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 […]
Cascara Sagrada
Plant Part Used Aged bark Introduction Native Americans in California introduced this herb, which they called sacred bark, to 16th-century Spanish explorers. Being much milder in its laxative action than the herb buckthorn, cascara became popular in Europe as a treatment for constipation and has been in medical use in the U.S. since 1890. Cascara […]
Horse Chestnut
Plant Part Used Seed Introduction The horse chestnut tree was introduced into Northern Europe from the East in the sixteenth century. The French used extracts of horse chestnut seed for the treatment of hemorrhoids as early as the 1800s. Germany has been using extracts of horse chestnut seed for chronic venous insufficiencies for a few […]
St. John’s Wort
Plant Part Used Flowering buds Introduction This common perennial flowering plant has received attention for its potential ability to treat mild to moderate depression. (1) , (2) , (3) It has been used extensively by physicians in Europe as the agent of choice for mild or moderate depression. With approximately 18 million Americans experiencing depression […]
Psyllium Seed
Plant Part Used Ripe seed; seed husks Introduction Psyllium is rich in dietary fiber, a common and effective treatment for constipation. While psyllium has traditionally been used as a laxative, recent research suggests that it may have applications in the treatment of high cholesterol, irritable bowel syndrome and colon inflammation. According to the Food and […]
Elder
Plant Part Used Flowers and berries Introduction Elder has been used as a food and medicinal agent for thousands of years and has traditionally been used in the treatment and prevention of colds, flu, sinusitis, and more. A standardized extract of elder is derived from its flowers and berries. Interactions and Depletions Interactions Diabetic / […]
Kava
Plant Part Used Root/Rhizome Introduction Kava has been used for centuries by natives of the South Pacific. Much like coffee or tea in Western cultures, kava occupies a prominent position in the social, ceremonial, and daily life of Pacific islanders. In Europe, kava has long been used as a safe, effective treatment for mild anxiety, […]
