(NaturalNews) Some heavy metals, in trace amounts, are beneficial to the body; these include iron, zinc, copper and manganese. Other heavy metals can be
poisonous or toxic to the human body; these include arsenic, lead, mercury, cadmium, iron, and others. These metals manifest themselves within the soft
tissues of the body and may cause gastrointestinal, neurological, and other serious illness if left untreated. More people are undergoing heavy metal
testing, via Live Blood Cell Analysis or Hair Mineral Analysis, to seek answers to some of their acute or long-term health issues. Still others ask for
testing to get ahead of any potential health problems.
Heavy metals become poison to the body when the elements deposit in soft tissue and remain there due to the body's inability to metabolize them. Toxic
metals enter the body via consumption of food or water; inhalation of polluted air; or absorption through the pores of the skin. People may be exposed to
heavy metals at work if they work within the agricultural, manufacturing, or pharmaceutical industries; they may also become exposed in older residential
settings where lead paint was used. Both children and adults can be exposed; both acute and long-term poisoning may occur.
Live Blood Cell Analysis is a test whereby a health care practitioner pricks the patient's finger to deliver a drop of blood onto a slide. The specimen is
then studied through a high-resolution, dark-field microscope which sends an image to a TV monitor. This type of test is typically performed to detect
lead, mercury, cadmium, and aluminum toxicity. It can also be used to test for the number one cause of acute heavy metal poisoning, arsenic; however, since
arsenic clears from the blood rapidly, the Live Blood Cell Analysis may prove useless. In this
instance, urine tests are more reliable for exposure over the last couple of days, and hair mineral analysis is preferred to detect exposure over the last
few months.
Hair Mineral Analysis is a test which is considered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency as an effective test for the "...biological monitoring of
the highest priority toxic metals - lead, cadmium, mercury and arsenic," and "For toxic exposure...(testing) hair appears to be superior to (testing) blood
and urine." Hair Mineral Analysis can show exposure to heavy metals dating back in time, while
the aforementioned blood test typically shows more recent exposure. Furthermore, hair which has been chemically treated should not be tested for at least
two (2) months after treatment due to the contamination of the hair specimens.
Acute exposure to toxic heavy metals is categorized as two (2) weeks or less. Intermediate exposure is between two (2) weeks and almost one (1) year.
Chronic exposure is more than one (1) year. Depending upon a person's unique situation, health care practitioners will decide which test is best for
detecting heavy metal toxicity, and which treatment plan will benefit which patients.
Sources
http://www.lef.org/protocols/prtcl-156a.shtm...
http://www.calgarynaturopathic.com/Services/...
http://www.hairanalysistest.com/
Alex Malinsky aka RawGuru is an award winning chef and one of the leading experts in the field of raw food. He started to learn about raw foods at the
early at of 15. After 10 years on the raw food diet he continues to be on the cutting edge of nutritional research and product development. Visit Alex's
website at: www.RawGuru.com for more information.
Herbs should no more be used as medicine by the uneducated than Rx ...
self-educate or talk to someone qualified to help you.
(NaturalNews) For the past 2500 plus years, both Chinese and Indian Ayruvedic health systems have used adaptogenic herbs as tonics for overall health and longevity. Adaptogens act as regulators or modulators in either direction. Balancing the body's energy and immunity means if there is not enough, more will be created. If there is too much, it will be diminished.
When we take stimulants such as ephedra or caffeine, there is a peak of energy for high performance followed by a drop in both. Adaptogens avoid that and the resulting wear and tear by balancing the body's endocrine and immune system. This allows us to draw on our native energy as needed and relax when not needed.
Adaptogens Defined
When modern western medical scientists started investigating these herbs in the late 1940's, the term adaptogen was adopted, and eventually with its defining features, which are: 1) Nontoxic with normal dosage. 2) Produces a balanced defense against stress in whatever direction is needed. 3) Normalizes the whole body toward homeostasis.
Homeostasis is the internal system's ability to remain constant and balanced despite the external stressors. Hormones are kicked into high gear to create fight or flight responses when dangers appear. Thousands or even hundreds of years ago, stressors were mostly life and death matters.
For most of us, today's dangers are usually less dramatic. But the body's internal reactions remain the same. And usually we don't fight or flight! The resultant stress and anxiety created causes poor health and aging issues.
Adaptogenic Tonic Herbs
The toll of stress on our internal systems is a major source of aging issues. Adaptogenic herbs have been used as anti-aging and longevity tonics for thousands of years. Tonics can be taken daily over a lifetime for overall well being.
They are adaptogenic since the body as a whole is addressed, not just a specific organ or malady that medicinal herbs address. However, there are various differences peculiar to individual physiological characteristics, climates, and emotional needs. It's wise to educate yourself more or consult with an appropriate practitioner or herbalist.
The Basic Approach
The Chinese medicine approach will be used as a guide in this and subsequent follow up articles since it is easier for western minds than Ayurveda. Chinese medicine divides the human energy system into three categories, which are comparable to a candle and its function. They are:
Jing - This is the physiological energy basis or foundation. It is likened to the candle itself, the actual wax portion. It involves all the fluids that hold the body's functions together. When depleted after "burning the candle at both ends" too long, there can be no flame or Qi.
Qi or Chi - This is the function of energy itself. It is the candle's flame. As Qi or Chi, it is the energy that enables our bodies and organs to function. Low or blocked Qi leads to illness. But weak Jing cannot sustain strong Qi. They are very dependent.
Shen - This is the area of spiritual and emotional tone. It involves our attitude and ability to create and our spirituality. And of course, it is dependent on the candle (Jing) and the flame (Qi)!
Of course, adaptogenic herbs or tonics address all three parts of the human candle. But there can be a different emphasis with any of the parts. Different times, different needs, and different situations will determine which herbs should be used to obtain the homeostasis that ensures longevity with a healthy body.
The next article will focus on what some of those herbs are and the methods of preparing them.
Sources for this article available with more information are:
http://newsletter.vitalchoice.com/e_article001606820.cfm?x=b11,0,w
http://www.secrets-of-longevity-in-humans.com/adaptogenic-herbs.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adaptogen
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adaptogen
http://www.chiro.org/nutrition/FULL/Adaptogenic_Herbs.shtml
(NewsTarget) Ashwagandha is an adaptogenic herb, most widely used to aid the mind and body in adapting to stress. It is indigenous to India, used and
studied by Ayurvedic practitioners for centuries. Ashwagandha helps its users to remain calm during times of stress whether emotional or physical, as with
hard labor or vigorous exercise. Ashwagandha is a powerful soothing tonic, useful to restore vitality and prolong longevity. Its anti-spasmotic effects
have been used in the treatment of asthma. Traditionally, ashwagandha is used in pregnancy to relax the uterus to stop miscarriages, also known as
spontaneous abortions.
Two Clinical Studies Show Ashwagandha`s Adaptability
The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine released a study in 2009 which was performed to determine the efficacy of ashwagandha as an immune
booster. Five participants consumed ashwagandha extract twice a day for four days. Blood samples were drawn before and after the study was done, plus once
at 24 hours. Across the sampling, there was a significant change in immune cell activity at the end of the four day study. The conclusion of the report was
that "more study is warranted."
In another clinical study, the traditional use of ashwagandha as a "rasayana," an herb known to promote health, prevent disease, and promote longevity,
provided the motivation to determine whether ashwagandha could be used as an alternative to antidepressants and anti-anxiety pharmaceutical drugs. A team
of researchers in the Department of Pharmacology at Bandaras Hindu University, led by S.K. Bhattacharya, published their findings in Phytomedicine, in
December of 2000. The researchers found that
does stabilize mood in both anxiety and Depression in rat models.
Herbalists Widely Recommend Ashwagandha for Adrenal Support
The adrenal glands sit on top of the kidneys. They secrete some sex hormones, control blood glucose, and regulate sodium levels in the blood. They also
secrete epinephrine and norepinephrine, the stress-reducing hormones.
If the human body is exposed to long term physical or emotional stress, the adrenals can malfunction. This leads to adrenal fatigue or exhaustion. Just a
few symptoms of adrenal fatigue include feeling exhausted all the time, only having energy at night, craving sweet or salty foods, feeling overwhelmed and
experiencing brain fog, low immune function, low blood pressure and extreme sensitivity to cold.
Besides avoiding stimulants such as caffeine and switching to a low-sugar diet, ashwagandha may be taken to help restore balance to the adrenal glands and
the entire body. Herbalists recommend taking between one and three tablespoons of ashwagandha daily. Referring to its taste, ashwagandha is called "the
sweat of a horse." Because of the taste, some herbalists recommend taking ashwagandha with organic apple cider vinegar and others suggest taking it with a
glass of raw, unpasteurized milk.
[Editor`s Note: NaturalNews is strongly against the use of all forms of animal testing. We fully support implementation of humane medical experimentation
that promotes the health and wellbeing of all living creatures.]
Sources:
Dreddy Clinic.com, "Ashwagandha- Indian Ginseng (Withania somnifera)"
Altmd.com, "Ashwagandha Herbal Remedies"
Pubmed.gov, Mikolai J, et.al. "In vivo effects of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) extract on the activation of lymphocytes." J Altern Complement Med. 2009
Apr, 15(4): 423-30.
Medical-Dictionary. The Free Dictionary.com, "Rasayana"
Pubmed.gov, Bhattacharya, SK, et.al. Anxiolytic-antidepressant activity of Withania somnifera glycowithanolides: an experimental study. Phytomedicine. 2000
Dec;7(6):463-9.
About.com, "Adrenal Fatigue/ Adrenal Exhaustion"
Donna Rae is a freelance writer, blogger, and herbalist. She owns Donna Rae Online Writing Services (
) , niche writing regularly in the alternative health care and education industries. Donna also owns Donna Rae At Home.com, a college prep home education
website, and Bluebonnet Natural Healing Therapies.com
, a blog site dedicated to educating people new to using herbs and natural methods to improve health.
