Calendula
Plant Part Used Flowers Introduction Calendula has been used for centuries. It is mentioned in herbal medical texts that date back to 1373. The name, calendula refers to the plant’s tendency to bloom in accordance with the calendar – every month in some regions of the Mediterranean. Historically, calendula was used both as a culinary […]
Hops
Plant Part Used Strobiles Introduction Hops has been used since Roman times as a crucial ingredient in brewing and as a mild sedative. Today, hops is still used to brew beer and as an agent to calm one’s anxiety. Interactions and Depletions Interactions Anti-anxiety medications / Anti-depressants OTC products causing drowsiness Alcoholic beverages Barbiturates Drugs […]
Eleuthero, Siberian Ginseng
Plant Part Used Root Introduction Eleuthero is one of the top selling herbal products in the United States. It is a member of the ginseng family, but it is of a different genus than other popular ginsengs. The use of eleuthero root dates back 2,000 years in the records of Chinese medicine when it was […]
Picrorhiza
Plant Part Used Root/rhizome Introduction Picrorhiza is a perennial herb that grows high in the Himalayas. The root and rhizome of this plant have been used in Indian traditional medicine since ancient times to treat liver troubles, upper respiratory problems and more. Recently, researchers and clinicians have reported the value of picrorhiza as an immune-enhancing […]
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, […]
