Lady Victoria Eclectic Pagan's blog: "Herbal Information"

Aloe Technical Name: (Aloe vera) Gel extracted from the inside of aloe leaves Used for: Topical treatment of sunburn, first and second degree burns, skin irritation or inflammation, mosquito bites, rashes from poisonous plants, constipation and colic. Available In: Whole, living plants, commercial gels and lotions. Herb Drug: Choose lotions with the highest percentage of aloe gel. Interaction: Topical use can trigger rare allergic reactions; may delay surgical wound healing. Burns with significant blistering should be evaluated by trained medical personnel. When Buying: None known Dosage and Warning: Cut open aloe leaf and apply gel generously as needed. For internal use of aloe gel, 30 ml three times a day. Child Dosage: Same as adults. Arnica Technical Name: (Arnica montana) A daisy-like mountain flower. Used for: Bruises, sprains, soreness and swelling/muscle spasms from sports activity; arthritis set off by seasonal change; general muscle and joint pain. Available In: Tincture, homeopathic ointment, cream, salve and pills Herb Drug: Some people are sensitive to the compound helenalin found in arnica. If you develop a mild rash, then you are probably helenalin-sensitive and should stop using arnica. Interaction: Arnica is toxic if it gets inside the body. Never apply arnica in any form on broken skin or on an open wound. Never take arnica internally unless it's in the form of homeopathic pills that contain too little arnica to cause harm. When Buying: Look for pure arnica extract, homeopathic pills with 30x dilution, or topical applications. Dosage and Warning: External ointments and tinctures: Rub or massage arnica tincture freely onto injured area, only if skin isn't broken. Arnica compresses: Mix 1 tablespoon of arnica tincture in 1 pint of purified water. Dip a gauze pad in the mixture, then put it on the arthritic joint or bruised area. Homeopathic arnica pills: Pour 4 pills into the cap of the bottle, them toss them into your mouth, under the tongue. (Never handle homeopathic pills, in order to preserve their energetic qualities.) The pills can be taken every two hours for the first 24 hours after the injury, but not within a half-hour of eating. Use the 30x dilution as a first aid treatment for minor injury and prior to dental work to reduce bruising. Child Dosage: Half the adult dose. Astragalus Technical Name: (Astragalus membranaceous) Root of a plant native to China. Used for: Chronic or recurrent infections (especially respiratory infections); low resistance to disease, colds and flu (both prevention and treatment); physical effects of stress; lack of vitality; debilitation after sickness or surgery, adjunct treatment for cancer. It boosts the immune system and has antiviral activity. Available In: Tincture, capsule and tablets, whole dried slices of root (can be added to soups). Herb Drug: None known Interaction: None When Buying: Look for astragalus products standardized to 16% polysaccharides. Dosage and Warning: A usual dose is 2 capsules or tablets twice a day, unless the product directs otherwise. A good combination product for immune enhancement is Astra-8, a mix of astragalus with seven other Chinese herbs. The dose is 3 tablets twice a day. Child Dosage: Same as adults. Black-Currant Oil Technical Name: (Ribes nigrum) Oil pressed from black currant seeds. Used for: Auto-immune disorders including lupus, eczema, psoriasis, other skin problems; hair problems (dry, brittle, thinning, splitting); nail problems (weak, brittle); Premenstrual Syndrome; inflammatory disorders. Available In: Gel caps Herb Drug: None known Interaction: None When Buying: Black-currant oil is a source of gamma-linoleic acid (GLA), an essential fatty acid. Capsules should contain at least 45 mg of GLA. Avoid topical oil preparations. Dosage and Warning: 500 mg twice a day. Child Dosage: Half the adult dose. Bromelain Technical Name: Enzyme extracted from the fruit of the pineapple plant. Used for: Swelling, pain and bruising after injury, persistent hematoma, bunions, bursitis, tendonitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, gout, sinusitis. Available In: Capsules Herb Drug: Unknown Interaction: Can cause an allergic rash in susceptible individuals; discontinue use if you develop