Can Anise Cure What Ails You?
The licorice-flavored herb anise contains high levels of health-boosting compounds called phenylpropanoids.
A team of researchers isolated 22 compounds in anise essential oils, and found some phenylpropanoid compounds that were unique to anise, and four of the compounds had never before been identified in any plant.
Aside from effectively controlling aphids and the plant fungus Colletotrichum, the compounds also showed promise for human health problems. Specifically, some of the compounds were effective against:
Plasmodium falciparum, the parasite that causes malaria in humans.
Mycobacterium intracellulare, a bacterium that can cause illness in people with compromised immune systems.
Further, some phenylpropanoids had anti-inflammatory and phytoestrogen properties.
The researchers suggested that compounds in anise essential oils may be useful for developing pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals.
Sources:
Science Daily March 12, 2008
Pure and Applied Chemistry 2007, Vol. 79, No. 4, pp. 539-556
Dr. Mercola's Comments:
Anise has been used since ancient times in Europe, the Middle East and Asia for both therapeutic benefits and taste. Traditionally, this licorice-flavored herb is said to help with digestion, which is why it’s part of a blend of seeds typically offered at the end of an Indian meal.
Anise was also popular in Rome during the first century, when it was used to make a spice cake called mustaceum that was served after feasting to prevent indigestion.
In the United States, anise (Pimpinella anisum) is often confused with fennel (Foeniculum vulgare), a similarly flavored vegetable that looks like a white bulb with green feathery leaves (that also produces fennel seeds). Anise is also a different herb from Chinese star anise (Illicium verum), which is used to make the dangerous flu drug Tamiflu.
Is Anise Healthy?
Like many herbs and spices, anise offers a unique set of benefits. In traditional medicine, anise is used to calm upset stomachs and help reduce gas, and its effectiveness in treating stomach cramps has been proven scientifically.
Anise essential oils also have phytoestrogen properties, which may explain why it is said to help new mothers stimulate breast milk production and in ancient times was used to increase libido. These essential oils, which are antibacterial, antifungal, and insecticidal, can also naturally get rid of head lice (a far safer alternative to using chemical lice treatments).
Rest assured, however, that pharmaceuticals developed with isolated active components of this herb will bear little resemblance to the natural plant. For instance, it takes 10 different steps for star anise to be made into Tamiflu, according to this New York Times article, and some of the steps are “potentially hazardous because they involve the use of sodium azide, the chemical that makes automobile air bags inflate in an explosive rush.”
So while you may very well enjoy a bit of anise seed sprinkled on your soup, please do not mistake an anise-containing drug to be all-natural or safe.
When Using Herbs, Listen to Your Body
Herbs and spices are a great way to add flavor, and often health benefits, to your food. But if a certain spice doesn’t agree with you, then take a pass. This is your body’s way of letting you know that it’s not the best spice for you, and in this case, your body always knows best.
http://articles.mercola.com:80/sites/articles/archive/2008/03/27/ca...
(NaturalNews) Astragalus has been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for literally thousands of years. Today, in the western world, it's being rediscovered as a powerful adaptogenic herb with a remarkable ability to balance and boost immune function. With more and more people concerned about immune function today -- especially with the swine flu pandemic on peoples' minds -- ancient herbs like astragalus are experiencing a resurgence in interest. One of the best known herbs used in Chinese medicine, astragalus strengthens the digestion and stimulates the immune system. It also aids adrenal gland function, acts as a diuretic and dilates blood vessels. Astragalus can be used to boost the immune system in people who frequently suffer from infections such as colds. It can also be used in convalescence and to aid in cancer treatment and recovery from chemotherapy. Astragalus should not be used in cases of acute infections or fevers. About the author: Mike Adams is a natural health researcher and author with a strong interest in personal health, the environment and the power of nature to help us all heal He has authored more than 1,500 articles and dozens of reports, guides and interviews on natural health topics, reaching millions of readers with information that is saving lives and improving personal health around the world. Adams is an independent journalist with strong ethics who does not get paid to write articles about any product or company. In 2007, Adams launched EcoLEDs, a manufacturer of mercury-free, energy-efficient LED lighting products that save electricity and help prevent global warming. He also founded an environmentally-friendly online retailer called BetterLifeGoods.com that uses retail profits to help support consumer advocacy programs. He's also a noted technology pioneer and founded a software company in 1993 that developed the HTML email newsletter software currently powering the NaturalNews subscriptions. Adams also serves as the executive director of the Consumer Wellness Center, a non-profit consumer protection group, and practices nature photography, Capoeira, Pilates and organic gardening. He's also author of numerous health books published by Truth Publishing and is the creator of several consumer-oriented grassroots campaigns, including the Spam. Don't Buy It! campaign, and the free downloadable Honest Food Guide. He also created the free reference sites HerbReference.com and HealingFoodReference.com. Adams believes in free speech, free access to nutritional supplements and the ending of corporate control over medicines, genes and seeds. Known as the 'Health Ranger,' Adams' personal health statistics and mission statements are located at www.HealthRanger.org
Astragalus "super herb"
protects, supports immune system function
Here, we present a unique collection of supporting research quotes about astragalus and how it protects and enhances the immune system. Feel free to forward this information to friends, family members or coworkers who may benefit from it.
Astragalus and the immune system
- The New Encyclopedia of Vitamins, Minerals, Supplements and Herbs by Nicola Reavley
Astragalus is one of the best-researched immune system stimulants now available. It works like echinacea, in that both herbs increase the number and activity of immune cells. However, astragalus concentrates on building the immune system, and unlike echinacea, it can be taken on a daily basis. Echinacea boosts immune system activity and promotes fast recovery, especially when taken at the onset of symptoms. The most potent formulas have a peculiar tingling and numbing effect on the tongue.
- The Complete Encyclopedia of Natural Healing: A Comprehensive A-Z Listing of Common and Chronic Illnesses and Their Proven Natural Treatments by Gary Null, Ph.D.
Astragalus is another ancient Chinese herb that is frequently combined with ginseng to strengthen the body's natural defenses, namely, the immune system. Astragalus has also shown some vasodilatory as well as anti-inflammatory action. Its anti-inflammatory effects occur, it seems, because it inhibits the release of histamines from mast cells. Quercetin, a polyphenol, works the same way. Consequently, astragalus could help relieve hay fever and other allergic conditions. I have personally used astragalus as a remedy for my seasonal hay fever.
- Optimum Health - A Cardiologist's Prescription for Optimum Health by Stephen T., M.D. Sinatra
Examples of popular adaptogenic herbs include astragalus, panax ginseng, Siberian ginseng, lonicera, and glycyrrhiza, also known as licorice root. The herb astragalus has been researched thoroughly and is available from an abundance of sources. Studies have revealed that astragalus is quite effective in enhancing immune function and can be used to treat a wide variety of illnesses, ranging from the common cold to cancer. Instead of directly attacking infectious organisms, astragalus aids the body by fortifying the existing immune system.
- The Complete Encyclopedia of Natural Healing: A Comprehensive A-Z Listing of Common and Chronic Illnesses and Their Proven Natural Treatments by Gary Null, Ph.D.
The immune-building and adaptogenic effects of astragalus have been studied extensively. Modern research has isolated the constituents in astragalus that are believed to be responsible for its effectiveness. Two types of chemical compounds found in astragalus, polysaccharides and saponins, are credited with many of the herb's benefits. But traditional herbalists believe there may be dozens of other active, synergistic, or supportive components. Astragalus heightens the efficiency of virtually every component of the immune system.
- Herbal Defense by Robyn Landis
Another traditional energy tonic, astragalus strengthens the immune system and is good for both digestion and lung function. Sometimes this root is available in bulk in health food stores - long and flat, it looks like a tongue depressor. These sticks can be added to soups, stews, rice, or any food that simmers for at least 30 minutes. When cooking is complete, remove the wilted stick and discard. The medicine has gone into your food! Astragalus has a neutral, somewhat pleasant taste.
- The Herbal Drugstore by Linda B. White, M.D.
Astragalus was originally used in China for a variety of reasons including immune system support, diabetes, heart disease and high blood pressure. Dr. Mauligit of Texas University found it helped to restore immune function in cancer patients. Astragalus helps to invigorate vital energy, drain pus, reduce swelling and strengthen the spleen. It is helpful for lingering diarrhea. It has been shown to augment interferon response to viruses.
- Powerful and Unusual Herbs From the Amazon and China by World Preservation Society
Astragalus is a traditional Chinese medicinal herb used for viral infections. Research in animals has shown that it apparently works by stimulating several factors of the immune system, particularly in those whose immune system has been damaged by chemicals or radiation. In immunodepressed mice, Astragalus has been found to reverse the T cell abnormalities caused by cyclophosphamide (a cancer drug), radiation, and aging. It also increases T cell activity in normal mice.
- Total Wellness: Improve Your Health by Understanding and Cooperating with Your Body's Natural Healing Systems by Joseph Nd Pizzorno
Astragalus (Huang chi root) in Chinese medicine, is known to strengthen the body's natural defenses that involve the immune system. It is one of the main herbs used in fu-zheng therapy to enhance the immune system during chemo and radiation therapy. It seems to increase not only interferon levels but also natural killer-cell and T-cell activity. It also makes the T-cells more aggressive. Astragalus has been shown to have liver-protective activity against a number of toxic substances, including carbon tetrachloride.
- Herbal Medicine, Healing and Cancer: A Comprehensive Program for Prevention and Treatmentby Donald R. Yance, j r.,C.N., M.H., A.H.G., with Arlene Valentine
Research in animals has shown that Astragalus apparently works by stimulating several factors of the immune system, including enhancing phagocytic activity of monocytes and macrophages, increasing interferon production and natural killer cell activity, enhancing T-cell activity, and potentiating other antiviral mechanisms. Astragalus appears particularly useful in cases where the immune system has been damaged by chemicals or radiation. In immunodepressed mice, astragalus has been found to reverse the T-cell abnormalities caused by cyclophosphamide, radiation, and aging.
