The Naturopathic Herbalist
Marisa Marciano
Ziziphus jujuba
Common name: Jujube Family: Rhamnaceae Parts used: Seed & Berries (Fruit) Constituents: Triterpenoid Saponins: jujubosides A & B Triterpene acids (e.g. betulinic acid, oleanolic acid, ursolic acid, betulonic acid, oleanonic acid, and ursonic acid) Alkaloids (sanjoinine A & nuciferine) Flavonoids (Rutin & quercetin) Phytosterols Polysaccharides (Pectin) Vitamins (C, B & others) & Minerals (Potassium, Calcium, … Continue reading
Uncaria tomentosa
Common name: Cat’s Claw Family: Rubiaceae Part used: Inner bark of roots & stems Constituents: Oxindole alkaloids: isopteropodine, pteropodine, mitraphylline, isomitraphylline, uncarine F, speciophylline, 3-isoajmalicine, 19-epi-3-isoajmalicine, uncarine B Plant sterols: beta sitosterol (80%), stigmasterol, campesterol Polyphenols: Catechin tannins, epicatechin, proanthrocyanidins & Flavonoids Quinovic acid glycosides Polyhydroxylated triterpenes Medicinal actions: Anti-inflammatory Antioxidant Anti-neoplastic (Antileukemic) Antimicrobial (Anti-viral) Hypotensive Immune stimulant … Continue reading
Lymphatics
What is a Lymphatic? In folk medicine these herbs were considered “blood purifiers”, as lymphatic herbs have an ability to move lymph and can increase lymphatic flow moving fluid and protein away from areas of inflammation so that fresh lymph (rich in oxygen and nutrients needed for tissue repair) can replace it. When the lymphatic … Continue reading
Ginkgo biloba
Common name: Ginkgo, Maidenhair tree Family: Ginkgoaceae Part used: Leaf Constituents: Flavonoids (quercetin, kaempferol), terpenoids (bilobilides, ginkgolides), bioflavonoids, ginkgolic acid (toxic), proanthocyanidins, amino acids, benzoic acid, sugars, waxes, lactones, sitosterol Medicinal actions: Energy enhancer, cognitive enhancer, neuroprotective, relaxant, anti-inflammatory, astringent, anti-allergenic, anti-asthmatic, brain flow blood enhancer, circulatory stimulant & tonic, peripheral vasodilator, anti-platelet, antioxidant, bitter, nutritive, uterine stimulant, … Continue reading
Commiphora mukul
Common name: Guggul Family: Berseraceae Part used: Resin Constituents: Guggul sterones, non-aromatic acids, diterpenes, lignans, fatty acid alcohols, sterols, and esters Medicinal actions: Antioxidant Anti-inflammatory Anti-hyperlipidemic Thyrotrophic Medicinal uses: Used extensively by Ayurvedic physicians to treat a variety of conditions, including arthritis, inflammation, bone fractures, obesity, and disorders of lipid metabolism, Guggul is indicated in any case of acute … Continue reading
Rumex crispus
Common name: Yellow dock Family: Polygonaceae Parts used: Root Constituents: Anthraquinone glycosides (emodin), tannins, oxalates (oxalic acid high in leaf), VO, Iron and other minerals Medicinal actions: Tonic, lymphatic, astringent, cooling, alterative, bitter, hepatic, cholagogue, laxative, cathartic Medicinal use: The anthraquinone glycosides in Rumex lend the plant its mild laxative (aperient) action. Rumex is most indicated in … Continue reading
Angelica sinensis
Angelica sinensis Common name: Dong Quai Family: Apiaceae Part used: Root Constituents: Volatile oil (alkyl phthalides): ligustilide, n-butylidenephthalide, and Z-ligustilide Phytosterols (b-sitosterol) Phenylpropanoids: Ferulic acid & coniferyl ferulate Coumarins & Furanocoumarins (angelol, angelicone and umbelliferone) Flavonoids Vitamins (Beta-Carotene, Vitamin E, folic acid and B12) Polysaccharides Medicinal Actions: Analgesic Antioxidant Uterine Tonic … Continue reading
Vitex agnus-castus
Vitex agnus-castus Common name: Chaste berry, Monk’s pepper, Vitex Parts used: Fruit Constituents: Flavonoids (castican, orientin, isovitexin); Iridoid glycosides (agnuside [the reference constituent for standardization], aucubin, eurostoside; Terpenoids (cineole, sabinene, limonene, camphene and others). Medicinal actions: Pituitary adjuvant Medicinal use: Vitex is … Continue reading
Equisetum arvense
Common name: Horsetail Family: Equisetaceae Parts used: Aerial Constituents: Nutrients (mineral silica (65%) in the form of silicic acid and silicates, K+, Mg), flavonoids (quercitin, kaempferol glycosides), alkaloids, phenols (caffeic acid esters), phytosterols, saponins (equisitonin), mucilage, tannins. Medicinal actions: Immunostimulant, WBC stimulant, anti-inflammatory, astringent, anti-hemorrhagic, hemostatic, anti-atheroma,diuretic, vulnerary, connective tissue tonic, anti-rheumatic. Medicinal uses: Has specific use for BPH, prostatitis, … Continue reading
Equisetum arvense
Common name: Horsetail Family: Equisetaceae Parts used: Aerial Constituents: Nutrients (mineral silica (65%) in the form of silicic acid and silicates, K+, Mg), flavonoids (quercitin, kaempferol glycosides), alkaloids, phenols (caffeic acid esters), phytosterols, saponins (equisitonin), mucilage, tannins. Medicinal actions: Immunostimulant, WBC stimulant, anti-inflammatory, astringent, anti-hemorrhagic, hemostatic, anti-atheroma, diuretic, vulnerary, connective tissue tonic, anti-rheumatic. Medicinal uses: Has specific use for BPH, … Continue reading
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