Herbs P-S

Parsley leaf, root (Petroselinum crispum)

Actions:antiflatulent, antispasmodic, antirheumatic, expectorant, antimicrobial, quaretic

Uses: Used to flush out the urinary tract, and in the prevention & treatment of kidney gravel.

Active constituents: carotene, B1, B2, Vit. C, apiole, myristicin, furanocoumarins

Dosage:1 cup tea, 2-3 times day (diuretic)

Adverse reactions:allergic skin or mucous membrane reactions

10 grams of apiole —> hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia purpura, nephrosis, hepatic dysfunction, and kidney irritation

myristicin —> giddiness, deafness, hallucinations, hypotension. Bradycardia, paralysis, fatty degeneration of the liver and kidneys.

Parsley oil can cause contact photodermatitis with sun exposure.

Contraindications: Individuals with kidney disease, or impaired heart function resulting in edema. Food amounts only during pregnancy and lactation.

Panax Ginseng (Panax quinquefolus) [ aka Asian or American ginseng]

Medicinal parts: dried root

Actions:adaptogen, anti-allergy, cardioprotective, hypoglycemic, hemopoietic, stimulant, antioxidant, antineoplastic, antiplatelet, antiviral, hypolipidemic, antiarrhythmic, hypoglycemic

Uses: CVD, especially angina, chemotherapy protection, fatigue, heart attack & arrhythmias, hypertension, compromised immunity, menopause, recuperation from disease, stress, radiation protection. Improves cognitive function. Tonic for elders. Possibly useful for cancer, diabetes, depression, alcoholism and mental disorders.

Active constituents: triterpene saponins, ginsenosides

Dosage: dried root - 3g/pint decoction 1 cup up to 3 X day. Fluid extract: 1-6 ml/day total/

Adverse reactions: (High doses) headache

Contraindications: Pregnancy & breastfeeding. Use caution with hypertension.

Drug interactions: Do not take with antidepressants. Concomitant use of Phenelzine (MAOI) reported to cause headache, tremors, mania. May decrease insulin requirement. Use caution with blood thinners. Use caution with concomitant caffeine use.

Plantain (broad leafed: Plantago major/ Lance leafed: Plantago lanceolate)

Medicinal parts: roots, leaves, flower spikes, seeds

Actions: alterative, anthelmintic, antiseptic, antivenemous, astringent, demulcent, depurant, deobstruent, diuretic, expectorant, emollient, refrigerant, styptic, vulnerary.

Uses: Bites, boils, bruises, carbuncles, cuts, cystitis, diarrhea, eczema, hemorrhoids, infection, inflammation, kidney infection, leucorrhea, lumbago, mastitis, ringworm, scalds, scratches, skin problems, stings, thrush, toothache, uterine infection, water retention, wounds, worms. Internal: Catarrh of the respiratory tract, inflammation of the oral and pharyngeal mucosa. External: Skin inflammation.

Culinary:Leaves can be steamed, batter-dipped and fried, or eaten raw.

Preparation:Decoction, fluid extract, infusion, tincture, powder.

Active constituents: Mucilage, iridoid glycosides such as aucubin, catapol, and tannin.

Dosage: 3-4 X day between meals/ Decoction: 2-4 T / Fluid extract:1/4 to ½ tsp/ infusion: 4-6 TPowder: 1/4 - ½ tsp/ Tincture: ½ - 1 tsp

Adverse reactions: None known.

Contraindications: None known.

Drug interactions: None known.

Red Raspberry leaf (Rubus Idaeus)

Actions: Diuretic, choleretic, diaphoretic.

Uses:Traditional use: to prevent miscarriage and relieve morning sickness. Ease menstrual cramps and relieve PMS symptoms. Treatment for diarrhea, sore throat.

Active constituents: Tannins, pectin, vitamin C, flavonoids

Dosage: 2 tsp. leaves/cup 3 X day

Adverse reactions: Strong brews from dried leaves can provoke nausea & diarrhea in some people.

Contraindications: Use during pregnancy is controversial. There are no long term safety studies. Traditional healers have recommended it during pregnancy for centuries with no ill effects reported.

St. John’s Wort

Actions: Antiviral, antidepressant, anti-anxiety.

