 |
|
|||||||||||
| 3200 Blue Ridge Road, Suite 118 Raleigh, NC 27612 | Phone 919.571.4399 www.landmarkurologycare.com Mini-Brochure |
||||||||||||
|
Home >> Complementary Medicine >> Herbal Medicine >> Herbs
Herbs
Herbal Terminology | Herbal Measurements | Herbal Treatments For those who are unfamiliar with herbal terminology, the following glossary will prove helpful. For additional information, consult a good book on herbs (see Resources). Active Ingredient The chemical that presumably accounts for a herb’s healing properties is called the active ingredient. For instance, the active ingredients of Ginko biloba (a popular herb that improves blood flow) are called ginkgo flavonglycosides. Adulterant. Any substance other than the desired herb is called an adulterant. This usually refers to the wrong part of the plant or the wrong herb. When a herb is costly or is in short supply, the chance of a substitution with or addition of an adulterant increases. For instance, Panax ginseng is a popular tonic herb that is frequently adulterated. Studies have shown that the majority of commercial products contain only a fraction or the recommended amount of ginseng’s active ingredients (ginsenosides), and a number of products contain no ginseng at all. Adulterants can also include heavy metals (for example, Mercury and Lead), toxic pesticides, and microbial (bacterial or fungal) contaminants. For instance, the California Department of Health Services, Food and Drug Branch screened two hundred sixty imported Chinese medicines. Of these, eight-three (thirty-two percent) contained undeclared pharmaceuticals or heavy metals, and twenty-three had more than one adulterant. (I’ll discuss how to choose safe herbal products in the next section.)
Chromatography. A standard laboratory test, chromatography separates individual substances from a complex mixture of substances based upon the color they generate as they adhere or adsorb (not to be confused with absorb) with reference particles. Manufacturers use chromatography for quality control to make sure that their product contains the proper herb and the proper mixture of ingredients at the desired concentration. Herbal Extract. A solvent is a fluid (usually water or alcohol) that is used to ‘extract’ (withdraw) a herb’s active ingredients. Water extracts water-soluble ingredients, whereas alcohol extracts fat-soluble items such as fatty acids, sterols, and other substances that are water-insoluble. [Top] Extraction Process. The extraction process takes anywhere from minutes to days depending upon the part of the herb that’s being extracted and the desired strength of the final product. Ingredients from roots and bark take much longer to extract than those contained in dried leaves or flower parts. Herbal Extract Concentrations. Extracts are categorized by the concentration of herb relative to the amount of solvent. Herbal infusions, decoctions, and tinctures contain more solvent than herb, while the reverse is true for liquid and solid herbal extracts. Water Extracts.
[Top] Water And Alcohol-derived Herbal Extracts. These extracts come in three varieties – liquid tinctures, liquid extracts, and solid extracts.
Herbal Processing This term refers to the steps that are used to prepare an herb for commercial use. These steps include harvesting, drying (herbs are typically eighty percent water before drying, and fourteen percent water afterward), grinding, extraction, and formulation into liquid or solid herbal extracts. Medical Herbalist Technically, a herbalist is an expert in the study and practice of herbal medicine. Unfortunately, there aren’t standardized educational requirements for medical herbalists in this country. This means that any self-proclaimed expert on herbs can call themselves a herbalist. In England, the situation is different. The British National Institute of Medical Herbalists sets standards for medical herbalists. Although there isn’t a national accrediting organization in the U.S., the American Herbalist Guild is a group professional herbalists that maintain high standards of herbal practice. Members of this guild can be identified by the initials ‘AHG’ after their names. (See Resources.) [Top] NF The initials ‘NF’ stand for National Formulary. The National Formulary is a compendium (a concise but comprehensive summary) of drugs and herbs. Plant Classification Plants are identified by their common name, family name, and botanical name and the part of the plant that is used. For example, let’s examine the naming process for clivers, a non-irritating diuretic herb that reduces prostatic irritation and inflammation.
