- Part 3

Catnip

General Information

Common name: catmint, catnip

Scientific term: Nepeta cataria

Description:

Catnip is a valuable remedy in cases of respiratory tract infection. Drinking hot herbal catmint tea increases sweating, and therefore effectively reduces heat, and also acts as a natural remedy for reducing hyperemia. This plant is useful during bronchitis and asthma, in viral rashes on the skin, such as chicken pox or measles.

Catnip is an excellent natural remedy for babies and small children. Due to its calming properties, it helps to remove anxiety and improves sleep. It relieves tension, colic, bloating, or pain. In addition, it is an excellent herbal remedy for children who suffer from colic or have trouble sleeping. Catmint infusion relieves headaches caused by stress and nervous system stress. Catnip can also be used in other diseases of the digestive system, such as stomach pain or indigestion, poisoning. Thanks to the content of tannins, catmint is a good remedy for diarrhea, especially in children.

Also, catnip helps in the form of enemas with inflammation of the intestines, constipation or diarrhea. Due to its relaxing properties, catnip also favorably affects the uterus, and therefore this plant can be used to relieve menstrual pain, as well as symptoms of premenstrual tension. The herb is suitable for regulating menstruation or in cases when menstruation is delayed. Hot infusion of the herb is an excellent antiseptic for inhalation with sore throat, cold, flu, cough, infusion removes stagnant phenomena during the common cold and sinusitis, it’s a soothing means during asthma attacks and inflammation of the larynx, bronchi and trachea.

This plant has disinfectant properties, ie, it is great for treating skin infections. Tannic acids contained in the grass, accelerate the healing of tissues, inhibit bleeding from small wounds, heal burns, hemorrhoids, insect bites.

Composition:

Catnip contains: essential oils (citronellol, geraniol and citral), tannic substance.

Instructions for use:

The chemical structure of Catnip is very similar to tranquilizers, which are contained in valerian. This plant will provide a healthy and restful sleep.

In order to create a real and effective drink that will help to get a good sleep, you need to boil 1/2 cup of water, add 1 teaspoon of fresh catmint or dried catmint and let stand for about 20 minutes. The drink should be taken warm. You can add honey. This drink can also be used in insomnia, fever, during hay fever and nausea. A small cup of catnip tea with honey is a great way to appease hyperactive children.

Residents of the sparsely populated area of the Appalachians use crushed leaves of fresh grass, as well as herbal powder, like a compress on the diseased gums or teeth. For the application of herbal powder, gauze or cotton cloth impregnated with water is poured onto which herbal powder is poured, after which the compress is applied to the diseased tooth or they are massaged by the diseased gums to obtain rapid relief of pain. It should be noted that fresh catmint leaves bring quick pain relief, while dried leaves (catnip powder) last longer.

Strong catmint tea can also be used as an effective lotion for oedemas, for example, due to allergies, colds, flu or after drinking a lot of alcohol. Boil 3 cups of water, and then add 5 teaspoons of fresh catmint leaves. Reduce the heat and infuse the drink for 3 minutes. Let it stand for about 50 minutes. Pour the liquid into a glass jar or bottle and put in the refrigerator. Use as a lotion for the eyes or gargle several times a day. You can also soak a small towel in the lotion and put it on your swollen eyes, for about 30 minutes.

Catnip is an excellent remedy for stomach problems, has a sedative effect, increases sweating, reduces fever. This plant has a pleasant taste, and its mild effect is useful in the treatment of colds, flu, fever in children, especially when it is mixed with elderberry and honey. In addition, the catnip broth can be used for massage with arthritis, rheumatism and joint pain, and also as an ointment for the treatment of hemorrhoids.

Dosage:

Catnip tea is made by brewing boiling water (250 ml) 1-2 teaspoons of herbs. The infusion is covered, then served after 10 -15 minutes. Drink 2 to 3 glasses a day. Children with a cough can drink 5 ml three times a day.

Side Effects and Warnings:

Catnip has certain properties that can cause uterine contractions and stimulate menstruation. Pregnant women and women who suffer from various ailments with the menstrual cycle should avoid using this herb.

The herb also has diuretic properties. Therefore it is recommended to drink tea an hour and a half before bedtime.

Cat’s Claw

General Information

Common name: Cat’s Claw

Scientific term: Uncaria tomentosa, Acacia greggii

Description: Cat’s claw is a biologically active additive with a general strengthening and immunostimulating effect, used for increased physical activity and mental stress, as well as unacceptable eating disorders.

