BENEFITS OF HERBS
Dong Quai, Echinacea, Elderberry, Eucalyptus
Dong Quai
is a Chinese herb derived from the root of Angelica sinensis or Angelica plymorpha maxim. A staple of eastern medicinal practice for thousands of years, Dong quai has been used in the treatment of female disorders such as menstrual cramps,(PMS), and to relieve symptoms associated with menopause.
Angelica sinensis is also an important flavoring agent used in liqueurs such as Chartreuse and Benedictine, and with juniper berries is used in flavoring gin.
Modern herbalists commonly recommend Dong quai as a uterine tonic to treat irregular menstrual flow and weakness during menstrual periods. As an antispasmodic, it is considered a remedy for menstrual cramps and nervousness. It is also said to purify the blood and act as a mild laxative.
Researchers have identified several coumarin derivatives that are known to act as antispasmodics and vasodilators. Dong quai's key ingredients include Ligustilide, butylene phthalide and butyl phthalide found in the aromatic oil. Ferulic acid and various polysaccharides are found in the non-aromatic fractions. Research suggests that both ferulic acid and ligustilide are responsible for preventing spasms, relaxing blood vessels and reducing blood clotting in peripheral vessels.
Dong quai also contains compounds that act to stimulate the central nervous system, supporting its use as a mild energizer. Certain people may experience a form of dermatitis caused by compounds that promote photosensitivity. Pregnant women, and women with excessive menstrual flow, should avoid using this herb altogether.
Echinacea
One of the most exciting therapeutic herbs available today is Echinacea (Echinacea angustifolia and Echinacea purpurea), a unique herb related to the Asteraceae (sunflower) plant family. Echinacea has been widely used by Native Americans, particularly the Plains Indians, for hundreds of years as an antiseptic, an analgesic (pain killer) and for the treatment of snakebites. Echinacea is also used extensively by herbalists and alternative medical providers to boost the immune system, help speed wound healing, reduce inflammations, treat colds and flu, and fight infections.
A growing collection of scientific evidence supports Echinacea's important contribution to stimulating the immune system. Researchers have found that Echinacea's immune-stimulating properties are due to a rich host of polysaccharides and phytosterols unique to this plant. Most American use of this herb has been with fresh Echinacea angustifolia, while European research has been conducted with the fresh Echinacea purpurea.
Researchers have identified a number of important active ingredients, including glycosides (especially echinacoside), eichloric acid, chlorogenic acid, polysaccharides (echinacin B, inulin, arabinogalactans, xyloglucans), isobutylamines (echinacein), alkylamides, phytosterols, (Z)-1, 8-pentadecadiene, sesquiterpene esters (in E. purpurea) and many other valuable compounds.
Scientists have found that Echinacea helps to activate macrophages, key immune system elements that are directly involved in the destruction of bacteria, viruses, other infectious agents and cancer cells. Macrophages produce much of their lethal effect by generating free oxygen radicals as well as producing a key protein called interleukin-l. A report in the December 1984 issue of Infection and Immunity demonstrated that a polysaccharide fraction derived from Echinacea purpurea significantly increased the killing effect of macrophages on tumor cells.
The polysaccharides also increased the production of free oxygen radicals and interleukin-1. The Echinacea polysaccharide had no effect on T-lymphocytes (involved in cellular immunity) and only a modest effect on B-lymphocytes (involved in humoral immunity-making antibodies). Another report indicated that Echinacea enhances natural killer cell activity, another important component in the immune system. Killer cells fight cancer.
Echinacea is recommended for use periodically for one or two weeks at a time, rather than continuously, because the body seems to become accustomed to it, and it loses effectiveness. This effectiveness is restored in a week or two.
If you are pregnant or nursing, consult your medical provider before using this product. If you have kidney disease, restrict usage to ten days (maximum) to avoid a possible imbalance in excreted minerals.
*****Elderberry*****
The Elder tree is a medicine chest by itself! The leaves are used for bruises, sprains, wounds and chilblains. It has also been reported that Elder leaves may be useful compounded in ointments for tumors. Additionally, Elder flowers are ideal for the treatment of colds and influenza. Elder is indicated in any catarrhal inflammation of the upper respiratory tract such as hayfever and sinusitis. Catarrhal deafness also responds well to Elder flowers.
Elder berries have similar properties to the flowers with the addition of their usefulness in treating chronic rheumatism. For colds and fevers, Elder may be used with Peppermint, Yarrow or Hyssop. For influenza, combine it with Boneset. And for catarrhal states, mix it with Golden Rod. Elderberry contains vitamin C which helps ward off colds in the winter, and will prevent flu from going into bronchitis if you take it at first sign of symptoms...
Elderberry
Elderberry (Sambucus nigra [Latin]), also called elder flower, is a tree that bears cream-colored flowers followed by dark purple berries in autumn. Elderberry trees are native to Europe, but have been naturalized to the Americas, and have a long history of medicinal use, particularly in England, where it is commonly used to make elderberry wine and pies, and was once referred to as ⌠nature▓s medicine chest.■
Elderberry has been traditionally used for to relieve pain, inflammation, water retention, and congestion. All parts of the elderberry tree, including the bark, flowers, and leaves, have been used in herbal medicine. Elderberry leaves are added to topical creams and sitz baths to treat inflammatory disorders, such as arthritis, boils, and eczema. Aged elderberry bark has been used to treat water retention and constipation, and to induce vomiting.
