Red Clover (Trifolium pratense) - Side Effects and Benefits

Botanical Name of Red Clover: Trifolium pratense L.

Other Common Names: Beebread, cow clover, meadow clover, purple clover, trefoil, wild clover.

Habitat: Red clover is a perennial herb that grows commonly in the wild throughout Europe, Asia and Africa and has been naturalised to North America. It is used as a grazing food for cattle and as a green manure as is a nitrogen–rich crop.

Description: Red clover is a member of the Leguminosae family. It can grow to approximately 1-2 feet and has purple-pink tubular flowers. Its name is derived from Latin: tres for three and folium for leaf and pratense for growing in meadows.

Plant Parts Used: Flower heads. Red clover is generally taken as a standardised extract in tablet form. Red clover leaves are eaten as a salad and the flowers are dried for use in teas.

Therapeutic Uses, Benefits and Claims of Red Clover

* Red clover has a long history of traditional use in China, Europe and Russia for a variety of medical conditions including bronchial asthma, liver and digestive ailments, sore eyes and burns.
* It was thought to purify the blood by promoting urine, mucus and bile production and improve circulation.
* Traditionally red clover ointments have been applied to the skin to treat conditions such as psoriasis and eczema.
* There is a history of use of red clover as a short-term cough medicine for children.
* Red clover is a rich source of the isoflavones; formonnectin, biochanin A, daidzin and genistein which are natural hormones
* Red clover supplements are promoted worldwide for the treatment of menopausal symptoms and the maintenance of health and welfare after the menopause.
* Clinical trials show that red clover extracts may provides some benefit for hot flushes associated with the menopause.
* It is also suggested that Red Clover may be of use for women experiencing breast pain.
* There is promising evidence for a positive role for red clover in the development of osteoporosis.
* Red clover extracts have been shown to have a positive effect on high blood pressure.
* Clinical studies have shown red clover to have no detrimental effect on the womb or breast tissue.
* In addition it’s natural hormonal components; Red clover contains many essential vitamins and minerals like calcium, chromium, niacin, phosphorous, potassium, thiamine, magnesium, and vitamin C.
* Red clover can be found in herbal combinations thought to be useful for women’s health.

Potential Side Effects of Red Clover

Side effects with red clover are generally mild and rare. They include breast tenderness, menstruation changes and weight gain. Red clover extracts have theoretically been associated with interactions with blood thinning agents e.g. warfarin and hormonal therapies but this has not been confirmed with actual case reports. Although there is no evidence for concern, it is advised that red clover extracts should be avoided in women with a history of breast cancer. Pregnant and breast feeding women should not take red clover.

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

Garcinia Cambogia - Side Effects and Benefits

Botanical Name: Garcinia cambogia

Other Common Names of Garcinia Cambogia: Brindle berry, brindall berry, garcinia, malabar tamarind, hydroxycitric acid (HCA), citrin, gambooge, gorikapuli, uppagi, garcinia kola, mangosteen oil tree.

Habitat: India and South East Asia.

Description:Garcinia cambogia is a flowering evergreen tree, with drooping branches. The fruit is yellow, oval in shape and resembles small pumpkins. Garcinia is part of the same family as mangosteens; the fruit is harvested, dried and ground into a powder.

Plant Parts Used: Fruit rind.

Therapeutic Uses, Benefits and Claims of Garcinia Cambogia

* Garcinia cambogia, with its distinctly sour sweet taste, has been used for centuries in South East Asia to make meals more filling.
* The active constituent in this herb is called Hydroxycitric acid or HCA and is gaining a reputation for assisting weight loss through appetite suppression and by reducing the body’s ability to form adipose(fatty) tissue during times of overeating.

The mechanism for garcinia’s weight loss ability is still being understood; but is believed to be through inhibiting the body’s ability to convert carbohydrates to fats. This leads to an increase in glycogen in the liver, which sends a message to the brain indicating satiety, and in turn reduces appetite.

In recent years studies are focusing on the most effective form of HCA to take for maximum therapeutic benefit. What is significant is that a recent Japanese study, using an animal model, indicated that during exercise the regular use of HCA promotes fat burning and spares carbohydrate utilization at rest and during exercise. Giving garcinia an indication for endurance exercise.
* Garcinia has also been historically used to treat gastric ulcers. A 2002 study indicates this herb works primarily through the action of one of these plant’s constituents, garcinol. Garcinol is known to lower acidity in the stomach and protects the gastric mucosa.
* The rind of garcinia cambogia is also astringent, which is why it was also historically used in the treatment of diarrhoea and dysentry as well as having the added benefit in the treatment of gastric and duodenal ulcers.
* The ability for Garcinia’s component, HCA, to reduce blood lipid levels and lower blood cholesterol is another feature of this amazing natural medicine.
* More recently, it has been proposed that Garcinia cambogia has a hepato protective ability against external toxins, such as alcohol. A recent study showed that Garcinia prevented liver cells from becoming fibrotic and stopped cell damage caused by high blood lipid levels.

Potential Side Effects of Garcinia Cambogia

There are no known side effects for using this herb, however, it is not recommended for diabetics or people suffering any dementia syndrome, including Alzheimer’s; and in pregnant and lactating women. Garcinia cambogia does have contraindications with certain medications, and it is important to discuss this with your health care professional.

Therapeutic Dosages

Supplements are available in various forms including tablets, capsules, powders, extracts and even snack bars. Garcinia cambogia medications are usually standardised to contain fixed percentage of HCA. The usual dosage for garcinia is 300 to 500mg tablets three times daily taken half an hour before meals with water.

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

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