Pygeum Africanum Bark - Side Effects and Therapeutic Uses

Botanical Name of Pygeum: Pygeum Africanum,

Other Common Names: Pigeum, African plum, African prune, alumty, iluo, kirah, natal tree, pigeum africanum

Habitat: Pygeum is found across the continent of Africa, especially the Southern portion. It generally grows at altitudes of 3000 feet or higher. It is becoming endangered due to the demand for its bark.

Plant Description: The Pygeum tree is a large evergreen, often growing to 150 feet tall. It is a member of the Rosacea family. The trees bear large red or brownish fruits resembling plums, after flowering in the summer. The fruit ripens in June, July, and August in Northern Africa, and later in Southern countries. The fruit is also used for food by natives, as well as by birds and animals. The density of the wood of the African plum tree makes it useful for buildings and tools, as well as a long-burning fuel.

Plant Parts Used: The bark of the pygeum contains an oil with many active ingredients.

Pygeum Africanum Bark - Therapeutic Uses and Claims

* Pygeum bark gained popularity in Europe in the 1700s but had been used long before that by South African tribes. Later the extract of the bark became a popular form for taking this supplement. The many active ingredients have been used for many health purposes as listed below.
* Pygeum africanum has been shown to be beneficial in treating benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH.) It is especially helpful in increases urinary function, often limited due to enlarged prostate. Combining this supplement with saw palmetto and stinging nettle increase the effectiveness of each herb.
* Pygeum has also shown promise in preventing, combatting and reducing the symptoms of prostate cancer and chronic prostatis
* In animal studies, pygeum showed an increase in the volume and viability of sperm in the semen. This indicates a possible use of this herb for treating male infertility.
* Traditionally, the bark of the tree was gathered and powdered and made into a tea which was taken for genito-urinary complaints.
* Some of the less researched, traditional uses of pygeum include use as an aphrodisiac, fever, impotence, kidney disease, malaria, hair loss, partial bladder outlet obstruction (BOO), sexual performance, urinary tract infections, inflammation, malaria, prostatic adenoma, prostatitis, and psychosis.

Dosage and Administration

The powdered bark is made into capsules or a liquid extract. The common intake of pygeum is 50 to 200 mg. It can be taken in a single or divided dose. Taking one 100 mg dose has been found just as effective as taking two 50mg doses at different times.

Side Effects and Possible Interactions of Pygeum Africanum Bark

Side effects of pygeum use may include stomach discomfort, diarrhea, constipation, nausea, dizziness, or visual disturbances. Pregnant women should not take pygeum due to the lack of scientific evidence about its safety for developing fetuses. Pygeum has not been proven safe for use by children. Pygeum may cause an increase of the benefits to the prostate from prescription drugs or other herbal supplements aimed at reducing it. For this reason care should be taken when adding pygeum to any regimen for BPH or other prostate condition.

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About alien:
Alien writes for Natural herbs . He also writes for herbs and asthma home remedies

Wild Yam Root- Side Effects and Benefits

Botanical Name of Wild Yam: Dioscorea villosa

Other Common Names: Colic root, Aluka, China Root Devil's-bones, Mexican Wild Yam, Rheumatism Root, Shan-yao, Wild Yam, Yuma.

Habitat: Wild Yam is native to North and Central America. It has become naturalized to many tropical, subtropical and temperate areas throughout the world. This perennial, twining vine grows in damp woodlands and thickets. This plant thrives in sunny conditions and rich soil.

Plant Description: Wild yam is a tuberous, twining vine with pale-brown, knotty, woody, cylindrical tubers. The tubers are crooked and bear horizontal branches. They have a thin reddish stem that grows to a length of over 9.2 meter. This plant produces clusters of greenish-white or greenish-yellow flowers. The leaves, which are heart shaped, have a smooth top surface and downy under-surface.

Plant Parts Used: The roots and rhizome are dried and used for medicinal purposes.