[Top] Plant Structures A herbal remedy and its mode of preparation depend on the plant part that is being used. Plant parts that are commonly used include the following: Aerial parts and leaves. These non-woody plant parts are located above ground (e.g., leaves and stems). Flowers. Are a plant’s reproductive organs. Seeds. Come from a plant’s fruit. Bark. Covers tree trunks and branches. Underground structures. Include roots (which lack buds), rhizomes (underground roots that have ‘runners’ that put up new shoots), and bulbs. Fruits. Are plant organs that contain seeds. Organic Herbs Herbs that are grown without pesticides and commercial fertilizers are called organic herbs. Pharmacognosy The science of recognizing and studying herbs is called pharmacognosy. Phytonutrient Plant-derived substances are called phytonutrients. (The Greek word ‘phyton’ means plant.) [Top] Standardized Herbs Herbal products that are assayed (tested in a laboratory) and guaranteed to contain a certain percentage of active ingredient(s) or an exact concentration of herb are called standardized herbal products. Standardized herbal products still contain hundreds of other ingredients that are extracted along with the ‘active’ ingredient(s). Standardized Active Ingredients. Saw palmetto is a herb that is commonly used to treat prostate problems. A standardized solid extract of saw palmetto contains eighty-five to ninety-five percent fatty acids and sterols. Standardized Herbal Concentration. A 1:5 standardized saw palmetto fluid extract is guaranteed to contain one part saw palmetto for every five parts solvent (exact concentration). [Top] USP The abbreviation USP stands for United States Pharmacopoeia, an organization that works closely with the FDA, pharmaceutical industry, and health professionals to establish standards for drugs plus botanical and non-botanical supplements. Items that list ‘USP’ or ‘NF’ after their name must conform to the standards in the US Pharmacopoeia or National Formulary. Wildcrafted Herbs Herbs that are harvested from their native environment are ‘wildcrafted’ (as opposed to cultivated herbs, which are commercially grown). [Top] How Do Herbal Remedies Differ From Prescription Drugs? Although many drugs can trace their family ‘roots’ to herbs, there are fundamental differences between the two ‘branches’ of the family. Two important differences include:
[Top] How Do I Select A Quality Herbal Product? Choosing a quality herbal product is not as difficult as it may seem. Experts in the field of herbal medicine suggest the following guidelines: Become Knowledgeable. Do your homework. For instance, read a reputable book on herbs, talk with your doctor, or consult a medical herbalist. Watchdog organizations also provide free information about nutritional and herbal supplements (www.consumerlabs.com). Select The Most Effective Form. Choose a standardized herbal product if one is available. However, be advised that standardization doesn’t guarantee potency or quality. A product is only as good as the raw ingredients and the quality of the manufacturing process. Bulk herbs that are stored in open bins have often lost most of their potency, and powdered herbs are subject to adulteration. Liquid and solid herbal extracts offer the best buy for the money. Finally, avoid ‘shotgun therapy’ by choosing single herb products whenever possible. In order jazz-up their product, manufacturers often concoct a product that contains a potpourri of herbs (including the latest ‘herb-of-the-month’) More is not necessarily better. Buy From Reputable Companies. I recommend purchasing herbs from companies that have an established reputation (not to be confused with companies that advertise the most). Select a company that adheres to Good Manufacturing Practices. For the asking, these companies should offer a detailed certificate of analysis that verifies that the product contains the right herb, at the right concentration, without harmful adulterants.
Recommendations. Companies that I trust include the Eclectic Institute, herbalist & Alchemist, Inc., GAIA Herbs, Inc., plus the companies that I listed earlier as reputable sources of vitamins. [Top] What Are Common Herbal Measurements? Knowledge of the following herbal measurements is important to ensure proper dosing: Liquid measurements.