hives, rash or itching. When Buying: For convenience, look for 250 mg pills. Dosage and Warning: 200-400 mg three times a day on an empty stomach (at least 90 minutes BEFORE or three hours after eating). Child Dosage: Half the adult dose. Calendula Technical Name: (Calendula officinalis) Petals of the ornamental "pot marigold" flower. Used for: Skin irritations, rashes (including diaper rash), eczema, chapped skin or lips, acne, minor burns. Available In: Tinctures, oil, lotions, creams Herb Drug: None known Interaction: No known interactions When Buying: Look for products with at least 10% extract of Calendula officinalis. Dosage and Warning: For a gentle, effective remedy, try washing the skin with a diluted solution of tincture. Apply ready-to-use calendula skin products or oil directly on irritated areas. Child Dosage: Same as adults. Cordyceps Technical Name: (Cordyceps sinensis) Chinese fungus traditionally grown on the bodies of caterpillars, but now cultivated on special media. Used for: Enhancing athletic performance by strengthening the lungs; overcoming general weakness and fatigue; tonic for physical stamina, mental energy, sexual vigor, longevity. Available In: Tincture, liquid extracts, powder Herb Drug: None known Interaction: None When Buying: Purchase liquid or powdered extract not grown on caterpillars. Cordyceps products manufactured by Fungi Perfecti are highly recommended. Dosage and Warning: For general weakness, athletic or sexual enhancement, take 1-2 capsules once a day, or follow dosage advice on product; for health maintenance, take 1 capsule once or twice per week. Child Dosage: Not recommended for children. Echinacea Technical Name: (Echinacea purpurea) Dried root and leaves of the purple coneflower. Used for: Helps address the symptoms of the common cold, flu, sore throat and other common infections. And helps episodes of low resistance to sickness; it enhances the immune system. Available In: Tincture, capsule, tablet and extract form. Herb Drug: No known interactions. Interaction: For best efficacy, Echinacea should not be used continuously for more than 10 days. Persons with autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, or multiple sclerosis should use Echinacea with caution, and for the shortest period possible when they have colds or flu. Allergic reactions are infrequent. When Buying: Look for combination Echinacea products (containing both angustifolia and purpurea species) standardized to 4 percent echinacosides. Also, Echinacea root produces a distinctive numbing sensation when held in the mouth for a few minutes. Always test Echinacea products by putting a bit on the tongue; return any that fail to cause numbness. Dosage and Warning: Adults: One dropperful of tincture in water four times a day, or two capsules of freeze-dried extract four times a day. Child Dosage: Half the adult dose. Eucalyptus Technical Name: (Eucalyptus globulus) Dried leaves of eucalyptus trees. Used for: Respiratory problems including chest congestion, bronchitis, bronchial cough and sinusitis, sore throat and laryngitis; it is a natural antibacterial agent. Available In: Whole fresh and dried leaves, essential oils, salves and rubs. Herb Drug: None known Interaction: For topical use only. Do not get in eyes or nasal passages. When Buying: Choose oils containing 100% pure eucalyptus or at least 55% eucalyptol. Dosage and Warning: A small handful of whole leaves or a teaspoon of the essential oils in boiling water for twice-daily steam inhalations. Apply rubs as needed to chest and throat or cautiously around nostrils to ease congestion. Child Dosage: Same as adults. Fennel Technical Name: (Foeniculum vulgare) Seeds, leaves, roots of the fennel plant. Used for: Flatulence Available In: Plain seeds, sugar coated seeds, extract, oil, capsules. Herb Drug: None known Interaction: None When Buying: Look for a strong aroma from seeds or a freshness date on other forms. Dosage and Warning: Chew one-half to one teaspoon of fennel seeds after eating or whenever distended from gas or as recommended by product label. Child Dosage: Half the adult dose. Garlic Technical Name: (Allium sativum) Fresh or dried pieces of the garlic bulb. Used for: Common cold, sore throat, ear infections in children, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, fungal