes, high blood pressure, cancer, and other chronic disorders. In […]
Phellodendron
Plant Part Used Bark, cortex Introduction Editor’s Note:While the science behind this dietary supplement is lacking, many individuals are using it. For this reason, Intramedicine has provided this monograph using the information that is currently available. As more science and research is provided, this monograph will be updated to include that material. For thousands […]
Bilberry
Plant Part Used Berry/leaf. Introduction Bilberry is one of the most popular herbs on the market today. During World War II when British air pilots ate bilberries, they reported an improved ability to adjust to glare and an increase in their visual acuity and nighttime vision. (1) These days, people still use bilberry to support […]
Guggul
Plant Part Used Resin Introduction Guggul has been used in the Indian (Ayurvedic) medical system for centuries to treat a wide range of disorders. In the early 1960s, researchers began to explore the ancient Sanskrit description of guggul’s use by Ayurvedic physicians in the management of lipid disorders. After years of research and scientific studies, […]
Saw Palmetto
Plant Part Used Berry Introduction Many middle age men contend with benign enlargement of the prostate. While conventional drugs can offer treatment of the disorder, one natural remedy, saw palmetto, may rival them in effectiveness. A standardized extract is derived from the berry of the saw palmetto. Interactions and Depletions Interactions Alpha-1-adrenergic blocking agents Dosage […]
Grapefruit Seed
Plant Part Used Seed and pulp extract. Introduction Grapefruit seed extract is used widely in the industrial, agricultural and cosmetic industries. Most of these uses center on grapefruit seed’s disinfectant properties. As a dietary supplement, grapefruit seed has been used as an antifungal and as an antibacterial. It may also be useful for restoring the […]
Bitter Melon
Plant Part Used Fruit Introduction While bitter melon or karela fruit has long been used in South America and the Orient as a food source, it also serves many medicinal purposes. Scientists have turned their focus on the beneficial properties of the fruit in diabetes and conditions related to diabetes, as well as HIV and […]
Gymnema
Plant Part Used Leaf Introduction Gymnema is a rain forest vine found in Central and Southern India and has a long tradition in the treatment and management of type 2 diabetes. The Indian name is Gurmar, which means, “sugar destroyer.” Its use has been documented in Ayurvedic medical texts for over 2000 years in the […]