Solid measurements. One heaping teaspoon of dried herb averages between one to four and half grams (flowers average one gram, bark averages four and a half grams, and the remaining herbal parts weigh somewhere in between). [Top] The following suggestions for natural treatments are not intended as a substitute for consulting with your physician. Discontinue using any treatment which causes an adverse reaction. The following herbs are available in capsules or as tinctures. Follow the directions on the bottle. Select from the following conditions to find natural treatment suggestions. Acid Indigestion | Arthritis and joint pain | Bruises, sprains | Common cold, flu | Fungal (yeast) infections | Hemorrhoids | Motion sickness/nausea | Premenstrual syndrome | Sunburn | Insect bites | Poison Ivy aloe vera Take 1 tablespoon in a glass of water or juice. With a glass of water in acute cases. Catnip works better in liquid form, especially when combined with fennel (add 2-3 capsules per cup of tea). fennel Make a tea by adding 1 cup of boiling water to a teaspoon of fennel seeds and let it steep for five to ten minutes or simply chew ½ teaspoon of fennel seeds and swallow them. ginger Take 1-2 capsules at mealtime or make into a tea for better results. marshmallow Take 1-3 capsules up to four times a day. peppermint Make a tea by adding 1-2 drops of peppermint oil in a cup of water and sip slowly. safflower - Take 2 capsules with each meal as a digestive aid or make a tea by adding 2 capsules with a pint of water. slippery elm bark open 3 capsules and add to warm water, stir and drink immediately. nux vomica or pulsatilla are two homeopathic medications which may be helpful. Take as directed on the bottle. [Top] The following herbs may be helpful:
[Top] capsicum creme - Apply 0.075% creme to the affected area as directed. ginger - Take two 500mg capsules of powdered ginger 1-2 times daily with food. tumeric - Take one 400-600 mg. capsule three times a day. bromelain - Take one 250 mg. capsule three times a day on an empty stomach. herbal soak - Make comfrey tea according to instructions (see under sunburn). Once the tea has cooled, pour the tea into a basin and soak the affected area. arnica is a homeopathic medication available in a gel or tablet. Apply to the gel to the affected area 4 times daily or take the tablets as directed. rhus tox is a homeopathic medication - take as directed. [Top] Carpel Tunnel Syndrome Herbs which will decrease tissue swelling and inflammation are recommended, including the following: ginger (Zingiber officinale), an herb which has been used for medicinal uses for thousands of years, decreases inflammation by inhibiting prostaglandin and leukotriene formation. Daily consumption of capsules containing a total 2 to 4 grams of powdered ginger(taken between meals) is recommended. Doses larger than this amount can cause stomach upset. capsaicin, the active component of cayenne pepper (Capsicum annuum), when applied topically to the skin, stimulates then blocks small-diameter pain fibers by depleting a neurotransmitter called substance P. Substance P has been shown to activate inflammation in joint tissues. Creams containing 0.025 or 0.075 percent capsaicin may be applied up to four times daily to the skin overlying wrists affected by CTS. Capsaicin containing cremes often cause a mild local burning sensation for the first day or two; the effect fades away thereafter. curcumin, a derivative of the herb tumeric (Curcuma longa), the major ingredient of curry powder, is another herb with potent anti-inflammatory properties. In fact, studies have shown that curcumin is as effective as cortisone and phenylbutazone without the significant side effects of these two medications. The recommended dose of curcumin is 400 to 600mg. three times a day. Curcumin is better absorbed when combined with an equal amount of bromelain, a protein digestive enzyme obtained from the pineapple plant (Ananas comusus). Bromelain possesses anti-inflammatory properties as well. Both herbs should be taken on an empty stomach. St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum) is useful for more than just treating depression. St. John’s Wort (available either as an extract, pill or tablet for oral consumption or as a cream for topical application) possesses anti-inflammatory properties and acts as a restorative tonic for the nervous system. Follow directions on the package. cornsilk (Zea mays), parsley (Aphanes arvenis) and dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) are natural