- Textbook of Natural Medicine 2nd Edition Volume 1 by Michael T. Murray, ND
In the exotic language of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), astragalus boosts the immune system by "stabilizing the exterior" and strengthening the "chi." The Chinese knew thousands of years ago that astragalus could strengthen our shield ("exterior") against disease and increase overall vitality (chi), long before anyone knew about bacteria, white blood cells, or the immune system. You may already be accustomed to taking echinacea at the first sign of a cold or flu, or when people around you are getting sick. How is astragalus different?
- The Encyclopedia of Popular Herbs by Robert S. McCaleb, Evelyn Leigh, and Krista Morien
The effectiveness of astragalus and the fu-zheng treatment was put to the test in a study of cancer patients undertaken at the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston in the early 1980s. After giving a specially prepared astragalus extract to 19 cancer patients and 15 healthy people, doctors found that the treatment restored immune system functioning in the majority of the patients. In some cases, it made the cancer patients' immune systems resemble those of the healthy subjects. The researchers concluded that astragalus contains a potent immune stimulant.
- Nature's Medicines : From Asthma to Weight Gain, from Colds to High Cholesterol -- The Most Powerful All-Natural Cures by Gale Maleskey
They use astragalus to boost immune function during and after radiation or chemotherapy treatments. When cancer invades your body, your immune system naturally weakens. In the advanced stages of the disease or after rounds of chemotherapy or radiation - which are lifesaving but very toxic treatments - your immune system can be devastated.
- Nature's Medicines : From Asthma to Weight Gain, from Colds to High Cholesterol -- The Most Powerful All-Natural Cures by Gale Maleskey
Also known as huang qi, astragalus has been used for centuries by the Chinese to boost energy and vitality. Several studies of the herb have convinced me that it's an immune system stimulant as well. In fact, it appears to be almost as effective as echinacea. Astragalus helps counteract TRF. And because the herb enhances immunity, it helps treat all manner of infections, which can deplete your energy. But the herb's effects are subtle, very subtle, so don't expect a coffee buzz.
- The Green Pharmacy Anti-Aging Prescriptions: Herbs, Foods, and Natural Formulas to Keep You Young by James A. Duke, Ph.D.
To fight infections without stimulating the components of the immune system that aggravate lupus, use astragalus or Scutellaria. Astragalus increases activity of natural killer (NK) cells, which fight infection. For people who are responding well to steroid drugs, taking astragalus reduces the risk of infection, especially when infections are "going around." Take 500 to 1,000 milligrams of the freeze-dried herb in capsules three times daily. However, be sure to let the doctor know if you are taking astragalus, since it increases the body's response to steroids.
- Prescription for Herbal Healing: An Easy-to-Use A-Z Reference to Hundreds of Common Disorders and Their Herbal Remedies by Phyllis A. Balch, CNC
Astragalus also is useful in the treatment of viral myocarditis, a flulike infection that affects the heart. Astragalus treats infections caused by Proteus, which can cause kidney stones. Astragalus increases the body's production of the immune-system chemical interleukin-2 (IL-2). It also releases polysaccharides that act in the same way as important antibodies, complementing their production by the immune system. Chinese studies have found that astragalus increases the activity of lymphokine-activated killer (LAK) cells, an immune-system component.
- Prescription for Herbal Healing: An Easy-to-Use A-Z Reference to Hundreds of Common Disorders and Their Herbal Remedies by Phyllis A. Balch, CNC
Astragalus is known as an immune stimulant. It works by stimulating the body's production of interferon (antiviral compounds) and by restoring red blood cell formation in bone marrow. Because it stimulates the immune system, astragalus is being used to treat HIV viral infections, pneumonia, and cardiac arrhythmia.
- The Doctor's Complete Guide to Vitamins and Minerals by Dr. Mary Dan Eades
As with most Chinese herbs, astragalus is generally used in a formula that's made up of a blend of herbs, and it's a perfectly good addition to soup or rice. In fact, in China, it's not uncommon to use astragalus root as a standard ingredient in cooking. There is not a whole lot known about the exact constituents of astragalus that boost the immune system. Large, sugarlike molecules known as polysaccharides probably help to stimulate the "good" immune cells. Astragalus also contains substances called saponins, which have a similar immunity-enhancing effect.
- The Natural Physician's Healing Therapies by Mark Stengler, N.D.
Preliminary research suggests that astragalus may also have powerful anticancer properties. In a study conducted at the University of Texas Medical Center in Houston, researchers found that a water extraction of astragalus restored or enhanced the function of T-cells (white blood cells that play specific roles in the immune system) taken from people with cancer. In some cases, astragalus stimulated the damaged cells to greater activity than found in normal cells taken from healthy individuals.
- The Encyclopedia of Popular Herbs by Robert S. McCaleb, Evelyn Leigh, and Krista Morien
Anderson Hospital in Houston found that astragalus was able to enhance the immune capacity using the cultured blood of cancer patients as well as augment the anti-tumor ability of Interferon-2. In a study of 176 patients undergoing chemotherapy for cancers of the gastro-intestinal tract, astragalus and ginseng were able to prevent the normal immune Depression and weight loss that occurs. In a variety of human studies, astragalus has been shown to stimulate various parameters of the immune system, has anti-tumor activity, and inhibits the spreading (metastasis) of cancer.
- Beating Cancer with Nutrition by Patrick Quillin, PhD,RD,CNS
In addition to general immune strengthening, astragalus offers powerful help when immunity is severely challenged. Clinical studies show astragalus infusion highly effective at improving and restoring T-cell functioning, improving bone marrow activity, and augmenting interferon response. Chinese hospitals give astragalus to strengthen the immune systems of those with cancer, and to protect them from the detrimental effects of chemotherapy and radiation treatments.
- Breast Cancer? Breast Health! The Wise Woman Way by Susun S. Weed
Lead in Diabecon?
An Ayurvedic Anti-Diabetes Herbal Complex Gets the Test
(NaturalNews) An Ayurvedic herbal formula named Diabecon was first brought to my attention last year by my assistant. The Japanese pronunciation is "daya" + "bacon", but no... there is no connection to nitrated pork bellies. The name is obviously constructed from "diabe" of "diabetes", plus "con", meaning contra, against. My assistant's university professor originally got some for his mother, who was diabetic; after studying it, he decided to use Diabecon as a supplement. My assistant told me the roughly 50 year-old professor has a beautiful, naturally dark head of hair, which he attributes partly to Diabecon.
Diabecon is basically an Ayurvedic herbal blend, and some of the herbs grow only in India, near the Himalayas. It consists of 42 different herbs including the well-known ashwagandha. According to one scholarly article, “Diabecon (D-400) is a crude herbal preparation, formulated as per Ayurvedic principles. The main ingredients are Eugenia jambolana, Tinospora cordifolia, Pterocarpus marsupium, Ficus Glomerulata, Momordica charantia, Ocimum sanctum and Gymnema sylvestre which are well known indigenous oral anti-diabetic plants”.
In a variety of animal and then human tests, Diabecon has been shown effective against non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus, also known as adult-onset or mature-onset diabetes. It produced significant decreases in both fasting and postprandial blood glucose levels after 12 weeks of treatment in newly diagnosed diabetic patients as well as in patients who had already been taking oral hypoglycemic agents (some had also been using insulin). Articles on Diabecon’s effectiveness against diabetic retinopathy and dyslipidemia in humans also exist. Its safety has been repeatedly documented. (1)
Although I’ve never been diabetic or even borderline, just out of intellectual curiosity, I started taking three tablets of Diabecon a day as a supplement (the dosage recommended for diabetics is two tablets, two or three times a day). One evening about six months later, two girls sitting at the back of my English class were looking at me, whispering to each other, giggling... Finally, after a little prying from me, one girl asked me if I’d been dyeing my hair! Me? Dyeing my hair?! No way! I’m not that vain, and I’m aware of the toxic chemicals found in most hair dyes. After that lesson I took a good look in the mirror, and indeed my hair on top had become a much darker color, almost black (this is at 54 years old), over the preceding few months.
Am I sure Diabecon caused the color change in my hair? Well, since nothing occurs in a vacuum, and I had also been taking chlorella, spirulina, goji berries, sea vegetables, plus a wide variety of other healthy foods every day, the answer is, “No, I can’t be sure.” However, given the dozens of herbs in Diabecon combined with the professor’s experience and my own, I think Diabecon probably contributed to my hair’s health. Of course, if you’re tempted to take Diabecon for your hair, remember that it doesn’t “go straight” to your hair. See this "Off The Mark" cartoon for a humorous reminder: ((http://www.offthemark.com/search-result...) . My take on this is that if Diabecon is helping cause such noticeable, positive changes in hair, it is probably working in other ways to promote health inside the body where we can't see it.
In my Google Scholar search, I came across alarming reports of high levels of mercury and lead in Diabecon and other Ayurvedic formulas. When I did a standard Google search, I found hundreds of such reports. It took quite a lot of looking around and comparing stories, but it turns out that one report out of Singapore was picked up by numerous news agencies and web sites, and was thus multiplied hundreds of times.
The original report (2) was on high levels of lead (lead only, not mercury) found in a bottle of Diabecon for sale locally in Singapore by Singapore authorities. After that, British authorities tested Diabecon sold locally in Britain, and no metals were found. The FDA has warned of heavy metals in Ayurvedic products sold in the U.S., has banned the sale of some, and has banned Diabecon as an “unapproved new drug” (3), notwithstanding the fact that most of the herbs in Diabecon have been used safely for centuries. There are even reports claiming that some Ayurvedic formulas intentionally contain heavy metals as a way of helping detoxification, not dissimilar to the concept of homeopathy.
To try to get to the bottom of the mystery surrounding heavy metals in Diabecon, I contacted the maker of the product, the Himalaya Drug Company, in India by e-mail. Their response was detailed:
1. The Diabecon tested by Health Science Authority (HSA) Singapore was not from an authorized Himalaya Drug Company retailer.