However, it is the flowers and berries of this tree that are most often used medicinally. Elderberries contain flavonoids, which are natural chemical substances that give food their taste and color; they also boost the immune system, and supply the body with antioxidant protection. Elderberry may be effective in treating some diseases related to a depressed immune system, and preliminary studies have shown it may be effective against some viruses, including herpes and the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
Elderberry is one of the most effective herbs for preventing and treating upper respiratory infections. Laboratory studies have shown that elderberry reduces excessive sinus mucus secretion, and some studies also suggest that elderberry can help lessen swelling of mucous membranes, improve sinus drainage, and decreased nasal congestion in those with bacterial sinusitis. The combination herbal product Sinupret, which contains elder flowers, has been used successfully to treat bronchitis. There are also commercial syrups and lozenges with elderberry extract available for treatment of cold or flu symptoms.
Elderberry has been shown to be very effective against at least eight strains of flu virus. It contains Sambucus nigra agglutinins (SNAs), which help prevent some types of flu from infecting healthy cells. A clinical trial of elderberry found that it cured 90 percent of flu infections in three days, which was half the time needed for recovery in participants taking a placebo. In Israel, where the study was conducted, elderberry is sold in the form of Sambucol, a patented herbal medicine recommended for treatment of flu symptoms.
Elderberry is also sold in the form of tablets, capsules, tinctures, extracts, and in combination products such as Sinupret. You can also buy dried elder flowers or berries and use them to make medicinal teas≈2 teaspoons of dried European elder flowers steeped for 15 minutes in 1 cup of hot water. Fresh elderflowers can also be used to make a topical cream for relief of arthritis≈simmer several handfuls of fresh elder flowers in melted petroleum jelly for 40 minutes, and allow this mixture to cool and solidify before applying it to the hands at bedtime.
If you are going to consume elderberry, your best bet is probably to go with a commercially prepared product. Large doses of elderberry juice contain a chemical called sambunigrin, which can induce can cause uncontrollable diarrhea, and uncooked berries can cause nausea and vomiting, even if they are ripe. Elderberry bark, leaves, seeds, and raw or unripe fruit contains cyanide, and is potentially toxic.
SAMBUCOL - an extract of Elderberry produced in Israel is cure for the BIRD FLU.
It works in all FLU ailments by destroying the reproduction of viral cells.
Eucalyptus
If your walls are hung with any floral crafts, chances are you've already experienced the fresh scent of eucalyptus. But even if you're craft-less, you've likely caught a whiff-and a taste-of this popular herb. Its refreshing, nose-opening aroma can be found in Listerine, Vicks VapoRub, Dristan Nasal Decongestant Spray and Hall's Mentho-Lyptus Cough Suppressants. This Australian contribution to herbal healing contains the chemical eucalyptol, which has decongestant and antiseptic powers. A tea made from eucalyptus has been shown to clear clogged nasal passages and prevent wound infection.
Australia's aborigines used eucalyptus to treat fever, cough, and asthma, and European settlers quickly adopted it as medicine. It was used then to sterilize medical equipment, clean injuries and treat respiratory ailments. Today, herbalists recommend eucalyptus as a topical antiseptic, a gargle for sore throats and an inhalant to relieve asthma, bronchitis, croup and nasal congestion.
Healing with Eucalyptus:
This all purpose herb can be steamed and inhaled, drunk as a tea or applied to the skin. To brew a pleasant-tasting medicinal tea, use 1 to 2 teaspoons of dried, crushed leaves per cup of boiling water. Steep for 10 minutes. Drink up to two cups a day. You can also use a few drops of eucalyptus oil in boiling water or in a bath as an inhalant. If you have access to fresh eucalyptus leaves, place a handful in boiling water and inhale the steamy vapor. For an herbal bath, wrap a handful of leaves in a cloth and run bathwater over it. Besides smelling sweet, eucalyptus can:
Relieve congestion: "Eucalyptol (the herb's active ingredient) loosens phlegm in the chest, making it easier to cough up," says Varro E. Tyler, Ph.D., professor of pharmacognosy at Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana, and author of The Honest Herbal. To open clogged nasal passages, purchase an over-the-counter remedy containing eucalyptus, or take an eucalyptus bath.
Prevent Infection: "Eucalyptol kills several types of bacteria and viruses," says Daniel B. Mowrey, Ph.D., director of the American Phytotheraphy Research Laboratory in Salt Lake City. For a minor cut or scrape, thoroughly wash the wound, then apply a drop or two of eucalyptus oil or a handful of clean, crushed leaves.
Ease muscle soreness: Recently, a new eucalyptus product, Eucalyptamint, has been promoted as a treatment for muscle soreness. Researchers at the University of California, Irvine, tested the ointment and discovered that it increases the flow of blood to muscle tissue, giving credence to the product's claim.
Safety Considerations:
Eucalyptus oil is considered non-irritating to the skin, but individuals sensitive to it may develop a rash. If your skin gets red or irritated from the oil, discontinue use.
Warning: Never ingest eucalyptus oil. Taken internally, it's highly poisonous. Fatalities have been reported from taking as little as a teaspoonful. Teas are made only from the leaves. Do not give eucalyptus to children under the age of two. Also some people are very allergic to it...so it can have the opposite affect then causing breathing difficulties...