diuretics. These herbs are available as liquid extracts, teas, or capsules. Follow directions on the package. [Top] echinacea purpurea Take 1-2 capsules every 1-2 hours, then taper off as the condition improves. For prevention take 1-2 capsules daily. blue vervain Take ½ to 1 teaspoon of a tincture as needed for congestion. yarrow Take 1-3 capsules 2-4 times a day with warm water. Warm tea helps to induce perspiration. Make into a tea with equal parts peppermint and drink warm for fevers. catnip Make into a tea by adding 2-3 capsules per cup. Catnip helps produce perspiration without increasing the heat in the body. ginger, Pau d’arco, slippery elm Tea made with any of these three herbs can help ameliorate symptoms of the common cold. vitamin C Take 3000 to 5000 mg. in divided doses at the first sign of a cold (reduce the dose if loose stools occur) eucalyptus oil Place 5 drops of the oil in a hot tub of water and take a bath, or 6 drops in a cup of boiling water and inhale the steam. golden seal Take one 250-500 capsule or 2-4 cc (1/2 to 1 tsp.) of an extract (1:1) three times daily. A golden seal/ecchinacea/myrrh combination acts as a natural antibiotic. zinc lozenges take one every two hours (not to exceed more than 10 within 24 hours) until symptoms subside. [Top] Diabetes aloe vera ½ tsp. daily ( special oral preparation) garlic - 1 to 2 cloves of a day or a pill(s) standardized to contain at least 5,000 mcg of allicin daily onion - either raw or cooked. fenugreek - 625 mg capsule three times a day. dandelion root (contains inulin)- available in tincture. Take as directed on the bottle. bittermelon- available as a liquid. Take two ounces daily. Pinch your nose and swallow quickly since it lives up to its name- it’s bitter! Also available in pill form, take as directed on the bottle. gentian - available as a tincture. Take as directed on the bottle. maitake mushrooms 1-4 grams a day. cinnamon use as a spice in cooking. Gymnema sylvestre, an herb used in ayurvedic medicine. It is available in health food stores or by calling Enzymatic therapy at 1-800-783-2286 (DIA-COMP), or Natures Healer at 1-800-437-2257 (Gymnesyl). It is available in both pill and extract preparations. Take as directed. Amino acids L - carnitine 500mg twice a day (mobilizes fat) L - glutamine 500 mg a day (reduces craving for sugar) taurine 500 mg twice a day (aids in release of insulin) L-arginine 500mg twice a day plus vitamin E 400I.U. (decreases oxidative stress) Additional items Jerusalem artichoke flour (source of inulin) - 1 to two tablespoons daily. Sprinkle over salads and vegetable or mix in drinks to make a "smoothie" brewers yeast- contains chromium, and is the richest source of glucose transfer factor. Sprinkle on pop corn, vegetables, salads, etc. lipoic acid 100-600mg a day spirulina- use a directed apple-pectin - either in fresh apples or in capsules, take as directed evening primrose oil-take as directed. A good source of omega -6 essential fatty acid flax seed oil-a good source of omega 3,6 and 9 essential fatty acids. Take 2 tbsp. daily flower essences are prepared from a sun infusion of either wildflowers or pristine garden blossoms which have been placed in a bowl of water and preserved with a small amount of brandy. Flower essences are used to address issues of emotional well-being, soul development and mind-body health. [Top] juniper berries Take two capsules 2-3 times daily with meals. tea tree oil Apply directly to skin yeast infections twice daily. Tea tree oil, 1.5 tablespoons with a cup of warm water can be used as a daily douche for vaginal yeast infections. If this causes irritation discontinue. Pau d’ arco Take as a tea three times daily. Use a mixture of pau d’ arco and goldenseal to soak fingernails or toenails infected with yeast. Make this mixture by boiling 6 bags of pau d’ arco tea, allow it to cool to a very warm temperature, then add 4 capsules of goldenseal. Soak the affected area in this mixture for 15 minutes twice a day. Calendula, garlic, goldenseal, marshmallow root, and yarrow Make a strong tea using one or more of these herbs and douche with it twice daily for one week. grapefruit seed extract Apply this extract to affected fingernails or toenails twice daily. An oral preparation is available and should be taken according to directions. oil of oregano take gel capsules as directed. garlic fresh garlic is best. Two cloves eaten daily is recommended. Vaginal yeast infections can be treated by inserting a freshly peeled clove of garlic wrapped in gauze into