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 […]
Aloe Vera
Plant Part Used Leaf gel; latex Introduction Aloe is a succulent plant, mostly found in East and South Africa that has been used medicinally for centuries. Traditional applications abound, including topical use in wounds, burns, rashes, and internal use as a laxative. While the gel from the aloe leaf may provide the wound healing properties, […]
Tea Tree Oil
Plant Part Used Volatile oil Introduction The tea tree is native to only one area of the world, the northeast coastal region of New South Wales, Australia. The leaves of tea tree were used by the early settlers of Australia to make tea, hence the name “tea tree.” During World War II, tea tree oil […]
Ginger
Plant Part Used Root/Rhizome Introduction Ginger has been used throughout history as both a culinary herb and a medicinal agent. Ginger has gained attention in the United States because of its effect on motion sickness, (1) nausea, and as an aid in digestion. Derivation of a standardized extract of ginger is from the rhizome. Interactions […]
Stinging Nettle
Plant Part Used Root, leaf Introduction Although it is often a painful annoyance on hikes through the forests of many regions, stinging nettle has gained a great deal of attention in the area of prostate health and support of allergies. Interactions and Depletions Interactions Uric acid lowering medications Dosage Info Dosage Range Root: 250mg (standardized […]