or yeast infections, chronic or recurrent infections, low resistance to infection; it is a natural antibiotic and antiviral agent. Available In: Raw cloves, dehydrated powder, oil, extract in tablets or capsules, tinctures. Herb Drug: Garlic thins blood, so large amounts should not be taken if using coumadin or other blood-thinning agents. Regular use of garlic should be avoided prior to surgery. Interaction: Remember: A clove of garlic is one segment of the head (not the entire bulb). When Buying: Buy fresh, raw garlic. Chopping or mashing garlic releases the herb's full potential as the active component, allicin, forms only on contact with air. Commercial garlic capsules do not preserve the full activity of the fresh bulb and are consequently less effective. To make garlic oil, crush a few cloves into some olive oil. Let the oil sit a few days at room temperature, and then strain. Keep the oil in a container in the refrigerator and warm a bit as needed. If you use powders, tinctures or other commercial garlic products, choose those standardized for allicin content. Dosage and Warning: Take two cloves of raw garlic at the first sign of a cold. Mash them or chop finely and mix with food, or cut cloves into chunks and swallow them whole like pills (if you don't chew, the garlic won't stay on your breath); two cloves per day for chronic or recurrent yeast infections or low resistance to infection. Child Dosage: Raw garlic is too strong. Use garlic pills instead. For ear infections, a few drops of warm garlic oil in the ear canal. Ginger Technical Name: (Zingiber officinale) Fresh or dried pieces of the underground stem of the ginger plant. Used for: Arthritis, bursitis; motion sickness, nausea; relief of chest congestion; it is a natural anti-inflammatory agent. Available In: Whole fresh root, crystallized ginger, honey-based ginger syrups, capsules containing powdered ginger extracts, alcohol extracts. Herb Drug: None known Interaction: High doses may cause a burning sensation in the stomach; to minimize, take ginger with food. Use no more than 1,000 mg per day during pregnancy. Acts as a blood thinner, so curb use at least two weeks before surgery. Those undergoing chemotherapy should consult their doctor if using ginger at medicinal levels. When Buying: Select products with only 100% pure ginger. Experiment with Zinaxin, a new ginger-based anti-inflammatory. Products containing ginger made by New Chapter are highly recommended. Dosage and Warning: For inflammatory conditions, 1 or 2 g of powdered ginger a day. For nausea and prevention of motion sickness, take 1,000 mg as a preventive and 500 mg every four hours as needed, or eat two pieces of crystallized ginger or take ginger syrup or tea. For cold relief, brew tea with one-inch piece of peeled and grated ginger root per two cups of water; bring to a boil, lower heat and simmer for five minutes; add 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper and simmer one minute more. Remove from heat. Add two tablespoons fresh lemon juice, one or two cloves of mashed garlic and honey to taste. Let cool slightly and strain. Child Dosage: Half the adult dose. Ginkgo Technical Name: (Ginkgo biloba) From dried leaves of the ginkgo tree. Used for: Insufficient blood flow, low circulation, mental fuzziness, symptoms of Alzheimer's disease, memory loss, vertigo, tinnitus or ringing in ears. Available In: Tincture and capsules. Herb Drug: May have an additive anticoagulant effect when taken at the same time as aspirin, coumadin or other blood-thinning drugs or supplements. Interaction: Ginkgo biloba extracts are considered to be safe and free of side effects. Consistent large doses may lead to diarrhea, nausea or vomiting, which can be remedied by decreasing the amount consumed. When Buying: Look for ginkgo products with 24.0% standardization of ginkgolides. (Could also be listed as ginkgo flavonoids or flavone glycosides). Dosage and Warning: Take 120 milligrams a day in divided doses with food. Give it a two-month trial. Child Dosage: Same as adults. Licorice Technical Name: (Glycyrrhiza Glabra) Dried roots, whole extracts and "deglycyrrhizinated" extracts. Used for: Deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) for chronic indigestion, heartburn, stomach ulcers, canker sores; whole