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Glossary of Herbal Supplements
Aloe - Man herbal plant whose leaves (and ingredients) have various medical uses.
American Ginseng - an herbal extract that typically contains 5% ginsenosides as active components; historically used as a tonic, adaptogenic, antioxidant, and for energy.
Artichoke - an herbal extract that typically contains 2.5-5% caffeylquinic acid as active components; historically used as a choleretic.
Ahwagandha - an herbal extract that typically contains 1.5% withanolids as active components; historically used as a tonic, adaptogenic and for energy.
Astragalus - an herbal extract that typically contains 0.4% 4'-hydroxy-3'-methoxyisoflavone 7-sugars as active components; historically used as a immunomodulator. Called huang chi in Chinese medicine, this is one of the world's greatest immune tonics. The Chinese look at it as being a "chi" tonic -- one that increases the body's resistance and vitality of the immune system. It is a deep immune tonic that increases the "bone marrow reserve", increasing the body's ability to produce more immune effector cells (such as t-cells), protecting us from "pathogens," or what is called in Traditional Chinese Medicine, "pernicious influences." Astragalus is a popular remedy in China used as a daily tonic when one is not feeling well or if the constitution is weak. Astragalus has a sweet nature, as do most of the tonic herbs.
Bilberry - an herbal extract that typically contains 25% anthocyanosides as active components; historically used as an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant.
Bioperine - an herbal extract from the pepper plant that, when consumed along with vitamin and mineral nutrients, increases the bioavailability (the absorption and utilization) of the nutrients.
Bitter orange - (Citrus aurantium) a small citrus tree with globular, dark green immature fruit often used as an ornamental houseplant. A decorative plant in the U.S., it is cultivated in Europe for the essential oil of its blossoms (neroli oil) and has been used for millennia in China as a medicinal herb.
Black Walnut - an astringent herb that is used for diarrhea. Because of its high tannin content, it has also been used internally as a anthelmintic and externally for ringworm. It is an excellent traveling companion in areas where water and food may contain bacteria or parasites, leading to gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, abdominal pains, and diarrhea. Use as a preventative several times daily.
Borage Oil - an herbal extract that typically contains 24% gamma-linolenic acid as active components; historically used as an anti-inflammatory.
Boswellin - an herbal extract that typically contains 65% boswellic acids as active components; historically used as an anti-inflammatory.
Broccoli - an herbal extract that typically contains 0.04% sulforaphane as active components; historically used as a phytonutrient and anticarcinogenic.
Butcher's Broom - an herbal extract that typically contains 10% saponin glycosides as active components; historically used as an anti-inflammatory.
Cascara Sagrada - an herbal extract that typically contains 25-30% hydroxyantracene derivatives as active components; historically used as a cathartic.
Cat's claw - an herbal extract that typically contains 3% oxindole alkaloids and 15% total phenolic compounds as active components; historically used as an anti-inflammatory.
Chamomile - a pleasantly scented low growing annual herb, which has daisy-like flowers, that appears in mid-summer. It contains calcium, calanduline and potassium. Azulene can be extracted from its fresh flowers. It also has antiseptic properties. It is also regarded as a sedative. It is useful in nervous or high-strung horses and chamomile can be used on burns, stings, bruises, sweet itch, or dermatitis. German chamomile is an herbal extract that typically contains 1% apigenin and 0.5% essential oil as active components; historically used as a carminative, anti-infective and anti-inflammatory.
Chasteberry - an herbal extract that typically contains 0.5% agnuside and 0.6% aucubin as active components; historically used as a menstrual regulator.
Citrin - an herbal extract from an Indian fruit that affects the appetite by making one feel full and not hungry, and affects the metabolism of digested fats and decreasing the accumulation within the body.
Citrus Oil - an herbal extract that typically contains 85% d-limonene as active components; historically used as a phytonutrient and anticarcinogenic.
Dandelion - the root of the common dandelion of lawns and gardens is a widely-used herb for cooling and cleansing the liver. Use it in a tea form to help with headaches, emotional swings during menstruation, acne, mood swings, and other problems related to "liver heat."
Devil's Claw - an herb with strong anti-inflammatory and pain-killing properties. It is derived from an African plant. It is useful for relieving pain after an initial injury but is also quite useful for chronic conditions such as degenerative joint diseases and arthritis. An herbal extract that typically contains 5% harpagoside as active components.
Dong Quai - an herb primarily recommended for its blood-tonic properties, is arguably the best selling herb in the entire Chinese Pharmacopoeia. Dong quai (Angelica sinensis) vitalizes the blood and is tonic to the uterus and female generative organs. An herbal extract that typically contains 0.9% ligustilide as active components; historically used as a menstrual regulator.
