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 […]

Bacopa

Plant Part Used Leaf Introduction The leaf of bacopa, or water hyssop, has been used in the Indian medical system of Ayurveda since the 6th century A.D. to help improve mental performance. It is also considered the foremost tonic for the nervous system in Ayurvedic medicine. It has been used traditionally for epilepsy, mental illness, […]

Horsetail

Plant Part Used Shoots Introduction Horsetail is a plant found throughout the Northern Hemisphere in Asia, Europe, and North America. Horsetail’s therapeutic uses date back to the ancient Romans and Greeks, where it was used as a remedy to stop bleeding, and to treat ulcers, wounds, and inflammation of the skin. Horsetail contains silicon, silica […]

Echinacea

Plant Part Used E. angustifolia – root ; E. purpurea – root, aerial portion succus (fresh plant juice) Introduction Echinacea’s stimulatory effects on the immune system have made it one of the most popular herbs in the world. It’s ability to enhance the body’s natural defenses has applications in fighting common colds, influenza and other […]

Artichoke

Plant Part Used Leaf Introduction The flower head of the artichoke has been used as a medicinal agent for centuries. Historically, artichoke has been used for poor digestion, atherosclerosis, and high cholesterol. The leaf of the artichoke plant is used to make a standardized extract. Dosage Info Dosage Range 250-750mg daily (standardized extract). Most Common […]

Ashwagandha

Plant Part Used Root Introduction Ashwagandha root, also known as winter cherry or Indian ginseng, is an important herb from the Ayurvedic or Indian system of medicine. Ashwagandha has been traditionally used for the treatment of debility, emaciation, impotence, and premature aging. (1) Interactions and Depletions Interactions Narcotic medications Anti-anxiety medications Sedative and hypnotic medications […]

Boswellia

Plant Part Used Gum resin. Introduction Boswellia, or olibanum, is a close relative of the Biblical incense frankincense and has been used historically in the Ayurvedic medical system of India for a variety of ailments. Supplement makers derive a boswellia extract from the gum resin of the stem bark of the plant. Modern scientists are […]