|
Eleuthero root (Eleutherococcus
senticosis)* |
An excellent adaptogen, this herb
normalizes blood pressure and immune activity, reduces fatigue,
stress, and depression and lessens atherosclerosis. Eleuthero is a
well-researched herb for balancing endocrine activity, promoting
strength and energy, and enhancing work or athletic performance. It
acts on the adrenal glands to normalize stress hormone (cortisol)
levels thereby smoothing out the peaks and valleys of energy that
characterize chronic stress |
|
Schisandra berry/Wu Wei Zi (Schisandra
chinensis)* |
Translated as Five Flavor Fruit, this
herb is a powerful adaptogen strengthening hypothalamic/adrenal
function and normalizing nervous system and immune activity.
Schisandra also acts as a mild, non habit forming stimulant and an
anti-hepatotoxin. It enhances work and athletic performance and
stimulates metabolism. It astringes the jing—the vital essence—and
is rich in anti-inflammatory flavonoids. |
|
Oat fresh milky seed (Avena
sativa)* |
Strengthens and nourishes the nervous
system. It is indicated for nervous exhaustion (burning the candle
at both ends), sexual neurasthenia, and occipital pain extending
toward the spine. Oat reduces withdrawal effects from nicotine and
caffeine. Used for neurasthenia (nervous exhaustion), anxiety,
impaired sleep patterns and weak libido, milky Oat is appropriate
for chronic stress. They contain calcium and magnesium which are
essential nutrients for the nervous tissue. |
|
Holy Basil herb (Ocimum
tenuiflorum)* |
Has long been used in Ayurvedic
medicine for the mind and nervous system. It lifts the spirits while
increasing clarity of thought and dispelling depression.
Traditionally it is used for cloudy thinking caused by drug use. It
is also antiviral, a carminative, an adaptogen, and a galactogogue.
|
|
Devil's Club root bark (Oplopanax
horridus)* |
Is indicated in cases of poor sugar
metabolism to increase pancreatic beta cells' ability to produce &
utilize insulin. It is used to treat diabetes (under medical
supervision) and insulin resistance. As an adaptogen Devil's Club
strengthens adrenal/pancreatic/hypothalamus function. It is also a
laxative and an anti-inflammatory agent for use in arthritis. |
|
Sarsaparilla rhizome (Smilax
regelii)* |
Is a mild adaptogen. It contains plant
sterols which are anti-inflammatory. Used for psoriasis,
fibromyalgia, arthritis, gout, bursitis and colitis. Sarsaparilla
also is beneficial in treating auto-immune conditions such as
rheumatoid arthritis and inflammation of connective tissue like
scleroderma and ankylosing spondylitis. |
|
Bibliography: |
Bartram, T. Encyclopedia of Herbal
Medicine, Dorset, 1995
Elllingwood, MD, F. New American
Materia Medica, Therapeutics and Pharmacognosy, 1919 Moore, M.
Medicinal Plants of the Pacific West, Santa Fe, 1993
Winston, D., Herbal Therapeutics,
Specific Indications for Herbs & Herbal Formulas, HTRL, 8th ed.,
2003
Winston, D. Herbal Therapeutics
Materia Medica notes, HTSBM, 1982-1999
You-Ping Zhu Chinese Materia Medica
- Chemistry, Pharmacology and Applications, Netherlands, 1988 |
|
*Herbal
Therapeutics Research Library
Author: David Winston (RH) AHG
©2007
Herbal Therapeutics Research Library. All rights reserved |
Disclaimer: The information on
historical, ethnobotanical and phytotherapeutic uses of herbs and
traditional formulas contained herein is based on the experience and
research of the author. It is not intended as a substitute for
consulting with your physician or other health care provider. Any
attempt to diagnose and treat an illness should be done under the
direction of a health care professional. The publisher and author
are not responsible for any adverse effects or consequences
resulting from the use of any of the information discussed. Should
you have any questions concerning the appropriateness of any
preparation mentioned, the author strongly suggests consulting a
professional health care advisor. |