Uses: Mild to moderate depression, anxiety, minor skin wounds and infections.

Active constituents: hypericin, hyperforin

Efficacy: Comparable to Prozac and other SSRIs. Comparable to tricyclic antidepressants such as Elavil. Recommended over imipramine.

Dosage: capsule or tablet 300 mg (standardized to .3% hypericin) 3 X day

Adverse reactions: (Minimal.) G.I. symptoms, fatigue, dry mouth, photo sensitivity, allergic reactions.

Contraindications: Do not use concurrently with other antidepressants.

Drug Interactions: May interact with preparations metabolized via the cytochrome P450 metabolic pathway. Cyclosporine, Indinavir, oral contraceptives.

Note: In Germany, St John’s Wort is the most popular prescription drug to treat mild to moderate depression. Currently being studied as an antiviral agent against HIV.

Saw Palmetto (Serenoa repens)

Actions: antiandrogenic, anti-exudative

Uses:PCOS, BPH stages I and II.

Active constituents: fatty acids, phytosterols, polysaccharides

Dosage:1-2 g Saw palmetto berry, or 160 mg. lipophilic extract 2X day, standardized to 85-95% fatty acids

Efficacy: Works as well or better than Finasteride with fewer side effects. Does not impair sexual function.

Adverse reactions: (rare) stomach complaints

Contraindications: ?

Siberian Ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus)

Medicinal parts: Roots & rhizome.

Actions: Adaptogen, immune stimulating, immune modulating, antiviral, hypoglycemic

Uses: Stress, chemotherapy protection, ischemic heart disease, fatigue, general debility, menopause, hypertension. Possibly useful for cancer, diabetes, depression. Increases lymphocytes, especially T-lymphocytes. Inhibits platelet aggregation.

Active constituents: Hydroxycoumarins, lignans, steroids, phenylacrylic acid, polysaccharides, steroid glycosides, triterpene saponins.

Dosages: Average - 2-3 gm of root daily. Tincture 3-5 ml 3 X day/ Liquid extract 1-2 ml 3 X day. Dried herb: 1.5-3 g by decoction 3 X day.

Adverse reactions: Low incidence of side effects. Insomnia, tachycardia, palpitations, headache, irritability, anxiety. Rarely, temporary drowsiness.

Contraindications: Hypertension. Use with caution in persons with heart disease, thyroid disorders, migraine headaches.

Drug interactions: May potentiate insulin or antidiabetic agents. May enhance effects of anticoagulants. There is a single case report of elevated levels of Digoxin, without symptoms.

Note: Siberian ginseng is considered less stimulating than Panax ginseng. It is traditionally reserved for the weak, convalescing and elderly, and considered inappropriate for the young & robust.

Stinging Nettle (Urtica dioica)

Actions: diuretic, antispasmodic, expectorant, anti-inflammatory, antirheumatic, and antiarthritic.

Uses:The root is effective for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH.) Above ground parts are approved for inflammation of the urinary tract, and for prevention and treatment of kidney stones.

Active constituents: Flowering plant - Flavonoids, silicic acid, volatile oil, potassium, nitrates. Roots - Steroids, lectins, polysaccharides (including arabinogalactins with immunostimulating effect,) hydroxycoumarins, lectins, ceramides.

Dosage: Typical daily dose to treat urinary problems is 8-12 g. (2-3 T.) Or 4-6 g of powdered root. Observe ample intake of liquid. Minimum 2 liters a day.
Tea: 1 T/cup. May be used as a gargle or compress soak. For hay fever or allergy symptoms: 300 mg capsules 2-3 X day. Tincture: 2-4 ml 3 X day.

Adverse reactions: Contact urticaria. Diarrhea from juice taken orally. Root can cause GI complaints and sweating. Rarely, oliguria, and edema.

Contraindications: Impaired cardiac and renal function. May impair glycemic control in diabetes.

Note: Pressed juice from fresh leaves is diuretic and an analgesic and anaesthetic effect has been observed. N-acetylglucosamine (n-specific lectin) has been found to inhibit HIV-1, HIV-2, CMV, RSV and influenza A virus.

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"The information presented here is for educational purposes only, and is not intended to replace an individualized consultation with a qualified health professional."