Echinacea - an herbal extract that typically contains 4% echinacosides as active components; historically used as an immunostimulant.
Elecampane - an herb whose root is used mostly for pulmonary dysfunction.
Feverfew - the common garden feverfew is popularly used in England and other parts of Europe for its anti-inflammatory properties. It is recommended for migraine headaches. It is also recommended for inflammatory types of arthritis. There are at least two double-blind clinical studies to support its effectiveness. An herbal extract that typically contains 0.7% parthenolide as active components; historically used as an anti-inflammatory.
Flax Oil - an herbal extract that typically contains 58% alpha-linolenic acid as active components; historically used as an anti-inflammatory.
Garlic - an expectorant and stimulant herb that consists of strong aromatic compounds that have antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. Garlic oil contains vitamins A, B2, B3 and C, sulfur compounds, crotonaldehyde, minerals and trace elements. It is used for both herbal therapy (externally and internally) and as food flavoring. It is useful in respiratory disorders and for soothing burns and sores. In animals the aromatic compounds are excreted through the skin helping to ward off insects. Animal use has included being a fly repellent, a blood cleanser, in the control of sweet itch, in the reduction of worms, in cases of arthritis and rheumatism, and in reducing blood cholesterol and blood pressure. Chinese garlic is an herbal extract that typically contains 1% total allicin potential as active components; historically used as an immunostimulant, antithrombotic and for high cholesterol.
Ginger, Hawaiian - an excellent herb for relieving nausea (from any cause, including motion sickness and morning sickness), and generally stimulating circulation. Extensively used in Chinese and western herbal formulas. Ginger has been used in Europe throughout the ages to alleviate painful digestion, flatulence, colic, and diarrhea and as an ingredient in bitters formulas. Often added to laxative herbs to prevent "griping" or intestinal spasms.
Ginkgo Biloba - one of the most interesting herbs of the last few years. It improves brain function, including memory and alertness. Protects blood vessels, improves circulation, and is a powerful antioxidant. Best herb for ringing in the ears (tinnitis). See additional information in product information on Ginkgo Kola™ which contains ginkgo biloba and gotu kola. An herbal extract that typically contains 24% ginkgo flavone-glycosides and 6% terpene lactones as active components; historically used as a vasodilator and antioxidant.
Ginseng - woods-grown American ginseng is planted in its natural habitat and monitored but has no fertilizers or fungicides applied to it. The panacea herb of ancient China. Excellent for people over 50 to improve vital energy, sexual energy, and enhance digestive powers. Often blended with other herbs in formulas. American ginseng is more supportive to the adrenals and not as stimulating as Chinese ginseng. Its use is more appropriate for young people and can be taken for longer periods of time (up to several months). Useful in horses to calm nervous animals.
Goldenseal - this North American native herb is widely known and used for colds, flu, and sinus infections. Lowers inflammation, helps cool infections of the mucous membranes. Useful when blended with echinacea (1 part golden seal to 3 parts echinacea). An herbal extract that typically contains 10% alkaloids and 5% hydrastine as active components; historically used as an astringent and antiseptic.
Gotu Kola - this ancient Ayurvedic herb is thought to improve memory and mental vigor and act as an adaptogen. Externally, it is effective for burns, wounds, and ulcerated skin conditions. Gotu kola has been used as a sedative for insomnia and as an antispasmodic.
Grape Seed - an herbal extract that typically contains 95% proanthocyanidins as active components; historically used as an antioxidant.
Green Tea - an herbal extract that typically contains 50% polyphenols (Chinese) as active components; historically used as an antioxidant.
Gugulipid - an herbal extract that typically contains 2.5% guggulsterones as active components; historically used as an anti-inflammatory.
Gymnema Sylvestre - an herbal extract that typically contains 75% gymnemic acids as active components; historically used reducing glycosuria and for neutralizing blood sugar.
Hawthorne - the extract is well-researched and has a long history of use as the herb of choice for strengthening and protecting the cardiovascular system, especially the heart. To be used in extract form long-term, even over a number of years. English hawthorne is an herbal extract that typically contains 3.2% vitexin as active components; historically used as a cardiotonic.
Hops Fruit - an herbal extract that typically contains 5.2% bitter acids and 4% flavonoids as active components; historically used as a sedative and antimicrobial.
Horsetail - an herbal extract that typically contains 10% silicic acid and 7% silica as active components; historically used as an anti-inflammatory and antibiotic.