Therapeutic Uses of Wild Yam and Claims

* Traditionally this herb was used to treat colic and rheumatism, and may have been used by the Mayan and Aztec to treat pain.
* Wild Yam’s antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory actions make it useful in treating symptoms of rheumatism and arthritis. These same qualities make it useful in treating cramps and muscular pain.
* It has also been used to treat digestive disorders including gallbladder inflammation, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and diverticulitis.
* The combination of its diuretic and anti-inflammatory effects makes it a good choice for urinary tract conditions.
* Wild yam contains a compound called Diosgenin, which is used in birth control pills and other steroid hormones. This supports the idea that wild yam may help regulate female sex hormones and it is considered a good herb for many of the symptoms associated with menopause.
* This herb has also been shown to lower blood pressure (temporarily) and cholesterol levels in the blood.
* Wild yam has also been shown to benefit the spleen, kidneys, lungs, and stomach.

Dosage and Administration

Wild yam is available as a tincture, liquid extract, powder extract, or in tablet or capsule form. The common dosage for this supplement is 2-3 mL (40-100 drops) of the tincture three to four times a day. The capsules or tablets may be taken in a dosage of one or two taken three times per day. The liquid extract should be taken at a dosage of 10-40 drops three to four times per day.

Side Effects and Possible Interactions of Wild Yam

Wild yam is generally safe but some people have experienced nausea when taking large doses. Its safety has not been tested in pregnant or lactating females or in young children. Wild yam contains dioscorin, which can be toxic in large amounts, it is important to stay within the recommended doses. Wild yam has been shown to interact with estradiol, a hormone used in some birth control medications and other hormone therapies.

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About alien:
Alien writes for Aloe vera benefits . He also writes for asthma medication and psoriasis home remedies

Asarabacca Herb

Asarabacca

Description

Asarabacca appears like an evergreen, keeping its leaves all the Winter, but putting forth new ones in the time of Spring. It has many heads rising from the roots, from whence come many smooth leaves, every one upon his foot stalks, which are rounder and bigger than Violet leaves, thicker also, and of a dark green shining colour on the upper side, and of a pale yellow green underneath, little or nothing dented about the edges, from among which rise small, round, hollow, brown green husks, upon short stalks, about an inch long, divided at the brims into five divisions, very like the cups or heads of the Henbane seed, but that they are smaller; and these be all the flower it carries, which are somewhat sweet, being smelled to, and where in, when they are ripe, is contained small cornered rough seeds, very like the kernels or stones of grapes, or raisins. The roots are small and whitish, spreading divers ways in the ground, increasing into divers heads; but not running or creeping under the ground as some other creeping herbs do. They are somewhat sweet in smell, resembling Nardus, but more when they are dry than green; and of a sharp and not unpleasant taste.

Place

It grows frequently in gardens.

Time

They keep their leaves green all Winter; but shoot forth new in the Spring, and with them come forth those heads or flowers which give ripe seed about Mid-summer, or somewhat after.

Government and virtues.

It is a plant under the dominion of Mars, and therefore inimical to nature. This herb being drank, not only provokes vomiting, but purges downwards, and by urine also, purges both choler and phlegm: If you add to it some spikenard, with the whey of goat's milk, or honeyed water, it is made more strong, but it purges phlegm more manifestly than choler, and therefore does much help pains in the hips, and other parts; being boiled in whey, it wonderfully helps the obstructions of the liver and spleen, and therefore profitable for the dropsy and jaundice; being steeped in wine and drank, it helps those continual agues that come by the plenty of stubborn humours; an oil made there of by setting in the sun, with some laudanum added to it, provokes sweating (the ridge of the back being anointed therewith), and thereby drives away the shaking fits of the ague. It will not abide any long boiling, for it loseth its chief strength thereby; nor much beating, for the finer powder provokes vomits and urine, and the coarser purgeth downwards.

The common use here of is, to take the juice of five or seven leaves in a little drink to cause vomiting; the roots have also the same virtue, though they do not operate so forcibly; they are very effectual against the biting of serpents, and therefore are put as an ingredient both into Mithridite and Venice treacle. The leaves and roots being boiled in lye, and the head often washed there with while it is warm, comforts the head and brain that is ill affected by taking cold, and helps the memory.