Classification and useful properties:

Cat’s claw is a perennial plant that belongs to the Rubiaceae family. The plant is a tree liana, which grows in South and Central America, and in Peru. The length of the liana reaches 50 m. The inner crust of a plant is used as a healing material. It has the maximum concentration of nutrients.

Scientists have long valued the rich composition of medicinal substances contained in plant fibers, and determined their immunostimulating effect. To date, the entire composition of the Cat’s Claw plant has not been studied, and all its medicinal properties have not been established.

Now the basic research of the Cat’s Claw properties is carried out in the following directions:

  • Effects on cancer cells;
  • Influence on viruses of AIDS, a cytomegalovirus, a virus of herpes;
  • Efficiency of the drug in the treatment of depressive disorders, chronic fatigue syndrome.

The main biologically active components of the Cat’s Claw are alkaloids, isopteropodins and pteropodins, uncarins, mitrafillins and isomitrifillins, rhinophyllins and isorhynchophyllines, phenols and polyphenols, plant steroids, bioflavonoids, organic acids, citric acid glycosides and many other components.

The unique medicinal properties of the drug are provided by the group of oxyindole alkaloids (isopteropodins) contained in its composition. They activate T-lymphocytes, which destroy the cells of tumors in the tissues of the body. Substances in the Cat’s claw activate the processes of phagocytosis in tissues, normalize the balance of immunoglobulins in the blood, improve the rheological characteristics of the blood, significantly reducing the risk of developing thrombosis. Cat’s claw has anti-inflammatory and cytostatic effect. Active components of the drug destruct viruses which disrupt the mechanism of replication of their DNA structures.

Indians of the Amazon knew about the healing properties of the Cat’s Caw and used powder from the dried lianas for the treatment of gastrointestinal diseases, relief of cold symptoms, viral infections, stimulation of sexual function in men (treatment of erectile disorders and impotence). Cat’s claw powder was also successfully used for the therapy of arthritis, cancer.

Scientists and researchers have become interested in the plant recently. In the course of the study, they determined the mechanism of action of Cat’s claw active components. Active components, working at the cellular level, have a powerful immunomodulatory effect, restoring the functional activity of the organism. Cat’s claw surpasses widely used medicinal herbal preparations: Siberian ginseng (Eleutherococcus), Shiitake mushroom, golden root.

Indications for use:

Cat’s claw use is justified for allergies, viral infections, inflammatory processes of different localization and etiology, cancer diseases, (destruction of tumor cells).

Today, the drug has been successfully used to stabilize the body’s hormonal backgrounds, peptic ulcer diseases, bacterial and viral infections. Prophylactic intake of the drug helps to strengthen the protective functions of the body. Cat’s Claw is used for the treatment of other diseases:

  • Diabetes;
  • Arthritis;
  • Prostatitis,
  • Sexual disorders;
  • Symptomatic complex of premenstrual syndrome,
  • Various gynecological diseases;
  • Myalgia (pain in the muscles) of various etiologies;
  • Skin diseases;
  • Violations of blood circulation, thrombosis, bleeding disorders;
  • Mental disorders, stress, depressive syndromes.

Cat’s claw eliminates the effects of intoxication with medicines, chemo- and radiation therapy.

Instructions for use:

In modern medicine, Cat’s claw is used as a biologically active additive in the complex therapy of various diseases to maintain the protective functions of the body. When taking Cat’s claw, the instructions to the drug determine the dosage and duration of the treatment course. To normalize the protective functions of the body and the general strengthening effect, the instruction recommends using 1 capsule of the drug 2 times a day during meals. Biologically active additive is available in capsules containing 500 mg of active substance. Today, Cat’s claw 100 and 180 capsules are available.

Adverse Reactions:

No known side-effects

Contraindications:

  • Childhood;
  • Pregnancy, the period of breastfeeding;
  • Not recommended for use in patients with donor organs in order to avoid rejection processes.

Despite the safety of the drug, it is recommended to take the supplement after consulting an attending physician, who will determine the optimal dosage and course of treatment.

The drug has a bright immunomodulatory effect, therefore it is not recommended to combine Cat’s Claw with other similar drugs.

Calendula

General Information

Description:

Calendula is a medicinal plant. Сalendula blossoms are beautiful orange-yellow flowers, and in addition to the fact that it is used for medicinal purposes, it is widely distributed in decorative floriculture. In domestic pharmacology this plant is very much appreciated.

Flowers of plants of yellow or orange color are collected in inflorescences-baskets. Calendula fruit is a seed pod. The fruit outside is of irregular surface with presence of spines. The flowering of the plant begins in June and ends in September. Fruits ripen in October.

