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St. John’s
wort flowers
(Hypericum perforatum) * |
Contain the
red flavonoids Hypericin, Pseudohypericin and Hyperflorin which have
antiviral activity against a broad spectrum of viruses including HIV
(in vitro). This herb is used as an antidepressant and for anxiety.
St. John’s wort is used locally and internally for nerve and spinal
injuries, nerve pain, sciatica and shingles.
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Lemon Balm
fresh herb
(Melissa officinalis) * |
A mild,
flavorful remedy appropriate for children's colds, stomachaches and
headaches. Lemon balm is useful for mild depression, mild
hypertension, herpes and hyperthyroidism.
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Mimosa (Silk
Tree) flower or bark
(Albizia julibrissan) * |
Used in
Chinese Medicine for “disturbed shen” symptoms - depression,
anxiety, bad dreams, insomnia, PMS irritability,
and poor memory. It is also used for treating trauma injuries and
hemoptysis.
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Black Cohosh
fresh root
(Actaea racemosa) * |
An emmenagogue,
antispasmodic, oxytocic and partus preparator indicated for cases of
dysmenorrhea with scanty flow, amenorrhea, muscular pain in the
back, pelvis and thighs, post partum pain and pain from salpingitis.
This herb is also indicated for rheumatic neuralgia, fibromyalgia
and muscular pain especially in cases where the muscles feel
bruised.
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Night Blooming
Cereus fresh stem
(Selenicereus grandiflorus) * |
Indicated for
heart diseases of nervous or drug origin (coffee, tobacco, etc.),
nervous tachycardia, palpitations, feeble and irregular pulse, and
shortness of breath with mild exertion. Along with Black Cohosh, it
benefits hormonal depression.
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Holy Basil
fresh herb
(Ocimum sanctum) * |
Has long been
used in Ayurvedic medicine as a tonic remedy for the mind and
nervous system. It lifts the spirits while increasing clarity of
thought and dispelling negativity. Traditionally it is also used for
relieving cloudy thinking caused by drug use, menopause, and stress.
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Lavender dried
flowers
(Lavendula angustifolia) * |
A fragrant,
aromatic herb that has antiviral, antibacterial, antidepressant,
carminative and nervine activities. Lavender is useful for gas,
nausea, dysbiosis, damp spleen, stagnant depression and anxiety.
Studies using Lavender essential oil show it enhances sleep and
reduces nocturnal waking in the elderly.
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Bibliography: |
Upton,
R., American Herbal Pharmacopoeia and Therapeutic Compendium, St.
Johnswort, 1997
Ellingwood, F. American Materia Medica, Therapeutics and
Pharmacognosy, 1919, Ellingwood's Therapeutist.
Pizzorno, J. ND and
Murray,
M. ND. A Textbook of Natural Medicine, 2 vol., 1987-1997,
Bastyr
College Publishing.
Kapoor, L.D.
CRC Handbook of
Ayurvedic Medicinal Plants,
1990, CRC
Press.
Pahlow, M. Healing Plants, 1993, Barrons.
Chen, J., Chen, T., Chinese Medical Herbology and Pharmacology,
Art of Medicine Press, 2004
Winston, D., Herbal Therapeutics, Specific Indications For Herbs
& Herbal Formulas, HTRL 8th ed., 2003 |
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*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. |
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