I shall desire ignorant people to forbear the use of the leaves; the roots purge more gently, and may prove beneficial to such as have cancers, or old putrefied ulcers, or fistulas upon their bodies, to take a dram of them in powder in a quarter of a pint of white wine in the morning. The truth is, I fancy purging and vomiting medicines as little as any man breathing doth, for they weaken nature, nor shall ever advise them to be used, unless upon urgent necessity. If a physician be nature's servant, it is his duty to strengthen his mistress as much as he can, and weaken her as little as may be.

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About alien:

Alien writes for medicinal herbs. He also writes for natural remedies and you can get more information on herbal medicines .

Agrimony - Check out it's benefits

Description:

This has divers long leaves (some greater, some smaller) set upon a stalk, all of them dented about the edges, green above, and greyish underneath, and a little hairy withal. Among which arises up usually but one strong, round, hairy, brown stalk, two or three feet high, with smaller leaves set here and there upon it. At the top there of grow many small yellow flowers, one above another, in long spikes; after which come rough heads of seed, hanging downwards, which will cleave to and stick upon garments, or any thing that shall rub against them. The knot is black, long, and somewhat woody, abiding many years, and shooting afresh every Spring; which root, though small, hath a reasonable good scent.

Place.

It grows upon banks, near the sides of hedges.

Time.

It flowers in July and August, the seed being ripe shortly after.

Government and virtues.

It is an herb under Jupiter, and the sign Cancer; and strengthens those parts under the planet and sign, and removes diseases in them by sympathy, and those under: Saturn, Mars and Mercury by antipathy, if they happen in any part of the body governed by Jupiter, or under the signs Cancer, Sagitarius or Pisces, and therefore must needs be good for the gout, either used outwardly in oil or ointment, or inwardly in an electuary, or syrup, or concerted juice

It is of a cleansing and cutting faculty, without any manifest heat, moderately drying and binding. It opens and cleanses the liver, helps the jaundice, and is very beneficial to the bowels, healing all inward wounds, bruises, hurts, and other distempers. The decoction of the herb made with wine, and drank, is good against the biting and stinging of serpents, and helps them that make foul, troubled or bloody water.

This herb also helps the cholic, cleanses the breast, and rids away the cough. A draught of the decoction taken warm before the fit, first removes, and in time rids away the tertian or quartan agues. The leaves and seeds taken in wine, stays the bloody flux; outwardly applied, being stamped with old swine's grease, it helps old sores, cancers, and inveterate ulcers, and draws forth thorns and splinters of wood, nails, or any other such things gotten in the flesh. It helps to strengthen the members that be out of joint: and being bruised and applied, or the juice dropped in it, helps foul and imposthumed ears.

The distilled water of the herb is good to all the said purposes' either inward or outward, but a great deal weaker.

It is a most admirable remedy for such whose livers are annoyed either by heat or cold. The liver is the former of blood, and blood the nourisher of the body, and Agrimony a strengthener of the liver.

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About alien:

Alien writes for natural herbs. He also writes for herbal remedies and you can get more information on herbal medicines .

Yerba Mate - Yerba Mate Tea and Extracts

No it is not an Australian greeting or a cream substitute for tea (like Coffee Mate for coffee.) It is actually pronounced “Yerba Mat-ay” and is a very healthy herbal drink. The name comes from the Spanish word hierba which was changed to yerba in Argentina and means “grass or herb,” and the word mati which was changed to mate and stands for “cup or gourd.” This gives it the literal translation of “cup herb.” The basis for the name comes from the traditional way of steeping it in and drinking it from a gourd.

