Cascara sagrada bark is used as a laxative and lower digestive tonic. The raw bark is much to strong to be used safely, so it is aged for threee years before use...
Gynostemma (Gynostemma pentaphyllum)
Iris (Iris versicolor)
What is Iris?
Iris is a misunderstood herb in many circles. It contains a set of constituents that are known to trigger nausea and vomiting — however, somewhat ironically, iris is also considered useful for treating nausea.
This herb has mild laxative qualities — thought to be due to a combination between its potent bitter constituents stimulating the flow of bile from the liver and gallbladder, and an ability to stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system. It's especially active on the liver, where it's used to treat poor digestion, liver dysfunction, and to treat skin conditions.
Other species sometimes used includes Iris caroliniana & Iris virginica.
What is Iris Used For?
Iris is used to treat skin conditions through the liver by improving elimination pathways and preventing excessive elimination and irritation through the skin. It's useful for acne, psoriasis, eczema, and rashes.
Other common uses of iris is for urinary tract infection, hypothyroidism, lymphadenopathy, and menstrual irregularities.
+ Mechanisms
- Thought to stimulate parasympathetic nervous system
- Iridin thought to induce laxative action due to irritating properties on mucus membranes
Herb Details: Iris
Herbal Actions:
- Bitter
- Pancreatic trophorestorative
- Alterative
- Antinflammatory
- Astringent
- Lymphatic
- Hepatic
- Laxative (mild)
- Diuretic
- Choleretic
- Cholagogue
Weekly Dose
- (1:2 Liquid Extract)
20–40 mL - View Dosage Chart
Part Used
- Root/Rhizomee
Family Name
- Iridaceae
Distribution
- North America
Constituents of Interest
- Furfural
- Irisin
- Salicylic Acid
- Oleo-resin, beta-sitosterols
- Beta-sitosterols
Common Names
- Iris
- Blue Flag
- Sweet Flag
- Poison Flag
- Harlequin Blueflag
Pregnancy
Avoid using iris while pregnant or breastfeeding.
Duration of Use
- Avoid long-term use in therapeutic doses.
Botanical Info:
Iris is native to North America and is common around marshes, streams, and lakes.
The Iridaceae family is named after the irises and refers to the rainbow due to the many colors of iris flowers. This family contains 66 different genera and approximately 2244 different species. Some of the other famous members of this family include Crocus spp. and Gladioli spp.
Clinical Applications of Iris
Iris has recently seen a peak in interest in the past few years, however, is still not a commonly used herb due to the presence of significant side effects. Iris is contraindicated in anything but small doses due to the mucous membrane irritant and nauseating side effects.
In small doses iris is useful for stimulating bile secretion, promoting movement in the bowels, stimulating the pancreas, and treating skin conditions arising from liver congestion.
Cautions:
Some of the constituents in fresh iris root can cause a burning sensation in the mouth and throat along with diarrhea and abdominal burning. It's considered an emetic, and mucus membrane irritant in higher doses. Use cautiously and only in smaller doses.
+ Contraindications
- Avoid high doses
- Mucus membrane irritation (IBS, IBD, etc)
- Diarrhea
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Frankincense (Boswellia serrata)
Frankincense (Boswellia) is one of the best anti-inflammatory herbs in our arsenal. It directly inhibits both COX and 5-LOX enzymes responsible for activating inflammatory messengers. This makes frankincense useful for conditions that involve inflammation as an underlying factor — such as indigestion, arthritis, pain, muscle injuries, or skin irritation.
Horse Chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum)
What is Horse Chestnut?
Horse chestnut is a large tree with a long history of use for treating vascular conditions like varicose veins and other forms of poor vascular tone.
Its common name originated from a belief that horse chestnut seeds were able to relieve panting horses.
What is Horse Chestnut Used For?
Horse chestnut is mainly used for its astringent and anti-inflammatory activity specific to the vascular system. It's also used for fluid accumulation, chest pain, rheumatism, neuralgia, hemorrhoids, and sinus congestion.
