Feverfew

Plant Part Used Leaf Introduction Feverfew has gained immense popularity because of its effectiveness in relieving migraine headaches. For proper efficacy in the treatment of migraines, doctors recommend continuous use for at least a month, as feverfew is often slow to work. A standardized extract of this herb is derived from the leaf of the […]

Licorice

Plant Part Used Root Introduction Licorice originated in the Mediterranean and Middle East and has been used medicinally and as a flavoring agent since at least 500 B.C. It has been used traditionally for fatigue (in the case of adrenal gland insufficiency), (1) as an expectorant, (2) in gastrointestinal distress (particularly of benefit in ulcers), […]

Uva Ursi

Plant Part Used Leaf Introduction Uva ursi has been used worldwide as a diuretic, astringent and antiseptic for centuries. Uva ursi, or bearberry, is a low growing evergreen shrub found native in many parts of the world. Dosage Info Dosage Range 100-200mg (standardized extract) daily. Most Common Dosage 100mg (standardized extract), 2 times a day. […]

Vinpocetine

Plant Part Used Isolated constituent Introduction The lesser periwinkle (Vinca minor) is a native of many parts of Europe, where it grows in woods and thickets. A derivative of vinca minor, vinpocetine, was introduced into clinical practice in Europe more than two decades ago for the treatment of certain brain disorders. Interactions and Depletions Interactions […]

Garcinia

Plant Part Used Fruit Introduction A large portion of the United States’ population is overweight. The use of garcinia has been rapidly growing in the United States due to the desire of people to lose weight. As part of a lifestyle that includes good nutrition and exercise, garcinia may favorably modify metabolism and appetite. These […]

Mastic

Plant Part Used Resinous exudate from stem Introduction Mastic gum is obtained from a shrub found scattered over the Mediterranean region in Spain, Portugal, France, Greece, Turkey, Northern Africa and the Canary Islands. In addition to being a traditional medicinal agent, mastic gum has traditionally been used in the perfume industry and as chewing gum […]

Valerian

Plant Part Used Root Introduction Valerian has long been used as an agent to soothe the nervous system in response to stress. Although other agents have been introduced in recent years which offer similar benefits, valerian is still one of the most popular herbal preparations on the market and is widely used throughout Europe. Interactions […]

Huperzine A

Plant Part Used Isolated from Chinese club moss. Introduction Huperzine A is an extract from a club moss that has been used for centuries in Chinese folk medicine for conditions such as blood loss, fever, as a diuretic, and for irregular menstruation. Modern science, especially in China, has focused on huperzine A’s potential benefit in […]

Garlic

Plant Part Used Bulb Introduction From immune enhancement to cancer prevention, garlic may support health in many ways. What many people don’t know, however, is that there is some controversy about the most effective form of garlic people should take. One of the biggest concerns about garlic is whether it is still active by the […]

Milk Thistle

Plant Part Used Seed Introduction While milk thistle has a number of historical uses, current research has primarily focused on milk thistle’s ability to support healthy liver function. A standardized extract is derived from the seed of the plant. Interactions and Depletions Interactions Medications metabolized by the CYP-3A4 isoenzyme system Dosage Info Dosage Range 80-200 […]