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Sarsaparilla
rhizome
(Smilax ornata) * |
Contains plant
sterols which are anti-inflammatory. It is indicated for conditions
with skin, fascia, or muscle tissue that is red, inflamed, and hot
to the touch. It is used for psoriasis, arthritis, gout, bursitis,
colitis, rheumatoid arthritis, and chronic inflammation of
connective tissue. Sarsaparilla binds endotoxins in the gut which
increases their elimination and reduces inflammatory response.
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Turmeric fresh
rhizome
(Curcuma longa) * |
Useful as an
anti-inflammatory, antioxident, and analgesic used in the treatment
of arthritis, colitis, Crohn's disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and
bursitis. It is also a hepatoprotective agent, a cholagogue, anti-protozoal,
anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and is gastroprotective. As an
antioxident, Turmeric has anti-tumor activity, stimulates
glutathione s-transferase (GST) and modulates nitric oxide to reduce
inflammation and inhibit cancer growth.
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Devil’s Claw
tuber
(Harpagophytum procumbens) * |
A native of
South African grasslands and deserts. It produces large roots
(storage tubers) which contain saponins. These chemicals act as
anti-inflammatory agents, so Devil’s Claw is traditionally used for
osteoarthritis, bursitis and rheumatic pain as well as digestive
disorders.
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Bupleurum root
(Bupleurum falcatum) * |
Known in
Chinese medicine as Chai Hu and is used for stagnant liver qi. The
symptoms of this condition include a feeling of fullness in the
liver, pain on the right side, biliousness, a coated yellow tongue,
difficulty digesting fats and abdominal bloating. A prominent liver
herb, Bupleurum can also be used for hepatitis, liver fire rising
(liver headaches) and hepatomegaly. As an anti-inflammatory agent
Bupleurem induces production of natural corticosteroids and enhances
their activity. It also inhibits inflammatory prostaglandin
production.
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Ginger rhizome
(Zingiber
officinale) * |
Increases
circulation of blood and qi, improves digestion and is useful for
nausea and motion sickness. This spicy herb is also a powerful
anti-inflammatory agent, a mild emmenagogue and a diaphoretic. It
improves circulation to the uterus, gastrointestinal tract and skin.
Ginger extracts have shown in vivo activity against COX-1 and COX-2
mediated inflammation. It also enhibits enzymes such as
5-Lipoxygenase (5-Lo) and 12-Lypoxygenase (12-Lo) which metabolize
arachidonic acid creating powerful pro-inflammatory byproducts.
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Willow
bark
(Salix spp.) * |
A source of
the chemical compound salicin. Related to aspirin, salicin inhibits
inflammatory prostaglandin production. Unlike aspirin, Willow bark
does not thin the blood, nor does it cause gastric irritation.
Willow bark is commonly used for everyday aches and pains,
osteoarthritis, backaches, headaches and to lower fevers.
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Sichuan
Teasel root
(Dipsacus
japonicus) * |
An astringent,
styptic, anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic. It is used in Chinese
medicine for deficient kidney yang with symptoms such as low back
pain, weak knees, and weak ankles. It can also be used for
bursitis, stiff joints, arthritis, and trauma injuries.
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Bibliography: |
Bartram, T.
Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine, Grace Pub., 1995.
Bone, K. Bupleurem - A Natural Steroid Effect,
Medi-Herb.Newsletter #50 & 51, 1996.
Newmark, T. & Shulick, P. Beyond Aspirin, Hohn Press, 2000.
Snow, J. Curcuma longa L. (Zingiberaceae) in the Protocol
Journal of Botanical Medicine, vol. 1, #2, 1995
Van Wyk, Oudtshoorn and Gericke Medicinal Plants of
South Africa,
Priza Pub., 1997.
Weiss, R. Herbal Medicine, Beaconsfield Arcanum, 1988.
Winston, D., Specific Indications for Herbs & Herbal Formulas,
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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