the vagina. Applying a small amount of olive oil to the gauze will make it easier to insert. The gauze is left in overnight. A piece of dental floss tied around the end of the gauze will aid in removal. calendula take 30 drops of a tincture in water three times daily. [Top] aloe vera Apply gel or lotion directly to the affected area. One teaspoon of liquid oral preparation may be taken daily after a meal. a cotton ball with liquid witch hazel and apply to the affected area. comfrey root, elderberry or mullein Make a paste and use in a poultice applied directly to the affected area once daily. calendula ointment Apply directly to affected area as directed. nux vomica is a homeopathic medication, take as directed on the bottle. [Top] aromatic oils of peppermint, chamomile or lavender Massage the abdomen with any one of these oils 1-2 times daily. ginger Take 2 capsules before traveling to prevent motion sickness. Take 4 - 6 capsules to help allay nausea. catnip, chamomile, fennel, fenugreek, goldenseal, papaya and peppermint Make a tea made of any of these herbs. Sip the tea throughout the day to relieve nausea. nux vomica is a homeopathic medication, take as directed on the bottle. [Top] dong quai (angelica sinensis) Take as a tea, capsule or tincture three times a day. cramp bark, kava kava, black haw, rosemary and red raspberry Take these herbs, which come in a variety of preparations, to reduce menstrual cramps. black cohosh, peppermint, strawberry leaf and valerian root Take these herbs, which come in a variety of preparations, to stabilize mood swings and tone the nervous system. blessed thistle, dong quai, false unicorn root, fennel seed, sarsaparilla root and squawvine Take these herbs, which come in a variety of preparations, to balance female hormones. milk thistle Take this herb on a daily basis for three months to improve the liver’s ability to metabolize estrogen. wild yam extract Take this herb to help with cramps, headaches, mood swings, depression, irritability and insomnia. Wild yam contains a natural progesterone. belladonna and chamomilla are two homeopathic medications - take a directed on the bottle. [Top] aloe vera Apply gel or lotion topically every hour until the pain is gone. aroma therapy with oil of lavender Add a few drops of the essential oil of lavender to tepid water, then use a plant mister to spray the affected area. herbal bath Add 6 drops of chamomile oil or lavender oil to a lukewarm tub of water and bathe. apply a mixture of apple cider vinegar (2 parts) and olive oil (one part). oatmeal blend one cup of dry oatmeal then add to tepid bath water. herbal compress Make a pot of comfrey or gota kola tea and let it cool. Soak a sterile gauze in the tea and make a compress. Apply and leave the compress on the affected area for 30 minutes. tea tree cream Apply tea tree creme to the affected area as directed. calendula ointment apply to the area as directed. [Top] essential oil of lavender - apply directly to the area. aloe vera gel - apply directly to the area. vinegar or lemon juice - apply directly to the area. baking soda - make into a paste with water and apply directly to the area. meat tenderizer - make a paste with water and apply directly to the area. Bach Flower rescue formula - place 4 drops under the tongue as soon as possible. ledum is a homeopathic medication - take as directed. [Top] techu - wash affected area as soon as possible. Rash can be prevented even if hours have elapsed since exposure. oatmeal or corn starch - add 1 cup of either to tepid bath water. witch hazel and baking soda - make a paste and apply to the affected area. aloe vera gel - apply directly to the affected area. [Top]
About Landmark Urology Care | Directions to Raleigh, North Carolina location | Meet Dr. Mark McClure | Meet Dr. Daniel McRackan | Meet Cheryl McClure Elliott, RN, MSN, ANP | Our Staff | Privacy Policy | Contact us | Patient Information | Men's Health: Bladder Problems | Erectile Dysfunction | Kidney Problems | Prostate Problems | Stone Disease | Testicle Problems | Vasectomy | Women's Health: Kidney Problems | Bladder Problems | Pelvic Organ Prolapse | Stone Disease | Urinary Incontinence | Urinary Tract Infection | Complementary Medicine | In the News | Disclaimer | Website Terms of Use | Our Policies | Appointments | Sitemap | Home
|
|
|||||||||||
| Home | Sitemap | Disclaimer | Privacy Policy | Content Copyright © 2009 Prizm & Landmark Urology. All rights reserved. Web Site Design by Prizm Development, Inc | www.PrizmDevelopment.com |
||||||||||||
