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Reishi
mushroom
(G. lucidum, G. sinensis)
* |
Indicated for
immune hypo (cancer, AIDS and chronic fatigue) or hyper functioning
(lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn's disease and ankylosing
ppondylitis). Reishi is an active antihepatotoxin as well as a
cardiotonic, antioxidant and nervine. The “kingly remedy” is also
used to treat altitude sickness, allergies, insomnia, leukopenia,
ADD/ADHD and elevated LDL cholesterol levels.
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Turmeric
fresh rhizome
(Curcuma longa) * |
Useful as an
anti-inflammatory and analgesic in treatment of osteo arthritis,
colitis, Crohn's disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and bursitis. It is
also an antihepatotoxin, cholagogue, anti-protozoal, anti-bacterial,
and anti-fungal. It helps maintain glutathione levels in the liver,
improves phase II liver detoxification and protects the hepatocytes
against damage caused by viruses, environmental or drug toxins.
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Huang Qin (Baikel
Skullcap) root
(Scutellaria baicalensis)
* |
Commonly used
in TCM for excess heat symptoms such as fever, hypertension, red
inflamed skin or eyes, nosebleeds, acute hepatitis, uterine bleeding
and fire poison (shingles, boils, staph infections). This root is
antibacterial and antiviral, making it useful for colds, flu,
herpes, bronchial infections and Staphylococcus aureus. Huang Qin is
also an antihepatotoxin and antioxidant used in treating Hepatitis
A-C. It reduces inflammatory response in allergies and autoimmune
disease (rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, interstitial
cystitis, scleroderma, lupus, etc.)
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Licorice
root
(Glycerrhiza glabra, G. uralensis) * |
Has an ancient
history of use in China and the Middle East. This intensely sweet
root is an adaptogen, demulcent, expectorant, pectoral, antiviral
and antidepressant. Licorice strengthens endocrine function,
especially the adrenals, ovaries, Isles of Langerhans and
hypothalamus making it useful for chronic fatigue syndrome,
menopausal symptoms, hypoglycemia and auto-immune disease. The
demulcent action heals mucous membrane tissue especially the stomach
(ulcers), large and small intestine (irritable bowel syndrome) and
lung (dry, irritated cough). Excessive use of Licorice can elevate
blood pressure.
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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 as well
as reducing fatigue and brain fog associated with menopause or old
age. It also acts as an antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory and
along with Black Cohosh, Kava and Wood Betony is specific for
fibromyalgia pain.
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Unprocessed
Rehmannia
(Rehmannia glutinosa) * |
Used in TCM to
cool the blood, stop hemorraging and nourish the yin (dry cough, dry
constipation). It is anti-inflammatory, an antipyretic,
antihemorrhagic and mild anti-hepatotoxin. It reduces the Th2T
Lymphocyte dominance and is especially useful for hemorragic
purpurea, psoriatic and rheumatoid arthritis as well as hives and
eczema.
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Bibliography: |
Bone, K.
Clinical Applications of Ayurvedic and Chinese Herbs,
Phytotherapy Press, 1996.
Snow, J. Curcuma longa L. (Zingiberaceae) in the Protocol
Journal of Botanical Medicine, vol. 1, #2, 1995
Williamson, E.M., Major Herbs of Ayurveda, Churchill
Livingstone, 2002.
You-Ping, Zhu Chinese Materia Medica-Chemistry, Pharmacology
Applications, Harwood Academic Publications, 1998. |
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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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