The Naturopathic Herbalist
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Ephedra sinica
Ephedra sinica Common name: Ephedra, Ma Huang Family: Ephedraceae Part used: Stem Constituents: Protoalkaloids (ephedrine, pseudoepedrine), tannins, saponins, flavonoids, Volatile oil Actions: Vasodilator, Diaphoretic, Bronchodilator, Decongestant, diuretic, circulatory stimulant, hypertensive, antiallergic Medical uses: Extractions are used as a decongestant and anti-asthmatic … Continue reading
Eleutherococcus senticosus
Eleutherococcus senticosus Common name: Eleuthero, Siberian ginseng Family: Araliaceae Parts used: Root Constituents: Phenylpropanoid Glycosides (Eleutherosides; A through M), syringin (Eleuthuroside B) Polysaccharides (eleutherans A through G) Triterpenoid saponins (Ciwujianosides) Phytosterols (beta-sitosterol) Coumarins (isofraxidin) Lignans Nutrients: Vitamin E, beta-carotene, Cu Medicinal actions: Adaptogen & general tonic, antioxidant, immuno-modulator & stimulant, hypertensive (in a hypotensive state), cardiotonic, hypoglycemic, circulatory … Continue reading
Inula helenium
Inula helenium Common name: Elecampane Family: Asteraceae Parts used: Root or rhizome Constituents: CHOs, especially as mucilage & Inulin (40%) Volatile oil (1-4%) containing bitter sesquiterpene lactones (alantolactone, isoalantolactone, alantopicrin, alantic acid & azulene), saponins, sterols, resin. Medicinal actions: Diaphoretic, diuretic, expectorant, alterative, antimicrobial, anti-parasitic Medicinal use: It is used in any chronic lung condition as a trophorestorative. It … Continue reading
Oplopanax horridus
Oplopanax horridus Common name: Devil’s club Family: Araliaceae Parts used: Inner root bark Constituents: Volatile oil, glycosides (araliasides, panaxosides) Medicinal actions: Analgesic, anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory, hypoglycemic, expectorant, alterative, emetic, purgative, anti-rheumatic Medicinal use: In musculoskeletal conditions can be applied topically or taken internally … Continue reading
Germanium maculata
Germanium maculata Common name: American cranesbill Family: Geraniaceae Parts used: Root & aerial Constituents: Tannins (up to 30%) inc. gallic acid; Resinous compounds. Medicinal actions: Styptic, astringent, vulnerary, tonic Medicinal uses: Geranium is an astringent, also hemostatic. Relaxed mucous tissues with profuse debilitating discharges; chronic mucous diarrheas; chronic dysentery; diarrhea with constant desire to defecate; passive hemorrhages; … Continue reading
Agropyron (Elymus) repens
Agropyron (Elymus) repens Common name: Couch Grass Family: Poaceae Part Used: Rhizome, seeds & root. Constituents: Saponins Carbohydrates & Polysaccharides (including Inulin, Triticin, Inositol, Mannitol) & Mucilage Coumarins Flavonoids (rutin, hyperoside & baicaleine) Iridoids Phenocarboxylic acids (chlorogenic and p-hydroxycinnamic acids) Vitamins … Continue reading
Zea mays
Zea mays Common name: Corn silk Family: Poaceae Part used: Stigmas & styles (fresh or dried; harvested from the unripe corn), kernels Constituents: Amines, fixed oils (glycerides of linolenic, oleic, palmitic, stearic acids), tannins, … Continue reading
Tussilago farfara
Tussilago farfara Common name: Coltsfoot Family: Compositae Parts used: Leaves, flowers Constituents: Flavonoids (rutin, hyperoside, isoquercetin), mucilage (8%), pyrrolizidine alkaloids (0%-0.015%), tannin Medicinal actions: Expectorant, demulcent, anti-tussive, anti-catarrhal Medicinal use: Tussilago is … Continue reading
Coleus forskolii
Coleus forskolii Common name: Coleus Family: Lamiaceae Part used: Root Constituents: Diterpenoids (labdane; forskolin/coleanol) Actions: Hypotensive, bronchodilator, inflammation modulating, positive inotropic, lipolysis stimulator, thyroid hormone release … Continue reading
Coffea arabica
Coffea arabica Common name: Coffee Family: Rubiaceae Parts used: Kernels of the dried ripe seed Identified Constituents: Caffeine 1%-2% (less when roasted), Alkaloids (theobromine), Trigonelline, Chlorogenic acid, Polyamines, Tannins, B vitamins, Carbohydrates, Oil, Tannin, Sugars, Pentosans. Medicinal actions: Stimulant, Diuretic, Antinarcotic, Anitemetic Medicinal use: Due to its relatively high content of alkaloids (theobromine), it has a direct stimulating action on the central … Continue reading
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The Naturopathic Herbalist 