This plant blooms for a long time, beginning in June and until the very late autumn, almost until October. Calendula, multiplies by seeds, does not require special conditions for cultivation and at the same time is considered a good nectar-bearing plant.

Calendula is considered a cultural plant, it is grown with medicinal and decorative purposes. For treatment only inflorescences are used, which are collected during flowering period, when it has fully blossomed. Leaflets and peduncles do not use.

Calendula Indications:

Angina: it is necessary to take one tablespoon of dried calendula flowers, pour a glass of boiling water, extract for 1 hour, tightly wrapped, then drain. It is recommended to gargle 2-3 times a day. Also for rinse, an alcohol tincture of Calendula is also suitable. To do this, 70% alcoholic tincture is mixed in a glass of water from calculation of 1 to 1.

Allergy: Allergy is a reaction of the body caused by its high sensitivity to action of any substances (allergens). In order to get rid of allergies, you can take infusion of Calendula flowers. To prepare it, 10 grams of inflorescences should be filled with a glass of boiling water, let it brew for 1-2 hours and use 1 tablespoon 2-3 times a day.

Arrhythmia: infusion from Calendula flowers should be extracted. Two teaspoons of inflorescences should be poured in with two glasses of boiling water, leave for one hour, strain. Use the drug in dosage of half a cup three times a day.

Arthritis: infusion is made from inflorescence of Calendula – 5 g, melmot-berries – 5 g, alder buckthorn – 5 g, the blackberry flowers – 10 g, nettle leaves – 10 grams, bottlebrush – 20 g, purple willow bark – 20 g, warty birch – 20 g. You need to take three tablespoons of ready-made infusion, pour 0,5 l boiling water, leave for 10 minutes, cook for 5-10 minutes, strain and consume 1 glass every two hours.

Asthma: take Calendula inflorescences, peppermint leaves, Viola tricolor, crystal tea ledum, elfwort roots, leaves of coltsfoot, inflorescences of chamomile, anise fruit – all herbs are of equal dosages. Two tablespoons of prepared infusion should be poured into 200 ml of water, heated in a boiling bath for 15 minutes, cool for 45 minutes, drain, bring boiled water to the original volume and use 1/3 – 1/4 cup 3-4 times a day.

Blennorrhea: One cup of boiling water pour one tablespoon of Calendula inflorescences, leave in heat (or wrapped) for 30-40 minutes, then carefully filter. It is used for washing eyes, for lotions, compresses on eyes.

Hepatitis: two teaspoons of calendula inflorescences is mixed with two cups of boiling water, leave for 1 hour and them properly filter. Infusion should be taken in dosage of half a cup 4 times a day. It has choleretic properties.

Nephritis: infusion requires inflorescence of Calendula – 40 g, St. John’s wort – 40 g, sandy everlasting – 40 g, flowers of chicory – 30 g, bark of buckthorn – 30 g, knotgrass – 20 g, chamomile – 10 g. We take 20 g of ready-made substances and pour two cups of boiled water, leave for 10 hours, boil 5-7 minutes, cool and filter. It should be used throughout the day. The broth is used as an astringent and anti-inflammatory agent.

Moreover, Calendula is applied at the following disorders treatment:

  • gastritis;
  • dizziness;
  • dermatoses;
  • jaundice;
  • scrofula;
  • colitis;
  • malaria;
  • vaginal yeast;
  • periodontosis;
  • rachitis;
  • rheumatism;
  • stomatitis;
  • toxicosis;
  • acne;
  • cholecystitis;
  • enteritis.

Contraindications and Side Effects:

  • It is not recommended to use calendula for women during pregnancy. Especially, it concerns calendula juice. Its use can cause miscarriage. In addition, calendula juice can provoke an increase in toxicosis, severe vomiting.
  • Do not use Calendula if you are hypotonic, since Calendula is a plant that reduces blood pressure. Therefore, even in light form of hypotension, Calendula is contraindicated.
  • Pay attention to the fact that Calendula is incompatibile with certain medications. So, using barbiturates and soothing drugs, it is better to arrest Calendula application. Otherwise, there may be a painful feelings in abdomen, feeling of bitterness in mouth.
  • Calendula is also not recommended if you use herbs with a soothing effect (valerian, pepper, mint, celery, etc.). The combination of Calendula with these herbs enhances the calming effect of herbs.
  • Cardiovascular disease (for example, bradycardia) is another reason to stop using Calendula.
  • There are contraindications in case if diseases of gastrointestinal tract are present; especially if these diseases are in an aggravation stage. First of all, it refers to such diseases as gastritis and stomach ulcer.
  • Children under 12 years are also not recommended to use Calendula in broths, in infusions, or in extracts.
  • Calendula is considered a weak allergen. And yet it should not be used by those who are allergic to plants of Compositae family: chamomile, chrysanthemum, etc. Itch, dermatitis may appear. To avoid this, before using Calendula, a test is needed to check the reaction on skin.
  • The use of preparations from Calendula can cause angioedema, if you have bronchial asthma or urticaria.

