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Eleuthero root
(Eleutherococcus senticosis) * |
An excellent
adaptogen that normalizes immune activity. Its tonic effects on the
adrenal glands and nervous system include reducing fatigue, stress
and depression. For the circulatory system, Eleuthero reduces
atherosclerosis and normalizes blood pressure. It is frequently
used especially by athletes to increase performance.
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Schisandra
berry/Wu Wei Zi
(Schisandra chinensis) * |
Translates 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 a hepatoprotective agent. It astringes the jing--the
vital essence--and is rich in anti-inflammatory flavonoids.
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Hawthorn
berry, leaf and flower
(Crataegus monogyna) * |
Indications
include functional and organic heart weakness with pain, weak tonus
of the heart muscle, angina, valvular insufficiency, mitral valve
prolapse, heart murmur, venous stasis, poor capillary & venous
integrity, and varicose veins. Hawthorn lowers cholesterol levels,
lowers blood pressure and prevents deposition of plaque on arterial
walls. This herb may potentiate other heart medications, i.e.
beta-blockers.
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Reishi
mushroom
(Ganoderma lucidum, G. sinensis) * |
Indicated for
immune hypo (Cancer, AIDS, Chronic Fatigue) or hyper functioning
(Lupus, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Crohn's Disease, and Ankylosing
Spondylitis). Reishi is an active hepatoprotective agent as well as
a cardiotonic, antioxidant and nervine.
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Sarsaparilla
rhizome
(Smilax ornata) * |
A mild
adaptogen and contains plant sterols which are anti-inflammatory.
It is used for psoriasis, arthritis, gout, bursitis, colitis,
rheumatoid arthritis, and inflammation of connective tissue.
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Ashwagandha
root
(Withania somnifera) * |
A traditional
Ayurvedic medicinal plant considered one of the best tonic remedies
of India. It is a calming adaptogen and nervine used to reduce
stress, stimulate libido and male reproductive functioning. It also
acts as an antispasmodic and along with Black Cohosh, Kava and Wood
Betony is specific for fibromyalgia pain. Due to its rich iron
content, Withania is used to treat iron deficient anemia and the
resultant fatigue associated with it.
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Cordyceps
mycelium
(Cordyceps sinensis) * |
Once reserved
for the royal family of China as a superb tonic to the blood (xue),
kidneys (yin and yang) and lung. Cordyceps is used by Chinese
Olympic teams to enhance performance, stimulate endocrine function,
reduce fatigue and calm nervousness. It can also be useful for heart
arrhythmias, glomerulonephritis and loss of libido.
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Bibliography: |
Bone, K.
Clinical Applications of Ayurvedic and Chinese Herbs,
Queensland,
Australia, 1996
Bone, K. Crataegus - More Than The Heart? British Journal of
Phytotherapy, Vol. 2 #3, 1991-2, pp. 115-127
Stamets, P., MycoMedicinals,
Olympia,
WA,
2002
Upton,
R., Reishi Mushroom, American Herbal Pharmacopoeia and
Therapeutic Compendium, Santa Cruz, 2000
Upton,
R., Schisandra
Berry,
American Herbal Pharmacopoeia and Therapeutic Compendium,
Santa Cruz,
1999
Upton,
R., Ashwagandha Root, American Herbal Pharmacopoeia and
Therapeutic Compendium, Santa Cruz, 2000
Winston, D., Herbal Therapeutics, Specific Indications For Herbs
& Herbal Formulas, HTRL, 8th ed., 2003
Zhou, J. et al. Recent Advances in Chinese Herbal Drugs,
Beijing,
1991 |
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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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