Herb Details: Horse Chestnut
Herbal Actions:
- Astringent
- Antinflammatory
- Decongestant
- Antioxidant
- Antirheumatic
- Analgesic
- Expectorant
- Vasoprotective
Weekly Dose
- (1:2 Liquid Extract)
15–35 mL - View Dosage Chart
Part Used
- Seeds
Family Name
- Sapindaceae
Distribution
- Europe & North America
Constituents of Interest
- Aescin
Common Names
- Horsechestnut
- Conker Tree
- Atkestanesi
- Buckeye
- Eschilo
Duration of Use
- Long term use of horse chestnut is acceptable.
Botanical Information
The Sapindaceae family of plants contains 138 genera, and 1858 different species. The Aesculus genus contains 13-19 different species. Other famous members of the Sapindacea family include maple (Acer spp.), lychee (Litchi chinensis), longan (Dimocarpus longan), Guarana (Paulinia cupana) Ackee (Blighia sapida).
Clinical Applications Of Horse Chestnut:
Horse chestnut is a reliable vascular tonic, suitable for most forms of vascular insufficiency or fluid retention. Varicose veins, spider veins, burst blood vessels, and peripheral vascular and arterial insufficiency are all indicated for use wth horse chestnut internally.
Cautions:
The esculin may be toxic in higher doses. Many horse chestnut extracts will remove this component to improve safety.
Do not use horse chestnut in combination with pregnancy or breastfeeding.
+ Contraindications
- Pregnancy
- Breast feeding
- Kidney disease
- Liver disease
- Anticoagulant medication use
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Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
What is Lavender?
Lavender is one of the most famous herbs known to man. It's cultivated on a massive scale throughout Europe and North America and is a popular flavoring and aromatic agent for household products.
Medicinally lavender is best known for its ability to promote sleep. It's often sold as aromatherapy, in salves and creams, and incense for this purpose. Lavender is also great for internal use, where it interacts with the GABA system to produce relaxation and sleep.
Lavender essential oil can be used as a topical agent for insect bites, rashes, and infection.
What is Lavender Used For?
Lavender is mainly used in topical applications for rashes, skin irritations, mild infections, sunburn, and insect bites. Internally it's mainly used for anxiety-related conditions, GIT inflammation and discomfort, and insomnia.
Herb Details: Lavender
Herbal Actions:
- Analgesic (mild)
- Antibacterial
- Anti-cancer
- Anticonvulsant
- Antidepressant
- Antifungal
- Antioxidant
- Anxiolytic
- Antiparasitic
- Carminative
- Nervine Relaxant
- Neuroprotective
- Antispasmodic
Weekly Dose
- (1:2 Liquid Extract)
15–30 mL - View Dosage Chart
Part Used
- Leaves and flowers
Family Name
- Lamiaceae
Distribution
- Mediterranean and Southern Europe
Northern and Eastern Africa
Constituents of Interest
- Monoterpene Alcohols
- Athocyanins
Common Names
- Lavender
- Laventelit (Finland)
- English Lavender
Pregnancy
No adverse reactions expected.
Duration of Use
- This herb is generally regarded as safe for long term use.
Botanical Information
Lavender is a member of the mint family (Lamiaceae). In the genus Lavandula, there are approximately 47 species — most of which are perennials, or small shrubs.
There are a number of lavenders used medicinally
Lavandula angustifolia (English Lavender)
Lavandula stoechas (French Lavender)
Lavendula dentata (Spanish Lavender)
This list is disputed by many taxonomists, suggesting that French lavender may be Lavandula stoechas or Lavandula dentata, and that Spanish lavender could be either Lavandula dentata, or Lavandula lanata, or Lavandula dentata.
Clinical Applications Of Lavender:
Lavender is useful topically for female conditions including dysmenorrhoea and PMS due to its antispasmodic and analgesic effects. It's also useful topically for its anti-fungal and antibacterial effects. Internally lavender can be used for gastrointestinal complaints, including bloating, flatulence, and colic.
Lavender is a reliable nervine for its GABAergic activity. Additionally it has been shown to reverse the stimulating effects induced by caffeine, and inhibits acetylcholine release.
Cautions:
Lavender has been proven to be a very safe herb with a low incidence of adverse effects.
Avoid use with pharmaceutical sedatives due to the possibility of agonistic synergy.
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