Botanical Name: Ilex paraguariensis

Other Common Names for Yerba mate:Yerba maté, maté, erva mate, erveira, Paraguay cayi, Paraguay tea, South American holly, matéteestrauch, St. Bartholomew’s tea, Jesuit’s tea, caminú, kali chaye

Habitat:Yerba mate got its humble beginnings with the Guarani Indians in the highlands of Brazil, Paraguay, and Argentina. When the Spanish explorers came upon these Guarani in the early 16th century this drink intrigued them. Even though they were not sitting around in tearooms with pastries and sipping from fine china as was customary in Europe, the resultant effect of drinking the herbal drink was what caught their attention. The drink seemed to relieve their fatigue and produced a feeling of exhilaration. Later the Jesuits began to cultivate it and spread its influence

Description: Yerba mate is a small evergreen shrub like plant. It produces small white four petal flowers with a hint of green and later red berries around 4–6 mm in diameter.

Plant Parts Used: Leaves and stem. Yerba mate is often prepared by cutting the leaves, and sometimes the stems, and drying them over a fire, resulting in a more smoky flavor, or curing them in boiling water and then baking them off in a pan or oven. The dried leaves are then packaged. They are sold as tea bags or loose. The traditionalists like to steep the loose tea leaves in a gourd and then sip them through a metal spoon-like straw with a filter on the end, called a bombilla. In some circles the cup will be filled with hot (not boiling) water and the host will drink the liquid down before adding water to the leaves again and passing it on, with each subsequent guest doing the same. This can be done 10-12 times without sacrificing the flavor or healthful qualities of the drink, of course the other things you might be sharing could decrease the healthful benefits.

Yerba Mate Therapeutic Uses and Claims

Since its beginnings in South America it has had varied uses worldwide. It has been used as an anti-depressant, headache relief, rheumatic pain-reliever, allergy reliever, weight loss medication and an overall body tonic.

Although coffee is a common drink in many countries, and tea replaces it in others, Yerba mate is becoming a popular replacement. It was theorized for a while that mate did not contain caffeine, but recent studies have proven that there is caffeine present in the plant but it is possible that the other chemicals present may soften the effects of the caffeine. People who drink Yerba mate report less of the negative side effects common with caffeine but all of the positive ones. They have better mental clarity and focus, their energy levels increase and they feel more vitalized. They do not get the jittery feeling often associated with caffeine intake and seldom have the resultant drop off of energy levels when the caffeine effects wear off. Sleep does not seem to be interrupted with ate night consumption either, actually some users claim their sleep is better regulated when drinking this “Drink of the Gods.”
Some researchers have claimed that Yerba mate has all the nutrients required to sustain life. The presence of antioxidants in the drink help to fight those free radicals that have been reported to cause everything from decreased immune function to cancer and blindness.

Potential Side Effects of Yerba Mate

Negative side effects have been limited. Of course too much of a good thing can always have negative effects. Because of the caffeine content too much mate intake can lead to similar symptoms as overuse of caffeine. Two to three cups a day may be just the ticket needed to increase your mental focus and energy levels (and who couldn’t use a little help there.)

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About alien:
Alien writes for Aloe vera benefits . He also writes for asthma medication and psoriasis home remedies

Licorice Root - Side Effects and Benefits

Botanical Name of Licorice: Glycyrrhiza glabra

Other Common Names: Sweetwood, Sweetroot, Black Sugar, Liquorice, French-regliss, German-Lakritze, Italian-liquirizia, Spanish-regaliz, Indian-mulethi, European Licorice

Habitat: The licorice root is native to Southeastern Europe and cultivated in most of Europe. It prefers the open, dry areas with rich soil. It was first harvested from the wild, until it was cultivated one thousand years ago.

Plant Description: The licorice plant is erect, standing about 1.5 meters tall with spikes bearing lilac-colored flowers with bean-like pods containing three or four seeds. The main root (taproot) descends up to a meter into the ground and sends out a network of rhizomes. These roots and rhizomes are harvested after three to five years. The rhizomes have a woody appearance with a brown skin and yellow, fibrous interior.

Plant Parts Used: The main taproot and the rhizomes are used in medicinal and flavoring applications.

