Arnica Montana
The herb is commonly used for treatment of insect bites, bruises, swelling due injuries, wounds, frostbite, jellyfish burns, sprains, and muscle and joint pains.
Plant description:
Arnica montana is a perennial plant of the family Asteraceae and grows up to 2 feet (60 cm). The plant is notable for its yellow flower heads (usually one) which are similar to daisy. The stem is long and hairy, while most leaves are arranged in a basal rosette. On the steam are usually only one or two pairs of leaves which are slightly toothed in contrary to lower leaves which are round. Arnica montana is native to Europe.
Parts used:
Flower heads.
Therapeutic uses:
Arnica montana is used for treatment of insect bites, bruises, swelling due injuries, wounds, frostbite, jellyfish burns, sprains, muscle and joint pains, and inflammation of the mucous lining in the mouth. The herbs is often also used for treatment of hemorrhoids and baldness of psychological origin.
Scientific studies:
Chemical structure and properties of Arnica montana are very well researched. Scientific studies shown that the plant has antiseptic and mild anti-inflammatory properties as well as pain relieving capabilities. However, it contains a substance similar to adrenalin which increases blood pressure and affects hearth rhythm.
Side effects and warnings:
Arnica montana is highly toxic and must never be used internally except as properly diluted homeopathic remedy. If taken internally, Arnica causes inflammation of the mucoid lining of the stomach and colon, abnormal heart rhythm, high blood pressure and in worst case even death. External use is mostly safe but it might cause allergic reaction – most often skin inflammation. Impact of Arnica montana on pregnancy in external use is not known but pregnant and breast feeding women should consult with their health provider before using Arnica montana, like any other herb.
Artichoke, Globe (Cynara cardunculus)
Globe artichoke is used since the ancient time to increase bile production, to improve digestion and to relieve digestive problems.
Plant description:
Globe artichoke is a perennial plant of the family of Asteraceae and is very similar to thistle. It grows up to 6 feet and 7 inches (2 meters) and is notable for large purple-greenish flower buds which are very popular for culinary purposes before they open. It originates from the wild species grown in the Mediterranean countries from which globe artichoke distinguishes itself for not having spines.
Parts used:
Leaves and root.
Therapeutic uses:
Globe artichoke is used since the ancient time to increase bile production, to improve digestion and to relieve digestive problems such as bloating and nausea but in later period, artichoke has become also very popular for improving the liver function and to lower cholesterol.
Scientific studies:
Animals studies proved therapeutic properties of Globe artichoke although clinical studies are contradictory in its capacity to lower cholesterol and lipid blood levels.
Side effects and warnings:
People with known allergy to plants of the family of Astereae should not use any remedies containing artichoke or other herbs from mentioned plant family. Pregnant women should avoid using artichoke in excessive amounts and before the use consult with their health provider over potential effects on pregnancy and the fetus.
Astragalus Propinquus
Astragalus has many uses in Traditional Chinese medicine and is most commonly used for treatment of common cold, flu and respiratory tract infections.
Plant description:
Astragalus propinquus or Astragalus membranaceus is a perennial plant of the family of Fabaceae. It grows about 16-32 inches (40-80 cm) and has been used in Traditional Chinese medicine already for thousands of years. It is characterized by hairy stems and leaves which are divided into twelve or eighteen pairs of leaflets. Its white, bell-shaped flowers greatly resembling the snowdrop are attached to the steam by a long stalk. Astragalus propinquus is native to northern China, Mongolia and Korea.
Parts used:
Root.
Therapeutic uses:
Astragalus has many uses in Traditional Chinese medicine. It is most frequently used for treatment of common cold, flu, respiratory tract infections, multiple allergies, gastrointestinal disorders, heart diseases, kidney diseases, liver diseases, diabetes and to lower high blood pressure and sugar, to improve healing of wounds as well as to strengthen the immune system. Astragalus is also popular as a complement to cancer treatment and is also believed to be very helpful in HIV infection.
Scientific studies:
The majority of scientific studies concerning properties of Astragalus membracenaceus has been conducted in China. Chinese studies mostly confirm its outstanding healing properties but Western scientists claim they were not well conducted or reported.
Side effects and warnings:
Use of astragalus is mostly safe if following the directions for use although Western scientists warn over poorly studied safety of the herb. Most frequently reported side effects are mild stomach upset and allergic reactions. However, it is recommendable to consult with an expert or professional medical practitioner before starting to use astragalus as a remedy. Pregnant and breast feeding women should always consult with their health provider before starting to use any herb including Astragalus membracenaceus.
Basil (Ocimum basilicum)
The herb improves digestion, lowers high blood pressure and cholesterol levels, and is also very helpful in urinary tract infections.
Plant description:
Basil (Ocimum basilicum) is an annual plant of the family Lamiaceae. It grows about 2 feet (60 cm) and is notable for opposite leaves, color, size, shape and texture of which greatly vary from the species. Leaves are usually oval, slightly toothed and silky but in some species the leaves can be also slightly curled and hairy. But in all species leaves are very aromatic. Flowers are on the top of the spike, while the color of the flowers greatly depends from the species. Basil is native to tropical regions of Asia (Iran, India) but today it is grown in many regions of the world.
Parts used:
Whole plant before blooming.
Therapeutic uses:
Basil is renowned for improving digestion, increasing appetite, promoting lactation, relieving stomach cramps, lowering high blood pressure and cholesterol, and is also often used as a diuretic. It is also helpful in respiratory tract infections and in common cold, fever, bronchitis, cough, asthma and diabetes (type 2). Basil essential oil has calmative properties and is very effective in stress relieving.
Scientific studies:
Many scientific studies had been conducted concerning Basil’s health benefits. The majority of studies shown that the herb has antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, while some researches even suggest it might have anticancer capacities. However, later claim requires further scientific studies.
Side effects and warnings:
Besides allergic reactions there are only few reported side effects of Basil although it is important to mention that the herb contains estragole which is according to some studies carcinogen. Basil essential oil should not be used by pregnant and breast feeding women, while people with condition and all using medications should consult with their health provider before using basil, like any other herb.
Bearberry (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi)
Bearberry is commonly used for urinary tract complaints such as inflammation of the bladder and ureter, kidney stones and urination disorders.
Plant description:
Bearberry (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi) is a small shrub of the family Ericaeae (genus Arctostaphylos). It grows up to 1 foot (30 cm) and is notable for its evergreen rounded leaves which are arranged alternately on the reddish steam if the plant grows on the sunny location and green if in shadier areas. Pink or white flowers produce the red berries. Bearberry is native to the Northern Hemisphere and grows wild in high mountains of Europe, Asia and America.
Parts used:
Leaves.
Therapeutic uses:
Bearberry is renowned as diuretic, antiseptic and astringent. It is commonly used for urinary tract complaints such as inflammation of the bladder and ureter, kidney stones and urination disorders.
Scientific studies:
Recent scientific studies shown that bearberry has antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and astringent properties, and that it is very effective remedy for urinary tract complaints.
Side effects and warnings:
There are no known side effects but since bearberries contain high amounts of tannin, theoretically, long term use might cause liver damage. However, according to scientific studies bearberry does not represent any greater health risks if following the directions for use. Bearberry should not be used by pregnant and breast feeding women.