licorice extract for menstrual and menopausal disorders and inflammatory disorders; topical whole licorice for herpes, eczema, psoriasis. Available In: Whole licorice as roots, extracts, and topical preparations; DGL as chewable tablets, wafers, capsules, tea and powder. Herb Drug: Licorice products that still contain the glcyrrhizing and whole licorice taken orally may increase the effects of corticosteroids, cause sodium and water retention and increase blood pressure, increase the effect of digitalis preparations, alter the effect of estrogens/progesterone and decrease the effect of anti-hypertensives. No known interactions with DGL. Interaction: Avoid whole licorice or licorice root if you have high blood pressure, kidney or liver disease, diabetes or heart disease, if you're using diuretics, and during pregnancy. No side effects for DGL. Do not take licorice root for longer than six weeks. When Buying: 6-10% glycyrrhizin. DGL products should have no glycyrrhizin. Dosage and Warning: Follow dosage instructions accompanying whole licorice products. If using DGL extract, take two tablets chewed slowly before or between meals or one half teaspoon of the powder at the same times. DGL powder can be made into a paste or mouthwash (swish in mouth for three minutes and spit) to treat mouth ulcers. Child Dosage: Half the adult dosage for both whole and DGL forms. Mullein Technical Name: (Verbascum thapsus) Flowers and leaves of the mullein plant Used for: Relieves dry, bronchial coughs, helps with chest congestion and ear infections. Available In: Tincture, oil, powder, lozenges, capsule, leaf form, extract Herb Drug: None known Interaction: Mullein seeds are toxic, and while there have been no reported problems with mullein preparations, pregnant women should use any herbal product with caution. When Buying: Select products of pure 100% mullein. Dosage and Warning: For congestion and dry cough, a dropperful of tincture in a little warm water every four hours; for ear infections, a few drops of mullein oil, slightly warmed, directly in the ear. Child Dosage: Do not give mullein to young children for coughs; use a few drops of oil in the ear for ear infections. Passion Flower Technical Name: (Passiflora incarnata) Dried aerial parts (leaves, stems and flowers) of the plant. Used for: Stress reduction, anxiety, calming without sedation, insomnia (when combined with other sedative herbs). Available In: Tinctures, extracts Herb Drug: None known, but use precaution when taking MAO-inhibiting anti-depressant drugs. Interaction: Do not take when pregnant. Active compounds may be uterine stimulants. When Buying: Choose standardized whole plant extracts or capsules containing no less than 0.8% flavonoids or isovitexin. Dosage and Warning: One dropperful of the tincture in a little warm water, or two capsules of extract, up to four times a day as needed. Child Dosage: Use half the adult dose for children under 10. Peppermint Technical Name: (Mentha piperita) Dried leaves of the peppermint plant. Used for: Chest rub to ease breathing with common cold, relief of heartburn, indigestion, nausea, treatment of irritable bowel syndrome, diverticulitis and other chronic intestinal ailments. Available In: Teas, enteric-coated capsules of oil, essential oils, creams, rubs. Herb Drug: None known Interaction: Never ingest undiluted peppermint oil. Peppermint tea can worsen (gastro) esophageal reflux syndrome (GERD). May also promote flow of bile from the gall bladder and complicate gallstones - consult a doctor. When Buying: Chose peppermint oil containing at least 44% free menthol, or teas with 100% pure peppermint leaves. Dosage and Warning: One to two capsules of enteric coated oil between meals for heartburn, chest-rub formulations as needed to make breathing easier with the common cold. Child Dosage: Don't give peppermint tea to babies or young children. The menthol it contains can cause a choking sensation in youngsters of this age. Quercetin Technical Name: Bioflavonoid from buckwheat and citrus fruits. Used for: Hay fever, hives, allergies (when taken regularly for at least 6 to 8 weeks), itching (stabilizes cells that produce histamine). Available In: Tablets, powder Herb Drug: None known Interaction: None When Buying: Look for 500 mg coated tablets, avoid the powder. Source