2. The Himalaya Drug Company has not even sought approval for the sale of Diabecon in Singapore.
3. The Himalaya Drug Company still considers the case open, and HSA Singapore says the retailer who sold the Diabecon will be charged.
4. Other Himalaya Drug Company products sold in Singapore conform to all HSA Singapore regulations; all Himalaya Drug Company products sold locally in any country conform to that country’s standards.
5. All Himalaya Drug Company products conform to standards set by the USP, WHO, and FAO for permissible heavy metal content in medicinal formulations (10 ppm).
6. All Himalaya Drug Company products are tested for efficacy and safety, and are free from side effects.
7. You should only purchase Himalaya Drug Company products from authorized outlets.
Their e-mail was cordial, detailed, and mostly reassuring, but since I was personally taking Diabecon, I decided the best course of action would be to have by own blood tested for mercury and lead. It cost me $140 and a little anxiety waiting a couple weeks for the results to come back. The laboratory’s “normal value” for mercury is 9.0 micrograms per deciliter or lower; my result was 0.5 . According to my doctor, laboratories in Japan do not set “normal values” for lead, but one Japanese toxicology web page lists the average “bell curve”, standard deviation values (4), with anything less than 20 micrograms per deciliter as being very low; my result was 4.2 micrograms per deciliter. Very low values, indeed. I stopped worrying. The Diabecon I’m taking is safe.
The bottom line is that you don't need drugs to cure adult-onset diabetes, which is already recognized by the Japanese Ministry of Health as a "lifestyle / habits disease" (Seikatsu Shuukan Byou in Japanese). All you need to do is exercise a little and improve your diet. In his book “How to Halt Diabetes in 25 Days”, Mike Adams gives a day-by-day, workable plan for actually reversing high blood Sugar and insulin resistance. (I bought it as a gift for a friend, but of course had to read it before wrapping.) Addition of a natural herbal complex like Diabecon -- proven to help peripheral glucose uptake without side effects -- may be an appropriate part of a healthy diet.
People in many countries (but not the USA) can import Diabecon directly from India without problems via online companies specializing in Indian and Ayurvedic products. One such company is IndiaAbundance.com (I also buy herbal eye drops from them). They have good prices, fast service, and inexpensive air mail shipping. (Disclaimer: I have no financial relationship with Diabecon’s maker or any company selling Diabecon, and make no money whatsoever if you buy Diabecon from the company I mentioned here or any other company.)
Links To References:
1. Google Scholar search on Diabecon:
((http://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=dia...)
2. Health Sciences Authority Singapore, original report:
((http://www.hsa.gov.sg/publish/hsaportal...)
3. FDA’s “unapproved new drug” claim:
((http://www.fda.gov/ora/fiars/ora_import...)
4. Standard deviation:
(http://www.robertniles.com/stats/stdev.shtml)
About the author
John H. Cole has been editing medical manuscripts for publication in mainstream U.S. and European medical journals for the past 15 years in Japan. He also has a small English school in Gifu City, Japan. He believes that natural foods, superfoods, herbs, exercise, sunshine, good sleep, and avoidance of pollution are the answers to most people’s health problems. He is a friend of nature. You can see his editing page at:
http://medical-paper-edit.freehostia.co...
Lead in Diabecon? An Ayurvedic Anti-Diabetes Herbal Complex Gets th...
Bloodroot
Chinese Medicine
and the FDA -
Keeping the Public Medically Ignorant
(NaturalNews) Mention the word "cancer" on an internet site that sells herbs now days and you are suddenly Public Enemy Number One! I received a warning letter from the FDA basically saying, "If you do not change your wording and making of any claims or publishing testimony of anyone cured of cancer by herbs or anything else that is not an FDA approved drug then we will legally raid your property, take all we want to confiscate and arrest you". I was one of the "lucky 25" that received a warning letter last month. Even our own Tucson local TV stations put our "Plant Cures" logo all over the screen and jumped on the band wagon making me out to look like a charlatan and seller of "fake" cures. (It was a bit funny how our sales had a major upward spike for a few weeks after.)
But to get to the more interesting points, one of the things the FDA was most specific about in the letter was a link posted at the site to a remarkable study done by The American Association for Cancer Research. The study was on on Bloodroot (Sanguinaria canadendis) as an anti-cancer substance.
Remember, all I did was leave a link to this study on my site. The study ended many of its paragraphs (including the very first one) with, "We suggest Sanguinaria be developed as an anti-cancer drug"; I simply pointed this fact out and this drove the FDA absolutely crazy!
About a year before I got the FDA letter, The National Cancer Institute (Pretending to be the "FTC" –- Federal Trade Commission) e-mailed me and told me that I must remove the link to the study because it was not "Conclusive". Well even if it was not conclusive (which it is), it was not my study and not my website! It was only a link to The American Association for Cancer Research. This very study is still posted at the AACR and can be seen here: ((http://clincancerres.aacrjournals.org/c...) . Check out the end of the first paragraph, it is a very interesting study. The FDA sure did not make the AACR remove it. Gee, I wonder why? By the way, when I emailed the "FTC" back, the email address read, "Cancer.Gov" and had nothing to do with the FTC's email address.
I noticed that Bloodroot was one of the most common denominators in all of the 25 warning letters from the FDA. Why (I have always asked) is the FDA so upset with Bloodroot? Is it a terrible threat to the Cancer Industry? Please read "Who controls the Cancer Industry?" at The Tonic Herbal Times: ((http://www.tonicherbaltimes.com/thtcanc...) .
I was lucky in the fact that only about 1% of my web site dealt with cancer herbs at the time so I simply removed any link to cancer as a subject. (Although I still have Bloodroot and Essiac Tea listed there with no mention of cancer.)
However, many of the 25 sites that were attacked had their whole business based on anti-cancer herbs! I feel terrible for these innocent people that have worked so hard to make an honest living providing people with great alternative help and now their businesses are in ruin because of a little "hissy fit" that the FDA threw. I would love to see a class-action lawsuit in favor of these people.
I can not begin to tell you how many healings I have seen from bloodroot on both humans and animals! I used to get skin cancers on my own "Irish skinned face" once in a while and I would simply dab some Bloodroot tincture on them –- in a day or two they would be gone! (I guess I can say that here since this is not my site.)
Since I have had my hands in Bloodroot tincture at least once a week for the last two years (from manufacturing it) I have not seen anymore skin cancers on my face.
But to get back to Chinese Medicine (LOL!), I am simply amazed at the power many Chinese tonic herbs, including many mushrooms, have in preventing and sometimes restoring health to a cancerous situation.
Herbs like Jaio Gu Lan and He Shou Wu are some of the best preventative herbs and my favorite mushroom for the immune system when dealing with cancer or preventing it is Reishi combined with Huang Qi (we call this "Strong Defense" on our website).
Studies on some common Chinese herbs like Huang Qin (Scutellaria radix, 黃芩) as used against cancer can be seen at the Chinese Medicine News by going here: ((http://chinesemedicinenews.com/2007/12/...)
However the most amazing thing I have seen in my life as far as Chinese Medicine and cancer was the discovery that a common herb called Qing Huo (Artemisia annua or "Sweet Annie") had amazing anti-cancer qualities.
I have used this herb in formula many times on people against fever and by itself against Malaria. It is most likely the very best substance known to work against malaria fever and can also be taken to prevent Malaria. However I had no idea that it would show up as an anti-cancer drug!
Here is a link to a page with pictures of the plant and many links From the U.S. National Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health to studies showing that the drug companies already have a synthetic version of this and how they have "proven" this to cure cancer! Please go here to see it: (http://plantcures.com/artemisinin.html) .
"Synthetic Drugs" as many of you know, will not cure anything in the long run. Please see Mike Adam's great cartoon that tells it all by going here: (http://www.naturalnews.com/holyplants0.html) .
The biggest problem with the drug companies pulling this off is that good ol' "Sweet Annie" is an "escaped weed" inexpensive and easy to harvest, and grows wild all over the world now! What are you going to do, Drug Thugs? Run around with weed killer and kill every one of these plants in the world? (We have this herb in 5:1 extract capsules at our site but it is only listed under fevers and Malaria to keep the FDA from having another fit.)
However the drug company's over whelming interest in this plant is testimony that many whole plants used as cancer treatment are unmistakably waiting just around the corner to once and for all heal the nations from the tyrannical government / drug lord control of our health.
Always remember the last line in Mike's cartoon: "God said, "the whole plants, not the holy plants!"
About the author
Christopher Gussa, Is a TCM practitioner and Certified Master / Clinical Herbalist for 25 years. He is certified in both Western Herbal Therapy and Traditional Chinese Herbal Medicine with over 25 years experience. Chris founded Plant Cures Inc. which handcrafts over 150 Serious Herbal Medicine Products for Specific Disorders all created through clinical application. Their products are for Serious Disease and also Powerful Tonic Health. Please visit Plant Cures at WWW.PLANTCURES.COM or call them at 1-800 979 2027
Bloodroot, Chinese Medicine, and the FDA - Keeping the Public Medic...
(NaturalNews) Blood tonics today are used for cancer prevention; cancer treatment; liver health, viral and bacterial infections. In the days of old blood tonics were called Spring Tonics and farmers would religiously take them come Spring Time after a long sedentary winter to get their sluggish blood in shape for the upcoming season of farming. A custom that has been lost in today’s world. Why? And why aren’t blood tonics readily available for purchase from holistic healers or from health food stores? Could it be that pharmaceutical companies don’t want any competition from herbal and botanical medicines?