Calanolide A (Calophyllum Lanigerum)

General Information

Description:

Calophyllum lanigerum is an evergreen brushwood or tree growing from 2 – 38 metres tall. The bole, which is usually without root spurs, is up to 81 cm in diameter. The tree is harvested from the wild for its timber. Calanolide A is produced from Calophyllum lanigerum var austrocoriaceum, an exceedingly rare representative of the Guttiferae or mangosteen family. Samples of Calophyllum Lanigerum var austrocoriaceum were first found in 1987 on an NCI-sponsored expedition trip in Sarawak, Malaysia on the island of Borneo. Once it was identified that Calophyllum lanigerum var austrocoriaceum may be applied activity in HIV treatment, researchers returned to the original kerangas forest near Lundu (Sarawak, Malaysia) to gather more plant matter for getting the active compound.

Indications:

Calanolide A is applied for HIV treatment.

Burdock

General Information

Latin name: Arctium lappa

Description: Burdock is a two-year-old plant with a hard stem and large leaves. In the first year a few leaves grow, and in the next one there appears a stem, with a reddish tint at the top. The plant has sweet taste and specific smell. It grows in steppe, forest-steppe zones, less often in forests.

Benefits and medicinal properties

Burdock medicinal properties in practice were proved due to studies and rich experience of traditional healers. This plant can be called a medicinal plant, as its use has become widespread because of its diaphoretic, diuretic and moderately analgesic properties.

In addition to all this, burdock can also safely rid of allergies, remove itching, and even significantly improve condition of skin.

It has antiseptic and antimicrobial action, and also mild laxative effect, which is very helpful at gastrointestinal disorders, antidiabetic effect, and is widely used for excretion of kidney stones and removal of salts in joints.

In dermatology, it is also very often used, because effect is not just quick, but also lasting.

Most often in medical practice fresh or dried root of burdock and much less often its flowers and leaves are used. Broths from root of burdock are used for severe stomach disorders, intestinal diseases, gout, metabolic disorders, diabetes, edema, rheumatism, cholelithiasis, gastritis, exudative diathesis, gastric and duodenal ulcer and skin diseases.

In addition to broths, burdock oil is also used for such diseases as severe burns, bedsores, wounds, trophic ulcers and frostbite.

Infusion of burdock leaves is used for urolithiasis, stomach and duodenal ulcers.

Juice from burdock leaves (fresh) is used to treat bruises, severe wounds, burns, ulcers, boils and bedsores.

Decoction from inflorescence of burdock and its fresh leaves is used for baths and compresses for joints and spine diseases.

Burdock has a diverse range of medicinal properties. Among them:

  • diuretic action;
  • diaphoretic action;
  • choleretic action;
  • stimulation of metabolism;
  • improvement of liver function;
  • improvement of pancreas function;
  • improvement of gallbladder function;
  • improvement of kidney function.

But that’s not all, burdock also: improves blood and urine composition in patients with gout, stimulates dissolution and excretion of salts and stones from the body, promotes excretion of slag and purifies blood. In addition, it has detoxification properties at poisoning and bites of poisonous insects; positively affects healing of wounds, effectively copes with purulent diseases, abscesses, has analgesic effect. Burdock has anticarcinogenic effect, inhibits growth of tumors, raises diuresis.

Chemical composition

Burdock roots are characterized by high nutritional properties due to content of easily digestible carbohydrates and polysaccharides in them. Inulin, contained in the plant in large quantities – up to 50 percent – gives roots of burdock slightly sweet taste and can be included in diabetic nutrition as a substitute for harmful sugar. Inulin is an irreplaceable substance for restoration of intestinal microflora, it normalizes metabolic processes and prevents deposition of salts.

Burdock roots are rich in vitamins, among which are ascorbic acid, provitamin A, tocopherol, vitamins of group B, vitamins D and R. Mineral composition of burdock includes important components for human health – calcium, potassium and phosphorus, metals – zinc, magnesium, iron and others. In addition, roots contain fatty acids, valuable essential oils, proteins, pectins, bitter and tannic compounds, glycosides and alkaloids, as well as many other biologically active components.