Kava Kava - kava is the traditional herbal beverage of the South Seas. In parts of Polynesia, it is consumed every day as a recreational drink that relaxes the body and is slightly euphoric. It is used in different cultures to relieve fatigue, possibly by relaxing and helping to provide a deep sleep. Kava has been touted for its energy-promoting and communication-enhancing effects. An herbal extract that typically contains 29-31% kavalactones as active components; historically used as an analgesic and relaxant.
Korean Ginseng - an herbal extract that typically contains 15% ginsenosides as active components; historically used as an adaptogenic. See ginseng.
Kudzu - an herbal extract that typically contains 1.5% daizen and 0.95% daidzen as active components; historically used as a diaphoretic.
Licorice - an herbal extract that typically contains less than 2% glycyrrhizin as active components; historically used as an anti-ulcer and anti-inflammatory.
Ma Huang - (Ephedra sinica) an herb containing ephedra as its active constituent. Ephedra stimulates the nervous system. Excess consumption can lead to high blood pressure and CNS stress.
Milk Thistle Seed - the seed-shell of this wonderful herb yields a group of flavonoid-like compounds, collectively called silymarin, which show remarkable virtues in restoring and maintaining liver health. In Europe, it has a centuries-old reputation and many years of scientific study. Milk thistle is used for hepatitis, cirrhosis, any toxic condition of the liver, and by alcoholics, to protect and rebuild the liver. The flavonoids bind to the cell membrane of the liver cell hepatocyte, protection it from damage by toxic chemicals such as pesticides. It also enters the hepatocyte and speeds the production of new enzymes and proteins, so the liver actually is regenerated and restored at an increased rate. It is useful also for psoriasis, according to clinical results. Wildcrafted. An herbal extract that typically contains 80% silymarin as active components; historically used as an anti-hepatotoxic.
Nettle - an herbal extract that typically contains 1-2% plant silica as active components; historically used as a diuretic.
Passion Flower - an herbal extract that typically contains 3.5-4% flavonoids as active components; historically used as a sedative.
Pau D'arco - since information on its anti-fungal and anti-candida properties were made known, this South American herb, derived from a common forest tree, has been tremendously popular. It is the herb of choice for Candidiasis, an increasingly widespread disease of the last several years, due to the overuse of antibiotics and other stressors on our immune function. Scientific studies also show that the active ingredient of pau d'arco, lapachol, can inhibit tumor growth. Also call "ipe roxo," it is actually the inner bark from a tree of the Bignoniaceae family, though there is some confusion about the tree's botanical identity; probably several species form the genus Tecoma or Tabebuia are used. Pau d'arco should have a rich red color and an aroma resembling vanilla. It contains quinones that are strongly anti-bacterial and anti-fungal. Plantation-grown Argentinian. An herbal extract that typically contains 3% naphthoquinones as active components; historically used as an anti-inflammatory, anti-androgenic and for prostate disorders.
Propolis - a natural bee product, propolis is used by the colony to seal the hives against invaders or bacteria or fungal infection. It has shown strong anti-bacterial, anti-viral, and anti-fungal properties. It is especially useful in the mouth, to prevent gum disease. Externally it can be used for any kind of infection. Internally, it counteracts urinary tract infections, respiratory infections, and it is warming and expectorant (helps remove excess mucus). There are international conferences every year where many scientific papers are delivered on the benefits of propolis. It contains flavonoids and resins as the main active compounds. Bee resin.
Pygeum - an herbal extract that typically contains 12-13% phytosterols (African) as active components; historically used for urinary and prostate disorders.
Pycnogenol - an herbal extract from the bark of particular pine trees grown in southern France, shown to be the most potent antioxidant available. An herbal extract that typically contains 95% proanthocyanidins as the active component.
Red Wine - an alcoholic beverage made from grapes that typically contains 20% polyphenols as active components; historically used as a antioxidant.
Rehmannia - an herbal extract that typically contains 1% glutannic acid as active components; historically used as a cardiotonic.
Reishi Mushroom - a mushroom renowned for its powerful immune-strengthening, antiviral, and antitumor properties. This rejuvenative tonic has shown the ability to regulate blood sugar and may help lower cholesterol. It is known to protect the body against free radicals and the effects of radiation. The mushroom extract typically contains 4% triterpenes and 10% polysaccharides as active components; historically used as an immunomodulator.
Saw Palmetto - an herbal extract that typically contains 95% free fatty acids as active components; historically used as an anti-inflammatory, anti-androgenic and for prostate disorders.
