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Milk Thistle
seed
(Silybum marianum) * |
Contains
silymarin flavonoid complex which is an antihepatotoxin used to
prevent and treat liver damage from chemical, agricultural, viral or
mushroom poisoning. It is indicated for cirrhosis of the liver,
psoriasis and hepatitis A, B, C and D. Milk Thistle also acts as a
cholagogue and a galactogogue (stimulates bile flow and breast milk
flow).
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Dandelion
fresh root
(Taraxacum officinalis) * |
An excellent
bitter tonic that stimulates hydrochloric acid, bile, liver,
pancreatic and small intestine enzymes. It is indicated for chronic
constipation due to poor digestion—clay colored stools, poor fat
metabolism and sluggish liver function. A rich source of inulin and
fructoligerosaccharides (FOS), Dandelion root stimulates the growth
of healthy bowel flora.
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Blessed
Thistle fresh herb
(Cnicus benedictus) * |
An intense
bitter that acts as a digestive stimulant, cholagogue and febrifuge.
It increases stomach, small intestine and liver activity, and in
this capacity is especially useful for the convalescent elderly.
Blessed Thistle is effective in treating liver stagnation, poor fat
metabolism and rebellious qi (hiatus hernia, regurgitation of bile,
hiccoughs).
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Watercress
fresh herb
(Nasturtium officinale) * |
An aquatic
plant, is a nutritional powerhouse. A rich source of carotenoids,
minerals, vitamin C and antibacterial mustard oils, Watercress is a
cholagogue stimulating liver and gall bladder function and activity.
It is used for stagnant liver qi, biliousness and poor fat
metabolism. Watercress also strengthens the lungs, acts as an
antiseptic expectorant and antiasthmatic agent.
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Turmeric fresh
rhizome
(Curcuma longa) * |
Useful as an
anti-inflammatory and analgesic in treatment of arthritis, colitis,
Crohn's disease, rheumatoid arthritis and bursitis. It is also an
antihepatotoxin, cholagogue, anti-protozoal, anti-bacterial and
anti-fungal. Turmeric lowers blood pressure and acts as an
emmenagogue for use in amenorrhea.
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Oregon Grape
root
(Mahonia nervosa) * |
A good
digestive bitter, liver tonic and cholagogue used to increase
digestion and absorption especially of fats and oils. It is
indicated for dyspepsia, dysbiosis, jaundice, elevated bilirubin
levels and poor bile formation. Oregon Grape is also
anti-bacterial/fungal/viral so it is indicated for urinary tract
infections, strep and staph infections, intestinal viruses and skin
conditions such as psoriasis and acne.
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Bibliography: |
Bartram, T.
Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine, Dorset, 1995
Ellingwood, F. New American Materia Medica, Therapeutics and
Pharmacognosy, 1919
Handa, Sharma and Chakraberti Natural Products and Plants as
Liver Protecting Drugs, Fitoterapia vol. LVII #5, 1986
Moore,
M. Medicinal Plants of the Pacific West, Santa Fe, NM, 1993
Vogel, A. The Liver, Switzerland, 1962
Weiss, R. Herbal Medicine, Beaconsfield, 1988 |
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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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