In Dr. Wright’s Newsletter dated September 17, 2007, he talked about Washington State's war on holistic M.D.s. Sad but true. Holistic healers are still being attacked in the USA that spouts that we are a Free Nation...except when it comes to health care, of course. The onslaught on alternative healers is brought about by Big Pharma, Big Business, the American Cancer Society, the AMA and our elected politicians who are bribed by lobbyists. They don’t want you healthy! Instead, they want the path cleared of anyone who can heal you so they can keep pushing their legal high-profit drugs. In today’s world where the propaganda mantra is “There is no cure”, holistic healers are being harassed, arrested and charged with “moral turpitude”, and put out of business simply because they can cure what ails you.
With the attacks on Natural Medicine it can be hard to find an Herbalist who can make up blood tonics for their cancer clients. Herbalists can be hard to locate, especially those who specialize in cancer treatments because they do not advertise since it is against the law in the USA for any health care practitioner to claim they can heal cancer; or any other illness for that matter, yet, it is not against the law to heal yourself. Therefore, why not learn to make your own? In this article I will give the recipe for the very first blood tonic I made.
Browning's Blended Spirits is a blood tonic I formulated years ago for an 80 year old man who had been diagnosed with Invasive Bladder Cancer that had spread to his lymph. During surgery it was found that his tumor had grown outside the wall of the bladder and the surgeon was unable to remove it all. He refused chemotherapy and radiation treatments and was given only 3-6 months to live. His family called me to see if I could help him. After hearing his case I couldn’t recommend herbal capsules because he had difficulty swallowing so I made him this blood tonic. Also included in his treatment was a Bladder and Kidney tonic along with diet changes.
His cancer was eliminated in 6 months and was verified by a cat scan his doctor did in the hospital. The doctors were mystified when they could not find any cancer in his body, yet they never asked what he did to eliminate his cancer. That alone suggested that his doctors not only didn’t care how he healed himself; but that his doctors weren’t the least bit curious about alternative medicine and how they might learn from his recovery. The gentleman is no longer living, but he did not die of cancer. He died of old age from natural causes. I continued to use this blood tonic recipe for several types of cancer and bacterial illnesses in my practice up until the day I retired.
About the Ingredients:
Browning’s Blended Spirits Blood Tonic contains a comprehensive blend of all-natural ingredients of herbs that are effective for blood purification and detoxification. The ingredients in this blend provide nutritive support to the body and are historically proven to provide both cleansing action and detoxification of the cells throughout the body including the lymph, lungs, liver, heart, colon and bloodstream. Many of the ingredients like burdock root, chaparral, poke root, red clover and yellow dock have been used for years to treat cancer.
What ingredients you will need make the tonic:
3oz each of the following dried herbs:
Anise seed (pimpinella anisum)
Blue violet (viola odorata)
Burdock root (arctium lappa)
Chaparral (larrea tridentate)
Dandelion root (taraxacum officinale),
Fennel (foeniculum vulgare),
Licorice root (glycyrrhiza glabra),
Oregon grape (mahonia aquifolium),
Poke root (phytolacca Americana),
Red clover (trifolium pretense)
Yellow dock root (rumex crispus).
40 oz of Honey or Black Strap Molasses, your choice.
16 oz of Vegetable glycerin.
4 Tablespoons of citric acid which can be found in health food stores or from herb companies on-line.
5 gallons of distilled water
Purchase the whole herb (cut root and cut leaf) instead of the powdered herb if you can. The reason for this is two-fold. First, the powder absorbs more water leaving you with less liquid; second, the powder takes longer and is harder to strain. I purchase most of my dried herbs from Mountain Rose Herbs. Their herbs are processed and handled according to strict organic standards and they will sell individual herbs in a 4oz quantity so you will not have to purchase a full pound. I am sure there are many other herb company’s and health food stores that carry the herbs you will need. Just make sure they are organic.
What cooking tools you will need:
You will also need two stainless steel or glass 20 quart pots with lids.
A large strainer.
A candy or water thermometer.
Cheesecloth.
For bottling you can use regular canning jars. If using pint jars you will need about 24 – 28 jars. If using quart jars you will need about 14 jars. This is a large recipe that will provide one year worth of tonics for the cancer patient, or, if using for a preventative go together with friends or family and share it.
How to make the tonic:
Making this tonic is like canning fruit from your garden. If you can cook you can make it. It takes a few days but is well worth it. You will not find this tonic on the market because it is time intense. The cost would be prohibitive to manufacture it, yet you can make it in your home for around $3.00 a pint. This tonic stores for up to a year if placed in a dark cool closet. They key to keeping tonics fresh is to prevent them from exposure to extreme temperature fluctuations. Don’t let them freeze and don’t let them sit in temperatures above 75*.
In one pot add:
Anise seed, burdock root, chaparral, dandelion root, fennel, licorice root, oregon grape root, poke root, yellow dock root and add 3 gallons of distilled water.
Cover with lid and set on stove on warm heat overnight so that the roots can be softened for extraction.
In the morning turn up the heat and bring the water to a low simmer for about 4 hours then bring to a boil for 15-30 minutes. After boiling turn off heat and strain the liquid into a clean container by laying a layer of cheesecloth over your strainer.
In another pot add:
Blue violet, red clover and add 1.5 gallons of distilled water. Set on counter and let soak in water over night.
In the morning place the pot on the stove on warm/medium heat to steep (not boil) the herbs like you would a cup of tea. Let them steep for at least 4 hours then strain the liquid by laying a layer of cheesecloth over your strainer.
Compost the strained herbs in your garden.
Mixing the pots:
Once the liquid is strained from both pots mix it together in one of the 20 quart pots and let it simmer for about 30 minutes.
Then add
16 oz of vegetable glycerin,
40 oz of honey (or black strap molasses for those allergic to honey)
4 heaping tablespoons of citric acid
Stir and let the mixture mingle for 15 minutes or so. When ready to bottle use a candy thermometer to check the temperature of the liquid. You want the temperature between 185* - 190* to prevent any bacteria to grow in the tonics. Maintain this heat temperature throughout bottling.
While waiting for your liquid to reach the accurate bottling temperature prepare your canning jars. Sterilize jars and lids.
Once your bottles are sterilized and your herbal liquid is at the right temperature add the tonic liquid to the hot jars. Fill to ½” from top of jar and cap. Let cool overnight. Check to make sure all the jars are sealed properly then store them.
Once you open a jar of tonic for use you must Refrigerate it. The tonic will last for a month in the refrigerator once it has been opened. Sediment in the bottom of the jars is normal. Give the jar a little shake or stir to mix the sediment before taking.
How much to take:
Adult Folklore Dosage: 2 Tablespoon 2 times a day for cancer, tumors, liver, viral and bacterial infections. In my practice I recommended that cancer patients take this tonic for at least a year and then drop to a maintenance dose of taking it once a day for another year. Some of my cancer patients continue to take it on and off throughout their life to keep their blood and lymph clear of toxins.
For cancer prevention use a bottle of this tonic every 3 months taking 1 Tablespoon 2 times a day.
Do not use if you are pregnant. Do not use if you are taking blood thinning agents like Warfarin (also known under the brand names of Coumadin, Jantoven, Marevan, and Waran).
Disclaimer—The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for advice from your health care professional. You should not use the information in this article for self-diagnosis or to replace any prescriptive medication. You should consult with a healthcare professional before starting any diet, exercise or supplementation program, before taking any medication, or if you have or suspect you might have a health problem, suffer from allergies, are pregnant or nursing.
About the author
Leslee Dru Browning is a 6th generation Medical Herbalist & Nutritionist from the ancestral line of Patty Bartlett Sessions; Pioneer Mid-Wife & Herbalist. Leslee practiced Medical Herbalism and Nutritional Healing for over 25 years and specialized in Cancer Wellness along with Chronic Illness. She now devotes her career to teaching people, through her writing, about Natural Healing from An Herbal Perspective.
Traditional Herbal Blood Tonic Recipe Revealed by Medical Herbalist
Botanical medicine, also known as herbal and phytomedicine, involves the use of plant-based substances to treat and prevent disease. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 74 percent of the most common pharmaceutical drugs derived from medicinal plants are used in exact correlation to how the plants themselves are employed by traditional healers in the cultures in which they are found. For example, common aspirin is derived from the plant yarrow, which has been used by Native Americans for centuries as a pain reliever, while the cardiac drug digoxin, is derived from foxglove (Digitalis purpurea), a plant traditional herbalists in both North American and Europe have long recommended as a tonic for the heart. The plant compounds used in botanical medicine act similarly to pharmaceutical drugs. Both are taken orally, and both possess chemical compounds that trigger physiological effects.
The word botanical is derived from botany, the study of plant life. Botanical medicine is one of the oldest and most commonly used health care practices in the world, having been practiced by all indigenous cultures around the globe for thousands of years. Botanical preparations in the form of standardized extracts (distillations of medicinal plants’ primary active ingredient), capsules and tablets, teas, tinctures, powders, ointments and poultices, and essential oils, are used by practitioners of botanical medicine, which include integrative physicians (MDs and DOs), herbalists, and practitioners of naturopathy (a system of natural care approaches for maintaining and restoring health), Ayurveda, and traditional Chinese medicine (the main forms of traditional medicine in India and China, respectively) according to the specific needs of each individual patient. The healing properties of the medicinal herbs vary greatly, and many botanical preparations act in multiple ways. For example, cayenne pepper acts as a digestive aid, and is also helpful for stimulating the immune system, and for aiding the body’s circulatory system because of its ability to increase blood flow and strengthen the heartbeat. Knowing which botanical formulas to use and when is an essential aspect of botanical medicine.
History Of Botanical Medicine
The use of medicinal plants to heal can be traced back to nearly every world culture as far back as 8000 BCE. By 3000 BCE, a number of cultures, such as Babylon, China, Egypt, India, and Mesopotamia, had codified the medicinal properties of various plants in some of the world’s earliest medical texts, such as Sheng Nung’s Herbal, an ancient Chinese treatise that described the medicinal properties of over 250 herbs that was written by the Chinese emperor Sheng Nung (considered to be the father of Chinese agriculture) around 2800 BCE, and the Charaka Samhita, which was written approximately 3,000 years ago in India and was one of the earliest medical texts of Ayurveda. Around this same period, botanical medicine was also developing into an essential subsystem of healing in both traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) in China and India respectively.