Indications

Roots of burdock due to presence of biologically active substances in them have a wide spectrum of action, list of diseases in which it can be used is quite wide:

  • cystitis;
  • colds;
  • tonsillitis;
  • laryngitis;
  • constipation;
  • gastritis;
  • colitis;
  • hemorrhoids;
  • stomatitis;
  • gingival inflammation;
  • non-healing ulcers and wounds;
  • burns;
  • diabetes mellitus;
  • pancreatitis;
  • hepatitis and other liver diseases;
  • skin diseases (eczema, psoriasis, furunculosis);
  • joint diseases (arthritis, arthrosis);
  • alcohol poisoning;
  • as a means of strengthening the body;
  • metabolic disorders.

Contraindications

Burdock is quite harmless plant, which is very widely used in medicine and at home. That’s why it does not have any strict contraindications, but to apply it in any form is not recommended:

  • during pregnancy and breast-feeding;
  • at individual intolerance;
  • when taking antidiabetic drugs;
  • at increased risk of dehydration

The substances contained in the plant can cause bleeding in patients with low blood coagulability, and also with thrombocytopathy. As for other medicinal herbs, treatment with Burdock is also not recommended for children under 3 years of age, since such treatment puts a potential danger to the baby.

Side effects

Side effects when using medicinal products from burdock are unknown.

Warnings

At prolonged ingestion of broth of burdock, because of its diuretic action, lack of potassium or sodium ions may appear in the body.

Overdose

In case of intake of large amount of root of burdock, glycogen begins to be deposited in liver.

Storage

Keep out of reach of children, in protected from light, dry place.

 

Borage

General Information

Description:

Borage – a pharmacopeia plant of many European countries, is part of some biologically active additives.

Indications:

Dishes in combination with Borage are recommended by Western nutritionists for people with:

  • metabolic disorders;
  • vascular ailments;
  • neurasthenia;
  • digestive system problems;
  • constipation;
  • intestinal colic;
  • neurotic disorders;
  • dermatosis;
  • headache;
  • insomnia;
  • heart neuroses;
  • asthenia;
  • anxiety and irritability;
  • depressive conditions.

Chemical Composition:

Leaves and shoots of borage contain:

  • fatty acids;
  • resins;
  • saponins;
  • mucous and tannins;
  • essential oil.

In addition, Borago is rich in:

  • retinol;
  • ascorbic acid;
  • silicic acid;
  • malic acid;
  • citric acid;
  • potassium;
  • phosphorus;
  • lithium;
  • calcium nitrates.

Pharmacological Properties:

In the oil of Borage, gamma-linolenic and cislinoleic fatty acids, necessary for the synthesis of prostaglandin with anti-inflammatory action, were detected. Gamma-linolenic acid reduces production of metabolites of arachidonic acid oxidation, which activate inflammatory reaction.

Borage is an excellent source of Omega-6 acids. Mucous substances in composition of Borago operate covering stomach and intestines mucous membranes. Due to the unique chemical composition, Borage has a mild laxative, sedative, anti-inflammatory, diaphoretic and diuretic effect. Tannins in Borage contribute to normalization of digestion, increase body working capacity. Saponins regulate fluid-and-electrolyte balance in body, have a sedative, diuretic and expectorant effect.

Scientists at the University of Texas have experimentally proven that Borage oil has no contraindications for use by diabetics. Patients with diabetic neuropathy regularly received Borage, as a result, there was a decrease in pain symptoms, swelling, and inflammation alleviation. Also in the course of American clinical studies it was proved that this oil plant:

  • improves functioning of heart muscle;
  • normalizes increased pressure;
  • has a beneficial effect on vessels walls.

Contraindications and Side Effects:

Despite useful properties of Borage, prolonged intake of this plant can lead to violations of certain organs functions. Borage can do harm to liver, first of all. Therefore, experts do not recommend using it for more than one month. Borage is better to take in combination of various medicinal teas, and not as an independent healing agent.

Application in Traditional Medicine:

The plant is a weed, but is often cultivated as a salad plant, as well as for medicinal purposes. As a seasoning, the plant increases its efficiency, relieves depressive state, hypochondria and melancholy. Salad of fresh leaves of Borage – an excellent blood cleanser, which is shown in cardioneurosis, pleurisy, dermatosis.

Borage infusion is applied in the case of lungs catarrh, heart neuroses, neurasthenia, headache. Infusion of flowers of Borage has an effective diuretic, diaphoretic and emollient effect. Vitamin salads normalize metabolism, prevent inflammatory processes in kidneys, intestines, relieve anxiety and irritability, normalize sleep.