Therapeutic Uses, Benefits and Claims of The Licorice Root

* The licorice root is used in flavoring for its sweetness. The flavor often associated with licorice is actually anise. Licorice is added as a sweetener.
* The root was often given in ancient Rome for asthma, dry cough and other diseases of the lungs.
* Licorice shows promise as an expectorant (used to loosen and expel congestion in the upper airway.) It may also stimulate mucous production and secretion in the trachea.
* This herb has been shown to be soothing to irritated membranes and acts as an anti-inflammatory.
* The licorice root has also been used as antacid.
* Gastric ulcers are another target of this herb. Some countries have even experimented with licorice-coated aspirin to help reduce ulcers caused by aspirin use.
* The licorice root also helps promote adrenal function, supports lung health, and cleanses the colon.
* This herb has also been used for its throat-soothing qualities.
* Licorice may help combat some viruses such as Hepatitis B, influenza, and HIV by boosting the immune system and stimulating the production of interferon.
* It has also been shown to relieve rheumatism, arthritis, low blood sugar, menstrual cramps and regulating menstruation.

Dosage and Administration

Licorice may come in an extract format or in root form. The extract can come in teas, capsules, tablets, and in combination with other herbal remedies. Recommended dosage is 1 teaspoon (2-4 grams) of the root in a tea or other form daily.

Potential Side Effects of The Licorice Root

The side effects associated with licorice use include water retention, stomach pain, headache, shortness of breath and joint stiffness. Hypertension (high blood pressure) has also been associated with long term use of licorice at higher doses. The side effects do seem to be dose dependent, with smaller doses having less, or no, side effects. Licorice should not be used in conjunction with diuretics or digitalis glycoside heart medications. Due to the tendency to raise blood pressure and blood glucose levels, this herb should not be used by those with diabetes or hypertension. Persons with cirrhosis of the liver or impaired liver function should also avoid this herb.

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About alien:
Alien writes for Natural herbs . He also writes for herbs and asthma home remedies

Herb - Alehoof or Ground Ivy

by alien

Several counties give it different names, so that there is scarcely any herb growing of that bigness that has got so many. It is called Cat's-foot, Ground-ivy, Gill-go-by-ground, and Gill-creep-by­ground, Turnhoof, Haymaids, and Alehoof.

Description.

This well known herb lies, spreads and creeps upon the ground, shoots forth roots, at the corners of tender jointed stalks, set with two round leaves at every joint somewhat hairy, crumpled and unevenly dented about the edges with round dents; at the joints likewise, with the leaves towards the end of the branches, come forth hollow, long flowers of a blueish purple colour, with small white spots upon the lips that hang down. The root is small with strings.

Place.

It is commonly found under hedges, and on the sides of ditches, under houses, or in shadowed lanes, and other waste grounds, in almost every part of this land.

Time.

They flower somewhat early, and abide a great while; the leaves continue green until Winter, and sometimes abide, except the Winter be very sharp and cold.

Government and virtues.

It is an herb of Venus, and therefore cures the diseases she causes by sympathy, and those of Mars by antipathy; you may usually find it all the year long except the year be extremely frosty; it is quick, sharp, and bitter in taste, and is thereby found to be hot and dry; a singular herb for all inward wounds, exulcerated lungs, or other parts, either by itself, or boiled with other the like herbs; and being drank, in a short time it eases all griping pains, windy and choleric humours in the stomach, spleen or belly; helps the yellow jaundice, by opening the stoppings of the gall and liver, and melancholy, by opening the stoppings of the spleen; expels venom or poison, and also the plague; it provokes urine and women's courses; the decoction of it in wine drank for some time together, procures ease to them that are troubled with the sciatica, or hip-gout: as also the gout in hands, knees or feet; if you put to the decoction some honey and a little burnt alum, it is excellently good to gargle any sore mouth or throat, and to wash the sores and ulcers in the privy parts of man or woman; it speedily helps green wounds, being bruised and bound thereto.
The juice of it boiled with a little honey and verdigrease, doth wonderfully cleanse fistulas, ulcers, and stays the spreading or eating of cancers and ulcers; it helps the itch, scabs, wheals, and other breakings out in any part of the body. The juice of Celandine, Field-daisies, and Ground-ivy clarified, and a little fine sugar dissolved therein, and dropped into the eyes, is a sovereign remedy for all pains, redness, and watering of them; as also for the pin and web, skins and films growing over the sight, it helps beasts as well as men. The juice dropped into the ears, wonderfully helps the noise and singing of them, and helps the hearing which is decayed. It is good to tun up with new drink, for it will clarify it in a night, that it will be the fitter to be drank the next morning; or if any drink be thick with removing, or any other accident, it will do the like in a few hours.