The ancient Greeks and Romans also prized medicinal plants for their healing properties. Records of the works of Hippocrates (477 to 360 BC), considered the “father of Western medicine,” reveal that he used over 250 medicinal plants as part of his healing repertoire. Inspired by his teachings, the Greek physician Dioscorides, who accompanied the armies of the Roman emperor Nero during military campaigns throughout Gaul, Greece, Italy, Spain, and the subcontinent of Asia Minor, studied and catalogued the medicinal properties of the herbs used by healers in each of these lands. His resultant work De Materia Medica became an influential medical text used by physicians and herbalists throughout Europe well into the 16th century because of the information it contained about literally hundreds of medicinal plants common to the lands through which Dioscorides traveled. In the early 18th century, botanical medicine also provided the basis for much of the research of Samuel Hahnemann, the German physician who founded homeopathy, a system of healing that uses minute doses of herbs and other ingredients, which, in larger doses, can cause the disease conditions treated by homeopathic remedies, and to a large degree also serves as the basis of aromatherapy, which uses the essential oils and fragrances of plants to stimulate healing and flower essence therapy, a system of healing that theorizes that the bottled essences of certain flowers are capable of resolving the emotional issues that may be associated with various diseases.
Today, botanical medicine remains an integral part of traditional healing systems as they are practiced in Asia, Africa, Latin America, and the indigenous peoples in Australia and New Zealand, as well as Native Americans in the US and Canada. Latin America, and Europe. In France, all practitioners of botanical medicine are also licensed physicians (MDs), while in Germany, 70 percent of all physicians prescribe botanical remedies for their patients, many of which are also covered by Germany’s national health insurance. Germany is also home of the Commission E monographs on medicinal plants, which was created in 1978 by the German Ministry of Health and is considered to be one of the most extensive and scientific modern-day catalogues on the use of botanical medicine. Botanical remedies are also popular among American consumers, and botanical medicine is one of the fastest growing disciplines of integrative medicine.
Botanical Medicine In Practice
The medicinal actions of medicinal plants are based on how their specific properties interact with the human body. Though all botanicals direct effect physiological activity, the way they do so varies. In addition, many botanicals trigger more than one physiological response and therefore can have multiple uses. One of the most important keys to using botanical medicine effectively lies in knowing what actions botanicals perform and when they should best be employed.
Caution: Some botanical remedies act quickly and can cause serious side effects if they are not used properly or are not high in quality, in terms of their preparation and manufacture. In addition, many herbs are contraindicated when prescription medications are being used to treat patients, as they can nullify the benefits of the medications and/or cause harm when taken in conjunction with them.
The Healing Actions of Medicinal Plants
Medicinal plants can act in a number of ways to help stimulate healing. Because of their healing properties they can act as:
Adaptogens to enhance the body’s ability to resist and respond to stress;
Antioxidants to protect the body from damage at the cellular level due to free radicals;
Anti-inflammatories to prevent or reduce inflammation in body tissues;
Antimicrobials to enhance the body’s ability to resist and destroy bacteria, virus, fungi, and parasites;
Anodynes to relieve pain;
Antispasmodics to reduce cramping and tension in the body’s musculature;
Astringentsto help tone body tissues and, as a secondary action, help protect against infection;
Carminatives to stimulate digestion and relieve inflammation of the digestive organs;
Cholagogues to aid the liver in bile production;
Demulcents to sooth and protect mucus tissue;
Digestive bitters to improve digestion by triggering the proper release of saliva and stomach acid;
Diuretics to help the body eliminate fluid retention
Emmenagogues to regulate menstruation and the overall health of the female reproductive system;
Expectorants to promote the elimination of phlegm and mucus from the lungs;
Immunomodulators to help boost immune function;
Laxatives to help regulate proper bowel movements;
Nervines to help strengthen nerves and relieve nerve tension;
Stimulants to enhance metabolic activity; and
Tonics to promote the overall health of the body’s systems.
Common Medicinal Herbs And Their Healing Properties
Aloe Vera: Widely used in many mainstream cosmetic products, aloe vera, applied in the form of a topical gel, as an antimicrobial agent that protects against bacterial and fungal infections. It can also act as a stimulant when taken internally as a juice or gel added to water, and also acts as a carminative to soothe indigestion caused by inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. Aloe vera is also a safe and effective laxative during times of temporary constipation.
Bilberry: Bilberry contains compounds that have strong antioxidant properties that not only help to protect against free radical damage, but also help stimulate microcirculation, especially in the retina. As a result, bilberry is often prescribed by practitioners of botanical medicine to protect the health of the eyes. During World War Two, pilots in the British Royal Airforce reported improvements in their nighttime vision when they ate bilberry jam.
Cayenne Pepper: Cayenne pepper acts as a general tonic, as well as a stimulant that improves immune function and circulation, and as a carminative that can aid in digestion. Externally, it also acts as an anodyne for soothing pains related to rheumatism.
Chamomile: Chamomile is a popular digestive aid that also acts as an anti-inflammatory herb, making it a common ingredient in many over-the-counter preparations for oral hygiene and skin care products. In Germany, chamomile is registered by the German Ministry for Health as an over-the-counter drug for treating inflammatory conditions in the gastrointestinal tract. Chamomile also has antimicrobial properties, and can be used to treat bacterial infections of the skin, gums, and mouth.
Echinacea: Also known as purple coneflower, echinacea has long been prized by Native Americans of the Great Plains states because of its ability to heal wounds and treat inflammation. More recently, echinacea has been shown by researchers to possess immune-stimulant properties, and in Germany, the herb is approved for use as a botanical treatment for recurrent respiratory and urinary tract infections, and progressive systemic disorders, including multiple sclerosis and tuberculosis.
Garlic: Garlic is best known for its natural Antibiotic properties, making it a potent antimicrobial botanical remedy for treating fungal and viral infections. Garlic also acts as an immune stimulant as well as an immunomodulator, and helping to boost immune function and increase the products of natural killer (NK) cells, which target invading bacteria, viruses, and other microbial infections, and also play an important role in targeting and destroying cancer cells. According to the National Cancer Institute (NCI), garlic, when consumed regularly, can also reduce the incidence of stomach cancer. It has also been shown to improve cardiovascular function by helping to regulate blood pressure, thin blood, and reduce platelet aggregation, which can lead to heart attack and stroke.
Ginger: Ginger is valued by practitioners of Ayurveda and traditional Chinese medicine as a carminative herb that improves digestion and the overall function of the gastrointestinal tract. It also acts as a tonic, and is useful as a treatment for nausea and morning sickness during pregnancy.
Hops: In addition to being a primary ingredient in beer, hops acts as a natural nervine, and is useful for promoting restful sleep and for relieving conditions such as nervous tension, restlessness, and sleep disorders.
Milk Thistle: Milk thistle is commonly prescribed by herbalists as a natural liver and gallbladder tonic because of its properties as a natural cholagogue. Not only does it aid the liver in expelling toxins, it also helps to protect it from conditions such as hepatitis and cirrhosis.
Peppermint: Peppermint is another natural carminative agent that is very useful for aiding digestion and soothing an upset stomach. It is also effective for relieving flatulence. Peppermint also has antimicrobial and demulcent properties, and is approved by the German Ministry of Health as a remedy for conditions of the upper respiratory tract and gastrointestinal disorders, including cramps and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
St. John’s wort: St. John’s wort acts as a natural anodyne, nervine and anti-inflammatory agent. Its most common use in recent years is as a natural remedy for cases of mild to moderate anxiety and depression. (It is not effective for more serious forms of these conditions, however.) Used externally in the form of a lotion, St. John’s wort can also be helpful for speeding the healing of mild bruises, burns, and wounds.
Can Botanical Medicine Help You?
Botanical medicine has potential applications for a wide range of health issues. However, despite their growing popularity, botanical remedies should not be used indiscriminately and for best results they should be administered under the guidance of physician or other type of health practitioner trained in their use. Though many health claims are made touting the benefits of botanical remedies, ongoing research is required to separate fact from hype. Some of the established benefits of botanical medicine include:
Anxiety and Depression. Gingko biloba has been shown to enhance the effectiveness of antidepressant drugs for older people with Depression when taken in conjunction with such drugs. In one study of patients aged 51-78 for whom antidepressants alone had provided little to no relief, gingko extract was found to reduce their symptoms when taken in conjunction with the same medications by 50 percent after one month of daily use, and by nearly 70 percent after two months.
Cancer. A number of botanicals have anti-cancer properties, according to the National Cancer Institute (NCI). Garlic has been shown to help protect against colon, esophageal, and stomach cancer. One study of women aged 57-69 found that consuming garlic was more effective in reducing colon cancer than vegetables and dietary fiber. When garlic was eaten once a week, risk of colon cancer was reduced by 35 percent, and reduced y as much as 50 percent when garlic was consumed more frequently.
Another study found that test subjects who consumed Panax ginseng extract or powder for a year reduced their overall risk of cancer by 36 percent. After five years or more, the risk was reduced by 69 percent.
Green tea and tumeric are other botanicals which have been shown to protect against cancer. Green tea’s protective actions are primary due to its ability to protect against free radical damage, while research has shown that tumeric helps reduce damage to DNA due to exposure to chemical carcinogens and that, when applied topically as a salve, it can significantly reduce cancerous skin lesions.
Medicinal mushrooms are also being recognized for their anti-cancer benefits. Shittake and maitake mushrooms, for example, have both been shown to minimize the negative side effects caused by chemotherapy and radiation, as well as being capable of boosting the activity of natural killer (NK) cells, which the immune system produces to target and destroy cancer cells, as well as invading microbial agents such as bacteria, fungi, and viruses.