Broth of Borage in combination with flaxseed and medicinal Althea is used as an anti-inflammatory and emollient remedy for colds, urinary tract diseases, fever, rheumatic pain. Broth from Borage helps in treatment of gastritis with a low stomach acidity. The juice of plant is effective in neurodermatitis, as well as with skin irritations.

Borage can be included in diet in case of cholelithiasis, diseases of vascular system, kidneys and urinary tracts, with cardiac neuroses, infarction, because active substances of Borago regulate metabolic processes in body, reduce excitability of nervous system. Borago seeds help maintain lactation in nursing women, contribute to its increase.

Spread:

Homeland of Borage is Syria. Wild Borage relatives are found in the countries of Southern Europe, Asia Minor, South America and North Africa. Borago is a weed plant, often growing in fields and wastelands.

Bupleurum

General Information

Description: Bupleurum is a perennial herbaceous plant belonging to the Apiaceae family. Preparations based on Bupleurum have choleretic, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antipyretic, analgesic, wound-healing, capillary-strengthening and antitumor effect.

Medicinal forms:

For medicinal purposes, the entire aboveground part is used, the roots are used less often. People make infusions and decoctions, used for neuroses, gastrointestinal diseases and hepatitis. Bupleurum flowers are used in diseases of the heart, roots – with intoxication, inflammatory processes, and fruits are used as an antipyretic and anthelmintic agent.

Composition:

The chemical composition of Bupleurum has been poorly studied. The leaves contain saponins (up to 13%), ascorbic acid and phytosterols; leaves, stems and roots – alkaloids; flowers – ascorbic acid, carotene and phytosterols. The composition of Bupleurum also includes flavonoids (rutin, isokvercetin, quercetin and rutinoside).

Effects:

  • Reduces the temperature in colds;
  • Eliminates atonic constipation;
  • Has a positive effect on liver function in hepatitis, pancreas – in pancreatitis and gall bladder – in cholecystitis;
  • Increases the tone of small vessels, eliminates headache with hypotension and hypotension. Has analgesic effect for migraine and psychogenic headache;
  • It is used for antiseptic treatment of purulent abscesses and wounds;
  • Strengthens the nervous system.

Indications:

  • Сirrhosis of the liver;
  • hepatitis (viral or toxic),
  • cholecystitis,
  • cholangitis,
  • biliary dyskinesia,
  • influenza,
  • fever,
  • pneumonia,
  • tuberculosis,
  • hypertension,
  • cystitis,
  • nephritis,
  • headache,
  • neurosis,
  • impotence,
  • epilepsy,
  • radiation sickness,
  • rheumatism,
  • constipation,
  • purulent wounds,
  • furunculosis.

For preventive purposes, Bupleurum is useful in teas and decoctions, they have a restorative and tonic effect.

Contraindications:

Bupleurum increases the acidity of gastric juice and produces a tonic effect on the cardiovascular system. Therefore, strict contraindications for use include:

  • colitis of any part of the intestine;
  • gastritis;
  • reflux of bile in the stomach;
  • peptic ulcer of the duodenum and stomach;
  • anal fissures, hemorrhoids;
  • cirrhosis and necrosis of the liver, pyelonephritis in the severe stage, hepatic or renal insufficiency;
  • ischemic heart disease, heart failure, arrhythmia;
  • thrombophlebitis and thromboembolism;
  • vegetative vascular dystonia (it can only be used under the supervision of a doctor);
  • pregnancy and lactation;
  • age over 75;
  • suffered heart attack, stroke, paralysis, paresis;
  • diabetes mellitus, hyperthyroidism, thyrotoxicosis and other endocrine diseases and obesity caused by these diseases.

Before using Bupleurum, consult a physician. The doctor will help you determine whether you have any contraindications.

Bugleweed

General Information

Common name: Bugleweed, Buglewort, Ground pine, Carpet bugle, Bugle

Scientific Term: Lycopus Virginicus, Ajuga, Virginia Bugleweed

Description: Bugleweed is a perennial herbaceous flowering plant that belongs to the family Lamiaceae, with most species native to Europe, Asia, Africa, and southeastern Australia. It grows to 5–50 cm tall,with opposite leaves. The fruit of Bugleweed is a nut. The plant grows on very moist soils, often the roots can be in the water. For several centuries, Bugleweed has been used for medicinal purposes.