Natural's brand "Activated Quercetin" is a good choice. Dosage and Warning: Quercetin is fine for nursing women, but is not recommended for pregnant women. Child Dosage: Half the adult dose. Raspberry Technical Name: (Rubus idaeus) Leaves of the raspberry plant. Used for: Menstrual cramps, morning sickness, motion sickness, diarrhea. Available In: Dried leaves (tea), capsules, tincture. Herb Drug: None known Interaction: Experts disagree on the safety of use during pregnancy. Consult your doctor or avoid altogether if pregnant. When Buying: Products should contain pure leaves, as freshly dried as possible. Make your own tea by picking leaves off brambles, hanging them to dry and soaking in boiling water. Dosage and Warning: Two capsules two to three times daily at mealtimes; as a tea, up to six cups a day for acute problems as needed. Child Dosage: Same as adult dose. Siberian Ginseng Technical Name: (Eleutherococcus senticosus) Woody roots of the Siberian or spiny ginseng plant. Used for: Lethargy, fatigue, low stamina. It increases endurance and resilience to environmental stresses. Available In: Tincture or capsules Herb Drug: None known Interaction: None When Buying: Look for Siberian ginseng products with .08% standardization of eleutherosides. Most Siberian ginseng products vary in concentration and potency, so pay extra attention to the label instructions. Dosage and Warning: Two capsules or 1 dropperful of tincture twice a day unless the product directs otherwise. Child Dosage: Half the adult dose. Slippery Elm Technical Name: (Ulmus rubra) Inner bark of the red elm tree. Used for: Sore throat, cough, intestinal irritation (irritable bowel syndrome, colitis, Crohn's); used as a poultice for burns, boils, uncomplicated wounds, inflamed skin; soohtes irritation of the esophagus due to chemotherapy. Available In: Lozenges, powder, capsules, extracts. Herb Drug: None known. Interaction: None. When Buying: Look for products containing 100% slippery elm. Dosage and Warning: Lozenges as needed for sore throat; one teaspoon of powder mixed with one teaspoon of sugar and two cups of boiling water for bowel discomfort. Take once or twice a day. For a poultice, mix powder with water. Child Dosage: Use powder to make gruel for infants; other uses the same as above. Stinging Nettle Plant Technical Name: (Urtica dioica) Leaves or root of the stinging nettle bush. Used for: Hayfever and other allergies. Available In: Freeze-dried in capsules, and cut and dried for infusion (tea). Herb Drug: None known Interaction: None known When Buying: Look for freeze-dried extract of the leaves, sold in capsules. Dosage and Warning: One to two capsules every two to four hours as needed. Child Dosage: No more than one capsule per day. St. John's Wort Technical Name: (Hypericum perforatum) Leaves and flowering tops of the plant. Used for: Seasonal affective disorder ("winter blues"), mild to moderate depression, nervousness, insomnia, anorexia, skin irritation, including herpes simplex. Available In: Tablets, capsules, tinctures, fluid extract, powdered extract, oil. Herb Drug: St. John's Wort probably acts in the nervous system as an SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor), but unlike other SSRIs such as Prozac and Zoloft, it affects additional neurotransmitters as well. Therefore, when taken with SSRIs or other mood-altering drugs, it may cause causing serotonin syndrome (overload). St. John's wort should not simply be added to an existing pharmaceutical regimen, especially if taking other anti-depressants. Women using birth control pills. Those taking Inadivir for HIV or those taking cyclosporine should avoid St. John's wort. In addition, patients being treated with anti-arrythmics such as Digoxin (Lanoxin) or taking blood-thinning medications such as Coumadin should not use St. John's Wort. Interaction: High intake may cause photosensitivity; take precautions with sun exposure. Takes two months for antidepressant effect to be noticeable. Acts as a blood thinner. May interfere with metabolism of certain medications. When Buying: Look for standardized products. Dosage and Warning: 300 milligrams three times a day. For topical use on irritated skin, apply the oil directly several times a day. Child Dosage: Half the adult dosage. Not to be combined