Cardiovascular Disease. Research shows that regular consumption of garlic can help reduce LDL (“bad”) cholesterol levels while elevating HDL (“good”) cholesterol levels. In study conducted in 1981 and published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 20 healthy volunteers and 62 patients with coronary heart disease (CHD) garlic was added to the subjects’ daily meals. After six months, the healthy group that consumed garlic daily exhibited significant LDL reductions and improved HDL levels, with similar results being achieved by the CHD group after ten months.
Hawthorn berry is another botanical that can aid cardiovascular function. In one study, subjects with early stage congestive heart failure who received 600 mg of hawthorn extract per day showed significant improvements in their symptoms, while another study of 132 patients with more advanced cases of congestive heart failure who received 900 mg of hawthorn extract had a 50 percent reduction in their symptoms after two months.
Headache and Migraine. Feverfew, widely prescribed in Europe as a botanical for headache and migraine, has been scientifically shown to reduce both headache and migraine symptoms even when no relief was obtained from conventional treatments. Research published in the British Medical Journal indicates that feverfew’s effectiveness in this regard is due to its ability to inhibit platelet coagulation and the release of prostaglandin, both of which are associated with headache and migraine pain.
Immunity. Echinacea has been shown to enhance T-cell production, aid antibodies in seeking out and destroying invading pathogen, and increase natural killer (NK) cell activity. It has also been shown to have some benefit as an antiviral agent, having properties similar to interferon, a protein group released by white blood cells to attacks viruses.
Astragalus and ginseng have also been shown to aid immune function. Studies have shown that astragalus increases T-cell activity and can reverse T-cell damage. It has also been shown to increase stem cell production and to enhance the body’s ability to produce interferon.
On a study of Panax ginseng, those who received 100 mg of standardized Panax ginseng extract every 12 hours showed increased production of lymphocytes and improved resistance to pathogens compared to test subjects who received placebo or 100 mg of water extract of ginseng. After two months, those who received the standardized ginseng extract exhibited even more noticeable improvements in overall immune function.
Garlic has also been shown to improve immunity due to its abilities to enhance the activity of T-cells, macrophages, and NK cells. Garlic has also been shown to protect against Candida albicans infection, a form of yeast that can cause systemic yeast infection or candidiasis, and salmonella and E. coli, parasitic microorganisms that can cause food poisoning and other gastrointestinal disorders, such as diarrhea.
Sleep Disorders. Valerian root has historically been used as a sleep aid by traditional herbalists in Europe since the Middle Ages. In one double-blind study of 128 test subjects, valerian was found to significantly reduce the time it took the participants to fall asleep and to improve the overall quality of their sleep without causing drowsiness the next day.
SOURCES:
Bordia, A. "Effect of garlic on blood lipids in patients with coronary heart disease." American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. No. 34, 1981, Pp. 2100-2103.
Brevoort, Peggy. "The Booming U.S. Botanical Market: A New Overview," HerbalGram, No. 44, 1998, P.33.
Brown, Donald. Herbal Prescriptions for Better Health, Prima Publishing, Rocklin, CA, 1996, Pp.8-10, 35-38, 72, 107-108, 134.
Cassileth, Barrie. The Alternative Medicine Handbook, W. W Norton & Company, NY, 1998, P.89.
Diamond, W. John, and Cowden, W. Lee. Definitive Guide to Cancer, Future Medicine Publishing, Tiburon, CA, 1997, Pp.818-819, 821-824, 833, 836.
Farnsworth, N.R., et. al. "Medicinal Plants in Therapy," Bulletin of the World Health Organization, Vol. 63, No. 6, 1985, Pp. 965-981.
Ford, Norman. Eighteen Natural Ways to Beat a Headache. Keats Publishing, Inc. New Canaan, CT, 1990, Pp. 82, 85.
Ghannoum, M.A. "Studies on the anticandidal mode of action of allium sativum (garlic)." Journal of General Microbiology, No 134, 1988, Pp. 2917-2924.
Johnson, M.G. and Vaughn, R. H. "Death of Salmonella typhimurium and Escherichia coli in the presence of freshly reconstituted garlic and onion." Applied Microbiology. No. 17, 1969, Pp. 903-905.
Johnson, E.S.; et. al. “Efficacy of Feverfew as Prophylactic Treatment of Migraine.” British Medical Journal 291:6495 (Aug. 1985), 569-573.
Kandil, O.M., et. al. "Garlic and the immune system in humans: It's effect on natural killer cells." Fed. Proc. No. 46, 1987. P 441.
Lau, B.H., et. al. "Garlic compounds modulate macrophage and T-lymphocyte functions." Mol. Biother., No. 3, 1991, Pp.103-107.
McCaleb, Rob "Boosting immunity with herbs." Herb Information Greenpaper. Herb Research Foundation, Boulder, CO.(www.herbs.org/greenpapers/immune.html), 1997.
Moloney, David. Complete Guide to Chinese Herbal Medicine, Berkeley Books, NY, 1998, Pp.7-10.
Mose, J. "Effect of echinacea on phagocytosis and natural killer cells." Med Welt, No. 34, 1983, Pp 1463-1467.
Murray, Michael and Pizzorno, Joseph. Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine, Revised 2nd Edition, Prima Publishing, Rocklin, CA, 1998, Pp.95, 256, 396-398, 607.
Pizzorno, Joseph. Total Wellness, Prima Publishing, Rocklin, CA, 1996, Pp. 65-68, 182-184, 291, 304.
"Supermarkets experience fastest rate of growth in mainstream dietary supplement market." Herb Research Foundation, Boulder, CO, 1999.
Wacker, A. and Hilbig. W. "Virus-inhibition by Echinacea purpurea." Planta Medica, No. 33, 1978, Pp. 89-102.
Warshafsky, S., et. al. "Effect of garlic on total serum cholesterol: a meta-analysis." Annals of Internal Medicine. No. 1119, 1993, Pp. 599-605.
Weiner, Michael A., and Janet Weiner. Herbs That Heal, Quantum Books, Mill Valley, CA, 1994, Pp. 41-42.
The Health Plus Letter, December 16, 2008, Vol. 6, No. 29
The Health Plus Letter, December 16, 2008, Vol. 6, No. 29. Copyright © 2008 by Larry Trivieri, Jr. All rights reserved.
Browning’s Super Immunity is antimicrobial, antioxidant, antiviral, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor and provides the body with a strong resistance to most illnesses and contains the following ingredients:
Astragalus: The main constituents include polysaccharides, saponins, flavonoids, amino acids, and trace elements. Research shows it stimulates the immune system in many ways. It increases the number of stem cells in bone marrow, lymph tissue and encourages their development into active immune cells. It enhances the body's production of immunoglobulin and stimulates macrophages. It can help activate T cells. It also proffers heart protecting effects, including protection against oxidative damage.
Barberry: Contains berberine that aids in the secretion of bile and is good for liver problems, helps regulate the digestive processes. The antibacterial properties of the alkaloid berbamine have shown activity against Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, Salmonella, Shigella and Eschorichia Coli. It is also good for hepatitis, colic, and jaundice. Antiseptic, fevers, inflammatory conditions, blood purifier, diarrhea and sore throat.
Cat’s Claw: Contains powerful antioxidants, such as proanthocyanidins, which help fight against free radical damage, protect collagen, and reduce swelling & inflammation. It is considered beneficial not only for the immune system, but for the digestive and structural systems as well. It has a pronounced effect on the ability of white blood cells to engulf and digest harmful micro-organisms and foreign matter. Cat's claw has also been shown to increase the production of leukocytes and specifically T4 lymphocytes, thus blocking the advance of many viral illnesses. Protects the body from viruses and virus caused cancers, general cancers, auto-immune disorders.
Codonopsis: "Poor Man’s Ginseng”, it builds both red and white blood cells. It is rich in immune stimulating polysaccharides which are beneficial to every one. It is useful in supporting the immune systems of people with cancer. It also has interferon-inducing activity that may be of importance in many immune deficiency conditions, including HIV protection & infection.
Dandelion Root: It stimulates macrophage action. It is known to be an excellent blood cleanser, specifically for the liver and pancreas. It acts by straining and filtering toxins & wastes from the bloodstream and its beneficial effects on liver complaints have been well documented by both Asian practitioners and American physicians.
Donq Quai aka Chinese Angelica: It increases the absorption of oxygen by the liver and purifies the blood, therefore nourishing the brain, heart, and spleen. It is a blood tonic, promoting its production of both red and white blood cells, used in treating anemia, headache, venous problems, low immunity, and problems of peripheral blood flow. This herb has shown to act against Vitamin E deficiency. It can prevent experimental coronary atherosclerosis, and prevents lipid deposits in arteries. Anti-tumor action of Dong Quai has been observed in several studies. As a superior blood tonic it was used to ward off plagues. Used for bronchitis and pleurisy, colds, fever or the flu. It has 12 anti-inflammatory constituents, ten antispasmodic (muscle relaxant) constituents, and five anodyne (pain-relieving) ones.
Eleuthero: Has a beneficial effect on the heart and circulation. It has been shown to increase energy & stamina, help the body resist viral infections, environmental toxins, radiation, and chemotherapy. It increases immuno-competent cells - particularly T cells and natural killer cells numbers. It is used for boosting the immune system of cancer patients, treating arrhythmias and other heart diseases, diabetes, and for its antimicrobial action.
Fenugreek: Excellent for clearing the body of toxins and mucus. It is also an excellent source of selenium, an anti-radiant which helps the body utilize oxygen, and is a natural source of iron, silicon, sodium and thiamine
Fo-Ti: It nourishes the blood, improving physical and mental health. Fo-Ti research has investigated this herb's role in strong immune function, red blood cell formation, and antibacterial action. It is anti-toxic, anti-swelling and tranquilizing as well as being useful for liver and spleen weakness, vertigo, scrofula, and cancer.