Chemical composition:

The plant has curative qualities due to its most valuable chemical composition, which combines the most important substances for the human body. The plant contains: resin, essential oil, a large amount of tannins, glycosides, lithospermic acid, phenolic acid, carboxylic acid, vanillic acid, citric and malic acids, ursulic acid, steroids, sponins, choline, carotene, alkaloids, coumarins, pellargonine, stachyose and flavonoids, vitamins – C and E. In combination, these chemical constituents have a very beneficial effect on the body, relieve many diseases, accelerate recovery after drug treatment.

Medicinal properties:

Herbalists use Bugleweed as a remedy for cardiovascular diseases, nervous disorders, urine retention and kidney problems. With the timely use of Bugleweed infusions, broths and teas, a person can overcome many serious diseases at early stages, prevent their development. This plant is prescribed with diarrhea, fever and bleeding. The expressed antipyretic effect allows to use the plant in a flu and for the general strengthening of an organism. Medicinal herbs treats bronchitis, quickly removing cough.

A beneficial effect of plants on the body in cases of thyroid disease is now scientifically proven, and doctors often use Bugleweed as an additional remedy. In Europe, the herb is even indicated for use in the increased function of the thyroid gland. For the same purpose, it is often used in homeopathy. The plant inhibits the production of excessive homins in the body. This plant is also used in cardiac neuroses associated with thyroid disorders. In most cases, patients experience significant positive changes in their well-being after only a couple of weeks of using the herb. As a rule, the plant removes excessive sweating, increased heart rate, decreased anxiety, increases efficiency and mood. Many patients report the cessation of tremors in the limbs. The plant is consumed at least two and a half months. Bugleweed can prevent increased activity of the thyroid gland in people who are prone to the disease. Usually the result of Bugleweed application exceeds the indices of treatment with classical medications.

Also, the plant has a positive effect in diseases associated with general intoxication of the body and accompanied by fever and a load on the thyroid gland. Bugleweed also treats tuberculosis, malaria, severe forms of influenza and ARVI.

Bugleweed eliminates the unpleasant and painful sensations in the intestines and stomach associated with the inflammatory process. As a diuretic, the herb helps to eliminate edema of various origins.

The plant is also effective as a remedy for problems with the nervous system. It helps quickly and effectively cope with insomnia, excessive nervous excitability, anxiety and the initial stage of hysteria.

The plant purifies blood after exposure to strong chemical drugs and anesthesia.

Bugleweed successfully helps women normalize the menstrual cycle and prevent the development of mastopathy.

Contraindications and adverse reactions:

With proper use, Bugleweed does not have any side effects, but has a number of contraindications:

  • low arterial pressure;
  • intolerance of one of the components of the plant;
  • diffuse goiter.

In addition, using Bugleweed is extremely undesirable for pregnant and lactating women and children under 14 years of age. They can use the plant only after a doctor’s consultation, who will individually determine the dosage and duration of treatment.

You should not increase the duration of treatment or dosage on your own. This can lead to very unpleasant health consequences, such as irritation of the pancreas and even diabetes. With proper use of Bugleweed, you will have no side effects, but only benefits.

Buchu

General Information

Common name: Buchu

Medical Term: Agathosma betulina

Description: Buchu is a South African plant which has long been known for its medicinal properties.

Composition:

  • monoterpenes: limonene, linalool;
  • ketones: menthone, isomenton, diosphenol (bucu-camphor), p-diosphenol;
  • sulfur-containing sesquiterpenes: p-menthane-8-thiol-3-one (mercapto-menton) and its S-acetate.

Pharmachologic effect:

Buchu is a very useful plant in medicine, its leaves are used as a mild diuretic. Diuretic properties are associated with the content of flavonoids in the leaves, antiseptic properties – with diosphenol.

Buchu leaves are effective for inflammation of the urinary tract – cystitis, urethritis and prostatitis, irritation of the bladder. They are used as an antiseptic in chronic bronchitis.

Buchu leaves are often combined with other plants, for example, bearberry and boldo. As an external agent, preparations from this plant are not used.

Buchu not only affects the urinary tract as an antiseptic but also softens the inflamed mucous membrane and helps to avoid the vicious circle of “cystitis – antibiotics – cystitis”, which, with conventional treatment, the patient gets very often.

Being diuretics, Buchu leaves can cause loss of potassium by the body, which is why during the treatment with Buchu-based drugs it is recommended to eat potassium-rich vegetables and fruits (broccoli, artichokes, asparagus, apricots).

Uses:

For many years Buchu’s healing properties were not confirmed by any scientific research and were used only by the local population, who knew about the properties of the plant through years of experience.

In traditional medicine Buchu used to treat many diseases, from arthritis to flatulence and urinary tract infections.