Alien writes for natural herbs. He also writes for herbal remedies and you can get more information on herbal medicines .

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Benefits of Ginkgo Biloba

Introduction:

Ginkgo trees, are one of the oldest species of trees cultivated in China and are believed to be 150 to 200 million years old. The ginkgo trees grow in average soil and even in full sun. The tree can grow 100 – 120 feet. Ginkgo trees are very resistant to pollution and infection and hardly suffer any disease. Insects rarely attack these plants. Due to these reasons these trees are most tolerant even in urban conditions and are grown as shade trees.

Ginkgo or ginkgo biloba extracts is made from various parts of these trees. Chinease has used ginkgo biloba for the centuries for treating various ailments. Now it is most researched herb and is used by most of the countries as herbal medicine.

Working of Ginkgo Biloba:

Ginkgo leaves contains two groups of active components known as flavonoid glycosides and ginkgolides. These active ingredients helps in increasing blood flow to the brain and improving overall network of blood vessels, and consequently increases the inflow of oxygen and essential nutrients to brain and other important organs of the body and simultaneously helps controlling in allergic inflammation and asthma.

Benefits of Ginkgo Biloba:

The research on this herbal medicine continues for the last three decades and some of the benefits as evidenced by clinical studies have been summarized below.

• It has a positive effect on vascular system and it allows the system to act more efficiently by allowing more blood flow and consequently more oxygen to the vital organs of the body including brain.
• Brain, being the highest oxygen consumer (20%) of the total oxygen requirement of the human body, regulates the body more efficiently.
• The improved blood circulation to brain including microcirculation in smaller capillaries increases memory and metabolic efficiency including neurotransmitters regulation.
• Ginkgo biloba is useful for relaxing coronary arteries constricted by cholesterol.
• Ginkgo biloba is also useful for relieving tension and anxiety.
• Ginkgo biloba is also beneficial to elevate mood and restore energy.
• Ginkgo biloba controls platelet activity factor (PAF). Excessive platelet factor (PAF) in the body may cause physical stress, brain disorder, and skin problem including psoriasis, cardiovascular disease and other hearing disorders.
• Ginkgo biloba is beneficial for treating vertigo and tinnitus.
• Ginkgo biloba acts as an antioxidant and inhibits free radical formed in the body. Antioxidant plays a vital role for protecting cardiovascular and central nervous system (CNS). The combined effect of improved circulatory system and antioxidant improves blood flow to retina and controls retinal deterioration causing an overall improvement in visual activity.
• Some of the clinical trials indicate that ginkgo biloba is beneficial for treating Alzheimer’s disease.
• Ginkgo biloba is also used as supportive herbal medicine for treating infertility disorder in males.

Precaution:

Although it is a herbal medicine with enormous benefits, it should not be combined with certain antidepressants such as MAO (mono amine oxidase). Persons taking medicine for blood clotting disorders should avoid taking ginkgo biloba, as the medicine will increase the effect of prescribed medicine.

If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, you should not take ginkgo biloba.

Side Effects:

The possible side effects of the medicine include

• Ginkgo biloba may cause some gastrointestinal disorders.
• Ginkgo biloba increases the risk of bleeding and if you have or had any blood clotting disorder, you should not take ginkgo biloba.
• The other common side effects of ginkgo biloba may include nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, dizziness, headache and restlessness.

If you observe any of the side effect as mentioned above or any other side effect, you should stop taking ginkgo biloba and consult your doctor.


Author Rich Marsiglia, Natural Health Products at YourHealthyPlace.


Article Source: Sustainable Living Articles