Plantain: Anti-microbial action, particularly against staphylococcus infections. It acts as a gentle expectorant while also soothing inflamed & sore membranes, making it ideal for coughs and mild bronchitis due to its demulcent actions to clear catarrhal congestion and at the same time soothe and protect damaged & sore tissues. Clears toxic waste from the body.
Rosehips: Contains Vitamin C, beta carotene, thiamine, riboflavin, Vitamins E and K, polyphenols, Bioflavonoids, tannin, pectin, and vanillin & used for general debility.
Sarsaparilla: Blood tonic, it is especially good for removing heavy metals if taken properly; it contains calcium, copper, iron, iodine, manganese, potassium, silicon, sodium, sulfur, B-complex and vitamins A, C, and D.
Schizandra: Recent research studies have indicated numerous biological activities, including: anti-bacterial, mild stimulant, liver protective, anti-depressant, antioxidant, adaptogen and cardiac tonic. It is recommended for the lungs, liver and kidneys. As a kidney treatment it is used for night sweats, insomnia, thirst, physical exhaustion and fatigue
Turmeric: Helps to stabilize the body's microflora, it sensitizes the body's cortisol receptor sites, and its anti-inflammatory properties are considered at least equal to those of cortisones. It protects against free radical damage because it is a strong antioxidant. It protects the liver from a number of toxic compounds. It prevents blood platelet aggregation and is excellent for those exposed to toxic chemicals. Curcumin in Turmeric possesses liver protective characteristics, assists in detoxifying the body of dangerous carcinogens, stimulates the gall-bladder, and acts as a free-radical scavenger.
The dried herbal ingredient amounts you will need to make Browning’s Super Immunity Tonic:
(Whole herbs are easier to strain than powdered herbs – you can use either)
6 oz. Astragalus Root (A. membranaceus)
2 oz. Barberry (Berberis vulgaris)
4 oz. Cat’s Claw (Uncaria tomentosa)
2 oz. Codonopsis (Codonopsis pilosula)
2 oz. Dandelion Root (Taraxacum officinale)
4 oz. Donq Quai aka Chinese Angelica (Angelica sinensis)
3 oz. Eleuthero (Eleutherococcus senticosus)
2 oz. Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum)
2 oz. Fo-Ti (Polygonum multiflorum)
1 ½ oz. Plantain Leaf (Plantago major)
2 oz. Rosehips (Rosa canina)
1 ½ oz. Sarsaparilla Root (Smilax medica or Smilax ornata)
1 ½ oz. Schizandra Berry (Schisandra chinensis)
2 oz. Turmeric Root (curcuma longa)
What cooking tools and other ingredients you will need:
2 stainless steel or glass 16 quart pots with lids. One pot for cooking and one for straining liquid into after cooking.
A large strainer.
A candy or water thermometer.
Cheesecloth.
3 gallons of distilled water
16 oz of vegetable glycerin
60 oz of honey
citric acid
For bottling you can use regular canning jars. If using pint jars you will need about 10 to 12 jars. If using quart jars you will need about 6 to 8 jars.
You can cut recipe in ½ for a smaller batch.
In pot add:
In 1 pot add all of the herbs and cover with 3 gallons of distilled water. Stir. Cover pot with lid and simmer for about 6 hours. After simmering for 6 hours turn heat down to warm/low heat to steep (not boil) the herbs like you would a cup of tea. Steep overnight.
The next morning/day strain the liquid from the herbs by laying a couple of layers of cheesecloth over your strainer. Strain liquid into a clean container then heat herbal liquid and bring to a boil for 15 minutes to kill any bacteria. Compost the strained herbs in your garden.
Then add:
16 oz of vegetable glycerin,
60 oz honey
3 tablespoons of citric acid
Stir and let the mixture mingle for 15 minutes or so. When ready to bottle, use a candy thermometer to check the temperature of the liquid. You want the temperature at 190* to prevent any bacteria from growing in the tonics. Maintain this heat temperature throughout bottling.
While waiting for your liquid to reach the accurate bottling temperature, prepare your canning jars. Sterilize jars and lids.
Once your bottles are sterilized and your herbal liquid is at the right temperature, add the tonic liquid to the hot jars. Fill to ½” from top of jar and cap. Let cool overnight. Check to make sure all the jars are sealed properly then store them. Tonics can be stored for 8 months.
Once you open a jar of tonic for use, you must Refrigerate it. The tonic will last for 2 months in the refrigerator once it has been opened. Sediment in the bottom of the jars is normal. Give the jar a little shake or stir to mix the sediment before taking.
How much to take:
Adult Folklore Dosage: Prevention 1 teaspoon 1 or 2 times a day. Serious Illnesses 1 teaspoon up to 4 times a day. Refrigerate after opening
DO NOT TAKE IF YOU ARE PREGNANT
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for advice from your health care professional. You should not use the information in this article for self-diagnosis or to replace any prescriptive medication. You should consult with a healthcare professional before starting any diet, exercise or supplementation program, before taking any medication, or if you have or suspect you might have a health problem, suffer from allergies, are pregnant or nursing.
About the author
Leslee Dru Browning is a 6th generation Medical Herbalist & Nutritionist from the ancestral line of Patty Bartlett Sessions; Pioneer Mid-Wife & Herbalist. Leslee practiced Medical Herbalism and Nutritional Healing for over 25 years and specialized in Cancer Wellness along with Chronic Illness. She now devotes her career to teaching people, through her writing, about Natural Healing from An Herbal Perspective.
Super Immunity Tonic Recipe for Upcoming Cold and Flu Season
By Dr. James A. Duke in The Green Pharmacy Guide to Healing Foods
Burdock Provides Nourishment and Natural Healing
(NaturalNews) Much maligned for the burrs that cover children's clothing and get caught in dogs' fur, this misunderstood weed is actually a highly valued plant for both food and medicine.
Burdock (Arctium lappa and Arctium minor) is easily recognizable, especially in the fall when the burrs are out and sticking to everything that walks by. In the early spring, you'll find this biennial plant as large wavy green leaves that are woolly and silvery underneath. The leaves can get quite large, up to a foot wide and 2 feet long. Be careful to distinguish from rhubarb leaves, which are a cultivated (non-wild) plant, but are poisonous.
Burdock grows mostly on roadsides, vacant lots, any disturbed area across North America, though Burdock is originally from Europe and Asia. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the Burdock seeds of Arctium lappa are called Niu Bang Zi and are used to clear Wind-Heat from the throat, for symptoms such as fever, cough and a sore, red, swollen throat. It is also used to clear heat and toxicity from any red swelling, even in cases of rashes, measles and mumps. It will also moisten the intestine when constipation is present (1).
In Japan, Burdock root is known as Gobo, and is used in food preparation, mostly peeled, chopped into thin strips and sauteed with other root vegetables. Kinpira Gobo is a side dish served with rice that is seasoned with mirin (a sweet rice wine used for cooking), tamari, sweetener, and sometimes sesame seeds. (2)
In western herbal medicine, the roots are used as a tea or tincture to cleanse the liver, purify the blood and especially for clearing the skin. It's benefits to the skin are widespread: treating acne, eczema, herpes, wounds, ulcers, even conditions of scalp and hair, including baldness. (3) The leaves are often used as a poultice to treat bruises, burns and joint swellings.
As a wild edible plant, burdock roots and stem are eaten. The long leaf stems and early spring flower stalks are peeled and eaten like celery, while the long taproots are dug in the early spring or late fall from plants that have not yet sent up their flower stalk; once the flower stalk goes up and seeds (burrs) are formed, the life cycle of that plant is over and the root would be of no use.
The roots can be scrubbed, peeled and eaten, either raw or sauteed. Burdock has a very high amino acid profile, is also high in minerals: one cup boiled root contains 61.2 mg Calcium, 48.8 mg Magnesium and 450 mg Potassium. (4) Alternately, the roots can be brushed clean, sliced and dried to use later as tea (drying can be sped up in a dehydrator or oven set to very low temperature.)
Another edible use of burdock is in homemade fermented vegetables:
Recipe:
Wildly Fermented Wild Edibles
1 cup grated burdock root (can buy in Asian or gourmet food markets, or harvest as above, scrub, peel and grate.)
1 cup grated carrots
2 cups shredded cabbage
a couple large cabbage leaves, set aside
1 tsp or more salt, to taste
Footnotes:
1.Bensky, p. 41
2.http://www.norecipes.com/2008/08/19...
3.Holmes, p.672
4.http://www.nutritiondata.com/facts/...
Resources:
Bensky, Dan and Gamble, Andy. Chinese Herbal Medicine, Materia Medica. Washington: Eastland Press, Inc. 1993.
Brill, Steve, and Dean, Evelyn. Identifying and Harvesting Edible and Medicinal Plants in Wild (and Not So Wild) Places. New York: William Morrow and Company, Inc. 1994.
Elias, Thomas S. and Dykeman, Peter A. Edible Wild Plants, A North American Field Guide. New York: Sterling Publishing Co. 1990.
Holmes, Peter. The Energetics of Western Herbs, Volume II. Boulder, Colorado: Snow Lotus, Inc. 1994.
Katz, Sandor. Wild Fermentation. White River Junction, Vt: Chelsea Green Publishing Company. 2003
Thayer, Samuel. The Forager's Harvest, A Guide to Identifying, Harvesting, and Preparing Wild Edible Plants. Wisconsin: The Forager's Harvest. 2006.
http://BirchCenter.Blogspot.com
http://www.BirchCenter.com
http://www.norecipes.com/2008/08/19...
http://www.nutritiondata.com/facts/...
About the author
Melissa Sokulski is an acupuncturist, herbalist, and founder of the website Food Under Foot, a website devoted entirely to wild edible plants. The website offers plant descriptions and use information, photographs, videos, recipes and more. Visit her at www.FoodUnderFoot.com. Melissa also runs The Birch Center for Health in Pittsburgh, PA, and provides excellent up-to-date articles and information about general health, wellness and Chinese medicine on The Birch Center's Blog
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Burdock Provides Nourishment and Natural Healing
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