Buchu is called a South African miracle plant with powerful natural anti-inflammatory properties. In addition, it has anti-infective, antifungal and antibacterial properties, which makes this plant a natural antibiotic without any side effects.

Composition: Buchu contains natural antioxidants and bioflavonoids, such as quercetin, rutin, hesperidin, diosphenol, vitamins A, B and E.

Effects:

  • Antimicrobial (e.coli, enterococcus hirae, pseudomonas aeruginosa, staphylococcus aureus);
  • Antispasmodic;
  • Anti-inflammatory.

Indications for use:

Buchu teas are commonly used as an easy diuretic in:

  • urolithiasis;
  • urethritis;
  • prostatitis of non-venereal nature;
  • cystitis and infectious diseases of the urinary tract;
  • premenstrual syndrome accompanied by edema;
  • congestive heart failure;
  • urinary tract infections;
  • inflammation of the mucous membranes of the mouth.

The plant is also used for:

  • arthritis;
  • anesthesia;
  • damage to muscles in injuries.

Contraindications:

Do not use Buchu during pregnancy and lactation. Use in children is also contraindicated.

Warnings:

At standard doses used for the treatment of diseases, Buchu side effects are not established. However, the increased content of Buchu in the essential oil is likely to irritate the mucous membranes, therefore, the use of Buchu in aromatherapy is not recommended. When using Buchu leaves as a diuretic, loss of potassium is possible, so during the treatment you should eat fruits and vegetables rich in potassium: apricots, pumpkin, broccoli, asparagus, artichokes.

Danshen

General Information

Common name: Danshen, red sage, Chinese sage, tan shen, danshen

Scientific term: Salvia miltiorrhiza

Description: Danshen is a perennial plant in the genus Salvia, which is highly valued for its roots in traditional Chinese medicine.

Composition:

Danshen is rich in flavonoids, alkaloids and tannins, phytoncides and bitterness. It contains oleanolic, ursolic and chlorogenic acids. The plant is a supplier of nicotinic acid, bitterness and phytoncides. Essential Danshen oil contains a valuable high content of terpenic compounds.

Indications:

  • diseases of the digestive tract and cholecystitis;
  • hypertension and diabetes mellitus;
  • radiculitis and polyarthritis;
  • diseases of the urinary tract (cystitis, pyelonephritis);
  • liver diseases and chronic bronchitis;
  • bronchial asthma and pneumonia;
  • dermatological diseases (mycosis and psoriasis);
  • viral infections, for strengthening of immunity;
  • angina and diseases of the oral cavity (stomatitis, gingivitis);
  • neuritis, chronic fatigue and hysteria;
  • mumps and excessive sweating.

Effects:

Dried and fresh Danshen herb is a traditional folk remedy. Danshen leaves have astringent, disinfectant, anti-inflammatory, emollient and hemostatic effect. The plant is used for rinsing with gyms inflammation and bleeding, stomatitis, bronchitis, angina, catarrh of the upper respiratory tract.

Danshen is considered an excellent tonic and a remedy that can cope with copious sweating and stomach colic, female infertility and diabetes.

Danshen is used for pulmonary tuberculosis, edema, polyarthritis, atherosclerosis, radiculitis, gynecological diseases. Danshen is recommended for peptic ulcer, gastrointestinal inflammation, colitis, gastritis, liver and kidney diseases, as well as for treatment of purulent wounds.

Medicinal forms:

The medicinal raw materials are flowering tops and leaves of Danshen. They are collected in the first year of vegetation in late summer. In the following years, the leaves of the “sacred grass” are harvested two or three times from the beginning of flowering.

Well dried raw materials are packed in bales and kept in a dry room. In medicine, Danshen is used as a raw material for making decoctions, tinctures and extracts. Fat oil from Danshen seeds is considered a bactericidal agent, so it is used for inhalation.

Contraindications:

  • amenorrhea;
  • pregnancy;
  • hypotension;
  • thyroid disorder;
  • kidney disease;
  • lactation;
  • polycystic ovary;
  • endometriosis;
  • myoma.

Do not exceed the dosage and do not prolong the course of treatment. Do not take the medicine with an increased level of estrogen, poor activity of the thyroid gland. It is not recommended to take Danshen if you suffer from neurosis, pyelonephritis, nephritis, kidney failure, hypertension.

In any case, before you start treatment with Danshen, consult a specialist to avoid a harmful effect on the body. If you do not have any contraindications, follow the dosage.A prolonged use of the drug can trigger poisoning and a negative consequence.