Schisandra - an herbal extract that typically contains 9% schisandrins as active components; historically used as an antioxidant.
Senna - an herbal extract that typically contains 5% sennosides as active components; historically used as a potent cathartic.
Shiitake Mushroom - a mushroom or extract that typically contains 3.2% KS-2 polysaccharides as active components; historically used as an immunostimulant.
Siberian Ginseng - this herb is a member of the ginseng family, Araliaceae, like Panax ginseng, but has a different action than Panax. Panax is considered a digestive and "chi" tonic, and Siberian ginseng is considered the "best of the adaptogens". Panax is also warmer and more stimulating than Eleuthero. Panax is not traditionally recommended to be taken by young people (under 40) for long periods (more than a week or two), because it may be too stimulating, but it is a wonderful warming tonic for older people and can be taken on a regular basis. Eleuthero, on the other hand, can be taken regularly by both men and women of all ages. It is by far the best studied in this class of herbs, with the Russians leading the way in research. Twenty million Russian workers take "Eleuthero" (as it is also called) every day -- the treatments are sponsored by the government. In studies with thousands of people, eleuthero preparations, when taken consistently, decrease sick days, increase productivity and learning, and combat fatigue. It modulates stress hormones through the 'pituitary-adrenal' axis, helping the body to adapt to non-specific stress and supporting adrenal function. It is good for blood-sugar regulation, jet-lag, chronic tiredness, increased endurance, and whenever a person is under stress. An herbal extract that typically contains 0.8% eleutherosides as active components; historically used as an adaptogen. See ginseng.
St. John's Wort - this common European and American weedy plant shows great promise as an antiviral and anti-inflammatory agent. It has long been used as a remedy for mild depression. St. John's wort is excellent for repairing nerve damage and reducing pain and inflammation. An herbal extract that typically contains 0.3-0.5% hypericin as active components; historically used as an antidepressant.
Suma Root - an herbal extract that typically contains 5% beta-ecdysterone as active components; historically used as an adaptogen.
Turmeric - a spice and herbal extract that typically contains 95% curcumin as active components; historically used as an anti-inflammatory.
Usnea - known as the herbal antibiotic. In the laboratory, this common lichen has shown powerful inhibitory activity against strep, staph, and pneumonia infections. It is also good for urinary tract infections, respiratory ailments, and colds.
Uva Ursi - an herbal extract that typically contains 20-25% arbutin as active components; historically used as an astringent and urinary antiseptic.
Valerian - the root is used primarily for sleeplessness, restlessness, anxiety, or tension; especially in the body (as opposed to passion flower, which relaxes the mental and emotional processes). There are scientific studies which show it helps one fall asleep faster, by lessening the time spent trying to get comfortable and tossing and turning. It was long used for hysteria and any emotional upsets. Valerian is best when fresh or freshly dried. Useful for horses by relieving nervous tension on a short-term basis and to relieve nervousness during an episode of colic. An herbal extract that typically contains 1% valerenic acid as active components; historically used as a sedative.
Vitex - one of the best known women's herbs, it was recommended by Hippocrates (450 B.C.) for the same purposes as today: menstrual imbalances, hormonal difficulties (PMS, menopause), and to bring on mother's milk. Also used in larger amounts to remove uterine fibroids.
Wild Mexican Yam - an herbal extract that typically contains 10% diosgenin as active components; historically used as an antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory and is a natural precursor to DHEA. It is commonly incorrectly thought that estrogen can be obtained from wild Mexican yam.
WildOats - a tonifying nervine and sedative herb that is well known for its anti-addictive effects. It strengthens the nerves and is good for insomnia due to mental exhaustion.
Willow Bark - an herbal extract that typically contains 7-9% salicin as active components; historically used as an analgesic and antiseptic.
Yucca - an herb recommended for it's anti-inflammatory abilities. It is useful in horses suffering from stiffness and swelling.
Zhi shi - the dark green immature fruit of the bitter orange plant. In traditional Chinese medicine it is used as a digestive aid helping to break up stagnant qi (vital energy) and move it downward in the body. It works through the spleen/stomach meridian to relieve nausea, indigestion with gas, and intestinal sluggishness. Key active constituents include synephrine and N-methyltyramine that have been shown in pharmacological studies to have some adrenergic activity. These compounds, structurally similar to ephedrine, have the ability to stimulate some of the body's adrenoreceptors. Somewhat calming though, zhi shi does not have the negative central nervous effects of ma huang.
*Herbal Reference glossary provided courtesy of Nutrition Farm.
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