with other mood drugs or antidepressants. Topical applications same as adult. Tea Tree Oil Technical Name: (Melaleuca alternifolia) Oil from the leaves of the Australian tea tree. Used for: Fungal infections of the skin (athlete's foot, ringworm, jock itch); acne; localized infections and sores on mucous membranes (canker sores, boils, abscesses); yeast infections, bee stings, lice. It's a great germicidal and antibacterial agent. Available In: Pure essential oil and many formulations (toothpaste, mouthwash, etc.) Herb Drug: None known Interaction: Rare hypersensitivity reactions may occur. Apply only a small amount when first using tea tree oil. Discontinue use if irritation appears. The oil may burn if it comes in contact with the eyes, nose or mouth. The oil should not be applied to non-fungal rashes or to broken skin. Do not take the oil internally. When Buying: Look for pure 100% tea tree oil. Dosage and Warning: Use a 10% solution, 1 1/2 tablespoons tea tree oil to 1 cup of water, to rinse and clean infected wounds, as a sore throat gargle. Child Dosage: Same as adults. Triphala Technical Name: An Ayurvedic Indian herbal mixture of three fruits. Used for: Constipation, poor bowel tone. Available In: Capsules Herb Drug: None known Interaction: None known, but if you're taking medication and triphala, take them at different times of the day. When Buying: Take only capsules. Avoid the powdered form. Two Indian brands, Dabur and Hammdar, are recommended by Indian practitioners of Ayurvedic medicine. Dosage and Warning: As product directs. Best used regularly to improve bowel tone. Take seperately from other other medications. Child Dosage: Same as adult dose. Turmeric Technical Name: (Curcuma longa) Rhizome related to ginger. Used for: Arthritis, tendinitis, bursitis; it acts as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent. Available In: As culinary spice, in powdered form; as medicinal extract, in tablets or capsules. Labeled as standardized turmeric extract or curcumin. Herb Drug: None known Interaction: In rare instances, daily use over extended period of time can cause stomach upset and/or heartburn; do not use if you have gallstones or a bile duct dysfunction; if pregnant, do not use without your doctor's approval. When Buying: Look for products standardized for 95% curcuminoids. Products made by New Chapter containing curcumin are highly recommended. For cooking, brightly colored and aromatic powder is best. Dosage and Warning: 400 to 600 mg of extracts (tablets or capsules) three times per day or as directed on product. Dried spice is not effective for treating conditions. Child Dosage: Do not give to young children. Valerian Technical Name: (Valeriana officinalis) Root of the valerian plant. Used for: Insomnia (it's a safe sleeping aid); anxiety. Available In: Tincture, extract, tablets. Herb Drug: Valerian interacts with alcohol, some antihistamines, muscle relaxants, psychotropic drugs and narcotics. When taking any of these drugs, you should use valerian only under the supervision of a health-care provider. May increase sedative effects of anesthesia and should be discontinued at least a week prior to having surgery. Interaction: Valerian is relatively safe and no significant side effects are known, but try not to use it on a regular basis, or you may become psychologically dependent upon it. People with impaired kidney or liver functions should not take valerian except under a physician's supervision. It should not be used with kava. Use on a short-term basis only. When Buying: Look for valerian products standardized to 1% valerenic acid. Dosage and Warning: Adults: Use 1 teaspoon of the tincture in a quarter cup of water, or 1 or 2 tablets, at bedtime. Child Dosage: One dropperful at bedtime in a quarter cup of water. Witch Hazel Technical Name: (Hamamelis virginiana) Distillation of leaves, bark and twigs. Used for: Insect stings; sun and wind burn; poison ivy blisters; disinfectant of minor cuts and abrasions; skin care, cleansing, toning and refreshing; muscle soreness; hemorrhoids and anal irritation. Available In: Liquid distillation of leaves, twigs, bark. Herb Drug: None known Interaction: None When Buying: Available at any drug store. Dosage and Warning: Adults: Apply topically as needed. Child Dosage: Same as adults.